Book + 

II + 

I + 

The home of Samuel Griffiths in Lycurgus, New York, a city of some twenty-five thousand inhabitants midway between Utica and Albany. Near the dinner hour and by degrees the family assembling for its customary meal. On this occasion the preparations were of a more elaborate nature than usual, owing to the fact that for the past four days Mr.¬†Samuel Griffiths, the husband and father, had been absent attending a conference of shirt and collar manufacturers in Chicago, price-cutting by upstart rivals in the west having necessitated compromise and adjustment by those who manufactured in the east. He was but now returned and had telephoned earlier in the afternoon that he had arrived, and was going to his office in the factory where he would remain until dinner time. + 

Being long accustomed to the ways of a practical and convinced man who believed in himself and considered his judgment and his decision soundвБ†вАФalmost finalвБ†вАФfor the most part, anyhow, Mrs.¬†Griffiths thought nothing of this. He would appear and greet her in due order. + 

Knowing that he preferred leg of lamb above many other things, after due word with Mrs.¬†Truesdale, her homely but useful housekeeper, she ordered lamb. And the appropriate vegetables and dessert having been decided upon, she gave herself over to thoughts of her eldest daughter Myra, who, having graduated from Smith College several years before, was still unmarried. And the reason for this, as Mrs.¬†Griffiths well understood, though she was never quite willing to admit it openly, was that Myra was not very good looking. Her nose was too long, her eyes too close-set, her chin not sufficiently rounded to give her a girlish and pleasing appearance. For the most part she seemed too thoughtful and studiousвБ†вАФas a rule not interested in the ordinary social life of that city. Neither did she possess that savoir faire, let alone that peculiar appeal for men, that characterized some girls even when they were not pretty. As her mother saw it, she was really too critical and too intellectual, having a mind that was rather above the world in which she found herself. + 

Brought up amid comparative luxury, without having to worry about any of the rough details of making a living, she had been confronted, nevertheless, by the difficulties of making her own way in the matter of social favor and loveвБ†вАФtwo objectives which, without beauty or charm, were about as difficult as the attaining to extreme wealth by a beggar. And the fact that for twelve years nowвБ†вАФever since she had been fourteenвБ†вАФshe had seen the lives of other youths and maidens in this small world in which she moved passing gayly enough, while hers was more or less confined to reading, music, the business of keeping as neatly and attractively arrayed as possible, and of going to visit friends in the hope of possibly encountering somewhere, somehow, the one temperament who would be interested in her, had saddened, if not exactly soured her. And that despite the fact that the material comfort of her parents and herself was exceptional. + 

Just now she had gone through her motherвАЩs room to her own, looking as though she were not very much interested in anything. Her mother had been trying to think of something to suggest that would take her out of herself, when the younger daughter, Bella, fresh from a passing visit to the home of the Finchleys, wealthy neighbors where she had stopped on her way from the Snedeker School, burst in upon her. + 

Contrasted with her sister, who was tall and dark and rather sallow, Bella, though shorter, was far more gracefully and vigorously formed. She had thick brownвБ†вАФalmost blackвБ†вАФhair, a brown and olive complexion tinted with red, and eyes brown and genial, that blazed with an eager, seeking light. In addition to her sound and lithe physique, she possessed vitality and animation. Her arms and legs were graceful and active. Plainly she was given to liking things as she found themвБ†вАФenjoying life as it wasвБ†вАФand hence, unlike her sister, she was unusually attractive to men and boysвБ†вАФto men and women, old and youngвБ†вАФa fact which her mother and father well knew. No danger of any lack of marriage offers for her when the time came. As her mother saw it, too many youths and men were already buzzing around, and so posing the question of a proper husband for her. Already she had displayed a tendency to become thick and fast friends, not only with the scions of the older and more conservative families who constituted the ultra-respectable element of the city, but also, and this was more to her motherвАЩs distaste, with the sons and daughters of some of those later and hence socially less important families of the regionвБ†вАФthe sons and daughters of manufacturers of bacon, canning jars, vacuum cleaners, wooden and wicker ware, and typewriters, who constituted a solid enough financial element in the city, but who made up what might be considered the вАЬfast setвАЭ in the local life. + 

In Mrs.¬†GriffithsвАЩ opinion, there was too much dancing, cabareting, automobiling to one city and another, without due social supervision. Yet, as a contrast to her sister, Myra, what a relief. It was only from the point of view of proper surveillance, or until she was safely and religiously married, that Mrs.¬†Griffiths troubled or even objected to most of her present contacts and yearnings and gayeties. She desired to protect her. + 

вАЬNow, where have you been?вАЭ she demanded, as her daughter burst into the room, throwing down her books and drawing near to the open fire that burned there. + 

вАЬJust think, Mamma,вАЭ began Bella most unconcernedly and almost irrelevantly. вАЬThe Finchleys are going to give up their place out at Greenwood Lake this coming summer and go up to Twelfth Lake near Pine Point. TheyвАЩre going to build a new bungalow up there. And Sondra says that this time itвАЩs going to be right down at the waterвАЩs edgeвБ†вАФnot away from it, as it is out here. And theyвАЩre going to have a great big verandah with a hardwood floor. And a boathouse big enough for a thirty-foot electric launch that Mr.¬†Finchley is going to buy for Stuart. WonвАЩt that be wonderful? And she says that if you will let me, that I can come up there for all summer long, or for as long as I like. And Gil, too, if he will. ItвАЩs just across the lake from the Emery Lodge, you know, and the East Gate Hotel. And the PhantsвАЩ place, you know, the Phants of Utica, is just below theirs near Sharon. IsnвАЩt that just wonderful? WonвАЩt that be great? I wish you and Dad would make up your minds to build up there now sometime, Mamma. It looks to me now as though nearly everybody thatвАЩs worth anything down here is moving up there.вАЭ + 

She talked so fast and swung about so, looking now at the open fire burning in the grate, then out of the two high windows that commanded the front lawn and a full view of Wykeagy Avenue, lit by the electric lights in the winter dusk, that her mother had no opportunity to insert any comment until this was over. However, she managed to observe: вАЬYes? Well, what about the Anthonys and the Nicholsons and the Taylors? I havenвАЩt heard of their leaving Greenwood yet.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, I know, not the Anthonys or the Nicholsons or the Taylors. Who expects them to move? TheyвАЩre too old fashioned. TheyвАЩre not the kind that would move anywhere, are they? No one thinks they are. Just the same Greenwood isnвАЩt like Twelfth Lake. You know that yourself. And all the people that are anybody down on the South Shore are going up there for sure. The Cranstons next year, Sondra says. And after that, I bet the Harriets will go, too.вАЭ + 

вАЬThe Cranstons and the Harriets and the Finchleys and Sondra,вАЭ commented her mother, half amused and half irritated. вАЬThe Cranstons and you and Bertine and SondraвБ†вАФthatвАЩs all I hear these days.вАЭ For the Cranstons, and the Finchleys, despite a certain amount of local success in connection with this newer and faster set, were, much more than any of the others, the subject of considerable unfavorable comment. They were the people who, having moved the Cranston Wickwire Company from Albany, and the Finchley Electric Sweeper from Buffalo, and built large factories on the south bank of the Mohawk River, to say nothing of new and grandiose houses in Wykeagy Avenue and summer cottages at Greenwood, some twenty miles northwest, were setting a rather showy, and hence disagreeable, pace to all of the wealthy residents of this region. They were given to wearing the smartest clothes, to the latest novelties in cars and entertainments, and constituted a problem to those who with less means considered their position and their equipment about as fixed and interesting and attractive as such things might well be. The Cranstons and the Finchleys were in the main a thorn in the flesh of the remainder of the elite of LycurgusвБ†вАФtoo showy and too aggressive. + 

вАЬHow often have I told you that I donвАЩt want you to have so much to do with Bertine or that Letta Harriet or her brother either? TheyвАЩre too forward. They run around and talk and show off too much. And your father feels the same as I do in regard to them. As for Sondra Finchley, if she expects to go with Bertine and you, too, then youвАЩre not going to go with her either much longer. Besides IвАЩm not sure that your father approves of your going anywhere without someone to accompany you. YouвАЩre not old enough yet. And as for your going to Twelfth Lake to the Finchleys, well, unless we all go together, thereвАЩll be no going there, either.вАЭ And now Mrs.¬†Griffiths, who leaned more to the manner and tactics of the older, if not less affluent families, stared complainingly at her daughter. + 

Nevertheless Bella was no more abashed that she was irritated by this. On the contrary she knew her mother and knew that she was fond of her; also that she was intrigued by her physical charm as well as her assured local social success as much as was her father, who considered her perfection itself and could be swayed by her least, as well as her much practised, smile. + 

вАЬNot old enough, not old enough,вАЭ commented Bella reproachfully. вАЬWill you listen? IвАЩll be eighteen in July. IвАЩd like to know when you and Papa are going to think IвАЩm old enough to go anywhere without you both. Wherever you two go, I have to go, and wherever I want to go, you two have to go, too.вАЭ + 

вАЬBella,вАЭ censured her mother. Then after a momentвАЩs silence, in which her daughter stood there impatiently, she added, вАЬOf course, what else would you have us do? When you are twenty-one or two, if you are not married by then, it will be time enough to think of going off by yourself. But at your age, you shouldnвАЩt be thinking of any such thing.вАЭ Bella cocked her pretty head, for at the moment the side door downstairs was thrown open, and Gilbert Griffiths, the only son of this family and who very much in face and build, if not in manner or lack of force, resembled Clyde, his western cousin, entered and ascended. + 

He was at this time a vigorous, self-centered and vain youth of twenty-three who, in contrast with his two sisters, seemed much sterner and far more practical. Also, probably much more intelligent and aggressive in a business wayвБ†вАФa field in which neither of the two girls took the slightest interest. He was brisk in manner and impatient. He considered that his social position was perfectly secure, and was utterly scornful of anything but commercial success. Yet despite this he was really deeply interested in the movements of the local society, of which he considered himself and his family the most important part. Always conscious of the dignity and social standing of his family in this community, he regulated his action and speech accordingly. Ordinarily he struck the passing observer as rather sharp and arrogant, neither as youthful or as playful as his years might have warranted. Still he was young, attractive and interesting. He had a sharp, if not brilliant, tongue in his headвБ†вАФa gift at times for making crisp and cynical remarks. On account of his family and position he was considered also the most desirable of all the young eligible bachelors in Lycurgus. Nevertheless he was so much interested in himself that he scarcely found room in his cosmos for a keen and really intelligent understanding of anyone else. + 

Hearing him ascend from below and enter his room, which was at the rear of the house next to hers, Bella at once left her motherвАЩs room, and coming to the door, called: вАЬOh, Gil, can I come in?вАЭ + 

вАЬSure.вАЭ He was whistling briskly and already, in view of some entertainment somewhere, preparing to change to evening clothes. + 

вАЬWhere are you going?вАЭ + 

вАЬNowhere, for dinner. To the Wynants afterwards.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, Constance to be sure.вАЭ + 

вАЬNo, not Constance, to be sure. Where do you get that stuff?вАЭ + 

вАЬAs though I didnвАЩt know.вАЭ + 

вАЬLay off. Is that what you came in here for?вАЭ + 

вАЬNo, that isnвАЩt what I came in here for. What do you think? The Finchleys are going to build a place up at Twelfth Lake next summer, right on the lake, next to the Phants, and Mr.¬†FinchleyвАЩs going to buy Stuart a thirty-foot launch and build a boathouse with a sun-parlor right over the water to hold it. WonвАЩt that be swell, huh?вАЭ + 

вАЬDonвАЩt say вАШswell.вАЩ And donвАЩt say вАШhuh.вАЩ CanвАЩt you learn to cut out the slang? You talk like a factory girl. Is that all they teach you over at that school?вАЭ + 

вАЬListen to whoвАЩs talking about cutting out slang. How about yourself? You set a fine example around here, I notice.вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, IвАЩm five years older than you are. Besides IвАЩm a man. You donвАЩt notice Myra using any of that stuff.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, Myra. But donвАЩt letвАЩs talk about that. Only think of that new house theyвАЩre going to build and the fine time theyвАЩre going to have up there next summer. DonвАЩt you wish we could move up there, too? We could if we wanted toвБ†вАФif Papa and Mamma would agree to it.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, I donвАЩt know that it would be so wonderful,вАЭ replied her brother, who was really very much interested just the same. вАЬThere are other places besides Twelfth Lake.вАЭ + 

вАЬWho said there werenвАЩt? But not for the people that we know around here. Where else do the best people from Albany and Utica go but there now, IвАЩd like to know. ItвАЩs going to become a regular center, Sondra says, with all the finest houses along the west shore. Just the same, the Cranstons, the Lamberts, and the Harriets are going to move up there pretty soon, too,вАЭ Bella added most definitely and defiantly. вАЬThat wonвАЩt leave so many out at Greenwood Lake, nor the very best people, either, even if the Anthonys and Nicholsons do stay here.вАЭ + 

вАЬWho says the Cranstons are going up there?вАЭ asked Gilbert, now very much interested. + 

вАЬWhy, Sondra!вАЭ + 

вАЬWho told her?вАЭ + 

вАЬBertine.вАЭ + 

вАЬGee, theyвАЩre getting gayer and gayer,вАЭ commented her brother oddly and a little enviously. вАЬPretty soon LycurgusвАЩll be too small to hold вАЩem.вАЭ He jerked at a bow tie he was attempting to center and grimaced oddly as his tight neckband pinched him slightly. + 

For although Gilbert had recently entered into the collar and shirt industry with his father as general supervisor of manufacturing, and with every prospect of managing and controlling the entire business eventually, still he was jealous of young Grant Cranston, a youth of his own age, very appealing and attractive physically, who was really more daring with and more attractive to the girls of the younger set. Cranston seemed to be satisfied that it was possible to combine a certain amount of social pleasure with working for his father with which Gilbert did not agree. In fact, young Griffiths would have preferred, had it been possible, so to charge young Cranston with looseness, only thus far the latter had managed to keep himself well within the bounds of sobriety. And the Cranston Wickwire Company was plainly forging ahead as one of the leading industries of Lycurgus. + 

вАЬWell,вАЭ he added, after a moment, вАЬtheyвАЩre spreading out faster than I would if I had their business. TheyвАЩre not the richest people in the world, either.вАЭ Just the same he was thinking that, unlike himself and his parents, the Cranstons were really more daring if not socially more avid of life. He envied them. + 

вАЬAnd whatвАЩs more,вАЭ added Bella interestedly, вАЬthe Finchleys are to have a dance floor over the boathouse. And Sondra says that Stuart was hoping that you would come up there and spend a lot of time this summer.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, did he?вАЭ replied Gilbert, a little enviously and sarcastically. вАЬYou mean he said he was hoping you would come up and spend a lot of time. IвАЩll be working this summer.вАЭ + 

вАЬHe didnвАЩt say anything of the kind, smarty. Besides it wouldnвАЩt hurt us any if we did go up there. ThereвАЩs nothing much out at Greenwood any more that I can see. A lot of old hen parties.вАЭ + 

вАЬIs that so? Mother would like to hear that.вАЭ + 

вАЬAnd youвАЩll tell her, of course.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, no, I wonвАЩt either. But I donвАЩt think weвАЩre going to follow the Finchleys or the Cranstons up to Twelfth Lake just yet, either. You can go up there if you want, if DadвАЩll let you.вАЭ + 

Just then the lower door clicked again, and Bella, forgetting her quarrel with her brother, ran down to greet her father. + 

II + 

The head of the Lycurgus branch of the Griffiths, as contrasted with the father of the Kansas City family, was most arresting. Unlike his shorter and more confused brother of the Door of Hope, whom he had not even seen for thirty years, he was a little above the average in height, very well-knit, although comparatively slender, shrewd of eye, and incisive both as to manner and speech. Long used to contending for himself, and having come by effort as well as results to know that he was above the average in acumen and commercial ability, he was inclined at times to be a bit intolerant of those who were not. He was not ungenerous or unpleasant in manner, but always striving to maintain a calm and judicial air. And he told himself by way of excuse for his mannerisms that he was merely accepting himself at the value that others placed upon him and all those who, like himself, were successful. + 

Having arrived in Lycurgus about twenty-five years before with some capital and a determination to invest in a new collar enterprise which had been proposed to him, he had succeeded thereafter beyond his wildest expectations. And naturally he was vain about it. His family at this timeвБ†вАФtwenty-five years laterвБ†вАФunquestionably occupied one of the best, as well as the most tastefully constructed residences in Lycurgus. They were also esteemed as among the few best families of this regionвБ†вАФbeing, if not the oldest, at least among the most conservative, respectable and successful in Lycurgus. His two younger children, if not the eldest, were much to the front socially in the younger and gayer set and so far nothing had happened to weaken or darken his prestige. + 

On returning from Chicago on this particular day, after having concluded several agreements there which spelled trade harmony and prosperity for at least one year, he was inclined to feel very much at ease and on good terms with the world. Nothing had occurred to mar his trip. In his absence the Griffiths Collar and Shirt Company had gone on as though he had been present. Trade orders at the moment were large. + 

Now as he entered his own door he threw down a heavy bag and fashionably made coat and turned to see what he rather expectedвБ†вАФBella hurrying toward him. Indeed she was his pet, the most pleasing and different and artistic thing, as he saw it, that all his years had brought to himвБ†вАФyouth, health, gayety, intelligence and affectionвБ†вАФall in the shape of a pretty daughter. + 

вАЬOh, Daddy,вАЭ she called most sweetly and enticingly as she saw him enter. вАЬIs that you?вАЭ + 

вАЬYes. At least it feels a little like me at the present moment. HowвАЩs my baby girl?вАЭ And he opened his arms and received the bounding form of his last born. вАЬThereвАЩs a good, strong, healthy girl, IвАЩll say,вАЭ he announced as he withdrew his affectionate lips from hers. вАЬAnd howвАЩs the bad girl been behaving herself since I left? No fibbing this time.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, just fine, Daddy. You can ask anyone. I couldnвАЩt be better.вАЭ + 

вАЬAnd your mother?вАЭ + 

вАЬSheвАЩs all right, Daddy. SheвАЩs up in her room. I donвАЩt think she heard you come in.вАЭ + 

вАЬAnd Myra? Is she back from Albany yet?вАЭ + 

вАЬYes. SheвАЩs in her room. I heard her playing just now. I just got in myself a little while ago.вАЭ + 

вАЬAy, hai. Gadding about again. I know you.вАЭ He held up a genial forefinger, warningly, while Bella swung onto one of his arms and kept pace with him up the stairs to the floor above. + 

вАЬOh, no, I wasnвАЩt either, now,вАЭ she cooed shrewdly and sweetly. вАЬJust see how you pick on me, Daddy. I was only over with Sondra for a little while. And what do you think, Daddy? TheyвАЩre going to give up the place at Greenwood and build a big handsome bungalow up on Twelfth Lake right away. And Mr.¬†FinchleyвАЩs going to buy a big electric launch for Stuart and theyвАЩre going to live up there next summer, maybe all the time, from May until October. And so are the Cranstons, maybe.вАЭ + 

Mr.¬†Griffiths, long used to his younger daughterвАЩs wiles, was interested at the moment not so much by the thought that she wished to conveyвБ†вАФthat Twelfth Lake was more desirable, socially than GreenwoodвБ†вАФas he was by the fact that the Finchleys were able to make this sudden and rather heavy expenditure for social reasons only. + 

Instead of answering Bella he went on upstairs and into his wifeвАЩs room. He kissed Mrs.¬†Griffiths, looked in upon Myra, who came to the door to embrace him, and spoke of the successful nature of the trip. One could see by the way he embraced his wife that there was an agreeable understanding between themвБ†вАФno disharmonyвБ†вАФby the way he greeted Myra that if he did not exactly sympathize with her temperament and point of view, at least he included her within the largess of his affection. + 

As they were talking Mrs.¬†Truesdale announced that dinner was ready, and Gilbert, having completed his toilet, now entered. + 

вАЬI say, Dad,вАЭ he called, вАЬI have an interesting thing I want to see you about in the morning. Can I?вАЭ + 

вАЬAll right, IвАЩll be there. Come in about noon.вАЭ + 

вАЬCome on all, or the dinner will be getting cold,вАЭ admonished Mrs.¬†Griffiths earnestly, and forthwith Gilbert turned and went down, followed by Griffiths, who still had Bella on his arm. And after him came Mrs.¬†Griffiths and Myra, who now emerged from her room and joined them. + 

Once seated at the table, the family forthwith began discussing topics of current local interest. For Bella, who was the familyвАЩs chief source of gossip, gathering the most of it from the Snedeker School, through which all the social news appeared to percolate most swiftly, suddenly announced: вАЬWhat do you think, Mamma? Rosetta Nicholson, that niece of Mrs.¬†Disston Nicholson, who was over here last summer from AlbanyвБ†вАФyou know, she came over the night of the Alumnae Garden Party on our lawnвБ†вАФyou rememberвБ†вАФthe young girl with the yellow hair and squinty blue eyesвБ†вАФher father owns that big wholesale grocery over thereвБ†вАФwell, sheвАЩs engaged to that Herbert Tickham of Utica, who was visiting Mrs.¬†Lambert last summer. You donвАЩt remember him, but I do. He was tall and dark and sorta awkward, and awfully pale, but very handsomeвБ†вАФoh, a regular movie hero.вАЭ + 

вАЬThere you go, Mrs.¬†Griffiths,вАЭ interjected Gilbert shrewdly and cynically to his mother. вАЬA delegation from the Misses SnedekerвАЩs Select School sneaks off to the movies to brush up on heroes from time to time.вАЭ + 

Griffiths senior suddenly observed: вАЬI had a curious experience in Chicago this time, something I think the rest of you will be interested in.вАЭ He was thinking of an accidental encounter two days before in Chicago between himself and the eldest son, as it proved to be, of his younger brother Asa. Also of a conclusion he had come to in regard to him. + 

вАЬOh, what is it, Daddy?вАЭ pleaded Bella at once. вАЬDo tell me about it.вАЭ + 

вАЬSpin the big news, Dad,вАЭ added Gilbert, who, because of the favor of his father, felt very free and close to him always. + 

вАЬWell, while I was in Chicago at the Union League Club, I met a young man who is related to us, a cousin of you three children, by the way, the eldest son of my brother Asa, who is out in Denver now, I understand. I havenвАЩt seen or heard from him in thirty years.вАЭ He paused and mused dubiously. + 

вАЬNot the one who is a preacher somewhere, Daddy?вАЭ inquired Bella, looking up. + 

вАЬYes, the preacher. At least I understand he was for a while after he left home. But his son tells me he has given that up now. HeвАЩs connected with something in DenverвБ†вАФa hotel, I think.вАЭ + 

вАЬBut whatвАЩs his son like?вАЭ interrogated Bella, who only knew such well groomed and ostensibly conservative youths and men as her present social status and supervision permitted, and in consequence was intensely interested. The son of a western hotel proprietor! + 

вАЬA cousin? How old is he?вАЭ asked Gilbert instantly, curious as to his character and situation and ability. + 

вАЬWell, heвАЩs a very interesting young man, I think,вАЭ continued Griffiths tentatively and somewhat dubiously, since up to this hour he had not truly made up his mind about Clyde. вАЬHeвАЩs quite good-looking and well-mannered, tooвБ†вАФabout your own age, I should say, Gil, and looks a lot like youвБ†вАФvery much soвБ†вАФsame eyes and mouth and chin.вАЭ He looked at his son examiningly. вАЬHeвАЩs a little bit taller, if anything, and looks a little thinner, though I donвАЩt believe he really is.вАЭ + 

At the thought of a cousin who looked like himвБ†вАФpossibly as attractive in every way as himselfвБ†вАФand bearing his own name, Gilbert chilled and bristled slightly. For here in Lycurgus, up to this time, he was well and favourably known as the only son and heir presumptive to the managerial control of his fatherвАЩs business, and to at least a third of the estate, if not more. And now, if by any chance it should come to light that there was a relative, a cousin of his own years and one who looked and acted like him, evenвБ†вАФhe bridled at the thought. Forthwith (a psychic reaction which he did not understand and could not very well control) he decided that he did not like himвБ†вАФcould not like him. + 

вАЬWhatвАЩs he doing now?вАЭ he asked in a curt and rather sour tone, though he attempted to avoid the latter element in his voice. + 

вАЬWell, he hasnвАЩt much of a job, I must say,вАЭ smiled Samuel Griffiths, meditatively. вАЬHeвАЩs only a bellhop in the Union League Club in Chicago, at present, but a very pleasant and gentlemanly sort of a boy, I will say. I was quite taken with him. In fact, because he told me there wasnвАЩt much opportunity for advancement where he was, and that he would like to get into something where there was more chance to do something and be somebody, I told him that if he wanted to come on here and try his luck with us, we might do a little something for himвБ†вАФgive him a chance to show what he could do, at least.вАЭ + 

He had not intended to set forth at once the fact that he became interested in his nephew to this extent, butвБ†вАФrather to wait and thrash it out at different times with both his wife and son, but the occasion having seemed to offer itself, he had spoken. And now that he had, he felt rather glad of it, for because Clyde so much resembled Gilbert he did want to do a little something for him. + 

But Gilbert bristled and chilled, the while Bella and Myra, if not Mrs.¬†Griffiths, who favored her only son in everythingвБ†вАФeven to preferring him to be without a blood relation or other rival of any kind, rather warmed to the idea. A cousin who was a Griffiths and good-looking and about GilbertвАЩs ageвБ†вАФand who, as their father reported, was rather pleasant and well-manneredвБ†вАФthat pleased Bella and Myra while Mrs.¬†Griffiths, noting GilbertвАЩs face darken, was not so moved. He would not like him. But out of respect for her husbandвАЩs authority and general ability in all things, she now remained silent. But not so, Bella. + 

вАЬOh, youвАЩre going to give him a place, are you, Dad?вАЭ she commented. вАЬThatвАЩs interesting. I hope heвАЩs better-looking than the rest of our cousins.вАЭ + 

вАЬBella,вАЭ chided Mrs.¬†Griffiths, while Myra, recalling a gauche uncle and cousin who had come on from Vermont several years before to visit them a few days, smiled wisely. At the same time Gilbert, deeply irritated, was mentally fighting against the idea. He could not see it at all. вАЬOf course weвАЩre not turning away applicants who want to come in and learn the business right along now, as it is,вАЭ he said sharply. + 

вАЬOh, I know,вАЭ replied his father, вАЬbut not cousins and nephews exactly. Besides he looks very intelligent and ambitious to me. It wouldnвАЩt do any great harm if we let at least one of our relatives come here and show what he can do. I canвАЩt see why we shouldnвАЩt employ him as well as another.вАЭ + 

вАЬI donвАЩt believe Gil likes the idea of any other fellow in Lycurgus having the same name and looking like him,вАЭ suggested Bella, slyly, and with a certain touch of malice due to the fact that her brother was always criticizing her. + 

вАЬOh, what rot!вАЭ Gilbert snapped irritably. вАЬWhy donвАЩt you make a sensible remark once in a while? What do I care whether he has the same name or notвБ†вАФor looks like me, either?вАЭ His expression at the moment was particularly sour. + 

вАЬGilbert!вАЭ pleaded his mother, reprovingly. вАЬHow can you talk so? And to your sister, too?вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, I donвАЩt want to do anything in connection with this young man if itвАЩs going to cause any hard feelings here,вАЭ went on Griffiths senior. вАЬAll I know is that his father was never very practical and I doubt if Clyde has ever had a real chance.вАЭ (His son winced at this friendly and familiar use of his cousinвАЩs first name.) вАЬMy only idea in bringing him on here was to give him a start. I havenвАЩt the faintest idea whether he would make good or not. He might and again he might not. If he didnвАЩtвБ†вАФвАЭ He threw up one hand as much as to say, вАЬIf he doesnвАЩt, we will have to toss him aside, of course.вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, I think thatвАЩs very kind of you, father,вАЭ observed Mrs.¬†Griffiths, pleasantly and diplomatically. вАЬI hope he proves satisfactory.вАЭ + 

вАЬAnd thereвАЩs another thing,вАЭ added Griffiths wisely and sententiously. вАЬI donвАЩt expect this young man, so long as he is in my employ and just because heвАЩs a nephew of mine, to be treated differently to any other employee in the factory. HeвАЩs coming here to workвБ†вАФnot play. And while he is here, trying, I donвАЩt expect any of you to pay him any social attentionвБ†вАФnot the slightest. HeвАЩs not the sort of boy anyhow, that would want to put himself on usвБ†вАФat least he didnвАЩt impress me that way, and he wouldnвАЩt be coming down here with any notion that he was to be placed on an equal footing with any of us. That would be silly. Later on, if he proves that he is really worth while, able to take care of himself, knows his place and keeps it, and any of you wanted to show him any little attention, well, then it will be time enough to see, but not before then.вАЭ + 

By then, the maid, Amanda, assistant to Mrs.¬†Truesdale, was taking away the dinner plates and preparing to serve the dessert. But as Mr.¬†Griffiths rarely ate dessert, and usually chose this period, unless company was present, to look after certain stock and banking matters which he kept in a small desk in the library, he now pushed back his chair, arose, excusing himself to his family, and walked into the library adjoining. The others remained. + 

вАЬI would like to see what heвАЩs like, wouldnвАЩt you?вАЭ Myra asked her mother. + 

вАЬYes. And I do hope he measures up to all of your fatherвАЩs expectations. He will not feel right if he doesnвАЩt.вАЭ + 

вАЬI canвАЩt get this,вАЭ observed Gilbert, вАЬbringing people on now when we can hardly take care of those we have. And besides, imagine what the bunch around here will say if they find out that our cousin was only a bellhop before coming here!вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, well, they wonвАЩt have to know that, will they?вАЭ said Myra. + 

вАЬOh, wonвАЩt they? Well, whatвАЩs to prevent him from speaking about itвБ†вАФunless we tell him not toвБ†вАФor someone coming along who has seen him there.вАЭ His eyes snapped viciously. вАЬAt any rate, I hope he doesnвАЩt. It certainly wouldnвАЩt do us any good around here.вАЭ + 

And Bella added, вАЬI hope heвАЩs not dull as Uncle AllenвАЩs two boys. TheyвАЩre the most uninteresting boys I ever did see.вАЭ + 

вАЬBella,вАЭ cautioned her mother once more. + 

III + 

The Clyde whom Samuel Griffiths described as having met at the Union League Club in Chicago, was a somewhat modified version of the one who had fled from Kansas City three years before. He was now twenty, a little taller and more firmly but scarcely any more robustly built, and considerably more experienced, of course. For since leaving his home and work in Kansas City and coming in contact with some rough usage in the worldвБ†вАФhumble tasks, wretched rooms, no intimates to speak of, plus the compulsion to make his own way as best he mightвБ†вАФhe had developed a kind of self-reliance and smoothness of address such as one would scarcely have credited him with three years before. There was about him now, although he was not nearly so smartly dressed as when he left Kansas City, a kind of conscious gentility of manner which pleased, even though it did not at first arrest attention. Also, and this was considerably different from the Clyde who had crept away from Kansas City in a box car, he had much more of an air of caution and reserve. + 

For ever since he had fled from Kansas City, and by one humble device and another forced to make his way, he had been coming to the conclusion that on himself alone depended his future. His family, as he now definitely sensed, could do nothing for him. They were too impractical and too poorвБ†вАФhis mother, father, Esta, all of them. + 

At the same time, in spite of all their difficulties, he could not now help but feel drawn to them, his mother in particular, and the old home life that had surrounded him as a boyвБ†вАФhis brother and sisters, Esta included, since she, too, as he now saw it, had been brought no lower than he by circumstances over which she probably had no more control. And often, his thoughts and mood had gone back with a definite and disconcerting pang because of the way in which he had treated his mother as well as the way in which his career in Kansas City had been suddenly interruptedвБ†вАФhis loss of Hortense BriggsвБ†вАФa severe blow; the troubles that had come to him since; the trouble that must have come to his mother and Esta because of him. + 

On reaching St.¬†Louis two days later after his flight, and after having been most painfully bundled out into the snow a hundred miles from Kansas City in the gray of a winter morning, and at the same time relieved of his watch and overcoat by two brakemen who had found him hiding in the car, he had picked up a Kansas City paperвБ†вАФThe StarвБ†вАФonly to realize that his worst fear in regard to all that had occurred had come true. For there, under a two-column head, and with fully a column and a half of reading matter below, was the full story of all that had happened: a little girl, the eleven-year-old daughter of a well-to-do Kansas City family, knocked down and almost instantly killedвБ†вАФshe had died an hour later; Sparser and Miss Sipe in a hospital and under arrest at the same time, guarded by a policeman sitting in the hospital awaiting their recovery; a splendid car very seriously damaged; SparserвАЩs father, in the absence of the owner of the car for whom he worked, at once incensed and made terribly unhappy by the folly and seeming criminality and recklessness of his son. + 

But what was worse, the unfortunate Sparser had already been charged with larceny and homicide, and wishing, no doubt, to minimize his own share in this grave catastrophe, had not only revealed the names of all who were with him in the carвБ†вАФthe youths in particular and their hotel addressвБ†вАФbut had charged that they along with him were equally guilty, since they had urged him to make speed at the time and against his willвБ†вАФa claim which was true enough, as Clyde knew. And Mr.¬†Squires, on being interviewed at the hotel, had furnished the police and the newspapers with the names of their parents and their home addresses. + 

This last was the sharpest blow of all. For there followed disturbing pictures of how their respective parents or relatives had taken it on being informed of their sins. Mrs.¬†Ratterer, TomвАЩs mother, had cried and declared her boy was a good boy, and had not meant to do any harm, she was sure. And Mrs.¬†HegglundвБ†вАФOscarвАЩs devoted but aged motherвБ†вАФhad said that there was not a more honest or generous soul and that he must have been drinking. And at his own homeвБ†вАФThe Star had described his mother as standing, pale, very startled and very distressed, clasping and unclasping her hands and looking as though she were scarcely able to grasp what was meant, unwilling to believe that her son had been one of the party and assuring all that he would most certainly return soon and explain all, and that there must be some mistake. + 

However, he had not returned. Nor had he heard anything more after that. For, owing to his fear of the police, as well as of his motherвБ†вАФher sorrowful, hopeless eyes, he had not written for months, and then a letter to his mother only to say that he was well and that she must not worry. He gave neither name nor address. Later, after that he had wandered on, essaying one small job and another, in St.¬†Louis, Peoria, Chicago, MilwaukeeвБ†вАФdishwashing in a restaurant, soda-clerking in a small outlying drugstore, attempting to learn to be a shoe clerk, a grocerвАЩs clerk, and whatnot; and being discharged and laid off and quitting because he did not like it. He had sent her ten dollars onceвБ†вАФanother time five, having, as he felt, that much to spare. After nearly a year and a half he had decided that the search must have lessened, his own part in the crime being forgotten, possibly, or by then not deemed sufficiently important to pursueвБ†вАФand when he was once more making a moderate living as the driver of a delivery wagon in Chicago, a job that paid him fifteen dollars a week, he resolved that he would write his mother, because now he could say that he had a decent place and had conducted himself respectably for a long time, although not under his own name. + 

And so at that time, living in a hall bedroom on the West Side of ChicagoвБ†вАФPaulina StreetвБ†вАФhe had written his mother the following letter: + 

Dear Mother: + 

Are you still in Kansas City? I wish you would write and tell me. I would so like to hear from you again and to write you again, too, if you really want me to. Honestly I do, Ma. I have been so lonely here. Only be careful and donвАЩt let anyone know where I am yet. It wonвАЩt do any good and might do a lot of harm just when I am trying so hard to get a start again. I didnвАЩt do anything wrong that time, myself. Really I didnвАЩt, although the papers said soвБ†вАФjust went along. But I was afraid they would punish me for something that I didnвАЩt do. I just couldnвАЩt come back then. I wasnвАЩt to blame and then I was afraid of what you and father might think. But they invited me, Ma. I didnвАЩt tell him to go any faster or to take that car like he said. He took it himself and invited me and the others to go along. Maybe we were all to blame for running down that little girl, but we didnвАЩt mean to. None of us. And I have been so terribly sorry ever since. Think of all the trouble I have caused you! And just at the time when you most needed me. Gee! Mother, I hope you can forgive me. Can you? + 

I keep wondering how you are. And Esta and Julia and Frank and Father. I wish I knew where you are and what you are doing. You know how I feel about you, donвАЩt you, Ma? IвАЩve got a lot more sense now, anyhow, I see things different than I used to. I want to do something in this world. I want to be successful. I have only a fair place now, not as good as I had in K.C., but fair, and not in the same line. But I want something better, though I donвАЩt want to go back in the hotel business either if I can help it. ItвАЩs not so very good for a young man like meвБ†вАФtoo high-flying, I guess. You see I know a lot more than I did back there. They like me all right where I am, but I got to get on in this world. Besides I am not really making more than my expenses here now, just my room and board and clothes but I am trying to save a little in order to get into some line where I can work up and learn something. A person has to have a line of some kind these days. I see that now. + 

WonвАЩt you write me and tell me how you all are and what you are doing? IвАЩd like to know. Give my love to Frank and Julia and Father and Esta, if they are all still there. I love you just the same and I guess you care for me a little, anyhow, donвАЩt you? I wonвАЩt sign my real name, because it may be dangerous yet (I havenвАЩt been using it since I left K.C.) But IвАЩll give you my other one, which IвАЩm going to leave off pretty soon and take up my old one. Wish I could do it now, but IвАЩm afraid to yet. You can address me, if you will, as + 

Harry Tenet + 

General Delivery, Chicago + 

IвАЩll call for it in a few days. I sign this way so as not to cause you or me any more trouble, see? But as soon as I feel more sure that this other thing has blown over, IвАЩll use my own name again sure. + 

He drew a line where his real name should be and underneath wrote вАЬyou knowвАЭ and mailed the letter. + 

Following that, because his mother had been anxious about him all this time and wondering where he was, he soon received a letter, postmarked Denver, which surprised him very much, for he had expected to hear from her as still in Kansas City. + 

Dear Son: + 

I was surprised and so glad to get my boyвАЩs letter and to know that you were alive and safe. I had hoped and prayed that you would return to the straight and narrow pathвБ†вАФthe only path that will ever lead you to success and happiness of any kind, and that God would let me hear from you as safe and well and working somewhere and doing well. And now he has rewarded my prayers. I knew he would. Blessed be His holy name. + 

Not that I blame you altogether for all that terrible trouble you got into and bringing so much suffering and disgrace on yourself and usвБ†вАФfor well I know how the devil tempts and pursues all of us mortals and particularly just such a child as you. Oh, my son, if you only knew how you must be on your guard to avoid these pitfalls. And you have such a long road ahead of you. Will you be ever watchful and try always to cling to the teachings of our Saviour that your mother has always tried to impress upon the minds and hearts of all you dear children? Will you stop and listen to the voice of our Lord that is ever with us, guiding our footsteps safely up the rocky path that leads to a heaven more beautiful than we can ever imagine here? Promise me, my child, that you will hold fast to all your early teachings and always bear in mind that вАЬright is might,вАЭ and my boy, never, never, take a drink of any kind no matter who offers it to you. There is where the devil reigns in all his glory and is ever ready to triumph over the weak one. Remember always what I have told you so often вАЬStrong drink is raging and wine is a mocker,вАЭ and it is my earnest prayer that these words will ring in your ears every time you are temptedвБ†вАФfor I am sure now that that was perhaps the real cause of that terrible accident. + 

I suffered terribly over that, Clyde, and just at the time when I had such a dreadful ordeal to face with Esta. I almost lost her. She had such an awful time. The poor child paid dearly for her sin. We had to go in debt so deep and it took so long to work it outвБ†вАФbut finally we did and now things are not as bad as they were, quite. + 

As you see, we are now in Denver. We have a mission of our own here now with housing quarters for all of us. Besides we have a few rooms to rent which Esta, and you know she is now Mrs.¬†Nixon, of course, takes care of. She has a fine little boy who reminds your father and me of you so much when you were a baby. He does little things that are you all over again so many times that we almost feel that you are with us againвБ†вАФas you were. It is comforting, too, sometimes. + 

Frank and Julie have grown so and are quite a help to me. Frank has a paper route and earns a little money which helps. Esta wants to keep them in school just as long as we can. + 

Your father is not very well, but of course, he is getting older, and he does the best he can. + 

I am awful glad, Clyde, that you are trying so hard to better yourself in every way and last night your father was saying again that your uncle, Samuel Griffiths, of Lycurgus, is so rich and successful and I thought that maybe if you wrote him and asked him to give you something there so that you could learn the business, perhaps he would. I donвАЩt see why he wouldnвАЩt. After all you are his nephew. You know he has a great collar business there in Lycurgus and he is very rich, so they say. Why donвАЩt you write him and see? Somehow I feel that perhaps he would find a place for you and then you would have something sure to work for. Let me know if you do and what he says. + 

I want to hear from you often, Clyde. Please write and let us know all about you and how you are getting along. WonвАЩt you? Of course we love you as much as ever, and will do our best always to try to guide you right. We want you to succeed more than you know, but we also want you to be a good boy, and live a clean, righteous life, for, my son, what matter it if a man gaineth the whole world and loseth his own soul? + 

Write your mother, Clyde, and bear in mind that her love is always with youвБ†вАФguiding youвБ†вАФpleading with you to do right in the name of the Lord. + 

And so it was that Clyde had begun to think of his uncle Samuel and his great business long before he encountered him. He had also experienced an enormous relief in learning that his parents were no longer in the same financial difficulties they were when he left, and safely housed in a hotel, or at least a lodging house, probably connected with this new mission. + 

Then two months after he had received his motherвАЩs first letter and while he was deciding almost every day that he must do something, and that forthwith, he chanced one day to deliver to the Union League Club on Jackson Boulevard a package of ties and handkerchiefs which some visitor to Chicago had purchased at the store, for which he worked. Upon entering, who should he come in contact with but Ratterer in the uniform of a club employee. He was in charge of inquiry and packages at the door. Although neither he nor Ratterer quite grasped immediately the fact that they were confronting one another again, after a moment Ratterer had exclaimed: вАЬClyde!вАЭ And then seizing him by an arm, he added enthusiastically and yet cautiously in a very low tone: вАЬWell, of all things! The devil! Whaddya know? Put вАЩer there. Where do you come from anyhow?вАЭ And Clyde, equally excited, exclaimed, вАЬWell, by jing, if it ainвАЩt Tom. Whaddya know? You working here?вАЭ + 

Ratterer, who (like Clyde) had for the moment quite forgotten the troublesome secret which lay between them, added: вАЬThatвАЩs right. Surest thing you know. Been here for nearly a year, now.вАЭ Then with a sudden pull at ClydeвАЩs arm, as much as to say, вАЬSilence!вАЭ he drew Clyde to one side, out of the hearing of the youth to whom he had been talking as Clyde came in, and added: вАЬSsh! IвАЩm working here under my own name, but IвАЩd rather not let вАЩem know IвАЩm from K.C., see. IвАЩm supposed to be from Cleveland.вАЭ + 

And with that he once more pressed ClydeвАЩs arm genially and looked him over. And Clyde, equally moved, added: вАЬSure. ThatвАЩs all right. IвАЩm glad you were able to connect. My nameвАЩs Tenet, Harry Tenet. DonвАЩt forget that.вАЭ And both were radiantly happy because of old timesвАЩ sake. + 

But Ratterer, noticing ClydeвАЩs delivery uniform, observed: вАЬDriving a delivery, eh? Gee, thatвАЩs funny. You driving a delivery. Imagine. That kills me. What do you want to do that for?вАЭ Then seeing from ClydeвАЩs expression that his reference to his present position might not be the most pleasing thing in the world, since Clyde at once observed: вАЬWell, IвАЩve been up against it, sorta,вАЭ he added: вАЬBut say, I want to see you. Where are you living?вАЭ (Clyde told him.) вАЬThatвАЩs all right. I get off here at six. Why not drop around after youвАЩre through work. Or, IвАЩll tell youвБ†вАФsuppose we meet atвБ†вАФwell, how about HenriciвАЩs on Randolph Street? Is that all right? At seven, say. I get off at six and I can be over there by then if you can.вАЭ + 

Clyde, who was happy to the point of ecstasy in meeting Ratterer again, nodded a cheerful assent. + 

He boarded his wagon and continued his deliveries, yet for the rest of the afternoon his mind was on this approaching meeting with Ratterer. And at five-thirty he hurried to his barn and then to his boarding house on the west side, where he donned his street clothes, then hastened to HenriciвАЩs. He had not been standing on the corner a minute before Ratterer appeared, very genial and friendly and dressed, if anything, more neatly than ever. + 

вАЬGee, itвАЩs good to have a look at you, old socks!вАЭ he began. вАЬDo you know youвАЩre the only one of that bunch that IвАЩve seen since I left K.C.? ThatвАЩs right. My sister wrote me after we left home that no one seemed to know what became of either Higby or Heggie, or you, either. They sent that fellow Sparser up for a yearвБ†вАФdid you hear that? Tough, eh? But not so much for killing the little girl, but for taking the car and running it without a license and not stopping when signaled. ThatвАЩs what they got him for. But say,вАЭвБ†вАФhe lowered his voice most significantly at this pointвБ†вАФвАЬweвАЩda got that if theyвАЩd got us. Oh, gee, I was scared. And run?вАЭ And once more he began to laugh, but rather hysterically at that. вАЬWhat a wallop, eh? AnвАЩ us leavinвАЩ him and that girl in the car. Oh, say. Tough, what? Just what else could a fellow do, though? No need of all of us going up, eh? What was her name? Laura Sipe. AnвАЩ you cut out before I saw you, even. And that little Briggs girl of yours did, too. Did you go home with her?вАЭ + 

Clyde shook his head negatively. + 

вАЬI should say I didnвАЩt,вАЭ he exclaimed. + 

вАЬWell, where did you go then?вАЭ he asked. + 

Clyde told him. And after he had set forth a full picture of his own wayfarings, Ratterer returned with: вАЬGee, you didnвАЩt know that that little Briggs girl left with a guy from out there for New York right after that, did you? Some fellow who worked in a cigar store, so Louise told me. She saw her afterwards just before she left with a new fur coat and all.вАЭ (Clyde winced sadly.) вАЬGee, but you were a sucker to fool around with her. She didnвАЩt care for you or nobody. But you was pretty much gone on her, I guess, eh?вАЭ And he grinned at Clyde amusedly, and chucked him under the arm, in his old teasing way. + 

But in regard to himself, he proceeded to unfold a tale of only modest adventure, which was very different from the one Clyde had narrated, a tale which had less of nerves and worry and more of a sturdy courage and faith in his own luck and possibilities. And finally he had вАЬcaught onвАЭ to this, because, as he phrased it, вАЬyou can always get something in Chi.вАЭ + 

And here he had been ever sinceвБ†вАФвАЬvery quiet, of course,вАЭ but no one had ever said a word to him. + 

And forthwith, he began to explain that just at present there wasnвАЩt anything in the Union League, but that he would talk to Mr.¬†Haley who was superintendent of the clubвБ†вАФand that if Clyde wanted to, and Mr.¬†Haley knew of anything, he would try and find out if there was an opening anywhere, or likely to be, and if so, Clyde could slip into it. + 

вАЬBut can that worry stuff,вАЭ he said to Clyde toward the end of the evening. вАЬIt donвАЩt get you nothing.вАЭ + 

And then only two days after this most encouraging conversation, and while Clyde was still debating whether he would resign his job, resume his true name and canvass the various hotels in search of work, a note came to his room, brought by one of the bellboys of the Union League which read: вАЬSee Mr.¬†Lightall at the Great Northern before noon tomorrow. ThereвАЩs a vacancy over there. It ainвАЩt the very best, but itвАЩll get you something better later.вАЭ + 

And accordingly Clyde, after telephoning his department manager that he was ill and would not be able to work that day, made his way to this hotel in his very best clothes. And on the strength of what references he could give, was allowed to go to work; and much to his relief under his own name. Also, to his gratification, his salary was fixed at twenty dollars a month, meals included. But the tips, as he now learned, aggregated not more than ten a weekвБ†вАФyet that, counting meals was far more than he was now getting as he comforted himself; and so much easier work, even if it did take him back into the old line, where he still feared to be seen and arrested. + 

It was not so very long after thisвБ†вАФnot more than three monthsвБ†вАФbefore a vacancy occurred in the Union League staff. Ratterer, having some time before established himself as day assistant to the club staff captain, and being on good terms with him, was able to say to the latter that he knew exactly the man for the placeвБ†вАФClyde GriffithsвБ†вАФthen employed at the Great Northern. And accordingly, Clyde was sent for, and being carefully coached beforehand by Ratterer as to how to approach his new superior, and what to say, he was given the place. + 

And here, very different from the Great Northern and superior from a social and material point of view, as Clyde saw it, to even the Green-Davidson, he was able once more to view at close range a type of life that most affected, unfortunately, his bump of position and distinction. For to this club from day to day came or went such a company of seemingly mentally and socially worldly elect as he had never seen anywhere before, the self-integrated and self-centered from not only all of the states of his native land but from all countries and continents. American politicians from the north, south, east, westвБ†вАФthe principal politicians and bosses, or alleged statesmen of their particular regionsвБ†вАФsurgeons, scientists, arrived physicians, generals, literary and social figures, not only from America but from the world over. + 

Here also, a fact which impressed and even startled his sense of curiosity and awe, evenвБ†вАФthere was no faintest trace of that sex element which had characterized most of the phases of life to be seen in the Green-Davidson, and more recently the Great Northern. In fact, in so far as he could remember, had seemed to run through and motivate nearly, if not quite all of the phases of life that he had thus far contacted. But here was no sexвБ†вАФno trace of it. No women were admitted to this club. These various distinguished individuals came and went, singly as a rule, and with the noiseless vigor and reserve that characterizes the ultra successful. They often ate alone, conferred in pairs and groups, noiselesslyвБ†вАФread their papers or books, or went here and there in swiftly driven automobilesвБ†вАФbut for the most part seemed to be unaware of, or at least unaffected by, that element of passion, which, to his immature mind up to this time, had seemed to propel and disarrange so many things in those lesser worlds with which up to now he had been identified. + 

Probably one could not attain to or retain oneвАЩs place in so remarkable a world as this unless one were indifferent to sex, a disgraceful passion, of course. And hence in the presence or under the eyes of such people one had to act and seem as though such thoughts as from time to time swayed one were far from oneвАЩs mind. + 

After he had worked here a little while, under the influence of this organization and various personalities who came here, he had taken on a most gentlemanly and reserved air. When he was within the precincts of the club itself, he felt himself different from what he really wasвБ†вАФmore subdued, less romantic, more practical, certain that if he tried now, imitated the soberer people of the world, and those only, that some day he might succeed, if not greatly, at least much better than he had thus far. And who knows? What if he worked very steadily and made only the right sort of contacts and conducted himself with the greatest care here, one of these very remarkable men whom he saw entering or departing from here might take a fancy to him and offer him a connection with something important somewhere, such as he had never had before, and that might lift him into a world such as he had never known. + 

For to say the truth, Clyde had a soul that was not destined to grow up. He lacked decidedly that mental clarity and inner directing application that in so many permits them to sort out from the facts and avenues of life the particular thing or things that make for their direct advancement. + 

IV + 

However, as he now fancied, it was because he lacked an education that he had done so poorly. Because of those various moves from city to city in his early youth, he had never been permitted to collect such a sum of practical training in any field as would permit him, so he thought, to aspire to the great worlds of which these men appeared to be a part. Yet his soul now yearned for this. The people who lived in fine houses, who stopped at great hotels, and had men like Mr.¬†Squires, and the manager of the bellhops here, to wait on them and arrange for their comfort. And he was still a bellhop. And close to twenty-one. At times it made him very sad. He wished and wished that he could get into some work where he could rise and be somebodyвБ†вАФnot always remain a bellhop, as at times he feared he might. + 

About the time that he reached this conclusion in regard to himself and was meditating on some way to improve and safeguard his future, his uncle, Samuel Griffiths, arrived in Chicago. And having connections here which made a card to this club an obvious civility, he came directly to it and for several days was about the place conferring with individuals who came to see him, or hurrying to and fro to meet people and visit concerns whom he deemed it important to see. + 

And it was not an hour after he arrived before Ratterer, who had charge of the pegboard at the door by day and who had but a moment before finished posting the name of this uncle on the board, signaled to Clyde, who came over. + 

вАЬDidnвАЩt you say you had an uncle or something by the name of Griffiths in the collar business somewhere in New York State?вАЭ + 

вАЬSure,вАЭ replied Clyde. вАЬSamuel Griffiths. He has a big collar factory in Lycurgus. ThatвАЩs his ad you see in all the papers and thatвАЩs his fire sign over there on Michigan Avenue.вАЭ + 

вАЬWould you know him if you saw him?вАЭ + 

вАЬNo,вАЭ replied Clyde. вАЬI never saw him in all my life.вАЭ + 

вАЬIвАЩll bet anything itвАЩs the same fellow,вАЭ commented Ratterer, consulting a small registry slip that had been handed him. вАЬLooka hereвБ†вАФSamuel Griffiths, Lycurgus, NY. ThatвАЩs probably the same guy, eh?вАЭ + 

вАЬSurest thing you know,вАЭ added Clyde, very much interested and even excited, for this was the identical uncle about whom he had been thinking so long. + 

вАЬHe just went through here a few minutes ago,вАЭ went on Ratterer. вАЬDevoy took his bags up to K. Swell-looking man, too. You better keep your eye open and take a look at him when he comes down again. Maybe itвАЩs your uncle. HeвАЩs only medium tall and kinda thin. Wears a small gray mustache and a pearl gray hat. Good-lookinвАЩ. IвАЩll point him out to you. If it is your uncle you better shine up to him. Maybe heвАЩll do somepinвАЩ for youвБ†вАФgive you a collar or two,вАЭ he added, laughing. + 

Clyde laughed too as though he very much appreciated this joke, although in reality he was flustered. His uncle Samuel! And in this club! Well, then this was his opportunity to introduce himself to his uncle. He had intended writing him before ever he secured this place, but now he was here in this club and might speak to him if he chose. + 

But hold! What would his uncle think of him, supposing he chose to introduce himself? For he was a bellboy again and acting in that capacity in this club. What, for instance, might be his uncleвАЩs attitude toward boys who worked as bellboys, particularly at hisвБ†вАФClydeвАЩsвБ†вАФyears. For he was over twenty now, and getting to be pretty old for a bellboy, that is, if one ever intended to be anything else. A man of his wealth and high position might look on bellhopping as menial, particularly bellboys who chanced to be related to him. He might not wish to have anything to do with himвБ†вАФmight not even wish him to address him in any way. It was in this state that he remained for fully twenty-four hours after he knew that his uncle had arrived at this club. + 

The following afternoon, however, after he had seen him at least half a dozen times and had been able to formulate the most agreeable impressions of him, since his uncle appeared to be so very quick, alert, incisiveвБ†вАФso very different from his father in every way, and so rich and respected by everyone hereвБ†вАФhe began to wonder, to fear even at times, whether he was going to let this remarkable opportunity slip. For after all, his uncle did not look to him to be at all unkindlyвБ†вАФquite the reverseвБ†вАФvery pleasant. And when, at the suggestion of Ratterer, he had gone to his uncleвАЩs room to secure a letter which was to be sent by special messenger, his uncle had scarcely looked at him, but instead had handed him the letter and half a dollar. вАЬSee that a boy takes that right away and keep the money for yourself,вАЭ he had remarked. + 

ClydeвАЩs excitement was so great at the moment that he wondered that his uncle did not guess that he was his nephew. But plainly he did not. And he went away a little crestfallen. + 

Later some half dozen letters for his uncle having been put in the key-box, Ratterer called ClydeвАЩs attention to them. вАЬIf you want to run in on him again, hereвАЩs your chance. Take those up to him. HeвАЩs in his room, I think.вАЭ And Clyde, after some hesitation, had finally taken the letters and gone to his uncleвАЩs suite once more. + 

His uncle was writing at the time and merely called: вАЬCome!вАЭ Then Clyde, entering and smiling rather enigmatically, observed: вАЬHereвАЩs some mail for you, Mr.¬†Griffiths.вАЭ + 

вАЬThank you very much, my son,вАЭ replied his uncle and proceeded to finger his vest pocket for change, but Clyde, seizing this opportunity, exclaimed: вАЬOh, no, I donвАЩt want anything for that.вАЭ And then before his uncle could say anything more, although he proceeded to hold out some silver to him, he added: вАЬI believe IвАЩm related to you, Mr.¬†Griffiths. YouвАЩre Mr.¬†Samuel Griffiths of the Griffiths Collar Company of Lycurgus, arenвАЩt you?вАЭ + 

вАЬYes, I have a little something to do with it, I believe. Who are you?вАЭ returned his uncle, looking at him sharply. + 

вАЬMy nameвАЩs Clyde Griffiths. My father, Asa Griffiths, is your brother, I believe.вАЭ + 

At the mention of this particular brother, who, to the knowledge of all the members of this family, was distinctly not a success materially, the face of Samuel Griffiths clouded the least trifle. For the mention of Asa brought rather unpleasingly before him the stocky and decidedly not well-groomed figure of his younger brother, whom he had not seen in so many years. His most recent distinct picture of him was as a young man of about ClydeвАЩs age about his fatherвАЩs house near Bertwick, Vermont. But how different! ClydeвАЩs father was then short, fat and poorly knit mentally as well as physicallyвБ†вАФoleaginous and a bit mushy, as it were. His chin was not firm, his eyes a pale watery blue, and his hair frizzled. Whereas this son of his was neat, alert, good-looking and seemingly well-mannered and intelligent, as most bellhops were inclined to be as he noted. And he liked him. + 

However, Samuel Griffiths, who along with his elder brother Allen had inherited the bulk of his fatherвАЩs moderate property, and this because of Joseph GriffithsвАЩ prejudice against his youngest son, had always felt that perhaps an injustice had been done Asa. For Asa, not having proved very practical or intelligent, his father had first attempted to drive and then later ignore him, and finally had turned him out at about ClydeвАЩs age, and had afterward left the bulk of his property, some thirty thousand dollars, to these two elder brothers, share and share alikeвБ†вАФwilling Asa but a petty thousand. + 

It was this thought in connection with this younger brother that now caused him to stare at Clyde rather curiously. For Clyde, as he could see, was in no way like the younger brother who had been harried from his fatherвАЩs home so many years before. Rather he was more like his own son, Gilbert, whom, as he now saw he resembled. Also in spite of all of ClydeвАЩs fears he was obviously impressed by the fact that he should have any kind of place in this interesting club. For to Samuel Griffiths, who was more than less confined to the limited activities and environment of Lycurgus, the character and standing of this particular club was to be respected. And those young men who served the guests of such an institution as this, were, in the main, possessed of efficient and unobtrusive manners. Therefore to see Clyde standing before him in his neat gray and black uniform and with the air of one whose social manners at least were excellent, caused him to think favorably of him. + 

вАЬYou donвАЩt tell me!вАЭ he exclaimed interestedly. вАЬSo youвАЩre AsaвАЩs son. I do declare! Well, now, this is a surprise. You see I havenвАЩt seen or heard from your father in at leastвБ†вАФwell, say, twenty-five or six years, anyhow. The last time I did hear from him he was living in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I think, or here. He isnвАЩt here now, I presume.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, no, sir,вАЭ replied Clyde, who was glad to be able to say this. вАЬThe family live in Denver. IвАЩm here all alone.вАЭ + 

вАЬYour father and mother are living, I presume.вАЭ + 

вАЬYes, sir. TheyвАЩre both alive.вАЭ + 

вАЬStill connected with religious work, is heвБ†вАФyour father?вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, yes, sir,вАЭ answered Clyde, a little dubiously, for he was still convinced that the form of religious work his father essayed was of all forms the poorest and most inconsequential socially. вАЬOnly the church he has now,вАЭ he went on, вАЬhas a lodging house connected with it. About forty rooms, I believe. He and my mother run that and the mission too.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, I see.вАЭ + 

He was so anxious to make a better impression on his uncle than the situation seemed to warrant that he was quite willing to exaggerate a little. + 

вАЬWell, IвАЩm glad theyвАЩre doing so well,вАЭ continued Samuel Griffiths, rather impressed with the trim and vigorous appearance of Clyde. вАЬYou like this kind of work, I suppose?вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, not exactly. No, Mr.¬†Griffiths, I donвАЩt,вАЭ replied Clyde quickly, alive at once to the possibilities of this query. вАЬIt pays well enough. But I donвАЩt like the way you have to make the money you get here. It isnвАЩt my idea of a salary at all. But I got in this because I didnвАЩt have a chance to study any particular work or get in with some company where there was a real chance to work up and make something of myself. My mother wanted me to write you once and ask whether there was any chance in your company for me to begin and work up, but I was afraid maybe that you might not like that exactly, and so I never did.вАЭ + 

He paused, smiling, and yet with an inquiring look in his eye. + 

His uncle looked solemnly at him for a moment, pleased by his looks and his general manner of approach in this instance, and then replied: вАЬWell, that is very interesting. You should have written, if you wanted toвБ†вАФвАЭ Then, as was his custom in all matters, he cautiously paused. Clyde noted that he was hesitating to encourage him. + 

вАЬI donвАЩt suppose there is anything in your company that you would let me do?вАЭ he ventured boldly, after a moment. + 

Samuel Griffiths merely stared at him thoughtfully. He liked and he did not like this direct request. However, Clyde appeared at least a very adaptable person for the purpose. He seemed bright and ambitiousвБ†вАФso much like his own son, and he might readily fit into some department as head or assistant under his son, once he had acquired a knowledge of the various manufacturing processes. At any rate he might let him try it. There could be no real harm in that. Besides, there was his younger brother, to whom, perhaps, both he and his older brother Allen owed some form of obligation, if not exactly restitution. + 

вАЬWell,вАЭ he said, after a moment, вАЬthat is something I would have to think over a little. I wouldnвАЩt be able to say, offhand, whether there is or not. We wouldnвАЩt be able to pay you as much as you make here to begin with,вАЭ he warned. + 

вАЬOh, thatвАЩs all right,вАЭ exclaimed Clyde, who was far more fascinated by the thought of connecting himself with his uncle than anything else. вАЬI wouldnвАЩt expect very much until I was able to earn it, of course.вАЭ + 

вАЬBesides, it might be that you would find that you didnвАЩt like the collar business once you got into it, or we might find we didnвАЩt like you. Not everyone is suited to it by a long way.вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, all youвАЩd have to do then would be to discharge me,вАЭ assured Clyde. вАЬIвАЩve always thought I would be, though, ever since I heard of you and your big company.вАЭ + 

This last remark pleased Samuel Griffiths. Plainly he and his achievements had stood in the nature of an ideal to this youth. + 

вАЬVery well,вАЭ he said. вАЬI wonвАЩt be able to give any more time to this now. But IвАЩll be here for a day or two more, anyhow, and IвАЩll think it over. It may be that I will be able to do something for you. I canвАЩt say now.вАЭ And he turned quite abruptly to his letters. + 

And Clyde, feeling that he had made as good an impression as could be expected under the circumstances and that something might come of it, thanked him profusely and beat a hasty retreat. + 

The next day, having thought it over and deciding that Clyde, because of his briskness and intelligence, was likely to prove as useful as another, Samuel Griffiths, after due deliberation as to the situation at home, informed Clyde that in case any small opening in the home factory occurred he would be glad to notify him. But he would not even go so far as to guarantee him that an opening would immediately be forthcoming. He must wait. + 

Accordingly Clyde was left to speculate as to how soon, if ever, a place in his uncleвАЩs factory would be made for him. + 

In the meanwhile Samuel Griffiths had returned to Lycurgus. And after a later conference with his son, he decided that Clyde might be inducted into the very bottom of the business at leastвБ†вАФthe basement of the Griffiths plant, where the shrinking of all fabrics used in connection with the manufacture of collars was brought about, and where beginners in this industry who really desired to acquire the technique of it were placed, for it was his idea that Clyde by degrees was to be taught the business from top to bottom. And since he must support himself in some form not absolutely incompatible with the standing of the Griffiths family here in Lycurgus, it was decided to pay him the munificent sum of fifteen dollars to begin. + 

For while Samuel Griffiths, as well as his son Gilbert, realized that this was small pay (not for an ordinary apprentice but for Clyde, since he was a relative) yet so inclined were both toward the practical rather than the charitable in connection with all those who worked for them, that the nearer the beginner in this factory was to the clear mark of necessity and compulsion, the better. Neither could tolerate the socialistic theory relative to capitalistic exploitation. As both saw it, there had to be higher and higher social orders to which the lower social classes could aspire. One had to have castes. One was foolishly interfering with and disrupting necessary and unavoidable social standards when one tried to unduly favor anyoneвБ†вАФeven a relative. It was necessary when dealing with the classes and intelligences below one, commercially or financially, to handle them according to the standards to which they were accustomed. And the best of these standards were those which held these lower individuals to a clear realization of how difficult it was to come by moneyвБ†вАФto an understanding of how very necessary it was for all who were engaged in what both considered the only really important constructive work of the worldвБ†вАФthat of material manufactureвБ†вАФto understand how very essential it was to be drilled, and that sharply and systematically, in all the details and processes which comprise that constructive work. And so to become inured to a narrow and abstemious life in so doing. It was good for their characters. It informed and strengthened the minds and spirits of those who were destined to rise. And those who were not should be kept right where they were. + 

Accordingly, about a week after that, the nature of ClydeвАЩs work having been finally decided upon, a letter was dispatched to him to Chicago by Samuel Griffiths himself in which he set forth that if he chose he might present himself any time now within the next few weeks. But he must give due notice in writing of at least ten days in advance of his appearance in order that he might be properly arranged for. And upon his arrival he was to seek out Mr.¬†Gilbert Griffiths at the office of the mill, who would look after him. + 

And upon receipt of this Clyde was very much thrilled and at once wrote to his mother that he had actually secured a place with his uncle and was going to Lycurgus. Also that he was going to try to achieve a real success now. Whereupon she wrote him a long letter, urging him to be, oh, so careful of his conduct and associates. Bad companionship was at the root of nearly all of the errors and failures that befell an ambitious youth such as he. If he would only avoid evil-minded or foolish and headstrong boys and girls, all would be well. It was so easy for a young man of his looks and character to be led astray by an evil woman. He had seen what had befallen him in Kansas City. But now he was still young and he was going to work for a man who was very rich and who could do so much for him, if he would. And he was to write her frequently as to the outcome of his efforts here. + 

And so, after having notified his uncle as he had requested, Clyde finally took his departure for Lycurgus. But on his arrival there, since his original notification from his uncle had called for no special hour at which to call at the factory, he did not go at once, but instead sought out the important hotel of Lycurgus, the Lycurgus House. + 

Then finding himself with ample time on his hands, and very curious about the character of this city in which he was to work, and his uncleвАЩs position in it, he set forth to look it over, his thought being that once he reported and began work he might not soon have the time again. He now ambled out into Central Avenue, the very heart of Lycurgus, which in this section was crossed by several business streets, which together with Central Avenue for a few blocks on either side, appeared to constitute the business centerвБ†вАФall there was to the life and gayety of Lycurgus. + 

V + 

But once in this and walking about, how different it all seemed to the world to which so recently he had been accustomed. For here, as he had thus far seen, all was on a so much smaller scale. The depot, from which only a half hour before he had stepped down, was so small and dull, untroubled, as he could plainly see, by much traffic. And the factory section which lay opposite the small cityвБ†вАФacross the MohawkвБ†вАФwas little more than a red and gray assemblage of buildings with here and there a smokestack projecting upward, and connected with the city by two bridgesвБ†вАФa half dozen blocks apartвБ†вАФone of them directly at this depot, a wide traffic bridge across which traveled a car-line following the curves of Central Avenue, dotted here and there with stores and small homes. + 

But Central Avenue was quite alive with traffic, pedestrians and automobiles. Opposite diagonally from the hotel, which contained a series of wide plate-glass windows, behind which were many chairs interspersed with palms and pillars, was the dry-goods emporium of Stark and Company, a considerable affair, four stories in height, and of white brick, and at least a hundred feet long, the various windows of which seemed bright and interesting, crowded with as smart models as might be seen anywhere. Also there were other large concerns, a second hotel, various automobile showrooms, a moving picture theater. + 

He found himself ambling on and on until suddenly he was out of the business district again and in touch with a wide and tree-shaded thoroughfare of residences, the houses of which, each and every one, appeared to possess more room space, lawn space, general ease and repose and dignity even than any with which he had ever been in contact. In short, as he sensed it from this brief inspection of its very central portion, it seemed a very exceptional, if small city streetвБ†вАФrich, luxurious even. So many imposing wrought-iron fences, flower-bordered walks, grouped trees and bushes, expensive and handsome automobiles either beneath porte-cocheres within or speeding along the broad thoroughfare without. And in some neighboring shopsвБ†вАФthose nearest Central Avenue and the business heart where this wide and handsome thoroughfare began, were to be seen such expensive-looking and apparently smart displays of the things that might well interest people of means and comfortвБ†вАФmotors, jewels, lingerie, leather goods and furniture. + 

But where now did his uncle and his family live? In which house? What street? Was it larger and finer than any of these he had seen in this street? + 

He must return at once, he decided, and report to his uncle. He must look up the factory address, probably in that region beyond the river, and go over there and see him. What would he say, how act, what would his uncle set him to doing? What would his cousin Gilbert be like? What would he be likely to think of him? In his last letter his uncle had mentioned his son Gilbert. He retraced his steps along Central Avenue to the depot and found himself quickly before the walls of the very large concern he was seeking. It was of red brick, six stories highвБ†вАФalmost a thousand feet long. It was nearly all windowsвБ†вАФat least that portion which had been most recently added and which was devoted to collars. An older section, as Clyde later learned, was connected with the newer building by various bridges. And the south walls of both these two structures, being built at the waterвАЩs edge, paralleled the Mohawk. There were also, as he now found, various entrances along River Street, a hundred feet or more apartвБ†вАФand each one, guarded by an employee in uniformвБ†вАФentrances numbered one, two and threeвБ†вАФwhich were labeled вАЬfor employees onlyвАЭвБ†вАФan entrance numbered four which read вАЬofficeвАЭвБ†вАФand entrances five and six appeared to be devoted to freight receipts and shipments. + 

Clyde made his way to the office portion and finding no one to hinder him, passed through two sets of swinging doors and found himself in the presence of a telephone girl seated at a telephone desk behind a railing, in which was set a small gateвБ†вАФthe only entrance to the main office apparently. And this she guarded. She was short, fat, thirty-five and unattractive. + 

вАЬWell?вАЭ she called as Clyde appeared. + 

вАЬI want to see Mr.¬†Gilbert Griffiths,вАЭ Clyde began a little nervously. + 

вАЬWhat about?вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, you see, IвАЩm his cousin. Clyde Griffiths is my name. I have a letter here from my uncle, Mr.¬†Samuel Griffiths. HeвАЩll see me, I think.вАЭ + 

As he laid the letter before her, he noticed that her quite severe and decidedly indifferent expression changed and became not so much friendly as awed. For obviously she was very much impressed not only by the information but his looks, and began to examine him slyly and curiously. + 

вАЬIвАЩll see if heвАЩs in,вАЭ she replied much more civilly, and plugging at the same time a switch which led to Mr.¬†Gilbert GriffithsвАЩ private office. Word coming back to her apparently that Mr.¬†Gilbert Griffiths was busy at the moment and could not be disturbed, she called back: вАЬItвАЩs Mr.¬†GilbertвАЩs cousin, Mr.¬†Clyde Griffiths. He has a letter from Mr.¬†Samuel Griffiths.вАЭ Then she said to Clyde: вАЬWonвАЩt you sit down? IвАЩm sure Mr.¬†Gilbert Griffiths will see you in a moment. HeвАЩs busy just now.вАЭ + 

And Clyde, noting the unusual deference paid himвБ†вАФa form of deference that never in his life before had been offered himвБ†вАФwas strangely moved by it. To think that he should be a full cousin to this wealthy and influential family! This enormous factory! So long and wide and highвБ†вАФas he had seenвБ†вАФsix stories. And walking along the opposite side of the river just now, he had seen through several open windows whole rooms full of girls and women hard at work. And he had been thrilled in spite of himself. For somehow the high red walls of the building suggested energy and very material success, a type of success that was almost without flaw, as he saw it. + 

He looked at the gray plaster walls of this outer waiting chamberвБ†вАФat some lettering on the inner door which read: вАЬThe Griffiths Collar¬†& Shirt Company, Inc. Samuel Griffiths, Pres. Gilbert Griffiths, SecвАЩy.вАЭвБ†вАФand wondered what it was all like insideвБ†вАФwhat Gilbert Griffiths would be likeвБ†вАФcold or genial, friendly or unfriendly. + 

And then, as he sat there meditating, the woman suddenly turned to him and observed: вАЬYou can go in now. Mr.¬†Gilbert GriffithsвАЩ office is at the extreme rear of this floor, over toward the river. Any one of the clerks inside will show you.вАЭ + 

She half rose as if to open the door for him, but Clyde, sensing the intent, brushed by her. вАЬThatвАЩs all right. Thanks,вАЭ he said most warmly, and opening the glass-plated door he gazed upon a room housing many over a hundred employeesвБ†вАФchiefly young men and young women. And all were apparently intent on their duties before them. Most of them had green shades over their eyes. Quite all of them had on short alpaca office coats or sleeve protectors over their shirt sleeves. Nearly all of the young women wore clean and attractive gingham dresses or office slips. And all about this central space, which was partitionless and supported by round white columns, were offices labeled with the names of the various minor officials and executives of the companyвБ†вАФMr.¬†Smillie, Mr.¬†Latch, Mr.¬†Gotboy, Mr.¬†Burkey. + 

Since the telephone girl had said that Mr.¬†Gilbert Griffiths was at the extreme rear, Clyde, without much hesitation, made his way along the railed-off aisle to that quarter, where upon a half-open door he read: вАЬMr.¬†Gilbert Griffiths, SecвАЩy.вАЭ He paused, uncertain whether to walk in or not, and then proceeded to tap. At once a sharp, penetrating voice called: вАЬCome,вАЭ and he entered and faced a youth who looked, if anything, smaller and a little older and certainly much colder and shrewder than himselfвБ†вАФsuch a youth, in short, as Clyde would have liked to imagine himself to beвБ†вАФtrained in an executive sense, apparently authoritative and efficient. He was dressed, as Clyde noted at once, in a bright gray suit of a very pronounced pattern, for it was once more approaching spring. His hair, of a lighter shade than ClydeвАЩs, was brushed and glazed most smoothly back from his temples and forehead, and his eyes, which Clyde, from the moment he had opened the door had felt drilling him, were of a clear, liquid, grayish-green blue. He had on a pair of large horn-rimmed glasses which he wore at his desk only, and the eyes that peered through them went over Clyde swiftly and notatively, from his shoes to the round brown felt hat which he carried in his hand. + 

вАЬYouвАЩre my cousin, I believe,вАЭ he commented, rather icily, as Clyde came forward and stoppedвБ†вАФa thin and certainly not very favorable smile playing about his lips. + 

вАЬYes, I am,вАЭ replied Clyde, reduced and confused by this calm and rather freezing reception. On the instant, as he now saw, he could not possibly have the same regard and esteem for this cousin, as he could and did have for his uncle, whose very great ability had erected this important industry. Rather, deep down in himself he felt that this young man, an heir and nothing more to this great industry, was taking to himself airs and superiorities which, but for his fatherвАЩs skill before him, would not have been possible. + 

At the same time so groundless and insignificant were his claims to any consideration here, and so grateful was he for anything that might be done for him, that he felt heavily obligated already and tried to smile his best and most ingratiating smile. Yet Gilbert Griffiths at once appeared to take this as a bit of presumption which ought not to be tolerated in a mere cousin, and particularly one who was seeking a favor of him and his father. + 

However, since his father had troubled to interest himself in him and had given him no alternative, he continued his wry smile and mental examination, the while he said: вАЬWe thought you would be showing up today or tomorrow. Did you have a pleasant trip?вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, yes, very,вАЭ replied Clyde, a little confused by this inquiry. + 

вАЬSo you think youвАЩd like to learn something about the manufacture of collars, do you?вАЭ Tone and manner were infiltrated by the utmost condescension. + 

вАЬI would certainly like to learn something that would give me a chance to work up, have some future in it,вАЭ replied Clyde, genially and with a desire to placate his young cousin as much as possible. + 

вАЬWell, my father was telling me of his talk with you in Chicago. From what he told me I gather that you havenвАЩt had much practical experience of any kind. You donвАЩt know how to keep books, do you?вАЭ + 

вАЬNo, I donвАЩt,вАЭ replied Clyde a little regretfully. + 

вАЬAnd youвАЩre not a stenographer or anything like that?вАЭ + 

вАЬNo, sir, IвАЩm not.вАЭ + 

Most sharply, as Clyde said this, he felt that he was dreadfully lacking in every training. And now Gilbert Griffiths looked at him as though he were rather a hopeless proposition indeed from the viewpoint of this concern. + 

вАЬWell, the best thing to do with you, I think,вАЭ he went on, as though before this his father had not indicated to him exactly what was to be done in this case, вАЬis to start you in the shrinking room. ThatвАЩs where the manufacturing end of this business begins, and you might as well be learning that from the ground up. Afterwards, when we see how you do down there, we can tell a little better what to do with you. If you had any office training it might be possible to use you up here.вАЭ (ClydeвАЩs face fell at this and Gilbert noticed it. It pleased him.) вАЬBut itвАЩs just as well to learn the practical side of the business, whatever you do,вАЭ he added rather coldly, not that he desired to comfort Clyde any but merely to be saying it as a fact. And seeing that Clyde said nothing, he continued: вАЬThe best thing, I presume, before you try to do anything around here is for you to get settled somewhere. You havenвАЩt taken a room anywhere yet, have you?вАЭ + 

вАЬNo, I just came in on the noon train,вАЭ replied Clyde. вАЬI was a little dirty and so I just went up to the hotel to brush up a little. I thought IвАЩd look for a place afterwards.вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, thatвАЩs right. Only donвАЩt look for any place. IвАЩll have our superintendent see that youвАЩre directed to a good boarding house. He knows more about the town than you do.вАЭ His thought here was that after all Clyde was a full cousin and that it wouldnвАЩt do to have him live just anywhere. At the same time, he was greatly concerned lest Clyde get the notion that the family was very much concerned as to where he did live, which most certainly it was not, as he saw it. His final feeling was that he could easily place and control Clyde in such a way as to make him not very important to anyone in any wayвБ†вАФhis father, the family, all the people who worked here. + 

He reached for a button on his desk and pressed it. A trim girl, very severe and reserved in a green gingham dress, appeared. + 

вАЬAsk Mr.¬†Whiggam to come here.вАЭ + 

She disappeared and presently there entered a medium-sized and nervous, yet moderately stout, man who looked as though he were under a great strain. He was about forty years of ageвБ†вАФrepressed and noncommittalвБ†вАФand looked curiously and suspiciously about as though wondering what new trouble impended. His head, as Clyde at once noticed, appeared chronically to incline forward, while at the same time he lifted his eyes as though actually he would prefer not to look up. + 

вАЬWhiggam,вАЭ began young Griffiths authoritatively, вАЬthis is Clyde Griffiths, a cousin of ours. You remember I spoke to you about him.вАЭ + 

вАЬYes, sir.вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, heвАЩs to be put in the shrinking department for the present. You can show him what heвАЩs to do. Afterwards you had better have Mrs.¬†Braley show him where he can get a room.вАЭ (All this had been talked over and fixed upon the week before by Gilbert and Whiggam, but now he gave it the ring of an original suggestion.) вАЬAnd youвАЩd better give his name in to the timekeeper as beginning tomorrow morning, see?вАЭ + 

вАЬYes, sir,вАЭ bowed Whiggam deferentially. вАЬIs that all?вАЭ + 

вАЬYes, thatвАЩs all,вАЭ concluded Gilbert smartly. вАЬYou go with Whiggam, Mr.¬†Griffiths. HeвАЩll tell you what to do.вАЭ + 

Whiggam turned. вАЬIf youвАЩll just come with me, Mr.¬†Griffiths,вАЭ he observed deferentially, as Clyde could seeвБ†вАФand that for all of his cousinвАЩs apparently condescending attitudeвБ†вАФand marched out with Clyde at his heels. And young Gilbert as briskly turned to his own desk, but at the same time shaking his head. His feeling at the moment was that mentally Clyde was not above a good bellboy in a city hotel probably. Else why should he come on here in this way. вАЬI wonder what he thinks heвАЩs going to do here,вАЭ he continued to think, вАЬwhere he thinks heвАЩs going to get?вАЭ + 

And Clyde, as he followed Mr.¬†Whiggam, was thinking what a wonderful place Mr.¬†Gilbert Griffiths enjoyed. No doubt he came and went as he choseвБ†вАФarrived at the office late, departed early, and somewhere in this very interesting city dwelt with his parents and sisters in a very fine houseвБ†вАФof course. And yet here he wasвБ†вАФGilbertвАЩs own cousin, and the nephew of his wealthy uncle, being escorted to work in a very minor department of this great concern. + 

Nevertheless, once they were out of the sight and hearing of Mr.¬†Gilbert Griffiths, he was somewhat diverted from this mood by the sights and sounds of the great manufactory itself. For here on this very same floor, but beyond the immense office room through which he had passed, was another much larger room filled with rows of bins, facing aisles not more than five feet wide, and containing, as Clyde could see, enormous quantities of collars boxed in small paper boxes, according to sizes. These bins were either being refilled by stock boys who brought more boxed collars from the boxing room in large wooden trucks, or were being as rapidly emptied by order clerks who, trundling small box trucks in front of them, were filling orders from duplicate check lists which they carried in their hands. + 

вАЬNever worked in a collar factory before, Mr.¬†Griffiths, I presume?вАЭ commented Mr.¬†Whiggam with somewhat more spirit, once he was out of the presence of Gilbert Griffiths. Clyde noticed at once the Mr.¬†Griffiths. + 

вАЬOh, no,вАЭ he replied quickly. вАЬI never worked at anything like this before.вАЭ + 

вАЬExpect to learn all about the manufacturing end of the game in the course of time, though, I suppose.вАЭ He was walking briskly along one of the long aisles as he spoke, but Clyde noticed that he shot sly glances in every direction. + 

вАЬIвАЩd like to,вАЭ he answered. + 

вАЬWell, thereвАЩs a little more to it than some people think, although you often hear there isnвАЩt very much to learn.вАЭ He opened another door, crossed a gloomy hall and entered still another room which, filled with bins as was the other, was piled high in every bin with bolts of white cloth. + 

вАЬYou might as well know a little about this as long as youвАЩre going to begin in the shrinking room. This is the stuff from which the collars are cut, the collars and the lining. They are called webs. Each of these bolts is a web. We take these down in the basement and shrink them because they canвАЩt be used this way. If they are, the collars would shrink after they were cut. But youвАЩll see. We tub them and then dry them afterwards.вАЭ + 

He marched solemnly on and Clyde sensed once more that this man was not looking upon him as an ordinary employee by any means. His Mr. Griffiths, his supposition to the effect that Clyde was to learn all about the manufacturing end of the business, as well as his condescension in explaining about these webs of cloth, had already convinced Clyde that he was looked upon as one to whom some slight homage at least must be paid. + 

He followed Mr.¬†Whiggam, curious as to the significance of this, and soon found himself in an enormous basement which had been reached by descending a flight of steps at the end of a third hall. Here, by the help of four long rows of incandescent lamps, he discerned row after row of porcelain tubs or troughs, lengthwise of the room, and end to end, which reached from one exterior wall to the other. And in these, under steaming hot water apparently, were any quantity of those same webs he had just seen upstairs, soaking. And nearby, north and south of these tubs, and paralleling them for the length of this room, all of a hundred and fifty feet in length, were enormous drying racks or moving skeleton platforms, boxed, top and bottom and sides, with hot steam pipes, between which on rolls, but festooned in such a fashion as to take advantage of these pipes, above, below and on either side, were more of these webs, but unwound and wet and draped as described, yet moving along slowly on these rolls from the east end of the room to the west. This movement, as Clyde could see, was accompanied by an enormous rattle and clatter of ratchet arms which automatically shook and moved these lengths of cloth forward from east to west. And as they moved they dried, and were then automatically re-wound at the west end of these racks into bolt form once more upon a wooden spool and then lifted off by a youth whose duty it was to вАЬtakeвАЭ from these moving platforms. One youth, as Clyde saw, вАЬtookвАЭ from two of these tracks at the west end, while at the east end another youth of about his own years вАЬfed.вАЭ That is, he took bolts of this now partially shrunk yet still wet cloth and attaching one end of it to some moving hooks, saw that it slowly and properly unwound and fed itself over the drying racks for the entire length of these tracks. As fast as it had gone the way of all webs, another was attached. + 

Between each two rows of tubs in the center of the room were enormous whirling separators or dryers, into which these webs of cloth, as they came from the tubs in which they had been shrinking for twenty-four hours, were piled and as much water as possible centrifugally extracted before they were spread out on the drying racks. + 

Primarily little more than this mere physical aspect of the room was grasped by ClydeвБ†вАФits noise, its heat, its steam, the energy with which a dozen men and boys were busying themselves with various processes. They were, without exception, clothed only in armless undershirts, a pair of old trousers belted in at the waist, and with canvas-topped and rubber-soled sneakers on their bare feet. The water and the general dampness and the heat of the room seemed obviously to necessitate some such dressing as this. + 

вАЬThis is the shrinking room,вАЭ observed Mr.¬†Whiggam, as they entered. вАЬIt isnвАЩt as nice as some of the others, but itвАЩs where the manufacturing process begins. Kemerer!вАЭ he called. + 

A short, stocky, full-chested man, with a pate, full face and white, strong-looking arms, dressed in a pair of dirty and wrinkled trousers and an armless flannel shirt, now appeared. Like Whiggam in the presence of Gilbert, he appeared to be very much overawed in the presence of Whiggam. + 

вАЬThis is Clyde Griffiths, the cousin of Gilbert Griffiths. I spoke to you about him last week, you remember?вАЭ + 

вАЬYes, sir.вАЭ + 

вАЬHeвАЩs to begin down here. HeвАЩll show up in the morning.вАЭ + 

вАЬYes, sir.вАЭ + 

вАЬBetter put his name down on your check list. HeвАЩll begin at the usual hour.вАЭ + 

вАЬYes, sir.вАЭ + 

Mr.¬†Whiggam, as Clyde noticed, held his head higher and spoke more directly and authoritatively than at any time so far. He seemed to be master, not underling, now. + 

вАЬSeven-thirty is the time everyone goes to work here in the morning,вАЭ went on Mr.¬†Whiggam to Clyde informatively, вАЬbut they all ring in a little earlierвБ†вАФabout seven-twenty or so, so as to have time to change their clothes and get to the machines. + 

вАЬNow, if you want to,вАЭ he added, вАЬMr.¬†Kemerer can show you what youвАЩll have to do tomorrow before you leave today. It might save a little time. Or, you can leave it until then if you want to. It donвАЩt make any difference to me. Only, if youвАЩll come back to the telephone girl at the main entrance about five-thirty IвАЩll have Mrs.¬†Braley there for you. SheвАЩs to show you about your room, I believe. I wonвАЩt be there myself, but you just ask the telephone girl for her. SheвАЩll know.вАЭ He turned and added, вАЬWell, IвАЩll leave you now.вАЭ + 

He lowered his head and started to go away just as Clyde began. вАЬWell, IвАЩm very much obliged to you, Mr.¬†Whiggam.вАЭ Instead of answering, he waved one fishy hand slightly upward and was goneвБ†вАФdown between the tubs toward the west door. And at once Mr.¬†KemererвБ†вАФstill nervous and overawed apparentlyвБ†вАФbegan. + 

вАЬOh, thatвАЩs all right about what you have to do, Mr.¬†Griffiths. IвАЩll just let you bring down webs on the floor above to begin with tomorrow. But if youвАЩve got any old clothes, youвАЩd better put вАЩem on. A suit like that wouldnвАЩt last long here.вАЭ He eyed ClydeвАЩs very neat, if inexpensive suit, in an odd way. His manner quite like that of Mr.¬†Whiggam before him, was a mixture of uncertainty and a very small authority here in ClydeвАЩs caseвБ†вАФof extreme respect and yet some private doubt, which only time might resolve. Obviously it was no small thing to be a Griffiths here, even if one were a cousin and possibly not as welcome to oneвАЩs powerful relatives as one might be. + 

At first sight, and considering what his general dreams in connection with this industry were, Clyde was inclined to rebel. For the type of youth and man he saw here were in his estimation and at first glance rather below the type of individuals he hoped to find hereвБ†вАФindividuals neither so intelligent nor alert as those employed by the Union League and the Green-Davidson by a long distance. And still worse he felt them to be much more subdued and sly and ignorantвБ†вАФmere clocks, really. And their eyes, as he entered with Mr.¬†Whiggam, while they pretended not to be looking, were very well aware, as Clyde could feel, of all that was going on. Indeed, he and Mr.¬†Whiggam were the center of all their secret looks. At the same time, their spare and practical manner of dressing struck dead at one blow any thought of refinement in connection with the work in here. How unfortunate that his lack of training would not permit his being put to office work or something like that upstairs. + 

He walked with Mr.¬†Kemerer, who troubled to say that these were the tubs in which the webs were shrunk over nightвБ†вАФthese the centrifugal dryersвБ†вАФthese the rack dryers. Then he was told that he could go. And by then it was only three oвАЩclock. + 

He made his way out of the nearest door and once outside he congratulated himself on being connected with this great company, while at the same time wondering whether he was going to prove satisfactory to Mr.¬†Kemerer and Mr.¬†Whiggam. Supposing he didnвАЩt. Or supposing he couldnвАЩt stand all this? It was pretty rough. Well, if worst came to worst, as he now thought, he could go back to Chicago, or on to New York, maybe, and get work. + 

But why hadnвАЩt Samuel Griffiths had the graciousness to receive and welcome him? Why had that young Gilbert Griffiths smiled so cynically? And what sort of a woman was this Mrs.¬†Braley? Had he done wisely to come on here? Would this family do anything for him now that he was here? + 

It was thus that, strolling west along River Street on which were a number of other kinds of factories, and then north through a few other streets that held more factoriesвБ†вАФtinware, wickwire, a big vacuum carpet cleaning plant, a rug manufacturing company, and the likeвБ†вАФthat he came finally upon a miserable slum, the like of which, small as it was, he had not seen outside of Chicago or Kansas City. He was so irritated and depressed by the poverty and social angularity and crudeness of itвБ†вАФall spelling but one thing, social misery, to himвБ†вАФthat he at once retraced his steps and recrossing the Mohawk by a bridge farther west soon found himself in an area which was very different indeedвБ†вАФa region once more of just such homes as he had been admiring before he left for the factory. And walking still farther south, he came upon that same wide and tree-lined avenueвБ†вАФwhich he had seen beforeвБ†вАФthe exterior appearance of which alone identified it as the principal residence thoroughfare of Lycurgus. It was so very broad and well-paved and lined by such an arresting company of houses. At once he was very much alive to the personnel of this street, for it came to him immediately that it must be in this street very likely that his uncle Samuel lived. The houses were nearly all of French, Italian or English design, and excellent period copies at that, although he did not know it. + 

Impressed by their beauty and spaciousness, however, he walked along, now looking at one and another, and wondering which, if any, of these was occupied by his uncle, and deeply impressed by the significance of so much wealth. How superior and condescending his cousin Gilbert must feel, walking out of some such place as this in the morning. + 

Then pausing before one which, because of trees, walks, newly-groomed if bloomless flower beds, a large garage at the rear, a large fountain to the left of the house as he faced it, in the center of which was a boy holding a swan in his arms, and to the right of the house one lone cast iron stag pursued by some cast iron dogs, he felt especially impelled to admire, and charmed by the dignity of this place, which was a modified form of old English, he now inquired of a stranger who was passingвБ†вАФa middle-aged man of a rather shabby working type, вАЬWhose house is that, mister?вАЭ and the man replied: вАЬWhy, thatвАЩs Samuel GriffithsвАЩ residence. HeвАЩs the man who owns the big collar factory over the river.вАЭ + 

At once Clyde straightened up, as though dashed with cold water. His uncleвАЩs! His residence! Then that was one of his automobiles standing before the garage at the rear there. And there was another visible through the open door of the garage. + 

Indeed in his immature and really psychically unilluminated mind it suddenly evoked a mood which was as of roses, perfumes, lights and music. The beauty! The ease! What member of his own immediate family had ever even dreamed that his uncle lived thus! The grandeur! And his own parents so wretchedвБ†вАФso poor, preaching on the streets of Kansas City and no doubt Denver. Conducting a mission! And although thus far no single member of this family other than his chill cousin had troubled to meet him, and that at the factory only, and although he had been so indifferently assigned to the menial type of work that he had, still he was elated and uplifted. For, after all, was he not a Griffiths, a full cousin as well as a full nephew to the two very important men who lived here, and now working for them in some capacity at least? And must not that spell a future of some sort, better than any he had known as yet? For consider who the Griffiths were here, as opposed to вАЬwhoвАЭ the Griffiths were in Kansas City, sayвБ†вАФor Denver. The enormous difference! A thing to be as carefully concealed as possible. At the same time, he was immediately reduced again, for supposing the Griffiths hereвБ†вАФhis uncle or his cousin or some friend or agent of theirsвБ†вАФshould now investigate his parents and his past? Heavens! The matter of that slain child in Kansas City! His parentsвАЩ miserable makeshift life! Esta! At once his face fell, his dreams being so thickly clouded over. If they should guess! If they should sense! + 

Oh, the devilвБ†вАФwho was he anyway? And what did he really amount to? What could he hope for from such a great world as this really, once they knew why he had troubled to come here? + 

A little disgusted and depressed he turned to retrace his steps, for all at once he felt himself very much of a nobody. + 

VI + 

The room which Clyde secured this same day with the aid of Mrs.¬†Braley, was in Thorpe Street, a thoroughfare enormously removed in quality if not in distance from that in which his uncle resided. Indeed the difference was sufficient to decidedly qualify his mounting notions of himself as one who, after all, was connected with him. The commonplace brown or gray or tan colored houses, rather smoked or decayed, which fronted itвБ†вАФthe leafless and winter harried trees which in spite of smoke and dust seemed to give promise of the newer life so near at handвБ†вАФthe leaves and flowers of May. Yet as he walked into it with Mrs.¬†Braley, many drab and commonplace figures of men and girls, and elderly spinsters resembling Mrs.¬†Braley in kind, were making their way home from the several factories beyond the river. And at the door Mrs.¬†Braley and himself were received by a none-too-polished woman in a clean gingham apron over a dark brown dress, who led the way to a second floor room, not too small or uncomfortably furnishedвБ†вАФwhich she assured him he could have for four dollars without board or seven and one-half dollars withвБ†вАФa proposition which, seeing that he was advised by Mrs.¬†Braley that this was somewhat better than he would get in most places for the same amount, he decided to take. And here, after thanking Mrs.¬†Braley, he decided to remainвБ†вАФlater sitting down to dinner with a small group of mill-town store and factory employees, such as partially he had been accustomed to in Paulina Street in Chicago, before moving to the better atmosphere of the Union League. And after dinner he made his way out into the principal thoroughfares of Lycurgus, only to observe such a crowd of nondescript mill-workers as, judging these streets by day, he would not have fancied swarmed here by nightвБ†вАФgirls and boys, men and women of various nationalities, and typesвБ†вАФAmericans, Poles, Hungarians, French, EnglishвБ†вАФand for the most partвБ†вАФif not entirely touched with a peculiar somethingвБ†вАФignorance or thickness of mind or body, or with a certain lack of taste and alertness or daring, which seemed to mark them one and all as of the basement world which he had seen only this afternoon. Yet in some streets and stores, particularly those nearer Wykeagy Avenue, a better type of girl and young man who might have been and no doubt were of the various office groups of the different companies over the riverвБ†вАФneat and active. + 

And Clyde, walking to and fro, from eight until ten, when as though by prearrangement, the crowd in the more congested streets seemed suddenly to fade away, leaving them quite vacant. And throughout this time contrasting it all with Chicago and Kansas City. (What would Ratterer think if he could see him nowвБ†вАФhis uncleвАЩs great house and factory?) And perhaps because of its smallness, liking itвБ†вАФthe Lycurgus Hotel, neat and bright and with a brisk local life seeming to center about it. And the post-office and a handsomely spired church, together with an old and interesting graveyard, cheek by jowl with an automobile salesroom. And a new moving picture theater just around the corner in a side street. And various boys and girls, men and women, walking here and there, some of them flirting as Clyde could see. And with a suggestion somehow hovering over it all of hope and zest and youthвБ†вАФthe hope and zest and youth that is at the bottom of all the constructive energy of the world everywhere. And finally returning to his room in Thorpe Street with the conclusion that he did like the place and would like to stay here. That beautiful Wykeagy Avenue! His uncleвАЩs great factory! The many pretty and eager girls he had seen hurrying to and fro! + 

In the meantime, in so far as Gilbert Griffiths was concerned, and in the absence of his father, who was in New York at the time (a fact which Clyde did not know and of which Gilbert did not trouble to inform him) he had conveyed to his mother and sisters that he had met Clyde, and if he were not the dullest, certainly he was not the most interesting person in the world, either. Encountering Myra, as he first entered at five-thirty, the same day that Clyde had appeared, he troubled to observe: вАЬWell, that Chicago cousin of ours blew in today.вАЭ + 

вАЬYes!вАЭ commented Myra. вАЬWhatвАЩs he like?вАЭ The fact that her father had described Clyde as gentlemanly and intelligent had interested her, although knowing Lycurgus and the nature of the mill life here and its opportunities for those who worked in factories such as her father owned, she had wondered why Clyde had bothered to come. + 

вАЬWell, I canвАЩt see that heвАЩs so much,вАЭ replied Gilbert. вАЬHeвАЩs fairly intelligent and not bad-looking, but he admits that heвАЩs never had any business training of any kind. HeвАЩs like all those young fellows who work for hotels. He thinks clothes are the whole thing, I guess. He had on a light brown suit and a brown tie and hat to match and brown shoes. His tie was too bright and he had on one of those bright pink striped shirts like they used to wear three or four years ago. Besides his clothes arenвАЩt cut right. I didnвАЩt want to say anything because heвАЩs just come on, and we donвАЩt know whether heвАЩll hold out or not. But if he does, and heвАЩs going to pose around as a relative of ours, heвАЩd better tone down, or IвАЩd advise the governor to have a few words with him. Outside of that I guess heвАЩll do well enough in one of the departments after a while, as foreman or something. He might even be made into a salesman later on, I suppose. But what he sees in all that to make it worth while to come here is more than I can guess. As a matter of fact, I donвАЩt think the governor made it clear to him just how few the chances are here for anyone who isnвАЩt really a wizard or something.вАЭ + 

He stood with his back to the large open fireplace. + 

вАЬOh, well, you know what Mother was saying the other day about his father. She thinks Daddy feels that heвАЩs never had a chance in some way. HeвАЩll probably do something for him whether he wants to keep him in the mill or not. She told me that she thought that Dad felt that his father hadnвАЩt been treated just right by their father.вАЭ + 

Myra paused, and Gilbert, who had had this same hint from his mother before now, chose to ignore the implication of it. + 

вАЬOh, well, itвАЩs not my funeral,вАЭ he went on. вАЬIf the governor wants to keep him on here whether heвАЩs fitted for anything special or not, thatвАЩs his lookout. Only heвАЩs the one thatвАЩs always talking about efficiency in every department and cutting and keeping out dead timber.вАЭ + 

Meeting his mother and Bella later, he volunteered the same news and much the same ideas. Mrs.¬†Griffiths sighed; for after all, in a place like Lycurgus and established as they were, anyone related to them and having their name ought to be most circumspect and have careful manners and taste and judgment. It was not wise for her husband to bring on anyone who was not all of that and more. + 

On the other hand, Bella was by no means satisfied with the accuracy of her brotherвАЩs picture of Clyde. She did not know Clyde, but she did know Gilbert, and as she knew he could decide very swiftly that this or that person was lacking in almost every way, when, as a matter of fact, they might not be at all as she saw it. + 

вАЬOh, well,вАЭ she finally observed, after hearing Gilbert comment on more of ClydeвАЩs peculiarities at dinner, вАЬif Daddy wants him, I presume heвАЩll keep him, or do something with him eventually.вАЭ At which Gilbert winced internally for this was a direct slap at his assumed authority in the mill under his father, which authority he was eager to make more and more effective in every direction, as his younger sister well knew. + 

In the meanwhile on the following morning, Clyde, returning to the mill, found that the name, or appearance, or both perhapsвБ†вАФhis resemblance to Mr.¬†Gilbert GriffithsвБ†вАФwas of some peculiar advantage to him which he could not quite sufficiently estimate at present. For on reaching number one entrance, the doorman on guard there looked as though startled. + 

вАЬOh, youвАЩre Mr.¬†Clyde Griffiths?вАЭ he queried. вАЬYouвАЩre goinвАЩ to work under Mr.¬†Kemerer? Yes, I know. Well, that man there will have your key,вАЭ and he pointed to a stodgy, stuffy old man whom later Clyde came to know as вАЬOld Jeff,вАЭ the time-clock guard, who, at a stand farther along this same hall, furnished and reclaimed all keys between seven-thirty and seven-forty. + 

When Clyde approached him and said: вАЬMy nameвАЩs Clyde Griffiths and IвАЩm to work downstairs with Mr.¬†Kemerer,вАЭ he too started and then said: вАЬSure, thatвАЩs right. Yes, sir. Here you are, Mr.¬†Griffiths. Mr.¬†Kemerer spoke to me about you yesterday. Number seventy-one is to be yours. IвАЩm giving you Mr.¬†DuvenyвАЩs old key.вАЭ When Clyde had gone down the stairs into the shrinking department, he turned to the doorman who had drawn near and exclaimed: вАЬDonвАЩt it beat all how much that fellow looks like Mr.¬†Gilbert Griffiths? Why, heвАЩs almost his spittinвАЩ image. What is he, do you suppose, a brother or a cousin, or what?вАЭ + 

вАЬDonвАЩt ask me,вАЭ replied the doorman. вАЬI never saw him before. But heвАЩs certainly related to the family all right. When I seen him first, I thought it was Mr.¬†Gilbert. I was just about to tip my hat to him when I saw it wasnвАЩt.вАЭ + 

And in the shrinking room when he entered, as on the day before, he found Kemerer as respectful and evasive as ever. For, like Whiggam before him, Kemerer had not as yet been able to decide what ClydeвАЩs true position with this company was likely to be. For, as Whiggam had informed Kemerer the day before, Mr.¬†Gilbert had said no least thing which tended to make Mr.¬†Whiggam believe that things were to be made especially easy for him, nor yet hard, either. On the contrary, Mr.¬†Gilbert had said: вАЬHeвАЩs to be treated like all the other employees as to time and work. No different.вАЭ Yet in introducing Clyde he had said: вАЬThis is my cousin, and heвАЩs going to try to learn this business,вАЭ which would indicate that as time went on Clyde was to be transferred from department to department until he had surveyed the entire manufacturing end of the business. + 

Whiggam, for this reason, after Clyde had gone, whispered to Kemerer as well as to several others, that Clyde might readily prove to be someone who was a prot√©g√© of the chiefвБ†вАФand therefore they determined to вАЬwatch their step,вАЭ at least until they knew what his standing here was to be. And Clyde, noticing this, was quite set up by it, for he could not help but feel that this in itself, and apart from whatever his cousin Gilbert might either think or wish to do, might easily presage some favor on the part of his uncle that might lead to some good for him. So when Kemerer proceeded to explain to him that he was not to think that the work was so very hard or that there was so very much to do for the present, Clyde took it with a slight air of condescension. And in consequence Kemerer was all the more respectful. + 

вАЬJust hang up your hat and coat over there in one of those lockers,вАЭ he proceeded mildly and ingratiatingly even. вАЬThen you can take one of those crate trucks back there and go up to the next floor and bring down some webs. TheyвАЩll show you where to get them.вАЭ + 

The days that followed were diverting and yet troublesome enough to Clyde, who to begin with was puzzled and disturbed at times by the peculiar social and workaday worlds and position in which he found himself. For one thing, those by whom now he found himself immediately surrounded at the factory were not such individuals as he would ordinarily select for companionsвБ†вАФfar below bellboys or drivers or clerks anywhere. They were, one and all, as he could now clearly see, meaty or stodgy mentally and physically. They wore such clothes as only the most common laborers would wearвБ†вАФsuch clothes as are usually worn by those who count their personal appearance among the least of their troublesвБ†вАФtheir work and their heavy material existence being all. In addition, not knowing just what Clyde was, or what his coming might mean to their separate and individual positions, they were inclined to be dubious and suspicious. + 

After a week or two, however, coming to understand that Clyde was a nephew of the president, a cousin of the secretary of the company, and hence not likely to remain here long in any menial capacity, they grew more friendly, but inclined in the face of the sense of subserviency which this inspired in them, to become jealous and suspicious of him in another way. For, after all, Clyde was not one of them, and under such circumstances could not be. He might smile and be civil enoughвБ†вАФyet he would always be in touch with those who were above them, would he notвБ†вАФor so they thought. He was, as they saw it, part of the rich and superior class and every poor man knew what that meant. The poor must stand together everywhere. + 

For his part, however, and sitting about for the first few days in this particular room eating his lunch, he wondered how these men could interest themselves in what were to him such dull and uninteresting itemsвБ†вАФthe quality of the cloth that was coming down in the websвБ†вАФsome minute flaws in the matter of weight or weaveвБ†вАФthe last twenty webs hadnвАЩt looked so closely shrunk as the preceding sixteen; or the Cranston Wickwire Company was not carrying as many men as it had the month beforeвБ†вАФor the Anthony Woodenware Company had posted a notice that the Saturday half-holiday would not begin before June first this year as opposed to the middle of May last year. They all appeared to be lost in the humdrum and routine of their work. + 

In consequence his mind went back to happier scenes. He wished at times he were back in Chicago or Kansas City. He though of Ratterer, Hegglund, Higby, Louise Ratterer, Larry Doyle, Mr.¬†Squires, HortenseвБ†вАФall of the young and thoughtless company of which he had been a part, and wondered what they were doing. What had become of Hortense? She had got that fur coat after allвБ†вАФprobably from that cigar clerk and then had gone away with him after she had protested so much feeling for himвБ†вАФthe little beast. After she had gotten all that money out of him. The mere thought of her and all that she might have meant to him if things had not turned as they had, made him a little sick at times. To whom was she being nice now? How had she found things since leaving Kansas City? And what would she think if she saw him here now or knew of his present high connections? Gee! That would cool her a little. But she would not think much of his present position. That was true. But she might respect him more if she could see his uncle and his cousin and this factory and their big house. It would be like her then to try to be nice to him. Well, he would show her, if he ever ran into her againвБ†вАФsnub her, of course, as no doubt he very well could by then. + 

VII + 

In so far as his life at Mrs.¬†CuppyвАЩs went, he was not so very happily placed there, either. For that was but a commonplace rooming and boarding house, which drew to it, at best, such conservative mill and business types as looked on work and their wages, and the notions of the middle class religious world of Lycurgus as most essential to the order and well being of the world. From the point of view of entertainment or gayety, it was in the main a very dull place. + 

At the same time, because of the presence of one Walter DillardвБ†вАФa brainless sprig who had recently come here from Fonda, it was not wholly devoid of interest for Clyde. The latterвБ†вАФa youth of about ClydeвАЩs own age and equally ambitious sociallyвБ†вАФbut without ClydeвАЩs tact or discrimination anent the governing facts of life, was connected with the menвАЩs furnishing department of Stark and Company. He was spry, avid, attractive enough physically, with very light hair, a very light and feeble mustache, and the delicate airs and ways of a small town Beau Brummell. Never having had any social standing or the use of any means whatsoeverвБ†вАФhis father having been a small town dry goods merchant before him, who had failedвБ†вАФhe was, because of some atavistic spur or fillip in his own blood, most anxious to attain some sort of social position. + 

But failing that so far, he was interested in and envious of those who had itвБ†вАФmuch more so than Clyde, even. The glory and activity of the leading families of this particular city had enormous weight with himвБ†вАФthe Nicholsons, the Starks, the Harriets, Griffiths, Finchleys, et cetera. And learning a few days after ClydeвАЩs arrival of his somewhat left-handed connection with this world, he was most definitely interested. What? A Griffiths! The nephew of the rich Samuel Griffiths of Lycurgus! And in this boarding house! Beside him at this table! At once his interest rose to where he decided that he must cultivate this stranger as speedily as possible. Here was a real social opportunity knocking at his very doorвБ†вАФa connecting link to one of the very best families! And besides was he not young, attractive and probably ambitious like himselfвБ†вАФa fellow to play around with if one could? He proceeded at once to make overtures to Clyde. It seemed almost too good to be true. + 

In consequence he was quick to suggest a walk, the fact that there was a certain movie just on at the Mohawk, which was excellentвБ†вАФvery snappy. DidnвАЩt Clyde want to go? And because of his neatness, smartnessвБ†вАФa touch of something that was far from humdrum or the heavy practicality of the mill and the remainder of this boarding house world, Clyde was inclined to fall in with him. + 

But, as he now thought, here were his great relatives and he must watch his step here. Who knew but that he might be making a great mistake in holding such free and easy contacts as this. The GriffithsвБ†вАФas well as the entire world of which they were a partвБ†вАФas he guessed from the general manner of all those who even contacted him, must be very removed from the commonalty here. More by instinct than reason, he was inclined to stand off and look very superiorвБ†вАФmore so since those, including this very youth on whom he practised this seemed to respect him the more. And although upon eagerвБ†вАФand evenвБ†вАФafter its fashion, supplicating request, he now went with this youthвБ†вАФstill he went cautiously. And his aloof and condescending manner Dillard at once translated as вАЬclassвАЭ and вАЬconnection.вАЭ And to think he had met him in this dull, dubby boarding house here. And on his arrivalвБ†вАФat the very inception of his career here. + 

And so his manner was that of the sycophantвБ†вАФalthough he had a better position and was earning more money than Clyde was at this time, twenty-two dollars a week. + 

вАЬI suppose youвАЩll be spending a good deal of your time with your relatives and friends here,вАЭ he volunteered on the occasion of their first walk together, and after he had extracted as much information as Clyde cared to impart, which was almost nothing, while he volunteered a few, most decidedly furbished bits from his own history. His father owned a dry goods store now. He had come over here to study other methods, et cetera. He had an uncle hereвБ†вАФconnected with Stark and Company. He had met a fewвБ†вАФnot so many as yetвБ†вАФnice people here, since he hadnвАЩt been here so very long himselfвБ†вАФfour months all told. + 

But ClydeвАЩs relatives! + 

вАЬSay your uncle must be worth over a million, isnвАЩt he? They say he is. Those houses in Wykeagy Avenue are certainly the catsвАЩ. You wonвАЩt see anything finer in Albany or Utica or Rochester either. Are you Samuel GriffithsвАЩ own nephew? You donвАЩt say! Well, thatвАЩll certainly mean a lot to you here. I wish I had a connection like that. You bet IвАЩd make it count.вАЭ + 

He beamed on Clyde eagerly and hopefully, and through him Clyde sensed even more how really important this blood relation was. Only think how much it meant to this strange youth. + 

вАЬOh, I donвАЩt know,вАЭ replied Clyde dubiously, and yet very much flattered by this assumption of intimacy. вАЬI came on to learn the collar business, you know. Not to play about very much. My uncle wants me to stick to that, pretty much.вАЭ + 

вАЬSure, sure. I know how that is,вАЭ replied Dillard, вАЬthatвАЩs the way my uncle feels about me, too. He wants me to stick close to the work here and not play about very much. HeвАЩs the buyer for Stark and Company, you know. But still a man canвАЩt work all the time, either. HeвАЩs got to have a little fun.вАЭ + 

вАЬYes, thatвАЩs right,вАЭ said ClydeвБ†вАФfor the first time in his life a little condescendingly. + 

They walked along in silence for a few moments. Then: + 

вАЬDo you dance?вАЭ + 

вАЬYes,вАЭ answered Clyde. + 

вАЬWell, so do I. There are a lot of cheap dance halls around here, but I never go to any of those. You canвАЩt do it and keep in with the nice people. This is an awfully close town that way, they say. The best people wonвАЩt have anything to do with you unless you go with the right crowd. ItвАЩs the same way up at Fonda. You have to вАШbelongвАЩ or you canвАЩt go out anywhere at all. And thatвАЩs right, I guess. But still there are a lot of nice girls here that a fellow can go withвБ†вАФgirls of right nice familiesвБ†вАФnot in society, of courseвБ†вАФbut still, theyвАЩre not talked about, see. And theyвАЩre not so slow, either. Pretty hot stuff, some of them. And you donвАЩt have to marry any of вАЩem, either.вАЭ Clyde began to think of him as perhaps a little too lusty for his new life here, maybe. At the same time he liked him some. вАЬBy the way,вАЭ went on Dillard, вАЬwhat are you doing next Sunday afternoon?вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, nothing in particular, that I know of just now,вАЭ replied Clyde, sensing a new problem here. вАЬI donвАЩt know just what I may have to do by then, but I donвАЩt know of anything now.вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, howвАЩd you like to come with me, if youвАЩre not too busy. IвАЩve come to know quite a few girls since IвАЩve been here. Nice ones. I can take you out and introduce you to my uncleвАЩs family, if you like. TheyвАЩre nice people. And afterwardsвБ†вАФI know two girls we can go and seeвБ†вАФpeaches. One of вАЩem did work in the store, but she donвАЩt nowвБ†вАФsheвАЩs not doing anything now. The other is her pal. They have a Victrola and they can dance. I know it isnвАЩt the thing to dance here on Sundays but no one need know anything about that. The girlsвАЩ parents donвАЩt mind. Afterwards we might take вАЩem to a movie or somethingвБ†вАФif you want toвБ†вАФnot any of those things down near the mill district but one of the better onesвБ†вАФsee?вАЭ + 

There formulated itself in ClydeвАЩs mind the question as to what, in regard to just such proposals as this, his course here was to be. In Chicago, and recentlyвБ†вАФbecause of what happened in Kansas CityвБ†вАФhe had sought to be as retiring and cautious as possible. ForвБ†вАФafter that and while connected with the club, he had been taken with the fancy of trying to live up to the ideals with which the seemingly stern face of that institution had inspired himвБ†вАФconservatismвБ†вАФhard workвБ†вАФsaving oneвАЩs moneyвБ†вАФlooking neat and gentlemanly. It was such an Eveless paradise, that. + 

In spite of his quiet surroundings here, however, the very air of the city seemed to suggest some such relaxation as this youth was now suggestingвБ†вАФa form of diversion that was probably innocent enough but still connected with girls and their entertainmentвБ†вАФthere were so many of them here, as he could see. These streets, after dinner, here, were so alive with good-looking girls, and young men, too. But what might his new found relatives think of him in case he was seen stepping about in the manner and spirit which this youthвАЩs suggestions seemed to imply? HadnвАЩt he just said that this was an awfully close town and that everybody knew nearly everything about everybody else? He paused in doubt. He must decide now. And then, being lonely and hungry for companionship, he replied: + 

вАЬYesвБ†вАФwellвБ†вАФI think thatвАЩs all right.вАЭ But he added a little dubiously: вАЬOf course my relatives hereвБ†вАФвАЭ + 

вАЬOh, sure, thatвАЩs all right,вАЭ replied Dillard smartly. вАЬYou have to be careful, of course. Well, so do I.вАЭ If he could only go around with a Griffiths, even if he was new around here and didnвАЩt know many peopleвБ†вАФwouldnвАЩt it reflect a lot of credit on him? It most certainly wouldвБ†вАФdid already, as he saw it. + 

And forthwith he offered to buy Clyde some cigarettesвБ†вАФa sodaвБ†вАФanything he liked. But Clyde, still feeling very strange and uncertain, excused himself, after a time, because this youth with his complacent worship of society and position, annoyed him a little, and made his way back to his room. He had promised his mother a letter and he thought he had better go back and write it, and incidentally to think a little on the wisdom of this new contact. + 

VIII + 

Nevertheless, the next day being a Saturday and half holiday the year round in this concern, Mr.¬†Whiggam came through with the pay envelopes. + 

вАЬHere you are, Mr.¬†Griffiths,вАЭ he said, as though he were especially impressed with ClydeвАЩs position. + 

Clyde, taking it, was rather pleased with this mistering, and going back toward his locker, promptly tore it open and pocketed the money. After that, taking his hat and coat, he wandered off in the direction of his room, where he had his lunch. But, being very lonely, and Dillard not being present because he had to work, he decided upon a trolley ride to Gloversville, which was a city of some twenty thousand inhabitants and reported to be as active, if not as beautiful, as Lycurgus. And that trip amused and interested him because it took him into a city very different form Lycurgus in its social texture. + 

But the next dayвБ†вАФSundayвБ†вАФhe spent idly in Lycurgus, wandering about by himself. For, as it turned out, Dillard was compelled to return to Fonda for some reason and could not fulfill the Sunday understanding. Encountering Clyde, however, on Monday evening, he announced that on the following Wednesday evening, in the basement of the Diggby Avenue Congregational Church, there was to be held a social with refreshments. And according to young Dillard, at least this promised to prove worth while. + 

вАЬWe can just go out there,вАЭ was the way he put it to Clyde, вАЬand buzz the girls a little. I want you to meet my uncle and aunt. TheyвАЩre nice people all right. And so are the girls. TheyвАЩre no slouches. Then we can edge out afterwards, about ten, see, and go around to either Zella or RitaвАЩs place. Rita has more good records over at her place, but Zella has the nicest place to dance. By the way, you didnвАЩt chance to bring along your dress suit with you, did you?вАЭ he inquired. For having already inspected ClydeвАЩs room, which was above his own on the third floor, in ClydeвАЩs absence and having discovered that he had only a dress suit case and no trunk, and apparently no dress suit anywhere, he had decided that in spite of ClydeвАЩs father conducting a hotel and Clyde having worked in the Union League Club in Chicago, he must be very indifferent to social equipment. Or, if not, must be endeavoring to make his own way on some character-building plan without help from anyone. This was not to his liking, exactly. A man should never neglect these social essentials. Nevertheless, Clyde was a Griffiths and that was enough to cause him to overlook nearly anything, for the present anyhow. + 

вАЬNo, I didnвАЩt,вАЭ replied Clyde, who was not exactly sure as to the value of this adventureвБ†вАФeven yetвБ†вАФin spite of his own lonelinessвБ†вАФвАЬbut I intend to get one.вАЭ He had already thought since coming here of his lack in this respect, and was thinking of taking at least thirty-five of his more recently hard-earned savings and indulging in a suit of this kind. + 

Dillard buzzed on about the fact that while Zella ShumanвАЩs family wasnвАЩt richвБ†вАФthey owned the house they lived inвБ†вАФstill she went with a lot of nice girls here, too. So did Rita Dickerman. ZellaвАЩs father owned a little cottage upon Eckert Lake, near Fonda. When next summer cameвБ†вАФand with it the holidays and pleasant weekends, he and Clyde, supposing that Clyde liked Rita, might go up there some time for a visit, for Rita and Zella were inseparable almost. And they were pretty, too. вАЬZellaвАЩs dark and RitaвАЩs light,вАЭ he added enthusiastically. + 

Clyde was interested by the fact that the girls were pretty and that out of a clear sky and in the face of his present loneliness, he was being made so much of by this Dillard. But, was it wise for him to become very much involved with him? That was the questionвБ†вАФfor, after all, he really knew nothing of him. And he gathered from DillardвАЩs manner, his flighty enthusiasm for the occasion, that he was far more interested in the girls as girlsвБ†вАФa certain freedom or concealed looseness that characterized themвБ†вАФthan he was in the social phase of the world which they represented. And wasnвАЩt that what brought about his downfall in Kansas City? Here in Lycurgus, of all places, he was least likely to forget itвБ†вАФaspiring to something better as he now did. + 

None-the-less, at eight-thirty on the following Wednesday eveningвБ†вАФthey were off, Clyde full of eager anticipation. And by nine oвАЩclock they were in the midst of one of those semi-religious, semi-social and semi-emotional church affairs, the object of which was to raise money for the churchвБ†вАФthe general service of which was to furnish an occasion for gossip among the elders, criticism and a certain amount of enthusiastic, if disguised courtship and flirtation among the younger members. There were booths for the sale of quite everything from pies, cakes and ice cream to laces, dolls and knickknacks of every description, supplied by the members and parted with for the benefit of the church. The Reverend Peter Isreals, the minister, and his wife were present. Also DillardвАЩs uncle and aunt, a pair of brisk and yet uninteresting people whom Clyde could sense were of no importance socially here. They were too genial and altogether social in the specific neighborhood sense, although Grover Wilson, being a buyer for Stark and Company, endeavored to assume a serious and important air at times. + 

He was an undersized and stocky man who did not seem to know how to dress very well or could not afford it. In contrast to his nephewвАЩs almost immaculate garb, his own suit was far from perfect-fitting. It was unpressed and slightly soiled. And his tie the same. He had a habit of rubbing his hands in a clerkly fashion, of wrinkling his brows and scratching the back of his head at times, as though something he was about to say had cost him great thought and was of the utmost importance. Whereas, nothing that he uttered, as even Clyde could see, was of the slightest importance. + 

And so, too, with the stout and large Mrs.¬†Wilson, who stood beside him while he was attempting to rise to the importance of Clyde. She merely beamed a fatty beam. She was almost ponderous, and pink, with a tendency to a double chin. She smiled and smiled, largely because she was naturally genial and on her good behavior here, but incidentally because Clyde was who he was. For as Clyde himself could see, Walter Dillard had lost no time in impressing his relatives with the fact that he was a Griffiths. Also that he had encountered and made a friend of him and that he was now chaperoning him locally. + 

вАЬWalter has been telling us that you have just come on here to work for your uncle. YouвАЩre at Mrs.¬†CuppyвАЩs now, I understand. I donвАЩt know her but IвАЩve always heard she keeps such a nice, refined place. Mr.¬†Parsley, who lives here with her, used to go to school with me. But I donвАЩt see much of him any more. Did you meet him yet?вАЭ + 

вАЬNo, I didnвАЩt,вАЭ said Clyde in return. + 

вАЬWell, you know, we expected you last Sunday to dinner, only Walter had to go home. But you must come soon. Any time at all. I would love to have you.вАЭ She beamed and her small grayish brown eyes twinkled. + 

Clyde could see that because of the fame of his uncle he was looked upon as a social find, really. And so it was with the remainder of this company, old and youngвБ†вАФthe Rev. Peter Isreals and his wife; Mr.¬†Micah Bumpus, a local vendor of printing inks, and his wife and son; Mr.¬†and Mrs.¬†Maximilian Pick, Mr.¬†Pick being a wholesale and retail dealer in hay, grain and feed; Mr.¬†Witness, a florist, and Mrs.¬†Throop, a local real estate dealer. All knew Samuel Griffiths and his family by reputation and it seemed not a little interesting and strange to all of them that Clyde, a real nephew of so rich a man, should be here in their midst. The only trouble with this was that ClydeвАЩs manner was very soft and not as impressive as it should beвБ†вАФnot so aggressive and contemptuous. And most of them were of that type of mind that respects insolence even where it pretends to condemn it. + 

In so far as the young girls were concerned, it was even more noticeable. For Dillard was making this important relationship of ClydeвАЩs perfectly plain to everyone. вАЬThis is Clyde Griffiths, the nephew of Samuel Griffiths, Mr.¬†Gilbert GriffithsвАЩ cousin, you know. HeвАЩs just come on here to study the collar business in his uncleвАЩs factory.вАЭ And Clyde, who realized how shallow was this pretense, was still not a little pleased and impressed by the effect of it all. This DillardвАЩs effrontery. The brassy way in which, because of Clyde, he presumed to patronize these people. On this occasion, he kept guiding Clyde here and there, refusing for the most part to leave him alone for an instant. In fact he was determined that all whom he knew and liked among the girls and young men should know who and what Clyde was and that he was presenting him. Also that those whom he did not like should see as little of him as possibleвБ†вАФnot be introduced at all. вАЬShe donвАЩt amount to anything. Her father only keeps a small garage here. I wouldnвАЩt bother with her if I were you.вАЭ Or, вАЬHe isnвАЩt much around here. Just a clerk in our store.вАЭ At the same time, in regard to some others, he was all smiles and compliments, or at worst apologetic for their social lacks. + 

And then he was introduced to Zella Shuman and Rita Dickerman, who, for reasons of their own, not the least among which was a desire to appear a little wise and more sophisticated than the others here, came a little late. And it was true, as Clyde was to find out afterwards, that they were different, tooвБ†вАФless simple and restricted than quite all of the girls whom Dillard had thus far introduced him to. They were not as sound religiously and morally as were these others. And as even Clyde noted on meeting them, they were as keen for as close an approach to pagan pleasure without admitting it to themselves, as it was possible to be and not be marked for what they were. And in consequence, there was something in their manner, the very spirit of the introduction, which struck him as different from the tone of the rest of this church groupвБ†вАФnot exactly morally or religiously unhealthy but rather much freer, less repressed, less reserved than were these others. + 

вАЬOh, so youвАЩre Mr.¬†Clyde Griffiths,вАЭ observed Zella Shuman. вАЬMy, you look a lot like your cousin, donвАЩt you? I see him driving down Central Avenue ever so often. Walter has been telling us all about you. Do you like Lycurgus?вАЭ + 

The way she said вАЬWalter,вАЭ together with something intimate and possessive in the tone of her voice, caused Clyde to feel at once that she must feel rather closer to and freer with Dillard than he himself had indicated. A small scarlet bow of velvet ribbon at her throat, two small garnet earrings in her ears, a very trim and tight-fitting black dress, with a heavily flounced skirt, seemed to indicate that she was not opposed to showing her figure, and prized it, a mood which except for a demure and rather retiring poise which she affected, would most certainly have excited comment in such a place as this. + 

Rita Dickerman, on the other hand, was lush and blonde, with pink cheeks, light chestnut hair, and bluish gray eyes. Lacking the aggressive smartness which characterized Zella Shuman, she still radiated a certain something which to Clyde seemed to harmonize with the liberal if secret mood of her friend. Her manner, as Clyde could see, while much less suggestive of masked bravado was yielding and to him designedly so, as well as naturally provocative. It had been arranged that she was to intrigue him. Very much fascinated by Zella Shuman and in tow of her, they were inseparable. And when Clyde was introduced to her, she beamed upon him in a melting and sensuous way which troubled him not a little. For here in Lycurgus, as he was telling himself at the time, he must be very careful with whom he became familiar. And yet, unfortunately, as in the case of Hortense Briggs, she evoked thoughts of intimacy, however unproblematic or distant, which troubled him. But he must be careful. It was just such a free attitude as this suggested by Dillard as well as these girlsвАЩ manners that had gotten him into trouble before. + 

вАЬNow weвАЩll just have a little ice cream and cake,вАЭ suggested Dillard, after the few preliminary remarks were over, вАЬand then we can get out of here. You two had better go around together and hand out a few hellos. Then we can meet at the ice cream booth. After that, if you say so, weвАЩll leave, eh? What do you say?вАЭ + 

He looked at Zella Shuman as much as to say: вАЬYou know what is the best thing to do,вАЭ and she smiled and replied: + 

вАЬThatвАЩs right. We canвАЩt leave right away. I see my cousin Mary over there. And Mother. And Fred Bruckner. Rita and IвАЩll just go around by ourselves for a while and then weвАЩll meet you, see.вАЭ And Rita Dickerman forthwith bestowed upon Clyde an intimate and possessive smile. + 

After about twenty minutes of drifting and browsing, Dillard received some signal from Zella, and he and Clyde paused near the ice cream booth with its chairs in the center of the room. In a few moments they were casually joined by Zella and Rita, with whom they had some ice cream and cake. And then, being free of all obligations and as some of the others were beginning to depart, Dillard observed: вАЬLetвАЩs beat it. We can go over to your place, canвАЩt we?вАЭ + 

вАЬSure, sure,вАЭ whispered Zella, and together they made their way to the coat room. Clyde was still so dubious as to the wisdom of all this that he was inclined to be a little silent. He did not know whether he was fascinated by Rita or not. But once out in the street out of view of the church and the homing amusement seekers, he and Rita found themselves together, Zella and Dillard having walked on ahead. And although Clyde had taken her arm, as he thought fit, she maneuvered it free and laid a warm and caressing hand on his elbow. And she nudged quite close to him, shoulder to shoulder, and half leaning on him, began pattering of the life of Lycurgus. + 

There was something very furry and caressing about her voice now. Clyde liked it. There was something heavy and languorous about her body, a kind of ray or electron that intrigued and lured him in spite of himself. He felt that he would like to caress her arm and might if he wishedвБ†вАФthat he might even put his arm around her waist, and so soon. Yet here he was, a Griffiths, he was shrewd enough to thinkвБ†вАФa Lycurgus GriffithsвБ†вАФand that was what now made a differenceвБ†вАФthat made all those girls at this church social seem so much more interested in him and so friendly. Yet in spite of this thought, he did squeeze her arm ever so slightly and without reproach or comment from her. + 

And once in the Shuman home, which was a large old-fashioned square frame house with a square cupola, very retired among some trees and a lawn, they made themselves at home in a general living room which was much more handsomely furnished than any home with which Clyde had been identified heretofore. Dillard at once began sorting the records, with which he seemed most familiar, and to pull two rather large rugs out of the way, revealing a smooth, hardwood floor. + 

вАЬThereвАЩs one thing about this house and these trees and these soft-toned needles,вАЭ he commented for ClydeвАЩs benefit, of course, since he was still under the impression that Clyde might be and probably was a very shrewd person who was watching his every move here. вАЬYou canвАЩt hear a note of this Victrola out in the street, can you, Zell? Nor upstairs, either, really, not with the soft needles. WeвАЩve played it down here and danced to it several times, until three and four in the morning and they didnвАЩt even know it upstairs, did they, Zell?вАЭ + 

вАЬThatвАЩs right. But then FatherвАЩs a little hard of hearing. And Mother donвАЩt hear anything, either, when she gets in her room and gets to reading. But it is hard to hear at that.вАЭ + 

вАЬWhy do people object so to dancing here?вАЭ asked Clyde. + 

вАЬOh, they donвАЩtвБ†вАФnot the factory peopleвБ†вАФnot at all,вАЭ put in Dillard, вАЬbut most of the church people do. My uncle and aunt do. And nearly everyone else we met at the church tonight, except Zell and Rita.вАЭ He gave them a most approving and encouraging glance. вАЬAnd theyвАЩre too broadminded to let a little thing like that bother them. AinвАЩt that right, Zell?вАЭ + 

This young girl, who was very much fascinated by him, laughed and nodded, вАЬYou bet, thatвАЩs right. I canвАЩt see any harm in it.вАЭ + 

вАЬNor me, either,вАЭ put in Rita, вАЬnor my father and mother. Only they donвАЩt like to say anything about it or make me feel that they want me to do too much of it.вАЭ + 

Dillard by then had started a piece entitled вАЬBrown EyesвАЭ and immediately Clyde and Rita and Dillard and Zella began to dance, and Clyde found himself insensibly drifting into a kind of intimacy with this girl which boded he could scarcely say what. She danced so warmly and enthusiasticallyвБ†вАФa kind of weaving and swaying motion which suggested all sorts of repressed enthusiasms. And her lips were at once wreathed with a kind of lyric smile which suggested a kind of hunger for this thing. And she was very pretty, more so dancing and smiling than at any other time. + 

вАЬShe is delicious,вАЭ thought Clyde, вАЬeven if she is a little soft. Any fellow would do almost as well as me, but she likes me because she thinks IвАЩm somebody.вАЭ And almost at the same moment she observed: вАЬIsnвАЩt it just too gorgeous? And youвАЩre such a good dancer, Mr.¬†Griffiths.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, no,вАЭ he replied, smiling into her eyes, вАЬyouвАЩre the one thatвАЩs the dancer. I can dance because youвАЩre dancing with me.вАЭ + 

He could feel now that her arms were large and soft, her bosom full for one so young. Exhilarated by dancing, she was quite intoxicating, her gestures almost provoking. + 

вАЬNow weвАЩll put on вАШThe Love Boat,вАЩвАКвАЭ called Dillard the moment вАЬBrown EyesвАЭ was ended, вАЬand you and Zella can dance together and Rita and I will have a spin, eh, Rita?вАЭ + 

He was so fascinated by his own skill as a dancer, however, as well as his natural joy in the art, that he could scarcely wait to begin another, but must take Rita by the arms before putting on another record, gliding here and there, doing steps and executing figures which Clyde could not possibly achieve and which at once established Dillard as the superior dancer. Then, having done so, he called to Clyde to put on вАЬThe Love Boat.вАЭ + 

But as Clyde could see after dancing with Zella once, this was planned to be a happy companionship of two mutually mated couples who would not interfere with each other in any way, but rather would aid each other in their various schemes to enjoy one anotherвАЩs society. For while Zella danced with Clyde, and danced well and talked to him much, all the while he could feel that she was interested in Dillard and Dillard only and would prefer to be with him. For, after a few dances, and while he and Rita lounged on a settee and talked, Zella and Dillard left the room to go to the kitchen for a drink. Only, as Clyde observed, they stayed much longer than any single drink would have required. + 

And similarly, during this interval, it seemed as though it was intended even, by Rita, that he and she should draw closer to one another. For, finding the conversation on the settee lagging for a moment, she got up and apropos of nothingвБ†вАФno music and no wordsвБ†вАФmotioned him to dance some more with her. She had danced certain steps with Dillard which she pretended to show Clyde. But because of their nature, these brought her and Clyde into closer contact than beforeвБ†вАФvery much so. And standing so close together and showing Clyde by elbow and arm how to do, her face and cheek came very close to himвБ†вАФtoo much for his own strength of will and purpose. He pressed his cheek to hers and she turned smiling and encouraging eyes upon him. On the instant, his self-possession was gone and he kissed her lips. And then againвБ†вАФand again. And instead of withdrawing them, as he thought she might, she let himвБ†вАФremained just as she was in order that he might kiss her more. + 

And suddenly now, as he felt this yielding of her warm body so close to him, and the pressure of her lips in response to his own, he realized that he had let himself in for a relationship which might not be so very easy to modify or escape. Also that it would be a very difficult thing for him to resist, since he now liked her and obviously she liked him. + 

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! + 

X + 

At this point a maid announced that supper was served and instantly Gilbert took his departure. At the same time the family arose and Mrs.¬†Griffiths asked the maid: вАЬHas Bella telephoned yet?вАЭ + 

вАЬNo, maвАЩam,вАЭ replied the servant, вАЬnot yet.вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, have Mrs.¬†Truesdale call up the Finchleys and see if sheвАЩs there. You tell her I said that she is to come home at once.вАЭ + 

The maid departed for a moment while the group proceeded to the dining room, which lay to the west of the stairs at the rear. Again, as Clyde saw, this was another splendidly furnished room done in a very light brown, with a long center table of carved walnut, evidently used only for special occasions. It was surrounded by high-backed chairs and lighted by candelabras set at even spaces upon it. In a lower ceilinged and yet ample circular alcove beyond this, looking out on the garden to the south, was a smaller table set for six. It was in this alcove that they were to dine, a different thing from what Clyde had expected for some reason. + 

Seated in a very placid fashion, he found himself answering questions principally as to his own family, the nature of its life, past and present; how old was his father now? His mother? What had been the places of their residence before moving to Denver? How many brothers and sisters had he? How old was his sister, Esta? What did she do? And the others? Did his father like managing a hotel? What had been the nature of his fatherвАЩs work in Kansas City? How long had the family lived there? + 

Clyde was not a little troubled and embarrassed by this chain of questions which flowed rather heavily and solemnly from Samuel Griffiths or his wife. And from ClydeвАЩs hesitating replies, especially in regard to the nature of the family life in Kansas City, both gathered that he was embarrassed and troubled by some of the questions. They laid it to the extreme poverty of their relatives, of course. For having asked, вАЬI suppose you began your hotel work in Kansas City, didnвАЩt you, after you left school?вАЭ Clyde blushed deeply, bethinking himself of the incident of the stolen car and of how little real schooling he had had. Most certainly he did not like the thought of having himself identified with hotel life in Kansas City, and more especially the Green-Davidson. + 

But fortunately at this moment, the door opened and Bella entered, accompanied by two girls such as Clyde would have assumed at once belonged to this world. How different to Rita and Zella with whom his thought so recently had been disturbedly concerned. He did not know Bella, of course, until she proceeded most familiarly to address her family. But the othersвБ†вАФone was Sondra Finchley, so frequently referred to by Bella and her motherвБ†вАФas smart and vain and sweet a girl as Clyde had ever laid his eyes uponвБ†вАФso different to any he had ever known and so superior. She was dressed in a close-fitting tailored suit which followed her form exactly and which was enhanced by a small dark leather hat, pulled fetchingly low over her eyes. A leather belt of the same color encircled her neck. By a leather leash she led a French bull and over one arm carried a most striking coat of black and gray checksвБ†вАФnot too pronounced and yet having the effect of a manвАЩs modish overcoat. To ClydeвАЩs eyes she was the most adorable feminine thing he had seen in all his days. Indeed her effect on him was electricвБ†вАФthrillingвБ†вАФarousing in him a curiously stinging sense of what it was to want and not to haveвБ†вАФto wish to win and yet to feel, almost agonizingly that he was destined not even to win a glance from her. It tortured and flustered him. At one moment he had a keen desire to close his eyes and shut her outвБ†вАФat another to look only at her constantlyвБ†вАФso truly was he captivated. + 

Yet, whether she saw him or not, she gave no sign at first, exclaiming to her dog: вАЬNow, Bissell, if youвАЩre not going to behave, IвАЩm going to take you out and tie you out there. Oh, I donвАЩt believe I can stay a moment if he wonвАЩt behave better than this.вАЭ He had seen a family cat and was tugging to get near her. + 

Beside her was another girl whom Clyde did not fancy nearly so much, and yet who, after her fashion, was as smart as Sondra and perhaps as alluring to some. She was blondeвБ†вАФtowheadedвБ†вАФwith clear almond-shaped, greenish-gray eyes, a small, graceful, catlike figure, and a slinky feline manner. At once, on entering, she sidled across the room to the end of the table where Mrs.¬†Griffiths sat and leaning over her at once began to purr. + 

вАЬOh, how are you, Mrs.¬†Griffiths? IвАЩm so glad to see you again. ItвАЩs been some time since IвАЩve been over here, hasnвАЩt it? But then Mother and I have been away. She and Grant are over at Albany today. And I just picked up Bella and Sondra here at the LambertsвАЩ. YouвАЩre just having a quiet little supper by yourselves, arenвАЩt you? How are you, Myra?вАЭ she called, and reaching over Mrs.¬†GriffithsвАЩ shoulder touched Myra quite casually on the arm, as though it were more a matter of form than anything else. + 

In the meantime Bella, who next to Sondra seemed to Clyde decidedly the most charming of the three, was exclaiming: вАЬOh, IвАЩm late. Sorry, Mamma and Daddy. WonвАЩt that do this time?вАЭ Then noting Clyde, and as though for the first time, although he had risen as they entered and was still standing, she paused in semi-mock modesty as did the others. And Clyde, oversensitive to just such airs and material distinctions, was fairly tremulous with a sense of his own inadequacy, as he waited to be introduced. For to him, youth and beauty in such a station as this represented the ultimate triumph of the female. His weakness for Hortense Briggs, to say nothing of Rita, who was not so attractive as either of these, illustrated the effect of trim femininity on him, regardless of merit. + 

вАЬBella,вАЭ observed Samuel Griffiths, heavily, noting Clyde still standing, вАЬyour cousin, Clyde.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, yes,вАЭ replied Bella, observing that Clyde looked exceedingly like Gilbert. вАЬHow are you? Mother has been saying that you were coming to call one of these days.вАЭ She extended a finger or two, then turned toward her friends. вАЬMy friends, Miss Finchley and Miss Cranston, Mr.¬†Griffiths.вАЭ + 

The two girls bowed, each in the most stiff and formal manner, at the same time studying Clyde most carefully and rather directly, вАЬWell, he does look like Gil a lot, doesnвАЩt he?вАЭ whispered Sondra to Bertine, who had drawn near to her. And Bertine replied: вАЬI never saw anything like it. HeвАЩs really better-looking, isnвАЩt heвБ†вАФa lot?вАЭ + 

Sondra nodded, pleased to note in the first instance that he was somewhat better-looking than BellaвАЩs brother, whom she did not likeвБ†вАФnext that he was obviously stricken with her, which was her due, as she invariably decided in connection with youths thus smitten with her. But having thus decided, and seeing that his glance was persistently and helplessly drawn to her, she concluded that she need pay no more attention to him, for the present anyway. He was too easy. + 

But now Mrs.¬†Griffiths, who had not anticipated this visitation and was a little irritated with Bella for introducing her friends at this time since it at once raised the question of ClydeвАЩs social position here, observed: вАЬHadnвАЩt you two better lay off your coats and sit down? IвАЩll just have Nadine lay extra plates at this end. Bella, you can sit next to your father.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, no, not at all,вАЭ and вАЬNo, indeed, weвАЩre just on our way home ourselves. I canвАЩt stay a minute,вАЭ came from Sondra and Bertine. But now that they were here and Clyde had proved to be as attractive as he was, they were perversely interested to see what, if any, social flair there was to him. Gilbert Griffiths, as both knew, was far from being popular in some quartersвБ†вАФtheir own in particular, however much they might like Bella. He was, for two such self-centered beauties as these, too aggressive, self-willed and contemptuous at times. Whereas Clyde, if one were to judge by his looks, at least was much more malleable. And if it were to prove now that he was of equal station, or that the Griffiths thought so, decidedly he would be available locally, would he not? At any rate, it would be interesting to know whether he was rich. But this thought was almost instantly satisfied by Mrs.¬†Griffiths, who observed rather definitely and intentionally to Bertine: вАЬMr.¬†Griffiths is a nephew of ours from the West who has come on to see if he can make a place for himself in my husbandвАЩs factory. HeвАЩs a young man who has to make his own way in the world and my husband has been kind enough to give him an opportunity.вАЭ + 

Clyde flushed, since obviously this was a notice to him that his social position here was decidedly below that of the Griffiths or these girls. At the same time, as he also noticed, the look of Bertine Cranston, who was only interested in youths of means and position, changed from one of curiosity to marked indifference. On the other hand, Sondra Finchley, by no means so practical as her friend, though of a superior station in her set, since she was so very attractive and her parents possessed of even more meansвБ†вАФre-surveyed Clyde with one thought written rather plainly on her face, that it was too bad. He really was so attractive. + 

At the same time Samuel Griffiths, having a peculiar fondness for Sondra, if not Bertine, whom Mrs.¬†Griffiths also disliked as being too tricky and sly, was calling to her: вАЬHere, Sondra, tie up your dog to one of the dining-room chairs and come and sit by me. Throw your coat over that chair. HereвАЩs room for you.вАЭ He motioned to her to come. + 

вАЬBut I canвАЩt, Uncle Samuel!вАЭ called Sondra, familiarly and showily and yet somehow sweetly, seeking to ingratiate herself by this affected relationship. вАЬWeвАЩre late now. Besides Bissell wonвАЩt behave. Bertine and I are just on our way home, truly.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, yes, Papa,вАЭ put in Bella, quickly, вАЬBertineвАЩs horse ran a nail in his foot yesterday and is going lame today. And neither Grant nor his father is home. She wants to know if you know anything thatвАЩs good for it.вАЭ + 

вАЬWhich foot is it?вАЭ inquired Griffiths, interested, while Clyde continued to survey Sondra as best he might. She was so delicious, he thoughtвБ†вАФher nose so tiny and tiltedвБ†вАФher upper lip arched so roguishly upward toward her nose. + 

вАЬItвАЩs the left fore. I was riding out on the East Kingston road yesterday afternoon. Jerry threw a shoe and must have picked up a splinter, but John doesnвАЩt seem to be able to find it.вАЭ + 

вАЬDid you ride him much with the nail, do you think?вАЭ + 

вАЬAbout eight milesвБ†вАФall the way back.вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, you had better have John put on some liniment and a bandage and call a veterinary. HeвАЩll come around all right, IвАЩm sure.вАЭ + 

The group showed no signs of leaving and Clyde, left quite to himself for the moment, was thinking what an easy, delightful world this must beвБ†вАФthis local society. For here they were without a care, apparently, between any of them. All their talk was of houses being built, horses they were riding, friends they had met, places they were going to, things they were going to do. And there was Gilbert, who had left only a little while beforeвБ†вАФmotoring somewhere with a group of young men. And Bella, his cousin, trifling around with these girls in the beautiful homes of this street, while he was shunted away in a small third-floor room at Mrs.¬†CuppyвАЩs with no place to go. And with only fifteen dollars a week to live on. And in the morning he would be working in the basement again, while these girls were rising to more pleasure. And out in Denver were his parents with their small lodging house and mission, which he dared not even describe accurately here. + 

Suddenly the two girls declaring they must go, they took themselves off. And he and the Griffiths were once more left to themselvesвБ†вАФhe with the feeling that he was very much out of place and neglected here, since Samuel Griffiths and his wife and Bella, anyhow, if not Myra, seemed to be feeling that he was merely being permitted to look into a world to which he did not belong; also, that because of his poverty it would be impossible to fit him intoвБ†вАФhowever much he might dream of associating with three such wonderful girls as these. And at once he felt sadвБ†вАФveryвБ†вАФhis eyes and his mood darkening so much that not only Samuel Griffiths, but his wife as well as Myra noticed it. If he could enter upon this world, find some way. But of the group it was only Myra, not any of the others, who sensed that in all likelihood he was lonely and depressed. And in consequence as all were rising and returning to the large living room (Samuel chiding Bella for her habit of keeping her family waiting) it was Myra who drew near to Clyde to say: вАЬI think after youвАЩve been here a little while youвАЩll probably like Lycurgus better than you do now, even. There are quite a number of interesting places to go and see around hereвБ†вАФlakes and the Adirondacks are just north of here, about seventy miles. And when the summer comes and we get settled at Greenwood, IвАЩm sure Father and Mother will like you to come up there once in a while.вАЭ + 

She was by no means sure that this was true, but under the circumstances, whether it was or not, she felt like saying it to Clyde. And thereafter, since he felt more comfortable with her, he talked with her as much as he could without neglecting either Bella or the family, until about half-past nine, when, suddenly feeling very much out of place and alone, he arose saying that he must go, that he had to get up early in the morning. And as he did so, Samuel Griffiths walked with him to the front door and let him out. But he, too, by now, as had Myra before him, feeling that Clyde was rather attractive and yet, for reasons of poverty, likely to be neglected from now on, not only by his family, but by himself as well, observed most pleasantly, and, as he hoped, compensatively: вАЬItвАЩs rather nice out, isnвАЩt it? Wykeagy Avenue hasnвАЩt begun to show what it can do yet because the spring isnвАЩt quite here. But in a few weeks,вАЭ and he looked up most inquiringly at the sky and sniffed the late April air, вАЬwe must have you out. All the trees and flowers will be in bloom then and you can see how really nice it is. Good night.вАЭ + 

He smiled and put a very cordial note into his voice, and once more Clyde felt that, whatever Gilbert GriffithsвАЩ attitude might be, most certainly his father was not wholly indifferent to him. + 

XI + 

The days lapsed and, although no further word came from the Griffiths, Clyde was still inclined to exaggerate the importance of this one contact and to dream from time to time of delightful meetings with those girls and how wonderful if a love affair with one of them might eventuate for him. The beauty of that world in which they moved. The luxury and charm as opposed to this of which he was a part. Dillard! Rita! Tush! They were really dead for him. He aspired to this other or nothing as he saw it now and proceeded to prove as distant to Dillard as possible, an attitude which by degrees tended to alienate that youth entirely for he saw in Clyde a snob which potentially he was if he could have but won to what he desired. However, as he began to see afterwards, time passed and he was left to work until, depressed by the routine, meager pay and commonplace shrinking-room contacts, he began to think not so much of returning to Rita or DillardвБ†вАФhe could not quite think of them now with any satisfaction, but of giving up this venture here and returning to Chicago or going to New York, where he was sure that he could connect himself with some hotel if need be. But then, as if to revive his courage and confirm his earlier dreams, a thing happened which caused him to think that certainly he was beginning to rise in the estimation of the GriffithsвБ†вАФfather and sonвБ†вАФwhether they troubled to entertain him socially or not. For it chanced that one Saturday in spring, Samuel Griffiths decided to make a complete tour of inspection of the factory with Joshua Whiggam at his elbow. Reaching the shrinking department about noon, he observed for the first time with some dismay, Clyde in his undershirt and trousers working at the feeding end of two of the shrinking racks, his nephew having by this time acquired the necessary skill to вАЬfeedвАЭ as well as вАЬtake.вАЭ And recalling how very neat and generally presentable he had appeared at his house but a few weeks before, he was decidedly disturbed by the contrast. For one thing he had felt about Clyde, both in Chicago and here at his home, was that he had presented a neat and pleasing appearance. And he, almost as much as his son, was jealous, not only of the name, but the general social appearance of the Griffiths before the employees of this factory as well as the community at large. And the sight of Clyde here, looking so much like Gilbert and in an armless shirt and trousers working among these men, tended to impress upon him more sharply than at any time before the fact that Clyde was his nephew, and that he ought not to be compelled to continue at this very menial form of work any longer. To the other employees it might appear that he was unduly indifferent to the meaning of such a relationship. + 

Without, however, saying a word to Whiggam or anyone else at the time, he waited until his son returned on Monday morning, from a trip that he had taken out of town, when he called him into his office and observed: вАЬI made a tour of the factory Saturday and found young Clyde still down in the shrinking room.вАЭ + 

вАЬWhat of it, Dad?вАЭ replied his son, curiously interested as to why his father should at this time wish to mention Clyde in this special way. вАЬOther people before him have worked down there and it hasnвАЩt hurt them.вАЭ + 

вАЬAll true enough, but they werenвАЩt nephews of mine. And they didnвАЩt look as much like you as he doesвАЭвБ†вАФa comment which irritated Gilbert greatly. вАЬIt wonвАЩt do, I tell you. It doesnвАЩt look quite right to me, and IвАЩm afraid it wonвАЩt look right to other people here who see how much he looks like you and know that he is your cousin and my nephew. I didnвАЩt realize that at first, because I havenвАЩt been down there, but I donвАЩt think it wise to keep him down there any longer doing that kind of thing. It wonвАЩt do. WeвАЩll have to make a change, switch him around somewhere else where he wonвАЩt look like that.вАЭ + 

His eyes darkened and his brow wrinkled. The impression that Clyde made in his old clothes and with beads of sweat standing out on his forehead had not been pleasant. + 

вАЬBut IвАЩll tell you how it is, Dad,вАЭ Gilbert persisted, anxious and determined because of his innate opposition to Clyde to keep him there if possible. вАЬIвАЩm not so sure that I can find just the right place for him now anywhere elseвБ†вАФat least not without moving someone else who has been here a long time and worked hard to get there. He hasnвАЩt had any training in anything so far, but just what heвАЩs doing.вАЭ + 

вАЬDonвАЩt know or donвАЩt care anything about that,вАЭ replied Griffiths senior, feeling that his son was a little jealous and in consequence disposed to be unfair to Clyde. вАЬThatвАЩs no place for him and I wonвАЩt have him there any longer. HeвАЩs been there long enough. And I canвАЩt afford to have the name of any of this family come to mean anything but just what it does around here nowвБ†вАФreserve and ability and energy and good judgment. ItвАЩs not good for the business. And anything less than that is a liability. You get me, donвАЩt you?вАЭ + 

вАЬYes, I get you all right, governor.вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, then, do as I say. Get hold of Whiggam and figure out some other place for him around here, and not as piece worker or a hand either. It was a mistake to put him down there in the first place. There must be some little place in one of the departments where he can be fitted in as the head of something, first or second or third assistant to someone, and where he can wear a decent suit of clothes and look like somebody. And, if necessary, let him go home on full pay until you find something for him. But I want him changed. By the way, how much is he being paid now?вАЭ + 

вАЬAbout fifteen, I think,вАЭ replied Gilbert blandly. + 

вАЬNot enough, if heвАЩs to make the right sort of an appearance here. Better make it twenty-five. ItвАЩs more than heвАЩs worth, I know, but it canвАЩt be helped now. He has to have enough to live on while heвАЩs here, and from now on, IвАЩd rather pay him that than have anyone think we were not treating him right.вАЭ + 

вАЬAll right, all right, governor. Please donвАЩt be cross about it, will you?вАЭ pleaded Gilbert, noting his fatherвАЩs irritation. вАЬIвАЩm not entirely to blame. You agreed to it in the first place when I suggested it, didnвАЩt you? But I guess youвАЩre right at that. Just leave it to me. IвАЩll find a decent place for him,вАЭ and turning, he proceeded in search of Whiggam, although at the same time thinking how he was to effect all this without permitting Clyde to get the notion that he was at all important hereвБ†вАФto make him feel that this was being done as a favor to him and not for any reasons of merit in connection with himself. + 

And at once, Whiggam appearing, he, after a very diplomatic approach on the part of Gilbert, racked his brains, scratched his head, went away and returned after a time to say that the only thing he could think of, since Clyde was obviously lacking in technical training, was that of assistant to Mr.¬†Liggett, who was foreman in charge of five big stitching rooms on the fifth floor, but who had under him one small and very special, though by no means technical, department which required the separate supervision of either an assistant forelady or man. + 

This was the stamping roomвБ†вАФa separate chamber at the west end of the stitching floor, where were received daily from the cutting room above from seventy-five to one hundred thousand dozen unstitched collars of different brands and sizes. And here they were stamped by a group of girls according to the slips or directions attached to them with the size and brand of the collar. The sole business of the assistant foreman in charge here, as Gilbert well knew, after maintaining due decorum and order, was to see that this stamping process went uninterruptedly forward. Also that after the seventy-five to one hundred thousand dozen collars were duly stamped and transmitted to the stitchers, who were just outside in the larger room, to see that they were duly credited in a book of entry. And that the number of dozens stamped by each girl was duly recorded in order that her pay should correspond with her services. + 

For this purpose a little desk and various entry books, according to size and brand, were kept here. Also the cuttersвАЩ slips, as taken from the bundles by the stampers were eventually delivered to this assistant in lots of a dozen or more and filed on spindles. It was really nothing more than a small clerkship, at times in the past held by young men or girls or old men or middle-aged women, according to the exigencies of the life of the place. + 

The thing that Whiggam feared in connection with Clyde and which he was quick to point out to Gilbert on this occasion was that because of his inexperience and youth Clyde might not, at first, prove as urgent and insistent a master of this department as the work there required. There were nothing but young girls thereвБ†вАФsome of them quite attractive. Also was it wise to place a young man of ClydeвАЩs years and looks among so many girls? For, being susceptible, as he might well be at that age, he might prove too easyвБ†вАФnot stern enough. The girls might take advantage of him. If so, it wouldnвАЩt be possible to keep him there very long. Still there was this temporary vacancy, and it was the only one in the whole factory at the moment. Why not, for the time being, send him upstairs for a tryout? It might not be long before either Mr.¬†Liggett or himself would know of something else or whether or not he was suited for the work up there. In that case it would be easy to make a re-transfer. + 

Accordingly, about three in the afternoon of this same Monday, Clyde was sent for and after being made to wait for some fifteen minutes, as was GilbertвАЩs method, he was admitted to the austere presence. + 

вАЬWell, how are you getting along down where you are now?вАЭ asked Gilbert coldly and inquisitorially. And Clyde, who invariably experienced a depression whenever he came anywhere near his cousin, replied, with a poorly forced smile, вАЬOh, just about the same, Mr.¬†Griffiths. I canвАЩt complain. I like it well enough. IвАЩm learning a little something, I guess.вАЭ + 

вАЬYou guess?вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, I know IвАЩve learned a few things, of course,вАЭ added Clyde, flushing slightly and feeling down deep within himself a keen resentment at the same time that he achieved a half-ingratiating and half-apologetic smile. + 

вАЬWell, thatвАЩs a little better. A man could hardly be down there as long as youвАЩve been and not know whether he had learned anything or not.вАЭ Then deciding that he was being too severe, perhaps, he modified his tone slightly, and added: вАЬBut thatвАЩs not why I sent for you. ThereвАЩs another matter I want to talk to you about. Tell me, did you ever have charge of any people or any other person than yourself, at any time in your life?вАЭ + 

вАЬI donвАЩt believe I quite understand,вАЭ replied Clyde, who, because he was a little nervous and flustered, had not quite registered the question accurately. + 

вАЬI mean have you ever had any people work under youвБ†вАФbeen given a few people to direct in some department somewhere? Been a foreman or an assistant foreman in charge of anything?вАЭ + 

вАЬNo, sir, I never have,вАЭ answered Clyde, but so nervous that he almost stuttered. For GilbertвАЩs tone was very severe and coldвБ†вАФhighly contemptuous. At the same time, now that the nature of the question was plain, its implication came to him. In spite of his cousinвАЩs severity, his ill manner toward him, still he could see his employers were thinking of making a foreman of himвБ†вАФputting him in charge of somebodyвБ†вАФpeople. They must be! At once his ears and fingers began to titillateвБ†вАФthe roots of his hair to tingle: вАЬBut IвАЩve seen how itвАЩs done in clubs and hotels,вАЭ he added at once. вАЬAnd I think I might manage if I were given a trial.вАЭ His cheeks were now highly coloredвБ†вАФhis eyes crystal clear. + 

вАЬNot the same thing. Not the same thing,вАЭ insisted Gilbert sharply. вАЬSeeing and doing are two entirely different things. A person without any experience can think a lot, but when it comes to doing, heвАЩs not there. Anyhow, this is one business that requires people who do know.вАЭ + 

He stared at Clyde critically and quizzically while Clyde, feeling that he must be wrong in his notion that something was going to be done for him, began to quiet himself. His cheeks resumed their normal pallor and the light died from his eyes. + 

вАЬYes, sir, I guess thatвАЩs true, too,вАЭ he commented. + 

вАЬBut you donвАЩt need to guess in this case,вАЭ insisted Gilbert. вАЬYou know. ThatвАЩs the trouble with people who donвАЩt know. TheyвАЩre always guessing.вАЭ + 

The truth was that Gilbert was so irritated to think that he must now make a place for his cousin, and that despite his having done nothing at all to deserve it, that he could scarcely conceal the spleen that now colored his mood. + 

вАЬYouвАЩre right, I know,вАЭ said Clyde placatingly, for he was still hoping for this hinted-at promotion. + 

вАЬWell, the fact is,вАЭ went on Gilbert, вАЬI might have placed you in the accounting end of the business when you first came if you had been technically equipped for it.вАЭ (The phrase вАЬtechnically equippedвАЭ overawed and terrorized Clyde, for he scarcely understood what that meant.) вАЬAs it was,вАЭ went on Gilbert, nonchalantly, вАЬwe had to do the best we could for you. We knew it was not very pleasant down there, but we couldnвАЩt do anything more for you at the time.вАЭ He drummed on his desk with his fingers. вАЬBut the reason I called you up here today is this. I want to discuss with you a temporary vacancy that has occurred in one of our departments upstairs and which we are wonderingвБ†вАФmy father and IвБ†вАФwhether you might be able to fill.вАЭ ClydeвАЩs spirits rose amazingly. вАЬBoth my father and I,вАЭ he went on, вАЬhave been thinking for some little time that we would like to do a little something for you, but as I say, your lack of practical training of any kind makes it very difficult for both of us. You havenвАЩt had either a commercial or a trade education of any kind, and that makes it doubly hard.вАЭ He paused long enough to allow that to sink inвБ†вАФgive Clyde the feeling that he was an interloper indeed. вАЬStill,вАЭ he added after a moment, вАЬso long as we have seen fit to bring you on here, we have decided to give you a tryout at something better than you are doing. It wonвАЩt do to let you stay down there indefinitely. Now, let me tell you a little something about what I have in mind,вАЭ and he proceeded to explain the nature of the work on the fifth floor. + 

And when after a time Whiggam was sent for and appeared and had acknowledged ClydeвАЩs salutation, he observed: вАЬWhiggam, IвАЩve just been telling my cousin here about our conversation this morning and what I told you about our plan to try him out as the head of that department. So if youвАЩll just take him up to Mr.¬†Liggett and have him or someone explain the nature of the work up there, IвАЩll be obliged to you.вАЭ He turned to his desk. вАЬAfter that you can send him back to me,вАЭ he added. вАЬI want to talk to him again.вАЭ + 

Then he arose and dismissed them both with an air, and Whiggam, still somewhat dubious as to the experiment, but now very anxious to be pleasant to Clyde since he could not tell what he might become, led the way to Mr.¬†LiggettвАЩs floor. And there, amid a thunderous hum of machines, Clyde was led to the extreme west of the building and into a much smaller department which was merely railed off from the greater chamber by a low fence. Here were about twenty-five girls and their assistants with baskets, who apparently were doing their best to cope with a constant stream of unstitched collar bundles which fell through several chutes from the floor above. + 

And now at once, after being introduced to Mr.¬†Liggett, he was escorted to a small railed-off desk at which sat a short, plump girl of about his own years, not so very attractive, who arose as they approached. вАЬThis is Miss Todd,вАЭ began Whiggain. вАЬSheвАЩs been in charge for about ten days now in the absence of Mrs.¬†Angier. And what I want you to do now, Miss Todd, is to explain to Mr.¬†Griffiths here just as quickly and clearly as you can what it is you do here. And then later in the day when he comes up here, I want you to help him to keep track of things until he sees just what is wanted and can do it himself. YouвАЩll do that, wonвАЩt you?вАЭ + 

вАЬWhy, certainly, Mr.¬†Whiggam. IвАЩll be only too glad to,вАЭ complied Miss Todd, and at once she began to take down the books of records and to show Clyde how the entry and discharge records were keptвБ†вАФalso later how the stamping was doneвБ†вАФhow the basket girls took the descending bundles from the chutes and distributed them evenly according to the needs of the stamper and how later, as fast as they were stamped, other basket girls carried them to the stitchers outside. And Clyde, very much interested, felt that he could do it, only among so many women on a floor like this he felt very strange. There were so very, very many womenвБ†вАФhundreds of themвБ†вАФstretching far and away between white walls and white columns to the eastern end of the building. And tall windows that reached from floor to ceiling let in a veritable flood of light. These girls were not all pretty. He saw them out of the tail of his eye as first Miss Todd and later Whiggam, and even Liggett, volunteered to impress points on him. + 

вАЬThe important thing,вАЭ explained Whiggam after a time, вАЬis to see that there is no mistake as to the number of thousands of dozens of collars that come down here and are stamped, and also that thereвАЩs no delay in stamping them and getting them out to the stitchers. Also that the records of these girlsвАЩ work is kept accurately so that there wonвАЩt be any mistakes as to their time.вАЭ + 

At last Clyde saw what was required of him and the conditions under which he was about to work and said so. He was very nervous but quickly decided that if this girl could do the work, he could. And because Liggett and Whiggam, interested by his relationship to Gilbert, appeared very friendly and persisted in delaying here, saying that there was nothing he could not manage they were sure, he returned after a time with Whiggam to Gilbert who, on seeing him enter, at once observed: вАЬWell, whatвАЩs the answer? Yes or no. Do you think you can do it or do you think you canвАЩt?вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, I know that I can do it,вАЭ replied Clyde with a great deal of courage for him, yet with the private feeling that he might not make good unless fortune favored him some even now. There were so many things to be taken into considerationвБ†вАФthe favor of those above as well as about himвБ†вАФand would they always favor him? + 

вАЬVery good, then. Just be seated for a moment,вАЭ went on Gilbert. вАЬI want to talk to you some more in connection with that work up there. It looks easy to you, does it?вАЭ + 

вАЬNo, I canвАЩt say that it looks exactly easy,вАЭ replied Clyde, strained and a little pale, for because of his inexperience he felt the thing to be a great opportunityвБ†вАФone that would require all his skill and courage to maintain. вАЬJust the same I think I can do it. In fact I know I can and IвАЩd like to try.вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, now, that sounds a little better,вАЭ replied Gilbert crisply and more graciously. вАЬAnd now I want to tell you something more about it. I donвАЩt suppose you ever thought there was a floor with that many women on it, did you?вАЭ + 

вАЬNo, sir, I didnвАЩt,вАЭ replied Clyde. вАЬI knew they were somewhere in the building, but I didnвАЩt know just where.вАЭ + 

вАЬExactly,вАЭ went on Gilbert. вАЬThis plant is practically operated by women from cellar to roof. In the manufacturing department, I venture to say there are ten women to every man. On that account everyone in whom we entrust any responsibility around here must be known to us as to their moral and religious character. If you werenвАЩt related to us, and if we didnвАЩt feel that because of that we knew a little something about you, we wouldnвАЩt think of putting you up there or anywhere in this factory over anybody until we did know. But donвАЩt think because youвАЩre related to us that we wonвАЩt hold you strictly to account for everything that goes on up there and for your conduct. We will, and all the more so because you are related to us. You understand that, do you? And whyвБ†вАФthe meaning of the Griffiths name here?вАЭ + 

вАЬYes, sir,вАЭ replied Clyde. + 

вАЬVery well, then,вАЭ went on Gilbert. вАЬBefore we place anyone here in any position of authority, we have to be absolutely sure that theyвАЩre going to behave themselves as gentlemen alwaysвБ†вАФthat the women who are working here are going to receive civil treatment always. If a young man, or an old one for that matter, comes in here at any time and imagines that because there are women here heвАЩs going to be allowed to play about and neglect his work and flirt or cut up, that fellow is doomed to a short stay here. The men and women who work for us have got to feel that they are employees first, last and all the timeвБ†вАФand they have to carry that attitude out into the street with them. And unless they do it, and we hear anything about it, that man or woman is done for so far as we are concerned. We donвАЩt want вАЩem and we wonвАЩt have вАЩem. And once weвАЩre through with вАЩem, weвАЩre through with вАЩem.вАЭ + 

He paused and stared at Clyde as much as to say: вАЬNow I hope I have made myself clear. Also that we will never have any trouble in so far as you are concerned.вАЭ + 

And Clyde replied: вАЬYes, I understand. I think thatвАЩs right. In fact I know thatвАЩs the way it has to be.вАЭ + 

вАЬAnd ought to be,вАЭ added Gilbert. + 

вАЬAnd ought to be,вАЭ echoed Clyde. + 

At the same time he was wondering whether it was really true as Gilbert said. Had he not heard the mill girls already spoken about in a slighting way? Yet consciously at the moment he did not connect himself in thought with any of these girls upstairs. His present mood was that, because of his abnormal interest in girls, it would be better if he had nothing to do with them at all, never spoke to any of them, kept a very distant and cold attitude, such as Gilbert was holding toward him. It must be so, at least if he wished to keep his place here. And he was now determined to keep it and to conduct himself always as his cousin wished. + 

вАЬWell, now, then,вАЭ went on Gilbert as if to supplement ClydeвАЩs thoughts in this respect, вАЬwhat I want to know of you is, if I trouble to put you in that department, even temporarily, can I trust you to keep a level head on your shoulders and go about your work conscientiously and not have your head turned or disturbed by the fact that youвАЩre working among a lot of women and girls?вАЭ + 

вАЬYes, sir, I know you can,вАЭ replied Clyde very much impressed by his cousinвАЩs succinct demand, although, after Rita, a little dubious. + 

вАЬIf I canвАЩt, now is the time to say so,вАЭ persisted Gilbert. вАЬBy blood youвАЩre a member of this family. And to our help here, and especially in a position of this kind, you represent us. We canвАЩt have anything come up in connection with you at any time around here that wonвАЩt be just right. So I want you to be on your guard and watch your step from now on. Not the least thing must occur in connection with you that anyone can comment on unfavorably. You understand, do you?вАЭ + 

вАЬYes, sir,вАЭ replied Clyde most solemnly. вАЬI understand that. IвАЩll conduct myself properly or IвАЩll get out.вАЭ And he was thinking seriously at the moment that he could and would. The large number of girls and women upstairs seemed very remote and of no consequence just then. + 

вАЬVery good. Now, IвАЩll tell you what else I want you to do. I want you to knock off for the day and go home and sleep on this and think it over well. Then come back in the morning and go to work up there, if you still feel the same. Your salary from now on will be twenty-five dollars, and I want you to dress neat and clean so that you will be an example to the other men who have charge of departments.вАЭ + 

He arose coldly and distantly, but Clyde, very much encouraged and enthused by the sudden jump in salary, as well as the admonition in regard to dressing well, felt so grateful toward his cousin that he longed to be friendly with him. To be sure, he was hard and cold and vain, but still he must think something of him, and his uncle too, or they would not choose to do all this for him and so speedily. And if ever he were able to make friends with him, win his way into his good graces, think how prosperously he would be placed here, what commercial and social honors might not come to him? + 

So elated was he at the moment that he bustled out of the great plant with a jaunty stride, resolved among other things that from now on, come what might, and as a test of himself in regard to life and work, he was going to be all that his uncle and cousin obviously expected of himвБ†вАФcool, cold even, and if necessary severe, where these women or girls of this department were concerned. No more relations with Dillard or Rita or anybody like that for the present anyhow. + 

XII + 

The import of twenty-five dollars a week! Of being the head of a department employing twenty-five girls! Of wearing a good suit of clothes again! Sitting at an official desk in a corner commanding a charming river view and feeling that at last, after almost two months in that menial department below stairs, he was a figure of some consequence in this enormous institution! And because of his relationship and new dignity, Whiggam, as well as Liggett, hovering about with advice and genial and helpful comments from time to time. And some of the managers of the other departments including several from the front officeвБ†вАФan auditor and an advertising man occasionally pausing in passing to say hello. And the details of the work sufficiently mastered to permit him to look about him from time to time, taking an interest in the factory as a whole, its processes and supplies, such as where the great volume of linen and cotton came from, how it was cut in an enormous cutting room above this one, holding hundreds of experienced cutters receiving very high wages; how there was an employment bureau for recruiting help, a company doctor, a company hospital, a special dining room in the main building, where the officials of the company were allowed to dineвБ†вАФbut no othersвБ†вАФand that he, being an accredited department head could now lunch with those others in that special restaurant if he chose and could afford to. Also he soon learned that several miles out from Lycurgus, on the Mohawk, near a hamlet called Van Troup, was an inter-factory country club, to which most of the department heads of the various factories about belonged, but, alas, as he also learned, Griffiths and Company did not really favor their officials mixing with those of any other company, and for that reason few of them did. Yet he, being a member of the family, as Liggett once said to him, could probably do as he chose as to that. But he decided, because of the strong warnings of Gilbert, as well as his high blood relations with his family, that he had better remain as aloof as possible. And so smiling and being as genial as possible to all, nevertheless for the most part, and in order to avoid Dillard and others of his ilk, and although he was much more lonely than otherwise he would have been, returning to his room or the public squares of this and nearby cities on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and even, since he thought this might please his uncle and cousin and so raise him in their esteem, beginning to attend one of the principal Presbyterian churchesвБ†вАФthe Second or High Street Church, to which on occasion, as he had already learned, the Griffiths themselves were accustomed to resort. Yet without ever coming in contact with them in person, since from June to September they spent their weekends at Greenwood Lake, to which most of the society life of this region as yet resorted. + 

In fact the summer life of Lycurgus, in so far as its society was concerned, was very dull. Nothing in particular ever eventuated then in the city, although previous to this, in May, there had been various affairs in connection with the Griffiths and their friends which Clyde had either read about or saw at a distanceвБ†вАФa graduation reception and dance at the Snedeker School, a lawn f√™te upon the GriffithsвАЩ grounds, with a striped marquee tent on one part of the lawn and Chinese lanterns hung in among the trees. Clyde had observed this quite by accident one evening as he was walking alone about the city. It raised many a curious and eager thought in regard to this family, its high station and his relation to it. But having placed him comfortably in a small official position which was not arduous, the Griffiths now proceeded to dismiss him from their minds. He was doing well enough, and they would see something more of him later, perhaps. + 

And then a little later he read in the Lycurgus Star that there was to be staged on June twentieth the annual inter-city automobile floral parade and contest (Fonda, Gloversville, Amsterdam and Schenectady), which this year was to be held in Lycurgus and which was the last local social affair of any consequence, as The Star phrased it, before the annual hegira to the lakes and mountains of those who were able to depart for such places. And the names of Bella, Bertine and Sondra, to say nothing of Gilbert, were mentioned as contestants or defendants of the fair name of Lycurgus. And since this occurred on a Saturday afternoon, Clyde, dressed in his best, yet decidedly wishing to obscure himself as an ordinary spectator, was able to see once more the girl who had so infatuated him on sight, obviously breasting a white rose-surfaced stream and guiding her craft with a paddle covered with yellow daffodilsвБ†вАФa floral representation of some Indian legend in connection with the Mohawk River. With her dark hair filleted Indian fashion with a yellow feather and brown-eyed susans, she was arresting enough not only to capture a prize, but to recapture ClydeвАЩs fancy. How marvelous to be of that world. + 

In the same parade he had seen Gilbert Griffiths accompanied by a very attractive girl chauffeuring one of four floats representing the four seasons. And while the one he drove was winter, with this local society girl posed in ermine with white roses for snow all about, directly behind came another float, which presented Bella Griffiths as spring, swathed in filmy draperies and crouching beside a waterfall of dark violets. The effect was quite striking and threw Clyde into a mood in regard to love, youth and romance which was delicious and yet very painful to him. Perhaps he should have retained Rita, after all. + 

In the meantime he was living on as before, only more spaciously in so far as his own thoughts were concerned. For his first thought after receiving this larger allowance was that he had better leave Mrs.¬†CuppyвАЩs and secure a better room in some private home which, if less advantageously situated for him, would be in a better street. It took him out of all contact with Dillard. And now, since his uncle had promoted him, some representative of his or GilbertвАЩs might wish to stop by to see him about something. And what would one such think if he found him living in a small room such as he now occupied? + 

Ten days after his salary was raised, therefore, and because of the import of his name, he found it possible to obtain a room in one of the better houses and streetsвБ†вАФJefferson Avenue, which paralleled Wykeagy Avenue, only a few blocks farther out. It was the home of a widow whose husband had been a mill manager and who let out two rooms without board in order to be able to maintain this home, which was above the average for one of such position in Lycurgus. And Mrs.¬†Peyton, having long been a resident of the city and knowing much about the Griffiths, recognized not only the name but the resemblance of Clyde to Gilbert. And being intensely interested by this, as well as his general appearance, she at once offered him an exceptional room for so little as five dollars a week, which he took at once. + 

In connection with his work at the factory, however, and in spite of the fact that he had made such drastic resolutions in regard to the help who were beneath him, still it was not always possible for him to keep his mind on the mere mechanical routine of the work or off of this company of girls as girls, since at least a few of them were attractive. For it was summerвБ†вАФlate June. And over all the factory, especially around two, three and four in the afternoon, when the endless repetition of the work seemed to pall on all, a practical indifference not remote from languor and in some instances sensuality, seemed to creep over the place. There were so many women and girls of so many different types and moods. And here they were so remote from men or idle pleasure in any form, all alone with just him, really. Again the air within the place was nearly always heavy and physically relaxing, and through the many open windows that reached from floor to ceiling could be seen the Mohawk swirling and rippling, its banks carpeted with green grass and in places shaded by trees. Always it seemed to hint of pleasures which might be found by idling along its shores. And since these workers were employed so mechanically as to leave their minds free to roam from one thought of pleasure to another, they were for the most part thinking of themselves always and what they would do, assuming that they were not here chained to this routine. + 

And because their moods were so brisk and passionate, they were often prone to fix on the nearest object. And since Clyde was almost always the only male presentвБ†вАФand in these days in his best clothesвБ†вАФthey were inclined to fix on him. They were, indeed, full of all sorts of fantastic notions in regard to his private relations with the Griffiths and their like, where he lived and how, whom in the way of a girl he might be interested in. And he, in turn, when not too constrained by the memory of what Gilbert Griffiths had said to him, was inclined to think of themвБ†вАФcertain girls in particularвБ†вАФwith thoughts that bordered on the sensual. For, in spite of the wishes of the Griffiths Company, and the discarded Rita or perhaps because of her, he found himself becoming interested in three different girls here. They were of a pagan and pleasure-loving turnвБ†вАФthis trioвБ†вАФand they thought Clyde very handsome. Ruza NikoforitchвБ†вАФa Russian-American girlвБ†вАФbig and blonde and animal, with swimming brown eyes, a snub fat nose and chin, was very much drawn to him. Only, such was the manner with which he carried himself always, that she scarcely dared to let herself think so. For to her, with his hair so smoothly parted, torsoed in a bright-striped shirt, the sleeves of which in this weather were rolled to the elbows, he seemed almost too perfect to be real. She admired his clean, brown polished shoes, his brightly buckled black leather belt, and the loose four-in-hand tie he wore. + 

Again there was Martha Bordaloue, a stocky, brisk Canadian-French girl of trim, if rotund, figure and ankles, hair of a reddish gold and eyes of greenish blue with puffy pink cheeks and hands that were plump and yet small. Ignorant and pagan, she saw in Clyde someone whom, even for so much as an hour, assuming that he would, she would welcomeвБ†вАФand that most eagerly. At the same time, being feline and savage, she hated all or any who even so much as presumed to attempt to interest him, and despised Ruza for that reason. For as she could see Ruza tried to nudge or lean against Clyde whenever he came sufficiently near. At the same time she herself sought by every single device known to herвБ†вАФher shirtwaist left open to below the borders of her white breast, her outer skirt lifted trimly above her calves when working, her plump round arms displayed to the shoulders to show him that physically at least she was worth his time. And the sly sighs and languorous looks when he was near, which caused Ruza to exclaim one day: вАЬThat French cat! He should look at her!вАЭ And because of Clyde she had an intense desire to strike her. + 

And yet again there was the stocky and yet gay Flora Brandt, a decidedly low class American type of coarse and yet enticing features, black hair, large, swimming and heavily-lashed black eyes, a snub nose and full and sensuous and yet pretty lips, and a vigorous and not ungraceful body, who, from day to day, once he had been there a little while, had continued to look at him as if to sayвБ†вАФвАЬWhat! You donвАЩt think IвАЩm attractive?вАЭ and with a look which said: вАЬHow can you continue to ignore me? There are lots of fellows who would be delighted to have your chance, I can tell you.вАЭ + 

And, in connection with these three, the thought came to him after a time that since they were so different, more common as he thought, less well-guarded and less sharply interested in the conventional aspects of their contacts, it might be possible and that without detection on the part of anyone for him to play with one or another of themвБ†вАФor all three in turn if his interest should eventually carry him so farвБ†вАФwithout being found out, particularly if beforehand he chose to impress on them the fact that he was condescending when he noticed them at all. Most certainly, if he could judge by their actions, they would willingly reward him by letting him have his way with them somewhere, and think nothing of it afterward if he chose to ignore them, as he must to keep his position here. Nevertheless, having given his word as he had to Gilbert Griffiths, he was still in no mood to break it. These were merely thoughts which from time to time were aroused in him by a situation which for him was difficult in the extreme. His was a disposition easily and often intensely inflamed by the chemistry of sex and the formula of beauty. He could not easily withstand the appeal, let alone the call, of sex. And by the actions and approaches of each in turn he was surely tempted at times, especially in these warm and languorous summer days, with no place to go and no single intimate to commune with. From time to time he could not resist drawing near to these very girls who were most bent on tempting him, although in the face of their looks and nudges, not very successfully concealed at times, he maintained an aloofness and an assumed indifference which was quite remarkable for him. + 

But just about this time there was a rush of orders, which necessitated, as both Whiggam and Liggett advised, Clyde taking on a few extra вАЬtryoutвАЭ girls who were willing to work for the very little they could earn at the current piece work rate until they had mastered the technique, when of course they would be able to earn more. There were many such who applied at the employment branch of the main office on the ground floor. In slack times all applications were rejected or the sign hung up вАЬNo Help Wanted.вАЭ + 

And since Clyde was relatively new to this work, and thus far had neither hired nor discharged anyone, it was agreed between Whiggam and Liggett that all the help thus sent up should first be examined by Liggett, who was looking for extra stitchers also. And in case any were found who promised to be satisfactory as stampers, they were to be turned over to Clyde with the suggestion that he try them. Only before bringing anyone back to Clyde, Liggett was very careful to explain that in connection with this temporary hiring and discharging there was a system. One must not ever give a new employee, however well they did, the feeling that they were doing anything but moderately well until their capacity had been thoroughly tested. It interfered with their proper development as piece workers, the greatest results that could be obtained by any one person. Also one might freely take on as many girls as were needed to meet any such situation, and then, once the rush was over, as freely drop themвБ†вАФunless, occasionally, a very speedy worker was found among the novices. In that case it was always advisable to try to retain such a person, either by displacing a less satisfactory person or transferring someone from some other department, to make room for new blood and new energy. + 

The next day, after this notice of a rush, back came four girls at different times and escorted always by Liggett, who in each instance explained to Clyde: вАЬHereвАЩs a girl who might do for you. Miss Tyndal is her name. You might give her a tryout.вАЭ Or, вАЬYou might see if this girl will be of any use to you.вАЭ And Clyde, after he had questioned them as to where they had worked, what the nature of the general working experiences were, and whether they lived at home here in Lycurgus or alone (the bachelor girl was not much wanted by the factory) would explain the nature of the work and pay, and then call Miss Todd, who in her turn would first take them to the rest room where were lockers for their coats, and then to one of the tables where they would be shown what the process was. And later it was Miss ToddвАЩs and ClydeвАЩs business to discover how well they were getting on and whether it was worth while to retain them or not. + 

Up to this time, apart from the girls to whom he was so definitely drawn, Clyde was not so very favorably impressed with the type of girl who was working here. For the most part, as he saw them, they were of a heavy and rather unintelligent company, and he had been thinking that smarter-looking girls might possibly be secured. Why not? Were there none in Lycurgus in the factory world? So many of these had fat hands, broad faces, heavy legs and ankles. Some of them even spoke with an accent, being Poles or the children of Poles, living in that slum north of the mill. And they were all concerned with catching a вАЬfeller,вАЭ going to some dancing place with him afterwards, and little more. Also, Clyde had noticed that the American types who were here were of a decidedly different texture, thinner, more nervous and for the most part more angular, and with a general reserve due to prejudices, racial, moral and religious, which would not permit them to mingle with these others or with any men, apparently. + 

But among the extras or tryouts that were brought to him during this and several succeeding days, finally came one who interested Clyde more than any girl whom he had seen here so far. She was, as he decided on sight, more intelligent and pleasingвБ†вАФmore spiritualвБ†вАФthough apparently not less vigorous, if more gracefully proportioned. As a matter of fact, as he saw her at first, she appeared to him to possess a charm which no one else in this room had, a certain wistfulness and wonder combined with a kind of self-reliant courage and determination which marked her at once as one possessed of will and conviction to a degree. Nevertheless, as she said, she was inexperienced in this kind of work, and highly uncertain as to whether she would prove of service here or anywhere. + 

Her name was Roberta Alden, and, as she at once explained, previous to this she had been working in a small hosiery factory in a town called Trippetts Mills fifty miles north of Lycurgus. She had on a small brown hat that did not look any too new, and was pulled low over a face that was small and regular and pretty and that was haloed by bright, light brown hair. Her eyes were of a translucent gray blue. Her little suit was commonplace, and her shoes were not so very new-looking and quite solidly-soled. She looked practical and serious and yet so bright and clean and willing and possessed of so much hope and vigor that along with Liggett, who had first talked with her, he was at once taken with her. Distinctly she was above the average of the girls in this room. And he could not help wondering about her as he talked to her, for she seemed so tense, a little troubled as to the outcome of this interview, as though this was a very great adventure for her. + 

She explained that up to this time she had been living with her parents near a town called Biltz, but was now living with friends here. She talked so honestly and simply that Clyde was very much moved by her, and for this reason wished to help her. At the same time he wondered if she were not really above the type of work she was seeking. Her eyes were so round and blue and intelligentвБ†вАФher lips and nose and ears and hands so small and pleasing. + 

вАЬYouвАЩre going to live in Lycurgus, then, if you can get work here?вАЭ he said, more to be talking to her than anything else. + 

вАЬYes,вАЭ she said, looking at him most directly and frankly. + 

вАЬAnd the name again?вАЭ He took down a record pad. + 

вАЬRoberta Alden.вАЭ + 

вАЬAnd your address here?вАЭ + 

вАЬ228 Taylor Street.вАЭ + 

вАЬI donвАЩt even know where that is myself,вАЭ he informed her because he liked talking to her. вАЬI havenвАЩt been here so very long, you see.вАЭ He wondered just why afterwards he had chosen to tell her as much about himself so swiftly. Then he added: вАЬI donвАЩt know whether Mr.¬†Liggett has told you all about the work here. But itвАЩs piece work, you know, stamping collars. IвАЩll show you if youвАЩll just step over here,вАЭ and he led the way to a nearby table where the stampers were. After letting her observe how it was done, and without calling Miss Todd, he picked up one of the collars and proceeded to explain all that had been previously explained to him. + 

At the same time, because of the intentness with which she observed him and his gestures, the seriousness with which she appeared to take all that he said, he felt a little nervous and embarrassed. There was something quite searching and penetrating about her glance. After he had explained once more what the bundle rate was, and how much some made and how little others, and she had agreed that she would like to try, he called Miss Todd, who took her to the locker room to hang up her hat and coat. Then presently he saw her returning, a fluff of light hair about her forehead, her cheeks slightly flushed, her eyes very intent and serious. And as advised by Miss Todd, he saw her turn back her sleeves, revealing a pretty pair of forearms. Then she fell to, and by her gestures Clyde guessed that she would prove both speedy and accurate. For she seemed most anxious to obtain and keep this place. + 

After she had worked a little while, he went to her side and watched her as she picked up and stamped the collars piled beside her and threw them to one side. Also the speed and accuracy with which she did it. Then, because for a second she turned and looked at him, giving him an innocent and yet cheerful and courageous smile, he smiled back, most pleased. + 

вАЬWell, I guess youвАЩll make out all right,вАЭ he ventured to say, since he could not help feeling that she would. And instantly, for a second only, she turned and smiled again. And Clyde, in spite of himself, was quite thrilled. He liked her on the instant, but because of his own station here, of course, as he now decided, as well as his promise to Gilbert, he must be careful about being congenial with any of the help in this roomвБ†вАФeven as charming a girl as this. It would not do. He had been guarding himself in connection with the others and must with her too, a thing which seemed a little strange to him then, for he was very much drawn to her. She was so pretty and cute. Yet she was a working girl, as he remembered now, tooвБ†вАФa factory girl, as Gilbert would say, and he was her superior. But she was so pretty and cute. + 

Instantly he went on to others who had been put on this same day, and finally coming to Miss Todd asked her to report pretty soon on how Miss Alden was getting alongвБ†вАФthat he wanted to know. + 

But at the same time that he had addressed Roberta, and she had smiled back at him, Ruza Nikoforitch, who was working two tables away, nudged the girl working next her, and without anyone noting it, first winked, then indicated with a slight movement of the head both Clyde and Roberta. Her friend was to watch them. And after Clyde had gone away and Roberta was working as before, she leaned over and whispered: вАЬHe says sheвАЩll do already.вАЭ Then she lifted her eyebrows and compressed her lips. And her friend replied, so softly that no one could hear her: вАЬPretty quick, eh? And he didnвАЩt seem to see anyone else at all before.вАЭ + 

Then the twain smiled most wisely, a choice bit between them. Ruza Nikoforitch was jealous. + 

XIII + 

The reasons why a girl of RobertaвАЩs type should be seeking employment with Griffiths and Company at this time and in this capacity are of some point. For, somewhat after the fashion of Clyde in relation to his family and his life, she too considered her life a great disappointment. She was the daughter of Titus Alden, a farmerвБ†вАФof near Biltz, a small town in Mimico County, some fifty miles north. And from her youth up she had seen little but poverty. Her fatherвБ†вАФthe youngest of three sons of Ephraim Alden, a farmer in this region before himвБ†вАФwas so unsuccessful that at forty-eight he was still living in a house which, though old and much in need of repair at the time his father willed it to him, was now bordering upon a state of dilapidation. The house itself, while primarily a charming example of that excellent taste which produced those delightful gabled homes which embellish the average New England town and street, had been by now so reduced for want of paint, shingles, and certain flags which had once made a winding walk from a road gate to the front door, that it presented a decidedly melancholy aspect to the world, as though it might be coughing and saying: вАЬWell, things are none too satisfactory with me.вАЭ + 

The interior of the house corresponded with the exterior. The floor boards and stair boards were loose and creaked most eerily at times. Some of the windows had shadesвБ†вАФsome did not. Furniture of both an earlier and a later date, but all in a somewhat decayed condition, intermingled and furnished it in some nondescript manner which need hardly be described. + 

As for the parents of Roberta, they were excellent examples of that native type of Americanism which resists facts and reveres illusion. Titus Alden was one of that vast company of individuals who are born, pass through and die out of the world without ever quite getting any one thing straight. They appear, blunder, and end in a fog. Like his two brothers, both older and almost as nebulous, Titus was a farmer solely because his father had been a farmer. And he was here on this farm because it had been willed to him and because it was easier to stay here and try to work this than it was to go elsewhere. He was a Republican because his father before him was a Republican and because this county was Republican. It never occurred to him to be otherwise. And, as in the case of his politics and his religion, he had borrowed all his notions of what was right and wrong from those about him. A single, serious, intelligent or rightly informing book had never been read by any member of this familyвБ†вАФnot one. But they were nevertheless excellent, as conventions, morals and religions goвБ†вАФhonest, upright, God-fearing and respectable. + 

In so far as the daughter of these parents was concerned, and in the face of natural gifts which fitted her for something better than this world from which she derived, she was still, in part, at least, a reflection of the religious and moral notions there and then prevailingвБ†вАФthe views of the local ministers and the laity in general. At the same time, because of a warm, imaginative, sensuous temperament, she was filledвБ†вАФonce she reached fifteen and sixteenвБ†вАФwith the world-old dream of all of EveвАЩs daughters from the homeliest to the fairestвБ†вАФthat her beauty or charm might some day and ere long smite bewitchingly and so irresistibly the soul of a given man or men. + 

So it was that although throughout her infancy and girlhood she was compelled to hear of and share a depriving and toilsome poverty, still, because of her innate imagination, she was always thinking of something better. Maybe, some day, who knew, a larger city like Albany or Utica! A newer and greater life. + 

And then what dreams! And in the orchard of a spring day later, between her fourteenth and eighteenth years when the early May sun was making pink lamps of every aged tree and the ground was pinkly carpeted with the falling and odorous petals, she would stand and breathe and sometimes laugh, or even sigh, her arms upreached or thrown wide to life. To be alive! To have youth and the world before one. To think of the eyes and the smile of some youth of the region who by the merest chance had passed her and looked, and who might never look again, but who, nevertheless, in so doing, had stirred her young soul to dreams. + 

None the less she was shy, and hence recessiveвБ†вАФafraid of men, especially the more ordinary types common to this region. And these in turn, repulsed by her shyness and refinement, tended to recede from her, for all of her physical charm, which was too delicate for this region. Nevertheless, at the age of sixteen, having repaired to Biltz, in order to work in ApplemanвАЩs Dry Goods Store for five dollars a week, she saw many young men who attracted her. But here because of her mood in regard to her familyвАЩs position, as well as the fact that to her inexperienced eyes they appeared so much better placed than herself, she was convinced that they would not be interested in her. And here again it was her own mood that succeeded in alienating them almost completely. Nevertheless she remained working for Mr.¬†Appleman until she was between eighteen and nineteen, all the while sensing that she was really doing nothing for herself because she was too closely identified with her home and her family, who appeared to need her. + 

And then about this time, an almost revolutionary thing for this part of the world occurred. For because of the cheapness of labor in such an extremely rural section, a small hosiery plant was built at Trippetts Mills. And though Roberta, because of the views and standards that prevailed hereabout, had somehow conceived of this type of work as beneath her, still she was fascinated by the reports of the high wages to be paid. Accordingly she repaired to Trippetts Mills, where, boarding at the house of a neighbor who had previously lived in Biltz, and returning home every Saturday afternoon, she planned to bring together the means for some further form of practical educationвБ†вАФa course at a business college at Homer or Lycurgus or somewhere which might fit her for something betterвБ†вАФbookkeeping or stenography. + 

And in connection with this dream and this attempted saving two years went by. And in the meanwhile, although she earned more money (eventually twelve dollars a week), still, because various members of her family required so many little things and she desired to alleviate to a degree the privations of these others from which she suffered, nearly all that she earned went to them. + 

And again here, as at Biltz, most of the youths of the town who were better suited to her intellectually and temperamentallyвБ†вАФstill looked upon the mere factory type as beneath them in many ways. And although Roberta was far from being that type, still having associated herself with them she was inclined to absorb some of their psychology in regard to themselves. Indeed by then she was fairly well satisfied that no one of these here in whom she was interested would be interested in herвБ†вАФat least not with any legitimate intentions. + 

And then two things occurred which caused her to think, not only seriously of marriage, but of her own future, whether she married or not. For her sister, Agnes, now twenty, and three years her junior, having recently reencountered a young schoolmaster who some time before had conducted the district school near the Alden farm, and finding him more to her taste now than when she had been in school, had decided to marry him. And this meant, as Roberta saw it, that she was about to take on the appearance of a spinster unless she married soon. Yet she did not quite see what was to be done until the hosiery factory at Trippetts Mills suddenly closed, never to reopen. And then, in order to assist her mother, as well as help with her sisterвАЩs wedding, she returned to Biltz. + 

But then there came a third thing which decidedly affected her dreams and plans. Grace Marr, a girl whom she had met at Trippetts Mills, had gone to Lycurgus and after a few weeks there had managed to connect herself with the Finchley Vacuum Cleaner Company at a salary of fifteen dollars a week and at once wrote to Roberta telling her of the opportunities that were then present in Lycurgus. For in passing the Griffiths Company, which she did daily, she had seen a large sign posted over the east employment door reading вАЬGirls Wanted.вАЭ And inquiry revealed the fact that girls at this company were always started at nine or ten dollars, quickly taught some one of the various phases of piece work and then, once they were proficient, were frequently able to earn as much as from fourteen to sixteen dollars, according to their skill. And since board and room were only consuming seven of what she earned, she was delighted to communicate to Roberta, whom she liked very much, that she might come and room with her if she wished. + 

Roberta, having reached the place where she felt that she could no longer endure farm life but must act for herself once more, finally arranged with her mother to leave in order that she might help her more directly with her wages. + 

But once in Lycurgus and employed by Clyde, her life, after the first flush of self-interest which a change so great implied for her, was not so much more enlarged socially or materially either, for that matter, over what it had been in Biltz and Trippetts Mills. For, despite the genial intimacy of Grace MarrвБ†вАФa girl not nearly as attractive as Roberta, and who, because of RobertaвАЩs charm and for the most part affected gayety, counted on her to provide a cheer and companionship which otherwise she would have lackedвБ†вАФstill the world into which she was inducted here was scarcely any more liberal or diversified than that from which she sprang. + 

For, to begin with, the Newtons, sister and brother-in-law of Grace Marr, with whom she lived, and who, despite the fact that they were not unkindly, proved to be, almost more so than were the types with whom, either in Biltz or Trippets Mills, she had been in constant contact, the most ordinary small town mill workersвБ†вАФreligious and narrow to a degree. George Newton, as everyone could see and feel, was a pleasant if not very emotional or romantic person who took his various small plans in regard to himself and his future as of the utmost importance. Primarily he was saving what little cash he could out of the wages he earned as threadman in the Cranston Wickwire factory to enable him to embark upon some business for which he thought himself fitted. And to this end, and to further enhance his meager savings, he had joined with his wife in the scheme of taking over an old house in Taylor Street which permitted the renting of enough rooms to carry the rent and in addition to supply the food for the family and five boarders, counting their labor and worries in the process as nothing. And on the other hand, Grace Marr, as well as NewtonвАЩs wife, Mary, were of that type that here as elsewhere find the bulk of their social satisfaction in such small matters as relate to the organization of a small home, the establishing of its import and integrity in a petty and highly conventional neighborhood and the contemplation of life and conduct through the lens furnished by a purely sectarian creed. + 

And so, once part and parcel of this particular household, Roberta found after a time, that it, if not Lycurgus, was narrow and restrictedвБ†вАФnot wholly unlike the various narrow and restricted homes at Biltz. And these lines, according to the Newtons and their like, to be strictly observed. No good could come of breaking them. If you were a factory employee you should accommodate yourself to the world and customs of the better sort of Christian factory employees. Every day thereforeвБ†вАФand that not so very long after she had arrivedвБ†вАФshe found herself up and making the best of a not very satisfactory breakfast in the Newton dining room, which was usually shared by Grace and two other girls of nearly their own ageвБ†вАФOpal Feliss and Olive PopeвБ†вАФwho were connected with the Cranston Wickwire Company. Also by a young electrician by the name of Fred Shurlock, who worked for the City Lighting Plant. And immediately after breakfast joining a long procession that day after day at this hour made for the mills across the river. For just outside her own door she invariably met with a company of factory girls and women, boys and men, of the same relative ages, to say nothing of many old and weary-looking women who looked more like wraiths than human beings, who had issued from the various streets and houses of this vicinity. And as the crowd, because of the general inpour into it from various streets, thickened at Central Avenue, there was much ogling of the prettier girls by a certain type of factory man, who, not knowing any of them, still sought, as Roberta saw it, unlicensed contacts and even worse. Yet there was much giggling and simpering on the part of girls of a certain type who were by no means as severe as most of those she had known elsewhere. Shocking! + 

And at night the same throng, reforming at the mills, crossing the bridge at the depot and returning as it had come. And Roberta, because of her social and moral training and mood, and in spite of her decided looks and charm and strong desires, feeling alone and neglected. Oh, how sad to see the world so gay and she so lonely. And it was always after six when she reached home. And after dinner there was really nothing much of anything to do unless she and Grace attended one or another of the moving picture theaters or she could bring herself to consent to join the Newtons and Grace at a meeting of the Methodist Church. + 

None the less once part and parcel of this household and working for Clyde she was delighted with the change. This big city. This fine Central Avenue with its stores and moving picture theaters. These great mills. And again this Mr.¬†Griffiths, so young, attractive, smiling and interested in her. + 

XIV + 

In the same way Clyde, on encountering her, was greatly stirred. Since the abortive contact with Dillard, Rita and Zella, and afterwards the seemingly meaningless invitation to the Griffiths with its introduction to and yet only passing glimpse of such personages as Bella, Sondra Finchley and Bertine Cranston, he was lonely indeed. That high world! But plainly he was not to be allowed to share in it. And yet because of his vain hope in connection with it, he had chosen to cut himself off in this way. And to what end? Was he not if anything more lonely than ever? Mrs.¬†Peyton! Going to and from his work but merely nodding to people or talking casuallyвБ†вАФor however sociably with one or another of the storekeepers along Central Avenue who chose to hail himвБ†вАФor even some of the factory girls here in whom he was not interested or with whom he did not dare to develop a friendship. What was that? Just nothing really. And yet as an offset to all this, of course, was he not a Griffiths and so entitled to their respect and reverence even on this account? What a situation really! What to do! + 

And at the same time, this Roberta Alden, once she was placed here in this fashion and becoming more familiar with local conditions, as well as the standing of Clyde, his charm, his evasive and yet sensible interest in her, was becoming troubled as to her state too. For once part and parcel of this local home she had joined she was becoming conscious of various local taboos and restrictions which made it seem likely that never at any time here would it be possible to express an interest in Clyde or anyone above her officially. For there was a local taboo in regard to factory girls aspiring toward or allowing themselves to become interested in their official superiors. Religious, moral and reserved girls didnвАЩt do it. And again, as she soon discovered, the line of demarcation and stratification between the rich and the poor in Lycurgus was as sharp as though cut by a knife or divided by a high wall. And another taboo in regard to all the foreign family girls and menвБ†вАФignorant, low, immoral, un-American! One shouldвБ†вАФabove allвБ†вАФhave nothing to do with them. + 

But among these people as she could seeвБ†вАФthe religious and moral, lower middle-class group to which she and all of her intimates belongedвБ†вАФdancing or local adventurous gayety, such as walking the streets or going to a moving picture theaterвБ†вАФwas also taboo. And yet she, herself, at this time, was becoming interested in dancing. Worse than this, the various young men and girls of the particular church which she and Grace Marr attended at first, were not inclined to see Roberta or Grace as equals, since they, for the most part, were members of older and more successful families of the town. And so it was that after a very few weeks of attendance of church affairs and services, they were about where they had been when they startedвБ†вАФconventional and acceptable, but without the amount of entertainment and diversion which was normally reaching those who were of their same church but better placed. + 

And so it was that Roberta, after encountering Clyde and sensing the superior world in which she imagined he moved, and being so taken with the charm of his personality, was seized with the very virus of ambition and unrest that afflicted him. And every day that she went to the factory now she could not help but feel that his eyes were upon her in a quiet, seeking and yet doubtful way. Yet she also felt that he was too uncertain as to what she would think of any overture that he might make in her direction to risk a repulse or any offensive interpretation on her part. And yet at times, after the first two weeks of her stay here, she wishing that he would speak to herвБ†вАФthat he would make some beginningвБ†вАФat other times that he must not dareвБ†вАФthat it would be dreadful and impossible. The other girls there would see at once. And since they all plainly felt that he was too good or too remote for them, they would at once note that he was making an exception in her case and would put their own interpretation on it. And she knew the type of a girl who worked in the Griffiths stamping room would put but one interpretation on itвБ†вАФthat of looseness. + 

At the same time in so far as Clyde and his leaning toward her was concerned there was that rule laid down by Gilbert. And although, because of it, he had hitherto appeared not to notice or to give any more attention to one girl than another, still, once Roberta arrived, he was almost unconsciously inclined to drift by her table and pause in her vicinity to see how she was progressing. And, as he saw from the first, she was a quick and intelligent worker, soon mastering without much advice of any kind all the tricks of the work, and thereafter earning about as much as any of the othersвБ†вАФfifteen dollars a week. And her manner was always that of one who enjoyed it and was happy to have the privilege of working here. And pleased to have him pay any little attention to her. + 

At the same time he noted to his surprise and especially since to him she seemed so refined and different, a certain exuberance and gayety that was not only emotional, but in a delicate poetic way, sensual. Also that despite her difference and reserve she was able to make friends with and seemed to be able to understand the viewpoint of most of the foreign girls who were essentially so different from her. For, listening to her discuss the work here, first with Lena Schlict, Hoda Petkanas, Angelina Pitti and some others who soon chose to speak to her, he reached the conclusion that she was not nearly so conventional or standoffish as most of the other American girls. And yet she did not appear to lose their respect either. + 

Thus, one noontime, coming back from the office lunch downstairs a little earlier than usual, he found her and several of the foreign-family girls, as well as four of the American girls, surrounding Polish Mary, one of the gayest and roughest of the foreign-family girls, who was explaining in rather a high key how a certain вАЬfellerвАЭ whom she had met the night before had given her a beaded bag, and for what purpose. + 

вАЬI should go with heem to be his sweetheart,вАЭ she announced with a flourish, the while she waved the bag before the interested group. вАЬAnd I say, I tack heem anвАЩ think on heem. Pretty nice bag, eh?вАЭ she added, holding it aloft and turning it about. вАЬTell me,вАЭ she added with provoking and yet probably only mock serious eyes and waving the bag toward Roberta, вАЬwhat shall I do with heem? Keep heem anвАЩ go with heem to be his sweetheart or give heem back? I like heem pretty much, that bag, you bet.вАЭ + 

And although, according to the laws of her upbringing, as Clyde suspected, Roberta should have been shocked by all this, she was not, as he noticedвБ†вАФfar from it. If one might have judged from her face, she was very much amused. + 

Instantly she replied with a gay smile: вАЬWell, it all depends on how handsome he is, Mary. If heвАЩs very attractive, I think IвАЩd string him along for a while, anyhow, and keep the bag as long as I could.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, but he no wait,вАЭ declared Mary archly, and with plainly a keen sense of the riskiness of the situation, the while she winked at Clyde who had drawn near. вАЬI got to give heem bag or be sweetheart tonight, and so swell bag I never can buy myself.вАЭ She eyed the bag archly and roguishly, her own nose crinkling with the humor of the situation. вАЬWhat I do then?вАЭ + 

вАЬGee, this is pretty strong stuff for a little country girl like Miss Alden. She wonвАЩt like this, maybe,вАЭ thought Clyde to himself. + 

However, Roberta, as he now saw, appeared to be equal to the situation, for she pretended to be troubled. вАЬGee, you are in a fix,вАЭ she commented. вАЬI donвАЩt know what youвАЩll do now.вАЭ She opened her eyes wide and pretended to be greatly concerned. However, as Clyde could see, she was merely acting, but carrying it off very well. + 

And frizzled-haired Dutch Lena now leaned over to say: вАЬI take it and him too, you bet, if you donвАЩt want him. Where is he? I got no feller now.вАЭ She reached over as if to take the bag from Mary, who as quickly withdrew it. And there were squeals of delight from nearly all the girls in the room, who were amused by this eccentric horseplay. Even Roberta laughed loudly, a fact which Clyde noted with pleasure, for he liked all this rough humor, considering it mere innocent play. + 

вАЬWell, maybe youвАЩre right, Lena,вАЭ he heard her add just as the whistle blew and the hundreds of sewing machines in the next room began to hum. вАЬA good man isnвАЩt to be found every day.вАЭ Her blue eyes were twinkling and her lips, which were most temptingly modeled, were parted in a broad smile. There was much banter and more bluff in what she said than anything else, as Clyde could see, but he felt that she was not nearly as narrow as he had feared. She was human and gay and tolerant and good-natured. There was decidedly a very liberal measure of play in her. And in spite of the fact that her clothes were poor, the same little round brown hat and blue cloth dress that she had worn on first coming to work here, she was prettier than anyone else. And she never needed to paint her lips and cheeks like the foreign girls, whose faces at times looked like pink-frosted cakes. And how pretty were her arms and neckвБ†вАФplump and gracefully designed! And there was a certain grace and abandon about her as she threw herself into her work as though she really enjoyed it. As she worked fast during the hottest portions of the day, there would gather on her upper lip and chin and forehead little beads of perspiration which she was always pausing in her work to touch with her handkerchief, while to him, like jewels, they seemed only to enhance her charm. + 

Wonderful days, these, now for Clyde. For once more and here, where he could be near her the long day through, he had a girl whom he could study and admire and by degrees proceed to crave with all of the desire of which he seemed to be capableвБ†вАФand with which he had craved Hortense BriggsвБ†вАФonly with more satisfaction, since as he saw it she was simpler, more kindly and respectable. And though for quite a while at first Roberta appeared or pretended to be quite indifferent to or unconscious of him, still from the very first this was not true. She was only troubled as to the appropriate attitude for her. The beauty of his face and handsвБ†вАФthe blackness and softness of his hair, the darkness and melancholy and lure of his eyes. He was attractiveвБ†вАФoh, very. Beautiful, really, to her. + 

And then one day shortly thereafter, Gilbert Griffiths walking through here and stopping to talk to Clyde, she was led to imagine by this that Clyde was really much more of a figure socially and financially than she had previously thought. For just as Gilbert was approaching, Lena Schlict, who was working beside her, leaned over to say: вАЬHere comes Mr.¬†Gilbert Griffiths. His father owns this whole factory and when he dies, heвАЩll get it, they say. And heвАЩs his cousin,вАЭ she added, nodding toward Clyde. вАЬThey look a lot alike, donвАЩt they?вАЭ + 

вАЬYes, they do,вАЭ replied Roberta, slyly studying not only Clyde but Gilbert, вАЬonly I think Mr.¬†Clyde Griffiths is a little nicer looking, donвАЩt you?вАЭ + 

Hoda Petkanas, sitting on the other side of Roberta and overhearing this last remark, laughed. вАЬThatвАЩs what everyone here thinks. HeвАЩs not stuck up like that Mr.¬†Gilbert Griffiths, either.вАЭ + 

вАЬIs he rich, too?вАЭ inquired Roberta, thinking of Clyde. + 

вАЬI donвАЩt know. They say not,вАЭ she pursed her lips dubiously, herself rather interested in Clyde along with the others. вАЬHe worked down in the shrinking room before he came up here. He was just working by the day, I guess. But he only came on here a little while ago to learn the business. Maybe he wonвАЩt work in here much longer.вАЭ + 

Roberta was suddenly troubled by this last remark. She had not been thinking, or so she had been trying to tell herself, of Clyde in any romantic way, and yet the thought that he might suddenly go at any moment, never to be seen by her any more, disturbed her now. He was so youthful, so brisk, so attractive. And so interested in her, too. Yes, that was plain. It was wrong to think that he would be interested in herвБ†вАФor to try to attract him by any least gesture of hers, since he was so important a person hereвБ†вАФfar above her. + 

For, true to her complex, the moment she heard that Clyde was so highly connected and might even have money, she was not so sure that he could have any legitimate interest in her. For was she not a poor working girl? And was he not a very rich manвАЩs nephew? He would not marry her, of course. And what other legitimate thing would he want with her? She must be on her guard in regard to him. + 

XV + 

The thoughts of Clyde at this time in regard to Roberta and his general situation in Lycurgus were for the most part confused and disturbing. For had not Gilbert warned him against associating with the help here? On the other hand, in so far as his actual daily life was concerned, his condition was socially the same as before. Apart from the fact that his move to Mrs.¬†PeytonвАЩs had taken him into a better street and neighborhood, he was really not so well off as he had been at Mrs.¬†CuppyвАЩs. For there at least he had been in touch with those young people who would have been diverting enough had he felt that it would have been wise to indulge them. But now, aside from a bachelor brother who was as old as Mrs.¬†Peyton herself, and a son thirtyвБ†вАФslim and reserved, who was connected with one of the Lycurgus banksвБ†вАФhe saw no one who could or would trouble to entertain him. Like the others with whom he came in contact, they thought him possessed of relationships which would make it unnecessary and even a bit presumptuous for them to suggest ways and means of entertaining him. + 

On the other hand, while Roberta was not of that high world to which he now aspired, still there was that about her which enticed him beyond measure. Day after day and because so much alone, and furthermore because of so strong a chemic or temperamental pull that was so definitely asserting itself, he could no longer keep his eyes off herвБ†вАФor she hers from him. There were evasive and yet strained and feverish eye-flashes between them. And after one such in his caseвБ†вАФa quick and furtive glance on her part at timesвБ†вАФby no means intended to be seen by him, he found himself weak and then feverish. Her pretty mouth, her lovely big eyes, her radiant and yet so often shy and evasive smile. And, oh, she had such pretty armsвБ†вАФsuch a trim, lithe, sentient, quick figure and movements. If he only dared be friendly with herвБ†вАФventure to talk with and then see her somewhere afterwardsвБ†вАФif she only would and if he only dared. + 

Confusion. Aspiration. Hours of burning and yearning. For indeed he was not only puzzled but irritated by the anomalous and paradoxical contrasts which his life here presentedвБ†вАФloneliness and wistfulness as against the fact that it was being generally assumed by such as knew him that he was rather pleasantly and interestingly employed socially. + 

Therefore in order to enjoy himself in some way befitting his present rank, and to keep out of the sight of those who were imagining that he was being so much more handsomely entertained than he was, he had been more recently, on Saturday afternoons and Sundays, making idle sightseeing trips to Gloversville, Fonda, Amsterdam and other places, as well as Gray and Crum Lakes, where there were boats, beaches and bathhouses, with bathing suits for rent. And there, because he was always thinking that if by chance he should be taken up by the Griffiths, he would need as many social accomplishments as possible, and by reason of encountering a man who took a fancy to him and who could both swim and dive, he learned to do both exceedingly well. But canoeing fascinated him really. He was pleased by the picturesque and summery appearance he made in an outing shirt and canvas shoes paddling about Crum Lake in one of the bright red or green or blue canoes that were leased by the hour. And at such times these summer scenes appeared to possess an airy, fairy quality, especially with a summer cloud or two hanging high above in the blue. And so his mind indulged itself in day dreams as to how it would feel to be a member of one of the wealthy groups that frequented the more noted resorts of the northвБ†вАФRacquette LakeвБ†вАФSchroon LakeвБ†вАФLake George and ChamplainвБ†вАФdance, golf, tennis, canoe with those who could afford to go to such placesвБ†вАФthe rich of Lycurgus. + 

But it was about this time that Roberta with her friend Grace found Crum Lake and had decided on it, with the approval of Mr.¬†and Mrs.¬†Newton, as one of the best and most reserved of all the smaller watering places about here. And so it was that they, too, were already given to riding out to the pavilion on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, and once there following the west shore along which ran a well-worn footpath which led to clumps of trees, underneath which they sat and looked at the water, for neither could row a boat or swim. Also there were wild flowers and berry bushes to be plundered. And from certain marshy spots, to be reached by venturing out for a score of feet or more, it was possible to reach and take white lilies with their delicate yellow hearts. They were decidedly tempting and on two occasions already the marauders had brought Mrs.¬†Newton large armfuls of blooms from the fields and shore line here. + 

On the third Sunday afternoon in July, Clyde, as lonely and rebellious as ever, was paddling about in a dark blue canoe along the south bank of the lake about a mile and a half from the boathouse. His coat and hat were off, and in a seeking and half resentful mood he was imagining vain things in regard to the type of life he would really like to lead. At different points on the lake in canoes, or their more clumsy companions, the rowboats, were boys and girls, men and women. And over the water occasionally would come their laughter or bits of their conversation. And in the distance would be other canoes and other dreamers, happily in love, as Clyde invariably decided, that being to him the sharpest contrast to his own lorn state. + 

At any rate, the sight of any other youth thus romantically engaged with his girl was sufficient to set dissonantly jangling the repressed and protesting libido of his nature. And this would cause his mind to paint another picture in which, had fortune favored him in the first place by birth, he would now be in some canoe on Schroon or Racquette or Champlain Lake with Sondra Finchley or some such girl, paddling and looking at the shores of a scene more distingu√© than this. Or might he not be riding or playing tennis, or in the evening dancing or racing from place to place in some high-powered car, Sondra by his side? He felt so out of it, so lonely and restless and tortured by all that he saw here, for everywhere that he looked he seemed to see love, romance, contentment. What to do? Where to go? He could not go on alone like this forever. He was too miserable. + 

In memory as well as mood his mind went back to the few gay happy days he had enjoyed in Kansas City before that dreadful accidentвБ†вАФRatterer, Hegglund, Higby, Tina Kogel, Hortense, RattererвАЩs sister LouiseвБ†вАФin short, the gay company of which he was just beginning to be a part when that terrible accident had occurred. And next to Dillard, Rita, ZellaвБ†вАФa companionship that would have been better than this, certainly. Were the Griffiths never going to do any more for him than this? Had he only come here to be sneered at by his cousin, pushed aside, or rather completely ignored by all the bright company of which the children of his rich uncle were a part? And so plainly, from so many interesting incidents, even now in this dead summertime, he could see how privileged and relaxed and apparently decidedly happy were those of that circle. Notices in the local papers almost every day as to their coming and going here and there, the large and expensive cars of Samuel as well as Gilbert Griffiths parked outside the main office entrance on such days as they were in LycurgusвБ†вАФan occasional group of young society figures to be seen before the grill of the Lycurgus Hotel, or before one of the fine homes in Wykeagy Avenue, someone having returned to the city for an hour or a night. + 

And in the factory itself, whenever either was thereвБ†вАФGilbert or SamuelвБ†вАФin the smartest of summer clothes and attended by either Messrs. Smillie, Latch, Gotboy or Burkey, all high officials of the company, making a most austere and even regal round of the immense plant and consulting with or listening to the reports of the various minor department heads. And yet here was heвБ†вАФa full cousin to this same Gilbert, a nephew to this distinguished SamuelвБ†вАФbeing left to drift and pine by himself, and for no other reason than, as he could now clearly see, he was not good enough. His father was not as able as this, his great uncleвБ†вАФhis mother (might Heaven keep her) not as distinguished or as experienced as his cold, superior, indifferent aunt. Might it not be best to leave? Had he not made a foolish move, after all, in coming on here? What, if anything, did these high relatives ever intend to do for him? + 

In loneliness and resentment and disappointment, his mind now wandered from the Griffiths and their world, and particularly that beautiful Sondra Finchley, whom he recalled with a keen and biting thrill, to Roberta and the world which she as well as he was occupying here. For although a poor factory girl, she was still so much more attractive than any of these other girls with whom he was every day in contact. + 

How unfair and ridiculous for the Griffiths to insist that a man in his position should not associate with a girl such as Roberta, for instance, and just because she worked in the mill. He might not even make friends with her and bring her to some such lake as this or visit her in her little home on account of that. And yet he could not go with others more worthy of him, perhaps, for lack of means or contacts. And besides she was so attractiveвБ†вАФveryвБ†вАФand especially enticing to him. He could see her now as she worked with her swift, graceful movements at her machine. Her shapely arms and hands, her smooth skin and her bright eyes as she smiled up at him. And his thoughts were played over by exactly the same emotions that swept him so regularly at the factory. For poor or notвБ†вАФa working girl by misfortune onlyвБ†вАФhe could see how he could be very happy with her if only he did not need to marry her. For now his ambitions toward marriage had been firmly magnetized by the world to which the Griffiths belonged. And yet his desires were most colorfully inflamed by her, if only he might venture to talk to her moreвБ†вАФto walk home with her some day from the millвБ†вАФto bring her out here to this lake on a Saturday or Sunday, and row aboutвБ†вАФjust to idle and dream with her. + 

He rounded a point studded with a clump of trees and bushes and covering a shallow where were scores of water lilies afloat, their large leaves resting flat upon the still water of the lake. And on the bank to the left was a girl standing and looking at them. She had her hat off and one hand to her eyes for she was facing the sun and was looking down in the water. Her lips were parted in careless inquiry. She was very pretty, he thought, as he paused in his paddling to look at her. The sleeves of a pale blue waist came only to her elbows. And a darker blue skirt of flannel reconveyed to him the trimness of her figure. It wasnвАЩt Roberta! It couldnвАЩt be! Yes, it was! + 

Almost before he had decided, he was quite beside her, some twenty feet from the shore, and was looking up at her, his face lit by the radiance of one who had suddenly, and beyond his belief, realized a dream. And as though he were a pleasant apparition suddenly evoked out of nothing and nowhere, a poetic effort taking form out of smoke or vibrant energy, she in turn stood staring down at him, her lips unable to resist the wavy line of beauty that a happy mood always brought to them. + 

вАЬMy, Miss Alden! It is you, isnвАЩt it?вАЭ he called. вАЬI was wondering whether it was. I couldnвАЩt be sure from out there.вАЭ + 

вАЬWhy, yes it is,вАЭ she laughed, puzzled, and again just the least bit abashed by the reality of him. For in spite of her obvious pleasure at seeing him again, only thinly repressed for the first moment or two, she was on the instant beginning to be troubled by her thoughts in regard to himвБ†вАФthe difficulties that contact with him seemed to prognosticate. For this meant contact and friendship, maybe, and she was no longer in any mood to resist him, whatever people might think. And yet here was her friend, Grace Marr. Would she want her to know of Clyde and her interest in him? She was troubled. And yet she could not resist smiling and looking at him in a frank and welcoming way. She had been thinking of him so much and wishing for him in some happy, secure, commendable way. And now here he was. And there could be nothing more innocent than his presence hereвБ†вАФnor hers. + 

вАЬJust out for a walk?вАЭ he forced himself to say, although, because of his delight and his fear of her really, he felt not a little embarrassed now that she was directly before him. At the same time he added, recalling that she had been looking so intently at the water: вАЬYou want some of these water lilies? Is that what youвАЩre looking for?вАЭ + 

вАЬUh, huh,вАЭ she replied, still smiling and looking directly at him, for the sight of his dark hair blown by the wind, the pale blue outing shirt he wore open at the neck, his sleeves rolled up and the yellow paddle held by him above the handsome blue boat, quite thrilled her. If only she could win such a youth for her very own selfвБ†вАФjust hers and no one elseвАЩs in the whole world. It seemed as though this would be paradiseвБ†вАФthat if she could have him she would never want anything else in all the world. And here at her very feet he sat now in this bright canoe on this clear July afternoon in this summery worldвБ†вАФso new and pleasing to her. And now he was laughing up at her so directly and admiringly. Her girl friend was far in the rear somewhere looking for daisies. Could she? Should she? + 

вАЬI was seeing if there was any way to get out to any of them,вАЭ she continued a little nervously, a tremor almost revealing itself in her voice. вАЬI havenвАЩt seen any before just here on this side.вАЭ + 

вАЬIвАЩll get you all you want,вАЭ he exclaimed briskly and gayly. вАЬYou just stay where you are. IвАЩll bring them.вАЭ But then, bethinking him of how much more lovely it would be if she were to get in with him, he added: вАЬBut see hereвБ†вАФwhy donвАЩt you get in here with me? ThereвАЩs plenty of room and I can take you anywhere you want to go. ThereвАЩs lots nicer lilies up the lake here a little way and on the other side too. I saw hundreds of them over there just beyond that island.вАЭ + 

Roberta looked. And as she did, another canoe paddled by, holding a youth of about ClydeвАЩs years and a girl no older than herself. She wore a white dress and a pink hat and the canoe was green. And far across the water at the point of the very island about which Clyde was talking was another canoeвБ†вАФbright yellow with a boy and a girl in that. She was thinking she would like to get in without her companion, if possibleвБ†вАФwith her, if need be. She wanted so much to have him all to herself. If she had only come out here alone. For if Grace Marr were included, she would know and later talk, maybe, or think, if she heard anything else in regard to them ever. And yet if she did not, there was the fear that he might not like her any moreвБ†вАФmight even come to dislike her or give up being interested in her, and that would be dreadful. + 

She stood staring and thinking, and Clyde, troubled and pained by her doubt on this occasion and his own loneliness and desire for her, suddenly called: вАЬOh, please donвАЩt say no. Just get in, wonвАЩt you? YouвАЩll like it. I want you to. Then we can find all the lilies you want. I can let you out anywhere you want to get outвБ†вАФin ten minutes if you want to.вАЭ + 

She marked the вАЬI want you to.вАЭ It soothed and strengthened her. He had no desire to take any advantage of her as she could see. + 

вАЬBut I have my friend with me here,вАЭ she exclaimed almost sadly and dubiously, for she still wanted to go aloneвБ†вАФnever in her life had she wanted anyone less than Grace Marr at this moment. Why had she brought her? She wasnвАЩt so very pretty and Clyde might not like her, and that might spoil the occasion. вАЬBesides,вАЭ she added almost in the same breath and with many thoughts fighting her, вАЬmaybe IвАЩd better not. Is it safe?вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, yes, maybe you better had,вАЭ laughed Clyde seeing that she was yielding. вАЬItвАЩs perfectly safe,вАЭ he added eagerly. Then maneuvering the canoe next to the bank, which was a foot above the water, and laying hold of a root to hold it still, he said: вАЬOf course you wonвАЩt be in any danger. Call your friend then, if you want to, and IвАЩll row the two of you. ThereвАЩs room for two and there are lots of water lilies everywhere over there.вАЭ He nodded toward the east side of the lake. + 

Roberta could no longer resist and seized an overhanging branch by which to steady herself. At the same time she began to call: вАЬOh, Gray-ace! Gray-ace! Where are you?вАЭ for she had at last decided that it was best to include her. + 

A far-off voice as quickly answered: вАЬHello-o! What do you want?вАЭ + 

вАЬCome up here. Come on. I got something I want to tell you.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, no, you come on down here. The daisies are just wonderful.вАЭ + 

вАЬNo, you come on up here. ThereвАЩs someone here that wants to take us boating.вАЭ She intended to call this loudly, but somehow her voice failed and her friend went on gathering flowers. Roberta frowned. She did not know just what to do. вАЬOh, very well, then,вАЭ she suddenly decided, and straightening up added: вАЬWe can row down to where she is, I guess.вАЭ + 

And Clyde, delighted, exclaimed: вАЬOh, thatвАЩs just fine. Sure. Do get in. WeвАЩll pick these here first and then if she hasnвАЩt come, IвАЩll paddle down nearer to where she is. Just step square in the center and that will balance it.вАЭ + 

He was leaning back and looking up at her and Roberta was looking nervously and yet warmly into his eyes. Actually it was as though she were suddenly diffused with joy, enveloped in a rosy mist. + 

She balanced one foot. вАЬWill it be perfectly safe?вАЭ + 

вАЬSure, sure,вАЭ emphasized Clyde. вАЬIвАЩll hold it safe. Just take hold of that branch there and steady yourself by that.вАЭ He held the boat very still as she stepped. Then, as the canoe careened slightly to one side, she dropped to the cushioned seat with a little cry. It was like that of a baby to Clyde. + 

вАЬItвАЩs all right,вАЭ he reassured her. вАЬJust sit in the center there. It wonвАЩt tip over. Gee, but this is funny. I canвАЩt make it out quite. You know just as I was coming around that point I was thinking of youвБ†вАФhow maybe you might like to come out to a place like this sometime. And now here you are and here I am, and it all happened just like that.вАЭ He waved his hand and snapped his fingers. + 

And Roberta, fascinated by this confession and yet a little frightened by it, added: вАЬIs that so?вАЭ She was thinking of her own thoughts in regard to him. + 

вАЬYes, and whatвАЩs more,вАЭ added Clyde, вАЬIвАЩve been thinking of you all day, really. ThatвАЩs the truth. I was wishing I might see you somewhere this morning and bring you out here.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, now, Mr.¬†Griffiths. You know you donвАЩt mean that,вАЭ pleaded Roberta, fearful lest this sudden contact should take too intimate and sentimental a turn too quickly. She scarcely liked that because she was afraid of him and herself, and now she looked at him, trying to appear a little cold or at least disinterested, but it was a very weak effort. + 

вАЬThatвАЩs the truth, though, just the same,вАЭ insisted Clyde. + 

вАЬWell, I think it is beautiful myself,вАЭ admitted Roberta. вАЬIвАЩve been out here, too, several times now. My friend and I.вАЭ Clyde was once more delighted. She was smiling now and full of wonder. + 

вАЬOh, have you?вАЭ he exclaimed, and there was more talk as to why he liked to come out and how he had learned to swim here. вАЬAnd to think I turned in here and there you were on the bank, looking at those water lilies. WasnвАЩt that queer? I almost fell out of the boat. I donвАЩt think I ever saw you look as pretty as you did just now standing there.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, now, Mr.¬†Griffiths,вАЭ again pleaded Roberta cautiously. вАЬYou mustnвАЩt begin that way. IвАЩll be afraid youвАЩre a dreadful flatterer. IвАЩll have to think you are if you say anything like that so quickly.вАЭ + 

Clyde once more gazed at her weakly, and she smiled because she thought he was more handsome than ever. But what would he think, she added to herself, if she were to tell him that just before he came around that point she was thinking of him too, and wishing that he were there with her, and not Grace. And how they might sit and talk, and hold hands perhaps. He might even put his arms around her waist, and she might let him. That would be terrible, as some people here would see it, she knew. And it would never do for him to know thatвБ†вАФnever. That would be too intimateвБ†вАФtoo bold. But just the same it was so. Yet what would these people here in Lycurgus think of her and him now if they should see her, letting him paddle her about in this canoe! He a factory manager and she an employee in his department. The conclusion! The scandal, maybe, even. And yet Grace Marr was alongвБ†вАФor soon would be. And she could explain to herвБ†вАФsurely. He was out rowing and knew her, and why shouldnвАЩt he help her get some lilies if he wanted to? It was almost unavoidableвБ†вАФthis present situation, wasnвАЩt it? + 

Already Clyde had maneuvered the canoe around so that they were now among the water lilies. And as he talked, having laid his paddle aside, he had been reaching over and pulling them up, tossing them with their long, wet stems at her feet as she lay reclining in the seat, one hand over the side of the canoe in the water, as she had seen other girls holding theirs. And for the moment her thoughts were allayed and modified by the beauty of his head and arms and the tousled hair that now fell over his eyes. How handsome he was! + 

XVI + 

The outcome of that afternoon was so wonderful for both that for days thereafter neither could cease thinking about it or marveling that anything so romantic and charming should have brought them together so intimately when both were considering that it was not wise for either to know the other any better than employee and superior. + 

After a few moments of badinage in the boat in which he had talked about the beauty of the lilies and how glad he was to get them for her, they picked up her friend, Grace, and eventually returned to the boathouse. + 

Once on the land again there developed not a little hesitation on her part as well as his as to how farther to proceed, for they were confronted by the problem of returning into Lycurgus together. As Roberta saw it, it would not look right and might create talk. And on his part, he was thinking of Gilbert and other people he knew. The trouble that might come of it. What Gilbert would say if he did hear. And so both he and she, as well as Grace, were dubious on the instant about the wisdom of riding back together. GraceвАЩs own reputation, as well as the fact that she knew Clyde was not interested in her, piqued her. And Roberta, realizing this from her manner, said: вАЬWhat do you think we had better do, excuse ourselves?вАЭ + 

At once Roberta tried to think just how they could extricate themselves gracefully without offending Clyde. Personally she was so enchanted that had she been alone she would have preferred to have ridden back with him. But with Grace here and in this cautious mood, never. She must think up some excuse. + 

And at the same time, Clyde was wondering just how he was to do nowвБ†вАФride in with them and brazenly face the possibility of being seen by someone who might carry the news to Gilbert Griffiths or evade doing so on some pretext or other. He could think of none, however, and was about to turn and accompany them to the car when the young electrician, Shurlock, who lived in the Newton household and who had been on the balcony of the pavilion, hailed them. He was with a friend who had a small car, and they were ready to return to the city. + 

вАЬWell, hereвАЩs luck,вАЭ he exclaimed. вАЬHow are you, Miss Alden? How do you do, Miss Marr? You two donвАЩt happen to be going our way, do you? If you are, we can take you in with us.вАЭ + 

Not only Roberta but Clyde heard. And at once she was about to say that, since it was a little late and she and Grace were scheduled to attend church services with the Newtons, it would be more convenient for them to return this way. She was, however, half hoping that Shurlock would invite Clyde and that he would accept. But on his doing so, Clyde instantly refused. He explained that he had decided to stay out a little while longer. And so Roberta left him with a look that conveyed clearly enough the gratitude and delight she felt. They had had such a good time. And he in turn, in spite of many qualms as to the wisdom of all this, fell to brooding on how sad it was that just he and Roberta might not have remained here for hours longer. And immediately after they had gone, he returned to the city alone. + 

The next morning he was keener than ever to see Roberta again. And although the peculiarly exposed nature of the work at the factory made it impossible for him to demonstrate his feelings, still by the swift and admiring and seeking smiles that played over his face and blazed in his eyes, she knew that he was as enthusiastic, if not more so, as on the night before. And on her part, although she felt that a crisis of some sort was impending, and in spite of the necessity of a form of secrecy which she resented, she could not refrain from giving him a warm and quite yielding glance in return. The wonder of his being interested in her! The wonder and the thrill! + 

Clyde decided at once that his attentions were still welcome. Also that he might risk saying something to her, supposing that a suitable opportunity offered. And so, after waiting an hour and seeing two fellow workers leave from either side of her, he seized the occasion to drift near and to pick up one of the collars she had just stamped, saying, as though talking about that: вАЬI was awfully sorry to have to leave you last night. I wish we were out there again today instead of here, just you and me, donвАЩt you?вАЭ + 

Roberta turned, conscious that now was the time to decide whether she would encourage or discourage any attention on his part. At the same time she was almost faintingly eager to accept his attentions regardless of the problem in connection with them. His eyes! His hair! His hands! And then instead of rebuking or chilling him in any way, she only looked, but with eyes too weak and melting to mean anything less than yielding and uncertainty. Clyde saw that she was hopelessly and helplessly drawn to him, as indeed he was to her. On the instant he was resolved to say something more, when he could, as to where they could meet when no one was along, for it was plain that she was no more anxious to be observed than he was. He well knew more sharply today than ever before that he was treading on dangerous ground. + 

He began to make mistakes in his calculations, to feel that, with her so near him, he was by no means concentrating on the various tasks before him. She was too enticing, too compelling in so many ways to him. There was something so warm and gay and welcome about her that he felt that if he could persuade her to love him he would be among the most fortunate of men. Yet there was that rule, and although on the lake the day before he had been deciding that his position here was by no means as satisfactory as it should be, still with Roberta in it, as now it seemed she well might be, would it not be much more delightful for him to stay? Could he not, for the time being at least, endure the further indifference of the Griffiths? And who knows, might they not yet become interested in him as a suitable social figure if only he did nothing to offend them? And yet here he was attempting to do exactly the thing he had been forbidden to do. What kind of an injunction was this, anyhow, wherewith Gilbert had enjoined him? If he could come to some understanding with her, perhaps she would meet him in some clandestine way and thus obviate all possibility of criticism. + 

It was thus that Clyde, seated at his desk or walking about, was thinking. For now his mind, even in the face of his duties, was almost entirely engaged by her, and he could think of nothing else. He had decided to suggest that they meet for the first time, if she would, in a small park which was just west of the first outlying resort on the Mohawk. But throughout the day, so close to each other did the girls work, he had no opportunity to communicate with her. Indeed noontime came and he went below to his lunch, returning a little early in the hope of finding her sufficiently detached to permit him to whisper that he wished to see her somewhere. But she was surrounded by others at the time and so the entire afternoon went by without a single opportunity. + 

However, as he was going out, he bethought him that if he should chance to meet her alone somewhere in the street, he would venture to speak to her. For she wanted him toвБ†вАФthat he knew, regardless of what she might say at any time. And he must find some way that would appear as accidental and hence as innocent to her as to others. But as the whistle blew and she left the building she was joined by another girl, and he was left to think of some other way. + 

That same evening, however, instead of lingering about the Peyton house or going to a moving picture theater, as he so often did now, or walking alone somewhere in order to allay his unrest and loneliness, he chose now instead to seek out the home of Roberta on Taylor Street. It was not a pleasing house, as he now decided, not nearly so attractive as Mrs.¬†CuppyвАЩs or the house in which he now dwelt. It was too old and brown, the neighborhood too nondescript, if conservative. But the lights in different rooms glowing at this early hour gave it a friendly and genial look. And the few trees in front were pleasant. What was Roberta doing now? Why couldnвАЩt she have waited for him in the factory? Why couldnвАЩt she sense now that he was outside and come out? He wished intensely that in some way he could make her feel that he was out here, and so cause her to come out. But she didnвАЩt. On the contrary, he observed Mr.¬†Shurlock issue forth and disappear toward Central Avenue. And, after that, pedestrian after pedestrian making their way out of different houses along the street and toward Central, which caused him to walk briskly about the block in order to avoid being seen. At the same time he sighed often, because it was such a fine nightвБ†вАФa full moon rising about nine-thirty and hanging heavy and yellow over the chimney tops. He was so lonely. + 

But at ten, the moon becoming too bright, and no Roberta appearing, he decided to leave. It was not wise to be hanging about here. But the night being so fine he resented the thought of his room and instead walked up and down Wykeagy Avenue, looking at the fine houses thereвБ†вАФhis uncle SamuelвАЩs among them. Now, all their occupants were away at their summer places. The houses were dark. And Sondra Finchley and Bertine Cranston and all that companyвБ†вАФwhat were they doing on a night like this? Where dancing? Where speeding? Where loving? It was so hard to be poor, not to have money and position and to be able to do in life exactly as you wished. + 

And the next morning, more eager than usual, he was out of Mrs.¬†PeytonвАЩs by six-forty-five, anxious to find some way of renewing his attentions to Roberta. For there was that crowd of factory workers that proceeded north along Central Avenue. And she would be a unit in it, of course, at about 7:10. But his trip to the factory was fruitless. For, after swallowing a cup of coffee at one of the small restaurants near the post-office and walking the length of Central Avenue toward the mill, and pausing at a cigar store to see if Roberta should by any chance come along alone, he was rewarded by the sight of her with Grace Marr again. What a wretched, crazy world this was, he at once decided, and how difficult it was in this miserable town for anyone to meet anyone else alone. Everyone, nearly, knew everyone else. Besides, Roberta knew that he was trying to get a chance to talk to her. Why shouldnвАЩt she walk alone then? He had looked at her enough yesterday. And yet here she was walking with Grace Marr and appeared seemingly contented. What was the matter with her anyhow? + 

By the time he reached the factory he was very sour. But the sight of Roberta taking her place at her bench and tossing him a genial вАЬgood morningвАЭ with a cheerful smile, caused him to feel better and that all was not lost. + 

It was three oвАЩclock in the afternoon and a lull due to the afternoon heat, the fag of steadily continued work, and the flare of reflected light from the river outside was over all. The tap, tap, tap of metal stamps upon scores of collars at onceвБ†вАФnearly always slightly audible above the hum and whirr of the sewing machines beyond was, if anything, weaker than usual. And there was Ruza Nikoforitch, Hoda Petkanas, Martha Bordaloue, Angelina Pitti and Lena Schlict, all joining in a song called вАЬSweetheartsвАЭ which someone had started. And Roberta, perpetually conscious of ClydeвАЩs eyes, as well as his mood, was thinking how long it would be before he would come around with some word in regard to something. For she wished him toвБ†вАФand because of his whispered words of the day before, she was sure that it would not be long, because he would not be able to resist it. His eyes the night before had told her that. Yet because of the impediments of this situation she knew that he must be having a difficult time thinking of any way by which he could say anything to her. And still at certain moments she was glad, for there were such moments when she felt she needed the security which the presence of so many girls gave her. + 

And as she thought of all this, stamping at her desk along with the others, she suddenly discovered that a bundle of collars which she had already stamped as sixteens were not of that size but smaller. She looked at it quickly and nervously, then decided that there was but one thing to doвБ†вАФlay the bundle aside and await comment from one of the foremen, including Clyde, or take it directly to him nowвБ†вАФreally the better way, because it prevented any of the foremen seeing it before he did. That was what all the girls did when they made mistakes of any kind. And all trained girls were supposed to catch all possible errors of that kind. + 

And yet now and in the face of all her very urgent desires she hesitated, for this would take her direct to Clyde and give him the opportunity he was seeking. But, more terrifying, it was giving her the opportunity she was seeking. She wavered between loyalty to Clyde as a superintendent, loyalty to her old conventions as opposed to her new and dominating desire and her repressed wish to have Clyde speak to herвБ†вАФthen went over with the bundle and laid it on his desk. But her hands, as she did so, trembled. Her face was whiteвБ†вАФher throat taut. At the moment, as it chanced, he was almost vainly trying to calculate the scores of the different girls from the stubs laid before him, and was having a hard time of it because his mind was not on what he was doing. And then he looked up. And there was Roberta bending toward him. His nerves became very taut, his throat and lips, dry, for here and now was his opportunity. And, as he could see, Roberta was almost suffocating from the strain which her daring and self-deception was putting upon her nerves and heart. + 

вАЬThereвАЩs been a distakeвАЭ (she meant to say mistake) вАЬin regard to this bundle upstairs,вАЭ she began. вАЬI didnвАЩt notice it either until IвАЩd stamped nearly all of them. TheyвАЩre fifteen-and-a-half and IвАЩve stamped nearly all of them sixteen. IвАЩm sorry.вАЭ + 

Clyde noticed, as she said this, that she was trying to smile a little and appear calm, but her cheeks were quite blanched and her hands, particularly the one that held the bundle, trembled. On the instant he realized that although loyalty and order were bringing her with this mistake to him, still there was more than that to it. In a weak, frightened, and yet love-driven way, she was courting him, giving him the opportunity he was seeking, wishing him to take advantage of it. And he, embarrassed and shaken for the moment by this sudden visitation, was still heartened and hardened into a kind of effrontery and gallantry such as he had not felt as yet in regard to her. She was seeking himвБ†вАФthat was plain. She was interested, and clever enough to make the occasion which permitted him to speak. Wonderful! The sweetness of her daring. + 

вАЬOh, thatвАЩs all right,вАЭ he said, pretending a courage and a daring in regard to her which he did not feel even now. вАЬIвАЩll just send them down to the wash room and then weвАЩll see if we canвАЩt restamp them. ItвАЩs not our mistake, really.вАЭ + 

He smiled most warmly and she met his look with a repressed smile of her own, already turning and fearing that she had manifested too clearly what had brought her. + 

вАЬBut donвАЩt go,вАЭ he added quickly. вАЬI want to ask you something. IвАЩve been trying to get a word with you ever since Sunday. I want you to meet me somewhere, will you? ThereвАЩs a rule here that says a head of a department canвАЩt have anything to do with a girl who works for himвБ†вАФoutside I mean. But I want you to see me just the same, wonвАЩt you? You know,вАЭ and he smiled winsomely and coaxingly into her eyes, вАЬIвАЩve been just nearly crazy over you ever since you came in here and Sunday made it worse. And now IвАЩm not going to let any old rule come between me and you, if I can help it. Will you?вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, I donвАЩt know whether I can do that or not,вАЭ replied Roberta, who, now that she had succeeded in accomplishing what she had wished, was becoming terrorized by her own daring. She began looking around nervously and feeling that every eye in the room must be upon her. вАЬI live with Mr.¬†and Mrs.¬†Newton, my friendвАЩs sister and brother-in-law, you know, and theyвАЩre very strict. It isnвАЩt the same as ifвБ†вАФвАЭ She was going to add вАЬI was home,вАЭ but Clyde interrupted her. + 

вАЬOh, now please donвАЩt say no, will you? Please donвАЩt. I want to see you. I donвАЩt want to cause you any trouble, thatвАЩs all. Otherwise IвАЩd be glad to come round to your house. You know how it is.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, no, you mustnвАЩt do that,вАЭ cautioned Roberta. вАЬNot yet anyhow.вАЭ She was so confused that quite unconsciously she was giving Clyde to understand that she was expecting him to come around some time later. + 

вАЬWell,вАЭ smiled Clyde, who could see that she was yielding in part. вАЬWe could just walk out near the end of some street hereвБ†вАФthat street you live in, if you wish. There are no houses out there. Or thereвАЩs a little parkвБ†вАФMohawkвБ†вАФjust west of Dreamland on the Mohawk Street line. ItвАЩs right on the river. You might come out there. I could meet you where the car stops. Will you do that?вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, IвАЩd be afraid to do that I thinkвБ†вАФgo so far, I mean. I never did anything like that before.вАЭ She looked so innocent and frank as she said this that Clyde was quite carried away by the sweetness of her. And to think he was making a clandestine appointment with her. вАЬIвАЩm almost afraid to go anywhere here alone, you know. People talk so here, they say, and someone would be sure to see me. ButвБ†вАФвАЭ + 

вАЬYes, but what?вАЭ + 

вАЬIвАЩm afraid IвАЩm staying too long at your desk here, donвАЩt you think?вАЭ She actually gasped as she said it. And Clyde realizing the openness of it, although there was really nothing very unusual about it, now spoke quickly and forcefully. + 

вАЬWell, then, how about the end of that street you live in? CouldnвАЩt you come down there for just a little while tonightвБ†вАФa half hour or so, maybe?вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, I couldnвАЩt make it tonight, I thinkвБ†вАФnot so soon. IвАЩll have to see first, you know. Arrange, that is. But another day.вАЭ She was so excited and troubled by this great adventure of hers that her face, like ClydeвАЩs at times, changed from a half smile to a half frown without her realizing that it was registering these changes. + 

вАЬWell, then, how about Wednesday night at eight-thirty or nine? CouldnвАЩt you do that? Please, now.вАЭ + 

Roberta considered most sweetly, nervously. Clyde was enormously fascinated by her manner at the moment, for she looked around, conscious, or so she seemed, that she was being observed and that her stay here for a first visit was very long. + 

вАЬI suppose IвАЩd better be going back to my work now,вАЭ she replied without really answering him. + 

вАЬWait a minute,вАЭ pled Clyde. вАЬWe havenвАЩt fixed on the time for Wednesday. ArenвАЩt you going to meet me? Make it nine or eight-thirty, or any time you want to. IвАЩll be there waiting for you after eight if you wish. Will you?вАЭ + 

вАЬAll right, then, say eight-thirty or between eight-thirty and nine, if I can. Is that all right? IвАЩll come if I can, you know, and if anything does happen IвАЩll tell you the next morning, you see.вАЭ She flushed and then looked around once more, a foolish, flustered look, then hurried back to her bench, fairly tingling from head to toe, and looking as guilty as though she had been caught red-handed in some dreadful crime. And Clyde at his desk was almost choking with excitement. The wonder of her agreeing, of his talking to her like that, of her venturing to make a date with him at all here in Lycurgus, where he was so well-known! Thrilling! + 

For her part, she was thinking how wonderful it would be just to walk and talk with him in the moonlight, to feel the pressure of his arm and hear his soft appealing voice. + 

XVII + 

It was quite dark when Roberta stole out on Wednesday night to meet Clyde. But before that what qualms and meditations in the face of her willingness and her agreement to do so. For not only was it difficult for her to overcome her own mental scruples within, but in addition there was all the trouble in connection with the commonplace and religious and narrow atmosphere in which she found herself imbedded at the NewtonsвАЩ. For since coming here she had scarcely gone anywhere without Grace Marr. Besides on this occasionвБ†вАФa thing she had forgotten in talking to ClydeвБ†вАФshe had agreed to go with the Newtons and Grace to the Gideon Baptist Church, where a Wednesday prayer meeting was to be followed by a social with games, cake, tea and ice cream. + 

In consequence she was troubled severely as to how to manage, until it came back to her that a day or two before Mr.¬†Liggett, in noting how rapid and efficient she was, had observed that at any time she wanted to learn one phase of the stitching operations going on in the next room, he would have her taken in hand by Mrs.¬†Braley, who would teach her. And now that ClydeвАЩs invitation and this church affair fell on the same night, she decided to say that she had an appointment with Mrs.¬†Braley at her home. Only, as she also decided, she would wait until just before dinner Wednesday and then say that Mrs.¬†Braley had invited her to come to her house. Then she could see Clyde. And by the time the Newtons and Grace returned she could be back. Oh, how it would feel to have him talk to herвБ†вАФsay again as he did in the boat that he never had seen anyone look so pretty as she did standing on the bank and looking for water lilies. Many, many thoughtsвБ†вАФvague, dreadful, colorful, came to herвБ†вАФhow and where they might goвБ†вАФbeвБ†вАФdoвБ†вАФfrom now on, if only she could arrange to be friends with him without harm to her or him. If need be, she now decided, she could resign from the factory and get a place somewhere elseвБ†вАФa change which would absolve Clyde from any responsibility in regard to her. + 

There was, however, another mental as well as emotional phase in regard to all this and that related to her clothes. For since coming to Lycurgus she had learned that the more intelligent girls here dressed better than did those about Biltz and Trippetts Mills. At the same time she had been sending a fair portion of her money to her motherвБ†вАФsufficient to have equipped her exceptionally well, as she now realized, had she retained it. But now that Clyde was swaying her so greatly she was troubled about her looks, and on the evening after her conversation with him at the mill, she had gone through her small wardrobe, fixing upon a soft blue hat which Clyde had not yet seen, together with a checkered blue and white flannel skirt and a pair of white canvas shoes purchased the previous summer at Biltz. Her plan was to wait until the Newtons and Grace had departed for church and then swiftly dress and leave. + 

At eight-thirty, when night had finally fallen, she went east along Taylor to Central Avenue, then by a circuitous route made her way west again to the trysting place. And Clyde was already there. Against an old wooden fence that enclosed a five-acre cornfield, he was leaning and looking back toward the interesting little city, the lights in so many of the homes of which were aglow through the trees. The air was laden with spicesвБ†вАФthe mingled fragrance of many grasses and flowers. There was a light wind stirring in the long swords of the corn at his backвБ†вАФin the leaves of the trees overhead. And there were starsвБ†вАФthe Big Dipper and the Little Dipper and the Milky WayвБ†вАФsidereal phenomena which his mother had pointed out to him long ago. + 

And he was thinking how different was his position here to what it had been in Kansas City. There he had been so nervous in regard to Hortense Briggs or any girl, reallyвБ†вАФafraid almost to say a word to any of them. Whereas here, and especially since he had had charge of this stamping room, he had seemed to become aware of the fact that he was more attractive than he had ever thought he was before. Also that the girls were attracted to him and that he was not so much afraid of them. The eyes of Roberta herself showed him this day how much she was drawn to him. She was his girl. And when she came, he would put his arms around her and kiss her. And she would not be able to resist him. + 

He stood listening, dreaming and watching, the rustling corn behind him stirring an old recollection in him, when suddenly he saw her coming. She looked trim and brisk and yet nervous, and paused at the street end and looked about like a frightened and cautious animal. At once Clyde hurried forward toward her and called softly: вАЬHello. Gee, itвАЩs nice to have you meet me. Did you have any trouble?вАЭ He was thinking how much more pleasing she was than either Hortense Briggs or Rita Dickerman, the one so calculating, the other so sensually free and indiscriminate. + 

вАЬDid I have any trouble? Oh, didnвАЩt I though?вАЭ And at once she plunged into a full and picturesque account, not only of the mistake in regard to the NewtonsвАЩ church night and her engagement with them, but of a determination on the part of Grace Marr not to go to the church social without her, and how she had to fib, oh, so terribly, about going over to Mrs.¬†BraleyвАЩs to learn to stitchвБ†вАФa Liggett-Roberta development of which Clyde had heard nothing so far and concerning which he was intensely curious, because at once it raised the thought that already Liggett might be intending to remove her from under his care. He proceeded to question her about that before he would let her go on with her story, an interest which Roberta noticed and because of which she was very pleased. + 

вАЬBut I canвАЩt stay very long, you know,вАЭ she explained briskly and warmly at the first opportunity, the while Clyde laid hold of her arm and turned toward the river, which was to the north and untenanted this far out. вАЬThe Baptist Church socials never last much beyond ten-thirty or eleven, and theyвАЩll be back soon. So IвАЩll have to manage to be back before they are.вАЭ + 

Then she gave many reasons why it would be unwise for her to be out after ten, reasons which annoyed yet convinced Clyde by their wisdom. He had been hoping to keep her out longer. But seeing that the time was to be brief, he was all the keener for a closer contact with her now, and fell to complimenting her on her pretty hat and cape and how becoming they were. At once he tried putting his arm about her waist, but feeling this to be a too swift advance she removed his arm, or tried to, saying in the softest and most coaxing voice вАЬNow, nowвБ†вАФthatвАЩs not nice, is it? CanвАЩt you just hold my arm or let me hold yours?вАЭ But he noted, once she persuaded him to disengage her waist, she took his arm in a clinging, snuggling embrace and measured her stride to his. On the instant he was thinking how natural and unaffected her manner was now that the ice between them had been broken. + 

And how she went on babbling! She liked Lycurgus, only she thought it was the most religious town she had ever been inвБ†вАФworse than Biltz or Trippetts Mills that way. And then she had to explain to Clyde what Biltz and Trippetts Mills were likeвБ†вАФand her homeвБ†вАФa very little, for she did not care to talk about that. And then back to the Newtons and Grace Marr and how they watched her every move. Clyde was thinking as she talked how different she was from Hortense Briggs or Rita, or any other girl he had ever knownвБ†вАФso much more simple and confidingвБ†вАФnot in any way mushy as was Rita, or brash or vain or pretentious, as was Hortense, and yet really as pretty and so much sweeter. He could not help thinking if she were smartly dressed how sweet she would be. And again he was wondering what she would think of him and his attitude toward Hortense in contrast to his attitude toward her now, if she knew. + 

вАЬYou know,вАЭ he said at the very first opportunity, вАЬIвАЩve been trying to talk to you ever since you came to work at the factory but you see how very watchful everyone is. TheyвАЩre the limit. They told me when I came up there that I mustnвАЩt interest myself in any girl working there and so I tried not to. But I just couldnвАЩt help this, could I?вАЭ He squeezed her arm affectionately, then stopped suddenly and, disengaging his arm from hers, put both his about her. вАЬYou know, Roberta, IвАЩm crazy about you. I really am. I think youвАЩre the dearest, sweetest thing. Oh, say! Do you mind my telling you? Ever since you showed up there, I havenвАЩt been able to sleep, nearly. YouвАЩve got such nice eyes and hair. Tonight you look just too cuteвБ†вАФlovely, I think. Oh, Roberta,вАЭ suddenly he caught her face between his two hands and kissed her, before really she could evade him. Then having done this he held her while she resisted him, although it was almost impossible for her to do so. Instead she felt as though she wanted to put her arms around him or have him hold her tight, and this mood in regard to him and herself puzzled and troubled her. It was awful. What would people thinkвБ†вАФsayвБ†вАФif they knew? She was a bad girl, really, and yet she wanted to be this wayвБ†вАФnear himвБ†вАФnow as never before. + 

вАЬOh, you mustnвАЩt, Mr.¬†Griffiths,вАЭ she pleaded. вАЬYou really mustnвАЩt, you know. Please. Someone might see us. I think I hear someone coming. Please, now.вАЭ She looked about quite frightened, apparently, while Clyde laughed ecstatically. Life had presented him a delicious sweet at last. вАЬYou know I never did anything like this before,вАЭ she went on. вАЬHonest, I didnвАЩt. Please. ItвАЩs only because you saidвБ†вАФвАЭ + 

Clyde was pressing her close, not saying anything in replyвБ†вАФhis pale face and dark hungry eyes held very close to hers. He kissed her again and again despite her protests, her little mouth and chin and cheeks seeming too beautifulвБ†вАФtoo irresistibleвБ†вАФthen murmured pleadingly, for he was too overcome to speak vigorously. + 

вАЬOh, Roberta, dearest, please, please, say that you love me. Please do! I know that you do, Roberta. I can tell. Please, tell me now. IвАЩm crazy about you. We have so little time.вАЭ + 

He kissed her again upon the cheek and mouth, and suddenly he felt her relax. She stood quite still and unresisting in his arms. He felt a wonder of somethingвБ†вАФhe could not tell what. All of a sudden he felt tears upon her face, her head sunk to his shoulder, and then he heard her say: вАЬYes, yes, yes. I do love you. Yes, yes. I do. I do.вАЭ + 

There was a sobвБ†вАФhalf of misery, half of delightвБ†вАФin her voice and Clyde caught that. He was so touched by her honesty and simplicity that tears sprang to his own eyes. вАЬItвАЩs all right, Roberta. ItвАЩs all right. Please donвАЩt cry. Oh, I think youвАЩre so sweet. I do. I do, Roberta.вАЭ + 

He looked up and before him in the east over the low roofs of the city was the thinnest, yellowest topmost arc of the rising July moon. It seemed at the moment as though life had given him allвБ†вАФallвБ†вАФthat he could possibly ask of it. + 

XVIII + 

The culmination of this meeting was but the prelude, as both Clyde and Roberta realized, to a series of contacts and rejoicings which were to extend over an indefinite period. They had found love. They were deliciously happy, whatever the problems attending its present realization might be. But the ways and means of continuing with it were a different matter. For not only was her connection with the Newtons a bar to any normal procedure in so far as Clyde was concerned, but Grace Marr herself offered a distinct and separate problem. Far more than Roberta she was chained, not only by the defect of poor looks, but by the narrow teachings and domestic training of her early social and religious life. Yet she wanted to be gay and free, too. And in Roberta, who, while gay and boastful at times, was still well within the conventions that chained Grace, she imagined that she saw one who was not so bound. And so it was that she clung to her closely and as Roberta saw it a little wearisomely. She imagined that they could exchange ideas and jests and confidences in regard to the love life and their respective dreams without injury to each other. And to date this was her one solace in an otherwise gray world. + 

But Roberta, even before the arrival of Clyde in her life, did not want to be so clung to. It was a bore. And afterwards she developed an inhibition in regard to him where Grace was concerned. For she not only knew that Grace would resent this sudden desertion, but also that she had no desire to face out within herself the sudden and revolutionary moods which now possessed her. Having at once met and loved him, she was afraid to think what, if anything, she proposed to permit herself to do in regard to him. Were not such contacts between the classes banned here? She knew they were. Hence she did not care to talk about him at all. + 

In consequence on Monday evening following the Sunday on the lake when Grace had inquired most gayly and familiarly after Clyde, Roberta had as instantly decided not to appear nearly as interested in him as Grace might already be imagining. Accordingly, she said little other than that he was very pleasant to her and had inquired after Grace, a remark which caused the latter to eye her slyly and to wonder if she were really telling what had happened since. вАЬHe was so very friendly I was beginning to think he was struck on you.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, what nonsense!вАЭ Roberta replied shrewdly, and a bit alarmed. вАЬWhy, he wouldnвАЩt look at me. Besides, thereвАЩs a rule of the company that doesnвАЩt permit him to, as long as I work there.вАЭ + 

This last, more than anything else, served to allay GraceвАЩs notions in regard to Clyde and Roberta, for she was of that conventional turn of mind which would scarcely permit her to think of anyone infringing upon a company rule. Nevertheless Roberta was nervous lest Grace should be associating her and Clyde in her mind in some clandestine way, and she decided to be doubly cautious in regard to ClydeвБ†вАФto feign a distance she did not feel. + 

But all this was preliminary to troubles and strains and fears which had nothing to do with what had gone before, but took their rise from difficulties which sprang up immediately afterwards. For once she had come to this complete emotional understanding with Clyde, she saw no way of meeting him except in this very clandestine way and that so very rarely and uncertainly that she could not say when there was likely to be another meeting. + 

вАЬYou see, itвАЩs this way,вАЭ she explained to Clyde when, a few evenings later, she had managed to steal out for an hour and they walked from the region at the end of Taylor Street down to the Mohawk, where were some open fields and a low bank rising above the pleasant river. вАЬThe Newtons never go any place much without inviting me. And even if they didnвАЩt, GraceвАЩd never go unless I went along. ItвАЩs just because we were together so much in Trippetts Mills that she feels that way, as though I were a part of the family. But now itвАЩs different, and yet I donвАЩt see how I am going to get out of it so soon. I donвАЩt know where to say IвАЩm going or whom I am going with.вАЭ + 

вАЬI know that, honey,вАЭ he replied softly and sweetly. вАЬThatвАЩs all true enough. But how is that going to help us now? You canвАЩt expect me to get along with just looking at you in the factory, either, can you?вАЭ + 

He gazed at her so solemnly and yearningly that she was moved by her sympathy for him, and in order to assuage his depression added: вАЬNo, I donвАЩt want you to do that, dear. You know I donвАЩt. But what am I to do?вАЭ She laid a soft and pleading hand on the back of one of ClydeвАЩs thin, long and nervous ones. + 

вАЬIвАЩll tell you what, though,вАЭ she went on after a period of reflection, вАЬI have a sister living in Homer, New York. ThatвАЩs about thirty-five miles north of here. I might say I was going up there some Saturday afternoon or Sunday. SheвАЩs been writing me to come up, but I hadnвАЩt thought of it before. But I might goвБ†вАФthat isвБ†вАФI mightвБ†вАФвАЭ + 

вАЬOh, why not do that?вАЭ exclaimed Clyde eagerly. вАЬThatвАЩs fine! A good idea!вАЭ + 

вАЬLet me see,вАЭ she added, ignoring his exclamation. вАЬIf I remember right you have to go to Fonda first, then change cars there. But I could leave here any time on the trolley and there are only two trains a day from Fonda, one at two, and one at seven on Saturday. So I might leave here any time before two, you see, and then if I didnвАЩt make the two oвАЩclock train, it would be all right, wouldnвАЩt it? I could go on the seven. And you could be over there, or meet me on the way, just so no one here saw us. Then I could go on and you could come back. I could arrange that with Agnes, IвАЩm sure. I would have to write her.вАЭ + 

вАЬHow about all the time between then and now, though?вАЭ he queried peevishly. вАЬItвАЩs a long time till then, you know.вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, IвАЩll have to see what I can think of, but IвАЩm not sure, dear. IвАЩll have to see. And you think too. But I ought to be going back now,вАЭ she added nervously. She at once arose, causing Clyde to rise, too, and consult his watch, thereby discovering that it was already near ten. + 

вАЬBut what about us!вАЭ he continued persistently. вАЬWhy couldnвАЩt you pretend next Sunday that youвАЩre going to some other church than yours and meet me somewhere instead? Would they have to know?вАЭ + 

At once Clyde noted RobertaвАЩs face darken slightly, for here he was encroaching upon something that was still too closely identified with her early youth and convictions to permit infringement. + 

вАЬHump, uh,вАЭ she replied quite solemnly. вАЬI wouldnвАЩt want to do that. I wouldnвАЩt feel right about it. And it wouldnвАЩt be right, either.вАЭ + 

Immediately Clyde sensed that he was treading on dangerous ground and withdrew the suggestion because he did not care to offend or frighten her in any way. вАЬOh, well. Just as you say. I only thought since you donвАЩt seem to be able to think of any other way.вАЭ + 

вАЬNo, no, dear,вАЭ she pleaded softly, because she noted that he felt that she might be offended. вАЬItвАЩs all right, only I wouldnвАЩt want to do that. I couldnвАЩt.вАЭ + 

Clyde shook his head. A recollection of his own youthful inhibitions caused him to feel that perhaps it was not right for him to have suggested it. + 

They returned in the direction of Taylor Street without, apart from the proposed trip to Fonda, either having hit upon any definite solution. Instead, after kissing her again and again and just before letting her go, the best he could suggest was that both were to try and think of some way by which they could meet before, if possible. And she, after throwing her arms about his neck for a moment, ran east along Taylor Street, her little figure swaying in the moonlight. + 

However, apart from another evening meeting which was made possible by RobertaвАЩs announcing a second engagement with Mrs.¬†Braley, there was no other encounter until the following Saturday when Roberta departed for Fonda. And Clyde, having ascertained the exact hour, left by the car ahead, and joined Roberta at the first station west. From that point on until evening, when she was compelled to take the seven oвАЩclock train, they were unspeakably happy together, loitering near the little city comparatively strange to both. + 

For outside of Fonda a few miles they came to a pleasure park called Starlight where, in addition to a few claptrap pleasure concessions such as a ring of captive aeroplanes, a Ferris wheel, a merry-go-round, an old mill and a dance floor, was a small lake with boats. It was after its fashion an idyllic spot with a little bandstand out on an island near the center of the lake and on the shore a grave and captive bear in a cage. Since coming to Lycurgus Roberta had not ventured to visit any of the rougher resorts near there, which were very much like this, only much more strident. On sight of this both exclaimed: вАЬOh, look!вАЭ And Clyde added at once: вАЬLetвАЩs get off here, will youвБ†вАФshall we? What do you say? WeвАЩre almost to Fonda anyhow. And we can have more fun here.вАЭ + 

At once they climbed down. And having disposed of her bag for the time being, he led the way first to the stand of a man who sold frankfurters. Then, since the merry-go-round was in full blast, nothing would do but that Roberta should ride with him. And in the gayest of moods, they climbed on, and he placed her on a zebra, and then stood close in order that he might keep his arm about her, and both try to catch the brass ring. And as commonplace and noisy and gaudy as it all was, the fact that at last he had her all to himself unseen, and she him, was sufficient to evoke in both a kind of ecstasy which was all out of proportion to the fragile, gimcrack scene. Round and round they spun on the noisy, grinding machine, surveying now a few idle pleasure seekers who were in boats upon the lake, now some who were flying round in the gaudy green and white captive aeroplanes or turning upward and then down in the suspended cages of the Ferris wheel. + 

Both looked at the woods and sky beyond the lake; the idlers and dancers in the dancing pavilion dreaming and thrilling, and then suddenly Clyde asked: вАЬYou dance, donвАЩt you, Roberta?вАЭ + 

вАЬWhy, no, I donвАЩt,вАЭ she replied, a little sadly, for at the very moment she had been looking at the happy dancers rather ruefully and thinking how unfortunate it was that she had never been allowed to dance. It might not be right or nice, perhapsвБ†вАФher own church said it was notвБ†вАФbut still, now that they were here and in love like thisвБ†вАФthese others looked so gay and happyвБ†вАФa pretty medley of colors moving round and round in the green and brown frameвБ†вАФit did not seem so bad to her. Why shouldnвАЩt people dance, anyway? Girls like herself and boys like Clyde? Her younger brother and sister, in spite of the views of her parents, were already declaring that when the opportunity offered, they were going to learn. + 

вАЬOh, isnвАЩt that too bad!вАЭ he exclaimed, thinking how delightful it would be to hold Roberta in his arms. вАЬWe could have such fun now if you could. I could teach you in a few minutes if you wanted me to.вАЭ + 

вАЬI donвАЩt know about that,вАЭ she replied quizzically, her eyes showing that his suggestion appealed to her. вАЬIвАЩm not so clever that way. And you know dancing isnвАЩt considered so very nice in my part of the country. And my church doesnвАЩt approve of it, either. And I know my parents wouldnвАЩt like me to.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, shucks,вАЭ replied Clyde foolishly and gayly, вАЬwhat nonsense, Roberta. Why, everybody dances these days or nearly everybody. How can you think thereвАЩs anything wrong with it?вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, I know,вАЭ replied Roberta oddly and quaintly, вАЬmaybe they do in your set. I know most of those factory girls do, of course. And I suppose where you have money and position, everythingвАЩs right. But with a girl like me, itвАЩs different. I donвАЩt suppose your parents were as strict as mine, either.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, werenвАЩt they, though?вАЭ laughed Clyde who had not failed to catch the вАЬyour setвАЭ; also the вАЬwhere you have money and position.вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, thatвАЩs all you know about it,вАЭ he went on. вАЬThey were as strict as yours and stricter, IвАЩll bet. But I danced just the same. Why, thereвАЩs no harm in it, Roberta. Come on, let me teach you. ItвАЩs wonderful, really. WonвАЩt you, dearest?вАЭ + 

He put his arm around her and looked into her eyes and she half relented, quite weakened by her desire for him. + 

Just then the merry-go-round stopped and without any plan or suggestion they seemed instinctively to drift to the side of the pavilion where the dancersвБ†вАФnot many but avidвБ†вАФwere moving briskly around. Foxtrots and one-steps were being supplied by an orchestrelle of considerable size. At a turnstile, all the remaining portions of the pavilion being screened in, a pretty concessionaire was sitting and taking ticketsвБ†вАФten cents per dance per couple. But the color and the music and the motions of the dancers gliding rhythmically here and there quite seized upon both Clyde and Roberta. + 

The orchestrelle stopped and the dancers were coming out. But no sooner were they out than five-cent admission checks were once more sold for the new dance. + 

вАЬI donвАЩt believe I can,вАЭ pleaded Roberta, as Clyde led her to the ticket-stile. вАЬIвАЩm afraid IвАЩm too awkward, maybe. I never danced, you know.вАЭ + 

вАЬYou awkward, Roberta,вАЭ he exclaimed. вАЬOh, how crazy. Why, youвАЩre as graceful and pretty as you can be. YouвАЩll see. YouвАЩll be a wonderful dancer.вАЭ + 

Already he had paid the coin and they were inside. + 

Carried away by a bravado which was three-fourths her conception of him as a member of the Lycurgus upper crust and possessor of means and position, he led the way into a corner and began at once to illustrate the respective movements. They were not difficult and for a girl of RobertaвАЩs natural grace and zest, easy. Once the music started and Clyde drew her to him, she fell into the positions and steps without effort, and they moved rhythmically and instinctively together. It was the delightful sensation of being held by him and guided here and there that so appealed to herвБ†вАФthe wonderful rhythm of his body coinciding with hers. + 

вАЬOh, you darling,вАЭ he whispered. вАЬArenвАЩt you the dandy little dancer, though. YouвАЩve caught on already. If you arenвАЩt the wonderful kid. I can hardly believe it.вАЭ + 

They went about the floor once more, then a third time, before the music stopped and by the time it did, Roberta was lost in a sense of delight such as had never come to her before. To think she had been dancing! And it should be so wonderful! And with Clyde! He was so slim, gracefulвБ†вАФquite the handsomest of any of the young men on the floor, she thought. And he, in turn, was now thinking that never had he known anyone as sweet as Roberta. She was so gay and winsome and yielding. She would not try to work him for anything. And as for Sondra Finchley, well, she had ignored him and he might as well dismiss her from his mindвБ†вАФand yet even here, and with Roberta, he could not quite forget her. + 

At five-thirty when the orchestrelle was silenced for lack of customers and a sign reading вАЬNext Concert 7:30вАЭ hung up, they were still dancing. After that they went for an ice-cream soda, then for something to eat, and by then, so swiftly had sped the time, it was necessary to take the very next car for the depot at Fonda. + 

As they neared this terminal, both Clyde and Roberta were full of schemes as to how they were to arrange for tomorrow. For Roberta would be coming back then and if she could arrange to leave her sisterвАЩs a little early Sunday he could come over from Lycurgus to meet her. They could linger around Fonda until eleven at least, when the last train south from Homer was due. And pretending she had arrived on that they could then, assuming there was no one whom they knew on the Lycurgus car, journey to that city. + 

And as arranged so they met. And in the dark outlying streets of that city, walked and talked and planned, and Roberta told Clyde somethingвБ†вАФthough not muchвБ†вАФof her home life at Biltz. + 

But the great thing, apart from their love for each other and its immediate expression in kisses and embraces, was the how and where of further contacts. They must find some way, only, really, as Roberta saw it, she must be the one to find the way, and that soon. For while Clyde was obviously very impatient and eager to be with her as much as possible, still he did not appear to be very ready with suggestionsвБ†вАФavailable ones. + 

But that, as she also saw, was not easy. For the possibility of another visit to her sister in Homer or her parents in Biltz was not even to be considered under a month. And apart from them what other excuses were there? New friends at the factoryвБ†вАФthe post-officeвБ†вАФthe libraryвБ†вАФthe Y.W.C.A.вБ†вАФall suggestions of ClydeвАЩs at the moment. But these spelled but an hour or two together at best, and Clyde was thinking of other weekends like this. And there were so few remaining summer weekends. + 

XIX + 

The return of Roberta and Clyde, as well as their outing together, was quite unobserved, as they thought. On the car from Fonda they recognized no one. And at the NewtonsвАЩ Grace was already in bed. She merely awakened sufficiently to ask a few questions about the tripвБ†вАФand those were casual and indifferent. How was RobertaвАЩs sister? Had she stayed all day in Homer or had she gone to Biltz or Trippetts Mills? (Roberta explained that she had remained at her sisterвАЩs.) She herself must be going up pretty soon to see her parents at Trippetts Mills. Then she fell asleep. + 

But at dinner the next night the Misses Opal Feliss and Olive Pope, who had been kept from the breakfast table by a too late return from Fonda and the very region in which Roberta had spent Saturday afternoon, now seated themselves and at once, as Roberta entered, interjected a few genial and well-meant but, in so far as Roberta was concerned, decidedly troubling observations. + 

вАЬOh, there you are! Look whoвАЩs back from Starlight Park. Howja like the dancing over there, Miss Alden? We saw you, but you didnвАЩt see us.вАЭ And before Roberta had time to think what to reply, Miss Feliss had added: вАЬWe tried to get your eye, but you couldnвАЩt see anyone but him, I guess. IвАЩll say you dance swell.вАЭ + 

At once Roberta, who had never been on very intimate terms with either of these girls and who had neither the effrontery nor the wit to extricate herself from so swift and complete and so unexpected an exposure, flushed. She was all but speechless and merely stared, bethinking her at once that she had explained to Grace that she was at her sisterвАЩs all day. And opposite sat Grace, looking directly at her, her lips slightly parted as though she would exclaim: вАЬWell, of all things! And dancing! A man!вАЭ And at the head of the table, George Newton, thin and meticulous and curious, his sharp eyes and nose and pointed chin now turned in her direction. + 

But on the instant, realizing that she must say something, Roberta replied: вАЬOh, yes, thatвАЩs so. I did go over there for a little while. Some friends of my sisterвАЩs were coming over and I went with them.вАЭ She was about to add, вАЬWe didnвАЩt stay very long,вАЭ but stopped herself. For at that moment a certain fighting quality which she had inherited from her mother, and which had asserted itself in the case of Grace before this, now came to her rescue. After all, why shouldnвАЩt she be at Starlight Park if she chose? And what right had the Newtons or Grace or anyone else to question her for that matter? She was paying her way. Nevertheless, as she realized, she had been caught in a deliberate lie and all because she lived here and was constantly being questioned and looked after in regard to her very least move. Miss Pope added curiously, вАЬI donвАЩt suppose heвАЩs a Lycurgus boy. I donвАЩt remember ever seeing him around here.вАЭ + 

вАЬNo, he isnвАЩt from here,вАЭ returned Roberta shortly and coldly, for by now she was fairly quivering with the realization that she had been caught in a falsehood before Grace. Also that Grace would resent intensely this social secrecy and desertion of her. At once she felt as though she would like to get up from the table and leave and never return. But instead she did her best to compose herself, and now gave the two girls with whom she had never been familiar, a steady look. At the same time she looked at Grace and Mr.¬†Newton with defiance. If anything more were said she proposed to give a fictitious name or twoвБ†вАФfriends of her brother-in-law in Homer, or better yet to refuse to give any information whatsoever. Why should she? + 

Nevertheless, as she learned later that evening, she was not to be spared the refusing of it. Grace, coming to their room immediately afterward, reproached her with: вАЬI thought you said you stayed out at your sisterвАЩs all the time you were gone?вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, what if I did say it?вАЭ replied Roberta defiantly and even bitterly, but without a word in extenuation, for her thought was now that unquestionably Grace was pretending to catechize her on moral grounds, whereas in reality the real source of her anger and pique was that Roberta was slipping away from and hence neglecting her. + 

вАЬWell, you donвАЩt have to lie to me in order to go anywhere or see anybody without me in the future. I donвАЩt want to go with you. And whatвАЩs more I donвАЩt want to know where you go or who you go with. But I do wish you wouldnвАЩt tell me one thing and then have George and Mary find out that it ainвАЩt so, and that youвАЩre just trying to slip away from me or that IвАЩm lying to them in order to protect myself. I donвАЩt want you to put me in that position.вАЭ + 

She was very hurt and sad and contentious and Roberta could see for herself that there was no way out of this trying situation other than to move. Grace was a leechвБ†вАФa hanger-on. She had no life of her own and could contrive none. As long as she was anywhere near her she would want to devote herself to herвБ†вАФto share her every thought and mood with her. And yet if she told her about Clyde she would be shocked and critical and would unquestionably eventually turn on her or even expose her. So she merely replied: вАЬOh, well, have it that way if you want to. I donвАЩt care. I donвАЩt propose to tell anything unless I choose to.вАЭ + 

And at once Grace conceived the notion that Roberta did not like her any more and would have nothing to do with her. She arose immediately and walked out of the roomвБ†вАФher head very high and her spine very stiff. And Roberta, realizing that she had made an enemy of her, now wished that she was out of here. They were all too narrow here anyway. They would never understand or tolerate this clandestine relationship with ClydeвБ†вАФso necessary to him apparently, as he had explainedвБ†вАФso troublesome and even disgraceful to her from one point of view, and yet so precious. She did love him, so very, very much. And she must now find some way to protect herself and himвБ†вАФmove to another room. + 

But that in this instance required almost more courage and decision than she could muster. The anomalous and unprotected nature of a room where one was not known. The look of it. Subsequent explanation to her mother and sister maybe. Yet to remain here after this was all but impossible, too, for the attitude of Grace as well as the NewtonsвБ†вАФparticularly Mrs.¬†Newton, GraceвАЩs sisterвБ†вАФwas that of the early Puritans or Friends who had caught a вАЬbrotherвАЭ or вАЬsisterвАЭ in a great sin. She was dancingвБ†вАФand secretly! There was the presence of that young man not quite adequately explained by her trip home, to say nothing of her presence at Starlight Park. Besides, in RobertaвАЩs mind was the thought that under such definite espionage as must now follow, to say nothing of the unhappy and dictatorial attitude of Grace, she would have small chance to be with Clyde as much as she now most intensely desired. And accordingly, after two days of unhappy thought and then a conference with Clyde who was all for her immediate independence in a new room where she would not be known or spied upon, she proceeded to take an hour or two off; and having fixed upon the southeast section of the city as one most likely to be free from contact with either the Newtons or those whom thus far she had encountered at the NewtonsвАЩ, she inquired there, and after little more than an hourвАЩs search found one place which pleased her. This was in an old brick house in Elm Street occupied by an upholsterer and his wife and two daughters, one a local milliner and another still in school. The room offered was on the ground floor to the right of a small front porch and overlooking the street. A door off this same porch gave into a living room which separated this room from the other parts of the house and permitted ingress and egress without contact with any other portion of the house. And since she was still moved to meet Clyde clandestinely this as she now saw was important. + 

Besides, as she gathered from her one conversation with Mrs.¬†Gilpin, the mother of this family, the character of this home was neither so strict nor inquisitive as that of the Newtons. Mrs.¬†Gilpin was large, passive, cleanly, not so very alert and about fifty. She informed Roberta that as a rule she didnвАЩt care to take boarders or roomers at all, since the family had sufficient means to go on. However, since the family scarcely ever used the front room, which was rather set off from the remainder of the house, and since her husband did not object, she had made up her mind to rent it. And again she preferred someone who worked like RobertaвБ†вАФa girl, not a manвБ†вАФand one who would be glad to have her breakfast and dinner along with her family. Since she asked no questions as to her family or connections, merely looking at her interestedly and seeming to be favorably impressed by her appearance, Roberta gathered that here were no such standards as prevailed at the Newtons. + 

And yet what qualms in connection with the thought of moving thus. For about this entire clandestine procedure there hung, as she saw it, a sense of something untoward and even sinful, and then on top of it all, quarreling and then breaking with Grace Marr, her one girl friend here thus far, and the Newtons on account of it, when, as she well knew, it was entirely due to Grace that she was here at all. Supposing her parents or her sister in Homer should hear about this through someone whom Grace knew and think strangely of her going off by herself in Lycurgus in this way? Was it right? Was it possible that she could do things like thisвБ†вАФand so soon after her coming here? She was beginning to feel as though her hitherto impeccable standards were crumbling. + 

And yet there was Clyde now. Could she give him up? + 

After many emotional aches she decided that she could not. And accordingly after paying a deposit and arranging to occupy the room within the next few days, she returned to her work and after dinner the same evening announced to Mrs.¬†Newton that she was going to move. Her premeditated explanation was that recently she had been thinking of having her younger brother and sister come and live with her and since one or both were likely to come soon, she thought it best to prepare for them. + 

And the Newtons, as well as Grace, feeling that this was all due to the new connections which Roberta had recently been making and which were tending to alienate her from Grace, were now content to see her go. Plainly she was beginning to indulge in a type of adventure of which they could not approve. Also it was plain that she was not going to prove as useful to Grace as they had at first imagined. Possibly she knew what she was doing. But more likely she was being led astray by notions of a good time not consistent with the reserved life led by her at Trippetts Mills. + 

And Roberta herself, once having made this move and settled herself in this new atmosphere (apart from the fact that it gave her much greater freedom in connection with Clyde) was dubious as to her present course. PerhapsвБ†вАФperhapsвБ†вАФshe had moved hastily and in anger and might be sorry. Still she had done it now, and it could not be helped. So she proposed to try it for a while. + 

To salve her own conscience more than anything else, she at once wrote her mother and her sister a very plausible version of why she had been compelled to leave the Newtons. Grace had grown too possessive, domineering and selfish. It had become unendurable. However, her mother need not worry. She was satisfactorily placed. She had a room to herself and could now entertain Tom and Emily or her mother or Agnes, in case they should ever visit her here. And she would be able to introduce them to the Gilpins whom she proceeded to describe. + 

Nevertheless, her underlying thought in connection with all this, in so far as Clyde and his great passion for her was concernedвБ†вАФand hers for himвБ†вАФwas that she was indeed trifling with fire and perhaps social disgrace into the bargain. For, although consciously at this time she was scarcely willing to face the fact that this roomвБ†вАФits geometric position in relation to the rest of the houseвБ†вАФhad been of the greatest import to her at the time she first saw it, yet subconsciously she knew it well enough. The course she was pursuing was dangerousвБ†вАФthat she knew. And yet how, as she now so often asked herself at moments when she was confronted by some desire which ran counter to her sense of practicability and social morality, was she to do? + 

XX + 

However, as both Roberta and Clyde soon found, after several weeks in which they met here and there, such spots as could be conveniently reached by interurban lines, there were still drawbacks and the principal of these related to the attitude of both Roberta and Clyde in regard to this room, and what, if any, use of it was to be made by them jointly. For in spite of the fact that thus far Clyde had never openly agreed with himself that his intentions in relation to Roberta were in any way different to those normally entertained by any youth toward any girl for whom he had a conventional social regard, still, now that she had moved into this room, there was that ineradicable and possibly censurable, yet very human and almost unescapable, desire for something moreвБ†вАФthe possibility of greater and greater intimacy with and control of Roberta and her thoughts and actions in everything so that in the end she would be entirely his. But how his? By way of marriage and the ordinary conventional and durable existence which thereafter must ordinarily ensue? He had never said so to himself thus far. For in flirting with her or any girl of a lesser social position than that of the Griffiths here (Sondra Finchley, Bertine Cranston, for instance) he would notвБ†вАФand that largely due to the attitude of his newly-found relatives, their very high position in this cityвБ†вАФhave deemed marriage advisable. And what would they think if they should come to know? For socially, as he saw himself now, if not before coming here, he was supposed to be above the type of Roberta and should of course profit by that notion. Besides there were all those that knew him here, at least to speak to. On the other hand, because of the very marked pull that her temperament had for him, he had not been able to say for the time being that she was not worthy of him or that he might not be happy in case it were possible or advisable for him to marry her. + 

And there was another thing now that tended to complicate matters. And that was that fall with its chilling winds and frosty nights was drawing near. Already it was near October first and most of those out-of-door resorts which, up to the middle of September at least, had provided diversion, and that at a fairly safe distance from Lycurgus, were already closed for the season. And dancing, except in the halls of the nearby cities and which, because of a mood of hers in regard to them, were unacceptable, was also for the time being done away with. As for the churches, moving pictures, and restaurants of Lycurgus, how under the circumstances, owing to ClydeвАЩs position here, could they be seen in them? They could not, as both reasoned between them. And so now, while her movements were unrestrained, there was no place to go unless by some readjustment of their relations he might be permitted to call on her at the GilpinsвАЩ. But that, as he knew, she would not think of and, at first, neither had he the courage to suggest it. + 

However they were at a street-end one early October night about six weeks after she had moved to her new room. The stars were sharp. The air cool. The leaves were beginning to turn. Roberta had returned to a three-quarter green-and-cream-striped winter coat that she wore at this season of the year. Her hat was brown, trimmed with brown leather and of a design that became her. There had been kisses over and overвБ†вАФthat same fever that had been dominating them continuously since first they metвБ†вАФonly more pronounced if anything. + 

вАЬItвАЩs getting cold, isnвАЩt it?вАЭ It was Clyde who spoke. And it was eleven oвАЩclock and chill. + 

вАЬYes, I should say it is. IвАЩll soon have to get a heavier coat.вАЭ + 

вАЬI donвАЩt see how we are to do from now on, do you? ThereвАЩs no place to go any more much, and it wonвАЩt be very pleasant walking the streets this way every night. You donвАЩt suppose we could fix it so I could call on you at the GilpinsвАЩ once in a while, do you? It isnвАЩt the same there now as it was at the NewtonsвАЩ.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, I know, but then they use their sitting room every night nearly until ten-thirty or eleven. And besides their two girls are in and out all hours up to twelve, anyhow, and theyвАЩre in there often. I donвАЩt see how I can. Besides, I thought you said you didnвАЩt want to have anyone see you with me that way, and if you came there I couldnвАЩt help introducing you.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, but I donвАЩt mean just that way,вАЭ replied Clyde audaciously and yet with the feeling that Roberta was much too squeamish and that it was high time she was taking a somewhat more liberal attitude toward him if she cared for him as much as she appeared to: вАЬWhy wouldnвАЩt it be all right for me to stop in for a little while? They wouldnвАЩt need to know, would they?вАЭ He took out his watch and discovered with the aid of a match that it was eleven-thirty. He showed the time to her. вАЬThere wouldnвАЩt be anybody there now, would there?вАЭ + 

She shook her head in opposition. The thought not only terrified but sickened her. Clyde was getting very bold to even suggest anything like that. Besides this suggestion embodied in itself all the secret fears and compelling moods which hitherto, although actual in herself, she was still unwilling to face. There was something sinful, low, dreadful about it. She would not. That was one thing sure. At the same time within her was that overmastering urge of repressed and feared desire now knocking loudly for recognition. + 

вАЬNo, no, I canвАЩt let you do that. It wouldnвАЩt be right. I donвАЩt want to. Someone might see us. Somebody might know you.вАЭ For the moment the moral repulsion was so great that unconsciously she endeavored to relinquish herself from his embrace. + 

Clyde sensed how deep was this sudden revolt. All the more was he flagellated by the desire for possession of that which now he half feared to be unobtainable. A dozen seductive excuses sprang to his lips. вАЬOh, who would be likely to see us anyhow, at this time of night? There isnвАЩt anyone around. Why shouldnвАЩt we go there for a few moments if we want to? No one would be likely to hear us. We neednвАЩt talk so loud. There isnвАЩt anyone on the street, even. LetвАЩs walk by the house and see if anybody is up.вАЭ + 

Since hitherto she had not permitted him to come within half a block of the house, her protest was not only nervous but vigorous. Nevertheless on this occasion Clyde was proving a little rebellious and Roberta, standing somewhat in awe of him as her superior, as well as her lover, was unable to prevent their walking within a few feet of the house where they stopped. Except for a barking dog there was not a sound to be heard anywhere. And in the house no light was visible. + 

вАЬSee, thereвАЩs no one up,вАЭ protested Clyde reassuringly. вАЬWhy shouldnвАЩt we go in for a little while if we want to? Who will know? We neednвАЩt make any noise. Besides, what is wrong with it? Other people do it. It isnвАЩt such a terrible thing for a girl to take a fellow to her room if she wants to for a little while.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, isnвАЩt it? Well, maybe not in your set. But I know whatвАЩs right and I donвАЩt think thatвАЩs right and I wonвАЩt do it.вАЭ + 

At once, as she said this, RobertaвАЩs heart gave a pained and weakening throb, for in saying so much she had exhibited more individuality and defiance than ever he had seen or that she fancied herself capable of in connection with him. It terrified her not a little. Perhaps he would not like her so much now if she were going to talk like that. + 

His mood darkened immediately. Why did she want to act so? She was too cautious, too afraid of anything that spelled a little life or pleasure. Other girls were not like thatвБ†вАФRita, those girls at the factory. She pretended to love him. She did not object to his holding her in his arms and kissing her under a tree at the end of the street. But when it came to anything slightly more private or intimate, she could not bring herself to agree. What kind of a girl was she, anyhow? What was the use of pursuing her? Was this to be another case of Hortense Briggs with all her wiles and evasions? Of course Roberta was in no wise like her, but still she was so stubborn. + 

Although she could not see his face she knew he was angry and quite for the first time in this way. + 

вАЬAll right, then, if you donвАЩt want to, you donвАЩt have to,вАЭ came his words and with decidedly a cold ring to them. вАЬThere are others places I can go. I notice you never want to do anything I want to do, though. IвАЩd like to know how you think weвАЩre to do. We canвАЩt walk the streets every night.вАЭ His tone was gloomy and forebodingвБ†вАФmore contentious and bitter than at any time ever between them. And his references to other places shocked and frightened RobertaвБ†вАФso much so that instantly almost her own mood changed. Those other girls in his own world that no doubt he saw from time to time! Those other girls at the factory who were always trying to make eyes at him! She had seen them trying, and often. That Ruza NikoforitchвБ†вАФas coarse as she was, but pretty, too. And that Flora Brandt! And Martha BordaloueвБ†вАФugh! To think that anyone as nice as he should be pursued by such wretches as those. However, because of that, she was fearful lest he would think her too difficultвБ†вАФsomeone without the experience or daring to which he, in his superior world, was accustomed, and so turn to one of those. Then she would lose him. The thought terrified her. Immediately from one of defiance her attitude changed to one of pleading persuasion. + 

вАЬOh, please, Clyde, donвАЩt be mad with me now, will you? You know that I would if I could. I canвАЩt do anything like that here. CanвАЩt you see? You know that. Why, theyвАЩd be sure to find out. And how would you feel if someone were to see us or recognize you?вАЭ In a pleading way she put one hand on his arm, then about his waist and he could feel that in spite of her sharp opposition the moment before, she was very much concernedвБ†вАФpainfully so. вАЬPlease donвАЩt ask me to,вАЭ she added in a begging tone. + 

вАЬWell, what did you want to leave the Newtons for then?вАЭ he asked sullenly. вАЬI canвАЩt see where else we can go now if you wonвАЩt let me come to see you once in a while. We canвАЩt go any place else.вАЭ + 

The thought gave Roberta pause. Plainly this relationship was not to be held within conventional lines. At the same time she did not see how she could possibly comply. It was too unconventionalвБ†вАФtoo unmoralвБ†вАФbad. + 

вАЬI thought we took it,вАЭ she said weakly and placatively, вАЬjust so that we could go places on Saturday and Sunday.вАЭ + 

вАЬBut where can we go Saturday and Sunday now? EverythingвАЩs closed.вАЭ + 

Again Roberta was checked by these unanswerable complexities which beleaguered them both and she exclaimed futilely, вАЬOh, I wish I knew what to do.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, it would be easy enough if you wanted to do it, but thatвАЩs always the way with you, you donвАЩt want to.вАЭ + 

She stood there, the night wind shaking the drying whispering leaves. Distinctly the problem in connection with him that she had been fearing this long while was upon her. Could she possibly, with all the right instruction that she had had, now do as he suggested. She was pulled and swayed by contending forces within herself, strong and urgent in either case. In the one instance, however painful it was to her moral and social mood, she was moved to complyвБ†вАФin another to reject once and for all, any such, as she saw it, bold and unnatural suggestion. Nevertheless, in spite of the latter and because of her compelling affection she could not do other than deal tenderly and pleadingly with him. + 

вАЬI canвАЩt, Clyde, I canвАЩt. I would if I could but I canвАЩt. It wouldnвАЩt be right. I would if I could make myself, but I canвАЩt.вАЭ She looked up into his face, a pale oval in the dark, trying to see if he would not see, sympathize, be moved in her favor. However, irritated by this plainly definite refusal, he was not now to be moved. All this, as he saw it, smacked of that long series of defeats which had accompanied his attentions to Hortense Briggs. He was not going to stand for anything now like that, you bet. If this was the way she was going to act, well let her act soвБ†вАФbut not with him. He could get plenty of girls nowвБ†вАФlots of themвБ†вАФwho would treat him better than this. + 

At once, and with an irritated shrug of the shoulders, as she now saw, he turned and started to leave her, saying as he did so, вАЬOh, thatвАЩs all right, if thatвАЩs the way you feel about it.вАЭ And Roberta dumbfounded and terrified, stood there. + 

вАЬPlease donвАЩt, go, Clyde. Please donвАЩt leave me,вАЭ she exclaimed suddenly and pathetically, her defiance and courage undergoing a deep and sad change. вАЬI donвАЩt want you to. I love you so, Clyde. I would if I could. You know that.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, yes, I know, but you neednвАЩt tell me thatвАЭ (it was his experience with Hortense and Rita that was prompting him to this attitude). With a twist he released his body from her arm and started walking briskly down the street in the dark. + 

And Roberta, stricken by this sudden development which was so painful to both, called, вАЬClyde!вАЭ And then ran after him a little way, eager that he should pause and let her plead with him more. But he did not return. Instead he went briskly on. And for the moment it was all she could do to keep from following him and by sheer force, if need be, restrain him. Her Clyde! And she started running in his direction a little, but as suddenly stopped, checked for the moment by the begging, pleading, compromising attitude in which she, for the first time, found herself. For on the one hand all her conventional training was now urging her to stand firmвБ†вАФnot to belittle herself in this wayвБ†вАФwhereas on the other, all her desires for love, understanding, companionship, urged her to run after him before it was too late, and he was gone. His beautiful face, his beautiful hands. His eyes. And still the receding echo of his feet. And yet so binding were the conventions which had been urged upon her up to this time that, though suffering horribly, a balance between the two forces was struck, and she paused, feeling that she could neither go forward nor stand stillвБ†вАФunderstand or endure this sudden rift in their wonderful friendship. + 

Pain constricted her heart and whitened her lips. She stood there numb and silentвБ†вАФunable to voice anything, even the name Clyde which persistently arose as a call in her throat. Instead she was merely thinking, вАЬOh, Clyde, please donвАЩt go, Clyde. Oh, please donвАЩt go.вАЭ And he was already out of hearing, walking briskly and grimly on, the click and echo of his receding steps falling less and less clearly on her suffering ears. + 

It was the first flashing, blinding, bleeding stab of love for her. + 

XXI + 

The state of RobertaвАЩs mind for that night is not easily to be described. For here was true and poignant love, and in youth true and poignant love is difficult to withstand. Besides it was coupled with the most stirring and grandiose illusions in regard to ClydeвАЩs local material and social conditionвБ†вАФillusions which had little to do with anything he had done to build up, but were based rather on conjecture and gossip over which he had no control. And her own home, as well as her personal situation was so unfortunateвБ†вАФno promise of any kind save in his direction. And here she was quarreling with himвБ†вАФsending him away angry. On the other hand was he not beginning to push too ardently toward those troublesome and no doubt dreadful liberties and familiarities which her morally trained conscience would not permit her to look upon as right? How was she to do now? What to say? + 

Now it was that she said to herself in the dark of her room, after having slowly and thoughtfully undressed and noiselessly crept into the large, old-fashioned bed. вАЬNo, I wonвАЩt do that. I mustnвАЩt. I canвАЩt. I will be a bad girl if I do. I should not do that for him even though he does want me to, and should threaten to leave me forever in case I refuse. He should be ashamed to ask me.вАЭ And at the very same moment, or the next, she would be asking herself what else under the circumstances they were to do. For most certainly Clyde was at least partially correct in his contention that they had scarcely anywhere else they could go and not be recognized. How unfair was that rule of the company. And no doubt apart from that rule, the Griffiths would think it beneath him to be troubling with her, as would no doubt the Newtons and the Gilpins for that matter, if they should hear and know who he was. And if this information came to their knowledge it would injure him and her. And she would not do anything that would injure himвБ†вАФnever. + 

One thing that occurred to her at this point was that she should get a place somewhere else so that this problem should be solvedвБ†вАФa problem which at the moment seemed to have little to do with the more immediate and intimate one of desiring to enter her room. But that would mean that she would not see him any more all day longвБ†вАФonly at night. And then not every night by any means. And that caused her to lay aside this thought of seeking another place. + 

At the same time as she now meditated the dawn would come tomorrow and there would be Clyde at the factory. And supposing that he should not speak to her nor she to him. Impossible! Ridiculous! Terrible! The mere thought brought her to a sitting posture in bed, where distractedly a vision of Clyde looking indifferently and coldly upon her came to her. + 

On the instant she was on her feet and had turned on the one incandescent globe which dangled from the center of the room. She went to the mirror hanging above the old walnut dresser in the corner and stared at herself. Already she imagined she could see dark rings under her eyes. She felt numb and cold and now shook her head in a helpless and distracted way. He couldnвАЩt be that mean. He couldnвАЩt be that cruel to her nowвБ†вАФcould he? Oh, if he but knew how difficultвБ†вАФhow impossible was the thing he was asking of her! Oh, if the day would only come so that she could see his face again! Oh, if it were only another night so that she could take his hands in hersвБ†вАФhis armвБ†вАФfeel his arms about her. + 

вАЬClyde, Clyde,вАЭ she exclaimed half aloud, вАЬyou wouldnвАЩt do that to me, would youвБ†вАФyou couldnвАЩt.вАЭ + 

She crossed to an old, faded and somewhat decrepit overstuffed chair which stood in the center of the room beside a small table whereon lay some nondescript books and magazinesвБ†вАФthe Saturday Evening Post, MunseyвАЩs, the Popular Science Monthly, BebeвАЩs Garden Seeds, and to escape most distracting and searing thoughts, sat down, her chin in her hands, her elbows planted on her knees. But the painful thoughts continuing and a sense of chill overtaking her, she took a comforter off the bed and folded it about her, then opened the seed catalogueвБ†вАФonly to throw it down. + 

вАЬNo, no, no, he couldnвАЩt do that to me, he wouldnвАЩt.вАЭ She must not let him. Why, he had told her over and over that he was crazy about herвБ†вАФmadly in love with her. They had been to all these wonderful places together. + 

And now, without any real consciousness of her movements, she was moving from the chair to the edge of the bed, sitting with elbows on knees and chin in hands; or she was before the mirror or peering restlessly out into the dark to see if there were any trace of day. And at six, and six-thirty when the light was just breaking and it was nearing time to dress, she was still upвБ†вАФin the chair, on the edge of the bed, in the corner before the mirror. + 

But she had reached but one definite conclusion and that was that in some way she must arrange not to have Clyde leave her. That must not be. There must be something that she could say or do that would cause him to love her stillвБ†вАФeven if, even ifвБ†вАФwell, even if she must let him stop in here or somewhere from time to timeвБ†вАФsome other room in some other rooming house maybe, where she could arrange in some way beforehandвБ†вАФsay that he was her brother or something. + 

But the mood that dominated Clyde was of a different nature. To have understood it correctly, the full measure and obstinacy and sullen contentiousness that had suddenly generated, one would have had to return to Kansas City and the period in which he had been so futilely dancing attendance upon Hortense Briggs. Also his having been compelled to give up RitaвБ†вАФyet to no end. For, although the present conditions and situation were different, and he had no moral authority wherewith to charge Roberta with any such unfair treatment as Hortense had meted out to him, still there was this other fact that girlsвБ†вАФall of themвБ†вАФwere obviously stubborn and self-preservative, always setting themselves apart from and even above the average man and so wishing to compel him to do a lot of things for them without their wishing to do anything in return. And had not Ratterer always told him that in so far as girls were concerned he was more or less of a foolвБ†вАФtoo easyвБ†вАФtoo eager to show his hand and let them know that he was struck on them. Whereas, as Ratterer had explained, Clyde possessed the looksвБ†вАФthe вАЬgoodsвАЭвБ†вАФand why should he always be trailing after girls unless they wanted him very much. And this thought and compliment had impressed him very much at that time. Only because of the fiascos in connection with Hortense and Rita he was more earnest now. Yet here he was again in danger of repeating or bringing upon himself what had befallen him in the case of Hortense and Rita. + 

At the same time he was not without the self-incriminating thought that in seeking this, most distinctly he was driving toward a relationship which was not legitimate and that would prove dangerous in the future. For, as he now darkly and vaguely thought, if he sought a relationship which her prejudices and her training would not permit her to look upon as anything but evil, was he not thereby establishing in some form a claim on her part to some consideration from him in the future which it might not be so easy for him to ignore? For after all he was the aggressorвБ†вАФnot she. And because of this, and whatever might follow in connection with it, might not she be in a position to demand more from him than he might be willing to give? For was it his intention to marry her? In the back of his mind there lurked something which even now assured him that he would never desire to marry herвБ†вАФcould not in the face of his high family connections here. Therefore should he proceed to demandвБ†вАФor should he not? And if he did, could he avoid that which would preclude any claim in the future? + 

He did not thus so distinctly voice his inmost feelings to himself, but relatively of such was their nature. Yet so great was the temperamental and physical enticement of Roberta that in spite of a warning nudge or mood that seemed to hint that it was dangerous for him to persist in his demand, he kept saying to himself that unless she would permit him to her room, he would not have anything more to do with her, the desire for her being all but overpowering. + 

This contest which every primary union between the sexes, whether with or without marriage implies, was fought out the next day in the factory. And yet without a word on either side. For Clyde, although he considered himself to be deeply in love with Roberta, was still not so deeply involved but that a naturally selfish and ambitious and seeking disposition would in this instance stand its ground and master any impulse. And he was determined to take the attitude of one who had been injured and was determined not to be friends any more or yield in any way unless some concession on her part, such as would appease him, was made. + 

And in consequence he came into the stamping department that morning with the face and air of one who was vastly preoccupied with matters which had little, if anything, to do with what had occurred the night before. Yet, being far from certain that this attitude on his part was likely to lead to anything but defeat, he was inwardly depressed and awry. For, after all, the sight of Roberta, freshly arrived, and although pale and distrait, as charming and energetic as ever, was not calculated to assure him of any immediate or even ultimate victory. And knowing her as well as he thought he did, by now, he was but weakly sustained by the thought that she might yield. + 

He looked at her repeatedly when she was not looking. And when in turn she looked at him repeatedly, but only at first when he was not looking, later when she felt satisfied that his eyes, whether directly bent on her or not, must be encompassing her, still no trace of recognition could she extract. And now to her bitter disappointment, not only did he choose to ignore her, but quite for the first time since they had been so interested in each other, he professed to pay, if not exactly conspicuous at least noticeable and intentional attention to those other girls who were always so interested in him and who always, as she had been constantly imagining, were but waiting for any slight overture on his part, to yield themselves to him in any way that he might dictate. + 

Now he was looking over the shoulder of Ruza Nikoforitch, her plump face with its snub nose and weak chin turned engagingly toward him, and he commenting on something not particularly connected with the work in hand apparently, for both were idly smiling. Again, in a little while, he was by the side of Martha Bordaloue, her plump French shoulders and arms bare to the pits next to his. And for all her fleshy solidity and decidedly foreign flavor, there was still enough about her which most men would like. And with her Clyde was attempting to jest, too. + 

And later it was Flora Brandt, the very sensuous and not unpleasing American girl whom Roberta had seen Clyde cultivating from time to time. Yet, even so, she had never been willing to believe that he might become interested in any of these. Not Clyde, surely. + 

And yet he could not see her at all nowвБ†вАФcould not find time to say a single word, although all these pleasant words and gay looks for all these others. Oh, how bitter! Oh, how cruel! And how utterly she despised those other girls with their oglings and their open attempts to take him from her. Oh, how terrible. Surely he must be very opposed to her nowвБ†вАФotherwise he could not do this, and especially after all that had been between themвБ†вАФthe loveвБ†вАФthe kisses. + 

The hours dragged for both, and with as much poignance for Clyde as for Roberta. For his was a feverish, urgent disposition where his dreams were concerned, and could ill brook the delay or disappointments that are the chief and outstanding characteristics of the ambitions of men, whatever their nature. He was tortured hourly by the thought that he was to lose Roberta or that to win her back he would have to succumb to her wishes. + 

And on her part she was torn, not so much by the question as to whether she would have to yield in this matter (for by now that was almost the least of her worries), but whether, once so yielding, Clyde would be satisfied with just some form of guarded social contact in the roomвБ†вАФor not. And so continue on the strength of that to be friends with her. For more than this she would not grantвБ†вАФnever. And yetвБ†вАФthis suspense. The misery of his indifference. She could scarcely endure it from minute to minute, let alone from hour to hour, and finally in an agony of dissatisfaction with herself at having brought all this on herself, she retired to the rest room at about three in the afternoon and there with the aid of a piece of paper found on the floor and a small bit of pencil which she had, she composed a brief note: + 

Please, Clyde, donвАЩt be mad at me, will you? Please donвАЩt. Please look at me and speak to me, wonвАЩt you? IвАЩm so sorry about last night, really I amвБ†вАФterribly. And I must see you tonight at the end of Elm Street at 8:30 if you can, will you? I have something to tell you. Please do come. And please do look at me and tell me you will, even though you are angry. You wonвАЩt be sorry. I love you so. You know I do. + 

And in the spirit of one who is in agonized search for an opiate, she folded up the paper and returning to the room, drew close to ClydeвАЩs desk. He was before it at the time, bent over some slips. And quickly as she passed she dropped the paper between his hands. He looked up instantly, his dark eyes still hard at the moment with the mingled pain and unrest and dissatisfaction and determination that had been upon him all day, and noting RobertaвАЩs retreating figure as well as the note, he at once relaxed, a wave of puzzled satisfaction as well as delight instantly filled him. He opened it and read. And as instantly his body was suffused with a warm and yet very weakening ray. + 

And Roberta in turn, having reached her table and paused to note if by any chance anyone had observed her, now looked cautiously about, a strained and nervous look in her eyes. But seeing Clyde looking directly at her, his eyes filled with a conquering and yet yielding light and a smile upon his lips, and his head nodding a happy assent, she as suddenly experienced a dizzying sensation, as though her hitherto constricted blood, detained by a constricted heart and constricted nerves, were as suddenly set free. And all the dry marshes and cracked and parched banks of her soulвБ†вАФthe dry rivulets and streams and lakes of misery that seemed to dot her beingвБ†вАФwere as instantly flooded with this rich upwelling force of life and love. + 

He would meet her. They would meet tonight. He would put his arms around her and kiss her as before. She would be able to look in his eyes. They would not quarrel any moreвБ†вАФoh, never if she could help it. + 

XXII + 

The wonder and delight of a new and more intimate form of contact, of protest gainsaid, of scruples overcome! Days, when both, having struggled in vain against the greater intimacy which each knew that the other was desirous of yielding to, and eventually so yielding, looked forward to the approaching night with an eagerness which was as a fever embodying a fear. For with what qualmsвБ†вАФwhat protests on the part of Roberta; what determination, yet not without a sense of evilвБ†вАФseductionвБ†вАФbetrayal, on the part of Clyde. Yet the thing once done, a wild convulsive pleasure motivating both. Yet, not without, before all this, an exaction on the part of Roberta to the effect that neverвБ†вАФcome what might (the natural consequences of so wild an intimacy strong in her thoughts) would he desert her, since without his aid she would be helpless. Yet, with no direct statement as to marriage. And he, so completely overcome and swayed by his desire, thoughtlessly protesting that he never wouldвБ†вАФnever. She might depend on that, at least, although even then there was no thought in his mind of marriage. He would not do that. Yet nights and nightsвБ†вАФall scruples for the time being abandoned, and however much by day Roberta might brood and condemn herselfвБ†вАФwhen each yielded to the other completely. And dreamed thereafter, recklessly and wildly, of the joy of itвБ†вАФwishing from day to day for the time being that the long day might endвБ†вАФthat the concealing, rewarding feverish night were at hand. + 

And Clyde feeling, and not unlike Roberta, who was firmly and even painfully convinced of it, that this was sinвБ†вАФdeadly, mortalвБ†вАФsince both his mother and father had so often emphasized thatвБ†вАФthe seducerвБ†вАФadultererвБ†вАФwho preys outside the sacred precincts of marriage. And Roberta, peering nervously into the blank future, wondering whatвБ†вАФhow, in any case, by any chance, Clyde should change, or fail her. Yet the night returning, her mood once more veering, and she as well as he hurrying to meet somewhereвБ†вАФonly later, in the silence of the middle night, to slip into this unlighted room which was proving so much more of a Paradise than either might ever know againвБ†вАФso wild and unrecapturable is the fever of youth. + 

AndвБ†вАФat timesвБ†вАФand despite all his other doubts and fears, Clyde, because of this sudden abandonment by Roberta of herself to his desires, feeling for the first time, really, in all his feverish years, that at last he was a man of the worldвБ†вАФone who was truly beginning to know women. And so taking to himself an air or manner that said as plainly as might have any wordsвБ†вАФвАЬBehold I am no longer the inexperienced, neglected simpleton of but a few weeks ago, but an individual of import nowвБ†вАФsomeone who knows something about life. What have any of these strutting young men, and gay, coaxing, flirting girls all about me, that I have not? And if I choseвБ†вАФwere less loyal than I amвБ†вАФwhat might I not do?вАЭ And this was proving to him that the notion which Hortense Briggs, to say nothing of the more recent fiasco in connection with Rita had tended to build up in his mind, i.e.вБ†вАФthat he was either unsuccessful or ill-fated where girls were concerned was false. He was after all and despite various failures and inhibitions a youth of the Don Juan or Lothario stripe. + 

And if now Roberta was obviously willing to sacrifice herself for him in this fashion, must there not be others? + 

And this, in spite of the present indifference of the Griffiths, caused him to walk with even more of an air than had hitherto characterized him. Even though neither they nor any of those connected with them recognized him, still he looked at himself in his mirror from time to time with an assurance and admiration which before this he had never possessed. For now Roberta, feeling that her future was really dependent on his will and whim, had set herself to flatter him almost constantly, to be as obliging and convenient to him as possible. Indeed, according to her notion of the proper order of life, she was now his and his only, as much as any wife is ever to a husband, to do with as he wished. + 

And for a time therefore, Clyde forgot his rather neglected state here and was content to devote himself to her without thinking much of the future. The one thing that did trouble him at times was the thought that possibly, in connection with the original fear she had expressed to him, something might go wrong, which, considering her exclusive devotion to him, might prove embarrassing. At the same time he did not trouble to speculate too deeply as to that. He had Roberta now. These relations, in so far as either of them could see, or guess, were a dark secret. The pleasures of this left-handed honeymoon were at full tide. And the remaining brisk and often sunshiny and warm November and first December days passedвБ†вАФas in a dream, reallyвБ†вАФan ecstatic paradise of sorts in the very center of a humdrum conventional and petty and underpaid work-a-day world. + 

In the meantime the Griffiths had been away from the city since the middle of June and ever since their departure Clyde had been meditating upon them and all they represented in his life and that of the city. Their great house closed and silent, except for gardeners and an occasional chauffeur or servant visible as he walked from time to time past the place, was the same as a shrine to him, nearlyвБ†вАФthe symbol of that height to which by some turn of fate he might still hope to attain. For he had never quite been able to expel from his mind the thought that his future must in some way be identified with the grandeur that was here laid out before him. + 

Yet so far as the movements of the Griffiths family and their social peers outside Lycurgus were concerned, he knew little other than that which from time to time he had read in the society columns of the two local papers which almost obsequiously pictured the comings and goings of all those who were connected with the more important families of the city. At times, after reading these accounts he had pictured to himself, even when he was off somewhere with Roberta at some unheralded resort, Gilbert Griffiths racing in his big car, Bella, Bertine and Sandra dancing, canoeing in the moonlight, playing tennis, riding at some of the smart resorts where they were reported to be. The thing had had a bite and ache for him that was almost unendurable and had lit up for him at times and with overwhelming clarity this connection of his with Roberta. For after all, who was she? A factory girl! The daughter of parents who lived and worked on a farm and one who was compelled to work for her own living. Whereas heвБ†вАФheвБ†вАФif fortune would but favor him a littleвБ†вАФ! Was this to be the end of all his dreams in connection with his perspective superior life here? + 

So it was that at moments and in his darker moods, and especially after she had abandoned herself to him, his thoughts ran. She was not of his station, reallyвБ†вАФat least not of that of the Griffiths to which still he most eagerly aspired. Yet at the same time, whatever the mood generated by such items as he read in The Star, he would still return to Roberta, picturing her, since the other mood which had drawn him to her had by no means palled as yet, as delightful, precious, exceedingly worthwhile from the point of view of beauty, pleasure, sweetnessвБ†вАФthe attributes and charms which best identify any object of delight. + 

But the Griffiths and their friends having returned to the city, and Lycurgus once more taken on that brisk, industrial and social mood which invariably characterized it for at least seven months in the year, he was again, and even more vigorously than before, intrigued by it. The beauty of the various houses along Wykeagy Avenue and its immediate tributaries! The unusual and intriguing sense of movement and life there so much in evidence. Oh, if he were but of it! + 

XXIII + 

And then, one November evening as Clyde was walking along Wykeagy Avenue, just west of Central, a portion of the locally celebrated avenue which, ever since he had moved to Mrs.¬†PeytonвАЩs he was accustomed to traverse to and from his work, one thing did occur which in so far as he and the Griffiths were concerned was destined to bring about a chain of events which none of them could possibly have foreseen. At the time there was in his heart and mind that singing which is the inheritance of youth and ambition and which the dying of the old year, instead of depressing, seemed but to emphasize. He had a good position. He was respected here. Over and above his room and board he had not less than fifteen dollars a week to spend on himself and Roberta, an income which, while it did not parallel that which had been derived from the Green-Davidson or the Union League, was still not so involved with family miseries in the one place or personal loneliness in the other. And he had Roberta secretly devoted to him. And the Griffiths, thank goodness, did not and should not know anything of that, though just how in case of a difficulty it was to be avoided, he was not even troubling to think. His was a disposition which did not tend to load itself with more than the most immediate cares. + 

And although the Griffiths and their friends had not chosen to recognize him socially, still more and more all others who were not connected with local society and who knew of him, did. Only this very day, because the spring before he had been made a room-chief, perhaps, and Samuel Griffiths had recently paused and talked with him, no less an important personage than Mr.¬†Rudolph Smillie, one of the several active vice-presidents, had asked him most cordially and casually whether he played golf, and if so, when spring came again, whether he might not be interested to join the Amoskeag, one of the two really important golf clubs within a half dozen miles of the city. Now, what could that mean, if not that Mr.¬†Smillie was beginning to see him as a social possibility, and that he as well as many others about the factory, were becoming aware of him as someone who was of some importance to the Griffiths, if not the factory. + 

This thought, together with one otherвБ†вАФthat once more after dinner he was to see Roberta and in her room as early as eleven oвАЩclock or even earlierвБ†вАФcheered him and caused him to step along most briskly and gayly. For, since having indulged in this secret adventure so many times, both were unconsciously becoming bolder. Not having been detected to date, they were of the notion that it was possible they might not be. Or if they were Clyde might be introduced as her brother or cousin for the moment, anyhow, in order to avoid immediate scandal. Later, to avoid danger of comment or subsequent detection, as both had agreed after some discussion, Roberta might have to move to some other place where the same routine was to be repeated. But that would be easy, or at least better than no freedom of contact. And with that Roberta had been compelled to agree. + 

However, on this occasion there came a contact and an interruption which set his thoughts careening in an entirely different direction. Reaching the first of the more important houses of Wykeagy Avenue, although he had not the slightest idea who lived there, he was gazing interestedly at the high wrought-iron fence, as well as the kempt lawn within, dimly illuminated by street lamps, and upon the surface of which he could detect many heaps of freshly fallen brown leaves being shaken and rolled by a winnowing and gamboling wind. It was all so starkly severe, placid, reserved, beautiful, as he saw it, that he was quite stirred by the dignity and richness of it. And as he neared the central gate, above which two lights were burning, making a circle of light about it, a closed car of great size and solidity stopped directly in front of it. And the chauffeur stepping down and opening the door, Clyde instantly recognized Sondra Finchley leaning forward in the car. + 

вАЬGo around to the side entrance, David, and tell Miriam that I canвАЩt wait for her because IвАЩm going over to the Trumbulls for dinner, but that IвАЩll be back by nine. If sheвАЩs not there, leave this note and hurry, will you?вАЭ The voice and manner were of that imperious and yet pleasing mode which had so intrigued him the spring before. + 

At the same time seeing, as she thought, Gilbert Griffiths approaching along the sidewalk, she called, вАЬOh, hello. Walking tonight? If you want to wait a minute, you can ride out with me. IвАЩve just sent David in with a note. He wonвАЩt be long.вАЭ + 

Now Sondra Finchley, despite the fact that she was interested in Bella and the GriffithsвАЩ wealth and prestige in general was by no means as well pleased with Gilbert. He had been indifferent to her in the beginning when she had tried to cultivate him and he had remained so. He had wounded her pride. And to her, who was overflowing with vanity and self-conceit, this was the last offense, and she could not forgive him. She could not and would not brook the slightest trace of ego in another, and most especially the vain, cold, self-centered person of BellaвАЩs brother. He had too fine an opinion of himself, as she saw it, was one who was too bursting with vanity to be of service to anyone. вАЬHmp! That stick.вАЭ It was so that she invariably thought of him. вАЬWho does he think he is anyhow? He certainly does think heвАЩs a lot around here. YouвАЩd think he was a Rockefeller or a Morgan. And for my part I canвАЩt see where heвАЩs a bit interestingвБ†вАФany more. I like Bella. I think sheвАЩs lovely. But that smarty. I guess he would like to have a girl wait on him. Well, not for me.вАЭ Such in the main were the comments made by Sondra upon such reported acts and words of Gilbert as were brought to her by others. + 

And for his part, Gilbert, hearing of the gyrations, airs, and aspirations of Sondra from Bella from time to time, was accustomed to remark: вАЬWhat, that little snip! Who does she think she is anyhow? If ever there was a conceited little nut!вБ†вАКвБ†вА¶вАЭ + 

However, so tightly were the social lines of Lycurgus drawn, so few the truly eligibles, that it was almost necessary and compulsory upon those вАЬinвАЭ to make the best of such others as were вАЬin.вАЭ And so it was that she now greeted Gilbert as she thought. And as she moved over slightly from the door to make room for him, Clyde almost petrified by this unexpected recognition, and quite shaken out of his pose and self-contemplation, not being sure whether he had heard aright, now approached, his manner the epitome almost of a self-ingratiating and somewhat affectionate and wistful dog of high breeding and fine temperament. + 

вАЬOh, good evening,вАЭ he exclaimed, removing his cap and bowing. вАЬHow are you?вАЭ while his mind was registering that this truly was the beautiful, the exquisite Sondra whom months before he had met at his uncleвАЩs, and concerning whose social activities during the preceding summer he had been reading in the papers. And now here she was as lovely as ever, seated in this beautiful car and addressing him, apparently. However, Sondra on the instant realizing that she had made a mistake and that it was not Gilbert, was quite embarrassed and uncertain for the moment just how to extricate herself from a situation which was a bit ticklish, to say the least. + 

вАЬOh, pardon me, youвАЩre Mr.¬†Clyde Griffiths, I see now. ItвАЩs my mistake. I thought you were Gilbert. I couldnвАЩt quite make you out in the light.вАЭ She had for the moment an embarrassed and fidgety and halting manner, which Clyde noticed and which he saw implied that she had made a mistake that was not entirely flattering to him nor satisfactory to her. And this in turn caused him to become confused and anxious to retire. + 

вАЬOh, pardon me. But thatвАЩs all right. I didnвАЩt mean to intrude. I thoughtвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶вАЭ He flushed and stepped back really troubled. + 

But now Sondra, seeing at once that Clyde was if anything much more attractive than his cousin and far more diffident, and obviously greatly impressed by her charms as well as her social state, unbent sufficiently to say with a charming smile: вАЬBut thatвАЩs all right. WonвАЩt you get in, please, and let me take you where you are going. Oh, I wish you would. I will be so glad to take you.вАЭ + 

For there was that in ClydeвАЩs manner the instant he learned that it was due to a mistake that he had been recognized which caused even her to understand that he was hurt, abashed and disappointed. His eyes took on a hurt look and there was a wavering, apologetic, sorrowful smile playing about his lips. + 

вАЬWhy, yes, of course,вАЭ he said jerkily, вАЬthat is, if you want me to. I understand how it was. ThatвАЩs all right. But you neednвАЩt mind, if you donвАЩt wish to. I thoughtвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶вАЭ He had half turned to go, but was so drawn by her that he could scarcely tear himself away before she repeated: вАЬOh, do come, get in, Mr.¬†Griffiths. IвАЩll be so glad if you will. It wonвАЩt take David a moment to take you wherever you are going, IвАЩm sure. And I am sorry about the other, really I am. I didnвАЩt mean, you know, that just because you werenвАЩt Gilbert GriffithsвБ†вАФвАЭ + 

He paused and in a bewildered manner stepped forward and entering the car, slipped into the seat beside her. And she, interested by his personality, at once began to look at him, feeling glad that it was he now instead of Gilbert. In order the better to see and again reveal her devastating charms, as she saw them, to Clyde, she now switched on the roof light. And the chauffeur returning, she asked Clyde where he wished to goвБ†вАФan address which he gave reluctantly enough, since it was so different from the street in which she resided. As the car sped on, he was animated by a feverish desire to make some use of this brief occasion which might cause her to think favorably of himвБ†вАФperhaps, who knowsвБ†вАФlead to some faint desire on her part to contact him again at some time or other. He was so truly eager to be of her world. + 

вАЬItвАЩs certainly nice of you to take me up this way,вАЭ he now turned to her and observed, smiling. вАЬI didnвАЩt think it was my cousin you meant or I wouldnвАЩt have come up as I did.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, thatвАЩs all right. DonвАЩt mention it,вАЭ replied Sondra archly with a kind of sticky sweetness in her voice. Her original impression of him as she now felt, had been by no means so vivid. вАЬItвАЩs my mistake, not yours. But IвАЩm glad I made it now, anyhow,вАЭ she added most definitely and with an engaging smile. вАЬI think IвАЩd rather pick you up than I would Gil, anyhow. We donвАЩt get along any too well, he and I. We quarrel a lot whenever we do meet anywhere.вАЭ She smiled, having completely recovered from her momentary embarrassment, and now leaned back after the best princess fashion, her glance examining ClydeвАЩs very regular features with interest. He had such soft smiling eyes she thought. And after all, as she now reasoned, he was BellaвАЩs and GilbertвАЩs cousin, and looked prosperous. + 

вАЬWell, thatвАЩs too bad,вАЭ he said stiffly, and with a very awkward and weak attempt at being self-confident and even high-spirited in her presence. + 

вАЬOh, it doesnвАЩt amount to anything, really. We just quarrel, thatвАЩs all, once in a while.вАЭ + 

She saw that he was nervous and bashful and decidedly unresourceful in her presence and it pleased her to think that she could thus befuddle and embarrass him so much. вАЬAre you still working for your uncle?вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, yes,вАЭ replied Clyde quickly, as though it would make an enormous difference to her if he were not. вАЬI have charge of a department over there now.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, really, I didnвАЩt know. I havenвАЩt seen you at all, since that one time, you know. You donвАЩt get time to go about much, I suppose.вАЭ She looked at him wisely, as much as to say, вАЬYour relatives arenвАЩt so very much interested in you,вАЭ but really liking him now, she said instead, вАЬYou have been in the city all summer, I suppose?вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, yes,вАЭ replied Clyde quite simply and winningly. вАЬI have to be, you know. ItвАЩs the work that keeps me here. But IвАЩve seen your name in the papers often, and read about your riding and tennis contests and I saw you in that flower parade last June, too. I certainly thought you looked beautiful, like an angel almost.вАЭ + 

There was an admiring, pleading light in his eyes which now quite charmed her. What a pleasing young manвБ†вАФso different to Gilbert. And to think he should be so plainly and hopelessly smitten, and when she could take no more than a passing interest in him. It made her feel sorry, a little, and hence kindly toward him. Besides what would Gilbert think if only he knew that his cousin was so completely reduced by herвБ†вАФhow angry he would beвБ†вАФhe, who so plainly thought her a snip? It would serve him just right if Clyde were taken up by someone and made more of than he (Gilbert) ever could hope to be. The thought had a most pleasing tang for her. + 

However, at this point, unfortunately, the car turned in before Mrs.¬†PeytonвАЩs door and stopped. The adventure for Clyde and for her was seemingly over. + 

вАЬThatвАЩs awfully nice of you to say that. I wonвАЩt forget that.вАЭ She smiled archly as, the chauffeur opening the door, Clyde stepped down, his own nerves taut because of the grandeur and import of this encounter. вАЬSo this is where you live. Do you expect to be in Lycurgus all winter?вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, yes. IвАЩm quite sure of it. I hope to be anyhow,вАЭ he added, quite yearningly, his eyes expressing his meaning completely. + 

вАЬWell, perhaps, then IвАЩll see you again somewhere, some time. I hope so, anyhow.вАЭ + 

She nodded and gave him her fingers and the most fetching and wreathy of smiles, and he, eager to the point of folly, added: вАЬOh, so do I.вАЭ + 

вАЬGood night! Good night!вАЭ she called as the car sprang away, and Clyde, looking after it, wondered if he would ever see her again so closely and intimately as here. To think that he should have met her again in this way! And she had proved so very different from that first time when, as he distinctly recalled, she took no interest in him at all. + 

He turned hopefully and a little wistfully toward his own door. + 

And SondraвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ why was it, she pondered, as the motor car sped on its way, that the Griffiths were apparently not much interested in him? + 

XXIV + 

The effect of this so casual contact was really disrupting in more senses than one. For now in spite of his comfort in and satisfaction with Roberta, once more and in this positive and to him entrancing way, was posed the whole question of his social possibilities here. And that strangely enough by the one girl of this upper level who had most materialized and magnified for him the meaning of that upper level itself. The beautiful Sondra Finchley! Her lovely face, smart clothes, gay and superior demeanor! If only at the time he had first encountered her he had managed to interest her. Or could now. + 

The fact that his relations with Roberta were what they were now was not of sufficient import or weight to offset the temperamental or imaginative pull of such a girl as Sondra and all that she represented. Just to think the Wimblinger Finchley Electric Sweeper Company was one of the largest manufacturing concerns here. Its tall walls and stacks made a part of the striking sky line across the Mohawk. And the Finchley residence in Wykeagy Avenue, near that of the Griffiths, was one of the most impressive among that distinguished row of houses which had come with the latest and most discriminating architectural taste hereвБ†вАФItalian RenaissanceвБ†вАФcream hued marble and Dutchess County sandstone combined. And the Finchleys were among the most discussed of families here. + 

Ah, to know this perfect girl more intimately! To be looked upon by her with favorвБ†вАФmade, by reason of that favor, a part of that fine world to which she belonged. Was he not a GriffithsвБ†вАФas good looking as Gilbert Griffiths any day? And as attractive if he only had as much moneyвБ†вАФor a part of it even. To be able to dress in the Gilbert GriffithsвАЩ fashion; to ride around in one of the handsome cars he sported! Then, you bet, a girl like this would be delighted to notice himвБ†вАФmayhap, who knows, even fall in love with him. Analschar and the tray of glasses. But now, as he gloomily thought, he could only hope, hope, hope. + 

The devil! He would not go around to RobertaвАЩs this evening. He would trump up some excuseвБ†вАФtell her in the morning that he had been called upon by his uncle or cousin to do some work. He could not and would not go, feeling as he did just now. + 

So much for the effect of wealth, beauty, the peculiar social state to which he most aspired, on a temperament that was as fluid and unstable as water. + 

On the other hand, later, thinking over her contact with Clyde, Sondra was definitely taken with what may only be described as his charm for her, all the more definite in this case since it represented a direct opposite to all that his cousin offered by way of offense. His clothes and his manner, as well as a remark he had dropped, to the effect that he was connected with the company in some official capacity, seemed to indicate that he might be better placed than she had imagined. Yet she also recalled that although she had been about with Bella all summer and had encountered Gilbert, Myra and their parents from time to time, there had never been a word about Clyde. Indeed all the information she had gathered concerning him was that originally furnished by Mrs.¬†Griffiths, who had said that he was a poor nephew whom her husband had brought on from the west in order to help in some way. Yet now, as she viewed Clyde on this occasion, he did not seem so utterly unimportant or poverty-stricken by any meansвБ†вАФquite interesting and rather smart and very attractive, and obviously anxious to be taken seriously by a girl like herself, as she could see. And this coming from GilbertвАЩs cousinвБ†вАФa GriffithsвБ†вАФwas flattering. + 

Arriving at the TrumbullвАЩs, a family which centered about one Douglas Trumbull, a prosperous lawyer and widower and speculator of this region, who, by reason of his children as well as his own good manners and legal subtlety, had managed to ingratiate himself into the best circles of Lycurgus society, she suddenly confided to Jill Trumbull, the elder of the lawyerвАЩs two daughters: вАЬYou know I had a funny experience today.вАЭ And she proceeded to relate all that had occurred in detail. Afterward at dinner, Jill having appeared to find it most fascinating, she again repeated it to Gertrude and Tracy, the younger daughter and only son of the Trumbull family. + 

вАЬOh, yes,вАЭ observed Tracy Trumbull, a law student in his fatherвАЩs office, вАЬIвАЩve seen that fellow, I bet, three or four times on Central Avenue. He looks a lot like Gil, doesnвАЩt he? Only not so swagger. IвАЩve nodded to him two or three times this summer because I thought he was Gil for the moment.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, IвАЩve seen him, too,вАЭ commented Gertrude Trumbull. вАЬHe wears a cap and a belted coat like Gilbert Griffiths, sometimes, doesnвАЩt he? Arabella Stark pointed him out to me once and then Jill and I saw him passing StarkвАЩs once on a Saturday afternoon. He is better looking than Gil, any day, I think.вАЭ + 

This confirmed Sondra in her own thoughts in regard to Clyde and now she added: вАЬBertine Cranston and I met him one evening last spring at the GriffithsвАЩ. We thought he was too bashful, then. But I wish you could see him nowвБ†вАФheвАЩs positively handsome, with the softest eyes and the nicest smile.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, now, Sondra,вАЭ commented Jill Trumbull, who, apart from Bertine and Bella, was as close to Sondra as any girl here, having been one of her classmates at the Snedeker School, вАЬI know someone who would be jealous if he could hear you say that.вАЭ + 

вАЬAnd wouldnвАЩt Gil Griffiths like to hear that his cousinвАЩs better looking than he is?вАЭ chimed in Tracy Trumbull. вАЬOh, sayвБ†вАФвАЭ + 

вАЬOh, he,вАЭ sniffed Sondra irritably. вАЬHe thinks heвАЩs so much. IвАЩll bet anything itвАЩs because of him that the Griffiths wonвАЩt have anything to do with their cousin. IвАЩm sure of it, now that I think of it. Bella would, of course, because I heard her say last spring that she thought he was good-looking. And Myra wouldnвАЩt do anything to hurt anybody. What a lark if some of us were to take him up some time and begin inviting him here and thereвБ†вАФonce in a while, you knowвБ†вАФjust for fun, to see how he would do. And how the Griffiths would take it. I know well enough it would be all right with Mr.¬†Griffiths and Myra and Bella, but Gil IвАЩll bet would be as peeved as anything. I couldnвАЩt do it myself very well, because IвАЩm so close to Bella, but I know who could and they couldnвАЩt say a thing.вАЭ She paused, thinking of Bertine Cranston and how she disliked Gil and Mrs.¬†Griffiths. вАЬI wonder if he dances or rides or plays tennis or anything like that?вАЭ She stopped and meditated amusedly, the while the others studied her. And Jill Trumbull, a restless, eager girl like herself, without so much of her looks or flair, however, observed: вАЬIt would be a prank, wouldnвАЩt it? Do you suppose the Griffiths really would dislike it very much?вАЭ + 

вАЬWhatвАЩs the difference if they did?вАЭ went on Sondra. вАЬThey couldnвАЩt do anything more than ignore him, could they? And who would care about that, IвАЩd like to know. Not the people who invited him.вАЭ + 

вАЬGo on, you fellows, stir up a local scrap, will you?вАЭ put in Tracy Trumbull. вАЬIвАЩll bet anything thatвАЩs what comes of it in the end. Gil Griffiths wonвАЩt like it, you can gamble on that. I wouldnвАЩt if I were in his position. If you want to stir up a lot of feeling here, go to it, but IвАЩll lay a bet thatвАЩs what it comes to.вАЭ + 

Now Sondra FinchleyвАЩs nature was of just such a turn that a thought of this kind was most appealing to her. However, as interesting as the idea was to her at the time, nothing definite might have come of it, had it not been that subsequent to this conversation and several others held with Bertine Cranston, Jill Trumbull, Patricia Anthony, and Arabella Stark, the news of this adventure, together with some comments as to himself, finally came to the ears of Gilbert Griffiths, yet only via Constance Wynant to whom, as local gossips would have it, he was prospectively engaged. And Constance, hoping that Gilbert would marry her eventually, was herself irritated by the report that Sondra had chosen to interest herself in Clyde, and then, for no sane reason, as she saw it, proclaim that he was more attractive than Gilbert. So, as much to relieve herself as to lay some plan of avenging herself upon Sondra, if possible, she conveyed the whole matter in turn to Gilbert, who at once proceeded to make various cutting references to Clyde and Sondra. And these carried back to Sondra, along with certain embellishments by Constance, had the desired effect. It served to awaken in her the keenest desire for retaliation. For if she chose she certainly could be nice to Clyde, and have others be nice to him, too. And that would mean perhaps that Gilbert would find himself faced by a social rival of sortsвБ†вАФhis own cousin, too, who, even though he was poor, might come to be liked better. What a lark! At the very same time there came to her a way by which she might most easily introduce Clyde, and yet without seeming so to do, and without any great harm to herself, if it did not terminate as she wished. + 

For in Lycurgus among the younger members of those smarter families whose children had been to the Snedeker School, existed a rather illusory and casual dinner and dance club called the Now and Then. It had no definite organization, officers or abode. Anyone, who, because of class and social connections was eligible and chose to belong, could call a meeting of other members to give a dinner or dance or tea in their homes. + 

And how simple, thought Sondra in browsing around for a suitable vehicle by which to introduce Clyde, if someone other than herself who belonged could be induced to get up something and then at her suggestion invite Clyde. How easy, say, for Jill Trumbull to give a dinner and dance to the Now and Thens, to which Clyde might be invited. And by this ruse she would thus be able to see him again and find out just how much he did interest her and what he was like. + 

Accordingly a small dinner for this club and its friends was announced for the first Thursday in December, Jill Trumbull to be the hostess. To it were to be invited Sondra and her brother, Stuart, Tracy and Gertrude Trumbull, Arabella Stark, Bertine and her brother, and some others from Utica and Gloversville as well. And Clyde. But in order to safeguard Clyde against any chance of failure or even invidious comment of any kind, not only she but Bertine and Jill and Gertrude were to be attentive to and considerate of him. They were to see that his dance program was complete and that neither at dinner nor on the dance floor was he to be left to himself, but was to be passed on most artfully from one to the other until evening should be over. For, by reason of that, others might come to be interested in him, which would not only take the thorn from the thought that Sondra alone, of all the better people of Lycurgus, had been friendly to him, but would sharpen the point of this development for Gilbert, if not for Bella and the other members of the Griffiths family. + 

And in accordance with this plan, so it was done. + 

And so it was that Clyde, returning from the factory one early December evening about two weeks after his encounter with Sondra, was surprised by the sight of a cream-colored note leaning against the mirror of his dresser. It was addressed in a large, scrawly and unfamiliar hand. He picked it up and turned it over without being able in any way to fix upon the source. On the back were the initials B. T. or J. T., he could not decide which, so elaborately intertwined was the engraved penmanship. He tore it open and drew out a card which read: + 

The Now and Then Club + 

Will Hold Its First + 

Winter Dinner Dance + 

At the Home of + 

Douglas Trumbull + 

135 Wykeagy Ave + 

On Thursday, December 4 + 

You Are Cordially Invited + 

Will You Kindly Reply to Miss Jill Trumbull? + 

On the back of this, though, in the same scrawly hand that graced the envelope was written: вАЬDear Mr.¬†Griffiths: Thought you might like to come. It will be quite informal. And IвАЩm sure youвАЩll like it. If so, will you let Jill Trumbull know? Sondra Finchley.вАЭ + 

Quite amazed and thrilled, Clyde stood and stared. For ever since that second contact with her, he had been more definitely fascinated than at any time before by the dream that somehow, in some way, he was to be lifted from the lowly state in which he now dwelt. He was, as he now saw it, really too good for the commonplace world by which he was environed. And now here was thisвБ†вАФa social invitation issued by the Now and Then Club, of which, even though he had never heard of it, must be something since it was sponsored by such exceptional people. And on the back of it, was there not the writing of Sondra herself? How marvelous, really! + 

So astonished was he that he could scarcely contain himself for joy, but now on the instant must walk to and fro, looking at himself in the mirror, washing his hands and face, then deciding that his tie was not just right, perhaps, and changing to anotherвБ†вАФthinking forward to what he should wear and back upon how Sondra had looked at him on that last occasion. And how she had smiled. At the same time he could not help wondering even at this moment of what Roberta would think, if now, by some extra optical power of observation she could note his present joy in connection with this note. For plainly, and because he was no longer governed by the conventional notions of his parents, he had been allowing himself to drift into a position in regard to her which would certainly spell torture to her in case she should discover the nature of his present mood, a thought which puzzled him not a little, but did not serve to modify his thoughts in regard to Sondra in the least. + 

That wonderful girl! + 

That beauty! + 

That world of wealth and social position she lived in! + 

At the same time so innately pagan and unconventional were his thoughts in regard to all this that he could now ask himself, and that seriously enough, why should he not be allowed to direct his thoughts toward her and away from Roberta, since at the moment Sondra supplied the keener thought of delight. Roberta could not know about this. She could not see into his mind, could sheвБ†вАФbecome aware of any such extra experience as this unless he told her. And most assuredly he did not intend to tell her. And what harm, he now asked himself, was there in a poor youth like himself aspiring to such heights? Other youths as poor as himself had married girls as rich as Sondra. + 

For in spite of all that had occurred between him and Roberta he had not, as he now clearly recalled, given her his word that he would marry her except under one condition. And such a condition, especially with the knowledge that he had all too clearly acquired in Kansas City, was not likely to happen as he thought. + 

And Sondra, now that she had thus suddenly burst upon him again in this way was the same as a fever to his fancy. This goddess in her shrine of gilt and tinsel so utterly enticing to him, had deigned to remember him in this open and direct way and to suggest that he be invited. And no doubt she, herself, was going to be there, a thought which thrilled him beyond measure. + 

And what would not Gilbert and the Griffiths think if they were to hear of his going to this affair now, as they surely would? Or meet him later at some other party to which Sondra might invite him? Think of that! Would it irritate or please them? Make them think less or more of him? For, after all, this certainly was not of his doing. Was he not properly invited by people of their own station here in Lycurgus whom most certainly they were compelled to respect? And by no device of his, eitherвБ†вАФsheer accidentвБ†вАФthe facts concerning which would most certainly not reflect on him as pushing. As lacking as he was in some of the finer shades of mental discrimination, a sly and ironic pleasure lay in the thought that now Gilbert and the Griffiths might be compelled to countenance him whether they would or notвБ†вАФinvite him to their home, even. For, if these others did, how could they avoid it, really? Oh, joy! And that in the face of GilbertвАЩs high contempt for him. He fairly chuckled as he thought of it, feeling that however much Gilbert might resent it, neither his uncle nor Myra were likely to, and that hence he would be fairly safe from any secret desire on the part of Gilbert to revenge himself on him for this. + 

But how wonderful this invitation! Why that intriguing scribble of SondraвАЩs unless she was interested in him some? Why? The thought was so thrilling that Clyde could scarcely eat his dinner that night. He took up the card and kissed the handwriting. And instead of going to see Roberta as usual, he decided as before on first reencountering her, to walk a bit, then return to his room, and retire early. And on the morrow as before he could make some excuseвБ†вАФsay that he had been over to the GriffithsвАЩ home, or some one of the heads of the factory, in order to listen to an explanation in regard to something in connection with the work, since there were often such conferences. For, in the face of this, he did not care to see or talk to Roberta this night. He could not. The other thoughtвБ†вАФthat of Sondra and her interest in himвБ†вАФwas too enticing. + 

XXV + 

But in the interim, in connection with his relations with Roberta no least reference to Sondra, although, even when near her in the factory or her room, he could not keep his thoughts from wandering away to where Sondra in her imaginary high social world might be. The while Roberta, at moments only sensing a drift and remoteness in his thought and attitude which had nothing to do with her, was wondering what it was that of late was beginning to occupy him so completely. And he, in his turn, when she was not looking was thinkingвБ†вАФsupposing?вБ†вАФsupposingвБ†вАФ(since she had troubled to recall herself to him), that he could interest a girl like Sondra in him? What then of Roberta? What? And in the face of this intimate relation that had now been established between them? (Goodness! The deuce!) And that he did care for her (yes, he did), although nowвБ†вАФbasking in the direct rays of this newer luminaryвБ†вАФhe could scarcely see Roberta any longer, so strong were the actinic rays of this other. Was he all wrong? Was it evil to be like this? His mother would say so! And his father tooвБ†вАФand perhaps everybody who thought right about lifeвБ†вАФSondra Finchley, maybeвБ†вАФthe GriffithsвБ†вАФall. + 

And yet! And yet! It was snowing the first light snow of the year as Clyde, arrayed in a new collapsible silk hat and white silk muffler, both suggested by a friendly haberdasherвБ†вАФOrrin Short, with whom recently he had come in contact hereвБ†вАФand a new silk umbrella wherewith to protect himself from the snow, made his way toward the very interesting, if not so very imposing residence of the Trumbulls on Wykeagy Avenue. It was quaint, low and rambling, and the lights beaming from within upon the many drawn blinds gave it a Christmas-card effect. And before it, even at the prompt hour at which he arrived, were ranged a half dozen handsome cars of various builds and colors. The sight of them, sprinkled on tops, running boards and fenders with the fresh, flaky snow, gave him a keen sense of a deficiency that was not likely soon to be remedied in his caseвБ†вАФthe want of ample means wherewith to equip himself with such a necessity as that. And inside as he approached the door he could hear voices, laughter and conversation commingled. + 

A tall, thin servant relieved him of his hat, coat and umbrella and he found himself face to face with Jill Trumbull, who apparently was on the lookout for himвБ†вАФa smooth, curly-haired blonde girl, not too thrillingly pretty, but brisk and smart, in white satin with arms and shoulders bare and rhinestones banded around her forehead. + 

вАЬNo trouble to tell who you are,вАЭ she said gayly, approaching and giving Clyde her hand. вАЬIвАЩm Jill Trumbull. Miss Finchley hasnвАЩt come yet. But I can do the honors just as well, I guess. Come right in where the rest of us are.вАЭ + 

She led the way into a series of connecting rooms that seemed to join each other at right angles, adding as she went, вАЬYou do look an awful lot like Gil Griffiths, donвАЩt you?вАЭ + 

вАЬDo I?вАЭ smiled Clyde simply and courageously and very much flattered by the comparison. + 

The ceilings were low. Pretty lamps behind painted shades hugged dark walls. Open fires in two connecting rooms cast a rosy glow upon cushioned and comfortable furniture. There were pictures, books, objects of art. + 

вАЬHere, Tracy, you do the announcing, will you?вАЭ she called. вАЬMy brother, Tracy Trumbull, Mr.¬†Griffiths. Mr.¬†Clyde Griffiths, everybody,вАЭ she added, surveying the company in general which in turn fixed varying eyes upon him, while Tracy Trumbull took him by the hand. Clyde, suffering from a sense of being studied, nevertheless achieved a warm smile. At the same time he realized that for the moment at least conversation had stopped. вАЬDonвАЩt all stop talking on my account,вАЭ he ventured, with a smile, which caused most of those present to conceive of him as at his ease and resourceful. At the same time Tracy added: вАЬIвАЩm not going to do any man-to-man introduction stuff. WeвАЩll stand right here and point вАЩem out. ThatвАЩs my sister, Gertrude, over there talking to Scott Nicholson.вАЭ Clyde noted that a small, dark girl dressed in pink with a pretty and yet saucy and piquant face, nodded to him. And beside her a very de rigueur youth of fine physique and pink complexion nodded jerkily. вАЬHowja do.вАЭ And a few feet from them near a deep window stood a tall and yet graceful girl of dark and by no means ravishing features talking to a broad-shouldered and deep-chested youth of less than her height, who were proclaimed to be Arabella Stark and Frank Harriet. вАЬTheyвАЩre arguing over a recent Cornell-Syracuse football gameвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ Burchard Taylor and Miss Phant of Utica,вАЭ he went on almost too swiftly for Clyde to assemble any mental notes. вАЬPerley Haynes and Miss Vanda SteeleвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ well, I guess thatвАЩs all as yet. Oh, no, here come Grant and Nina Temple.вАЭ Clyde paused and gazed as a tall and somewhat dandified-looking youth, sharp of face and with murky-gray eyes, steered a trim, young, plump girl in fawn gray and with a light chestnut braid of hair laid carefully above her forehead, into the middle of the room. + 

вАЬHello, Jill. Hello, Vanda. Hello, Wynette.вАЭ In the midst of these greetings on his part, Clyde was presented to these two, neither of whom seemed to pay much attention to him. вАЬDidnвАЩt think weвАЩd make it,вАЭ went on young Cranston speaking to all at once. вАЬNina didnвАЩt want to come, but I promised Bertine and Jill or I wouldnвАЩt have, either. We were up at the BagleysвАЩ. Guess whoвАЩs up there, Scott. Van Peterson and Rhoda Hull. TheyвАЩre just over for the day.вАЭ + 

вАЬYou donвАЩt say,вАЭ called Scott Nicholson, a determined and self-centered looking individual. Clyde was arrested by the very definite sense of social security and ease that seemed to reside in everybody. вАЬWhy didnвАЩt you bring вАЩem along? IвАЩd like to see Rhoda again and Van, too.вАЭ + 

вАЬCouldnвАЩt. They have to go back early, they say. They may stop in later for a minute. Gee, isnвАЩt dinner served yet? I expected to sit right down.вАЭ + 

вАЬThese lawyers! DonвАЩt you know they donвАЩt eat often?вАЭ commented Frank Harriet, who was a short, but broad-chested and smiling youth, very agreeable, very good-looking and with even, white teeth. Clyde liked him. + 

вАЬWell, whether they do or not, we do, or out I go. Did you hear who is being touted for stroke next year over at Cornell?вАЭ This college chatter relating to Cornell and shared by Harriet, Cranston and others, Clyde could not understand. He had scarcely heard of the various colleges with which this group was all too familiar. At the same time he was wise enough to sense the defect and steer clear of any questions or conversations which might relate to them. However, because of this, he at once felt out of it. These people were better informed than he wasвБ†вАФhad been to colleges. Perhaps he had better claim that he had been to some school. In Kansas City he had heard of the State University of KansasвБ†вАФnot so very far from there. Also the University of Missouri. And in Chicago of the University of Chicago. Could he say that he had been to one of thoseвБ†вАФthat Kansas one, for a little while, anyway? On the instant he proposed to claim it, if asked, and then look up afterwards what, if anything, he was supposed to know about itвБ†вАФwhat, for instance, he might have studied. He had heard of mathematics somewhere. Why not that? + 

But these people, as he could see, were too much interested in themselves to pay much attention to him now. He might be a Griffiths and important to some outside, but here not so muchвБ†вАФa matter of course, as it were. And because Tracy Trumbull for the moment had turned to say something to Wynette Phant, he felt quite alone, beached and helpless and with no one to talk to. But just then the small, dark girl, Gertrude, came over to him. + 

вАЬThe crowdвАЩs a little late in getting together. It always is. If we said eight, theyвАЩd come at eight-thirty or nine. IsnвАЩt that always the way?вАЭ + 

вАЬIt certainly is,вАЭ replied Clyde gratefully, endeavoring to appear as brisk and as much at ease as possible. + 

вАЬIвАЩm Gertrude Trumbull,вАЭ she repeated. вАЬThe sister of the good-looking Jill,вАЭ a cynical and yet amused smile played about her mouth and eyes. вАЬYou nodded to me, but you donвАЩt know me. Just the same weвАЩve been hearing a lot about you.вАЭ She teased in an attempt to trouble Clyde a little, if possible. вАЬA mysterious Griffiths here in Lycurgus whom no one seems to have met. I saw you once in Central Avenue, though. You were going into RichвАЩs candy store. You didnвАЩt know that, though. Do you like candy?вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, yes, I like candy. Why?вАЭ asked Clyde on the instant feeling teased and disturbed, since the girl for whom he was buying the candy was Roberta. At the same time he could not help feeling slightly more at ease with this girl than with some others, for although cynical and not so attractive, her manner was genial and she now spelled escape from isolation and hence diffidence. + 

вАЬYouвАЩre probably just saying that,вАЭ she laughed, a bantering look in her eyes. вАЬMore likely you were buying it for some girl. You have a girl, havenвАЩt you?вАЭ + 

вАЬWhyвБ†вАФвАЭ Clyde paused for the fraction of a second because as she asked this Roberta came into his mind and the query, вАЬHad anyone ever seen him with Roberta?вАЭ flitted through his brain. Also thinking at the same time, what a bold, teasing, intelligent girl this was, different from any that thus far he had known. Yet quite without more pause he added: вАЬNo, I havenвАЩt. What makes you ask that?вАЭ + 

As he said this there came to him the thought of what Roberta would think if she could hear him. вАЬBut what a question,вАЭ he continued a little nervously now. вАЬYou like to tease, donвАЩt you?вАЭ + 

вАЬWho, me? Oh, no. I wouldnвАЩt do anything like that. But IвАЩm sure you have just the same. I like to ask questions sometimes, just to see what people will say when they donвАЩt want you to know what they really think.вАЭ She beamed into ClydeвАЩs eyes amusedly and defiantly. вАЬBut I know you have a girl just the same. All good-looking fellows have.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, am I good-looking?вАЭ he beamed nervously, amused and yet pleased. вАЬWho said so?вАЭ + 

вАЬAs though you didnвАЩt know. Well, different people. I for one. And Sondra Finchley thinks youвАЩre good-looking, too. SheвАЩs only interested in men who are. So does my sister Jill, for that matter. And she only likes men who are good-looking. IвАЩm different because IвАЩm not so good-looking myself.вАЭ She blinked cynically and teasingly into his eyes, which caused him to feel oddly out of place, not able to cope with such a girl at all, at the same time very much flattered and amused. вАЬBut donвАЩt you think youвАЩre better looking than your cousin,вАЭ she went on sharply and even commandingly. вАЬSome people think you are.вАЭ + 

Although a little staggered and yet flattered by this question which propounded what he might have liked to believe, and although intrigued by this girlвАЩs interest in him, still Clyde would not have dreamed of venturing any such assertion even though he had believed it. Too vividly it brought the aggressive and determined and even at times revengeful-looking features of Gilbert before him, who, stirred by such a report as this, would not hesitate to pay him out. + 

вАЬWhy, I donвАЩt think anything of the kind,вАЭ he laughed. вАЬHonest, I donвАЩt. Of course I donвАЩt.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, well, then maybe you donвАЩt, but you are just the same. But that wonвАЩt help you much either, unless you have moneyвБ†вАФthat is, if you want to run with people who have.вАЭ She looked up at him and added quite blandly. вАЬPeople like money even more than they do looks.вАЭ + 

What a sharp girl this was, he thought, and what a hard, cold statement. It cut him not a little, even though she had not intended that it should. + 

But just then Sondra herself entered with some youth whom Clyde did not knowвБ†вАФa tall, gangling, but very smartly-dressed individual. And after them, along with others, Bertine and Stuart Finchley. + 

вАЬHere she is now,вАЭ added Gertrude a little spitefully, for she resented the fact that Sondra was so much better-looking than either she or her sister, and that she had expressed an interest in Clyde. вАЬSheвАЩll be looking to see if you notice how pretty she looks, so donвАЩt disappoint her.вАЭ + 

The impact of this remark, a reflection of the exact truth, was not necessary to cause Clyde to gaze attentively, and even eagerly. For apart from her local position and means and taste in dress and manners, Sondra was of the exact order and spirit that most intrigued himвБ†вАФa somewhat refined (and because of means and position showered upon her) less savage, although scarcely less self-centered, Hortense Briggs. She was, in her small, intense way, a seeking Aphrodite, eager to prove to any who were sufficiently attractive the destroying power of her charm, while at the same time retaining her own personality and individuality free of any entangling alliance or compromise. However, for varying reasons which she could not quite explain to herself, Clyde appealed to her. He might not be anything socially or financially, but he was interesting to her. + 

Hence she was now keen, first to see if he were present, next to be sure that he gained no hint that she had seen him first, and lastly to act as grandly as possible for his benefitвБ†вАФa Hortensian procedure and type of thought that was exactly the thing best calculated to impress him. He gazed and there she wasвБ†вАФtripping here and there in a filmy chiffon dance frock, shaded from palest yellow to deepest orange, which most enhanced her dark eyes and hair. And having exchanged a dozen or more вАЬOh, Hellos,вАЭ and references with one and another to this, that and the other local event, she at last condescended to evince awareness of his proximity. + 

вАЬOh, here you are. You decided to come after all. I wasnвАЩt sure whether you would think it worth while. YouвАЩve been introduced to everybody, of course?вАЭ She looked around as much as to say, that if he had not been she would proceed to serve him in this way. The others, not so very much impressed by Clyde, were still not a little interested by the fact that she seemed so interested in him. + 

вАЬYes, I met nearly everybody, I think.вАЭ + 

вАЬExcept Freddie Sells. He came in with me just now. Here you are, Freddie,вАЭ she called to a tall and slender youth, smooth of cheek and obviously becurled as to hair, who now came over and in his closely-fitting dress coat looked down on Clyde about as a spring rooster might look down on a sparrow. + 

вАЬThis is Clyde Griffiths, I was telling you about, Fred,вАЭ she began briskly. вАЬDoesnвАЩt he look a lot like Gilbert?вАЭ + 

вАЬWhy, you do at that,вАЭ exclaimed this amiable person, who seemed to be slightly troubled with weak eyes since he bent close. вАЬI hear youвАЩre a cousin of GilвАЩs. I know him well. We went through Princeton together. I used to be over here before I joined the General Electric over at Schenectady. But IвАЩm around a good bit yet. YouвАЩre connected with the factory, I suppose.вАЭ + 

вАЬYes, I am,вАЭ said Clyde, who, before a youth of obviously so much more training and schooling than he possessed, felt not a little reduced. He began to fear that this individual would try to talk to him about things which he could not understand, things concerning which, having had no consecutive training of any kind, he had never been technically informed. + 

вАЬIn charge of some department, I suppose?вАЭ + 

вАЬYes, I am,вАЭ said Clyde, cautiously and nervously. + 

вАЬYou know,вАЭ went on Mr.¬†Sells, briskly and interestingly, being of a commercial as well as technical turn, вАЬIвАЩve always wondered just what, outside of money, there is to the collar business. Gil and I used to argue about that when we were down at college. He used to try to tell me that there was some social importance to making and distributing collars, giving polish and manner to people who wouldnвАЩt otherwise have them, if it werenвАЩt for cheap collars. I think he musta read that in a book somewhere. I always laughed at him.вАЭ + 

Clyde was about to attempt an answer, although already beyond his depth in regard to this. вАЬSocial importance.вАЭ Just what did he mean by thatвБ†вАФsome deep, scientific information that he had acquired at college. He was saved a noncommittal or totally uninformed answer by Sondra who, without thought or knowledge of the difficulty which was then and there before him, exclaimed: вАЬOh, no arguments, Freddie. ThatвАЩs not interesting. Besides I want him to meet my brother and Bertine. You remember Miss Cranston. She was with me at your uncleвАЩs last spring.вАЭ + 

Clyde turned, while Fred made the best of the rebuff by merely looking at Sondra, whom he admired so very much. + 

вАЬYes, of course,вАЭ Clyde began, for he had been studying these two along with others. To him, apart from Sondra, Bertine seemed exceedingly attractive, though quite beyond his understanding also. Being involved, insincere and sly, she merely evoked in him a troubled sense of ineffectiveness, and hence uncertainty, in so far as her particular world was concernedвБ†вАФno more. + 

вАЬOh, how do you do? ItвАЩs nice to see you again,вАЭ she drawled, the while her greenish-gray eyes went over him in a smiling and yet indifferent and quizzical way. She thought him attractive, but not nearly as shrewd and hard as she would have preferred him to be. вАЬYouвАЩve been terribly busy with your work, I suppose. But now that youвАЩve come out once, I suppose weвАЩll see more of you here and there.вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, I hope so,вАЭ he replied, showing his even teeth. + 

Her eyes seemed to be saying that she did not believe what she was saying and that he did not either, but that it was necessary, possibly amusing, to say something of the sort. + 

And a related, though somewhat modified, version of this same type of treatment was accorded him by Stuart, SondraвАЩs brother. + 

вАЬOh, how do you do. Glad to know you. My sister has just been telling me about you. Going to stay in Lycurgus long? Hope you do. WeвАЩll run into one another once in a while then, I suppose.вАЭ + 

Clyde was by no means so sure, but he admired the easy, shallow way in which Stuart laughed and showed his even white teethвБ†вАФa quick, genial, indifferent laugh. Also the way in which he turned and laid hold of Wynette PhantвАЩs white arm as she passed. вАЬWait a minute, Wyn. I want to ask you something.вАЭ He was goneвБ†вАФinto another roomвБ†вАФbending close to her and talking fast. And Clyde had noticed that his clothes were perfectly cut. + 

What a gay world, he thought. What a brisk world. And just then Jill Trumbull began calling, вАЬCome on, people. ItвАЩs not my fault. The cookвАЩs mad about something and youвАЩre all late anyhow. WeвАЩll get it over with and then dance, eh?вАЭ + 

вАЬYou can sit between me and Miss Trumbull when she gets the rest of us seated,вАЭ assured Sondra. вАЬWonвАЩt that be nice? And now you may take me in.вАЭ + 

She slipped a white arm under ClydeвАЩs and he felt as though he were slowly but surely being transported to paradise. + 

XXVI + 

The dinner itself was chatter about a jumble of places, personalities, plans, most of which had nothing to do with anything that Clyde had personally contacted here. However, by reason of his own charm, he soon managed to overcome the sense of strangeness and hence indifference in some quarters, more particularly the young women of the group who were interested by the fact that Sondra Finchley liked him. And Jill Trumbull, sitting beside him, wanted to know where he came from, what his own home life and connections were like, why he had decided to come to Lycurgus, questions which, interjected as they were between silly banter concerning different girls and their beaus, gave Clyde pause. He did not feel that he could admit the truth in connection with his family at all. So he announced that his father conducted a hotel in DenverвБ†вАФnot so very large, but still a hotel. Also that he had come to Lycurgus because his uncle had suggested to him in Chicago that he come to learn the collar business. He was not sure that he was wholly interested in it or that he would continue indefinitely unless it proved worth while; rather he was trying to find out what it might mean to his future, a remark which caused Sondra, who was also listening, as well as Jill, to whom it was addressed, to consider that in spite of all rumors attributed to Gilbert, Clyde must possess some means and position to which, in case he did not do so well here, he could return. + 

This in itself was important, not only to Sondra and Jill, but to all the others. For, despite his looks and charm and family connections here, the thought that he was a mere nobody, seeking, as Constance Wynant had reported, to attach himself to his cousinвАЩs family, was disquieting. One couldnвАЩt ever be anything much more than friendly with a moneyless clerk or pensioner, whatever his family connections, whereas if he had a little money and some local station elsewhere, the situation was entirely different. + 

And now Sondra, relieved by this and the fact that he was proving more acceptable than she had imagined he would, was inclined to make more of him than she otherwise would have done. + 

вАЬAre you going to let me dance with you after dinner?вАЭ was one of the first things he said to her, infringing on a genial smile given him in the midst of clatter concerning an approaching dance somewhere. + 

вАЬWhy, yes, of course, if you want me to,вАЭ she replied, coquettishly, seeking to intrigue him into further romanticisms in regard to her. + 

вАЬJust one?вАЭ + 

вАЬHow many do you want? There are a dozen boys here, you know. Did you get a program when you came in?вАЭ + 

вАЬI didnвАЩt see any.вАЭ + 

вАЬNever mind. After dinner you can get one. And you may put me down for three and eight. That will leave you room for others.вАЭ She smiled bewitchingly. вАЬYou have to be nice to everybody, you know.вАЭ + 

вАЬYes, I know.вАЭ He was still looking at her. вАЬBut ever since I saw you at my uncleвАЩs last April, IвАЩve been wishing I might see you again. I always look for your name in the papers.вАЭ + 

He looked at her seekingly and questioningly and in spite of herself, Sondra was captivated by this naive confession. Plainly he could not afford to go where or do what she did, but still he would trouble to follow her name and movements in print. She could not resist the desire to make something more of this. + 

вАЬOh, do you?вАЭ she added. вАЬIsnвАЩt that nice? But what do you read about me?вАЭ + 

вАЬThat you were at Twelfth and Greenwood Lakes and up at Sharon for the swimming contests. I saw where you went up to Paul SmithвАЩs, too. The papers here seemed to think you were interested in someone from Schroon Lake and that you might be going to marry him.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, did they? How silly. The papers here always say such silly things.вАЭ Her tone implied that he might be intruding. He looked embarrassed. This softened her and after a moment she took up the conversation in the former vein. + 

вАЬDo you like to ride?вАЭ she asked sweetly and placatively. + 

вАЬI never have. You know I never had much chance at that, but I always thought I could if I tried.вАЭ + 

вАЬOf course, itвАЩs not hard. If you took a lesson or two you could, and,вАЭ she added in a somewhat lower tone, вАЬwe might go for a canter sometime. There are lots of horses in our stable that you would like, IвАЩm sure.вАЭ + 

ClydeвАЩs hair-roots tingled anticipatorily. He was actually being invited by Sondra to ride with her sometime and he could use one of her horses in the bargain. + 

вАЬOh, I would love that,вАЭ he said. вАЬThat would be wonderful.вАЭ + 

The crowd was getting up from the table. Scarcely anyone was interested in the dinner, because a chamber orchestra of four having arrived, the strains of a preliminary fox trot were already issuing from the adjacent living roomвБ†вАФa long, wide affair from which all obstructing furniture with the exception of wall chairs had been removed. + 

вАЬYou had better see about your program and your dance before all the others are gone,вАЭ cautioned Sondra. + 

вАЬYes, I will right away,вАЭ said Clyde, вАЬbut is two all I get with you?вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, make it three, five and eight then, in the first half.вАЭ She waved him gayly away and he hurried for a dance card. + 

The dances were all of the eager foxtrotting type of the period with interpolations and variations according to the moods and temperaments of the individual dancers. Having danced so much with Roberta during the preceding month, Clyde was in excellent form and keyed to the breaking point by the thought that at last he was in social and even affectional contact with a girl as wonderful as Sondra. + 

And although wishing to seem courteous and interested in others with whom he was dancing, he was almost dizzied by passing contemplations of Sondra. She swayed so droopily and dreamily in the embrace of Grant Cranston, the while without seeming to, looking in his direction when he was near, permitting him to sense how graceful and romantic and poetic was her attitude toward all thingsвБ†вАФwhat a flower of life she really was. And Nina Temple, with whom he was now dancing for his benefit, just then observed: вАЬShe is graceful, isnвАЩt she?вАЭ + 

вАЬWho?вАЭ asked Clyde, pretending an innocence he could not physically verify, for his cheek and forehead flushed. вАЬI donвАЩt know who you mean.вАЭ + 

вАЬDonвАЩt you? Then what are you blushing for?вАЭ + 

He had realized that he was blushing. And that his attempted escape was ridiculous. He turned, but just then the music stopped and the dancers drifted away to their chairs. Sondra moved off with Grant Cranston and Clyde led Nina toward a cushioned seat in a window in the library. + 

And in connection with Bertine with whom he next danced, he found himself slightly flustered by the cool, cynical aloofness with which she accepted and entertained his attention. Her chief interest in Clyde was the fact that Sondra appeared to find him interesting. + 

вАЬYou do dance well, donвАЩt you? I suppose you must have done a lot of dancing before you came hereвБ†вАФin Chicago, wasnвАЩt it, or where?вАЭ + 

She talked slowly and indifferently. + 

вАЬI was in Chicago before I came here, but I didnвАЩt do so very much dancing. I had to work.вАЭ He was thinking how such girls as she had everything, as contrasted with girls like Roberta, who had nothing. And yet, as he now felt in this instance, he liked Roberta better. She was sweeter and warmer and kinderвБ†вАФnot so cold. + 

When the music started again with the sonorous melancholy of a single saxophone interjected at times, Sondra came over to him and placed her right hand in his left and allowed him to put his arm about her waist, an easy, genial and unembarrassed approach which, in the midst of ClydeвАЩs dream of her, was thrilling. + 

And then in her coquettish and artful way she smiled up in his eyes, a bland, deceptive and yet seemingly promising smile, which caused his heart to beat faster and his throat to tighten. Some delicate perfume that she was using thrilled in his nostrils as might have the fragrance of spring. + 

вАЬHaving a good time?вАЭ + 

вАЬYesвБ†вАФlooking at you.вАЭ + 

вАЬWhen there are so many other nice girls to look at?вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, there are no other girls as nice as you.вАЭ + 

вАЬAnd I dance better than any other girl, and IвАЩm much the best-looking of any other girl here. NowвБ†вАФIвАЩve said it all for you. Now what are you going to say?вАЭ + 

She looked up at him teasingly, and Clyde realizing that he had a very different type to Roberta to deal with, was puzzled and flushed. + 

вАЬI see,вАЭ he said, seriously. вАЬEvery fellow tells you that, so you donвАЩt want me to.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, no, not every fellow.вАЭ Sondra was at once intrigued and checkmated by the simplicity of his retort. вАЬThere are lots of people who donвАЩt think IвАЩm very pretty.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, donвАЩt they, though?вАЭ he returned quite gayly, for at once he saw that she was not making fun of him. And yet he was almost afraid to venture another compliment. Instead he cast about for something else to say, and going back to the conversation at the table concerning riding and tennis, he now asked: вАЬYou like everything out-of-doors and athletic, donвАЩt you?вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, do I?вАЭ was her quick and enthusiastic response. вАЬThere isnвАЩt anything I like as much, really. IвАЩm just crazy about riding, tennis, swimming, motorboating, aquaplaning. You swim, donвАЩt you?вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, sure,вАЭ said Clyde, grandly. + 

вАЬDo you play tennis?вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, IвАЩve just taken it up,вАЭ he said, fearing to admit that he did not play at all. + 

вАЬOh, I just love tennis. We might play sometime together.вАЭ ClydeвАЩs spirits were completely restored by this. And tripping as lightly as dawn to the mournful strains of a popular love song, she went right on. вАЬBella Griffiths and Stuart and Grant and I play fine doubles. We won nearly all the finals at Greenwood and Twelfth Lake last summer. And when it comes to aquaplaning and high diving you just ought to see me. We have the swiftest motorboat up at Twelfth Lake nowвБ†вАФStuart has. It can do sixty miles an hour.вАЭ + 

At once Clyde realized that he had hit upon the one subject that not only fascinated, but even excited her. For not only did it involve outdoor exercise, in which obviously she reveled, but also the power to triumph and so achieve laurels in such phases of sport as most interested those with whom she was socially connected. And lastly, although this was something which he did not so clearly realize until later, she was fairly dizzied by the opportunity all this provided for frequent changes of costume and hence social show, which was the one thing above all others that did interest her. How she looked in a bathing suitвБ†вАФa riding or tennis or dancing or automobile costume! + 

They danced on together, thrilled for the moment at least, by this mutual recognition of the identity and reality of this interest each felt for the otherвБ†вАФa certain momentary warmth or enthusiasm which took the form of genial and seeking glances into each otherвАЩs eyes, hints on the part of Sondra that, assuming that Clyde could fit himself athletically, financially and in other ways for such a world as this, it might be possible that he would be invited here and there by her; broad and for the moment self-deluding notions on his part that such could and would be the case, while in reality just below the surface of his outward or seeming conviction and assurance ran a deeper current of self-distrust which showed as a decidedly eager and yet slightly mournful light in his eye, a certain vigor and assurance in his voice, which was nevertheless touched, had she been able to define it, with something that was not assurance by any means. + 

вАЬOh, the dance is done,вАЭ he said sadly. + 

вАЬLetвАЩs try to make them encore,вАЭ she said, applauding. The orchestra struck up a lively tune and they glided off together once more, dipping and swaying here and thereвБ†вАФharmoniously abandoning themselves to the rhythm of the musicвБ†вАФlike two small chips being tossed about on a rough but friendly sea. + 

вАЬOh, IвАЩm so glad to be with you againвБ†вАФto be dancing with you. ItвАЩs so wonderfulвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ Sondra.вАЭ + 

вАЬBut you mustnвАЩt call me that, you know. You donвАЩt know me well enough.вАЭ + 

вАЬI mean Miss Finchley. But youвАЩre not going to be mad at me again, are you?вАЭ + 

His face was very pale and sad again. + 

She noticed it. + 

вАЬNo. Was I mad at you? I wasnвАЩt really. I like you someвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ when youвАЩre not sentimental.вАЭ + 

The music stopped. The light tripping feet became walking ones. + 

вАЬIвАЩd like to see if itвАЩs still snowing outside, wouldnвАЩt you?вАЭ It was Sondra asking. + 

вАЬOh, yes. LetвАЩs go.вАЭ + 

Through the moving couples they hurried out a side-door to a world that was covered thick with soft, cottony, silent snow. The air was filled with it silently eddying down. + 

XXVII + 

The ensuing December days brought to Clyde some pleasing and yet complicating and disturbing developments. For Sondra Finchley, having found him so agreeable an admirer of hers, was from the first inclined neither to forget nor neglect him. But, occupying the rather prominent social position which she did, she was at first rather dubious as to how to proceed. For Clyde was too poor and decidedly too much ignored by the Griffiths themselves, even, for her to risk any marked manifestation of interest in him. + 

And now, in addition to the primary motivating reason for all thisвБ†вАФher desire to irritate Gilbert by being friends with his cousinвБ†вАФthere was another. She liked him. His charm and his reverence for her and her station flattered and intrigued her. For hers was a temperament which required adulation in about the measure which Clyde provided itвБ†вАФsincere and romantic adulation. And at the very same time he represented physical as well as mental attributes which were agreeable to herвБ†вАФamorousness without the courage at the time, anyhow, to annoy her too much; reverence which yet included her as a very human being; a mental and physical animation which quite matched and companioned her own. + 

Hence it was decidedly a troublesome thought with Sondra how she was to proceed with Clyde without attracting too much attention and unfavorable comment to herselfвБ†вАФa thought which kept her sly little brain going at nights after she had retired. However, those who had met him at the TrumbullsвАЩ were so much impressed by her interest in him that evening and the fact that he had proved so pleasing and affable, they in turn, the girls particularly, were satisfied that he was eligible enough. + 

And in consequence, two weeks later, Clyde, searching for inexpensive Christmas presents in StarkвАЩs for his mother, father, sisters, brother and Roberta, and encountering Jill Trumbull doing a little belated shopping herself, was invited by her to attend a pre-Christmas dance that was to be given the next night by Vanda Steele at her home in Gloversville. Jill herself was going with Frank Harriet and she was not sure but that Sondra Finchley would be there. Another engagement of some kind appeared to be in the way, but still she was intending to come if she could. But her sister Gertrude would be glad to have him escort herвБ†вАФa very polite way of arranging for Gertrude. Besides, as she knew, if Sondra heard that Clyde was to be there, this might induce her to desert her other engagement. + 

вАЬTracy will be glad to stop for you in time,вАЭ she went on, вАЬorвБ†вАФвАЭ she hesitatedвБ†вАФвАЬperhaps youвАЩd like to come over for dinner with us before we go. ItвАЩll be just the family, but weвАЩd be delighted to have you. The dancing doesnвАЩt begin till eleven.вАЭ + 

The dance was for Friday night, and on that night Clyde had arranged to be with Roberta because on the following day she was leaving for a three-day-over-Christmas holiday visit to her parentsвБ†вАФthe longest stretch of time thus far she had spent away from him. And because, apart from his knowledge she had arranged to present him with a new fountain pen and Eversharp pencil, she had been most anxious that he should spend this last evening with her, a fact which she had impressed upon him. And he, on his part, had intended to make use of this last evening to surprise her with a white-and-black toilet set. + 

But now, so thrilled was he at the possibility of a reencounter with Sondra, he decided that he would cancel this last evening engagement with Roberta, although not without some misgivings as to the difficulty as well as the decency of it. For despite the fact that he was now so lured by Sondra, nevertheless he was still deeply interested in Roberta and he did not like to grieve her in this way. She would look so disappointed, as he knew. Yet at the same time so flattered and enthused was he by this sudden, if tardy, social development that he could not now think of refusing Jill. What? Neglect to visit the Steeles in Gloversville and in company with the Trumbulls and without any help from the Griffiths, either? It might be disloyal, cruel, treacherous to Roberta, but was he not likely to meet Sondra? + 

In consequence he announced that he would go, but immediately afterwards decided that he must go round and explain to Roberta, make some suitable excuseвБ†вАФthat the Griffiths, for instance, had invited him for dinner. That would be sufficiently overawing and compelling to her. But upon arriving, and finding her out, he decided to explain the following morning at the factoryвБ†вАФby note, if necessary. To make up for it he decided he might promise to accompany her as far as Fonda on Saturday and give her her present then. + 

But on Friday morning at the factory, instead of explaining to her with the seriousness and even emotional dissatisfaction which would have governed him before, he now whispered: вАЬI have to break that engagement tonight, honey. Been invited to my uncleвАЩs, and I have to go. And IвАЩm not sure that I can get around afterwards. IвАЩll try if I get through in time. But IвАЩll see you on the Fonda car tomorrow if I donвАЩt. IвАЩve got something I want to give you, so donвАЩt feel too bad. Just got word this morning or IвАЩd have let you know. YouвАЩre not going to feel bad, are you?вАЭ He looked at her as gloomily as possible in order to express his own sorrow over this. + 

But Roberta, her presents and her happy last evening with him put aside in this casual way, and for the first time, too, in this fashion, shook her head negatively, as if to say вАЬOh, no,вАЭ but her spirits were heavily depressed and she fell to wondering what this sudden desertion of her at this time might portend. For, up to this time, Clyde had been attentiveness itself, concealing his recent contact with Sondra behind a veil of pretended, unmodified affection which had, as yet, been sufficient to deceive her. It might be true, as he said, that an unescapable invitation had come up which necessitated all this. But, oh, the happy evening she had planned! And now they would not be together again for three whole days. She grieved dubiously at the factory and in her room afterwards, thinking that Clyde might at least have suggested coming around to her room late, after his uncleвАЩs dinner in order that she might give him the presents. But his eventual excuse made this day was that the dinner was likely to last too late. He could not be sure. They had talked of going somewhere else afterwards. + 

But meanwhile Clyde, having gone to the TrumbullsвАЩ, and later to the SteelesвАЩ, was flattered and reassured by a series of developments such as a month before he would not have dreamed of anticipating. For at the SteelesвАЩ he was promptly introduced to a score of personalities there who, finding him chaperoned by the Trumbulls and learning that he was a Griffiths, as promptly invited him to affairs of their ownвБ†вАФor hinted at events that were to come to which he might be invited, so that at the close he found himself with cordial invitations to attend a New YearвАЩs dance at the VandamsвАЩ in Gloversville, as well as a dinner and dance that was to be given Christmas Eve by the Harriets in Lycurgus, an affair to which Gilbert and his sister Bella, as well as Sondra, Bertine and others were invited. + 

And lastly, there was Sondra herself appearing on the scene at about midnight in company with Scott Nicholson, Freddie Sells and Bertine, at first pretending to be wholly unaware of his presence, yet deigning at last to greet him with an, вАЬOh, hello, I didnвАЩt expect to find you here.вАЭ She was draped most alluringly in a deep red Spanish shawl. But Clyde could sense from the first that she was quite aware of his presence, and at the first available opportunity he drew near to her and asked yearningly, вАЬArenвАЩt you going to dance with me at all?вАЭ + 

вАЬWhy, of course, if you want me to. I thought maybe you had forgotten me by now,вАЭ she said mockingly. + 

вАЬAs though IвАЩd be likely to forget you. The only reason IвАЩm here tonight is because I thought I might see you again. I havenвАЩt thought of anyone or anything else since I saw you last.вАЭ + 

Indeed so infatuated was he with her ways and airs, that instead of being irritated by her pretended indifference, he was all the more attracted. And he now achieved an intensity which to her was quite compelling. His eyelids narrowed and his eyes lit with a blazing desire which was quite disturbing to see. + 

вАЬMy, but you can say the nicest things in the nicest way when you want to.вАЭ She was toying with a large Spanish comb in her hair for the moment and smiling. вАЬAnd you say them just as though you meant them.вАЭ + 

вАЬDo you mean to say that you donвАЩt believe me, Sondra,вАЭ he inquired almost feverishly, this second use of her name thrilling her now as much as it did him. Although inclined to frown on so marked a presumption in his case, she let it pass because it was pleasing to her. + 

вАЬOh, yes, I do. Of course,вАЭ she said a little dubiously, and for the first time nervously, where he was concerned. She was beginning to find it a little hard to decipher her proper line of conduct in connection with him, whether to repress him more or less. вАЬBut you must say now what dance you want. I see someone coming for me.вАЭ And she held her small program up to him archly and intriguingly. вАЬYou may have the eleventh. ThatвАЩs the next after this.вАЭ + 

вАЬIs that all?вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, and the fourteenth, then, greedy,вАЭ she laughed into ClydeвАЩs eyes, a laughing look which quite enslaved him. + 

Subsequently learning from Frank Harriet in the course of a dance that Clyde had been invited to his house for Christmas Eve, as well as that Jessica Phant had invited him to Utica for New YearвАЩs Eve, she at once conceived of him as slated for real success and decided that he was likely to prove less of a social burden than she had feared. He was charmingвБ†вАФthere was no doubt of it. And he was so devoted to her. In consequence, as she now decided, it might be entirely possible that some of these other girls, seeing him recognized by some of the best people here and elsewhere, would become sufficiently interested, or drawn to him even, to wish to overcome his devotion to her. Being of a vain and presumptuous disposition herself, she decided that that should not be. Hence, in the course of her second dance with Clyde, she said: вАЬYouвАЩve been invited to the HarrietsвАЩ for Christmas Eve, havenвАЩt you?вАЭ + 

вАЬYes, and I owe it all to you, too,вАЭ he exclaimed warmly. вАЬAre you going to be there?вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, IвАЩm awfully sorry. I am invited and I wish now that I was going. But you know I arranged some time ago to go over to Albany and then up to Saratoga for the holidays. IвАЩm going tomorrow, but IвАЩll be back before New YearвАЩs. Some friends of FreddieвАЩs are giving a big affair over in Schenectady New YearвАЩs Eve, though. And your cousin Bella and my brother Stuart and Grant and Bertine are going. If youвАЩd like to go, you might go along with us over there.вАЭ + 

She had been about to say вАЬme,вАЭ but had changed it to вАЬus.вАЭ She was thinking that this would certainly demonstrate her control over him to all those others, seeing that it nullified Miss PhantвАЩs invitation. And at once Clyde accepted, and with delight, since it would bring him in contact with her again. + 

At the same time he was astonished and almost aghast over the fact that in this casual and yet very intimate and definite way she was planning for him to reencounter Bella, who would at once carry the news of his going with her and these others to her family. And what would not that spell, seeing that even as yet the Griffiths had not invited him anywhereвБ†вАФnot even for Christmas? For although the fact of Clyde having been picked up by Sondra in her car as well as later, that he had been invited to the Now and Then, had come to their ears, still nothing had been done. Gilbert Griffiths was wroth, his father and mother puzzled as to their proper course but remaining inactive nonetheless. + 

But the group, according to Sondra, might remain in Schenectady until the following morning, a fact which she did not trouble to explain to Clyde at first. And by now he had forgotten that Roberta, having returned from her long stay at Biltz by then, and having been deserted by him over Christmas, would most assuredly be expecting him to spend New YearвАЩs Eve with her. That was a complication which was to dawn later. Now he only saw bliss in SandraвАЩs thought of him and at once eagerly and enthusiastically agreed. + 

вАЬBut you know,вАЭ she said cautiously, вАЬyou mustnвАЩt pay so very much attention to me over there or here or anywhere or think anything of it, if I donвАЩt to you. I may not be able to see so very much of you if you do. IвАЩll tell you about that sometime. You see my father and mother are funny people. And so are some of my friends here. But if youвАЩll just be nice and sort of indifferentвБ†вАФyou knowвБ†вАФI may be able to see quite a little of you this winter yet. Do you see?вАЭ + 

Thrilled beyond words by this confession, which came because of his too ardent approaches as he well knew, he looked at her eagerly and searchingly. + 

вАЬBut you care for me a little, then, donвАЩt you?вАЭ he half-demanded, half-pleaded, his eyes lit with that alluring light which so fascinated her. And cautious and yet attracted, swayed sensually and emotionally and yet dubious as to the wisdom of her course, Sondra replied: вАЬWell, IвАЩll tell you. I do and I donвАЩt. That is, I canвАЩt tell yet. I like you a lot. Sometimes I think I like you more than others. You see we donвАЩt know each other very well yet. But youвАЩll come with me to Schenectady, though, wonвАЩt you?вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, will I?вАЭ + 

вАЬIвАЩll write you more about that, or call you up. You have a telephone, havenвАЩt you?вАЭ + 

He gave her the number. + 

вАЬAnd if by any chance thereвАЩs any change or I have to break the engagement, donвАЩt think anything of it. IвАЩll see you laterвБ†вАФsomewhere, sure.вАЭ She smiled and Clyde felt as though he were choking. The mere thought of her being so frank with him, and saying that she cared for him a lot, at times, was sufficient to cause him to almost reel with joy. To think that this beautiful girl was so anxious to include him in her life if she couldвБ†вАФthis wonderful girl who was surrounded by so many friends and admirers from which she could take her pick. + 

XXVIII + 

Six-thirty the following morning. And Clyde, after but a single hourвАЩs rest after his return from Gloversville, rising, his mind full of mixed and troubled thoughts as to how to readjust his affairs in connection with Roberta. She was going to Biltz today. He had promised to go as far as Fonda. But now he did not want to go. Of course he would have to concoct some excuse. But what? + 

Fortunately the day before he had heard Whiggam tell Liggett there was to be a meeting of department heads after closing hours in SmillieвАЩs office today, and that he was to be there. Nothing was said to Clyde, since his department was included in LiggettвАЩs, but now he decided that he could offer this as a reason and accordingly, about an hour before noon, he dropped a note on her desk which read: + 

вАЬHoney: Awfully sorry, but just told that I have to be at a meeting of department heads downstairs at three. That means I canвАЩt go to Fonda with you, but will drop around to the room for a few minutes right after closing. Have something I want to give you, so be sure and wait. But donвАЩt feel too bad. It canвАЩt be helped. See you sure when you come back Wednesday. + 

At first, since she could not read it at once, Roberta was pleased because she imagined it contained some further favorable word about the afternoon. But on opening it in the ladiesвАЩ rest room a few minutes afterwards, her face fell. Coupled as this was with the disappointment of the preceding evening, when Clyde had failed to appear, together with his manner of the morning which to her had seemed self-absorbed, if not exactly distant, she began to wonder what it was that was bringing about this sudden change. Perhaps he could not avoid attending a meeting any more than he could avoid going to his uncleвАЩs when he was asked. But the day before, following his word to her that he could not be with her that evening, his manner was gayer, less sober, than his supposed affection in the face of her departure would warrant. After all he had known before that she was to be gone for three days. He also knew that nothing weighed on her more than being absent from him any length of time. + 

At once her mood from one of hopefulness changed to one of deep depressionвБ†вАФthe blues. Life was always doing things like this to her. Here it wasвБ†вАФtwo days before Christmas, and now she would have to go to Biltz, where there was nothing much but such cheer as she could bring, and all by herself, and after scarcely a moment with him. She returned to her bench, her face showing all the unhappiness that had suddenly overtaken her. Her manner was listless and her movements indifferentвБ†вАФa change which Clyde noticed; but still, because of his sudden and desperate feeling for Sondra, he could not now bring himself to repent. + 

At one, the giant whistles of some of the neighboring factories sounding the Saturday closing hours, both he and Roberta betook themselves separately to her room. And he was thinking to himself as he went what to say now. What to do? How in the face of this suddenly frosted and blanched affection to pretend an interest he did not feelвБ†вАФhow, indeed, continue with a relationship which now, as alive and vigorous as it might have been as little as fifteen days before, appeared exceedingly anemic and colorless. It would not do to say or indicate in any way that he did not care for her any moreвБ†вАФfor that would be so decidedly cruel and might cause Roberta to say what? Do what? And on the other hand, neither would it do, in the face of his longings and prospects in the direction of Sondra to continue in a type of approach and declaration that was not true or sound and that could only tend to maintain things as they were. Impossible! Besides, at the first hint of reciprocal love on the part of Sondra, would he not be anxious and determined to desert Roberta if he could? And why not? As contrasted with one of SondraвАЩs position and beauty, what had Roberta really to offer him? And would it be fair in one of her station and considering the connections and the possibilities that Sondra offered, for her to demand or assume that he should continue a deep and undivided interest in her as opposed to this other? That would not really be fair, would it? + 

It was thus that he continued to speculate while Roberta, preceding him to her room, was asking herself what was this now that had so suddenly come upon herвБ†вАФover ClydeвБ†вАФthis sudden indifference, this willingness to break a pre-Christmas date, and when she was about to leave for home and not to see him for three days and over Christmas, too, to make him not wish to ride with her even so far as Fonda. He might say that it was that meeting, but was it? She could have waited until four if necessary, but something in his manner had precluded thatвБ†вАФsomething distant and evasive. Oh, what did this all mean? And, so soon after the establishing of this intimacy, which at first and up to now at least had seemed to be drawing them indivisibly together. Did it spell a changeвБ†вАФdanger to or the end even of their wonderful love dream? Oh, dear! And she had given him so much and now his loyalty meant everythingвБ†вАФher futureвБ†вАФher life. + 

She stood in her room pondering this new problem as Clyde arrived, his Christmas package under his arm, but still fixed in his determination to modify his present relationship with Roberta, if he couldвБ†вАФyet, at the same time anxious to put as inconsequential a face on the proceeding as possible. + 

вАЬGee, IвАЩm awfully sorry about this, Bert,вАЭ he began briskly, his manner a mixture of attempted gayety, sympathy and uncertainty. вАЬI hadnвАЩt an idea until about a couple of hours ago that they were going to have this meeting. But you know how it is. You just canвАЩt get out of a thing like this. YouвАЩre not going to feel too bad, are you?вАЭ For already, from her expression at the factory as well as here, he had gathered that her mood was of the darkest. вАЬIвАЩm glad I got the chance to bring this around to you, though,вАЭ he added, handing the gift to her. вАЬI meant to bring it around last night only that other business came up. Gee, IвАЩm sorry about the whole thing. Really, I am.вАЭ + 

Delighted as she might have been the night before if this gift had been given to her, Roberta now put the box on the table, all the zest that might have been joined with it completely banished. + 

вАЬDid you have a good time last night, dear?вАЭ she queried, curious as to the outcome of the event that had robbed her of him. + 

вАЬOh, pretty good,вАЭ returned Clyde, anxious to put as deceptive a face as possible on the night that had meant so much to him and spelled so much danger to her. вАЬI thought I was just going over to my uncleвАЩs for dinner like I told you. But after I got there I found that what they really wanted me for was to escort Bella and Myra over to some doings in Gloversvile. ThereвАЩs a rich family over there, the SteelesвБ†вАФbig glove people, you know. Well, anyhow, they were giving a dance and they wanted me to take them over because Gil couldnвАЩt go. But it wasnвАЩt so very interesting. I was glad when it was all over.вАЭ He used the names Bella, Myra and Gilbert as though they were long and assured intimates of hisвБ†вАФan intimacy which invariably impressed Roberta greatly. + 

вАЬYou didnвАЩt get through in time then to come around here, did you?вАЭ + 

вАЬNo, I didnвАЩt, вАЩcause I had to wait for the bunch to come back. I just couldnвАЩt get away. But arenвАЩt you going to open your present?вАЭ he added, anxious to divert her thoughts from this desertion which he knew was preying on her mind. + 

She began to untie the ribbon that bound his gift, at the same time that her mind was riveted by the possibilities of the party which he had felt called upon to mention. What girls beside Bella and Myra had been there? Was there by any chance any girl outside of herself in whom he might have become recently interested? He was always talking about Sondra Finchley, Bertine Cranston and Jill Trumbull. Were they, by any chance, at this party? + 

вАЬWho all were over there beside your cousins?вАЭ she suddenly asked. + 

вАЬOh, a lot of people that you donвАЩt know. Twenty or thirty from different places around here.вАЭ + 

вАЬAny others from Lycurgus beside your cousins?вАЭ she persisted. + 

вАЬOh, a few. We picked up Jill Trumbull and her sister, because Bella wanted to. Arabella Stark and Perley Haynes were already over there when we got there.вАЭ He made no mention of Sondra or any of the others who so interested him. + 

But because of the manner in saying itвБ†вАФsomething in the tone of his voice and flick of his eyes, the answer did not satisfy Roberta. She was really intensely troubled by this new development, but did not feel that under the circumstances it was wise to importune Clyde too much. He might resent it. After all he had always been identified with this world since ever she had known him. And she did not want him to feel that she was attempting to assert any claims over him, though such was her true desire. + 

вАЬI wanted so much to be with you last night to give you your present,вАЭ she returned instead, as much to divert her own thoughts as to appeal to his regard for her. Clyde sensed the sorrow in her voice and as of old it appealed to him, only now he could not and would not let it take hold of him as much as otherwise it might have. + 

вАЬBut you know how that was, Bert,вАЭ he replied, with almost an air of bravado. вАЬI just told you.вАЭ + 

вАЬI know,вАЭ she replied sadly and attempting to conceal the true mood that was dominating her. At the same time she was removing the paper and opening the lid to the case that contained her toilet set. And once opened, her mood changed slightly because never before had she possessed anything so valuable or original. вАЬOh, this is beautiful, isnвАЩt it?вАЭ she exclaimed, interested for the moment in spite of herself. вАЬI didnвАЩt expect anything like this. My two little presents wonвАЩt seem like very much now.вАЭ + 

She crossed over at once to get her gifts. Yet Clyde could see that although his gift was exceptional, still it was not sufficient to overcome the depression which his indifference had brought upon her. His continued love was far more vital than any present. + 

вАЬYou like it, do you?вАЭ he asked, eagerly hoping against hope that it would serve to divert her. + 

вАЬOf course, dear,вАЭ she replied, looking at it interestedly. вАЬBut mine wonвАЩt seem so much,вАЭ she added gloomily, and not a little depressed by the general outcome of all her plans. вАЬBut theyвАЩll be useful to you and youвАЩll always have them near you, next your heart, where I want them to be.вАЭ + 

She handed over the small box which contained the metal Eversharp pencil and the silver ornamental fountain pen she had chosen for him because she fancied they would be useful to him in his work at the factory. Two weeks before he would have taken her in his arms and sought to console her for the misery he was now causing her. But now he merely stood there wondering how, without seeming too distant, he could assuage her and yet not enter upon the customary demonstrations. And in order so to do he burst into enthusiastic and yet somehow hollow words in regard to her present to him. + 

вАЬOh, gee, these are swell, honey, and just what I need. You certainly couldnвАЩt have given me anything that would come in handier. I can use them all the time.вАЭ He appeared to examine them with the utmost pleasure and afterwards fastened them in his pocket ready for use. Also, because for the moment she was before him so downcast and wistful, epitomizing really all the lure of the old relationship, he put his arms around her and kissed her. She was winsome, no doubt of it. And then when she threw her arms around his neck and burst into tears, he held her close, saying that there was no cause for all this and that she would be back Wednesday and all would be as before. At the same time he was thinking that this was not true, and how strange that wasвБ†вАФseeing that only so recently he had cared for her so much. It was amazing how another girl could divert him in this way. And yet so it was. And although she might be thinking that he was still caring for her as he did before, he was not and never would again. And because of this he felt really sorry for her. + 

Something of this latest mood in him reached Roberta now, even as she listened to his words and felt his caresses. They failed to convey sincerity. His manner was too restless, his embraces too apathetic, his tone without real tenderness. Further proof as to this was added when, after a moment or two, he sought to disengage himself and look at his watch, saying, вАЬI guess IвАЩll have to be going now, honey. ItвАЩs twenty of three now and that meeting is for three. I wish I could ride over with you, but IвАЩll see you when you get back.вАЭ + 

He bent down to kiss her but with Roberta sensing once and for all, this time, that his mood in regard to her was different, colder. He was interested and kind, but his thoughts were elsewhereвБ†вАФand at this particular season of the year, tooвБ†вАФof all times. She tried to gather her strength and her self-respect together and did, in partвБ†вАФsaying rather coolly, and determinedly toward the last: вАЬWell, I donвАЩt want you to be late, Clyde. You better hurry. But I donвАЩt want to stay over there either later than Christmas night. Do you suppose if I come back early Christmas afternoon, you will come over here at all? I donвАЩt want to be late Wednesday for work.вАЭ + 

вАЬWhy, sure, of course, honey, IвАЩll be around,вАЭ replied Clyde genially and even wholeheartedly, seeing that he had nothing else scheduled, that he knew of, for then, and would not so soon and boldly seek to evade her in this fashion. вАЬWhat time do you expect to get in?вАЭ + 

The hour was to be eight and he decided that for that occasion, anyhow, a reunion would be acceptable. He drew out his watch again and saying, вАЬIвАЩll have to be going now, though,вАЭ moved toward the door. + 

Nervous as to the significance of all this and concerned about the future, she now went over to him and seizing his coat lapels and looking into his eyes, half-pleaded and half-demanded: вАЬNow, this is sure for Christmas night, is it, Clyde? You wonвАЩt make any other engagement this time, will you?вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, donвАЩt worry. You know me. You know I couldnвАЩt help that other, honey, but IвАЩll be on hand Tuesday, sure,вАЭ he returned. And kissing her, he hurried out, feeling, perhaps, that he was not acting as wisely as he should, but not seeing clearly how otherwise he was to do. A man couldnвАЩt break off with a girl as he was trying to do, or at least might want to, without exercising some little tact or diplomacy, could he? There was no sense in that nor any real skill, was there? There must be some other and better way than that, surely. At the same time his thoughts were already running forward to Sondra and New YearвАЩs Eve. He was going with her to Schenectady to a party and then he would have a chance to judge whether she was caring for him as much as she had seemed to the night before. + 

After he had gone, Roberta turned in a rather lorn and weary way and looked out the window after him, wondering as to what her future with him was to be, if at all? Supposing now, for any reason, he should cease caring for her. She had given him so much. And her future was now dependent upon him, his continued regard. Was he going to get tired of her nowвБ†вАФnot want to see her any more? Oh, how terrible that would be. What would sheвБ†вАФwhat could she do then? If only she had not given herself to him, yielded so easily and so soon upon his demand. + 

She gazed out of her window at the bare snow-powdered branches of the trees outside and sighed. The holidays! And going away like this. Oh! Besides he was so high placed in this local society. And there were so many things brighter and better than she could offer calling him. + 

She shook her head dubiously, surveyed her face in the mirror, put together the few presents and belongings which she was taking with her to her home, and departed. + 

XXIX + 

Biltz and the fungoid farm land after Clyde and Lycurgus was depressing enough to Roberta, for all there was too closely identified with deprivations and repressions which discolor the normal emotions centering about old scenes. + 

As she stepped down from the train at the drab and aged chalet which did service for a station, she observed her father in the same old winter overcoat he had worn for a dozen years, waiting for her with the old family conveyance, a decrepit but still whole buggy and a horse as bony and weary as himself. He had, as she had always thought, the look of a tired and defeated man. His face brightened when he saw Roberta, for she had always been his favorite child, and he chatted quite cheerfully as she climbed in alongside of him and they turned around and started toward the road that led to the farmhouse, a rough and winding affair of dirt at a time when excellent automobile roads were a commonplace elsewhere. + 

As they rode along Roberta found herself checking off mentally every tree, curve, landmark with which she had been familiar. But with no happy thoughts. It was all too drab. The farm itself, coupled with the chronic illness and inefficiency of Titus and the inability of the youngest boy Tom or her mother to help much, was as big a burden as ever. A mortgage of $2,000 that had been placed on it years before had never been paid off, the north chimney was still impaired, the steps were sagging even more than ever and the walls and fences and outlying buildings were no differentвБ†вАФsave to be made picturesque now by the snows of winter covering them. Even the furniture remained the same jumble that it had always been. And there were her mother and younger sister and brother, who knew nothing of her true relationship to ClydeвБ†вАФa mere name his hereвБ†вАФand assuming that she was wholeheartedly delighted to be back with them once more. Yet because of what she knew of her own life and ClydeвАЩs uncertain attitude toward her, she was now, if anything, more depressed than before. + 

Indeed, the fact that despite her seeming recent success she had really compromised herself in such a way that unless through marriage with Clyde she was able to readjust herself to the moral level which her parents understood and approved, she, instead of being the emissary of a slowly and modestly improving social condition for all, might be looked upon as one who had reduced it to a lower level stillвБ†вАФits destroyerвБ†вАФwas sufficient to depress and reduce her even more. A very depressing and searing thought. + 

Worse and more painful still was the thought in connection with all this that, by reason of the illusions which from the first had dominated her in connection with Clyde, she had not been able to make a confidant of her mother or anyone else in regard to him. For she was dubious as to whether her mother would not consider that her aspirations were a bit high. And she might ask questions in regard to him and herself which might prove embarrassing. At the same time, unless she had some confidant in whom she could truly trust, all her troublesome doubts in regard to herself and Clyde must remain a secret. + 

After talking for a few moments with Tom and Emily, she went into the kitchen where her mother was busy with various Christmas preparations. Her thought was to pave the way with some observations of her own in regard to the farm here and her life at Lycurgus, but as she entered, her mother looked up to say: вАЬHow does it feel, Bob, to come back to the country? I suppose it all looks rather poor compared to Lycurgus,вАЭ she added a little wistfully. + 

Roberta could tell from the tone of her motherвАЩs voice and the rather admiring look she cast upon her that she was thinking of her as one who had vastly improved her state. At once she went over to her and, putting her arms about her affectionately, exclaimed: вАЬOh, Mamma, wherever you are is just the nicest place. DonвАЩt you know that?вАЭ + 

For answer her mother merely looked at her with affectionate and well-wishing eyes and patted her on the back. вАЬWell, Bobbie,вАЭ she added, quietly, вАЬyou know how you are about me.вАЭ + 

Something in her motherвАЩs voice which epitomized the long years of affectionate understanding between themвБ†вАФan understanding based, not only on a mutual desire for each otherвАЩs happiness, but a complete frankness in regard to all emotions and moods which had hitherto dominated bothвБ†вАФtouched her almost to the point of tears. Her throat tightened and her eyes moistened, although she sought to overcome any show of emotion whatsoever. She longed to tell her everything. At the same time the compelling passion she retained for Clyde, as well as the fact that she had compromised herself as she had, now showed her that she had erected a barrier which could not easily be torn down. The conventions of this local world were much too strongвБ†вАФeven where her mother was concerned. + 

She hesitated a moment, wishing that she could quickly and clearly present to her mother the problem that was weighing upon her and receive her sympathy, if not help. But instead she merely said: вАЬOh, I wish you could have been with me all the time in Lycurgus, Mamma. MaybeвБ†вАФвАЭ She paused, realizing that she had been on the verge of speaking without due caution. Her thought was that with her mother near at hand she might have been able to have resisted ClydeвАЩs insistent desires. + 

вАЬYes, I suppose you do miss me,вАЭ her mother went on, вАЬbut itвАЩs better for you, donвАЩt you think? You know how it is over here, and you like your work. You do like your work, donвАЩt you?вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, the work is nice enough. I like that part of it. ItвАЩs been so nice to be able to help here a little, but itвАЩs not so nice living all alone.вАЭ + 

вАЬWhy did you leave the Newtons, Bob? Was Grace so disagreeable? I should have thought she would have been company for you.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, she was at first,вАЭ replied Roberta. вАЬOnly she didnвАЩt have any men friends of her own, and she was awfully jealous of anybody that paid the least attention to me. I couldnвАЩt go anywhere but she had to go along, or if it wasnвАЩt that then she always wanted me to be with her, so I couldnвАЩt go anywhere by myself. You know how it is, Mamma. Two girls canвАЩt go with one young man.вАЭ + 

вАЬYes, I know how it is, Bob.вАЭ Her mother laughed a little, then added: вАЬWho is he?вАЭ + 

вАЬItвАЩs Mr.¬†Griffiths, Mother,вАЭ she added, after a momentвАЩs hesitation, a sense of the exceptional nature of her contact as contrasted with this very plain world here passing like a light across her eyes. For all her fears, even the bare possibility of joining her life with ClydeвАЩs was marvelous. вАЬBut I donвАЩt want you to mention his name to anybody yet,вАЭ she added. вАЬHe doesnвАЩt want me to. His relatives are so very rich, you know. They own the companyвБ†вАФthat is, his uncle does. But thereвАЩs a rule there about anyone who works for the companyвБ†вАФanyone in charge of a department. I mean not having anything to do with any of the girls. And he wouldnвАЩt with any of the others. But he likes meвБ†вАФand I like him, and itвАЩs different with us. Besides IвАЩm going to resign pretty soon and get a place somewhere else, I think, and then it wonвАЩt make any difference. I can tell anybody, and so can he.вАЭ + 

Roberta was thinking now that, in the face of her recent treatment at the hands of Clyde, as well as because of the way in which she had given herself to him without due precaution as to her ultimate rehabilitation via marriage, that perhaps this was not exactly true. He might notвБ†вАФa vague, almost formless, fear this, as yetвБ†вАФwant her to tell anybody nowвБ†вАФever. And unless he were going to continue to love her and marry her, she might not want anyone to know of it, either. The wretched, shameful, difficult position in which she had placed herself by all this. + 

On the other hand, Mrs.¬†Alden, learning thus casually of the odd and seemingly clandestine nature of this relationship, was not only troubled but puzzled, so concerned was she for RobertaвАЩs happiness. For, although, as she now said to herself, Roberta was such a good, pure and careful girlвБ†вАФthe best and most unselfish and wisest of all her childrenвБ†вАФstill might it not be possibleвБ†вАФ? But, no, no one was likely to either easily or safely compromise or betray Roberta. She was too conservative and good, and so now she added: вАЬA relative of the owner, you sayвБ†вАФthe Mr.¬†Samuel Griffiths you wrote about?вАЭ + 

вАЬYes, Mamma. HeвАЩs his nephew.вАЭ + 

вАЬThe young man at the factory?вАЭ her mother asked, at the same time wondering just how Roberta had come to attract a man of ClydeвАЩs position, for, from the very first she had made it plain that he was a member of the family who owned the factory. This in itself was a troublesome fact. The traditional result of such relationships, common the world over, naturally caused her to be intensely fearful of just such an association as Roberta seemed to be making. Nevertheless she was not at all convinced that a girl of RobertaвАЩs looks and practicality would not be able to negotiate an association of the sort without harm to herself. + 

вАЬYes,вАЭ Roberta replied simply. + 

вАЬWhatвАЩs he like, Bob?вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, awfully nice. So good-looking, and heвАЩs been so nice to me. I donвАЩt think the place would be as nice as it is except that he is so refined, he keeps those factory girls in their place. HeвАЩs a nephew of the president of the company, you see, and the girls just naturally have to respect him.вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, that is nice, isnвАЩt it? I think itвАЩs so much better to work for refined people than just anybody. I know you didnвАЩt think so much of the work over at Trippetts Mills. Does he come to see you often, Bob?вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, yes, pretty often,вАЭ Roberta replied, flushing slightly, for she realized that she could not be entirely frank with her mother. + 

Mrs.¬†Alden, looking up at the moment, noticed this, and, mistaking it for embarrassment, asked teasingly: вАЬYou like him, donвАЩt you?вАЭ + 

вАЬYes, I do, Mother,вАЭ Roberta replied, simply and honestly. + 

вАЬWhat about him? Does he like you?вАЭ + 

Roberta crossed to the kitchen window. Below it at the base of the slope which led to the springhouse, and the one most productive field of the farm, were ranged all the dilapidated buildings which more than anything else about the place bespoke the meager material condition to which the family had fallen. In fact, during the last ten years these things had become symbols of inefficiency and lack. Somehow at this moment, bleak and covered with snow, they identified themselves in her mind as the antithesis of all to which her imagination aspired. And, not strangely either, the last was identified with Clyde. Somberness as opposed to happinessвБ†вАФsuccess in love or failure in love. Assuming that he truly loved her now and would take her away from all this, then possibly the bleakness of it all for her and her mother would be broken. But assuming that he did not, then all the results of her yearning, but possibly mistaken, dreams would be not only upon her own head, but upon those of these others, her motherвАЩs first. She troubled what to say, but finally observed: вАЬWell, he says he does.вАЭ + 

вАЬDo you think he intends to marry you?вАЭ Mrs.¬†Alden asked, timidly and hopefully, because of all her children her heart and hopes rested most with Roberta. + 

вАЬWell, IвАЩll tell you, MammaвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶вАЭ The sentence was not finished, for just then Emily, hurrying in from the front door, called: вАЬOh, Gifs here. He came in an automobile. Somebody drove him over, I guess, and heвАЩs got four or five big bundles.вАЭ + 

And immediately after came Tom with the elder brother, who, in a new overcoat, the first result of his career with the General Electric Company in Schenectady, greeted his mother affectionately, and after her, Roberta. + 

вАЬWhy, Gifford,вАЭ his mother exclaimed. вАЬWe didnвАЩt expect you until the nine oвАЩclock. How did you get here so soon?вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, I didnвАЩt think I would be. I ran into Mr.¬†Rearick down in Schenectady and he wanted to know if I didnвАЩt want to drive back with him. I see old Pop Myers over at Trippetts Mills has got the second story to his house at last, Bob,вАЭ he turned and added to Roberta: вАЬI suppose itвАЩll be another year before he gets the roof on.вАЭ + 

вАЬI suppose so,вАЭ replied Roberta, who knew the old Trippetts Mills character well. In the meantime she had relieved him of his coat and packages which, piled on the dining-room table, were being curiously eyed by Emily. + 

вАЬHands off, Em!вАЭ called Gifford to his little sister. вАЬNothing doing with those until Christmas morning. Has anybody cut a Christmas tree yet? That was my job last year.вАЭ + 

вАЬIt still is, Gifford,вАЭ his mother replied. вАЬI told Tom to wait until you came, вАЩcause you always get such a good one.вАЭ + 

And just then through the kitchen door Titus entered, bearing an armload of wood, his gaunt face and angular elbows and knees contributing a sharp contrast to the comparative hopefulness of the younger generation. Roberta noticed it as he stood smiling upon his son, and, because she was so eager for something better than ever had been to come to all, now went over to her father and put her arms around him. вАЬI know something Santy has brought my Dad that heвАЩll like.вАЭ It was a dark red plaid mackinaw that she was sure would keep him warm while executing his chores about the house, and she was anxious for Christmas morning to come so that he could see it. + 

She then went to get an apron in order to help her mother with the evening meal. No additional moment for complete privacy occurring, the opportunity to say more concerning that which both were so interested inвБ†вАФthe subject of ClydeвБ†вАФdid not come up again for several hours, after which length of time she found occasion to say: вАЬYes, but you mustnвАЩt ever say anything to anybody yet. I told him I wouldnвАЩt tell, and you mustnвАЩt.вАЭ + 

вАЬNo, I wonвАЩt, dear. But I was just wondering. But I suppose you know what youвАЩre doing. YouвАЩre old enough now to take care of yourself, Bob, arenвАЩt you?вАЭ + 

вАЬYes, I am, Ma. And you mustnвАЩt worry about me, dear,вАЭ she added, seeing a shadow, not of distrust but worry, passing over her beloved motherвАЩs face. How careful she must be not to cause her to worry when she had so much else to think about here on the farm. + 

Sunday morning brought the Gabels with full news of their social and material progress in Homer. Although her sister was not as attractive as she, and Fred Gabel was not such a man as at any stage in her life Roberta could have imagined herself interested in, still, after her troublesome thoughts in regard to Clyde, the sight of Agnes emotionally and materially content and at ease in the small security which matrimony and her none-too-efficient husband provided, was sufficient to rouse in her that flapping, doubtful mood that had been assailing her since the previous morning. Was it not better, she thought, to be married to a man even as inefficient and unattractive but steadfast as Fred Gabel, than to occupy the anomalous position in which she now found herself in her relations with Clyde? For here was Gabel now talking briskly of the improvements that had come to himself and Agnes during the year in which they had been married. In that time he had been able to resign his position as teacher in Homer and take over on shares the management of a small book and stationery store whose principal contributory features were a toy department and soda fountain. They had been doing a good business. Agnes, if all went well, would be able to buy a mission parlor suite by next summer. Fred had already bought her a phonograph for Christmas. In proof of their well-being, they had brought satisfactory remembrances for all of the Aldens. + 

But Gabel had with him a copy of the Lycurgus Star, and at breakfast, which because of the visitors this morning was unusually late, was reading the news of that city, for in Lycurgus was located the wholesale house from which he secured a portion of his stock. + 

вАЬWell, I see things are going full blast in your town, Bob,вАЭ he observed. вАЬThe Star here says the Griffiths Company have got an order for 120,000 collars from the Buffalo trade alone. They must be just coining money over there.вАЭ + 

вАЬThereвАЩs always plenty to do in my department, I know that,вАЭ replied Roberta, briskly. вАЬWe never seem to have any the less to do whether business is good or bad. I guess it must be good all the time.вАЭ + 

вАЬPretty soft for those people. They donвАЩt have to worry about anything. Someone was telling me theyвАЩre going to build a new factory in Ilion to manufacture shirts alone. Heard anything about that down there?вАЭ + 

вАЬWhy, no, I havenвАЩt. Maybe itвАЩs some other company.вАЭ + 

вАЬBy the way, whatвАЩs the name of that young man you said was the head of your department? WasnвАЩt he a Griffiths, too?вАЭ he asked briskly, turning to the editorial page, which also carried news of local Lycurgus society. + 

вАЬYes, his name is GriffithsвБ†вАФClyde Griffiths. Why?вАЭ + 

вАЬI think I saw his name in here a minute ago. I just wanted to see if it ainвАЩt the same fellow. Sure, here you are. AinвАЩt this the one?вАЭ He passed the paper to Roberta with his finger on an item which read: + 

вАЬMiss Vanda Steele, of Gloversville, was hostess at an informal dance held at her home in that city Friday night, at which were present several prominent members of Lycurgus society, among them the Misses Sondra Finchiey, Bertine Cranston, Jill and Gertrude Trumbull and Perley Haynes, and Messrs. Clyde Griffiths, Frank Harriet, Tracy Trumbull, Grant Cranston and Scott Nicholson. The party, as is usual whenever the younger group assembles, did not break up until late, the Lycurgus members motoring back just before dawn. It is already rumored that most of this group will gather at the EllersliesвАЩ, in Schenectady, New YearвАЩs Eve for another event of this same gay nature.вАЭ + 

вАЬHe seems to be quite a fellow over there,вАЭ Gabel remarked, even as Roberta was reading. + 

The first thing that occurred to Roberta on reading this item was that it appeared to have little, if anything, to do with the group which Clyde had said was present. In the first place there was no mention of Myra or Bella Griffiths. On the other hand, all those names with which, because of recent frequent references on the part of Clyde, she was becoming most familiar were recorded as present. Sondra Finchley, Bertine Cranston, the Trumbull girls, Perley Haynes. He had said it had not been very interesting, and here it was spoken of as gay and he himself was listed for another engagement of the same character New YearвАЩs Eve, when, as a matter of fact, she had been counting on being with him. He had not even mentioned this New YearвАЩs engagement. And perhaps he would now make some last minute excuse for that, as he had for the previous Friday evening. Oh, dear! What did all this mean, anyhow! + 

Immediately what little romantic glamour this Christmas homecoming had held for her was dissipated. She began to wonder whether Clyde really cared for her as he had pretended. The dark state to which her incurable passion for him had brought her now pained her terribly. For without him and marriage and a home and children, and a reasonable place in such a local world as she was accustomed to, what was there for a girl like her in the world? And apart from his own continuing affection for herвБ†вАФif it was really continuing, what assurance had she, in the face of such incidents as these, that he would not eventually desert her? And if this was true, here was her future, in so far as marriage with anyone else was concerned, compromised or made impossible, maybe, and with no reliance to be placed on him. + 

She fell absolutely silent. And although Gabel inquired: вАЬThatвАЩs the fellow, isnвАЩt it?вАЭ she arose without answering and said: вАЬExcuse me, please, a moment. I want to get something out of my bag,вАЭ and hurried once more to her former room upstairs. Once there she sat down on the bed, and, resting her chin in her hands, a habit when troublesome or necessary thoughts controlled her, gazed at the floor. + 

Where was Clyde now? + 

What one, if any, of those girls did he take to the Steele party? Was he very much interested in her? Until this very day, because of ClydeвАЩs unbroken devotion to her, she had not even troubled to think there could be any other girl to whom his attentions could mean anything. + 

But nowвБ†вАФnow! + 

She got up and walked to the window and looked out on that same orchard where as a girl so many times she had been thrilled by the beauty of life. The scene was miserably bleak and bare. The thin, icy arms of the treesвБ†вАФthe gray, swaying twigsвБ†вАФa lone, rustling leaf somewhere. And snow. And wretched outbuildings in need of repair. And Clyde becoming indifferent to her. And the thought now came to her swiftly and urgently that she must not stay here any longer than she could helpвБ†вАФnot even this day, if possible. She must return to Lycurgus and be near Clyde, if no more than to persuade him to his old affection for her, or if not that, then by her presence to prevent him from devoting himself too wholly to these others. Decidedly, to go away like this, even for the holidays, was not good. In her absence he might desert her completely for another girl, and if so, then would it not be her fault? At once she pondered as to what excuse she could make in order to return this day. But realizing that in view of all these preliminary preparations this would seem inexplicably unreasonable, to her mother most of all, she decided to endure it as she had planned until Christmas afternoon, then to return, never to leave for so long a period again. + 

But ad interim, all her thoughts were on how and in what way she could make more sure, if at all, of ClydeвАЩs continued interest and social and emotional support, as well as marriage in the future. Supposing he had lied to her, how could she influence him, if at all, not to do so again? How to make him feel that lying between them was not right? How to make herself securely first in his heart against the dreams engendered by the possible charms of another? + 

How? + 

XXX + 

But RobertaвАЩs return to Lycurgus and her room at the GilpinsвАЩ Christmas night brought no sign of Clyde nor any word of explanation. For in connection with the Griffiths in the meantime there had been a development relating to all this which, could she or Clyde have known, would have interested both not a little. For subsequent to the Steele dance that same item read by Roberta fell under the eyes of Gilbert. He was seated at the breakfast table the Sunday morning after the party and was about to sip from a cup of coffee when he encountered it. On the instant his teeth snapped about as a man might snap his watch lid, and instead of drinking he put his cup down and examined the item with more care. Other than his mother there was no one at the table or in the room with him, but knowing that she, more than any of the others, shared his views in regard to Clyde, he now passed the paper over to her. + 

вАЬLook at whoвАЩs breaking into society now, will you?вАЭ he admonished sharply and sarcastically, his eyes radiating the hard and contemptuous opposition he felt. вАЬWeвАЩll be having him up here next!вАЭ + 

вАЬWho?вАЭ inquired Mrs.¬†Griffiths, as she took the paper and examined the item calmly and judicially, yet not without a little of outwardly suppressed surprise when she saw the name. For although the fact of ClydeвАЩs having been picked up by Sondra in her car sometime before and later been invited to dinner at the TrumbullsвАЩ, had been conveyed to the family sometime before, still a society notice in The Star was different. вАЬNow I wonder how it was that he came to be invited to that?вАЭ meditated Mrs.¬†Griffiths who was always conscious of her sonвАЩs mood in regard to all this. + 

вАЬNow, who would do it but that little Finchley snip, the little smart aleck?вАЭ snapped Gilbert. вАЬSheвАЩs got the idea from somewhereвБ†вАФfrom Bella for all I knowвБ†вАФthat we donвАЩt care to have anything to do with him, and she thinks this is a clever way to hit back at me for some of the things IвАЩve done to her, or that she thinks IвАЩve done. At any rate, she thinks I donвАЩt like her, and thatвАЩs right, I donвАЩt. And Bella knows it, too. And that goes for that little Cranston show-off, too. TheyвАЩre both always running around with her. TheyвАЩre a set of show-offs and wasters, the whole bunch, and that goes for their brothers, tooвБ†вАФGrant Cranston and Stew FinchleyвБ†вАФand if something donвАЩt go wrong with one or another of that bunch one of these days, I miss my guess. You mark my word! They donвАЩt do a thing, the whole lot of them, from one yearвАЩs end to the other but play around and dance and run here and there, as though there wasnвАЩt anything else in the world for them to do. And why you and Dad let Bella run with вАЩem as much as she does is more than I can see.вАЭ + 

To this his mother protested. It was not possible for her to entirely estrange Bella from one portion of this local social group and direct her definitely toward the homes of certain others. They all mingled too freely. And she was getting along in years and had a mind of her own. + 

Just the same his motherвАЩs apology and especially in the face of the publication of this item by no means lessened GilbertвАЩs opposition to ClydeвАЩs social ambitions and opportunities. What! That poor little moneyless cousin of his who had committed first the unpardonable offense of looking like him and, second, of coming here to Lycurgus and fixing himself on this very superior family. And after he had shown him all too plainly, and from the first, that he personally did not like him, did not want him, and if left to himself would never for so much as a moment endure him. + 

вАЬHe hasnвАЩt any money,вАЭ he declared finally and very bitterly to his mother, вАЬand heвАЩs hanging on here by the skin of his teeth as it is. And what for? If he is taken up by these people, what can he do? He certainly hasnвАЩt the money to do as they do, and he canвАЩt get it. And if he could, his job here wouldnвАЩt let him go anywhere much, unless someone troubled to pay his way. And how he is going to do his work and run with that crowd is more than I know. That bunch is on the go all the time.вАЭ + 

Actually he was wondering whether Clyde would be included from now on, and if so, what was to be done about it. If he were to be taken up in this way, how was he, or the family, either, to escape from being civil to him? For obviously, as earlier and subsequent developments proved, his father did not choose to send him away. + 

Indeed, subsequent to this conversation, Mrs.¬†Griffiths had laid the paper, together with a version of GilbertвАЩs views before her husband at this same breakfast table. But he, true to his previous mood in regard to Clyde, was not inclined to share his sonвАЩs opinion. On the contrary, he seemed, as Mrs.¬†Griffiths saw it, to look upon the development recorded by the item as a justification in part of his own original estimate of Clyde. + 

вАЬI must say,вАЭ he began, after listening to his wife to the end, вАЬI canвАЩt see whatвАЩs wrong with his going to a party now and then, or being invited here and there even if he hasnвАЩt any money. It looks more like a compliment to him and to us than anything else. I know how Gil feels about him. But it rather looks to me as though ClydeвАЩs just a little better than Gil thinks he is. At any rate, I canвАЩt and I wouldnвАЩt want to do anything about it. IвАЩve asked him to come down here, and the least I can do is to give him an opportunity to better himself. He seems to be doing his work all right. Besides, how would it look if I didnвАЩt?вАЭ + 

And later, because of some additional remarks on the part of Gilbert to his mother, he added: вАЬIвАЩd certainly rather have him going with some of the better people than some of the worse onesвБ†вАФthatвАЩs one thing sure. HeвАЩs neat and polite and from all I hear at the factory does his work well enough. As a matter of fact, I think it would have been better if we had invited him up to the lake last summer for a few days anyhow, as I suggested. As it is now, if we donвАЩt do something pretty soon, it will look as though we think he isnвАЩt good enough for us when the other people here seem to think he is. If youвАЩll take my advice, youвАЩll have him up here for Christmas or New YearвАЩs, anyhow, just to show that we donвАЩt think any less of him than our friends do.вАЭ + 

This suggestion, once transferred to Gilbert by his mother, caused him to exclaim: вАЬWell, IвАЩll be hanged! All right, only donвАЩt think IвАЩm going to lay myself out to be civil to him. ItвАЩs a wonder, if Father thinks heвАЩs so able, that he donвАЩt make a real position for him somewhere.вАЭ + 

Just the same, nothing might have come of this had it not been that Bella, returning from Albany this same day, learned via contacts and telephone talks with Sondra and Bertine of the developments in connection with Clyde. Also that he had been invited to accompany them to the New YearвАЩs Eve dance at the EllersliesвАЩ in Schenectady, Bella having been previously scheduled to make a part of this group before Clyde was thought of. + 

This sudden development, reported by Bella to her mother, was of sufficient import to cause Mrs.¬†Griffiths as well as Samuel, if not Gilbert, later to decide to make the best of a situation which obviously was being forced upon them and themselves invite Clyde for dinnerвБ†вАФChristmas DayвБ†вАФa sedate affair to which many others were bid. For this as they now decided would serve to make plain to all and at once that Clyde was not being as wholly ignored as some might imagine. It was the only reasonable thing to do at this late date. And Gilbert, on hearing this, and realizing that in this instance he was checkmated, exclaimed sourly: вАЬOh, all right. Invite him if you want toвБ†вАФif thatвАЩs the way you and Dad feel about it. I donвАЩt see any real necessity for it even now. But you fix it to suit yourself. Constance and I are going over to Utica for the afternoon, anyhow, so I couldnвАЩt be there even if I wanted to.вАЭ + 

He was thinking of what an outrageous thing it was that a girl whom he disliked as much as he did Sondra could thus via her determination and plottings thrust his own cousin on him and he be unable to prevent it. And what a beggar Clyde must be to attempt to attach himself in this way when he knew that he was not wanted! What sort of a youth was he, anyhow? + 

And so it was that on Monday morning Clyde had received another letter from the Griffiths, this time signed by Myra, asking him to have dinner with them at two oвАЩclock Christmas Day. But, since this at that time did not seem to interfere with his meeting Roberta Christmas night at eight, he merely gave himself over to extreme rejoicing in regard to it all now, and at last he was nearly as well placed here, socially, as anyone. For although he had no money, see how he was being receivedвБ†вАФand by the Griffiths, tooвБ†вАФamong all the others. And Sondra taking so great an interest in him, actually talking and acting as though she might be ready to fall in love. And Gilbert checkmated by his social popularity. What would you say to that? It testified, as he saw it now, that at least his relatives had not forgotten him or that, because of his recent success in other directions, they were finding it necessary to be civil to himвБ†вАФa thought that was the same as the bays of victory to a contestant. He viewed it with as much pleasure almost as though there had never been any hiatus at all. + 

XXXI + 

Unfortunately, however, the Christmas dinner at the GriffithsвАЩ, which included the Starks and their daughter Arabella, Mr.¬†and Mrs.¬†Wynant, who in the absence of their daughter Constance with Gilbert were dining with the Griffiths, the Arnolds, Anthonys, Harriets, Taylors and others of note in Lycurgus, so impressed and even overawed Clyde that although five oвАЩclock came and then six, he was incapable of breaking away or thinking clearly and compellingly of his obligation to Roberta. Even when, slightly before six, the greater portion of those who had been thus cheerfully entertained began rising and making their bows and departing (and when he, too, should have been doing the same and thinking of his appointment with Roberta), being accosted by Violet Taylor, who was part of the younger group, and who now began talking of some additional festivities to be held that same evening at the AnthonysвАЩ, and who added most urgently, вАЬYouвАЩre coming with us, arenвАЩt you? Sure you are,вАЭ he at once acquiesced, although his earlier promise to Roberta forced the remembrance that she was probably already back and expecting him. But still he had time even now, didnвАЩt he? + 

Yet, once at the AnthonysвАЩ, and talking and dancing with various girls, the obligation faded. But at nine he began worrying a little. For by this time she must be in her room and wondering what had become of him and his promise. And on Christmas night, too. And after she had been away three days. + 

Inwardly he grew more and more restless and troubled, the while outwardly he maintained that same high spirit that characterized him throughout the afternoon. Fortunately for his own mood, this same group, having danced and frolicked every night for the past week until almost nervously exhausted, it now unanimously and unconsciously yielded to weariness and at eleven thirty, broke up. And after having escorted Bella Griffiths to her door, Clyde hurried around to Elm Street to see if by any chance Roberta was still awake. + 

As he neared the GilpinsвАЩ he perceived through the snow-covered bushes and trees the glow of her single lamp. And for the time being, troubled as to what he should sayвБ†вАФhow excuse himself for this inexplicable lapseвБ†вАФhe paused near one of the large trees that bordered the street, debating with himself as to just what he would say. Would he insist that he had again been to the GriffithsвАЩ, or where? For according to his previous story he had only been there the Friday before. In the months before when he had no social contacts, but was merely romanticizing in regard to them, the untruths he found himself telling her caused him no twinges of any kind. They were not real and took up no actual portion of his time, nor did they interfere with any of his desired contacts with her. But now in the face of the actuality and the fact that these new contacts meant everything to his future, as he saw it, he hesitated. His quick conclusion was to explain his absence this evening by a second invitation which had come later, also by asseverating that the Griffiths being potentially in charge of his material welfare, it was becoming more and more of a duty rather than an idle, evasive pleasure to desert her in this way at their command. Could he help it? And with this half-truth permanently fixed in his mind, he crossed the snow and gently tapped at her window. + 

At once the light was extinguished and a moment later the curtain lifted. Then Roberta, who had been mournfully brooding, opened the door and admitted him, having previously lit a candle as was her custom in order to avoid detection as much as possible, and at once he began in a whisper: + 

вАЬGee, but this society business here is getting to be the dizzy thing, honey. I never saw such a town as this. Once you go with these people one place to do one thing, they always have something else they want you to do. TheyвАЩre on the go all the time. When I went there Friday (he was referring to his lie about having gone to the GriffithsвАЩ), I thought that would be the last until after the holidays, but yesterday, and just when I was planning to go somewhere else, I got a note saying they expected me to come there again today for dinner sure.вАЭ + 

вАЬAnd today when I thought the dinner would begin at two,вАЭ he continued to explain, вАЬand end in time for me to be around here by eight like I said, it didnвАЩt start until three and only broke up a few minutes ago. IsnвАЩt that the limit? And I just couldnвАЩt get away for the last four hours. HowвАЩve you been, honey? Did you have a good time? I hope so. Did they like the present I gave you?вАЭ + 

He rattled off these questions, to which she made brief and decidedly terse replies, all the time looking at him as much as to say, вАЬOh, Clyde, how can you treat me like this?вАЭ + 

But Clyde was so much interested in his own alibi, and how to convince Roberta of the truth of it, that neither before nor after slipping off his coat, muffler and gloves and smoothing back his hair, did he look at her directly, or even tenderly, or indeed do anything to demonstrate to her that he was truly delighted to see her again. On the contrary, he was so fidgety and in part flustered that despite his past professions and actions she could feel that apart from being moderately glad to see her again he was more concerned about himself and his own partially explained defection than he was about her. And although after a few moments he took her in his arms and pressed his lips to hers, still, as on Saturday, she could feel that he was only partially united to her in spirit. Other thingsвБ†вАФthe affairs that had kept him from her on Friday and tonightвБ†вАФwere disturbing his thoughts and hers. + 

She looked at him, not exactly believing and yet not entirely wishing to disbelieve him. He might have been at the GriffithsвАЩ, as he said, and they might have detained him. And yet he might not have, either. For she could not help recalling that on the previous Saturday he had said he had been there Friday and the paper on the other hand had stated that he was in Gloversville. But if she questioned him in regard to these things now, would he not get angry and lie to her still more? For after all she could not help thinking that apart from his love for her she had no real claim on him. But she could not possibly imagine that he could change so quickly. + 

вАЬSo that was why you didnвАЩt come tonight, was it?вАЭ she asked, with more spirit and irritation than she had ever used with him before. вАЬI thought you told me sure you wouldnвАЩt let anything interfere,вАЭ she went on, a little heavily. + 

вАЬWell, so I did,вАЭ he admitted. вАЬAnd I wouldnвАЩt have either, except for the letter I got. You know I wouldnвАЩt let anyone but my uncle interfere, but I couldnвАЩt turn them down when they asked me to come there on Christmas Day. ItвАЩs too important. It wouldnвАЩt look right, would it, especially when you werenвАЩt going to be here in the afternoon?вАЭ + 

The manner and tone in which he said this conveyed to Roberta more clearly than anything that he had ever said before how significant he considered this connection with his relatives to be and how unimportant anything she might value in regard to this relationship was to him. It came to her now that in spite of all his enthusiasm and demonstrativeness in the first stages of this affair, possibly she was much more trivial in his estimation than she had seemed to herself. And that meant that her dreams and sacrifices thus far had been in vain. She became frightened. + 

вАЬWell, anyhow,вАЭ she went on dubiously in the face of this, вАЬdonвАЩt you think you might have left a note here, Clyde, so I would have got it when I got in?вАЭ She asked this mildly, not wishing to irritate him too much. + 

вАЬBut didnвАЩt I just tell you, honey, I didnвАЩt expect to be so late. I thought the thing would all be over by six, anyhow.вАЭ + 

вАЬYesвБ†вАФwellвБ†вАФanyhowвБ†вАФI knowвБ†вАФbut stillвБ†вАФвАЭ + 

Her face wore a puzzled, troubled, nervous look, in which was mingled fear, sorrow, depression, distrust, a trace of resentment and a trace of despair, all of which, coloring and animating her eyes, which were now fixed on him in round orblike solemnity, caused him to suffer from a sense of having misused and demeaned her not a little. And because her eyes seemed to advertise this, he flushed a dark red flush that colored deeply his naturally very pale cheeks. But without appearing to notice this or lay any stress on it in any way at the time, Roberta added after a moment: вАЬI notice that The Star mentioned that Gloversville party Sunday, but it didnвАЩt say anything about your cousins being over there. Were they?вАЭ + 

For the first time in all her questioning of him, she asked this as though she might possibly doubt himвБ†вАФa development which Clyde had scarcely anticipated in connection with her up to this time, and more than anything else, it troubled and irritated him. + 

вАЬOf course they were,вАЭ he replied falsely. вАЬWhy do you want to ask a thing like that when I told you they were?вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, dear, I donвАЩt mean anything by it. I only wanted to know. But I did notice that it mentioned all those other people from Lycurgus that you are always talking about, Sondra Finchley, Bertine Cranston. You know you never mentioned anybody but the Trumbulls.вАЭ + 

Her tone tended to make him bristle and grow cross, as she saw. + 

вАЬYes, I saw that, too, but it ainвАЩt so. If they were there, I didnвАЩt see them. The papers donвАЩt always get everything right.вАЭ In spite of a certain crossness and irritation at being trapped in this fashion, his manner did not carry conviction, and he knew it. And he began to resent the fact that she should question him so. Why should she? WasnвАЩt he of sufficient importance to move in this new world without her holding him back in this way? + 

Instead of denying or reproaching him further, she merely looked at him, her expression one of injured wistfulness. She did not believe him now entirely and she did not utterly disbelieve him. A part of what he said was probably true. More important was it that he should care for her enough not to want to lie to her or to treat her badly. But how was that to be effected if he did not want to be kind or truthful? She moved back from him a few steps and with a gesture of helplessness said: вАЬOh, Clyde, you donвАЩt have to story to me. DonвАЩt you know that? I wouldnвАЩt care where you went if you would just tell me beforehand and not leave me like this all alone on Christmas night. ItвАЩs just that that hurts so.вАЭ + 

вАЬBut IвАЩm not storying to you, Bert,вАЭ he reiterated crossly. вАЬI canвАЩt help how things look even if the paper did say so. The Griffiths were over there, and I can prove it. I got around here as soon as I could today. What do you want to get so mad about all at once? IвАЩve told you how things are. I canвАЩt do just as I want to here. They call me up at the last minute and want me to go. And I just canвАЩt get out of it. WhatвАЩs the use of being so mad about it?вАЭ + 

He stared defiantly while Roberta, checkmated in this general way, was at a loss as to how to proceed. The item about New YearвАЩs Eve was in her mind, but she felt that it might not be wise to say anything more now. More poignantly than ever now she was identifying him with that gay life of which he, but not she, was a part. And yet she hesitated even now to let him know how sharp were the twinges of jealousy that were beginning to assail her. They had such a good time in that fine worldвБ†вАФhe and those he knewвБ†вАФand she had so little. And besides, now he was always talking about that Sondra Finchley and that Bertine Cranston, or the papers were. Was it in either of those that he was most interested? + 

вАЬDo you like that Miss Finchley very much?вАЭ she suddenly asked, looking up at him in the shadow, her desire to obtain some slight satisfactionвБ†вАФsome little light on all this troubleвБ†вАФstill torturing her. + 

At once Clyde sensed the importance of the questionвБ†вАФa suggestion of partially suppressed interest and jealousy and helplessness, more in her voice even than in the way she looked. There was something so soft, coaxing and sad about her voice at times, especially when she was most depressed. At the same time he was slightly taken back by the shrewd or telepathic way in which she appeared to fix on Sondra. Immediately he felt that she should not knowвБ†вАФthat it would irritate her. At the same time, vanity in regard to his general position here, which hourly was becoming more secure apparently, caused him to say: + 

вАЬOh, I like her some, sure. SheвАЩs very pretty, and a dandy dancer. And she has lots of money and dresses well.вАЭ He was about to add that outside of that Sondra appealed to him in no other way, when Roberta, sensing something of the true interest he felt in this girl perhaps and the wide gulf that lay between herself and all his world, suddenly exclaimed: вАЬYes, and who wouldnвАЩt, with all the money she has? If I had as much money as that, I could too.вАЭ + 

And to his astonishment and dismay even, at this point her voice grew suddenly vibrant and then broke, as on a sob. And as he could both see and feel, she was deeply hurtвБ†вАФterribly and painfully hurtвБ†вАФheartsore and jealous; and at once, although his first impulse was to grow angry and defiant again, his mood as suddenly softened. For it now pained him not a little to think that some one of whom he had once been so continuously fond up to this time should be made to suffer through jealousy of him, for he himself well knew the pangs of jealousy in connection with Hortense. He could for some reason almost see himself in RobertaвАЩs place. And for this reason, if no other, he now said, and quite softly: вАЬOh, now, Bert, as though I couldnвАЩt tell you about her or anyone else without your getting mad about it! I didnвАЩt mean that I was especially interested in her. I was just telling you what I thought you wanted to know because you asked me if I liked her, thatвАЩs all.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, yes, I know,вАЭ replied Roberta, standing tensely and nervously before him, her face white, her hands suddenly clenched, and looking up at him dubiously and yet pleadingly. вАЬBut theyвАЩve got everything. You know they have. And I havenвАЩt got anything, really. And itвАЩs so hard for me to keep up my end and against all of them, too, and with all they have.вАЭ Her voice shook, and she ceased talking, her eyes filling and her lips beginning to quiver. And as swiftly she concealed her face with her hands and turned away, her shoulders shaking as she did so. Indeed her body was now torn for the moment by the most desperate and convulsive sobs, so much so that Clyde, perplexed and astonished and deeply moved by this sudden display of a pent-up and powerful emotion, as suddenly was himself moved deeply. For obviously this was no trick or histrionic bit intended to influence him, but rather a sudden and overwhelming vision of herself, as he himself could sense, as a rather lorn and isolated girl without friends or prospects as opposed to those others in whom he was now so interested and who had so much moreвБ†вАФeverything in fact. For behind her in her vision lay all the lorn and detached years that had marred her youth, now so vivid because of her recent visit. She was really intensely movedвБ†вАФoverwhelmingly and helplessly. + 

And now from the very bottom of her heart she exclaimed: вАЬIf IвАЩd ever had a chance like some girlsвБ†вАФif IвАЩd ever been anywhere or seen anything! But just to be brought up in the country and without any money or clothes or anythingвБ†вАФand nobody to show you. Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh!вАЭ + 

The moment she said these things she was actually ashamed of having made so weak and self-condemnatory a confession, since that was what really was troubling him in connection with her, no doubt. + 

вАЬOh, Roberta, darling,вАЭ he said instantly and tenderly, putting his arms around her, genuinely moved by his own dereliction. вАЬYou mustnвАЩt cry like that, dearest. You mustnвАЩt. I didnвАЩt mean to hurt you, honest I didnвАЩt. Truly, I didnвАЩt, dear. I know youвАЩve had a hard time, honey. I know how you feel, and how youвАЩve been up against things in one way and another. Sure I do, Bert, and you mustnвАЩt cry, dearest. I love you just the same. Truly I do, and I always will. IвАЩm sorry if IвАЩve hurt you, honest I am. I couldnвАЩt help it tonight if I didnвАЩt come, honest, or last Friday either. Why, it just wasnвАЩt possible. But I wonвАЩt be so mean like that any more, if I can help it. Honest I wonвАЩt. YouвАЩre the sweetest, dearest girl. And youвАЩve got such lovely hair and eyes, and such a pretty little figure. Honest you have, Bert. And you can dance too, as pretty as anybody. And you look just as nice, honest you do, dear. WonвАЩt you stop now, honey? Please do. IвАЩm so sorry, honey, if IвАЩve hurt you in any way.вАЭ + 

There was about Clyde at times a certain strain of tenderness, evoked by experiences, disappointments, and hardships in his own life, which came out to one and another, almost any other, under such circumstances as these. At such times he had a soft and melting voice. His manner was as tender and gentle almost as that of a mother with a baby. It drew a girl like Roberta intensely to him. At the same time, such emotion in him, though vivid, was of brief duration. It was like the rush and flutter of a summer stormвБ†вАФsoon come and soon gone. Yet in this instance it was sufficient to cause Roberta to feel that he fully understood and sympathized with her and perhaps liked her all the better for it. Things were not so bad for the moment, anyhow. She had him and his love and sympathy to a very marked degree at any rate, and because of this and her very great comfort in it, and his soothing words, she began to dry her eyes, to say that she was sorry to think that she was such a crybaby and that she hoped he would forgive her, because in crying she had wet the bosom of his spotless white shirt with her tears. And she would not do it any more if Clyde would just forgive her this onceвБ†вАФthe while, touched by a passion he scarcely believed was buried in her in any such volume, he now continued to kiss her hands, cheeks, and finally her lips. + 

And between these pettings and coaxings and kissings it was that he reaffirmed to her, most foolishly and falsely in this instance (since he was really caring for Sondra in a way which, while different, was just as vitalвБ†вАФperhaps even more so), that he regarded her as first, last and most in his heart, alwaysвБ†вАФa statement which caused her to feel that perhaps after all she might have misjudged him. Also that her position, if anything, was more secure, if not more wonderful than ever it had been beforeвБ†вАФfar superior to that of these other girls who might see him socially perhaps, but who did not have him to love them in this wonderful way. + 

XXXII + 

Clyde now was actually part and parcel of this local winter social scene. The Griffiths having introduced him to their friends and connections, it followed as a matter of course that he would be received in most homes here. But in this very limited world, where quite everyone who was anything at all knew everyone else, the state of oneвАЩs purse was as much, and in some instances even more, considered than oneвАЩs social connections. For these local families of distinction were convinced that not only oneвАЩs family but oneвАЩs wealth was the be-all and end-all of every happy union meant to include social security. And in consequence, while considering Clyde as one who was unquestionably eligible socially, still, because it had been whispered about that his means were very slender, they were not inclined to look upon him as one who might aspire to marriage with any of their daughters. Hence, while they were to the fore with invitations, still in so far as their own children and connections were concerned they were also to the fore with precautionary hints as to the inadvisability of too numerous contacts with him. + 

However, the mood of Sondra and her group being friendly toward him, and the observations and comments of their friends and parents not as yet too definite, Clyde continued to receive invitations to the one type of gathering that most interested himвБ†вАФthat which began and ended with dancing. And although his purse was short, he got on well enough. For once Sondra had interested herself in him, it was not long before she began to realize what his financial state was and was concerned to make his friendship for her at least as inexpensive as possible. And because of this attitude on her part, which in turn was conveyed to Bertine, Grant Cranston and others, it became possible on most occasions for Clyde, especially when the affair was local, to go here and there without the expenditure of any money. Even when the affair was at any point beyond Lycurgus and he consented to go, the car of another was delegated to pick him up. + 

Frequently after the New YearвАЩs Eve trip to Schenectady, which proved to be an outing of real import to both Clyde and SondraвБ†вАФseeing that on that occasion she drew nearer to him affectionately than ever beforeвБ†вАФit was Sondra herself who chose to pick him up in her car. He had actually succeeded in impressing her, and in a way that most flattered her vanity at the same time that it appealed to the finest trait in herвБ†вАФa warm desire to have someone, some youth like Clyde, who was at once attractive and of good social station, dependent upon her. She knew that her parents would not countenance an affair between her and Clyde because of his poverty. She had originally not contemplated any, though now she found herself wishing that something of the kind might be. + 

However, no opportunity for further intimacies occurred until one night about two weeks after the New YearвАЩs party. They were returning from a similar affair at Amsterdam, and after Bella Griffiths and Grant and Bertine Cranston had been driven to their respective homes, Stuart Finchley had called back: вАЬNow weвАЩll take you home, Griffiths.вАЭ At once Sondra, swayed by the delight of contact with Clyde and not willing to end it so soon, said: вАЬIf you want to come over to our place, IвАЩll make some hot chocolate before you go home. Would you like that?вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, sure I would,вАЭ Clyde had answered gayly. + 

вАЬHere goes then,вАЭ called Stuart, turning the car toward the Finchley home. вАЬBut as for me, IвАЩm going to turn in. ItвАЩs way after three now.вАЭ + 

вАЬThatвАЩs a good brother. Your beauty sleep, you know,вАЭ replied Sondra. + 

And having turned the car into the garage, the three made their way through the rear entrance into the kitchen. Her brother having left them, Sondra asked Clyde to be seated at a servantsвАЩ table while she brought the ingredients. But he, impressed by this culinary equipment, the like of which he had never seen before, gazed about wondering at the wealth and security which could sustain it. + 

вАЬMy, this is a big kitchen, isnвАЩt it?вАЭ he remarked. вАЬWhat a lot of things you have here to cook with, havenвАЩt you?вАЭ + 

And she, realizing from this that he had not been accustomed to equipment of this order before coming to Lycurgus and hence was all the more easily to be impressed, replied: вАЬOh, I donвАЩt know. ArenвАЩt all kitchens as big as this?вАЭ + 

Clyde, thinking of the poverty he knew, and assuming from this that she was scarcely aware of anything less than this, was all the more overawed by the plethora of the world to which she belonged. What means! Only to think of being married to such a girl, when all such as this would become an everyday state. One would have a cook and servants, a great house and car, no one to work for, and only orders to give, a thought which impressed him greatly. It made her various self-conscious gestures and posings all the more entrancing. And she, sensing the import of all this to Clyde, was inclined to exaggerate her own inseparable connection with it. To him, more than anyone else, as she now saw, she shone as a star, a paragon of luxury and social supremacy. + 

Having prepared the chocolate in a commonplace aluminum pan, to further impress him she sought out a heavily chased silver service which was in another room. She poured the chocolate into a highly ornamented urn and then carried it to the table and put it down before him. Then swinging herself up beside him, she said: вАЬNow, isnвАЩt this chummy? I just love to get out in the kitchen like this, but I can only do it when the cookвАЩs out. He wonвАЩt let anyone near the place when heвАЩs here.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, is that so?вАЭ asked Clyde, who was quite unaware of the ways of cooks in connection with private homesвБ†вАФan inquiry which quite convinced Sondra that there must have been little if any real means in the world from which he sprang. Nevertheless, because he had come to mean so much to her, she was by no means inclined to turn back. And so when he finally exclaimed: вАЬIsnвАЩt it wonderful to be together like this, Sondra? Just think, I hardly got a chance to say a word to you all evening, alone,вАЭ she replied, without in any way being irritated by the familiarity, вАЬYou think so? IвАЩm glad you do,вАЭ and smiled in a slightly supercilious though affectionate way. + 

And at the sight of her now in her white satin and crystal evening gown, her slippered feet swinging so intimately near, a faint perfume radiating to his nostrils, he was stirred. In fact, his imagination in regard to her was really inflamed. Youth, beauty, wealth such as thisвБ†вАФwhat would it not mean? And she, feeling the intensity of his admiration and infected in part at least by the enchantment and fervor that was so definitely dominating him, was swayed to the point where she was seeing him as one for whom she could careвБ†вАФvery much. WerenвАЩt his eyes bright and darkвБ†вАФvery liquid and eager? And his hair! It looked so enticing, lying low upon his white forehead. She wished that she could touch it nowвБ†вАФsmooth it with her hands and touch his cheeks. And his handsвБ†вАФthey were thin and sensitive and graceful. Like Roberta, and Hortense and Rita before her, she noticed them. + 

But he was silent now with a tightly restrained silence which he was afraid to liberate in words. For he was thinking: вАЬOh, if only I could say to her how beautiful I really think she is. If I could just put my arms around her and kiss her, and kiss her, and kiss her, and have her kiss me in the same way.вАЭ And strangely, considering his first approaches toward Roberta, the thought was without lust, just the desire to constrain and fondle a perfect object. Indeed, his eyes fairly radiated this desire and intensity. And while she noted this and was in part made dubious by it, since it was the thing in Clyde she most fearedвБ†вАФstill she was intrigued by it to the extent of wishing to know its further meaning. + 

And so she now said, teasingly: вАЬWas there anything very important you wanted to say?вАЭ + 

вАЬIвАЩd like to say a lot of things to you, Sondra, if you would only let me,вАЭ he returned eagerly. вАЬBut you told me not to.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, so I did. Well, I meant that, too. IвАЩm glad you mind so well.вАЭ There was a provoking smile upon her lips and she looked at him as much as to say: вАЬBut you donвАЩt really believe I meant all of that, do you?вАЭ + 

Overcome by the suggestion of her eyes, Clyde got up and, taking both her hands in his and looking directly into her eyes, said: вАЬYou didnвАЩt mean all of it, then, did you, Sondra? Not all of it, anyhow. Oh, I wish I could tell you all that I am thinking.вАЭ His eyes spoke, and now sharply conscious again of how easy it was to inflame him, and yet anxious to permit him to proceed as he wished, she leaned back from him and said, вАЬOh, yes, IвАЩm sure I did. You take almost everything too seriously, donвАЩt you?вАЭ But at the same time, and in spite of herself, her expression relaxed and she once more smiled. + 

вАЬI canвАЩt help it, Sondra. I canвАЩt! I canвАЩt!вАЭ he began, eagerly and almost vehemently. вАЬYou donвАЩt know what effect you have on me. YouвАЩre so beautiful. Oh, you are. You know you are. I think about you all the time. Really I do, Sondra. YouвАЩve made me just crazy about you, so much so that I can hardly sleep for thinking about you. Gee, IвАЩm wild! I never go anywhere or see you any place but what I think of you all the time afterward. Even tonight when I saw you dancing with all those fellows I could hardly stand it. I just wanted you to be dancing with meвБ†вАФno one else. YouвАЩve got such beautiful eyes, Sondra, and such a lovely mouth and chin, and such a wonderful smile.вАЭ + 

He lifted his hands as though to caress her gently, yet holding them back, and at the same time dreamed into her eyes as might a devotee into those of a saint, then suddenly put his arms about her and drew her close to him. She, thrilled and in part seduced by his words, instead of resisting as definitely as she would have in any other case, now gazed at him, fascinated by his enthusiasms. She was so trapped and entranced by his passion for her that it seemed to her now as though she might care for him as much as he wished. Very, very much, if she only dared. He, too, was beautiful and alluring to her. He, too, was really wonderful, even if he were poorвБ†вАФso much more intense and dynamic than any of these other youths that she knew here. Would it not be wonderful if, her parents and her state permitting, she could share with him completely such a mood as this? Simultaneously the thought came to her that should her parents know of this it might not be possible for her to continue this relationship in any form, let alone to develop it or enjoy it in the future. Yet regardless of this thought now, which arrested and stilled her for a moment, she continued to yearn toward him. Her eyes were warm and tenderвБ†вАФher lips wreathed with a gracious smile. + 

вАЬIвАЩm sure I oughtnвАЩt to let you say all these things to me. I know I shouldnвАЩt,вАЭ she protested weakly, yet looking at him affectionately. вАЬIt isnвАЩt the right thing to do, I know, but stillвБ†вАФвАЭ + 

вАЬWhy not? Why isnвАЩt it right, Sondra? Why maynвАЩt I when I care for you so much?вАЭ His eyes became clouded with sadness, and she, noting it, exclaimed: вАЬOh, well,вАЭ then paused, вАЬIвБ†вАФIвБ†вАФвАЭ She was about to add, вАЬDonвАЩt think they would ever let us go on with it,вАЭ but instead she only replied, вАЬI guess I donвАЩt know you well enough.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, Sondra, when I love you so much and IвАЩm so crazy about you! DonвАЩt you care at all like I care for you?вАЭ + 

Because of the uncertainty expressed by her, his eyes were now seeking, frightened, sad. The combination had an intense appeal for her. She merely looked at him dubiously, wondering what could be the result of such an infatuation as this. And he, noting the wavering something in her own eyes, pulled her closer and kissed her. Instead of resenting it she lay for a moment willingly, joyously, in his arms, then suddenly sat up, the thought of what she was permitting him to doвБ†вАФkiss her in this wayвБ†вАФand what it must mean to him, causing her on the instant to recover all her poise. вАЬI think youвАЩd better go now,вАЭ she said definitely, yet not unkindly. вАЬDonвАЩt you?вАЭ + 

And Clyde, who himself had been surprised and afterwards a little startled, and hence reduced by his own boldness, now pleaded rather weakly, and yet submissively. вАЬAngry?вАЭ + 

And she, in turn sensing his submissiveness, that of the slave for the master, and in part liking and in part resenting it, since like Roberta and Hortense, even she preferred to be mastered rather than to master, shook her head negatively and a little sadly. + 

вАЬItвАЩs very late,вАЭ was all she said, and smiled tenderly. + 

And Clyde, realizing that for some reason he must not say more, had not the courage or persistence or the background to go further with her now, went for his coat and, looking sadly but obediently back at her, departed. + 

XXXIII + 

One of the things that Roberta soon found was that her intuitive notions in regard to all this were not without speedy substantiation. For exactly as before, though with the usual insistence afterward that there was no real help for it, there continued to be these same last moment changes of plan and unannounced absences. And although she complained at times, or pleaded, or merely contented herself with quite silent and not always obvious вАЬblues,вАЭ still these same effected no real modification or improvement. For Clyde was now hopelessly enamored of Sandra and by no means to be changed, or moved even, by anything in connection with Roberta. Sondra was too wonderful! + 

At the same time because she was there all of the working hours of each day in the same room with him, he could not fail instinctively to feel some of the thoughts that employed her mindвБ†вАФsuch dark, sad, despairing thoughts. And these seized upon him at times as definitely and poignantly as though they were voices of accusation or complaintвБ†вАФso much so that he could not help but suggest by way of amelioration that he would like to see her and that he was coming around that night if she were going to be home. And so distrait was she, and still so infatuated with him, that she could not resist admitting that she wanted him to come. And once there, the psychic personality of the past as well as of the room itself was not without its persuasion and hence emotional compulsion. + 

But most foolishly anticipating, as he now did, a future more substantial than the general local circumstances warranted, he was more concerned than ever lest his present relationship to Roberta should in any way prove inimical to all this. Supposing that Sondra at some time, in some way, should find out concerning Roberta? How fatal that would be! Or that Roberta should become aware of his devotion to Sondra and so develop an active resentment which should carry her to the length of denouncing or exposing him. For subsequent to the New YearвАЩs Eve engagement, he was all too frequently appearing at the factory of a morning with explanatory statements that because of some invitation from the Griffiths, Harriets, or others, he would not be able to keep an engagement with her that night, for instance, that he had made a day or two before. And later, on three different occasions, because Sondra had called for him in her car, he had departed without a word, trusting to what might come to him the next day in the way of an excuse to smooth the matter over. + 

Yet anomalous, if not exactly unprecedented as it may seem, this condition of mingled sympathy and opposition gave rise at last to the feeling in him that come what might he must find some method of severing this tie, even though it lacerated Roberta to the point of death (Why should he care? He had never told her that he would marry her.) or endangered his own position here in case she were not satisfied to release him as voicelessly as he wished. At other times it caused him to feel that indeed he was a sly and shameless and cruel person who had taken undue advantage of a girl who, left to herself, would never have troubled with him. And this latter mood, in spite of slights and lies and thinly excused neglects and absences at times in the face of the most definite agreementsвБ†вАФso strange is the libido of the raceвБ†вАФbrought about the reenactment of the infernal or celestial command laid upon Adam and his breed: вАЬThy desire shall be to thy mate.вАЭ + 

But there was this to be said in connection with the relationship between these two, that no time, owing to the inexperience of Clyde, as well as Roberta, had there been any adequate understanding or use of more than the simplest, and for the most part unsatisfactory, contraceptive devices. About the middle of February, and, interestingly enough, at about the time when Clyde, because of the continuing favor of Sondra, had about reached the point where he was determined once and for all to end, not only this physical, but all other connection with Roberta, she on her part was beginning to see clearly that, in spite of his temporizing and her own incurable infatuation for him, pursuit of him by her was futile and that it would be more to the satisfaction of her pride, if not to the ease of her heart, if she were to leave here and in some other place seek some financial help that would permit her to live and still help her parents and forget him if she could. Unfortunately for this, she was compelled, to her dismay and terror, to enter the factory one morning, just about this time, her face a symbol of even graver and more terrifying doubts and fears than any that had hitherto assailed her. For now, in addition to her own troubled conclusions in regard to Clyde, there had sprung up over night the dark and constraining fear that even this might not now be possible, for the present at least. For because of her own and ClydeвАЩs temporizing over his and her sentimentality and her unconquerable affection for him, she now, at a time when it was most inimical for both, found herself pregnant. + 

Ever since she had yielded to his blandishments, she had counted the days and always had been able to congratulate herself that all was well. But forty-eight hours since the always exactly calculated time had now passed, and there had been no sign. And for four days preceding this Clyde had not even been near her. And his attitude at the factory was more remote and indifferent than ever. + 

And now, this! + 

And she had no one but him to whom she might turn. And he was in this estranged and indifferent mood. + 

Because of her fright, induced by the fear that with or without ClydeвАЩs aid she might not easily be extricated from her threatened predicament, she could see her home, her mother, her relatives, all who knew her, and their thoughts in case anything like this should befall her. For of the opinion of society in general and what other people might say, Roberta stood in extreme terror. The stigma of unsanctioned concupiscence! The shame of illegitimacy for a child! It was bad enough, as she had always thought, listening to girls and women talk of life and marriage and adultery and the miseries that had befallen girls who had yielded to men and subsequently been deserted, for a woman when she was safely married and sustained by the love and strength of a manвБ†вАФsuch love, for instance, as her brother-in-law Gabel brought to her sister Agnes, and her father to her mother in the first years, no doubtвБ†вАФand Clyde to her when he had so feverishly declared that he loved her. + 

But nowвБ†вАФnow! + 

She could not permit any thoughts in regard to his recent or present attitude to delay her. Regardless of either, he must help her. She did not know what else to do under such circumstancesвБ†вАФwhich way to turn. And no doubt Clyde did. At any rate he had said once that he would stand by her in case anything happened. And although, because at first, even on the third day on reaching the factory, she imagined that she might be exaggerating the danger and that it was perhaps some physical flaw or lapse that might still overcome itself, still by late afternoon no evidence of any change coming to her, she began to be a prey to the most nameless terrors. What little courage she had mustered up to this time began to waver and break. She was all alone, unless he came to her now. And she was in need of advice and good counselвБ†вАФloving counsel. Oh, Clyde! Clyde! If he would only not be so indifferent to her! He must not be! Something must be done, and right awayвБ†вАФquickвБ†вАФelseвБ†вАФGreat Heavens, what a terrible thing this could easily come to be! + 

At once she stopped her work between four and five in the afternoon and hurried to the dressing-room. And there she penned a noteвБ†вАФhurried, hystericalвБ†вАФa scrawl. + 

ClydeвБ†вАФI must see you tonight, sure, sure. You mustnвАЩt fail me. I have something to tell you. Please come as soon after work as possible, or meet me anywhere. IвАЩm not angry or mad about anything. But I must see you tonight, sure. Please say right away where. + 

And he, sensing a new and strange and quite terrified note in all this the moment he read it, at once looked over his shoulder at her and, seeing her face so white and drawn, signaled that he would meet her. For judging by her face the thing she had to tell must be of the utmost importance to her, else why this tensity and excitement on her part. And although he had another engagement later, as he now troublesomely recalled, at the Starks for dinner, still it was necessary to do this first. Yet, what was it anyhow? Was anybody dead or hurt or whatвБ†вАФher mother or father or brother or sister? + 

At five-thirty, he made his way to the appointed place, wondering what it could be that could make her so pale and concerned. Yet at the same time saying to himself that if this other dream in regard to Sondra were to come true he must not let himself be reentangled by any great or moving sympathyвБ†вАФmust maintain his new poise and distance so that Roberta could see that he no longer cared for her as he had. Reaching the appointed place at six oвАЩclock, he found her leaning disconsolately against a tree in the shadow. She looked distraught, despondent. + 

вАЬWhy, whatвАЩs the matter, Bert? What are you so frightened about? WhatвАЩs happened?вАЭ + 

Even his obviously dwindling affection was restimulated by her quite visible need of help. + 

вАЬOh, Clyde,вАЭ she said at last, вАЬI hardly know how to tell you. ItвАЩs so terrible for me if itвАЩs so.вАЭ Her voice, tense and yet low, was in itself a clear proof of her anguish and uncertainty. + 

вАЬWhy, what is it, Bert? Why donвАЩt you tell me?вАЭ he reiterated, briskly and yet cautiously, essaying an air of detached assurance which he could not quite manage in this instance. вАЬWhatвАЩs wrong? What are you so excited about? YouвАЩre all trembly.вАЭ + 

Because of the fact that never before in all his life had he been confronted by any such predicament as this, it did not even now occur to him just what the true difficulty could be. At the same time, being rather estranged and hence embarrassed by his recent treatment of her, he was puzzled as to just what attitude to assume in a situation where obviously something was wrong. Being sensitive to conventional or moral stimuli as he still was, he could not quite achieve a discreditable thing, even where his own highest ambitions were involved, without a measure of regret or at least shame. Also he was so anxious to keep his dinner engagement and not to be further involved that his manner was impatient. It did not escape Roberta. + 

вАЬYou know, Clyde,вАЭ she pleaded, both earnestly and eagerly, the very difficulty of her state encouraging her to be bold and demanding, вАЬyou said if anything went wrong youвАЩd help me.вАЭ + 

At once, because of those recent few and, as he now saw them, foolish visits to her room, on which occasions because of some remaining sentiment and desire on the part of both he had been betrayed into sporadic and decidedly unwise physical relations with her, he now realized what the difficulty was. And that it was a severe, compelling, dangerous difficulty, if it were true. Also that he was to blame and that here was a real predicament that must be overcome, and that quickly, unless a still greater danger was to be faced. Yet, simultaneously, his very recent and yet decidedly compelling indifference dictating, he was almost ready now to assume that this might be little more than a ruse or lovelorn device or bit of strategy intended to retain or reenlist his interest in spite of himselfвБ†вАФa thought which he was only in part ready to harbor. Her manner was too dejected and despairing. And with the first dim realization of how disastrous such a complication as this might prove to be in his case, he began to be somewhat more alarmed than irritated. So much so that he exclaimed: + 

вАЬYes, but how do you know that there is anything wrong? You canвАЩt be sure so soon as all this, can you? How can you? YouвАЩll probably be all right tomorrow, wonвАЩt you?вАЭ At the same time his voice was beginning to suggest the uncertainty that he felt. + 

вАЬOh, no, I donвАЩt think so, Clyde. I wish I did. ItвАЩs two whole days, and itвАЩs never been that way before.вАЭ + 

Her manner as she said this was so obviously dejected and self-commiserating that at once he was compelled to dismiss the thought of intrigue. At the same time, unwilling to face so discouraging a fact so soon, he added: вАЬOh, well, that might not mean anything, either. Girls go longer than two days, donвАЩt they?вАЭ + 

The tone, implying as it did uncertainty and non-sophistication even, which previously had not appeared characteristic of him, was sufficient to alarm Roberta to the point where she exclaimed: вАЬOh, no, I donвАЩt think so. Anyhow, it would be terrible, wouldnвАЩt it, if something were wrong? What do you suppose I ought to do? DonвАЩt you know something I can take?вАЭ + 

At once Clyde, who had been so brisk and urgent in establishing this relationship and had given Roberta the impression that he was a sophisticated and masterful youth who knew much more of life than ever she could hope to know, and to whom all such dangers and difficulties as were implied in the relationship could be left with impunity, was at a loss what to do. Actually, as he himself now realized, he was as sparingly informed in regard to the mysteries of sex and the possible complications attending upon such a situation as any youth of his years could well be. True, before coming here he had browsed about Kansas City and Chicago with such worldly-wise mentors of the hotel bellboy world as Ratterer, Higby, Hegglund and others and had listened to much of their gossiping and boasting. But their knowledge, for all their boasting, as he now half guessed, must have related to girls who were as careless and uninformed as themselves. And beyond those again, although he was by no means so clearly aware of that fact now, lay little more than those rumored specifics and preventatives of such quack doctors and shady druggists and chemists as dealt with intelligences of the Hegglund and Ratterer order. But even so, where were such things to be obtained in a small city like Lycurgus? Since dropping Dillard he had no intimates let alone trustworthy friends who could be depended on to help in such a crisis. + 

The best he could think of for the moment was to visit some local or nearby druggist who might, for a price, provide him with some worthwhile prescription or information. But for how much? And what were the dangers in connection with such a proceeding? Did they talk? Did they ask questions? Did they tell anyone else about such inquiries or needs? He looked so much like Gilbert Griffiths, who was so well known in Lycurgus that anyone recognizing him as Gilbert might begin to talk of him in that way and so bring about trouble. + 

And this terrible situation arising nowвБ†вАФwhen in connection with Sondra, things had advanced to the point where she was now secretly permitting him to kiss her, and, more pleasing still, exhibiting little evidences of her affection and good will in the form of presents of ties, a gold pencil, a box of most attractive handkerchiefs, all delivered to his door in his absence with a little card with her initials, which had caused him to feel sure that his future in connection with her was of greater and greater promise. So much so that even marriage, assuming that her family might not prove too inimical and that her infatuation and diplomacy endured, might not be beyond the bounds of possibility. He could not be sure, of course. Her true intentions and affections so far were veiled behind a tantalizing evasiveness which made her all the more desirable. Yet it was these things that had been causing him to feel that he must now, and speedily, extract himself as gracefully and unirritatingly as possible from his intimacy with Roberta. + 

For that reason, therefore, he now announced, with pretended assurance: вАЬWell, I wouldnвАЩt worry about it any more tonight if I were you. You may be all right yet, you know. You canвАЩt be sure. Anyhow, IвАЩll have to have a little time until I can see what I can do. I think I can get something for you. But I wish you wouldnвАЩt get so excited.вАЭ + 

At the same time he was far from feeling as secure as he sounded. In fact he was very much shaken. His original determination to have as little to do with her as possible, was now complicated by the fact that he was confronted by a predicament that spelled real danger to himself, unless by some argument or assertion he could absolve himself of any responsibility in connection with thisвБ†вАФa possibility which, in view of the fact that Roberta still worked for him, that he had written her some notes, and that any least word from her would precipitate an inquiry which would prove fatal to him, was sufficient to cause him to feel that he must assist her speedily and without a breath of information as to all this leaking out in any direction. At the same time it is only fair to say that because of all that had been between them, he did not object to assisting her in any way that he could. But in the event that he could not (it was so that his thoughts raced forward to an entirely possible inimical conclusion to all this) well, thenвБ†вАФwell, thenвБ†вАФmight it not be possible at leastвБ†вАФsome fellows, if not himself wouldвБ†вАФto deny that he had held any such relationship with her and so escape. That possibly might be one way outвБ†вАФif only he were not as treacherously surrounded as he was here. + 

But the most troublesome thing in connection with all this was the thought that he knew of nothing that would really avail in such a case, other than a doctor. Also that that probably meant money, time, dangerвБ†вАФjust what did it mean? He would see her in the morning, and if she werenвАЩt all right by then he would act. + 

And Roberta, for the first time forsaken in this rather casual and indifferent way, and in such a crisis as this, returned to her room with her thoughts and fears, more stricken and agonized than ever before she had been in all her life. + 

XXXIV + 

But the resources of Clyde, in such a situation as this, were slim. For, apart from Liggett, Whiggam, and a few minor though decidedly pleasant and yet rather remote department heads, all of whom were now looking on him as a distinctly superior person who could scarcely be approached too familiarly in connection with anything, there was no one to whom he could appeal. In so far as the social group to which he was now so eagerly attaching himself was concerned, it would have been absurd for him to attempt, however slyly, to extract any information there. For while the youths of this world at least were dashing here and there, and because of their looks, taste and means indulging themselves in phases of libertinismвБ†вАФthe proper wild oats of youthвБ†вАФsuch as he and others like himself could not have dreamed of affording, still so far was he from any real intimacy with any of these that he would not have dreamed of approaching them for helpful information. + 

His sanest thought, which occurred to him almost immediately after leaving Roberta, was that instead of inquiring of any druggist or doctor or person in LycurgusвБ†вАФmore particularly any doctor, since the entire medical profession here, as elsewhere, appeared to him as remote, cold, unsympathetic and likely very expensive and unfriendly to such an immoral adventure as thisвБ†вАФwas to go to some nearby city, preferably Schenectady, since it was larger and as near as any, and there inquire what, if anything, could be obtained to help in such a situation as this. For he must find something. + 

At the same time, the necessity for decision and prompt action was so great that even on his way to the StarksвАЩ, and without knowing any drug or prescription to ask for, he resolved to go to Schenectady the next night. Only that meant, as he later reasoned, that a whole day must elapse before anything could be done for Roberta, and that, in her eyes, as well as his own, would be leaving her open to the danger that any delay at all involved. Therefore, he decided to act at once, if he could; excuse himself to the Starks and then make the trip to Schenectady on the interurban before the drugstores over there should close. But once thereвБ†вАФwhat? How face the local druggist or clerkвБ†вАФand ask for what? His mind was troubled with hard, abrasive thoughts as to what the druggist might think, look or say. If only Ratterer or Hegglund were here! They would know, of course, and be glad to help him. Or Higby, even. But here he was now, all alone, for Roberta knew nothing at all. There must be something though, of course. If not, if he failed there, he would return and write Ratterer in Chicago, only in order to keep himself out of this as much as possible he would say that he was writing for a friend. + 

Once in Schenectady, since no one knew him there, of course he might say (the thought came to him as an inspiration) that he was a newly married manвБ†вАФwhy not? He was old enough to be one, and that his wife, and that in the face of inability to care for a child now, was вАЬpast her timeвАЭ (he recalled a phrase that he had once heard Higby use), and that he wanted something that would permit her to escape from that state. What was so wrong with that as an idea? A young married couple might be in just such a predicament. And possibly the druggist would, or should be stirred to a little sympathy by such a state and might be glad to tell him of something. Why not? That would be no real crime. To be sure, one and another might refuse, but a third might not. And then he would be rid of this. And then never again, without knowing a lot more than he did now, would he let himself drift into any such predicament as this. Never! It was too dreadful. + 

He betook himself to the Stark house very nervous and growing more so every moment. So much so that, the dinner being eaten, he finally declared as early as nine-thirty that at the last moment at the factory a very troublesome report, covering a whole monthвАЩs activities, had been requested of him. And since it was not anything he could do at the office, he was compelled to return to his room and make it out thereвБ†вАФa bit of energetic and ambitious commercialism, as the Starks saw it, worthy of their admiration and sympathy. And in consequence he was excused. + 

But arrived at Schenectady, he had barely time to look around a little before the last car for Lycurgus should be leaving. His nerve began to fail him. Did he look enough like a young married man to convince anyone that he was one? Besides were not such preventatives considered very wrongвБ†вАФeven by druggists? + 

Walking up and down the one very long Main Street still brightly lighted at this hour, looking now in one drugstore window and another, he decided for different reasons that each particular one was not the one. In one, as he saw at a glance, stood a stout, sober, smooth-shaven man of fifty whose bespectacled eyes and iron gray hair seemed to indicate to ClydeвАЩs mind that he would be most certain to deny such a youthful applicant as himselfвБ†вАФrefuse to believe that he was marriedвБ†вАФor to admit that he had any such remedy, and suspect him of illicit relations with some young, unmarried girl into the bargain. He looked so sober, God-fearing, ultra-respectable and conventional. No, it would not do to apply to him. He had not the courage to enter and face such a person. + 

In another drugstore he observed a small, shriveled and yet dapper and shrewd-looking man of perhaps thirty-five, who appeared to him at the time as satisfactory enough, only, as he could see from the front, he was being briskly assisted by a young woman of not more than twenty or twenty-five. And assuming that she would approach him instead of the manвБ†вАФan embarrassing and impossible situationвБ†вАФor if the man waited on him, was it not probable that she would hear? In consequence he gave up that place, and a third, a fourth, and a fifth, for varying and yet equally cogent reasonsвБ†вАФcustomers inside, a girl and a boy at a soda fountain in front, an owner posed near the door and surveying Clyde as he looked in and thus disconcerting him before he had time to consider whether he should enter or not. + 

Finally, however, after having abandoned so many, he decided that he must act or return defeated, his time and carfare wasted. Returning to one of the lesser stores in a side street, in which a moment before he had observed an undersized chemist idling about, he entered, and summoning all the bravado he could muster, began: вАЬI want to know something. I want to know if you know of anythingвБ†вАФwell, you see, itвАЩs this wayвБ†вАФIвАЩm just married and my wife is past her time and I canвАЩt afford to have any children now if I can help it. Is there anything a person can get that will get her out of it?вАЭ + 

His manner was brisk and confidential enough, although tinged with nervousness and the inner conviction that the druggist must guess that he was lying. At the same time, although he did not know it, he was talking to a confirmed religionist of the Methodist group who did not believe in interfering with the motives or impulses of nature. Any such trifling was against the laws of God and he carried nothing in stock that would in any way interfere with the ways of the Creator. At the same time he was too good a merchant to wish to alienate a possible future customer, and so he now said: вАЬIвАЩm sorry, young man, but IвАЩm afraid I canвАЩt help you in this case. I havenвАЩt a thing of that kind in stock hereвБ†вАФnever handle anything of that kind because I donвАЩt believe in вАЩem. It may be, though, that some of the other stores here in town carry something of the sort. I wouldnвАЩt be able to tell you.вАЭ His manner as he spoke was solemn, the convinced and earnest tone and look of the moralist who knows that he is right. + 

And at once Clyde gathered, and fairly enough in this instance, that this man was reproachful. It reduced to a much smaller quantity the little confidence with which he had begun his quest. And yet, since the dealer had not directly reproached him and had even said that it might be possible that some of the other druggists carried such a thing, he took heart after a few moments, and after a brief fit of pacing here and there in which he looked through one window and another, he finally espied a seventh dealer alone. He entered, and after repeating his first explanation he was informed, very secretively and yet casually, by the thin, dark, casuistic person who waited on himвБ†вАФnot the owner in this instanceвБ†вАФthat there was such a remedy. Yes. Did he wish a box? That (because Clyde asked the price) would be six dollarsвБ†вАФa staggering sum to the salaried inquirer. However, since the expenditure seemed unescapableвБ†вАФto find anything at all a great reliefвБ†вАФhe at once announced that he would take it, and the clerk, bringing him something which he hinted ought to prove вАЬeffectualвАЭ and wrapping it up, he paid and went out. + 

And then actually so relieved was he, so great had been the strain up to this moment, that he could have danced for joy. Then there was a cure, and it would work, of course. The excessive and even outrageous price seemed to indicate as much. And under the circumstances, might he not even consider that sum moderate, seeing that he was being let off so easily? However, he forgot to inquire as to whether there was any additional information or special direction that might prove valuable, and instead, with the package in his pocket, some central and detached portion of the ego within himself congratulating him upon his luck and undaunted efficiency in such a crisis as this, he at once returned to Lycurgus, where he proceeded to RobertaвАЩs room. + 

And she, like himself, impressed by his success in having secured something which both he and she had feared did not exist, or if it did, might prove difficult to procure, felt enormously relieved. In fact, she was reimpressed by his ability and efficiency, qualities with which, up to this time at least, she had endowed him. Also that he was more generous and considerate than under the circumstances she feared he would be. At least he was not coldly abandoning her to fate, as previously in her terror she had imagined that he might. And this fact, even in the face of his previous indifference, was sufficient to soften her mood in regard to him. So with a kind of ebullience, based on fattened hope resting on the pills, she undid the package and read the directions, assuring him the while of her gratitude and that she would not forget how good he had been to her in this instance. At the same time, even as she untied the package, the thought came to herвБ†вАФsupposing they would not work? Then what? And how would she go about arranging with Clyde as to that? However, for the time being, as she now reasoned, she must be satisfied and grateful for this, and at once took one of the pills. + 

But once her expressions of gratefulness had been offered and Clyde sensed that these same might possibly be looked upon as overtures to a new intimacy between them, he fell back upon the attitude that for days past had characterized him at the factory. Under no circumstances must he lend himself to any additional blandishments or languishments in this field. And if this drug proved effectual, as he most earnestly hoped, it must be the last of any save the most accidental and casual contacts. For there was too much danger, as this particular crisis had provedвБ†вАФtoo much to be lost on his sideвБ†вАФeverything, in shortвБ†вАФnothing but worry and trouble and expense. + 

In consequence he retreated to his former reserve. вАЬWell, youвАЩll be all right now, eh? Anyhow, letвАЩs hope so, huh? It says to take one every two hours for eight or ten hours. And if youвАЩre just a little sick, it says it doesnвАЩt make any difference. You may have to knock off a day or two at the factory, but you wonвАЩt mind that, will you, if it gets you out of this? IвАЩll come around tomorrow night and see how you are, if you donвАЩt show up any time tomorrow.вАЭ + 

He laughed genially, the while Roberta gazed at him, unable to associate his present casual attitude with his former passion and deep solicitude. His former passion! And now this! And yet, under the circumstances, being truly grateful, she now smiled cordially and he the same. Yet, seeing him go out, the door close, and no endearing demonstrations of any kind having been exchanged between them, she returned to her bed, shaking her head dubiously. For, supposing that this remedy did not work after all? And he continued in this same casual and remote attitude toward her? Then what? For unless this remedy proved effectual, he might still be so indifferent that he might not want to help her longвБ†вАФor would he? Could he do that, really? He was the one who had brought her to this difficulty, and against her will, and he had so definitely assured her that nothing would happen. And now she must lie here alone and worry, not a single person to turn to, except him, and he was leaving her for others with the assurance that she would be all right. And he had caused it all! Was this quite right? + 

вАЬOh, Clyde! Clyde!вАЭ + 

XXXV + 

But the remedy he purchased failed to work. And because of nausea and his advice she had not gone to the factory, but lay about worrying. But, no saving result appearing, she began to take two pills every hour instead of oneвБ†вАФeager at any cost to escape the fate which seemingly had overtaken her. And this made her exceedingly sickвБ†вАФso much so that when Clyde arrived at six-thirty he was really moved by her deathly white face, drawn cheeks and large and nervous eyes, the pupils of which were unduly dilated. Obviously she was facing a crisis, and because of him, and, while it frightened, at the same time it made him sorry for her. Still, so confused and perplexed was he by the problem which her unchanged state presented to him that his mind now leaped forward to the various phases and eventualities of such a failure as this. The need of additional advice or service of some physician somewhere! But where and how and who? And besides, as he now asked himself, where was he to obtain the money in any such event? + 

Plainly in view of no other inspiration it was necessary for him to return to the druggist at once and there inquire if there was anything elseвБ†вАФsome other drug or some other thing that one might do. Or if not that, then some low-priced shady doctor somewhere, who, for a small fee, or a promise of payments on time, would help in this case. + 

Yet even though this other matter was so importantвБ†вАФtragic almostвБ†вАФonce outside his spirits lifted slightly. For he now recalled that he had an appointment with Sondra at the CranstonsвАЩ, where at nine he and she, along with a number of others, were to meet and play about as usualвБ†вАФa party. Yet once at the CranstonsвАЩ, and despite the keen allurement of Sondra, he could not keep his mind off RobertaвАЩs state, which rose before him as a specter. Supposing now any one of those whom he found gathered hereвБ†вАФNadine Harriet, Perley Haynes, Violet Taylor, Jill Trumbull, Bella, Bertine, and Sondra, should gain the least inkling of the scene he had just witnessed? In spite of Sondra at the piano throwing him a welcoming smile over her shoulder as he entered, his thoughts were on Roberta. He must go around there again after this was over, to see how she was and so relieve his own mind in case she were better. In case she was not, he must write to Ratterer at once for advice. + 

In spite of his distress he was trying to appear as gay and unconcerned as everвБ†вАФdancing first with Perley Haynes and then with Nadine and finally, while waiting for a chance to dance with Sondra, he approached a group who were trying to help Vanda Steele solve a new scenery puzzle and asserted that he could read messages written on paper and sealed in envelopes (the old serial letter trick which he had found explained in an ancient book of parlor tricks discovered on a shelf at the PeytonsвАЩ). It had been his plan to use it before in order to give himself an air of ease and cleverness, but tonight he was using it to take his mind off the greater problem that was weighing on him. And, although with the aid of Nadine Harriet, whom he took into his confidence, he succeeded in thoroughly mystifying the others, still his mind was not quite on it. Roberta was always there. Supposing something should really be wrong with her and he could not get her out of it. She might even expect him to marry her, so fearful was she of her parents and people. What would he do then? He would lose the beautiful Sondra and she might even come to know how and why he had lost her. But that would be wild of Roberta to expect him to do that. He would not do it. He could not do it. + 

One thing was certain. He must get her out of this. He must! But how? How? + 

And although at twelve oвАЩclock Sondra signaled that she was ready to go and that if he chose he might accompany her to her door (and even stop in for a few moments) and although once there, in the shade of a pergola which ornamented the front gate, she had allowed him to kiss her and told him that she was beginning to think he was the nicest ever and that the following spring when the family moved to Twelfth Lake she was going to see if she couldnвАЩt think of some way by which she could arrange to have him there over weekends, still, because of this pressing problem in connection with Roberta, Clyde was so worried that he was not able to completely enjoy this new and to him exquisitely thrilling demonstration of affection on her partвБ†вАФthis new and amazing social and emotional victory of his. + 

He must send that letter to Ratterer tonight. But before that he must return to Roberta as he had promised and find out if she was better. And after that he must go over to Schenectady in the morning, sure, to see the druggist over there. For something must be done about this unless she were better tonight. + 

And so, with SondraвАЩs kisses thrilling on his lips, he left her to go to Roberta, whose white face and troubled eyes told him as he entered her room that no change had taken place. If anything she was worse and more distressed than before, the larger dosage having weakened her to the point of positive illness. However, as she said, nothing mattered if only she could get out of thisвБ†вАФthat she would almost be willing to die rather than face the consequences. And Clyde, realizing what she meant and being so sincerely concerned for himself, appeared in part distressed for her. However, his previous indifference and the manner in which he had walked off and left her alone this very evening prevented her from feeling that there was any abiding concern in him for her now. And this grieved her terribly. For she sensed now that he did not really care for her any more, even though now he was saying that she mustnвАЩt worry and that it was likely that if these didnвАЩt work he would get something else that would; that he was going back to the druggist at Schenectady the first thing in the morning to see if there wasnвАЩt something else that he could suggest. + 

But the Gilpins had no telephone, and since he never ventured to call at her room during the day and he never permitted her to call him at Mrs.¬†PeytonвАЩs, his plan in this instance was to pass by the following morning before work. If she were all right, the two front shades would be raised to the top; if not, then lowered to the center. In that case he would depart for Schenectady at once, telephoning Mr.¬†Liggett that he had some outside duties to perform. + 

Just the same, both were terribly depressed and fearful as to what this should mean for each of them. Clyde could not quite assure himself that, in the event that Roberta was not extricated, he would be able to escape without indemnifying her in some form which might not mean just temporary efforts to aid her, but something moreвБ†вАФmarriage, possiblyвБ†вАФsince already she had reminded him that he had promised to see her through. But what had he really meant by that at the time that he said it, he now asked himself. Not marriage, most certainly, since his thought was not that he had ever wanted to marry her, but rather just to play with her happily in love, although, as he well knew, she had no such conception of his eager mood at that time. He was compelled to admit to himself that she had probably thought his intentions were more serious or she would not have submitted to him at all. + 

But reaching home, and after writing and mailing the letter to Ratterer, Clyde passed a troubled night. Next morning he paid a visit to the druggist at Schenectady, the curtains of RobertaвАЩs windows having been lowered to the center when he passed. But on this occasion the latter had no additional aid to offer other than the advisability of a hot and hence weakening bath, which he had failed to mention in the first instance. Also some wearying form of physical exercise. But noting ClydeвАЩs troubled expression and judging that the situation was causing him great worry, he observed: вАЬOf course, the fact that your wife has skipped a month doesnвАЩt mean that there is anything seriously wrong, you know. Women do that sometimes. Anyhow, you canвАЩt ever be sure until the second month has passed. Any doctor will tell you that. If sheвАЩs nervous, let her try something like this. But even if it fails to work, you canвАЩt be positive. She might be all right next month just the same.вАЭ + 

Thinly cheered by this information, Clyde was about to depart, for Roberta might be wrong. He and she might be worrying needlessly. StillвБ†вАФhe was brought up with a round turn as he thought of itвБ†вАФthere might be real danger, and waiting until the end of the second period would only mean that a whole month had elapsed and nothing helpful accomplishedвБ†вАФa freezing thought. In consequence he now observed: вАЬIn case things donвАЩt come right, you donвАЩt happen to know of a doctor she could go to, do you? This is rather a serious business for both of us, and IвАЩd like to get her out of it if I could.вАЭ + 

Something about the way in which Clyde said thisвБ†вАФhis extreme nervousness as well as his willingness to indulge in a form of malpractice which the pharmacist by some logic all his own considered very different from just swallowing a preparation intended to achieve the same resultвБ†вАФcaused him to look suspiciously at Clyde, the thought stirring in his brain that very likely after all Clyde was not married, also that this was one of those youthful affairs which spelled license and future difficulty for some unsophisticated girl. Hence his mood now changed, and instead of being willing to assist, he now said coolly: вАЬWell, there may be a doctor around here, but if so I donвАЩt know. And I wouldnвАЩt undertake to send anyone to a doctor like that. ItвАЩs against the law. It would certainly go hard with any doctor around here who was caught doing that sort of thing. ThatвАЩs not to say, though, that you arenвАЩt at liberty to look around for yourself, if you want to,вАЭ he added gravely, giving Clyde a suspicious and examining glance, and deciding it were best if he had nothing further to do with such a person. + 

Clyde therefore returned to Roberta with the same prescription renewed, although she had most decidedly protested that, since the first box had not worked, it was useless to get more. But since he insisted, she was willing to try the drug the new way, although the argument that a cold or nerves was the possible cause was only sufficient to convince her that Clyde was at the end of his resources in so far as she was concerned, or if not that, he was far from being alive to the import of this both to herself and to him. And supposing this new treatment did not work, then what? Was he going to stop now and let the thing rest there? + 

Yet so peculiar was ClydeвАЩs nature that in the face of his fears in regard to his future, and because it was far from pleasant to be harried in this way and an infringement on his other interests, the assurance that the delay of a month might not prove fatal was sufficient to cause him to be willing to wait, and that rather indifferently, for that length of time. Roberta might be wrong. She might be making all this trouble for nothing. He must see how she felt after she had tried this new way. + 

But the treatment failed. Despite the fact that in her distress Roberta returned to the factory in order to weary herself, until all the girls in the department assured her that she must be illвБ†вАФthat she should not be working when she looked and plainly felt so badвБ†вАФstill nothing came of it. And the fact that Clyde could dream of falling back on the assurance of the druggist that a first monthвАЩs lapse was of no import only aggravated and frightened her the more. + 

The truth was that in this crisis he was as interesting an illustration of the enormous handicaps imposed by ignorance, youth, poverty and fear as one could have found. Technically he did not even know the meaning of the word вАЬmidwife,вАЭ or the nature of the services performed by her. (And there were three here in Lycurgus at this time in the foreign family section.) Again, he had been in Lycurgus so short a time, and apart from the young society men and Dillard whom he had cut, and the various department heads at the factory, he knew no oneвБ†вАФan occasional barber, haberdasher, cigar dealer and the like, the majority of whom, as he saw them, were either too dull or too ignorant for his purpose. + 

One thing, however, which caused him to pause before ever he decided to look up a physician was the problem of who was to approach him and how. To go himself was simply out of the question. In the first place, he looked too much like Gilbert Griffiths, who was decidedly too well-known here and for whom he might be mistaken. Next, it was unquestionable that, being as well-dressed as he was, the physician would want to charge him more, maybe, than he could afford and ask him all sorts of embarrassing questions, whereas if it could be arranged through someone elseвБ†вАФthe details explained before ever Roberta was sentвБ†вАФWhy not Roberta herself! Why not? She looked so simple and innocent and unassuming and appealing at all times. And in such a situation as this, as depressed and downcast as she was, wellвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ For after all, as he now casuistically argued with himself, it was she and not he who was facing the immediate problem which had to be solved. + 

And again, as it now came to him, would she not be able to get it done cheaper? For looking as she did now, so distraitвБ†вАФIf only he could get her to say that she had been deserted by some young man, whose name she would refuse to divulge, of course, well, what physician seeing a girl like her alone and in such a stateвБ†вАФno one to look after herвБ†вАФwould refuse her? It might even be that he would help her out for nothing. Who could tell? And that would leave him clear of it all. + 

And in consequence he now approached Roberta, intending to prepare her for the suggestion that, assuming that he could provide a physician and the nature of his position being what it was, she must speak for herself. But before he had spoken she at once inquired of him as to what, if anything, more he had heard or done. WasnвАЩt some other remedy sold somewhere? And this giving him the opportunity he desired, he explained: вАЬWell, IвАЩve asked around and looked into most of the drugstores and they tell me if this one wonвАЩt work that none will. That leaves me sorta stumped now, unless youвАЩre willing to go and see a doctor. But the trouble with that is theyвАЩre hard to findвБ†вАФthe ones whoвАЩll do anything and keep their mouths shut. IвАЩve talked with several fellows without saying who itвАЩs for, of course, but it ainвАЩt so easy to get one around here, because they are all too much afraid. ItвАЩs against the law, you see. But what I want to know now is, supposing I find a doctor who would do it, will you have the nerve to go and see him and tell him what the trouble is? ThatвАЩs what I want to know.вАЭ + 

She looked at him dazedly, not quite grasping that he was hinting that she was to go entirely alone, but rather assuming that of course he meant to go with her. Then, her mind concentrating nervously upon the necessity of facing a doctor in his company, she first exclaimed: вАЬOh, dear, isnвАЩt it terrible to think of us having to go to a doctor in this way? Then heвАЩll know all about us, wonвАЩt he? And besides itвАЩs dangerous, isnвАЩt it, although I donвАЩt suppose it could be much worse than those old pills.вАЭ She went off into more intimate inquiries as to what was done and how, but Clyde could not enlighten her. + 

вАЬOh, donвАЩt be getting nervous over that now,вАЭ he said. вАЬIt isnвАЩt anything thatвАЩs going to hurt you, I know. Besides weвАЩll be lucky if we find someone to do it. What I want to know is if I do find a doctor, will you be willing to go to him alone?вАЭ She started as if struck, but unabashed now he went on, вАЬAs things stand with me here, I canвАЩt go with you, thatвАЩs sure. IвАЩm too well known around here, and besides I look too much like Gilbert and heвАЩs known to everybody. If I should be mistaken for him, or be taken for his cousin or relative, well, then the jigвАЩs up.вАЭ + 

His eyes were not only an epitome of how wretched he would feel were he exposed to all Lycurgus for what he was, but also in them lurked a shadow of the shabby role he was attempting to play in connection with herвБ†вАФin hiding thus completely behind her necessity. And yet so tortured was he by the fear of what was about to befall him in case he did not succeed in so doing, that he was now prepared, whatever Roberta might think or say, to stand his ground. But Roberta, sensing only the fact that he was thinking of sending her alone, now exclaimed incredulously: вАЬNot alone, Clyde! Oh, no, I couldnвАЩt do that! Oh, dear, no! Why, IвАЩd be frightened to death. Oh, dear, no. Why, IвАЩd be so frightened I wouldnвАЩt know what to do. Just think how IвАЩd feel, trying to explain to him alone. I just couldnвАЩt do that. Besides, how would I know what to sayвБ†вАФhow to begin? YouвАЩll just have to go with me at first, thatвАЩs all, and explain, or I never can goвБ†вАФI donвАЩt care what happens.вАЭ Her eyes were round and excited and her face, while registering all the depression and fear that had recently been there, was transfigured by definite opposition. + 

But Clyde was not to be shaken either. + 

вАЬYou know how it is with me here, Bert. I canвАЩt go, and thatвАЩs all there is to it. Why, supposing I were seenвБ†вАФsupposing someone should recognize me? What then? You know how much IвАЩve been going around here since IвАЩve been here. Why, itвАЩs crazy to think that I could go. Besides, it will be a lot easier for you than for me. No doctorвАЩs going to think anything much of your coming to him, especially if youвАЩre alone. HeвАЩll just think youвАЩre someone whoвАЩs got in trouble and with no one to help you. But if I go, and it should be anyone who knows anything about the Griffiths, thereвАЩd be the deuce to pay. Right off heвАЩd think I was stuffed with money. Besides, if I didnвАЩt do just what he wanted me to do afterwards, he could go to my uncle, or my cousin, and then, good night! That would be the end of me. And if I lost my place here now, and with no money and that kind of scandal connected with me, where do you suppose I would be after that, or you either? I certainly couldnвАЩt look after you then. And then what would you do? I should think youвАЩd wake up and see what a tough proposition this is. My name canвАЩt be pulled into this without trouble for both of us. ItвАЩs got to be kept out, thatвАЩs all, and the only way for me to keep it out is for me to stay away from any doctor. Besides, heвАЩd feel a lot sorrier for you than he would for me. You canвАЩt tell me!вАЭ + 

His eyes were distressed and determined, and, as Roberta could gather from his manner, a certain hardness, or at least defiance, the result of fright, showed in every gesture. He was determined to protect his own name, come what mightвБ†вАФa fact which, because of her own acquiescence up to this time, still carried great weight with her. + 

вАЬOh, dear! dear!вАЭ she exclaimed, nervously and sadly now, the growing and drastic terror of the situation dawning upon her, вАЬI donвАЩt see how we are to do then. I really donвАЩt. For I canвАЩt do that and thatвАЩs all there is to it. ItвАЩs all so hardвБ†вАФso terrible. IвАЩd feel too much ashamed and frightened to ever go alone.вАЭ + 

But even as she said this she began to feel that she might, and even would, go alone, if must be. For what else was there to do? And how was she to compel him, in the face of his own fears and dangers, to jeopardize his position here? He began once more, in self-defense more than from any other motive: + 

вАЬBesides, unless this thing isnвАЩt going to cost very much, I donвАЩt see how IвАЩm going to get by with it anyhow, Bert. I really donвАЩt. I donвАЩt make so very much, you knowвБ†вАФonly twenty-five dollars up to now.вАЭ (Necessity was at last compelling him to speak frankly with Roberta.) вАЬAnd I havenвАЩt saved anythingвБ†вАФnot a cent. And you know why as well as I do. We spent the most of it together. Besides if I go and he thought I had money, he might want to charge me more than I could possibly dig up. But if you go and just tell him how things areвБ†вАФand that you havenвАЩt got anythingвБ†вАФif youвАЩd only say IвАЩd run away or something, seeвБ†вАФвАЭ + 

He paused because, as he said it, he saw a flicker of shame, contempt, despair at being connected with anything so cheap and shabby, pass over RobertaвАЩs face. And yet in spite of this sly and yet muddy tergiversation on his partвБ†вАФso great is the compelling and enlightening power of necessityвБ†вАФshe could still see that there was some point to his argument. He might be trying to use her as a foil, a mask, behind which he, and she too for that matter, was attempting to hide. But just the same, shameful as it was, here were the stark, bald headlands of fact, and at their base the thrashing, destroying waves of necessity. She heard him say: вАЬYou wouldnвАЩt have to give your right name, you know, or where you came from. I donвАЩt intend to pick out any doctor right around here, see. Then, if youвАЩd tell him you didnвАЩt have much moneyвБ†вАФjust your weekly salaryвБ†вАФвАЭ + 

She sat down weakly to think, the while this persuasive trickery proceeded from himвБ†вАФthe import of most of his argument going straight home. For as false and morally meretricious as this whole plan was, still, as she could see for herself, her own as well as ClydeвАЩs situation was desperate. And as honest and punctilious as she might ordinarily be in the matter of truth-telling and honest-dealing, plainly this was one of those whirling tempests of fact and reality in which the ordinary charts and compasses of moral measurement were for the time being of small use. + 

And so, insisting then that they go to some doctor far away, Utica or Albany, maybeвБ†вАФbut still admitting by this that she would goвБ†вАФthe conversation was dropped. And he having triumphed in the matter of excepting his own personality from this, took heart to the extent, at least, of thinking that at once now, by some hook or crook, he must find a doctor to whom he could send her. Then his terrible troubles in connection with all this would be over. And after that she could go her way, as surely she must; then, seeing that he would have done all that he could for her he would go his way to the glorious denouement that lay directly before him in case only this were adjusted. + 

XXXVI + 

Nevertheless hours and even days, and finally a week and then ten days, passed without any word from him as to the whereabouts of a doctor to whom she could go. For although having said so much to her he still did not know to whom to apply. And each hour and day as great a menace to him as to her. And her looks as well as her inquiries registering how intense and vital and even clamorous at moments was her own distress. Also he was harried almost to the point of nervous collapse by his own inability to think of any speedy and sure way by which she might be aided. Where did a physician live to whom he might send her with some assurance of relief for her, and how was he to find out about him? + 

After a time, however, in running over all the names of those he knew, he finally struck upon a forlorn hope in the guise of Orrin Short, the young man conducting the one small вАЬgentsвАЩ furnishing storeвАЭ in Lycurgus which catered more or less exclusively to the rich youths of the cityвБ†вАФa youth of about his own years and proclivities, as Clyde had guessed, who ever since he had been here had been useful to him in the matter of tips as to dress and style in general. Indeed, as Clyde had for some time noted, Short was a brisk, inquiring and tactful person, who, in addition to being quite attractive personally to girls, was also always most courteous to his patrons, particularly to those whom he considered above him in the social scale, and among these was Clyde. For having discovered that Clyde was related to the Griffiths, this same Short had sought, as a means for his own general advancement in other directions, to scrape as much of a genial and intimate relationship with him as possible, only, as Clyde saw it, and in view of the general attitude of his very high relatives, it had not, up to this time at least, been possible for him to consider any such intimacy seriously. And yet, finding Short so very affable and helpful in general, he was not above reaching at least an easy and genial surface relationship with him, which Short appeared to accept in good part. Indeed, as at first, his manner remained seeking and not a little sycophantic at times. And so it was that among all those with whom he could be said to be in either intimate or casual contact, Short was about the only one who offered even a chance for an inquiry which might prove productive of some helpful information. + 

In consequence, in passing ShortвАЩs place each evening and morning, once he thought of him in this light, he made it a point to nod and smile in a most friendly manner, until at least three days had gone by. And then, feeling that he had paved the way as much as his present predicament would permit, he stopped in, not at all sure that on this first occasion he would be able to broach the dangerous subject. The tale he had fixed upon to tell Short was that he had been approached by a young workingman in the factory, newly-married, who, threatened with an heir and not being able to afford one as yet, had appealed to him for information as to where he might now find a doctor to help him. The only interesting additions which Clyde proposed to make to this were that the young man, being very poor and timid and not so very intelligent, was not able to speak or do much for himself. Also that he, Clyde, being better informed, although so new locally as not to be able to direct him to any physician (an afterthought intended to put the idea into ShortвАЩs mind that he himself was never helpless and so not likely ever to want such advice himself), had already advised the young man of a temporary remedy. But unfortunately, so his story was to run, this had already failed to work. Hence something more certainвБ†вАФa physician, no lessвБ†вАФwas necessary. And Short, having been here longer, and, as he had heard him explain, hailing previously from Gloversville, it was quite certain, as Clyde now argued with himself, that he would know of at least oneвБ†вАФor should. But in order to divert suspicion from himself he was going to add that of course he probably could get news of someone in his own set, only, the situation being so unusual (any reference to any such thing in his own world being likely to set his own group talking), he preferred to ask someone like Short, who as a favor would keep it quiet. + 

As it chanced on this occasion, Short himself, owing to his having done a very fair dayвАЩs business, was in an exceedingly jovial frame of mind. And Clyde having entered, to buy a pair of socks, perhaps, he began: вАЬWell, itвАЩs good to see you again, Mr.¬†Griffiths. How are you? I was just thinking itвАЩs about time you stopped in and let me show you some of the things I got in since you were here before. How are things with the Griffiths Company anyhow?вАЭ + 

ShortвАЩs manner, always brisk, was on this occasion doubly reassuring, since he liked Clyde, only now the latter was so intensely keyed up by the daring of his own project that he could scarcely bring himself to carry the thing off with the air he would have liked to have employed. + 

Nevertheless, being in the store and so, seemingly, committed to the project, he now began: вАЬOh, pretty fair. CanвАЩt kick a bit. I always have all I can do, you know.вАЭ At the same time he began nervously fingering some ties hung upon movable nickeled rods. But before he had wasted a moment on these, Mr.¬†Short, turning and spreading some boxes of very special ties from a shelf behind him on the glass case, remarked: вАЬNever mind looking at those, Mr.¬†Griffiths. Look at these. These are what I want to show you and they wonвАЩt cost you any more. Just got вАЩem in from New York this morning.вАЭ He picked up several bundles of six each, the very latest, as he explained. вАЬSee anything else like this anywhere around here yet? IвАЩll say you havenвАЩt.вАЭ He eyed Clyde smilingly, the while he wished sincerely that such a young man, so well connected, yet not rich like the others, would be friends with him. It would place him here. + 

Clyde, fingering the offerings and guessing that what Short was saying was true, was now so troubled and confused in his own mind that he could scarcely think and speak as planned. вАЬVery nice, sure,вАЭ he said, turning them over, feeling that at another time he would have been pleased to possess at least two. вАЬI think maybe IвАЩll take this one, anyhow, and this one, too.вАЭ He drew out two and held them up, while he was thinking how to broach the so much more important matter that had brought him here. For why should he be troubling to buy ties, dillydallying in this way, when all he wanted to ask Short about was this other matter? Yet how hard it was nowвБ†вАФhow very hard. And yet he really must, although perhaps not so abruptly. He would look around a little more at first in order to allay suspicionвБ†вАФask about some socks. Only why should he be doing that, since he did not need anything, Sondra only recently having presented him with a dozen handkerchiefs, some collars, ties and socks. Nevertheless every time he decided to speak he felt a sort of sinking sensation at the pit of his stomach, a fear that he could not or would not carry the thing off with the necessary ease and conviction. It was all so questionable and treacherousвБ†вАФso likely to lead to exposure and disgrace in some way. He would probably not be able to bring himself to speak to Short tonight. And yet, as he argued with himself, how could the occasion ever be more satisfactory? + 

Short, in the meantime having gone to the rear of the store and now returning, with a most engaging and even sycophantic smile on his face, began with: вАЬSaw you last Tuesday evening about nine oвАЩclock going into the FinchleysвАЩ place, didnвАЩt I? Beautiful house and grounds they have there.вАЭ + 

Clyde saw that Short really was impressed by his social station here. There was a wealth of admiration mingled with a touch of servility. And at once, because of this, he took heart, since he realized that with such an attitude dominating the other, whatever he might say would be colored in part at least by his admirerвАЩs awe and respect. And after examining the socks and deciding that one pair at least would soften the difficulty of his demand, he added: вАЬOh, by the way, before I forget it. ThereвАЩs something IвАЩve been wanting to ask you about. Maybe you can tell me what I want to know. One of the boys at the factoryвБ†вАФa young fellow who hasnвАЩt been married very longвБ†вАФabout four months now, I guessвБ†вАФis in a little trouble on account of his wife.вАЭ He paused, because of his uncertainty as to whether he could succeed with this now or not, seeing that ShortвАЩs expression changed ever so slightly. And yet, having gone so far, he did not know how to recede. So now he laughed nervously and then added: вАЬI donвАЩt know why they always come to me with their troubles, but I guess they think I ought to know all about these things.вАЭ (He laughed again.) вАЬOnly IвАЩm about as new and green here as anybody and so IвАЩm kinda stumped. But youвАЩve been here longer than I have, I guess, and so I thought I might ask you.вАЭ + 

His manner as he said this was as nonchalant as he could make it, the while he decided now that this was a mistakeвБ†вАФthat Short would most certainly think him a fool or queer. Yet Short, taken back by the nature of the query, which he sensed as odd coming from Clyde to him (he had noted ClydeвАЩs sudden restraint and slight nervousness), was still so pleased to think that even in connection with so ticklish a thing as this, he should be made the recipient of his confidence, that he instantly recovered his former poise and affability, and replied: вАЬWhy, sure, if itвАЩs anything I can help you with, Mr.¬†Griffiths, IвАЩll be only too glad to. Go ahead, what is it?вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, itвАЩs this way,вАЭ began Clyde, not a little revived by the otherвАЩs hearty response, yet lowering his voice in order to give the dreadful subject its proper medium of obscurity, as it were. вАЬHis wifeвАЩs already two months gone and he canвАЩt afford a kid yet and he doesnвАЩt know how to get rid of it. I told him last month when he first came to me to try a certain medicine that usually worksвАЭвБ†вАФthis to impress Short with his own personal wisdom and resourcefulness in such situations and hence by implication to clear his own skirts, as it wereвБ†вАФвАЬBut I guess he didnвАЩt handle it right. Anyhow heвАЩs all worked up about it now and wants to see some doctor who could do something for her, you see. Only I donвАЩt know anybody here myself. HavenвАЩt been here long enough. If it were Kansas City or Chicago now,вАЭ he interpolated securely, вАЬIвАЩd know what to do. I know three or four doctors out there.вАЭ (To impress Short he attempted a wise smile.) вАЬBut down here itвАЩs different. And if I started asking around in my crowd and it ever got back to my relatives, they wouldnвАЩt understand. But I thought if you knew of anyone you wouldnвАЩt mind telling me. I wouldnвАЩt really bother myself, only IвАЩm sorry for this fellow.вАЭ + 

He paused, his face, largely because of the helpful and interested expression on ShortвАЩs, expressing more confidence than when he had begun. And although Short was still surprised he was more than pleased to be as helpful as he could. + 

вАЬYou say itвАЩs been two months now.вАЭ + 

вАЬYes.вАЭ + 

вАЬAnd the stuff you suggested didnвАЩt work, eh?вАЭ + 

вАЬNo.вАЭ + 

вАЬSheвАЩs tried it again this month, has she?вАЭ + 

вАЬYes.вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, that is bad, sure enough. I guess sheвАЩs in bad all right. The trouble with this place is that I havenвАЩt been here so very long either, Mr.¬†Griffiths. I only bought this place about a year and a half ago. Now, if I were over in GloversvilleвБ†вАФвАЭ He paused for a moment, as though, like Clyde, he too were dubious of the wisdom of entering upon details of this kind, but after a few seconds continued: вАЬYou see a thing like thatвАЩs not so easy, wherever you are. Doctors are always afraid of getting in trouble. I did hear once of a case over there, though, where a girl went to a doctorвБ†вАФa fellow who lived a couple miles out. But she was of pretty good family too, and the fellow who took her to him was pretty well-known about there. So I donвАЩt know whether this doctor would do anything for a stranger, although he might at that. But I know that sort of thing is going on all the time, so you might try. If you wanta send this fellow to him, tell him not to mention me or let on who sent him, вАЩcause IвАЩm pretty well-known around there and I wouldnвАЩt want to be mixed up in it in case anything went wrong, you see. You know how it is.вАЭ + 

And Clyde, in turn, replied gratefully: вАЬOh, sure, heвАЩll understand all right. IвАЩll tell him not to mention any names.вАЭ And getting the doctorвАЩs name, he extracted a pencil and notebook from his pocket in order to be sure that the important information should not escape him. + 

Short, sensing his relief, was inclined to wonder whether there was a workingman, or whether it was not Clyde himself who was in this scrape. Why should he be speaking for a young workingman at the factory? Just the same, he was glad to be of service, though at the same time he was thinking what a bit of local news this would be, assuming that any time in the future he should choose to retail it. Also that Clyde, unless he was truly playing about with some girl here who was in trouble, was foolish to be helping anybody else in this wayвБ†вАФparticularly a workingman. You bet he wouldnвАЩt. + 

Nevertheless he repeated the name, with the initials, and the exact neighborhood, as near as he could remember, giving the car stop and a description of the house. Clyde, having obtained what he desired, now thanked him, and then went out while the haberdasher looked after him genially and a little suspiciously. These rich young bloods, he thought. ThatвАЩs a funny request for a fellow like that to make of me. YouвАЩd think with all the people he knows and runs with here heвАЩd know someone who would tip him off quicker than I could. Still, maybe, itвАЩs just because of them that he is afraid to ask around here. You donвАЩt know who he might have got in troubleвБ†вАФthat young Finchley girl herself, even. You never can tell. I see him around with her occasionally, and sheвАЩs gay enough. But, gee, wouldnвАЩt that be theвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ + 

XXXVII + 

The information thus gained was a relief, but only partially so. For both Clyde and Roberta there was no real relief now until this problem should be definitely solved. And although within a few moments after he had obtained it, he appeared and explained that at last he had secured the name of someone who might help her, still there was yet the serious business of heartening her for the task of seeing the doctor alone, also for the story that was to exculpate him and at the same time win for her sufficient sympathy to cause the doctor to make the charge for his service merely nominal. + 

But now, instead of protesting as at first he feared that she might, Roberta was moved to acquiesce. So many things in ClydeвАЩs attitude since Christmas had so shocked her that she was bewildered and without a plan other than to extricate herself as best she might without any scandal attaching to her or him and then going her own wayвБ†вАФpathetic and abrasive though it might be. For since he did not appear to care for her any more and plainly desired to be rid of her, she was in no mood to compel him to do other than he wished. Let him go. She could make her own way. She had, and she could too, without him, if only she could get out of this. Yet, as she said this to herself, however, and a sense of the full significance of it all came to her, the happy days that would never be again, she put her hands to her eyes and brushed away uncontrollable tears. To think that all that was should come to this. + 

Yet when he called the same evening after visiting Short, his manner redolent of a fairly worthwhile achievement, she merely said, after listening to his explanation in as receptive a manner as she could: вАЬDo you know just where this is, Clyde? Can we get there on the car without much trouble, or will we have to walk a long way?вАЭ And after he had explained that it was but a little way out of Gloversville, in the suburbs really, an interurban stop being but a quarter of a mile from the house, she had added: вАЬIs he home at night, or will we have to go in the daytime? It would be so much better if we could go at night. ThereвАЩd be so much less danger of anyone seeing us.вАЭ And being assured that he was, as Clyde had learned from Short, she went on: вАЬBut do you know is he old or young? IвАЩd feel so much easier and safer if he were old. I donвАЩt like young doctors. WeвАЩve always had an old doctor up home and I feel so much easier talking to someone like him.вАЭ + 

Clyde did not know. He had not thought to inquire, but to reassure her he ventured that he was middle-agedвБ†вАФwhich chanced to be the fact. + 

The following evening the two of them departed, but separately as usual, for Fonda, where it was necessary to change cars. And once within the approximate precincts of the physicianвАЩs residence, they stepped down and made their way along a road, which in this mid-state winter weather was still covered with old and dry-packed snow. It offered a comparatively smooth floor for their quick steps. For in these days, there was no longer that lingering intimacy which formerly would have characterized both. In those other and so recent days, as Roberta was constantly thinking, he would have been only too glad in such a place as this, if not on such an occasion, to drag his steps, put an arm about her waist, and talk about nothing at allвБ†вАФthe night, the work at the factory, Mr.¬†Liggett, his uncle, the current movies, some place they were planning to go, something they would love to do together if they could. But nowвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ And on this particular occasion, when most of all, and if ever, she needed the full strength of his devotion and support! Yet now, as she could see, he was most nervously concerned as to whether, going alone in this way, she was going to get scared and вАЬback outвАЭ; whether she was going to think to say the right thing at the right time and convince the doctor that he must do something for her, and for a nominal fee. + 

вАЬWell, Bert, how about you? All right? YouвАЩre not going to get cold feet now, are you? Gee, I hope not because this is going to be a good chance to get this thing done and over with. And it isnвАЩt like you were going to someone who hadnвАЩt done anything like this before, you know, because this fellow has. I got that straight. All you have to do now, is to say, well, you know, that youвАЩre in trouble, see, and that you donвАЩt know how youвАЩre going to get out of it unless heвАЩll help you in some way, because you havenвАЩt any friends here you can go to. And besides, as things are, you couldnвАЩt go to вАЩem if you wanted to. TheyвАЩd tell on you, see. Then if he asks where I am or who I am, you just say that I was a fellow hereвБ†вАФbut that IвАЩve goneвБ†вАФgive any name you want to, but that IвАЩve gone, and you donвАЩt know where IвАЩve gone toвБ†вАФrun away, see. Then youвАЩd better say, too, that you wouldnвАЩt have come to him only that you heard of another case in which he helped someone elseвБ†вАФthat a girl told you, see. Only you donвАЩt want to let on that youвАЩre paid much, I meanвБ†вАФbecause if you do he may want to make the bill more than I can pay, see, unless heвАЩll give us a few months in which to do it, or something like that, you see.вАЭ + 

Clyde was so nervous and so full of the necessity of charging Roberta with sufficient energy and courage to go through with this and succeed, now that he had brought her this far along with it, that he scarcely realized how inadequate and trivial, even, in so far as her predicament and the doctorвАЩs mood and temperament were concerned, his various instructions and bits of inexperienced advice were. And she on her part was not only thinking how easy it was for him to stand back and make suggestions, while she was confronted with the necessity of going forward, and that alone, but also that he was really thinking more of himself than he was of herвБ†вАФsome way to make her get herself out of it inexpensively and without any real trouble to him. + 

At the same time, even here and now, in spite of all this, she was still decidedly drawn to himвБ†вАФhis white face, his thin hands, nervous manner. And although she knew he talked to encourage her to do what he had not the courage or skill to do himself, she was not angry. Rather, she was merely saying to herself in this crisis that although he advised so freely she was not going to pay attention to himвБ†вАФmuch. What she was going to say was not that she was deserted, for that seemed too much of a disagreeable and self-incriminating remark for her to make concerning herself, but rather that she was married and that she and her young husband were too poor to have a baby as yetвБ†вАФthe same story Clyde had told the druggist in Schenectady, as she recalled. For after all, what did he know about how she felt? And he was not going with her to make it easier for her. + 

Yet dominated by the purely feminine instinct to cling to someone for support, she now turned to Clyde, taking hold of his hands and standing quite still, wishing that he would hold and pet her and tell her that it was all right and that she must not be afraid. And although he no longer cared for her, now in the face of this involuntary evidence of her former trust in him, he released both hands and putting his arms about her, the more to encourage her than anything else, observed: вАЬCome on now, Bert. Gee, you canвАЩt act like this, you know. You donвАЩt want to lose your nerve now that weвАЩre here, do you? It wonвАЩt be so hard once you get there. I know it wonвАЩt. All you got to do is to go up and ring the bell, see, and when he comes, or whoever comes, just say you want to see the doctor alone, see. Then heвАЩll understand itвАЩs something private and itвАЩll be easier.вАЭ + 

He went on with more advice of the same kind, and she, realizing from his lack of spontaneous enthusiasm for her at this moment how desperate was her state, drew herself together as vigorously as she could, and saying: вАЬWell, wait here, then, will you? DonвАЩt go very far away, will you? I may be right back,вАЭ hurried along in the shadow through the gate and up a walk which led to the front door. + 

In answer to her ring the door was opened by one of those exteriorly as well as mentally sober, small-town practitioners who, ClydeвАЩs and ShortвАЩs notion to the contrary notwithstanding, was the typical and fairly conservative physician of the countrysideвБ†вАФsolemn, cautious, moral, semi-religious to a degree, holding some views which he considered liberal and others which a fairly liberal person would have considered narrow and stubborn into the bargain. Yet because of the ignorance and stupidity of so many of those about him, he was able to consider himself at least fairly learned. In constant touch with all phases of ignorance and dereliction as well as sobriety, energy, conservatism, success and the like, he was more inclined, where fact appeared to nullify his early conclusion in regard to many things, to suspend judgment between the alleged claims of heaven and hell and leave it there suspended and undisturbed. Physically he was short, stocky, bullet-headed and yet interestingly-featured, with quick gray eyes and a pleasant mouth and smile. His short iron-gray hair was worn вАЬbangsвАЭ fashion, a bit of rural vanity. And his arms and hands, the latter fat and pudgy, yet sensitive, hung limply at his sides. He was fifty-eight, married, the father of three children, one of them a son already studying medicine in order to succeed to his fatherвАЩs practice. + 

After showing Roberta into a littered and commonplace waiting room and asking her to remain until he had finished his dinner, he presently appeared in the door of an equally commonplace inner room, or office, where were his desk, two chairs, some medical instruments, books and apparently an antechamber containing other medical things, and motioned her to a chair. And because of his grayness, solidity, stolidity, as well as an odd habit he had of blinking his eyes, Roberta was not a little overawed, though by no means so unfavorably impressed as she had feared she might be. At least he was old and he seemed intelligent and conservative, if not exactly sympathetic or warm in his manner. And after looking at her curiously a moment, as though seeking to recognize someone of the immediate vicinity, he began: вАЬWell, now who is this, please? And what can I do for you?вАЭ His voice was low and quite reassuringвБ†вАФa fact for which Roberta was deeply grateful. + 

At the same time, startled by the fact that at last she had reached the place and the moment when, if ever, she must say the degrading truth about herself, she merely sat there, her eyes first upon him, then upon the floor, her fingers beginning to toy with the handle of the small bag she carried. + 

вАЬYou see, well,вАЭ she began, earnestly and nervously, her whole manner suddenly betraying the terrific strain under which she was laboring. вАЬI cameвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ I cameвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ that isвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ I donвАЩt know whether I can tell you about myself or not. I thought I could just before I came in, but now that I am here and I see youвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶вАЭ She paused and moved back in her chair as though to rise, at the same time that she added: вАЬOh, dear, how very dreadful it all is. IвАЩm so nervous andвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, now, my dear,вАЭ he resumed, pleasantly and reassuringly, impressed by her attractive and yet sober appearance and wondering for the moment what could have upset so clean, modest and sedate-looking a girl, and hence not a little amused by her вАЬnow that I see you,вАЭвБ†вАФвАЬJust what is there about me вАШnow that you see me,вАЩвАКвАЭ he repeated after her, вАЬthat so frightens you? I am only a country doctor, you know, and I hope IвАЩm not as dreadful as you seem to think. You can be sure that you can tell me anything you wishвБ†вАФanything at all about yourselfвБ†вАФand you neednвАЩt be afraid. If thereвАЩs anything I can do for you, IвАЩll do it.вАЭ + 

He was decidedly pleasant, as she now thought, and yet so sober and reserved and probably conventional withal that what she was holding in mind to tell him would probably shock him not a littleвБ†вАФand then what? Would he do anything for her? And if he would, how was she to arrange about money, for that certainly would be a point in connection with all this? If only Clyde or someone were here to speak for her. And yet she must speak now that she was here. She could not leave without. Once more she moved and twisted, seizing nervously on a large button of her coat to turn between her thumb and forefinger, and then went on chokingly. + 

вАЬBut this isвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ this isвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ well, something different, you know, maybe not what you thinkвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ IвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ IвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ wellвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶вАЭ + 

Again she paused, unable to proceed, shading from white to red and back as she spoke. And because of the troubled modesty of her approach, as well as a certain clarity of eye, whiteness of forehead, sobriety of manner and dress, the doctor could scarcely bring himself to think for a moment that this was anything other than one of those morbid exhibitions of innocence, or rather inexperience, in connection with everything relating to the human bodyвБ†вАФso characteristic of the young and unsophisticated in some instances. And so he was about to repeat his customary formula in such cases that all could be told to him without fear or hesitation, whatever it might be, when a secondary thought, based on RobertaвАЩs charm and vigor, as well as her own thought waves attacking his cerebral receptive centers, caused him to decide that he might be wrong. After all, why might not this be another of those troublesome youthful cases in which possibly immorality and illegitimacy was involved. She was so young, healthy and attractive, besides, they were always cropping up, these casesвБ†вАФin connection with the most respectable-looking girls at times. And invariably they spelled trouble and distress for doctors. And, for various reasons connected with his own temperament, which was retiring and recessive, as well as the nature of this local social world, he disliked and hesitated to even trifle with them. They were illegal, dangerous, involved little or no pay as a rule, and the sentiment of this local world was all against them as he knew. Besides he personally was more or less irritated by these young scamps of boys and girls who were so free to exercise the normal functions of their natures in the first instance, but so ready to refuse the social obligations which went with themвБ†вАФmarriage afterwards. And so, although in several cases in the past ten years where family and other neighborhood and religious considerations had made it seem quite advisable, he had assisted in extricating from the consequences of their folly several young girls of good family who had fallen from grace and could not otherwise be rescued, still he was opposed to aiding, either by his own countenance or skill, any lapses or tangles not heavily sponsored by others. It was too dangerous. Ordinarily it was his custom to advise immediate and unconditional marriage. Or, where that was not possible, the perpetrator of the infamy having decamped, it was his general and self-consciously sanctioned practice to have nothing at all to do with the matter. It was too dangerous and ethically and socially wrong and criminal into the bargain. + 

In consequence he now looked at Roberta in an extremely sober manner. By no means, he now said to himself, must he allow himself to become emotionally or otherwise involved here. And so in order to help himself as well as her to attain and maintain a balance which would permit of both extricating themselves without too much trouble, he drew toward him his black leather case record book and, opening it, said: вАЬNow, letвАЩs see if we canвАЩt find out what the trouble is here. What is your name?вАЭ + 

вАЬRuth Howard. Mrs.¬†Howard,вАЭ replied Roberta nervously and tensely, at once fixing upon a name which Clyde had suggested for her use. And now, interestingly enough, at mention of the fact that she was married, he breathed easier. But why the tears then? What reason could a young married woman have for being so intensely shy and nervous? + 

вАЬAnd your husbandвАЩs first name?вАЭ he went on. + 

As simple as the question was, and as easy as it should have been to answer, Roberta nevertheless hesitated before she could bring herself to say: вАЬGifford,вАЭ her older brotherвАЩs name. + 

вАЬYou live around her, I presume?вАЭ + 

вАЬIn Fonda.вАЭ + 

вАЬYes. And how old are you?вАЭ + 

вАЬTwenty-two.вАЭ + 

вАЬHow long have you been married?вАЭ + 

This inquiry being so intimately connected with the problem before her, she again hesitated before saying, вАЬLet me seeвБ†вАФthree months.вАЭ + 

At once Dr.¬†Glenn became dubious again, though he gave her no sign. Her hesitancy arrested him. Why the uncertainty? He was wondering now again whether he was dealing with a truthful girl or whether his first suspicions were being substantiated. In consequence he now asked: вАЬWell, now what seems to be the trouble, Mrs.¬†Howard? You need have no hesitancy in telling meвБ†вАФnone whatsoever. I am used to such things year in and out, whatever they are. That is my business, listening to the troubles of people.вАЭ + 

вАЬWell,вАЭ began Roberta, nervously once more, this terrible confession drying her throat and thickening her tongue almost, while once more she turned the same button of her coat and gazed at the floor. вАЬItвАЩs like thisвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ You seeвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ my husband hasnвАЩt much moneyвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ and I have to work to help out with expenses and neither of us make so very much.вАЭ (She was astonishing herself with her own shameful power to lie in this instanceвБ†вАФshe, who had always hated to lie.) вАЬSoвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ of courseвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ we canвАЩt afford toвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ to haveвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ well, anyвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ children, you see, so soon, anyhow, andвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶вАЭ + 

She paused, her breath catching, and really unable to proceed further with this wholesale lying. + 

The doctor realizing from this, as he thought, what the true problem wasвБ†вАФthat she was a newly-married girl who was probably faced by just such a problem as she was attempting to outlineвБ†вАФyet not wishing to enter upon any form of malpractice and at the same time not wishing to appear too discouraging to a young couple just starting out in life, gazed at her somewhat more sympathetically, the decidedly unfortunate predicament of these young people, as well as her appropriate modesty in the face of such a conventionally delicate situation, appealing to him. It was too bad. Young people these days did have a rather hard time of it, getting started in some cases, anyhow. And they were no doubt faced by some pressing financial situations. Nearly all young people were. Nevertheless, this business of a contraceptal operation or interference with the normal or God-arranged life processes, well, that was a ticklish and unnatural business at best which he wanted as little as possible to do with. Besides, young, healthy people, even though poor, when they undertook marriage, knew what they were about. And it was not impossible for them to work, the husband anyhow, and hence manage in some way. + 

And now straightening himself around in his chair very soberly and authoritatively, he began: вАЬI think I understand what you want to say to me, Mrs.¬†Howard. But IвАЩm also wondering if you have considered what a very serious and dangerous thing it is you have in mind. But,вАЭ he added, suddenly, another thought as to whether his own reputation in this community was in any way being tarnished by rumor of anything he had done in the past coming to him, вАЬjust how did you happen to come to me, anyhow?вАЭ + 

Something about the tone of his voice, the manner in which he asked the questionвБ†вАФthe caution of it as well as the possibly impending resentment in case it should turn out that anyone suspected him of a practice of this sortвБ†вАФcaused Roberta to hesitate and to feel that any statement to the effect that she had heard of or been sent by anyone elseвБ†вАФClyde to the contrary notwithstandingвБ†вАФmight be dangerous. Perhaps she had better not say that she had been sent by anyone. He might resent it as an insult to his character as a reputable physician. A budding instinct for diplomacy helped her in this instance, and she replied: вАЬIвАЩve noticed your sign in passing several times and IвАЩve heard different people say you were a good doctor.вАЭ + 

His uncertainty allayed, he now continued: вАЬIn the first place, the thing you want done is something my conscience would not permit me to advise. I understand, of course, that you consider it necessary. You and your husband are both young and you probably havenвАЩt very much money to go on, and you both feel that an interruption of this kind will be a great strain in every way. And no doubt it will be. Still, as I see it, marriage is a very sacred thing, and children are a blessingвБ†вАФnot a curse. And when you went to the altar three months ago you were probably not unaware that you might have to face just such a situation as this. All young married people are, I think.вАЭ (вАЬThe altar,вАЭ thought Roberta sadly. If only it were so.) вАЬNow I know that the tendency of the day in some quarters is very much in this direction, I am sorry to say. There are those who feel it quite all right if they can shirk the normal responsibilities in such cases as to perform these operations, but itвАЩs very dangerous, Mrs.¬†Howard, very dangerous legally and ethically as well as medically very wrong. Many women who seek to escape childbirth die in this way. Besides it is a prison offense for any doctor to assist them, whether there are bad consequences or not. You know that, I suppose. At any rate, I, for one, am heartily opposed to this sort of thing from every point of view. The only excuse I have ever been able to see for it is when the life of the mother, for instance, depends upon such an operation. Not otherwise. And in such cases the medical profession is in accord. But in this instance IвАЩm sure the situation isnвАЩt one which warrants anything like that. You seem to me to be a strong, healthy girl. Motherhood should hold no serious consequences for you. And as for money reasons, donвАЩt you really think now that if you just go ahead and have this baby, you and your husband would find means of getting along? You say your husband is an electrician?вАЭ + 

вАЬYes,вАЭ replied Roberta, nervously, not a little overawed and subdued by his solemn moralizing. + 

вАЬWell, now, there you are,вАЭ he went on. вАЬThatвАЩs not such an unprofitable profession. At least all electricians charge enough. And when you consider, as you must, how serious a thing you are thinking of doing, that you are actually planning to destroy a young life that has as good a right to its existence as you have to yoursвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶вАЭ he paused in order to let the substance of what he was saying sink inвБ†вАФвАЬwell, then, I think you might feel called upon to stop and considerвБ†вАФboth you and your husband. Besides,вАЭ he added, in a diplomatic and more fatherly and even intriguing tone of voice, вАЬI think that once you have it it will more than make up to you both for whatever little hardship its coming will bring you. Tell me,вАЭ he added curiously at this point, вАЬdoes your husband know of this? Or is this just some plan of yours to save him and yourself from too much hardship?вАЭ He almost beamed cheerfully as, fancying he had captured Roberta in some purely nervous and feminine economy as well as dread, he decided that if so he could easily extract her from her present mood. And she, sensing his present drift and feeling that one lie more or less could neither help nor harm her, replied quickly: вАЬHe knows.вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, then,вАЭ he went on, slightly reduced by the fact that his surmise was incorrect, but none the less resolved to dissuade her and him, too: вАЬI think you two should really consider very seriously before you go further in this matter. I know when young people first face a situation like this they always look on the darkest side of it, but it doesnвАЩt always work out that way. I know my wife and I did with our first child. But we got along. And if you will only stop now and talk it over, youвАЩll see it in a different light, IвАЩm sure. And then you wonвАЩt have your conscience to deal with afterwards, either.вАЭ He ceased, feeling reasonably sure that he had dispelled the fear, as well as the determination that had brought Roberta to himвБ†вАФthat, being a sensible, ordinary wife, she would now desist of courseвБ†вАФthink nothing more of her plan and leave. + 

But instead of either acquiescing cheerfully or rising to go, as he thought she might, she gave him a wide-eyed terrified look and then as instantly burst into tears. For the total effect of his address had been to first revive more clearly than ever the normal social or conventional aspect of the situation which all along she was attempting to shut out from her thoughts and which, under ordinary circumstances, assuming that she was really married, was exactly the attitude she would have taken. But now the realization that her problem was not to be solved at all, by this man at least, caused her to be seized with what might best be described as morbid panic. + 

Suddenly beginning to open and shut her fingers and at the same time beating her knees, while her face contorted itself with pain and terror, she exclaimed: вАЬBut you donвАЩt understand, doctor, you donвАЩt understand! I have to get out of this in some way! I have to. It isnвАЩt like I told you at all. IвАЩm not married. I havenвАЩt any husband at all. But, oh, you donвАЩt know what this means to me. My family! My father! My mother! I canвАЩt tell you. But I must get out of it. I must! I must! Oh, you donвАЩt know, you donвАЩt know! I must! I must!вАЭ She began to rock backward and forward, at the same time swaying from side to side as in a trance. + 

And Glenn, surprised and startled by this sudden demonstration as well as emotionally affected, and yet at the same time advised thereby that his original surmise had been correct, and hence that Roberta had been lying, as well as that if he wished to keep himself out of this he must now assume a firm and even heartless attitude, asked solemnly: вАЬYou are not married, you say?вАЭ + 

For answer now Roberta merely shook her head negatively and continued to cry. And at last gathering the full import of her situation, Dr.¬†Glenn got up, his face a study of troubled and yet conservative caution and sympathy. But without saying anything at first he merely looked at her as she wept. Later he added: вАЬWell, well, this is too bad. IвАЩm sorry.вАЭ But fearing to commit himself in any way, he merely paused, adding after a time soothingly and dubiously: вАЬYou mustnвАЩt cry. That wonвАЩt help you any.вАЭ He then paused again, still determined not to have anything to do with this case. Yet a bit curious as to the true nature of the story he finally asked: вАЬWell, then where is the young man who is the cause of your trouble? Is he here?вАЭ + 

Still too overcome by shame and despair to speak, Roberta merely shook her head negatively. + 

вАЬBut he knows that youвАЩre in trouble, doesnвАЩt he?вАЭ + 

вАЬYes,вАЭ replied Roberta faintly. + 

вАЬAnd he wonвАЩt marry you?вАЭ + 

вАЬHeвАЩs gone away.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, I see. The young scamp! And donвАЩt you know where heвАЩs gone?вАЭ + 

вАЬNo,вАЭ lied Roberta, weakly. + 

вАЬHow long has it been since he left you?вАЭ + 

вАЬAbout a week now.вАЭ Once more she lied. + 

вАЬAnd you donвАЩt know where he is?вАЭ + 

вАЬNo.вАЭ + 

вАЬHow long has it been since you were sick?вАЭ + 

вАЬOver two weeks now,вАЭ sobbed Roberta. + 

вАЬAnd before that you have always been regular?вАЭ + 

вАЬYes.вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, in the first place,вАЭ his tone was more comfortable and pleasant than beforeвБ†вАФhe seemed to be snatching at a plausible excuse for extricating himself from a case which promised little other than danger and difficulty, вАЬthis may not be as serious as you think. I know youвАЩre probably very much frightened, but itвАЩs not unusual for women to miss a period. At any rate, without an examination it wouldnвАЩt be possible to be sure, and even if you were, the most advisable thing would be to wait another two weeks. You may find then that there is nothing wrong. I wouldnвАЩt be surprised if you did. You seem to be oversensitive and nervous and that sometimes brings about delays of this kindвБ†вАФmere nervousness. At any rate, if youвАЩll take my advice, whatever you do, youвАЩll not do anything now but just go home and wait until youвАЩre really sure. For even if anything were to be done, it wouldnвАЩt be advisable for you to do anything before then.вАЭ + 

вАЬBut IвАЩve already taken some pills and they havenвАЩt helped me,вАЭ pleaded Roberta. + 

вАЬWhat were they?вАЭ asked Glenn interestedly, and, after he had learned, merely commented: вАЬOh, those. Well, they wouldnвАЩt be likely to be of any real service to you, if you were pregnant. But I still suggest that you wait, and if you find you pass your second period, then it will be time enough to act, although I earnestly advise you, even then, to do nothing if you can help it, because I consider it wrong to interfere with nature in this way. It would be much better, if you would arrange to have the child and take care of it. Then you wouldnвАЩt have the additional sin of destroying a life upon your conscience.вАЭ + 

He was very grave and felt very righteous as he said this. But Roberta, faced by terrors which he did not appear to be able to grasp, merely exclaimed, and as dramatically as before: вАЬBut I canвАЩt do that, doctor, I tell you! I canвАЩt. I canвАЩt! You donвАЩt understand. Oh, I donвАЩt know what I shall do unless I find some way out of this. I donвАЩt! I donвАЩt! I donвАЩt!вАЭ + 

She shook her head and clenched her fingers and rocked to and fro while Glenn, impressed by her own terrors, the pity of the folly which, as he saw it, had led her to this dreadful pass, yet professionally alienated by a type of case that spelled nothing but difficulty for him stood determinedly before her and added: вАЬAs I told you before, MissвБ†вАФвАЭ (he paused) вАЬHoward, if that is your name, I am seriously opposed to operations of this kind, just as I am to the folly that brings girls and young men to the point where they seem to think they are necessary. A physician may not interfere in a case of this kind unless he is willing to spend ten years in prison, and I think that law is fair enough. Not that I donвАЩt realize how painful your present situation appears to you. But there are always those who are willing to help a girl in your state, providing she doesnвАЩt wish to do something which is morally and legally wrong. And so the very best advice I can give you now is that you do nothing at all now or at any time. Better go home and see your parents and confess. It will be much betterвБ†вАФmuch better, I assure you. Not nearly as hard as you think or as wicked as this other way. DonвАЩt forget there is a life thereвБ†вАФa humanвБ†вАФif it is really as you think. A human life which you are seeking to end and that I cannot help you to do. I really cannot. There may be doctorsвБ†вАФI know there areвБ†вАФmen here and there who take their professional ethics a little less seriously than I do; but I cannot let myself become one of them. I am sorryвБ†вАФvery. + 

вАЬSo now the best I can say isвБ†вАФgo home to your parents and tell them. It may look hard now but you are going to feel better about it in the long run. If it will make you or them feel any better about it, let them come and talk to me. I will try and make them see that this is not the worst thing in the world, either. But as for doing what you wantвБ†вАФI am very, very sorry, but I cannot. My conscience will not permit me.вАЭ + 

He paused and gazed at her sympathetically, yet with a determined and concluded look in his eye. And Roberta, dumbfounded by this sudden termination of all her hopes in connection with him and realizing at last that not only had she been misled by ClydeвАЩs information in regard to this doctor, but that her technical as well as emotional plea had failed, now walked unsteadily to the door, the terrors of the future crowding thick upon her. And once outside in the dark, after the doctor had most courteously and ruefully closed the door behind her, she paused to lean against a tree that was thereвБ†вАФher nervous and physical strength all but failing her. He had refused to help her. He had refused to help her. And now what? + 

XXXVIII + 

The first effect of the doctorвАЩs decision was to shock and terrify them bothвБ†вАФRoberta and ClydeвБ†вАФbeyond measure. For apparently now here was illegitimacy and disgrace for Roberta. Exposure and destruction for Clyde. And this had been their one solution seemingly. Then, by degrees, for Clyde at least, there was a slight lifting of the heavy pall. Perhaps, after all, as the doctor had suggestedвБ†вАФand once she had recovered her senses sufficiently to talk, she had told himвБ†вАФthe end had not been reached. There was the bare possibility, as suggested by the druggist, Short and the doctor, that she might be mistaken. And this, while not producing a happy reaction in her, had the unsatisfactory result of inducing in Clyde a lethargy based more than anything else on the ever-haunting fear of inability to cope with this situation as well as the certainty of social exposure in case he did not which caused him, instead of struggling all the more desperately, to defer further immediate action. For, such was his nature that, although he realized clearly the probably tragic consequences if he did not act, still it was so hard to think to whom else to apply to without danger to himself. To think that the doctor had вАЬturned her down,вАЭ as he phrased it, and that ShortвАЩs advice should have been worth as little as that! + 

But apart from nervous thoughts as to whom to turn to next, no particular individual occurred to him before the two weeks were gone, or after. It was so hard to just ask anywhere. One just couldnвАЩt do it. Besides, of whom could he ask now? Of whom? These things took time, didnвАЩt they? Yet in the meantime, the days going by, both he and Roberta had ample time to consider what, if any, steps they must takeвБ†вАФthe one in regard to the otherвБ†вАФin case no medical or surgical solution was found. For Roberta, while urging and urging, if not so much by words as by expression and mood at her work, was determined that she must not be left to fight this out aloneвБ†вАФshe could not be. On the other hand, as she could see, Clyde did nothing. For apart from what he had already attempted to do, he was absolutely at a loss how to proceed. He had no intimates and in consequence he could only think of presenting the problem as an imaginary one to one individual and another here or there in the hope of extracting some helpful information. At the same time, and as impractical and evasive as it may seem, there was the call of that diverting world of which Sondra was a part, evenings and Sundays, when, in spite of RobertaвАЩs wretched state and mood, he was called to go here and there, and did, because in so doing he was actually relieving his own mind of the dread specter of disaster that was almost constantly before it. If only he could get her out of this! If only he could. But how, without money, intimates, a more familiar understanding of the medical or if not that exactly, then the sub rosa world of sexual freemasonry which some at timesвБ†вАФthe bellhops of the Green-Davidson, for instance, seemed to understand. He had written to Ratterer, of course, but there had been no answer, since Ratterer had removed to Florida and as yet ClydeвАЩs letter had not reached him. And locally all those he knew best were either connected with the factory or societyвБ†вАФindividuals on the one hand too inexperienced or dangerous, or on the other hand, too remote and dangerous, since he was not sufficiently intimate with any of them as yet to command their true confidence and secrecy. + 

At the same time he must do somethingвБ†вАФhe could not just rest and drift. Assuredly Roberta could not long permit him to do thatвБ†вАФfaced as she was by exposure. And so from time to time he actually racked himselfвБ†вАФseized upon straws and what would have been looked upon by most as forlorn chances. Thus, for instance, an associate foreman, chancing to reminisce one day concerning a certain girl in his department who had вАЬgotten in troubleвАЭ and had been compelled to leave, he had been given the opportunity to inquire what he thought such a girl did in case she could not afford or did not want to have a child. But this particular foreman, being as uninformed as himself, merely observed that she probably had to see a doctor if she knew one or вАЬgo through with itвАЭвБ†вАФwhich left Clyde exactly where he was. On another occasion, in connection with a conversation in a barber shop, relating to a local case reported in The Star where a girl was suing a local neвАЩer-do-well for breach of promise, the remark was made that she would вАЬnever have sued that guy, you bet, unless she had to.вАЭ Whereupon Clyde seized the opportunity to remark hopefully, вАЬBut wouldnвАЩt you think that she could find some way of getting out of trouble without marrying a fellow she didnвАЩt like?вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, thatвАЩs not so easy as you may think, particularly around here,вАЭ elucidated the wiseacre who was trimming his hair. вАЬIn the first place itвАЩs aginвАЩ the law. And next it takes a lotta money. AnвАЩ in case you ainвАЩt got it, well, money makes the mare go, you know.вАЭ He snip-snipped with his scissors while Clyde, confronted by his own problem, meditated on how true it was. If he had a lot of moneyвБ†вАФeven a few hundred dollarsвБ†вАФhe might take it now and possibly persuade herвБ†вАФwho could tellвБ†вАФto go somewhere by herself and have an operation performed. + 

Yet each day, as on the one before, he was saying to himself that he must find someone. And Roberta was saying to herself that she too must actвБ†вАФmust not really depend on Clyde any longer if he were going to act so. One could not trifle or compromise with a terror of this kind. It was a cruel imposition on her. It must be that Clyde did not realize how terribly this affected her and even him. For certainly, if he were not going to help her out of it, as he had distinctly said he would do at first, then decidedly she could not be expected to weather the subsequent storm alone. Never, never, never! For, after all, as Roberta saw it, Clyde was a manвБ†вАФhe had a good positionвБ†вАФit was not he, but she, who was in this treacherous position and unable to extricate herself alone. + 

And beginning with the second day after the second period, when she discovered for once and all that her worst suspicions were true, she not only emphasized the fact in every way that she could that she was distressed beyond all words, but on the third day announced to him in a note that she was again going to see the doctor near Gloversville that evening, regardless of his previous refusalвБ†вАФso great was her needвБ†вАФand also asking Clyde whether he would accompany herвБ†вАФa request which, since he had not succeeded in doing anything, and although he had an engagement with Sondra, he instantly acceded toвБ†вАФfeeling it to be of greater importance than anything else. He must excuse himself to Sondra on the ground of work. + 

And accordingly this second trip was made, a long and nervous conversation between himself and Roberta on the way resulting in nothing more than some explanations as to why thus far he had not been able to achieve anything, plus certain encomiums addressed to her concerning her courage in acting for herself in this way. + 

Yet the doctor again would not and did not act. After waiting nearly an hour for his return from somewhere, she was merely permitted to tell him of her unchanged state and her destroying fears in regard to herself, but with no hint from him that he could be induced to act as indeed he could act. It was against his prejudices and ethics. + 

And so once more Roberta returned, this time not crying, actually too sad to cry, choked with the weight of her impending danger and the anticipatory fears and miseries that attended it. + 

And Clyde, hearing of this defeat, was at last reduced to a nervous, gloomy silence, absolutely devoid of a helpful suggestion. He could not think what to say and was chiefly fearful lest Roberta now make some demand with which socially or economically he could not comply. However, in regard to this she said little on the way home. Instead she sat and stared out of the windowвБ†вАФthinking of her defenseless predicament that was becoming more real and terrible to her hourly. By way of excuse she pleaded that she had a headache. She wanted to be aloneвБ†вАФonly to think moreвБ†вАФto try to work out a solution. She must work out some way. That she knew. But what? How? What could she do? How could she possibly escape? She felt like a cornered animal fighting for its life with all odds against it, and she thought of a thousand remote and entirely impossible avenues of escape, only to return to the one and only safe and sound solution that she really felt should be possibleвБ†вАФand that was marriage. And why not? HadnвАЩt she given him all, and that against her better judgment? HadnвАЩt he overpersuaded her? Who was he anyway to so cast her aside? For decidedly at times, and especially since this latest crisis had developed, his manner, because of Sondra and the Griffiths and what he felt to be the fatal effect of all this on his dreams here, was sufficient to make plain that love was decidedly dead, and that he was not thinking nearly so much of the meaning of her state to her, as he was of its import to him, the injury that was most certain to accrue to him. And when this did not completely terrify her, as mostly it did, it served to irritate and slowly develop the conclusion that in such a desperate state as this, she was justified in asking more than ordinarily she would have dreamed of asking, marriage itself, since there was no other door. And why not? WasnвАЩt her life as good as his? And hadnвАЩt he joined his to hers, voluntarily? Then, why shouldnвАЩt he strive to help her nowвБ†вАФor, failing that, make this final sacrifice which was the only one by which she could be rescued apparently. For who were all the society people with whom he was concerned anyhow? And why should he ask her in such a crisis to sacrifice herself, her future and good name, just because of his interest in them? They had never done anything very much for him, certainly not as much as had she. And, just because he was wearying now, after persuading her to do his biddingвБ†вАФwas that any reason why now, in this crisis, he should be permitted to desert her? After all, wouldnвАЩt all of these society people in whom he was so much interested feel that whatever his relationship to them, she would be justified in taking the course which she might be compelled to take? + 

She brooded on this much, more especially on the return from this second attempt to induce Dr.¬†Glenn to help her. In fact, at moments, her face took on a defiant, determined look which was seemingly new to her, but which only developed suddenly under such pressure. Her jaw became a trifle set. She had made a decision. He would have to marry her. She must make him if there were no other way out of this. She mustвБ†вАФshe must. Think of her home, her mother, Grace Marr, the Newtons, all who knew her in factвБ†вАФthe terror and pain and shame with which this would sear all those in any way identified with herвБ†вАФher father, brothers, sisters. Impossible! Impossible! It must not and could not be! Impossible. It might seem a little severe to her, even now, to have to insist on this, considering all the emphasis Clyde had hitherto laid upon his prospects here. But how, how else was she to do? + 

Accordingly the next day, and not a little to his surprise, since for so many hours the night before they had been together, Clyde received another note telling him that he must come again that night. She had something to say to him, and there was something in the tone of the note that seemed to indicate or suggest a kind of defiance of a refusal of any kind, hitherto absent in any of her communications to him. And at once the thought that this situation, unless cleared away, was certain to prove disastrous, so weighed upon him that he could not but put the best face possible on it and consent to go and hear what it was that she had to offer in the way of a solutionвБ†вАФorвБ†вАФon the other hand, of what she had to complain. + 

Going to her room at a late hour, he found her in what seemed to him a more composed frame of mind than at any time since this difficulty had appeared, a state which surprised him a little, since he had expected to find her in tears. But now, if anything, she appeared more complacent, her nervous thoughts as to how to bring about a satisfactory conclusion for herself having called into play a native shrewdness which was now seeking to exercise itself. + 

And so directly before announcing what was in her mind, she began by asking: вАЬYou havenвАЩt found out about another doctor, have you, Clyde, or thought of anything?вАЭ + 

вАЬNo, I havenвАЩt, Bert,вАЭ he replied most dismally and wearisomely, his own mental tether-length having been strained to the breaking point. вАЬIвАЩve been trying to, as you know, but itвАЩs so darn hard to find anyone who isnвАЩt afraid to monkey with a case like this. Honest, to tell the truth, Bert, IвАЩm about stumped. I donвАЩt know what we are going to do unless you can think of something. You havenвАЩt thought or heard of anyone else you could go to, have you?вАЭ For, during the conversation that had immediately followed her first visit to the doctor, he had hinted to her that by striking up a fairly intimate relationship with one of the foreign family girls, she might by degrees extract some information there which would be of use to both. But Roberta was not of a temperament that permitted of any such facile friendships, and nothing had come of it. + 

However, his stating that he was вАЬstumpedвАЭ now gave her the opportunity she was really desiring, to present the proposition which she felt to be unavoidable and not longer to be delayed. Yet being fearful of how Clyde would react, she hesitated as to the form in which she would present it, and, after shaking her head and manifesting a nervousness which was real enough, she finally said: вАЬWell, IвАЩll tell you, Clyde. IвАЩve been thinking about it and I donвАЩt see any way out of it unlessвБ†вАФunless you, well, marry me. ItвАЩs two months now, you know, and unless we get married right away, everybodyвАЩll know, wonвАЩt they?вАЭ + 

Her manner as she said this was a mixture of outward courage born out of her conviction that she was in the right and an inward uncertainty about ClydeвАЩs attitude, which was all the more fused by a sudden look of surprise, resentment, uncertainty and fear that now transformation-wise played over his countenance; a variation and play which, if it indicated anything definite, indicated that she was seeking to inflict an unwarranted injury on him. For since he had been drawing closer and closer to Sondra, his hopes had heightened so intensely that, hearkening to this demand on the part of Roberta now, his brow wrinkled and his manner changed from one of comparatively affable, if nervous, consideration to that of mingled fear, opposition as well as determination to evade drastic consequence. For this would spell complete ruin for him, the loss of Sondra, his job, his social hopes and ambitions in connection with the GriffithsвБ†вАФallвБ†вАФa thought which sickened and at the same time caused him to hesitate about how to proceed. But he would not! he would not! He would not do this! Never! Never!! Never!!! + 

Yet after a moment he exclaimed equivocally: вАЬWell, gee, thatвАЩs all right, too, Bert, for you, because that fixes everything without any trouble at all. But what about me? You donвАЩt want to forget that that isnвАЩt going to be easy for me, the way things are now. You know I havenвАЩt any money. All I have is my job. And besides, the family donвАЩt know anything about you yetвБ†вАФnot a thing. And if it should suddenly come out now that weвАЩve been going together all this time, and that this has happened, and that I was going to have to get married right away, well, gee, theyвАЩll know IвАЩve been fooling вАЩem and theyвАЩre sure to get sore. And then what? They might even fire me.вАЭ + 

He paused to see what effect this explanation would have, but noting the somewhat dubious expression which of late characterized RobertaвАЩs face whenever he began excusing himself, he added hopefully and evasively, seeking by any trick that he could to delay this sudden issue: вАЬBesides, IвАЩm not so sure that I canвАЩt find a doctor yet, either. I havenвАЩt had much luck so far, but thatвАЩs not saying that I wonвАЩt. And thereвАЩs a little time yet, isnвАЩt there? Sure there is. ItвАЩs all right up to three months anyway.вАЭ (He had since had a letter from Ratterer who had commented on this fact.) вАЬAnd I did hear something the other day of a doctor over in Albany who might do it. Anyway, I thought IвАЩd go over and see before I said anything about him.вАЭ + 

His manner, when he said this, was so equivocal that Roberta could tell he was merely lying to gain time. There was no doctor in Albany. Besides it was so plain that he resented her suggestion and was only thinking of some way of escaping it. And she knew well enough that at no time had he said directly that he would marry her. And while she might urge, in the last analysis she could not force him to do anything. He might just go away alone, as he had once said in connection with inadvertently losing his job because of her. And how much greater might not his impulse in that direction now be, if this world here in which he was so much interested were taken away from him, and he were to face the necessity of taking her and a child, too. It made her more cautious and caused her to modify her first impulse to speak out definitely and forcefully, however great her necessity might be. And so disturbed was he by the panorama of the bright world of which Sondra was the center and which was now at stake, that he could scarcely think clearly. Should he lose all this for such a world as he and Roberta could provide for themselvesвБ†вАФa small homeвБ†вАФa baby, such a routine work-a-day life as taking care of her and a baby on such a salary as he could earn, and from which most likely he would never again be freed! God! A sense of nausea seized him. He could not and would not do this. And yet, as he now saw, all his dreams could be so easily tumbled about his ears by her and because of one false step on his part. It made him cautious and for the first time in his life caused tact and cunning to visualize itself as a profound necessity. + 

And at the same time, Clyde was sensing inwardly and somewhat shamefacedly all of this profound change in himself. + 

But Roberta was saying: вАЬOh, I know, Clyde, but you yourself said just now that you were stumped, didnвАЩt you? And every day that goes by just makes it so much the worse for me, if weвАЩre not going to be able to get a doctor. You canвАЩt get married and have a child born within a few monthsвБ†вАФyou know that. Everyone in the world would know. Besides I have myself to consider as well as you, you know. And the baby, too.вАЭ (At the mere mention of a coming child Clyde winced and recoiled as though he had been slapped. She noted it.) вАЬI just must do one of two things right away, ClydeвБ†вАФget married or get out of this and you donвАЩt seem to be able to get me out of it, do you? If youвАЩre so afraid of what your uncle might think or do in case we get married,вАЭ she added nervously and yet suavely, вАЬwhy couldnвАЩt we get married right away and then keep it a secret for a whileвБ†вАФas long as we could, or as long as you thought we ought to,вАЭ she added shrewdly. вАЬMeanwhile I could go home and tell my parents about itвБ†вАФthat I am married, but that it must be kept a secret for a while. Then when the time came, when things got so bad that we couldnвАЩt stay here any longer without telling, why we could either go away somewhere, if we wanted toвБ†вАФthat is, if you didnвАЩt want your uncle to know, or we could just announce that we were married some time ago. Lots of young couples do that nowadays. And as for getting along,вАЭ she went on, noting a sudden dour shadow that passed over ClydeвАЩs face like a cloud, вАЬwhy we could always find something to doвБ†вАФI know I could, anyhow, once the baby is born.вАЭ + 

When first she began to speak, Clyde had seated himself on the edge of the bed, listening nervously and dubiously to all she had to offer. However, when she came to that part which related to marriage and going away, he got upвБ†вАФan irresistible impulse to move overcoming him. And when she concluded with the commonplace suggestion of going to work as soon as the baby was born, he looked at her with little less than panic in his eyes. To think of marrying and being in a position where it would be necessary to do that, when with a little luck and without interference from her, he might marry Sondra. + 

вАЬOh, yes, thatвАЩs all right for you, Bert. That fixes everything up for you, but how about me? Why, gee whiz, IвАЩve only got started here now as it is, and if I have to pack up and get out, and I would have to, if ever they found out about this, why I donвАЩt know what IвАЩd do. I havenвАЩt any business or trade that I could turn my hand to. It might go hard with both of us. Besides my uncle gave me this chance because I begged him to, and if I walked off now he never would do anything for me.вАЭ + 

In his excitement he was forgetting that at one time and another in the past he had indicated to Roberta that the state of his own parents was not wholly unprosperous and that if things did not go just to his liking here, he could return west and perhaps find something to do out there. And it was some general recollection of this that now caused her to ask: вАЬCouldnвАЩt we go out to Denver or something like that? WouldnвАЩt your father be willing to help you get something for a time, anyhow?вАЭ + 

Her tone was very soft and pleading, an attempt to make Clyde feel that things could not be as bad as he was imagining. But the mere mention of his father in connection with all thisвБ†вАФthe assumption that he, of all people, might prove an escape from drudgery for them both, was a little too much. It showed how dreadfully incomplete was her understanding of his true position in this world. Worse, she was looking for help from that quarter. And, not finding it, later might possibly reproach him for thatвБ†вАФwho could tellвБ†вАФfor his lies in connection with it. It made so very clear now the necessity for frustrating, if possible, and that at once, any tendency toward this idea of marriage. It could not beвБ†вАФever. + 

And yet how was he to oppose this idea with safety, since she felt that she had this claim on himвБ†вАФhow say to her openly and coldly that he could not and would not marry her? And unless he did so now she might think it would be fair and legitimate enough for her to compel him to do so. She might even feel privileged to go to his uncleвБ†вАФhis cousin (he could see GilbertвАЩs cold eyes) and expose him! And then destruction! Ruin! The end of all his dreams in connection with Sondra and everything else here. But all he could think of saying now was: вАЬBut I canвАЩt do this, Bert, not now, anyway,вАЭ a remark which at once caused Roberta to assume that the idea of marriage, as she had interjected it here, was not one which, under the circumstances, he had the courage to opposeвБ†вАФhis saying, вАЬnot now, anyway.вАЭ Yet even as she was thinking this, he went swiftly on with: вАЬBesides I donвАЩt want to get married so soon. It means too much to me at this time. In the first place IвАЩm not old enough and I havenвАЩt got anything to get married on. And I canвАЩt leave here. I couldnвАЩt do half as well anywhere else. You donвАЩt realize what this chance means to me. My fatherвАЩs all right, but he couldnвАЩt do what my uncle could and he wouldnвАЩt. You donвАЩt know or you wouldnвАЩt ask me to do this.вАЭ + 

He paused, his face a picture of puzzled fear and opposition. He was not unlike a harried animal, deftly pursued by hunter and hound. But Roberta, imagining that his total defection had been caused by the social side of Lycurgus as opposed to her own low state and not because of the superior lure of any particular girl, now retorted resentfully, although she desired not to appear so: вАЬOh, yes, I know well enough why you canвАЩt leave. It isnвАЩt your position here, though, half as much as it is those society people you are always running around with. I know. You donвАЩt care for me any more, Clyde, thatвАЩs it, and you donвАЩt want to give these other people up for me. I know thatвАЩs it and nothing else. But just the same it wasnвАЩt so very long ago that you did, although you donвАЩt seem to remember it now.вАЭ Her cheeks burned and her eyes flamed as she said this. She paused a moment while he gazed at her wondering about the outcome of all this. вАЬBut you canвАЩt leave me to make out any way I can, just the same, because I wonвАЩt be left this way, Clyde. I canвАЩt! I canвАЩt! I tell you.вАЭ She grew tense and staccato, вАЬIt means too much to me. I donвАЩt know how to do alone and I, besides, have no one to turn to but you and you must help me. IвАЩve got to get out of this, thatвАЩs all, Clyde, IвАЩve got to. IвАЩm not going to be left to face my people and everybody without any help or marriage or anything.вАЭ As she said this, her eyes turned appealingly and yet savagely toward him and she emphasized it all with her hands, which she clinched and unclinched in a dramatic way. вАЬAnd if you canвАЩt help me out in the way you thought,вАЭ she went on most agonizedly as Clyde could see, вАЬthen youвАЩve got to help me out in this other, thatвАЩs all. At least until I can do for myself I just wonвАЩt be left. I donвАЩt ask you to marry me forever,вАЭ she now added, the thought that if by presenting this demand in some modified form, she could induce Clyde to marry her, it might be possible afterwards that his feeling toward her would change to a much more kindly one. вАЬYou can leave me after a while if you want to. After IвАЩm out of this. I canвАЩt prevent you from doing that and I wouldnвАЩt want to if I could. But you canвАЩt leave me now. You canвАЩt. You canвАЩt! Besides,вАЭ she added, вАЬI didnвАЩt want to get myself in this position and I wouldnвАЩt have, but for you. But you made me and made me let you come in here. And now you want to leave me to shift for myself, just because you think you wonвАЩt be able to go in society any more, if they find out about me.вАЭ + 

She paused, the strain of this contest proving almost too much for her tired nerves. At the same time she began to sob nervously and yet not violentlyвБ†вАФa marked effort at self-restraint and recovery marking her every gesture. And after a moment or two in which both stood there, he gazing dumbly and wondering what else he was to say in answer to all this, she struggling and finally managing to recover her poise, she added: вАЬOh, what is it about me thatвАЩs so different to what I was a couple of months ago, Clyde? Will you tell me that? IвАЩd like to know. What is it that has caused you to change so? Up to Christmas, almost, you were as nice to me as any human being could be. You were with me nearly all the time you had, and since then IвАЩve scarcely had an evening that I didnвАЩt beg for. Who is it? What is it? Some other girl, or what, IвАЩd like to knowвБ†вАФthat Sondra Finchley or Bertine Cranston, or who?вАЭ + 

Her eyes as she said this were a study. For even to this hour, as Clyde could now see to his satisfaction, since he feared the effect on Roberta of definite and absolute knowledge concerning Sondra, she had no specific suspicion, let alone positive knowledge concerning any girl. And coward-wise, in the face of her present predicament and her assumed and threatened claims on him, he was afraid to say what or who the real cause of this change was. Instead he merely replied and almost unmoved by her sorrow, since he no longer really cared for her: вАЬOh, youвАЩre all wrong, Bert. You donвАЩt see what the trouble is. ItвАЩs my future hereвБ†вАФif I leave here I certainly will never find such an opportunity. And if I have to marry in this way or leave here it will all go flooey. I want to wait and get some place first before I marry, seeвБ†вАФsave some money and if I do this I wonвАЩt have a chance and you wonвАЩt either,вАЭ he added feebly, forgetting for the moment that up to this time he had been indicating rather clearly that he did not want to have anything more to do with her in any way. + 

вАЬBesides,вАЭ he continued, вАЬif you could only find someone, or if you would go away by yourself somewhere for a while, Bert, and go through with this alone, I could send you the money to do it on, I know. I could have it between now and the time you had to go.вАЭ + 

His face, as he said this, and as Roberta clearly saw, mirrored the complete and resourceless collapse of all his recent plans in regard to her. And she, realizing that his indifference to her had reached the point where he could thus dispose of her and their prospective baby in this casual and really heartless manner, was not only angered in part, but at the same time frightened by the meaning of it all. + 

вАЬOh, Clyde,вАЭ she now exclaimed boldly and with more courage and defiance than at any time since she had known him, вАЬhow you have changed! And how hard you can be. To want me to go off all by myself and just to save youвБ†вАФso you can stay here and get along and marry someone here when I am out of the way and you donвАЩt have to bother about me any more. Well, I wonвАЩt do it. ItвАЩs not fair. And I wonвАЩt, thatвАЩs all. I wonвАЩt. And thatвАЩs all there is to it. You can get someone to get me out of this or you can marry me and come away with me, at least long enough for me to have the baby and place myself right before my people and everyone else that knows me. I donвАЩt care if you leave me afterwards, because I see now that you really donвАЩt care for me any more, and if thatвАЩs the way you feel, I donвАЩt want you any more than you want me. But just the same, you must help me nowвБ†вАФyou must. But, oh, dear,вАЭ she began whimpering again, and yet only slightly and bitterly. вАЬTo think that all our love for each other should have come to thisвБ†вАФthat I am asked to go away by myselfвБ†вАФall aloneвБ†вАФwith no oneвБ†вАФwhile you stay here, oh, dear! oh, dear! And with a baby on my hands afterwards. And no husband.вАЭ + 

She clinched her hands and shook her head bleakly. Clyde, realizing well enough that his proposition certainly was cold and indifferent but, in the face of his intense desire for Sondra, the best or at least safest that he could devise, now stood there unable for the moment to think of anything more to say. + 

And although there was some other discussion to the same effect, the conclusion of this very difficult hour was that Clyde had another week or two at best in which to see if he could find a physician or anyone who would assist him. After thatвБ†вАФwell after that the implied, if not openly expressed, threat which lay at the bottom of this was, unless so extricated and speedily, that he would have to marry her, if not permanently, then at least temporarily, but legally just the same, until once again she was able to look after herselfвБ†вАФa threat which was as crushing and humiliating to Roberta as it was torturing to him. + 

XXXIX + 

Opposing views such as these, especially where no real skill to meet such a situation existed, could only spell greater difficulty and even eventual disaster unless chance in some form should aid. And chance did not aid. And the presence of Roberta in the factory was something that would not permit him to dismiss it from his mind. If only he could persuade her to leave and go somewhere else to live and work so that he should not always see her, he might then think more calmly. For with her asking continuously, by her presence if no more, what he intended to do, it was impossible for him to think. And the fact that he no longer cared for her as he had, tended to reduce his normal consideration of what was her due. He was too infatuated with, and hence disarranged by his thoughts of Sondra. + 

For in the very teeth of this grave dilemma he continued to pursue the enticing dream in connection with SondraвБ†вАФthe dark situation in connection with Roberta seeming no more at moments than a dark cloud which shadowed this other. And hence nightly, or as often as the exigencies of his still unbroken connection with Roberta would permit, he was availing himself of such opportunities as his flourishing connections now afforded. Now, and to his great pride and satisfaction, it was a dinner at the HarrietsвАЩ or TaylorsвАЩ to which he was invited; or a party at the FinchleysвАЩ or the CranstonsвАЩ, to which he would either escort Sondra or be animated by the hope of encountering her. And now, also without so many of the former phases or attempts at subterfuge, which had previously characterized her curiosity in regard to him, she was at times openly seeking him out and making opportunities for social contact. And, of course, these contacts being identical with this typical kind of group gathering, they seemed to have no special significance with the more conservative elders. + 

For although Mrs.¬†Finchley, who was of an especially shrewd and discerning turn socially, had at first been dubious over the attentions being showered upon Clyde by her daughter and others, still observing that Clyde was more and more being entertained, not only in her own home by the group of which her daughter was a part, but elsewhere, everywhere, was at last inclined to imagine that he must be more solidly placed in this world than she had heard, and later to ask her son and even Sondra concerning him. But receiving from Sondra only the equivocal information that, since he was Gil and Bella GriffithsвАЩ cousin, and was being taken up by everybody because he was so charmingвБ†вАФeven if he didnвАЩt have any moneyвБ†вАФshe couldnвАЩt see why she and Stuart should not be allowed to entertain him also, her mother rested on that for the time beingвБ†вАФonly cautioning her daughter under no circumstances to become too friendly. And Sondra, realizing that in part her mother was right, yet being so drawn to Clyde was now determined to deceive her, at least to the extent of being as clandestinely free with Clyde as she could contrive. And was, so much so that everyone who was privy to the intimate contacts between Clyde and Sondra might have reported that the actual understanding between them was assuming an intensity which most certainly would have shocked the elder Finchleys, could they have known. For apart from what Clyde had been, and still was dreaming in regard to her, Sondra was truly being taken with thoughts and moods in regard to him which were fast verging upon the most destroying aspects of the very profound chemistry of love. Indeed, in addition to handclasps, kisses and looks of intense admiration always bestowed when presumably no one was looking, there were those nebulous and yet strengthening and lengthening fantasies concerning a future which in some way or other, not clear to either as yet, was still always to include each other. + 

Summer days perhaps, and that soon, in which he and she would be in a canoe at Twelfth Lake, the long shadows of the trees on the bank lengthening over the silvery water, the wind rippling the surface while he paddled and she idled and tortured him with hints of the future; a certain forest path, grass-sodden and sun-mottled to the south and west of the Cranston and Phant estates, near theirs, through which they might canter in June and July to a wonderful view known as Inspiration Point some seven miles west; the country fair at Sharon, at which, in a gypsy costume, the essence of romance itself, she would superintend a booth, or, in her smartest riding habit, give an exhibition of her horsemanshipвБ†вАФteas, dances in the afternoon and in the moonlight at which, languishing in his arms, their eyes would speak. + 

None of the compulsion of the practical. None of the inhibitions which the dominance and possible future opposition of her parents might imply. Just love and summer, and idyllic and happy progress toward an eventual secure and unopposed union which should give him to her forever. + 

And in the meantime, in so far as Roberta was concerned, two more long, dreary, terrifying months going by without that meditated action on her part which must result once it was taken in ClydeвАЩs undoing. For, as convinced as she was that apart from meditating and thinking of some way to escape his responsibility, Clyde had no real intention of marrying her, still, like Clyde, she drifted, fearing to act really. For in several conferences following that in which she had indicated that she expected him to marry her, he had reiterated, if vaguely, a veiled threat that in case she appealed to his uncle he would not be compelled to marry her, after all, for he could go elsewhere. + 

The way he put it was that unless left undisturbed in his present situation he would be in no position to marry her and furthermore could not possibly do anything to aid her at the coming time when most of all she would stand in need of aidвБ†вАФa hint which caused Roberta to reflect on a hitherto not fully developed vein of hardness in Clyde, although had she but sufficiently reflected, it had shown itself at the time that he compelled her to admit him to her room. + 

In addition and because she was doing nothing and yet he feared that at any moment she might, he shifted in part at least from the attitude of complete indifference, which had availed him up to the time that she had threatened him, to one of at least simulated interest and goodwill and friendship. For the very precarious condition in which he found himself was sufficiently terrifying to evoke more diplomacy than ever before had characterized him. Besides he was foolish enough to hope, if not exactly believe, that by once more conducting himself as though he still entertained a lively sense of the problem that afflicted her and that he was willing, in case no other way was found, to eventually marry her (though he could never definitely be persuaded to commit himself as to this), he could reduce her determination to compel him to act soon at least to a minimum, and so leave him more time in which to exhaust every possibility of escape without marriage, and without being compelled to run away. + 

And although Roberta sensed the basis of this sudden shift, still she was so utterly alone and distrait that she was willing to give ear to ClydeвАЩs mock genial, if not exactly affectionate observations and suggestions. It caused her, at his behest, to wait a while longer, the while, as he now explained, he would not only have saved up some money, but devised some plan in connection with his work which would permit him to leave for a time anyhow, marry her somewhere and then establish her and the baby as a lawful married woman somewhere else, while, although he did not explain this just now, he returned to Lycurgus and sent her such aid as he could. But on condition, of course, that never anywhere, unless he gave her permission, must she assert that he had married her, or point to him in any way as the father of her child. Also it was understood that she, as she herself had asserted over and over that she would, if only he would do thisвБ†вАФmarry herвБ†вАФtake steps to free herself on the ground of desertion, or something, in some place sufficiently removed from Lycurgus for no one to hear. And that within a reasonable time after her marriage to him, although he was not at all satisfied that, assuming that he did marry her, she would. + 

But Clyde, of course, was insincere in regard to all his overtures at this time, and really not concerned as to her sincerity or insincerity. Nor did he have any intention of leaving Lycurgus even for the moderate length of time that her present extrication would require unless he had to. For that meant that he would be separated from Sondra, and such absence, for whatever period, would most definitely interfere with his plans. And so, on the contrary, he driftedвБ†вАФthinking most idly at times of some possible fake or mock marriage such as he had seen in some melodramatic movieвБ†вАФa fake minister and witnesses combining to deceive some simple country girl such as Roberta was not, but at such expense of time, resources, courage and subtlety as Clyde himself, after a little reflection, was wise enough to see was beyond him. + 

Again, knowing that, unless some hitherto unforeseen aid should eventuate, he was heading straight toward a disaster which could not much longer be obviated, he even allowed himself to dream that, once the fatal hour was at hand and Roberta, no longer to be put off by any form of subterfuge, was about to expose him, he might even flatly deny that he had ever held any such relationship with her as then she would be chargingвБ†вАФrather that at all times his relationship with her had been that of a department manager to employeeвБ†вАФno more. TerrorвБ†вАФno less! + 

But at the same time, early in May, when Roberta, because of various gestative signs and ailments, was beginning to explain, as well as insist, to Clyde that by no stretch of the imagination or courage could she be expected to retain her position at the factory or work later than June first, because by then the likelihood of the girls there beginning to notice something, would be too great for her to endure, Sondra was beginning to explain that not so much later than the fourth or fifth of June she and her mother and Stuart, together with some servants, would be going to their new lodge at Twelfth Lake in order to supervise certain installations then being made before the regular season should begin. And after that, not later than the eighteenth, at which time the Cranstons, Harriets, and some others would have arrived, including very likely visits from Bella and Myra, he might expect a weekend invitation from the Cranstons, with whom, through Bertine, she would arrange as to this. And after that, the general circumstances proving fairly propitious, there would be, of course, other weekend invitations to the HarrietsвАЩ, PhantsвАЩ and some others who dwelt there, as well as to the GriffithsвАЩ at Greenwood, to which place, on account of Bella, he could easily come. And during his two weeksвАЩ vacation in July, he could either stop at the Casino, which was at Pine Point, or perhaps the Cranstons or Harriets, at her suggestion, might choose to invite him. At any rate, as Clyde could see, and with no more than such expenditures as, with a little scrimping during his ordinary working days here, he could provide for, he might see not a little of that lake life of which he had read so much in the local papers, to say nothing of Sondra at one and another of the lodges, the masters of which were not so inimical to his presence and overtures as were SondraвАЩs parents. + 

For now it was, and for the first time, as she proceeded to explain to him that her mother and father, because of his continued and reported attentions to her, were already beginning to talk of an extended European tour which might keep her and Stuart and her mother abroad for at least the next two years. But since, at news of this, ClydeвАЩs face as well as his spirits darkened, and she herself was sufficiently enmeshed to suffer because of this, she at once added that he must not feel so badвБ†вАФhe must not; things would work out well enough, she knew. For at the proper time, and unless between then and now, somethingвБ†вАФher own subtle attack if not her at present feverish interest in ClydeвБ†вАФshould have worked to alter her motherвАЩs viewpoint in regard to himвБ†вАФshe might be compelled to take some steps of her own in order to frustrate her mother. Just what, she was not willing to say at this time, although to ClydeвАЩs overheated imagination it took the form of an elopement and marriage, which could not then be gainsaid by her parents whatever they might think. And it was true that in a vague and as yet repressed way some such thought was beginning to form in SondraвАЩs mind. For, as she now proceeded to explain to Clyde, it was so plain that her mother was attempting to steer her in the direction of a purely social matchвБ†вАФthe one with the youth who had been paying her such marked attention the year before. But because of her present passion for Clyde, as she now gayly declared, it was not easy to see how she was to be made to comply. вАЬThe only trouble with me is that IвАЩm not of age yet,вАЭ she here added briskly and slangily. вАЬTheyвАЩve got me there, of course. But I will be by next October and they canвАЩt do very much with me after that, I want to let you know. I can marry the person I want, I guess. And if I canвАЩt do it here, well, there are more ways than one to kill a cat.вАЭ + 

The thought was like some sweet, disarranging poison to Clyde. It fevered and all but betrayed him mentally. If onlyвБ†вАФif onlyвБ†вАФit were not for Roberta now. That terrifying and all but insoluble problem. But for that, and the opposition of SondraвАЩs parents which she was thinking she would be able to overcome, did not heaven itself await him? Sondra, Twelfth Lake, society, wealth, her love and beauty. He grew not a little wild in thinking of it all. Once he and she were married, what could SondraвАЩs relatives do? What, but acquiesce and take them into the glorious bosom of their resplendent home at Lycurgus or provide for them in some other wayвБ†вАФhe to no doubt eventually take some place in connection with the Finchley Electric Sweeper Company. And then would he not be the equal, if not the superior, of Gilbert Griffiths himself and all those others who originally had ignored him hereвБ†вАФjoint heir with Stuart to all the Finchley means. And with Sondra as the central or crowning jewel to so much sudden and such Aladdin-like splendor. + 

No thought as to how he was to overcome the time between now and October. No serious consideration of the fact that Roberta then and there was demanding that he marry her. He could put her off, he thought. And yet, at the same time, he was painfully and nervously conscious of the fact that at no period in his life before had he been so treacherously poised at the very brink of disaster. It might be his duty as the world would see itвБ†вАФhis mother would say soвБ†вАФto at least extricate Roberta. But in the case of Esta, who had come to her rescue? Her lover? He had walked off from her without a qualm and she had not died. And why, when Roberta was no worse off than his sister had been, why should she seek to destroy him in this way? Force him to do something which would be little less than social, artistic, passional or emotional assassination? And when later, if she would but spare him for this, he could do so much more for herвБ†вАФwith SondraвАЩs money of course. He could not and would not let her do this to him. His life would be ruined! + 

XL + 

Two incidents which occurred at this time tended still more to sharpen the contrary points of view holding between Clyde and Roberta. One of these was no more than a glimpse which Roberta had one evening of Clyde pausing at the Central Avenue curb in front of the post-office to say a few words to Arabella Stark, who in a large and impressive-looking car, was waiting for her father who was still in the Stark Building opposite. And Miss Stark, fashionably outfitted according to the season, her world and her own pretentious taste, was affectedly posed at the wheel, not only for the benefit of Clyde but the public in general. And to Roberta, who by now was reduced to the verge of distraction between ClydeвАЩs delay and her determination to compel him to act in her behalf, she appeared to be little less than an epitome of all the security, luxury and freedom from responsibility which so enticed and hence caused Clyde to delay and be as indifferent as possible to the dire state which confronted her. For, alas, apart from this claim of her condition, what had she to offer him comparable to all he would be giving up in case he acceded to her request? NothingвБ†вАФa thought which was far from encouraging. + 

Yet, at this moment contrasting her own wretched and neglected state with that of this Miss Stark, for example, she found herself a prey to an even more complaining and antagonistic mood than had hitherto characterized her. It was not right. It was not fair. For during the several weeks that had passed since last they had discussed this matter, Clyde had scarcely said a word to her at the factory or elsewhere, let alone called upon her at her room, fearing as he did the customary inquiry which he could not satisfy. And this caused her to feel that not only was he neglecting but resenting her most sharply. + 

And yet as she walked home from this trivial and fairly representative scene, her heart was not nearly so angry as it was sad and sore because of the love and comfort that had vanished and was not likely ever to come againвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ everвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ everвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ ever. Oh, how terribleвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ how terrible! + 

On the other hand, Clyde, and at approximately this same time, was called upon to witness a scene identified with Roberta, which, as some might think, only an ironic and even malicious fate could have intended or permitted to come to pass. For motoring north the following Sunday to Arrow Lake to the lodge of the TrumbullsвАЩ to take advantage of an early spring weekend planned by Sondra, the party on nearing Biltz, which was in the direct line of the trip, was compelled to detour east in the direction of RobertaвАЩs home. And coming finally to a north and south road which ran directly from Trippettsville past the Alden farm, they turned north into that. And a few minutes later, came directly to the corner adjoining the Alden farm, where an east and west road led to Biltz. Here Tracy Trumbull, driving at the time, requested that someone should get out and inquire at the adjacent farmhouse as to whether this road did lead to Biltz. And Clyde, being nearest to one door, jumped out. And then, glancing at the name on the mailbox which stood at the junction and evidently belonged to the extremely dilapidated old farmhouse on the rise above, he was not a little astonished to note that the name was that of Titus AldenвБ†вАФRobertaвАЩs father. Also, as it instantly came to him, since she had described her parents as being near Biltz, this must be her home. It gave him pause, caused him for the moment to hesitate as to whether to go on or not, for once he had given Roberta a small picture of himself, and she might have shown it up here. Again the mere identification of this lorn, dilapidated realm with Roberta and hence himself, was sufficient to cause him to wish to turn and run. + 

But Sondra, who was sitting next him in the car and now noting his hesitation, called: вАЬWhatвАЩs the matter, Clyde? Afraid of the bow-wow?вАЭ And he, realizing instantly that they would comment further on his actions if he did not proceed at once, started up the path. But the effect of this house, once he contemplated it thoroughly, was sufficient to arouse in his brain the most troubled and miserable of thoughts. For what a house, to be sure! So lonely and bare, even in this bright, spring weather! The decayed and sagging roof. The broken chimney to the northвБ†вАФrough lumps of cemented field stones lying at its base; the sagging and semi-toppling chimney to the south, sustained in place by a log chain. The unkempt path from the road below, which slowly he ascended! He was not a little dejected by the broken and displaced stones which served as steps before the front door. And the unpainted dilapidated outbuildings, all the more dreary because of these others. + 

вАЬGee!вАЭ To think that this was RobertaвАЩs home. And to think, in the face of all that he now aspired to in connection with Sondra and this social group at Lycurgus, she should be demanding that he marry her! And Sondra in the car with him here to seeвБ†вАФif not know. The poverty! The reduced grimness of it all. How far he had traveled away from just such a beginning as this! + 

With a weakening and sickening sensation at the pit of his stomach, as of some blow administered there, he now approached the door. And then, as if to further distress him, if that were possible, the door was opened by Titus Alden, who, in an old, threadbare and out-at-elbows coat, as well as baggy, worn, jean trousers and rough, shineless, ill-fitting country shoes, desired by his look to know what he wanted. And Clyde, being taken aback by the clothes, as well as a marked resemblance to Roberta about the eyes and mouth, now as swiftly as possible asked if the east and west road below ran through Biltz and joined the main highway north. And although he would have preferred a quick вАЬyesвАЭ so that he might have turned and gone, Titus preferred to step down into the yard and then, with a gesture of the arm, indicate that if they wanted to strike a really good part of the road, they had better follow this Trippettsville north and south road for at least two more miles, and then turn west. Clyde thanked him briefly and turned almost before he had finished and hurried away. + 

For, as he now recalled, and with an enormous sense of depression, Roberta was thinking and at this very time, that soon now, and in the face of all Lycurgus had to offer himвБ†вАФSondraвБ†вАФthe coming spring and summerвБ†вАФthe love and romance, gayety, position, powerвБ†вАФhe was going to give all that up and go away with and marry her. Sneak away to some out-of-the-way place! Oh, how horrible! And with a child at his age! Oh, why had he ever been so foolish and weak as to identify himself with her in this intimate way? Just because of a few lonely evenings! Oh, why, why couldnвАЩt he have waited and then this other world would have opened up to him just the same? If only he could have waited! + 

And now unquestionably, unless he could speedily and easily disengage himself from her, all this other splendid recognition would be destined to be withdrawn from him, and this other world from which he sprang might extend its gloomy, poverty-stricken arms to him and envelop him once more, just as the poverty of his family had enveloped and almost strangled him from the first. And it even occurred to him, in a vague way for the first time, how strange it was that this girl and he, whose origin had been strikingly similar, should have been so drawn to each other in the beginning. Why should it have been? How strange life was, anyway? But even more harrowing than this, was the problem of a way out that was before him. And his mind from now on, on this trip, was once more searching for some solution. A word of complaint from Roberta or her parents to his uncle or Gilbert, and assuredly he would be done for. + 

The thought so troubled him that once in the car, and although previously he had been chattering along with the others about what might be in store ahead in the way of divertissement, he now sat silent. And Sondra, who sat next to him and who previously had been whispering at intervals of her plans for the summer, now, instead of resuming the patter, whispered: вАЬWhat come over de sweet phing?вАЭ (When Clyde appeared to be the least reduced in mind she most affected this patter with him, since it had an almost electric, if sweetly tormenting effect on him. вАЬHis baby-talking girl,вАЭ he sometimes called her.) вАЬFacey all dark now. Little while ago facey all smiles. Come make facey all nice again. Smile at Sondra. Squeeze SondraвАЩs arm like good boy, Clyde.вАЭ + 

She turned and looked up into his eyes to see what if any effect this baby-worded cajolery was having, and Clyde did his best to brighten, of course. But even so, and in the face of all this amazingly wonderful love on her part for him, the specter of Roberta and all that she represented now in connection with all this, was ever before himвБ†вАФher state, her very recent edict in regard to it, the obvious impossibility of doing anything now but go away with her. + 

WhyвБ†вАФrather than let himself in for a thing like thatвБ†вАФwould it not be better, and even though he lost Sondra once and for all, for him to decamp as in the instance of the slain child in Kansas CityвБ†вАФand be heard of nevermore here. But then he would lose Sondra, his connections here, and his uncleвБ†вАФthis world! The loss! The loss! The misery of once more drifting about here and there; of being compelled to write his mother once more concerning certain things about his flight, which someone writing from here might explain to her afterwardsвБ†вАФand so much more damagingly. And the thoughts concerning him on the part of his relatives! And of late he had been writing his mother that he was doing so well. What was it about his life that made things like this happen to him? Was this what his life was to be like? Running away from one situation and another just to start all over somewhere elseвБ†вАФperhaps only to be compelled to flee from something worse. No, he could not run away again. He must face it and solve it in some way. He must! + 

God! + 

XLI + 

The fifth of June arriving, the Finchleys departed as Sondra had indicated, but not without a most urgent request from her that he be prepared to come to the CranstonsвАЩ either the second or third weekend followingвБ†вАФshe to advise him definitely laterвБ†вАФa departure which so affected Clyde that he could scarcely think what to do with himself in her absence, depressed as he was by the tangle which RobertaвАЩs condition presented. And exactly at this time also, RobertaвАЩs fears and demands had become so urgent that it was really no longer possible for him to assure her that if she would but wait a little while longer, he would be prepared to act in her behalf. Plead as he might, her case, as she saw it, was at last critical and no longer to be trifled with in any way. Her figure, as she insisted (although this was largely imaginative on her part), had altered to such an extent that it would not be possible for her longer to conceal it, and all those who worked with her at the factory were soon bound to know. She could no longer work or sleep with any comfortвБ†вАФshe must not stay here any more. She was having preliminary painsвБ†вАФpurely imaginary ones in her case. He must marry her now, as he had indicated he would, and leave with her at onceвБ†вАФfor some placeвБ†вАФany place, reallyвБ†вАФnear or farвБ†вАФso long as she was extricated from this present terrible danger. And she would agree, as she now all but pleaded, to let him go his way again as soon as their child was bornвБ†вАФtrulyвБ†вАФand would not ask any more of him everвБ†вАФever. But now, this very weekвБ†вАФnot later than the fifteenth at the latestвБ†вАФhe must arrange to see her through with this as he had promised. + 

But this meant that he would be leaving with her before ever he should have visited Sondra at Twelfth Lake at all, and without ever seeing her any more really. And, besides, as he so well knew, he had not saved the sum necessary to make possible the new venture on which she was insisting. In vain it was that Roberta now explained that she had saved over a hundred, and they could make use of that once they were married or to help in connection with whatever expenses might be incurred in getting to wherever he should decide they were going. All that he would see or feel was that this meant the loss of everything to him, and that he would have to go away with her to some relatively nearby place and get work at anything he could, in order to support her as best he might. But the misery of such a change! The loss of all his splendid dreams. And yet, racking his brains, he could think of nothing better than that she should quit and go home for the time being, since as he now argued, and most shrewdly, as he thought, he needed a few more weeks to prepare for the change which was upon them both. For, in spite of all his efforts, as he now falsely asserted, he had not been able to save as much as he had hoped. He needed at least three or four more weeks in which to complete the sum, which he had been looking upon as advisable in the face of this meditated change. Was not she herself guessing, as he knew, that it could not be less than a hundred and fifty or two hundred dollarsвБ†вАФquite large sums in her eyesвБ†вАФwhereas, above his current salary, Clyde had no more than forty dollars and was dreaming of using that and whatever else he might secure in the interim to meet such expenses as might be incurred in the anticipated visit to Twelfth Lake. + 

But to further support his evasive suggestion that she now return to her home for a short period, he added that she would want to fix herself up a little, wouldnвАЩt she? She couldnвАЩt go away on a trip like this, which involved marriage and a change of social contacts in every way, without some improvements in her wardrobe. Why not take her hundred dollars or a part of it anyhow and use it for that? So desperate was his state that he even suggested that. And Roberta, who, in the face of her own uncertainty up to this time as to what was to become of her had not ventured to prepare or purchase anything relating either to a trousseau or layette, now began to think that whatever the ulterior purpose of his suggestion, which like all the others was connected with delay, it might not be unwise even now if she did take a fortnight or three weeks, and with the assistance of an inexpensive and yet tolerable dressmaker, who had aided her sister at times, make at least one or two suitable dressesвБ†вАФa flowered gray taffeta afternoon dress, such as she had once seen in a movie, in which, should Clyde keep his word, she could be married. To match this pleasing little costume, she planned to add a chic little gray silk hatвБ†вАФpoke-shaped, with pink or scarlet cherries nestled up under the brim, together with a neat little blue serge traveling suit, which, with brown shoes and a brown hat, would make her as smart as any bride. The fact that such preparations as these meant additional delay and expense, or that Clyde might not marry her after all, or that this proposed marriage from the point of view of both was the tarnished and discolored thing that it was, was still not sufficient to take from the thought of marriage as an event, or sacrament even, that proper color and romance with which it was invested in her eyes and from which, even under such an unsatisfactory set of circumstances as these, it could not be divorced. And, strangely enough, in spite of all the troubled and strained relations that had developed between them, she still saw Clyde in much the same light in which she had seen him at first. He was a Griffiths, a youth of genuine social, if not financial distinction, one whom all the girls in her position, as well as many of those far above her, would be delighted to be connected with in this wayвБ†вАФthat is, via marriage. He might be objecting to marrying her, but he was a person of consequence, just the same. And one with whom, if he would but trouble to care for her a little, she could be perfectly happy. And at any rate, once he had loved her. And it was said of menвБ†вАФsome men, anyway (so she had heard her mother and others say) that once a child was presented to them, it made a great difference in their attitude toward the mother, sometimes. They came to like the mother, too. Anyhow for a little whileвБ†вАФa very little whileвБ†вАФif what she had agreed to were strictly observed, she would have him with her to assist her through this great crisisвБ†вАФto give his name to her childвБ†вАФto aid her until she could once more establish herself in some way. + 

For the time being, therefore, and with no more plan than this, although with great misgivings and nervous qualms, since, as she could see, Clyde was decidedly indifferent, she rested on this. And it was in this mood that five days later, and after Roberta had written to her parents that she was coming home for two weeks at least, to get a dress or two made and to rest a little, because she was not feeling very well, that Clyde saw her off for her home in Biltz, riding with her as far as Fonda. But in so far as he was concerned, and since he had really no definite or workable idea, it seemed important to him that only silence, silence was the great and all essential thing now, so that, even under the impending edge of the knife of disaster, he might be able to think more, and more, and more, without being compelled to do anything, and without momentarily being tortured by the thought that Roberta, in some nervous or moody or frantic state, would say or do something which, assuming that he should hit upon some helpful thought or plan in connection with Sondra, would prevent him from executing it. + 

And about the same time, Sondra was writing him gay notes from Twelfth Lake as to what he might expect upon his arrival a little later. Blue waterвБ†вАФwhite sailsвБ†вАФtennisвБ†вАФgolf-horseback ridingвБ†вАФdriving. She had it all arranged with Bertine, as she said. And kissesвБ†вАФkissesвБ†вАФkisses! + 

XLII + 

Two letters, which arrived at this time and simultaneously, but accentuated the difficulty of all this. + 

How is my pheet phing? All whytie? ItвАЩs just glorious up here. Lots of people already here and more coming every day. The Casino and golf course over at Pine Point are open and lots of people about. I can hear Stuart and Grant with their launches going up toward GrayвАЩs Inlet now. You must hurry and come up, dear. ItвАЩs too nice for words. Green roads to gallop through, and swimming and dancing at the Casino every afternoon at four. Just back from a wonderful gallop on Dickey and going again after luncheon to mail these letters. Bertine says sheвАЩll write you a letter today or tomorrow good for any weekend or any old time, so when Sonda says come, you come, you hear, else Sonda whip hard. You baddie, good boy. + 

Is he working hard in the baddie old factory? Sonda wisses he was here wiss her instead. WeвАЩd ride and drive and swim and dance. DonвАЩt forget your tennis racquet and golf clubs. ThereвАЩs a dandy course on the Casino grounds. + 

This morning when I was riding a bird flew right up under DickeyвАЩs heels. It scared him so that he bolted, and Sonda got all switched and scwatched. IsnвАЩt Clydie sorry for his Sonda? + 

She is writing lots of notes today. After lunch and the ride to catch the down mail, Sonda and Bertine and Nina going to the Casino. DonвАЩt you wish you were going to be there? We could dance to вАЬTaudy.вАЭ Sonda just loves that song. But she has to dress now. More tomorrow, baddie boy. And when Bertine writes, answer right away. See all вАЩose dots? Kisses. Big and little ones. All for baddie boy. And wite Sonda every day and sheвАЩll write вАЩoo. + 

More kisses. + 

To which Clyde responded eagerly and in kind in the same hour. But almost the same mail, at least the same day, brought the following letter from Roberta. + 

I am nearly ready for bed, but I will write you a few lines. I had such a tiresome journey coming up that I was nearly sick. In the first place I didnвАЩt want to come much (alone) as you know. I feel too upset and uncertain about everything, although I try not to feel so now that we have our plan and you are going to come for me as you said. + 

(At this point, while nearly sickened by the thought of the wretched country world in which she lived, still, because of RobertaвАЩs unfortunate and unavoidable relation to it, he now experienced one of his old time twinges of remorse and pity in regard to her. For after all, this was not her fault. She had so little to look forward toвБ†вАФnothing but her work or a commonplace marriage. For the first time in many days, really, and in the absence of both, he was able to think clearlyвБ†вАФand to sympathize deeply, if gloomily. For the remainder of the letter read): + 

But itвАЩs very nice here now. The trees are so beautifully green and the flowers in bloom. I can hear the bees in the orchard whenever I go near the south windows. On the way up instead of coming straight home I decided to stop at Homer to see my sister and brother-in-law, since I am not so sure now when I shall see them again, if ever, for I am resolved that they shall see me respectable, or never at all any more. You mustnвАЩt think I mean anything hard or mean by this. I am just sad. They have such a cute little home there, ClydeвБ†вАФpretty furniture, a victrola and all, and Agnes is so very happy with Fred. I hope she always will be. I couldnвАЩt help thinking of what a dear place we might have had, if only my dreams had come true. And nearly all the time I was there Fred kept teasing me as to why I donвАЩt get married, until I said, вАЬOh, well, Fred, you mustnвАЩt be too sure that I wonвАЩt one of these days. All good things come to him who waits, you know.вАЭ вАЬYes, unless you just turn out to be a waiter,вАЭ was the way he hit me back. + 

But I was truly glad to see mother again, Clyde. SheвАЩs so loving and patient and helpful. The sweetest, dearest mother that ever, ever was. And I just hate to hurt her in any way. And Tom and Emily, too. They have had friends here every evening since IвАЩve been hereвБ†вАФand they want me to join in, but I hardly feel well enough now to do all the things they want me to doвБ†вАФplay cards and gamesвБ†вАФdance. + 

(At this point Clyde could not help emphasizing in his own mind the shabby home world of which she was a part and which so recently he had seenвБ†вАФthat rickety house! those toppling chimneys! Her uncouth father. And that in contrast to such a letter as this other from Sondra.) + 

Father and mother and Tom and Emily just seem to hang around and try to do things for me. And I feel remorseful when I think how they would feel if they knew, for, of course, I have to pretend that it is work that makes me feel so tired and depressed as I am sometimes. Mother keeps saying that I must stay a long time or quit entirely and rest and get well again, but she just donвАЩt know of courseвБ†вАФpoor dear. If she did! I canвАЩt tell you how that makes me feel sometimes, Clyde. Oh, dear! + 

But there, I mustnвАЩt put my sad feelings over on you either. I donвАЩt want to, as I told you, if you will only come and get me as weвАЩve agreed. And I wonвАЩt be like that either, Clyde. IвАЩm not that way all the time now. IвАЩve started to get ready and do all the things itвАЩll take to do in three weeks and thatвАЩs enough to keep my mind off everything but work. But you will come for me, wonвАЩt you, dear? You wonвАЩt disappoint me any more and make me suffer this time like you have so far, for, oh, how long it has been nowвБ†вАФever since I was here before at Christmas time, really. But you were truly nice to me. I promise not to be a burden on you, for I know you donвАЩt really care for me any more and so I donвАЩt care much what happens now, so long as I get out of this. But I truly promise not to be a burden on you. + 

Oh, dear, donвАЩt mind this blot. I just donвАЩt seem to be able to control myself these days like I once could. + 

But as for what I came for. The family think they are clothes for a party down in Lycurgus and that I must be having a wonderful time. Well, itвАЩs better that way than the other. I may have to come as far as Fonda to get some things, if I donвАЩt send Mrs.¬†Anse, the dressmaker, and if so, and if you wanted to see me again before you come, although I donвАЩt suppose you do, you could. IвАЩd like to see you and talk to you again if you care to, before we start. It all seems so funny to me, Clyde, having these clothes made and wishing to see you so much and yet knowing that you would rather not do this. And yet I hope you are satisfied now that you have succeeded in making me leave Lycurgus and come up here and are having what you call a good time. Are they so very much better than the ones we used to have last summer when we went about to the lakes and everywhere? But whatever they are, Clyde, surely you can afford to do this for me without feeling too bad. I know it seems hard to you now, but you donвАЩt want to forget either that if I was like some that I know, I might and would ask more. But as I told you IвАЩm not like that and never could be. If you donвАЩt really want me after you have helped me out like I said, you can go. + 

Please write me, Clyde, a long, cheery letter, even though you donвАЩt want to, and tell me all about how you have not thought of me once since IвАЩve been away or missed me at allвБ†вАФyou used to, you know, and how you donвАЩt want me to come back and you canвАЩt possibly come up before two weeks from Saturday if then. + 

Oh, dear, I donвАЩt mean the horrid things I write, but IвАЩm so blue and tired and lonely that I canвАЩt help it at times. I need someone to talk toвБ†вАФnot just anyone here, because they donвАЩt understand, and I canвАЩt tell anybody. + 

But there, I said I wouldnвАЩt be blue or gloomy or cross and yet I havenвАЩt done so very well this time, have I? But I promise to do better next timeвБ†вАФtomorrow or next day, because it relieves me to write to you, Clyde. And wonвАЩt you please write me just a few words to cheer me up while IвАЩm waiting, whether you mean it or not, I need it so. And you will come, of course. IвАЩll be so happy and grateful and try not to bother you too much in any way. + 

And it was the contrast presented by these two scenes which finally determined for him the fact that he would never marry RobertaвБ†вАФneverвБ†вАФnor even go to her at Biltz, or let her come back to him here, if he could avoid that. For would not his going, or her return, put a period to all the joys that so recently in connection with Sondra had come to him hereвБ†вАФmake it impossible for him to be with Sondra at Twelfth Lake this summerвБ†вАФmake it impossible for him to run away with and marry her? In GodвАЩs name was there no way? No outlet from this horrible difficulty which now confronted him? + 

And in a fit of despair, having found the letters in his room on his return from work one warm evening in June, he now threw himself upon his bed and fairly groaned. The misery of this! The horror of his almost insoluble problem! Was there no way by which she could be persuaded to go awayвБ†вАФand stayвБ†вАФremain at home, maybe for a while longer, while he sent her ten dollars a week, or twelve, evenвБ†вАФa full half of all his salary? Or could she go to some neighboring townвБ†вАФFonda, Gloversville, SchenectadyвБ†вАФshe was not so far gone but what she could take care of herself well enough as yet, and rent a room and remain there quietly until the fatal time, when she could go to some doctor or nurse? He might help her to find someone like that when the time came, if only she would be willing not to mention his name. + 

But this business of making him come to Biltz, or meeting her somewhere, and that within two weeks or less. He would not, he would not. He would do something desperate if she tried to make him do thatвБ†вАФrun awayвБ†вАФorвБ†вАФmaybe go up to Twelfth Lake before it should be time for him to go to Biltz, or before she would think it was time, and then persuade Sondra if he couldвБ†вАФbut oh, what a wild, wild chance was thatвБ†вАФto run away with and marry him, even if she wasnвАЩt quite eighteenвБ†вАФand thenвБ†вАФand thenвБ†вАФbeing married, and her family not being able to divorce them, and Roberta not being able to find him, either, but only to complainвБ†вАФwell, couldnвАЩt he deny itвБ†вАФsay that it was not soвБ†вАФthat he had never had any relationship, other than that which any department head might have with any girl working for him. He had not been introduced to the Gilpins, nor had he gone with Roberta to see that Dr.¬†Glenn near Gloversville, and she had told him at the time, she had not mentioned his name. + 

But the nerve of trying to deny it! + 

The courage it would take. + 

The courage to try to face Roberta when, as he knew, her steady, accusing, horrified, innocent, blue eyes would be about as difficult to face as anything in all the world. And could he do that? Had he the courage? And would it all work out satisfactorily if he did? Would Sondra believe himвБ†вАФonce she heard? + 

But just the same in pursuance of this idea, whether finally he executed it or not, even though he went to Twelfth Lake, he must write Sondra a letter saying that he was coming. And this he did at once, writing her passionately and yearningly. At the same time he decided not to write Roberta at all. Maybe call her on long distance, since she had recently told him that there was a neighbor nearby who had a telephone, and if for any reason he needed to reach her, he could use that. For writing her in regard to all this, even in the most guarded way, would place in her hands, and at this time, exactly the type of evidence in regard to this relationship which she would most need, and especially when he was so determined not to marry her. The trickery of all this! It was low and shabby, no doubt. Yet if only Roberta had agreed to be a little reasonable with him, he would never have dreamed of indulging in any such low and tricky plan as this. But, oh, Sondra! Sondra! And the great estate that she had described, lying along the west shore of Twelfth Lake. How beautiful that must be! He could not help it! He must act and plan as he was doing! He must! + 

And forthwith he arose and went to mail the letter to Sondra. And then while out, having purchased an evening paper and hoping via the local news of all whom he knew, to divert his mind for the time being, there, upon the first page of the Times-Union of Albany, was an item which read: + 

Accidental double tragedy at pass lakeвБ†вАФUpturned canoe and floating hats reveal probable loss of two lives at resort near PittsfieldвБ†вАФUnidentified body of girl recoveredвБ†вАФThat of companion still missing + 

Because of his own great interest in canoeing, and indeed in any form of water life, as well as his own particular skill when it came to rowing, swimming, diving, he now read with interest: + 

Pancoast, MA, June 7thвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ What proved to be a fatal boat ride for two, apparently, was taken here day before yesterday by an unidentified man and girl who came presumably from Pittsfield to spend the day at Pass Lake, which is fourteen miles north of this place. + 

Tuesday morning a man and a girl, who said to Thomas Lucas, who conducts the Casino Lunch and Boat House there, that they were from Pittsfield, rented a small rowboat about ten oвАЩclock in the morning and with a basket, presumably containing lunch, departed for the northern end of the lake. At seven oвАЩclock last evening, when they did not return, Mr.¬†Lucas, in company with his son Jeffrey, made a tour of the lake in his motor boat and discovered the rowboat upside down in the shallows near the north shore, but no trace of the occupants. Thinking at the time that it might be another instance of renters having decamped in order to avoid payment, he returned the boat to his own dock. + 

But this morning, doubtful as to whether or not an accident had occurred, he and his assistant, Fred Walsh, together with his son, made a second tour of the north shore and finally came upon the hats of both the girl and the man floating among some rushes near the shore. At once a dredging party was organized, and by three oвАЩclock today the body of the girl, concerning whom nothing is known here, other than that she came here with her companion, was brought up and turned over to the authorities. That of the man has not yet been found. The water in the immediate vicinity of the accident in some places being over thirty feet deep, it is not certain whether the trolling and dredging will yield the other body or not. In the case of a similar accident which took place here some fifteen years ago, neither body was ever recovered. + 

To the lining of the small jacket which the girl wore was sewed the tag of a Pittsfield dealer. Also in her shoe lining was stamped the name of Jacobs of this same city. But other than these there was no evidence as to her identity. It is assumed by the authorities here that if she carried a bag of any kind it lies at the bottom of the lake. + 

The man is recalled as being tall, dark, about thirty-five years of age, and wore a light green suit and straw hat with a white and blue band. The girl appears to be not more than twenty-five, five feet five inches tall, and weighs 130 pounds. She wore her hair, which was long and dark brown, in braids about her forehead. On her left middle finger is a small gold ring with an amethyst setting. The police of Pittsfield and other cities in this vicinity have been notified, but as yet no word as to her identity has been received. + 

This item, commonplace enough in the usual grist of summer accidents, interested Clyde only slightly. It seemed odd, of course, that a girl and a man should arrive at a small lake anywhere, and setting forth in a small boat in broad daylight thus lose their lives. Also it was odd that afterwards no one should be able to identify either of them. And yet here it was. The man had disappeared for good. He threw the paper down, little concerned at first, and turned to other thingsвБ†вАФthe problem that was confronting him reallyвБ†вАФhow he was to do. But laterвБ†вАФand because of that, and as he was putting out the light before getting into bed, and still thinking of the complicated problem which his own life here presented, he was struck by the thought (what devilвАЩs whisper?вБ†вАФwhat evil hint of an evil spirit?)вБ†вАФsupposing that he and RobertaвБ†вАФno, say he and SondraвБ†вАФ(no, Sondra could swim so well, and so could he)вБ†вАФhe and Roberta were in a small boat somewhere and it should capsize at the very time, say, of this dreadful complication which was so harassing him? What an escape? What a relief from a gigantic and by now really destroying problem! On the other handвБ†вАФholdвБ†вАФnot so fast!вБ†вАФfor could a man even think of such a solution in connection with so difficult a problem as his without committing a crime in his heart, reallyвБ†вАФa horrible, terrible crime? He must not even think of such a thing. It was wrongвБ†вАФwrongвБ†вАФterribly wrong. And yet, supposingвБ†вАФby accident, of courseвБ†вАФsuch a thing as this did occur? That would be the end, then, wouldnвАЩt it, of all his troubles in connection with Roberta? No more terror as to herвБ†вАФno more fear and heartache even as to Sondra. A noiseless, pathless, quarrelless solution of all his present difficulties, and only joy before him forever. Just an accidental, unpremeditated drowningвБ†вАФand then the glorious future which would be his! + 

But the mere thinking of such a thing in connection with Roberta at this timeвБ†вАФ(why was it that his mind persisted in identifying her with it?) was terrible, and he must not, he must not, allow such a thought to enter his mind. Never, never, never! He must not. It was horrible! Terrible! A thought of murder, no less! Murder?!!! Yet so wrought up had he been, and still was, by the letter which Roberta had written him, as contrasted with the one from SondraвБ†вАФso delightful and enticing was the picture of her life and his as she now described it, that he could not for the life of him quite expel that other and seemingly easy and so natural a solution of all his problemвБ†вАФif only such an accident could occur to him and Roberta. For after all he was not planning any crime, was he? Was he not merely thinking of an accident that, had it occurred or could it but occur in his caseвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ AhвБ†вАФbut that вАЬcould it but occur.вАЭ There was the dark and evil thought about which he must not, He must not think. He must not. And yetвБ†вАФand yetвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ He was an excellent swimmer and could swim ashore, no doubtвБ†вАФwhatever the distance. Whereas Roberta, as he knew from swimming with her at one beach and another the previous summer, could not swim. And thenвБ†вАФand thenвБ†вАФwell and then, unless he chose to help her, of courseвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ + 

As he thought, and for the time, sitting in the lamplight of his own room between nine-thirty and ten at night, a strange and disturbing creepiness as to flesh and hair and fingertips assailed him. The wonder and the horror of such a thought! And presented to him by this paper in this way. WasnвАЩt that strange? Besides, up in that lake country to which he was now going to Sondra, were many, many lakes about everywhereвБ†вАФwere there not? Scores up there where Sondra was. Or so she had said. And Roberta loved the out-of-doors and the water soвБ†вАФalthough she could not swimвБ†вАФcould not swimвБ†вАФcould not swim. And they or at least he was going where lakes were, or they might, might they notвБ†вАФand if not, why not? since both had talked of some Fourth of July resort in their planning, their final departureвБ†вАФhe and Roberta. + 

But, no! no! The mere thought of an accident such as that in connection with her, however much he might wish to be rid of herвБ†вАФwas sinful, dark and terrible! He must not let his mind run on any such things for even a moment. It was too wrongвБ†вАФtoo vileвБ†вАФtoo terrible! Oh, dreadful thought! To think it should have come to him! And at this time of all timesвБ†вАФwhen she was demanding that he go away with her! + 

Death! + 

Murder! + 

The murder of Roberta! + 

But to escape her of courseвБ†вАФthis unreasonable, unshakable, unchangeable demand of hers! Already he was quite cold, quite dampвБ†вАФwith the mere thought of it. And nowвБ†вАФwhenвБ†вАФwhenвБ†вАФ! But he must not think of that! The death of that unborn child, too!! + 

But how could anyone even think of doing any such thing with calculationвБ†вАФdeliberately? And yetвБ†вАФmany people were drowned like thatвБ†вАФboys and girlsвБ†вАФmen and womenвБ†вАФhere and thereвБ†вАФeverywhere the world over in the summer time. To be sure, he would not want anything like that to happen to Roberta. And especially at this time. He was not that kind of a person, whatever else he was. He was not. He was not. He was not. The mere thought now caused a damp perspiration to form on his hands and face. He was not that kind of a person. Decent, sane people did not think of such things. And so he would not eitherвБ†вАФfrom this hour on. + 

In a tremulous state of dissatisfaction with himselfвБ†вАФthat any such grisly thought should have dared to obtrude itself upon him in this wayвБ†вАФhe got up and lit the lampвБ†вАФreread this disconcerting item in as cold and reprobative way as he could achieve, feeling that in so doing he was putting anything at which it hinted far from him once and for all. Then, having done so, he dressed and went out of the house for a walkвБ†вАФup Wykeagy Avenue, along Central Avenue, out Oak, and then back on Spruce and to Central againвБ†вАФfeeling that he was walking away from the insinuating thought or suggestion that had so troubled him up to now. And after a time, feeling better, freer, more natural, more human, as he so much wished to feelвБ†вАФhe returned to his room, once more to sleep, with the feeling that he had actually succeeded in eliminating completely a most insidious and horrible visitation. He must never think of it again! He must never think of it again. He must never, never, never think of itвБ†вАФnever. + 

And then falling into a nervous, feverish doze soon thereafter, he found himself dreaming of a savage black dog that was trying to bite him. Having escaped from the fangs of the creature by waking in terror, he once more fell asleep. But now he was in some very strange and gloomy place, a wood or a cave or narrow canyon between deep hills, from which a path, fairly promising at first, seemed to lead. But soon the path, as he progressed along it, became narrower and narrower and darker, and finally disappeared entirely. And then, turning to see if he could not get back as he had come, there directly behind him were arrayed an entangled mass of snakes that at first looked more like a pile of brush. But above it waved the menacing heads of at least a score of reptiles, forked tongues and agate eyes. And in front now, as he turned swiftly, a horned and savage animalвБ†вАФhuge, it wasвБ†вАФits heavy tread crushing the brushвБ†вАФblocked the path in that direction. And then, horrified and crying out in hopeless desperation, once more he awokeвБ†вАФnot to sleep again that night. + 

XLIII + 

Yet a thought such as that of the lake, connected as it was with the predicament by which he was being faced, and shrink from it though he might, was not to be dismissed as easily as he desired. Born as it was of its accidental relation to this personal problem that was shaking and troubling and all but disarranging his own none-too-forceful mind, this smooth, seemingly blameless, if dreadful, blotting out of two lives at Pass Lake, had its weight. That girlвАЩs bodyвБ†вАФas some peculiar force in his own brain now still compelled him to thinkвБ†вАФbeing found, but the manвАЩs not. In that interesting factвБ†вАФand this quite in spite of himselfвБ†вАФlurked a suggestion that insisted upon obtruding itself on his mindвБ†вАФto wit, that it might be possible that the manвАЩs body was not in that lake at all. For, since evil-minded people did occasionally desire to get rid of other people, might it not be possible that that man had gone there with that girl in order to get rid of her? A very smooth and devilish trick, of course, but one which, in this instance at least, seemed to have succeeded admirably. + 

But as for him accepting such an evil suggestion and acting upon itвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ never! Yet here was his own problem growing hourly more desperate, since every day, or at least every other day, brought him either letters from Roberta or a note from SondraвБ†вАФtheir respective missives maintaining the same relative contrast between ease and misery, gayety of mood and the somberness of defeat and uncertainty. + 

To Roberta, since he would not write her, he was telephoning briefly and in as noncommittal a manner as possible. How was she? He was so glad to hear from her and to know that she was out in the country and at home, where it must be much nicer than in the factory here in this weather. Everything was going smoothly, of course, and except for a sudden rush of orders which made it rather hard these last two days, all was as before. He was doing his best to save a certain amount of money for a certain project about which she knew, but otherwise he was not worrying about anythingвБ†вАФand she must not. He had not written before because of the work, and could not write muchвБ†вАФthere were so many things to doвБ†вАФbut he missed seeing her in her old place, and was looking forward to seeing her again soon. If she were coming down toward Lycurgus as she said, and really thought it important to see him, well, that could be arranged, maybeвБ†вАФbut was it necessary right now? He was so very busy and expected to see her later, of course. + 

But at the same time he was writing Sondra that assuredly on the eighteenth, and the weekend following, if possible, he would be with her. + 

So, by virtue of such mental prestidigitation and tergiversation, inspired and animated as it was by his desire for Sondra, his inability to face the facts in connection with Roberta, he achieved the much-coveted privilege of again seeing her, over one weekend at least, and in such a setting as never before in his life had he been privileged to witness. + 

For as he came down to the public dock at Sharon, adjoining the veranda of the inn at the foot of Twelfth Lake, he was met by Bertine and her brother as well as Sondra, who, in GrantвАЩs launch, had motored down the Chain to pick him up. The bright blue waters of the Indian Chain. The tall, dark, spear pines that sentineled the shores on either side and gave to the waters at the west a band of black shadow where the trees were mirrored so clearly. The small and large, white and pink and green and brown lodges on every hand, with their boathouses. Pavilions by the shore. An occasional slender pier reaching out from some spacious and at times stately summer lodge, such as those now owned by the Cranstons, Finchleys and others. The green and blue canoes and launches. The gay hotel and pavilion at Pine Point already smartly attended by the early arrivals here! And then the pier and boathouse of the Cranston Lodge itself, with two Russian wolfhounds recently acquired by Bertine lying on the grass near the shore, apparently awaiting her return, and a servant John, one of a half dozen who attended the family here, waiting to take the single bag of Clyde, his tennis racquet and golf sticks. But most of all he was impressed by the large rambling and yet smartly-designed house, with its bright geranium-bordered walks, its wide, brown, wicker-studded veranda commanding a beautiful view of the lake; the cars and personalities of the various guests, who in golf, tennis or lounging clothes were to be seen idling here and there. + 

At BertineвАЩs request, John at once showed him to a spacious room overlooking the lake, where it was his privilege now to bathe and change for tennis with Sondra, Bertine and Grant. After dinner, as explained by Sondra, who was over at BertineвАЩs for the occasion, he was to come over with Bertine and Grant to the Casino, where he would be introduced to such as all here knew. There was to be dancing. Tomorrow, in the morning early, before breakfast, if he choseвБ†вАФhe should ride with her and Bertine and Stuart along a wonderful woodland trail through the forests to the west which led to Inspiration Point and a more distant view of the lake. And, as he now learned, except for a few such paths as this, the forest was trackless for forty miles. Without a compass or guide, as he was told, one might wander to oneвАЩs death evenвБ†вАФso evasive were directions to those who did not know. And after breakfast and a swim she and Bertine and Nina Temple would demonstrate their new skill with SondraвАЩs aquaplane. After that, lunch, tennis, or golf, a trip to the Casino for tea. After dinner at the lodge of the Brookshaws of Utica across the lake, there was to be dancing. + 

Within an hour after his arrival, as Clyde could see, the program for the weekend was already full. But that he and Sondra would contrive not only moments but possibly hours together he well knew. And then he would see what new delight, in connection with her many-faceted temperament, the wonderful occasion would provide. To him, in spite of the dour burden of Roberta, which for this one weekend at least he could lay aside, it was as though he were in Paradise. + 

And on the tennis grounds of the Cranstons, it seemed as though never before had Sondra, attired in a short, severe white tennis skirt and blouse, with a yellow-and-green dotted handkerchief tied about her hair, seemed so gay, graceful and happy. The smile that was upon her lips! The gay, laughing light of promise that was in her eyes whenever she glanced at him! And now and then, in running to serve him, it was as though she were poised birdlike in flightвБ†вАФher racquet arm high, a single toe seeming barely to touch the ground, her head thrown back, her lips parted and smiling always. And in calling twenty love, thirty love, forty love, it was always with a laughing accent on the word love, which at once thrilled and saddened him, as he saw, and rejoiced in from one point of view, she was his to take, if only he were free to take her now. But this other black barrier which he himself had built! + 

And then this scene, where a bright sun poured a flood of crystal light upon a greensward that stretched from tall pines to the silver rippling waters of a lake. And off shore in a half dozen different directions the bright white sails of small boatsвБ†вАФthe white and green and yellow splashes of color, where canoes paddled by idling lovers were passing in the sun! SummertimeвБ†вАФleisureвБ†вАФwarmthвБ†вАФcolorвБ†вАФeaseвБ†вАФbeautyвБ†вАФloveвБ†вАФall that he had dreamed of the summer before, when he was so very much alone. + 

At moments it seemed to Clyde that he would reel from very joy of the certain fulfillment of a great desire, that was all but immediately within his control; at other times (the thought of Roberta sweeping down upon him as an icy wind), as though nothing could be more sad, terrible, numbing to the dreams of beauty, love and happiness than this which now threatened him. That terrible item about the lake and those two people drowned! The probability that in spite of his wild plan within a week, or two or three at most, he would have to leave all this forever. And then of a sudden he would wake to realize that he was fumbling or playing badlyвБ†вАФthat Bertine or Sondra or Grant was calling: вАЬOh, Clyde, what are you thinking of, anyhow?вАЭ And from the darkest depths of his heart he would have answered, had he spoken, вАЬRoberta.вАЭ + 

At the BrookshawsвАЩ, again that evening, a smart company of friends of SondraвАЩs, BertineвАЩs and others. On the dance floor a reencounter with Sondra, all smiles, for she was pretending for the benefit of others hereвБ†вАФher mother and father in particularвБ†вАФthat she had not seen Clyde beforeвБ†вАФdid not even know that he was here. + 

вАЬYou up here? ThatвАЩs great. Over at the CranstonsвАЩ? Oh, isnвАЩt that dandy? Right next door to us. Well, weвАЩll see a lot of each other, what? How about a canter tomorrow before seven? Bertine and I go nearly every day. And weвАЩll have a picnic tomorrow, if nothing interferes, canoeing and motoring. DonвАЩt worry about not riding well. IвАЩll get Bertine to let you have JerryвБ†вАФheвАЩs just a sheep. And you donвАЩt need to worry about togs, either. Grant has scads of things. IвАЩll dance the next two dances with others, but you sit out the third one with me, will you? I know a peach of a place outside on the balcony.вАЭ + 

She was off with fingers extended but with a вАЬwe-understand-each-otherвАЭ look in her eye. And outside in the shadow later she pulled his face to hers when no one was looking and kissed him eagerly, and, before the evening was over, they had managed, by strolling along a path which led away from the house along the lake shore, to embrace under the moon. + 

вАЬSondra so glad Clydie here. Misses him so much.вАЭ She smoothed his hair as he kissed her, and Clyde, bethinking him of the shadow which lay so darkly between them, crushed her feverishly, desperately. вАЬOh, my darling baby girl,вАЭ he exclaimed. вАЬMy beautiful, beautiful Sondra! If you only knew how much I love you! If you only knew! I wish I could tell you all. I wish I could.вАЭ + 

But he could not nowвБ†вАФor ever. He would never dare to speak to her of even so much as a phase of the black barrier that now lay between them. For, with her training, the standards of love and marriage that had been set for her, she would never understand, never be willing to make so great a sacrifice for love, as much as she loved him. And he would be left, abandoned on the instant, and with what horror in her eyes! + 

Yet looking into his eyes, his face white and tense, and the glow of the moon above making small white electric sparks in his eyes, she exclaimed as he gripped her tightly: вАЬDoes he love Sondra so much? Oh, sweetie boy! Sondra loves him, too.вАЭ She seized his head between her hands and held it tight, kissing him swiftly and ardently a dozen times. вАЬAnd Sondra wonвАЩt give her Clydie up either. She wonвАЩt. You just wait and see! It doesnвАЩt matter what happens now. It may not be so very easy, but she wonвАЩt.вАЭ Then as suddenly and practically, as so often was her way, she exclaimed: вАЬBut we must go now, right away. No, not another kiss now. No, no, Sondra says no, now. TheyвАЩll be missing us.вАЭ And straightening up and pulling him by the arm she hurried him back to the house in time to meet Palmer Thurston, who was looking for her. + 

The next morning, true to her promise, there was the canter to Inspiration Point, and that before sevenвБ†вАФBertine and Sondra in bright red riding coats and white breeches and black boots, their hair unbound and loose to the wind, and riding briskly on before for the most part; then racing back to where he was. Or Sondra halloing gayly for him to come on, or the two of them laughing and chatting a hundred yards ahead in some concealed chapel of the aisled trees where he could not see them. And because of the interest which Sondra was so obviously manifesting in him these daysвБ†вАФan interest which Bertine herself had begun to feel might end in marriage, if no family complications arose to interfereвБ†вАФshe, Bertine, was all smiles, the very soul of cordiality, winsomely insisting that he should come up and stay for the summer and she would chaperon them both so that no one would have a chance to complain. And Clyde thrilling, and yet brooding tooвБ†вАФby turnsвБ†вАФoccasionallyвБ†вАФand in spite of himself drifting back to the thought that the item in the paper had inspiredвБ†вАФand yet fighting itвБ†вАФtrying to shut it out entirely. + 

And then at one point, Sondra, turning down a steep path which led to a stony and moss-lipped spring between the dark trees, called to Clyde to вАЬCome on down. Jerry knows the way. He wonвАЩt slip. Come and get a drink. If you do, youвАЩll come back again soonвБ†вАФso they say.вАЭ + 

And once he was down and had dismounted to drink, she exclaimed: вАЬIвАЩve been wanting to tell you something. You should have seen MammaвАЩs face last night when she heard you were up here. She canвАЩt be sure that I had anything to do with it, of course, because she thinks that Bertine likes you, too. I made her think that. But just the same she suspects that I had a hand in it, I guess, and she doesnвАЩt quite like it. But she canвАЩt say anything more than she has before. And I had a talk with Bertine just now and sheвАЩs agreed to stick by me and help me all she can. But weвАЩll have to be even more careful than ever now, because I think if Mamma got too suspicious I donвАЩt know what she might doвБ†вАФwant us to leave here, even now maybe, just so I couldnвАЩt see you. You know she feels that I shouldnвАЩt be interested in anyone yet except someone she likes. You know how it is. SheвАЩs that way with Stuart, too. But if youвАЩll take care not to show that you care for me so much whenever weвАЩre around any one of our crowd, I donвАЩt think sheвАЩll do anythingвБ†вАФnot now, anyhow. Later on, in the fall, when weвАЩre back in Lycurgus, things will be different. IвАЩll be of age then, and IвАЩm going to see what I can do. I never loved anyone before, but I do love you, and, well, I wonвАЩt give you up, thatвАЩs all. I wonвАЩt. And they canвАЩt make me, either!вАЭ + 

She stamped her foot and struck her boot, the while the two horses looked idly and vacantly about. And Clyde, enthused and astonished by this second definite declaration in his behalf, as well as fired by the thought that now, if ever, he might suggest the elopement and marriage and so rid himself of the sword that hung so threateningly above him, now gazed at Sondra, his eyes filled with a nervous hope and a nervous fear. For she might refuse, and change, too, shocked by the suddenness of his suggestion. And he had no money and no place in mind where they might go either, in case she accepted his proposal. But she had, perhaps, or she might have. And having once consented, might she not help him? Of course. At any rate, he felt that he must speak, leaving luck or ill luck to the future. + 

And so he said: вАЬWhy couldnвАЩt you run away with me now, Sondra, darling? ItвАЩs so long until fall and I want you so much. Why couldnвАЩt we? Your motherвАЩs not likely to want to let you marry me then, anyhow. But if we went away now, she couldnвАЩt help herself, could she? And afterwards, in a few months or so, you could write her and then she wouldnвАЩt mind. Why couldnвАЩt we, Sondra?вАЭ His voice was very pleading, his eyes full of a sad dread of refusalвБ†вАФand of the future that lay unprotected behind that. + 

And by now so caught was she by the tremor with which his mood invested him, that she pausedвБ†вАФnot really shocked by the suggestion at allвБ†вАФbut decidedly moved, as well as flattered by the thought that she was able to evoke in Clyde so eager and headlong a passion. He was so impetuousвБ†вАФso blazing now with a flame of her own creating, as she felt, yet which she was incapable of feeling as much as he, as she knewвБ†вАФsuch a flame as she had never seen in him or anyone else before. And would it not be wonderful if she could run away with him nowвБ†вАФsecretlyвБ†вАФto Canada or New York or Boston, or anywhere? The excitement her elopement would create here and elsewhereвБ†вАФin Lycurgus, Albany, Utica! The talk and feeling in her own family as well as elsewhere! And Gilbert would be related to her in spite of himвБ†вАФand the Griffiths, too, whom her mother and father so much admired. + 

For a moment there was written in her eyes the desire and the determination almost, to do as he suggestedвБ†вАФrun awayвБ†вАФmake a great lark of this, her intense and true love. For, once married, what could her parents do? And was not Clyde worthy of her and them, too? Of courseвБ†вАФeven though nearly all in her set fancied that he was not quite all he should be, just because he didnвАЩt have as much money as they had. But he would haveвБ†вАФwould he notвБ†вАФafter he was married to herвБ†вАФand get as good a place in her fatherвАЩs business as Gil Griffiths had in his fatherвАЩs? + 

Yet a moment later, thinking of her life here and what her going off in such a way would mean to her father and mother just thenвБ†вАФin the very beginning of the summer seasonвБ†вАФas well as how it would disrupt her own plans and cause her mother to feel especially angry, and perhaps even to bring about the dissolution of the marriage on the ground that she was not of age, she pausedвБ†вАФthat gay light of adventure replaced by a marked trace of the practical and the material that so persistently characterized her. What difference would a few months make, anyhow? It might, and no doubt would, save Clyde from being separated from her forever, whereas their present course might insure their separation. + 

Accordingly she now shook her head in a certain, positive and yet affectionate way, which by now Clyde had come to know spelled defeatвБ†вАФthe most painful and irremediable defeat that had yet come to him in connection with all this. She would not go! Then he was lostвБ†вАФlostвБ†вАФand she to him forever maybe. Oh, God! For while her face softened with a tenderness which was not usually thereвБ†вАФeven when she was most moved emotionallyвБ†вАФshe said: вАЬI would, honey, if I did not think it best not to, now. ItвАЩs too soon. Mamma isnвАЩt going to do anything right now. I know she isnвАЩt. Besides she has made all her plans to do a lot of entertaining here this summer, and for my particular benefit. She wants me to be nice toвБ†вАФwell, you know who I mean. And I can be, without doing anything to interfere with us in any way, IвАЩm sureвБ†вАФso long as I donвАЩt do anything to really frighten her.вАЭ She paused to smile a reassuring smile. вАЬBut you can come up here as often as you choose, donвАЩt you see, and she and these others wonвАЩt think anything of it, because you wonвАЩt be our guest, donвАЩt you see? IвАЩve fixed all that with Bertine. And that means that we can see each other all summer long up here, just about as much as we want to, donвАЩt you see? Then in the fall, when I come back, and if I find that I canвАЩt make her be nice to you at all, or consider our being engaged, why, I will run away with you. Yes, I will, darlingвБ†вАФreally and truly.вАЭ + 

Darling! The fall! + 

She stopped, her eyes showing a very shrewd conception of all the practical difficulties before them, while she took both of his hands in hers and looked up into his face. Then, impulsively and conclusively, she threw both arms about his neck and, pulling his head down, kissed him. + 

вАЬCanвАЩt you see, dearie? Please donвАЩt look so sad, darling. Sondra loves her Clyde so much. And sheвАЩll do anything and everything to make things come out right. Yes, she will. And they will, too. Now you wait and see. She wonвАЩt give him up everвБ†вАФever!вАЭ + 

And Clyde, realizing that he had not one moving argument wherewith to confront her, reallyвБ†вАФnot one that might not cause her to think strangely and suspiciously of his intense anxiety, and that this, because of RobertaвАЩs demand, and unlessвБ†вАФunlessвБ†вАФwellвБ†вАФ, unless Roberta let him go it all spelled defeat for him, now looked gloomily and even desperately upon her face. The beauty of her! The completeness of this world! And yet not to be allowed to possess her or it, ever. And Roberta with her demand and his promise in the immediate background! And no way of escape save by flight! God! + 

At this point it was that a nervous and almost deranged lookвБ†вАФnever so definite or powerful at any time before in his lifeвБ†вАФthe borderline look between reason and unreason, no lessвБ†вАФso powerful that the quality of it was even noticeable to SondraвБ†вАФcame into his eyes. He looked sick, broken, unbelievably despairing. So much so that she exclaimed, вАЬWhy, what is it, Clyde, dearieвБ†вАФyou look soвБ†вАФoh, I canвАЩt say just howвБ†вАФforlorn orвБ†вАФDoes he love me so much? And canвАЩt he wait just three or four months? But, oh, yes he can, too. It isnвАЩt as bad as he thinks. HeвАЩll be with me most of the timeвБ†вАФthe lovekins will. And when he isnвАЩt, SondraвАЩll write him every dayвБ†вАФevery day.вАЭ + 

вАЬBut, Sondra! Sondra! If I could just tell you. If you knew how much it were going to mean to meвБ†вАФвАЭ + 

He paused here, for as he could see at this point, into the expression of Sondra came a practical inquiry as to what it was that made it so urgent for her to leave with him at once. And immediately, on his part, Clyde sensing how enormous was the hold of this world on herвБ†вАФhow integral a part of it she wasвБ†вАФand how, by merely too much insistence here and now, he might so easily cause her to doubt the wisdom of her primary craze for him, was moved to desist, sure that if he spoke it would lead her to questioning him in such a way as might cause her to changeвБ†вАФor at least to modify her enthusiasm to the point where even the dream of the fall might vanish. + 

And so, instead of explaining further why he needed a decision on her part, he merely desisted, saying: вАЬItвАЩs because I need you so much now, dearвБ†вАФall of the time. ThatвАЩs it, just that. It seems at times as though I could never be away from you another minute any more. Oh, IвАЩm so hungry for you all of the time.вАЭ + 

And yet Sondra, flattered as she was by this hunger, and reciprocating it in part at least, merely repeated the various things she had said before. They must wait. All would come out all right in the fall. And Clyde, quite numb because of his defeat, yet unable to forego or deny the delight of being with her now, did his best to recover his moodвБ†вАФand think, think, think that in some wayвБ†вАФsomehowвБ†вАФmaybe via that plan of that boat or in some other way! + 

But what other way? + 

But no, no, noвБ†вАФnot that. He was not a murderer and never could be. He was not a murdererвБ†вАФneverвБ†вАФneverвБ†вАФnever. + 

And yet this loss. + 

This impending disaster. + 

This impending disaster. + 

How to avoid that and win to Sondra after all. + 

How, how, how? + 

XLIV + 

And then on his return to Lycurgus early Monday morning, the following letter from Roberta, + 

Dear Clyde: + 

My dear, I have often heard the saying, вАЬit never rains but it pours,вАЭ but I never knew what it meant until today. About the first person I saw this morning was Mr.¬†Wilcox, a neighbor of ours, who came to say that Mrs.¬†Anse would not be out today on account of some work she had to do for Mrs.¬†Dinwiddie in Biltz, although when she left yesterday everything had been prepared for her so that I could help her a little with the sewing and so hurry things up a bit. And now she wonвАЩt be here until tomorrow. Next word came that MotherвАЩs sister, Mrs.¬†Nichols, is very ill and Mother had to go over to her house at BakerвАЩs Pond, which is about twelve miles east of here, Tom driving her, although he ought to be here to help Father with all the work that there is to do about the farm. And I donвАЩt know if Mother will be able to get back before Sunday. If I were better and didnвАЩt have all this work of my own on my hands I would have to go too, I suppose, although Mother insists not. + 

Next, Emily and Tom, thinking all is going so well with me and that I might enjoy it, were having four girls and four boys come here tonight for a sort of June moon-party, with ice cream and cake to be made by Emily and Mother and myself. But now, poor dear, she has to do a lot of telephoning over Mr.¬†WilcoxвАЩs phone, which we share, in order to put it off until some day next week, if possible. And sheвАЩs just heartsick and gloomy, of course. + 

As for myself, IвАЩm trying to keep a stiff upper lip, as the saying is. But itвАЩs pretty hard, dear, IвАЩll tell you. For so far I have only had three small telephone talks with you, saying that you didnвАЩt think you would have the necessary money before July fifth. And to put the finishing touches on it, as I only learned today, Mamma and Papa have about decided to go to my Uncle CharlieвАЩs in Hamilton for over the fourth (from the fourth to the fifteenth) and take me with them, unless I decide to return to Lycurgus, while Tom and Emily visit with my sister at Homer. But, dear, I canвАЩt do that, as you know. IвАЩm too sick and worried. Last night I vomited dreadful and have been half dead on my feet all day, and I am just about crazy tonight. + 

Dear, what can we do? CanвАЩt you come for me before July third, which will be the time they will be going? You will have to come for me before then, really, because I just canвАЩt go up there with them. ItвАЩs fifty miles from here. I could say I would go up there with them if only you would be sure to come for me before they start. But I must be absolutely sure that you are comingвБ†вАФabsolutely. + 

Clyde, I have done nothing but cry since I got here. If you were only here I wouldnвАЩt feel so badly. I do try to be brave, dear, but how can I help thinking at times that you will never come for me when you havenвАЩt written me one single note and have only talked to me three times since IвАЩve been up here. But then I say to myself you couldnвАЩt be so mean as that, and especially since you have promised. Oh, you will come, wonвАЩt you? Everything worries me so now, Clyde, for some reason and IвАЩm so frightened, dear. I think of last summer and then this one, and all my dreams. It wonвАЩt make any real difference to you about your coming a few days sooner than you intended, will it, dear? Even if we have to get along on a little less. I know that we can. I can be very saving and economical. I will try to have my dresses made by then. If not, I will do with what I have and finish them later. And I will try and be brave, dear, and not annoy you much, if only you will come. You must, you know, Clyde. It canвАЩt be any other way, although for your sake now I wish it could. + 

Please, please, Clyde, write and tell me that you will be here at the end of the time that you said. I worry so and get so lonesome off here all by myself. I will come straight back to you if you donвАЩt come by the time you said. I know you will not like me to say this, but, Clyde, I canвАЩt stay here and thatвАЩs all there is to it. And I canвАЩt go away with Mamma and Papa either, so there is only one way out. I donвАЩt believe I will sleep a wink tonight, so please write me and in your letter tell me over and over not to worry about your not coming for me. If you could only come today, dear, or this weekend, I wouldnвАЩt feel so blue. But nearly two weeks more! Everyone is in bed and the house is still, so I will stop. + 

But please write me, dear, right away, or if you wonвАЩt do that call me up sure tomorrow, because I just canвАЩt rest one single minute until I do hear from you. + 

But the day this letter arrived in Lycurgus Clyde was not there to answer it at once. And because of that, Roberta being in the darkest and most hysterical mood and thought, sat down on Saturday afternoon and, half-convinced as she was that he might already have departed for some distant point without any word to her, almost shrieked or screamed, if one were to properly characterize the mood that animated the following: + 

I am writing to tell you that I am coming back to Lycurgus. I simply canвАЩt stay here any longer. Mamma worries and wonders why I cry so much, and I am just about sick. I know I promised to stay until the 25th or 26th, but then you said you would write me, but you never haveвБ†вАФonly an occasional telephone message when I am almost crazy. I woke up this morning and couldnвАЩt help crying right away and this afternoon my headache is dreadful. + 

IвАЩm so afraid you wonвАЩt come and IвАЩm so frightened, dear. Please come and take me away some place, anywhere, so I can get out of here and not worry like I do. IвАЩm so afraid in the state that IвАЩm in that Papa and Mamma may make me tell the whole affair or that they will find it out for themselves. + 

Oh, Clyde, you will never know. You have said you would come, and sometimes I just know you will. But at other times I get to thinking about other things and IвАЩm just as certain you wonвАЩt, especially when you donвАЩt write or telephone. I wish you would write and say that you will come just so I can stand to stay here. Just as soon as you get this, I wish you would write me and tell me the exact day you can comeвБ†вАФnot later than the first, really, because I know I cannot stand to stay here any longer than then. Clyde, there isnвАЩt a girl in the whole world as miserable as I am, and you have made me so. But I donвАЩt mean that, either, dear. You were good to me once, and you are now, offering to come for me. And if you will come right away I will be so grateful. And when you read this, if you think I am unreasonable, please do not mind it, Clyde, but just think I am crazy with grief and worry and that I just donвАЩt know what to do. Please write me, Clyde. If you only knew how I need a word. + 

This letter, coupled as it was with a threat to come to Lycurgus, was sufficient to induce in Clyde a state not unlike RobertaвАЩs. To think that he had no additional, let alone plausible, excuse to offer Roberta whereby she could be induced to delay her final and imperative demand. He racked his brains. He must not write her any long and self-incriminating letters. That would be foolish in the face of his determination not to marry her. Besides his mood at the moment, so fresh from the arms and kisses of Sondra, was not for anything like that. He could not, even if he would. + 

At the same time, something must be done at once, as he could see, in order to allay her apparently desperate mood. And ten minutes after he had finished reading the last of these two letters, he was attempting to reach Roberta over the telephone. And finally getting her after a troublesome and impatient half-hour, he heard her voice, thin and rather querulous as it seemed to him at first, but really only because of a poor connection, saying: вАЬHello, Clyde, hello. Oh, IвАЩm so glad you called. IвАЩve been terribly nervous. Did you get my two letters? I was just about to leave here in the morning if I didnвАЩt hear from you by then. I just couldnвАЩt stand not to hear anything. Where have you been, dear? Did you read what I said about my parents going away? ThatвАЩs true. Why donвАЩt you write, Clyde, or call me up anyhow? What about what I said in my letter about the third? Will you be sure and come then? Or shall I meet you somewhere? IвАЩve been so nervous the last three or four days, but now that I hear you again, maybe IвАЩll be able to quiet down some. But I do wish you would write me a note every few days anyhow. Why wonвАЩt you, Clyde? You havenвАЩt even written me one since IвАЩve been here. I canвАЩt tell you what a state IвАЩm in and how hard it is to keep calm now.вАЭ + 

Plainly Roberta was very nervous and fearsome as she talked. As a matter of fact, except that the home in which she was telephoning was deserted at the moment she was talking very indiscreetly, it seemed to Clyde. And it aided but little in his judgment for her to explain that she was all alone and that no one could hear her. He did not want her to use his name or refer to letters written to him. + 

Without talking too plainly, he now tried to make it clear that he was very busy and that it was hard for him to write as much as she might think necessary. Had he not said that he was coming on the 28th or thereabouts if he could? Well, he would if he could, only it looked now as though it might be necessary for him to postpone it for another week or so, until the seventh or eighth of JulyвБ†вАФlong enough for him to get together an extra fifty for which he had a plan, and which would be necessary for him to have. But really, which was the thought behind this other, long enough for him to pay one more visit to Sondra as he was yearning to do, over the next weekend. But this demand of hers, now! CouldnвАЩt she go with her parents for a week or so and then let him come for her there or she come to him? It would give him more needed time, andвБ†вАФ + 

But at this Roberta, bursting forth in a storm of nervous disapprovalвБ†вАФsaying that most certainly if that were the case she was going back to her room at the GilpinsвАЩ, if she could get it, and not waste her time up there getting ready and waiting for him when he was not comingвБ†вАФhe suddenly decided that he might as well say that he was coming on the third, or that if he did not, that at least by then he would have arranged with her where to meet him. For even by now, he had not made up his mind as to how he was to do. He must have a little more time to thinkвБ†вАФmore time to think. + 

And so now he altered his tone greatly and said: вАЬBut listen, Bert. Please donвАЩt be angry with me. You talk as though I didnвАЩt have any troubles in connection with all this, either. You donвАЩt know what this may be going to cost me before IвАЩm through with it, and you donвАЩt seem to care much. I know youвАЩre worried and all that, but what about me? IвАЩm doing the very best I can now, Bert, with all I have to think about. And wonвАЩt you just be patient now until the third, anyhow? Please do. I promise to write you and if I donвАЩt, IвАЩll call you up every other day. Will that be all right? But I certainly donвАЩt want you to be using my name like you did a while ago. That will lead to trouble, sure. Please donвАЩt. And when I call again, IвАЩll just say itвАЩs Mr.¬†Baker asking, see, and you can say itвАЩs anyone you like afterwards. And then, if by any chance anything should come up that would stop our starting exactly on the third, why you can come back here if you want to, see, or somewhere near here, and then we can start as soon as possible after that.вАЭ + 

His tone was so pleading and soothing, infused as it wasвБ†вАФbut because of his present necessity only with a trace of that old tenderness and seeming helplessness which, at times, had quite captivated Roberta, that even now it served to win her to a bizarre and groundless gratitude. So much so that at once she had replied, warmly and emotionally, even: вАЬOh, no, dear. I donвАЩt want to do anything like that. You know I donвАЩt. ItвАЩs just because things are so bad as they are with me and I canвАЩt help myself now. You know that, Clyde, donвАЩt you? I canвАЩt help loving you. I always will, I suppose. And I donвАЩt want to do anything to hurt you, dear, really I donвАЩt if I can help it.вАЭ + 

And Clyde, hearing the ring of genuine affection, and sensing anew his old-time power over her, was disposed to reenact the role of lover again, if only in order to dissuade Roberta from being too harsh and driving with him now. For while he could not like her now, he told himself, and could not think of marrying her, still in view of this other dream he could at least be gracious to herвБ†вАФcould he not?вБ†вАФPretend! And so this conversation ended with a new peace based on this agreement. + 

The preceding dayвБ†вАФa day of somewhat reduced activities on the lakes from which he had just returnedвБ†вАФhe and Sondra and Stuart and Bertine, together with Nina Temple and a youth named Harley Baggott, then visiting the Thurstons, had motored first from Twelfth Lake to Three Mile Bay, a small lakeside resort some twenty-five miles north, and from thence, between towering walls of pines, to Big Bittern and some other smaller lakes lost in the recesses of the tall pines of the region to the north of Trine Lake. And en route, Clyde, as he now recalled, had been most strangely impressed at moments and in spots by the desolate and for the most part lonely character of the region. The narrow and rain-washed and even rutted nature of the dirt roads that wound between tall, silent and darksome treesвБ†вАФforests in the largest sense of the wordвБ†вАФthat extended for miles and miles apparently on either hand. The decadent and weird nature of some of the bogs and tarns on either side of the only comparatively passable dirt roads which here and there were festooned with funereal or viperous vines, and strewn like deserted battlefields with soggy and decayed piles of fallen and crisscrossed logsвБ†вАФin places as many as four deepвБ†вАФone above the otherвБ†вАФin the green slime that an undrained depression in the earth had accumulated. The eyes and backs of occasional frogs that, upon lichen or vine or moss-covered stumps and rotting logs in this warm June weather, there sunned themselves apparently undisturbed; the spirals of gnats, the solitary flick of a snakeвАЩs tail as disturbed by the sudden approach of the machine, one made off into the muck and the poisonous grasses and water-plants which were thickly imbedded in it. + 

And in seeing one of these Clyde, for some reason, had thought of the accident at Pass Lake. He did not realize it, but at the moment his own subconscious need was contemplating the loneliness and the usefulness at times of such a lone spot as this. And at one point it was that a wier-wier, one of the solitary waterbirds of this region, uttered its ouphe and barghest cry, flying from somewhere near into some darker recess within the woods. And at this sound it was that Clyde had stirred nervously and then sat up in the car. It was so very different to any bird-cry he had ever heard anywhere. + 

вАЬWhat was that?вАЭ he asked of Harley Baggott, who sat next him. + 

вАЬWhat?вАЭ + 

вАЬWhy, that bird or something that just flew away back there just now?вАЭ + 

вАЬI didnвАЩt hear any bird.вАЭ + 

вАЬGee! That was a queer sound. It makes me feel creepy.вАЭ + 

As interesting and impressive as anything else to him in this almost tenantless region had been the fact that there were so many lonesome lakes, not one of which he had ever heard of before. The territory through which they were speeding as fast as the dirt roads would permit, was dotted with them in these deep forests of pine. And only occasionally in passing near one, were there any signs indicating a camp or lodge, and those to be reached only by some half-blazed trail or rutty or sandy road disappearing through darker trees. In the main, the shores of the more remote lakes passed, were all but untenanted, or so sparsely that a cabin or a distant lodge to be seen across the smooth waters of some pine-encircled gem was an object of interest to all. + 

Why must he think of that other lake in Massachusetts! That boat! The body of that girl foundвБ†вАФbut not that of the man who accompanied her! How terrible, really! + 

He recalled afterwardsвБ†вАФhere in his room, after the last conversation with RobertaвБ†вАФthat the car, after a few more miles, had finally swung into an open space at the north end of a long narrow lakeвБ†вАФthe south prospect of which appeared to be divided by a point or an island suggesting a greater length and further windings or curves than were visible from where the car had stopped. And except for the small lodge and boathouse at this upper end it had appeared so very lonesomeвБ†вАФnot a launch or canoe on it at the time their party arrived. And as in the case of all the other lakes seen this day, the banks to the very shore line were sentineled with those same green pinesвБ†вАФtall, spear-shapedвБ†вАФtheir arms widespread like one outside his window here in Lycurgus. And beyond them in the distance, to the south and west, rose the humped and still smooth and green backs of the nearer Adirondacks. And the water before them, now ruffled by a light wind and glowing in the afternoon sun, was of an intense Prussian blue, almost black, which suggested, as was afterwards confirmed by a guide who was lounging upon the low veranda of the small innвБ†вАФthat it was very deepвБ†вАФвАЬall of seventy feet not more than a hundred feet out from that boathouse.вАЭ + 

And at this point Harley Baggott, who was interested to learn more about the fishing possibilities of this lake in behalf of his father, who contemplated coming to this region in a few days, had inquired of the guide who appeared not to look at the others in the car: + 

вАЬHow long is this lake, anyhow?вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, about seven miles.вАЭ + 

вАЬAny fish in it?вАЭ + 

вАЬThrow a line in and see. The best place for black bass and the like of that almost anywhere around here. Off the island down yonder, or just to the south of it round on the other side there, thereвАЩs a little bay thatвАЩs said to be one of the best fishinвАЩ holes in any of the lakes up this way. IвАЩve seen a coupla men bring back as many as seventy-five fish in two hours. That oughta satisfy anybody that ainвАЩt tryinвАЩ to ruin the place for the rest of us.вАЭ + 

The guide, a thinnish, tall and wizened type, with a long, narrow head and small, keen, bright blue eyes laughed a yokelish laugh as he studied the group. вАЬNot thinkinвАЩ of tryinвАЩ your luck today?вАЭ + 

вАЬNo, just inquiring for my dad. HeвАЩs coming up here next week, maybe. I want to see about accommodations.вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, they ainвАЩt what they are down to Racquette, of course, but then the fish down there ainвАЩt what they are up here, either.вАЭ He visited all with a sly and wry and knowing smile. + 

Clyde had never seen the type before. He was interested by all the anomalies and contrarities of this lonesome world as contrasted with cities he had known almost exclusively, as well as the decidedly exotic and material life and equipment with which, at the CranstonsвАЩ and elsewhere, he was then surrounded. The strange and comparatively deserted nature of this region as contrasted with the brisk and vigorous life of Lycurgus, less than a hundred miles to the south. + 

вАЬThe country up here kills me,вАЭ commented Stuart Finchley at this point. вАЬItвАЩs so near the Chain and yet itвАЩs so different, scarcely anyone living up here at all, it seems.вАЭ + 

вАЬWell, except for the camps in summer and the fellows that come up to hunt moose and deer in the fall, there ainвАЩt much of anybody or anything around here after September first,вАЭ commented the guide. вАЬIвАЩve been guidinвАЩ and trappinвАЩ for nigh onto seventeen years now around here and вАЩcept for more and more people around some of the lakes below hereвБ†вАФthe Chain principally in summerвБ†вАФI ainвАЩt seen much change. You need to know this country purty well if yer goinвАЩt strike out anywhere away from the main roads, though oвАЩ course about five miles to the west oвАЩ here is the railroad. Gun Lodge is the station. We bring вАЩem by bus from there in the summer. And from the south end down there is a sorta road leadinвАЩ down to Greys Lake and Three Mile Bay. You musta come along a part of it, since itвАЩs the only road up into this country as yet. TheyвАЩre talkinвАЩ of cuttinвАЩ one through to Long Lake sometime, but so far itвАЩs mostly talk. But from most of these other lakes around here, thereвАЩs no road at all, not that an automobile could make. Just trails and thereвАЩs not even a decent camp on some oвАЩ вАЩem. You have to bring your own outfit. But Ellis and me was over to Gun Lake last summerвБ†вАФthatвАЩs thirty miles west oвАЩ here and we had to walk every inch of the way and carry our packs. But, oh, say, the fishinвАЩ and moose and deer come right down to the shore in places to drink. See вАЩem as plain as that stump across the lake.вАЭ + 

And Clyde remembered that, along with the others, he had carried away the impression that for solitude and charmвБ†вАФor at least mysteryвБ†вАФthis region could scarcely be matched. And to think it was all so comparatively near LycurgusвБ†вАФnot more than a hundred miles by road; not more than seventy by rail, as he eventually came to know. + 

But now once more in Lycurgus and back in his room after just explaining to Roberta, as he had, he once more encountered on his writing desk, the identical paper containing the item concerning the tragedy at Pass Lake. And in spite of himself, his eye once more followed nervously and yet unwaveringly to the last word all the suggestive and provocative details. The uncomplicated and apparently easy way in which the lost couple had first arrived at the boathouse; the commonplace and entirely unsuspicious way in which they had hired a boat and set forth for a row; the manner in which they had disappeared to the north end; and then the upturned boat, the floating oars and hats near the shore. He stood reading in the still strong evening light. Outside the windows were the dark boughs of the fir tree of which he had thought the preceding day and which now suggested all those firs and pines about the shores of Big Bittern. + 

But, good God! What was he thinking of anyhow? He, Clyde Griffiths! The nephew of Samuel Griffiths! What was вАЬgetting intoвАЭ him? Murder! ThatвАЩs what it was. This terrible itemвБ†вАФthis devilвАЩs accident or machination that was constantly putting it before him! A most horrible crime, and one for which they electrocuted people if they were caught. Besides, he could not murder anybodyвБ†вАФnot Roberta, anyhow. Oh, no! Surely not after all that had been between them. And yetвБ†вАФthis other world!вБ†вАФSondraвБ†вАФwhich he was certain to lose now unless he acted in some wayвБ†вАФ + 

His hands shook, his eyelids twitchedвБ†вАФthen his hair at the roots tingled and over his body ran chill nervous titillations in waves. Murder! Or upsetting a boat at any rate in deep water, which of course might happen anywhere, and by accident, as at Pass Lake. And Roberta could not swim. He knew that. But she might save herself at thatвБ†вАФscreamвБ†вАФcling to the boatвБ†вАФand thenвБ†вАФif there were any to hearвБ†вАФand she told afterwards! An icy perspiration now sprang to his forehead; his lips trembled and suddenly his throat felt parched and dry. To prevent a thing like that he would have toвБ†вАФtoвБ†вАФbut noвБ†вАФhe was not like that. He could not do a thing like thatвБ†вАФhit anyoneвБ†вАФa girlвБ†вАФRobertaвБ†вАФand when drowning or struggling. Oh, no, noвБ†вАФno such thing as that! Impossible. + 

He took his straw hat and went out, almost before anyone heard him think, as he would have phrased it to himself, such horrible, terrible thoughts. He could not and would not think them from now on. He was no such person. And yetвБ†вАФand yetвБ†вАФthese thoughts. The solutionвБ†вАФif he wanted one. The way to stay hereвБ†вАФnot leaveвБ†вАФmarry SondraвБ†вАФbe rid of Roberta and allвБ†вАФallвБ†вАФfor the price of a little courage or daring. But no! + 

He walked and walkedвБ†вАФaway from LycurgusвБ†вАФout on a road to the southeast which passed through a poor and decidedly unfrequented rural section, and so left him alone to thinkвБ†вАФor, as he felt, not to be heard in his thinking. + 

Day was fading into dark. Lamps were beginning to glow in the cottages here and there. Trees in groups in fields or along the road were beginning to blur or smokily blend. And although it was warmвБ†вАФthe air lifeless and lethargicвБ†вАФhe walked fast, thinking, and perspiring as he did so, as though he were seeking to outwalk and outthink or divert some inner self that preferred to be still and think. + 

That gloomy, lonely lake up there! + 

That island to the south! + 

Who would see? + 

Who could hear? + 

That station at Gun Lodge with a bus running to it at this season of the year. (Ah, he remembered that, did he? The deuce!) A terrible thing, to remember a thing like that in connection with such a thought as this! But if he were going to think of such a thing as this at all, he had better think wellвБ†вАФhe could tell himself thatвБ†вАФor stop thinking about it nowвБ†вАФonce and foreverвБ†вАФforever. But Sondra! Roberta! If ever he were caughtвБ†вАФelectrocuted! And yet the actual misery of his present state. The difficulty! The danger of losing Sondra. And yet, murderвБ†вАФ + 

He wiped his hot and wet face, and paused and gazed at a group of trees across a field which somehow reminded him of the trees ofвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ wellвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ he didnвАЩt like this road. It was getting too dark out here. He had better turn and go back. But that road at the south and leading to Three Mile Bay and Greys LakeвБ†вАФif one chose to go that wayвБ†вАФto Sharon and the Cranston LodgeвБ†вАФwhither he would be going afterwards if he did go that way. God! Big BitternвБ†вАФthe trees along there after dark would be like thatвБ†вАФblurred and gloomy. It would have to be toward evening, of course. No one would think of trying toвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ wellвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ in the morning, when there was so much light. Only a fool would do that. But at night, toward dusk, as it was now, or a little later. But, damn it, he would not listen to such thoughts. Yet no one would be likely to see him or Roberta eitherвБ†вАФwould theyвБ†вАФthere? It would be so easy to go to a place like Big BitternвБ†вАФfor an alleged wedding tripвБ†вАФwould it notвБ†вАФover the Fourth, sayвБ†вАФor after the fourth or fifth, when there would be fewer people. And to register as someone elseвБ†вАФnot himselfвБ†вАФso that he could never be traced that way. And then, again, it would be so easy to get back to Sharon and the CranstonsвАЩ by midnight, or the morning of the next day, maybe, and then, once there he could pretend also that he had come north on that early morning train that arrived about ten oвАЩclock. And thenвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ + 

Confound itвБ†вАФwhy should his mind keep dwelling on this idea? Was he actually planning to do a thing like this? But he was not! He could not be! He, Clyde Griffiths, could not be serious about a thing like this. That was not possible. He could not be. Of course! It was all too impossible, too wicked, to imagine that he, Clyde Griffiths, could bring himself to execute a deed like that. And yetвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ + 

And forthwith an uncanny feeling of wretchedness and insufficiency for so dark a crime insisted on thrusting itself forward. He decided to retrace his steps toward Lycurgus, where at least he could be among people. + 

XLV + 

There are moments when in connection with the sensitively imaginative or morbidly anachronisticвБ†вАФthe mentality assailed and the same not of any great strength and the problem confronting it of sufficient force and complexityвБ†вАФthe reason not actually toppling from its throne, still totters or is warped or shakenвБ†вАФthe mind befuddled to the extent that for the time being, at least, unreason or disorder and mistaken or erroneous counsel would appear to hold against all else. In such instances the will and the courage confronted by some great difficulty which it can neither master nor endure, appears in some to recede in precipitate flight, leaving only panic and temporary unreason in its wake. + 

And in this instance, the mind of Clyde might well have been compared to a small and routed army in full flight before a major one, yet at various times in its precipitate departure, pausing for a moment to meditate on some way of escaping complete destruction and in the coincident panic of such a state, resorting to the weirdest and most haphazard of schemes of escaping from an impending and yet wholly unescapable fate. The strained and bedeviled look in his eyes at momentsвБ†вАФthe manner in which, from moment to moment and hour to hour, he went over and over his hitherto poorly balanced actions and thoughts but with no smallest door of escape anywhere. And yet again at moments the solution suggested by the item in The Times-Union again thrusting itself forward, psychogenetically, born of his own turbulent, eager and disappointed seeking. And hence persisting. + 

Indeed, it was now as though from the depths of some lower or higher world never before guessed or plumbed by himвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ a region otherwhere than in life or death and peopled by creatures otherwise than himselfвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ there had now suddenly appeared, as the genie at the accidental rubbing of AladdinвАЩs lampвБ†вАФas the afreet emerging as smoke from the mystic jar in the net of the fishermanвБ†вАФthe very substance of some leering and diabolic wish or wisdom concealed in his own nature, and that now abhorrent and yet compelling, leering and yet intriguing, friendly and yet cruel, offered him a choice between an evil which threatened to destroy him (and against his deepest opposition) and a second evil which, however it might disgust or sear or terrify, still provided for freedom and success and love. + 

Indeed the center or mentating section of his brain at this time might well have been compared to a sealed and silent hall in which alone and undisturbed, and that in spite of himself, he now sat thinking on the mystic or evil and terrifying desires or advice of some darker or primordial and unregenerate nature of his own, and without the power to drive the same forth or himself to decamp, and yet also without the courage to act upon anything. + 

For now the genie of his darkest and weakest side was speaking. And it said: вАЬAnd would you escape from the demands of Roberta that but now and unto this hour have appeared unescapable to you? Behold! I bring you a way. It is the way of the lakeвБ†вАФPass Lake. This item that you have readвБ†вАФdo you think it was placed in your hands for nothing? Remember Big Bittern, the deep, blue-black water, the island to the south, the lone road to Three Mile Bay? How suitable to your needs! A rowboat or a canoe upset in such a lake and Roberta would pass forever from your life. She cannot swim! The lakeвБ†вАФthe lakeвБ†вАФthat you have seenвБ†вАФthat I have shown youвБ†вАФis it not ideal for the purpose? So removed and so little frequented and yet comparatively nearвБ†вАФbut a hundred miles from here. And how easy for you and Roberta to go thereвБ†вАФnot directly but indirectlyвБ†вАФon this purely imaginative marriage-trip that you have already agreed to. And all that you need do now is to change your nameвБ†вАФand hersвБ†вАФor let her keep her own and you use yours. You have never permitted her to speak of you and this relationship, and she never has. You have written her but formal notes. And now if you should meet her somewhere as you have already agreed to, and without anyone seeing you, you might travel with her, as in the past to Fonda, to Big BitternвБ†вАФor some point near there.вАЭ + 

вАЬBut there is no hotel at Big Bittern,вАЭ at once corrected Clyde. вАЬA mere shack that entertains but few people and that not very well.вАЭ + 

вАЬAll the better. The less people are likely to be there.вАЭ + 

вАЬBut we might be seen on the train going up together. I would be identified as having been with her.вАЭ + 

вАЬWere you seen at Fonda, Gloversville, Little Falls? Have you not ridden in separate cars or seats before and could you not do so now? Is it not presumably to be a secret marriage? Then why not a secret honeymoon?вАЭ + 

вАЬTrue enoughвБ†вАФtrue enough.вАЭ + 

вАЬAnd once you have arranged for that and arrive at Big Bittern or some lake like itвБ†вАФthere are so many thereвБ†вАФhow easy to row out on such a lake? No questions. No registry under your own name or hers. A boat rented for an hour or half-day or day. You saw the island far to the south on that lone lake. Is it not beautiful? It is well worth seeing. Why should you not go there on such a pleasure trip before marriage? Would she not be happy so to doвБ†вАФas weary and distressed as she is nowвБ†вАФan outingвБ†вАФa rest before the ordeal of the new life? Is not that sensibleвБ†вАФplausible? And neither of you will ever return presumably. You will both be drowned, will you not? Who is to see? A guide or twoвБ†вАФthe man who rents you the boatвБ†вАФthe innkeeper once, as you go. But how are they to know who you are? Or who she is? And you heard the depth of the water.вАЭ + 

вАЬBut I do not want to kill her. I do not want to kill her. I do not want to injure her in any way. If she will but let me go and she go her own way, I will be so glad and so happy never to see her more.вАЭ + 

вАЬBut she will not let you go or go her way unless you accompany her. And if you go yours, it will be without Sondra and all that she represents, as well as all this pleasant life hereвБ†вАФyour standing with your uncle, his friends, their cars, the dances, visits to the lodges on the lakes. And what then? A small job! Small pay! Another such period of wandering as followed that accident at Kansas City. Never another chance like this anywhere. Do you prefer that?вАЭ + 

вАЬBut might there not be some accident here, destroying all my dreamsвБ†вАФmy futureвБ†вАФas there was in Kansas City?вАЭ + 

вАЬAn accident, to be sureвБ†вАФbut not the same. In this instance the plan is in your hands. You can arrange it all as you will. And how easy! So many boats upsetting every summerвБ†вАФthe occupants of them drowning, because in most cases they cannot swim. And will it ever be known whether the man who was with Roberta Alden on Big Bittern could swim? And of all deaths, drowning is the easiestвБ†вАФno noiseвБ†вАФno outcryвБ†вАФperhaps the accidental blow of an oarвБ†вАФthe side of a boat. And then silence! FreedomвБ†вАФa body that no one may ever find. Or if found and identified, will it not be easy, if you but trouble to plan, to make it appear that you were elsewhere, visiting at one of the other lakes before you decided to go to Twelfth Lake. What is wrong with it? Where is the flaw?вАЭ + 

вАЬBut assuming that I should upset the boat and that she should not drown, then what? Should cling to it, cry out, be saved and relate afterward thatвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ But no, I cannot do thatвБ†вАФwill not do it. I will not hit her. That would be too terribleвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ too vile.вАЭ + 

вАЬBut a little blowвБ†вАФany little blow under such circumstances would be sufficient to confuse and complete her undoing. Sad, yes, but she has an opportunity to go her own way, has she not? And she will not, nor let you go yours. Well, then, is this so terribly unfair? And do not forget that afterwards there is SondraвБ†вАФthe beautifulвБ†вАФa home with her in LycurgusвБ†вАФwealth, a high position such as elsewhere you may never obtain againвБ†вАФneverвБ†вАФnever. Love and happinessвБ†вАФthe equal of anyone hereвБ†вАФsuperior even to your cousin Gilbert.вАЭ + 

The voice ceased temporarily, trailing off into shadowвБ†вАФsilence, dreams. + 

And Clyde, contemplating all that had been said, was still unconvinced. Darker fears or better impulses supplanted the counsel of the voice in the great hall. But presently thinking of Sondra and all that she represented, and then of Roberta, the dark personality would as suddenly and swiftly return and with amplified suavity and subtlety. + 

вАЬAh, still thinking on the matter. And you have not found a way out and you will not. I have truly pointed out to you and in all helpfulness the only wayвБ†вАФthe only wayвБ†вАФIt is a long lake. And would it not be easy in rowing about to eventually find some secluded spotвБ†вАФsome invisible nook near that south shore where the water is deep? And from there how easy to walk through the woods to Three Mile Bay and Upper Greys Lake? And from there to the CranstonsвАЩ? There is a boat from there, as you know. PahвБ†вАФhow cowardlyвБ†вАФhow lacking in courage to win the thing that above all things you desireвБ†вАФbeautyвБ†вАФwealthвБ†вАФpositionвБ†вАФthe solution of your every material and spiritual desire. And with poverty, commonplace, hard and poor work as the alternative to all this. + 

вАЬBut you must chooseвБ†вАФchoose! And then act. You must! You must! You must!вАЭ + 

Thus the voice in parting, echoing from some remote part of the enormous chamber. + 

And Clyde, listening at first with horror and in terror, later with a detached and philosophic calm as one who, entirely apart from what he may think or do, is still entitled to consider even the wildest and most desperate proposals for his release, at last, because of his own mental and material weakness before pleasures and dreams which he could not bring himself to forego, psychically intrigued to the point where he was beginning to think that it might be possible. Why not? Was it not even as the voice saidвБ†вАФa possible and plausible wayвБ†вАФall his desires and dreams to be made real by this one evil thing? Yet in his case, because of flaws and weaknesses in his own unstable and highly variable will, the problem was not to be solved by thinking thusвБ†вАФthenвБ†вАФnor for the next ten days for that matter. + 

He could not really act on such a matter for himself and would not. It remained as usual for him to be forced either to act or to abandon this most wild and terrible thought. Yet during this time a series of lettersвБ†вАФseven from Roberta, five from SondraвБ†вАФin which in somber tones in so far as Roberta was concernedвБ†вАФin gay and colorful ones in those which came from SondraвБ†вАФwas painted the now so sharply contrasting phases of the black rebus which lay before him. To RobertaвАЩs pleadings, argumentative and threatening as they were, Clyde did not trust himself to reply, not even by telephone. For now he reasoned that to answer would be only to lure Roberta to her doomвБ†вАФor to the attempted drastic conclusion of his difficulties as outlined by the tragedy at Pass Lake. + 

At the same time, in several notes addressed to Sondra, he gave vent to the most impassioned declarations of loveвБ†вАФhis darlingвБ†вАФhis wonder girlвБ†вАФhow eager he was to be at Twelfth Lake by the morning of the Fourth, if he could, and so thrilled to see her there again. Yet, alas, as he also wrote now, so uncertain was he, even now, as to how he was to do, there were certain details in connection with his work here that might delay him a day or two or threeвБ†вАФhe could not tell as yetвБ†вАФbut would write her by the second at the latest, when he would know positively. Yet saying to himself as he wrote this, if she but knew what those details wereвБ†вАФif she but knew. Yet in penning this, and without having as yet answered the last importunate letter from Roberta, he was also saying to himself that this did not mean that he was planning to go to Roberta at all, or that if he did, it did not mean that he was going to attempt to kill her. Never once did he honestly, or to put it more accurately, forthrightly and courageously or coldly face the thought of committing so grim a crime. On the contrary, the nearer he approached a final resolution or the need for one in connection with all this, the more hideous and terrible seemed the ideaвБ†вАФhideous and difficult, and hence the more improbable it seemed that he should ever commit it. It was true that from moment to momentвБ†вАФarguing with himself as he constantly wasвБ†вАФsweating mental sweats and fleeing from moral and social terrors in connection with it all, he was thinking from time to time that he might go to Big Bittern in order to quiet her in connection with these present importunities and threats and hence (once more evasionвБ†вАФtergiversation with himself) give himself more time in which to conclude what his true course must be. + 

The way of the Lake. + 

The way of the Lake. + 

But once thereвБ†вАФwhether it would then be advisable so to doвБ†вАФor notвБ†вАФwell who could tell. He might even yet be able to convert Roberta to some other point of view. For, say what you would, she was certainly acting very unfairly and captiously in all this. She was, as he saw it in connection with his very vital dream of Sondra, making a mountainвБ†вАФan immense terrorвБ†вАФout of a state that when all was said and done, was not so different from EstaвАЩs. And Esta had not compelled anyone to marry her. And how much better were the Aldens to his own parentsвБ†вАФpoor farmers as compared to poor preachers. And why should he be so concerned as to what they would think when Esta had not troubled to think what her parents would feel? + 

In spite of all that Roberta had said about blame, was she so entirely lacking in blame herself? To be sure, he had sought to entice or seduce her, as you will, but even so, could she be held entirely blameless? Could she not have refused, if she was so positive at the time that she was so very moral? But she had not. And as to all this, all that he had done, had he not done all he could to help her out of it? And he had so little money, too. And was placed in such a difficult position. She was just as much to blame as he was. And yet now she was so determined to drive him this way. To insist on his marrying her, whereas if she would only go her own wayвБ†вАФas she could with his helpвБ†вАФshe might still save both of them all this trouble. + 

But no, she would not, and he would not marry her and that was all there was to it. She need not think that she could make him. No, no, no! At times, when in such moods, he felt that he could do anythingвБ†вАФdrown her easily enough, and she would only have herself to blame. + 

Then again his more cowering sense of what society would think and do, if it knew, what he himself would be compelled to think of himself afterwards, fairly well satisfied him that as much as he desired to stay, he was not the one to do anything at all and in consequence must flee. + 

And so it was that Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday following RobertaвАЩs letter received on Monday, had passed. And then, on Thursday night, following a most torturesome mental day on his and RobertaвАЩs part for that matter, this is what he received: + 

This is to tell you that unless I hear from you either by telephone or letter before noon, Friday, I shall be in Lycurgus that same night, and the world will know how you have treated me. I cannot and will not wait and suffer one more hour. I regret to be compelled to take this step, but you have allowed all this time to go in silence really, and Saturday is the third, and without any plans of any kind. My whole life is ruined and so will yours be in a measure, but I cannot feel that I am entirely to blame. I have done all I possibly could to make this burden as easy for you as possible and I certainly regret all the misery it will cause my parents and friends and all whom you know and hold dear. But I will not wait and suffer one hour more. + 

And with this in his hands, he was finally all but numbed by the fact that now decidedly he must act. She was actually coming! Unless he could soothe or restrain her in some manner she would be here tomorrowвБ†вАФthe second. And yet the second, or the third, or any time until after the Fourth, was no time to leave with her. The holiday crowds would be too great. There would be too many people to seeвБ†вАФto encounter. There must be more secrecy. He must have at least a little more time in which to get ready. He must think now quickly and then act. Great God! Get ready. Could he not telephone her and say that he had been sick or so worried on account of the necessary money or something that he could not writeвБ†вАФand that besides his uncle had sent for him to come to Greenwood Lake over the Fourth. His uncle! His uncle! No, that would not do. He had used his name too much, what difference should it make to him or her now, whether he saw his uncle once more or not? He was leaving once and for all, or so he had been telling her, on her account, was he not? And so he had better say that he was going to his uncle, in order to give a reason why he was going away so that, possibly, he might be able to return in a year or so. She might believe that. At any rate he must tell her something that would quiet her until after the FourthвБ†вАФmake her stay up there until at least he could perfect some planвБ†вАФbring himself to the place where he could do one thing or the other. One thing or the other. + 

Without pausing to plan anything more than just this at this time, he hurried to the nearest telephone where he was least likely to be overheard. And, getting her once more, began one of those long and evasive and, in this instance, ingratiating explanations which eventually, after he had insisted that he had actually been sickвБ†вАФconfined to his room with a fever and hence not able to get to a telephoneвБ†вАФand because, as he now said, he had finally decided that it would be best if he were to make some explanation to his uncle, so that he might return some time in the future, if necessaryвБ†вАФhe, by using the most pleading, if not actually affectionate, tones and asking her to consider what a state he had been in, too, was able not only to make her believe that there was some excuse for his delay and silence, but also to introduce the plan that he now had in mind; which was if only she could wait until the sixth, then assuredly, without fail as to any particular, he would meet her at any place she would choose to comeвБ†вАФHomer, Fonda, Lycurgus, Little FallsвБ†вАФonly since they were trying to keep everything so secret, he would suggest that she come to Fonda on the morning of the sixth in order to make the noon train for Utica. There they could spend the night since they could not very well discuss and decide on their plans over the telephone, now, and then they could act upon whatever they had decided. Besides he could tell her better then just how he thought they ought to do. He had an ideaвБ†вАФa little trip maybe, somewhere before they got married or after, just as she wished, butвБ†вАФsomething nice anyhowвБ†вАФ(his voice grew husky and his knees and hands shook slightly as he said this, only Roberta could not detect the sudden perturbation within him). But she must not ask him now. He could not tell her over the phone. But as sure as anything, at noon on the sixth, he would be on the station platform at Fonda. All she had to do after seeing him was to buy her ticket to Utica and get in one coach, and he would buy his separately and get in anotherвБ†вАФthe one just ahead or behind hers. On the way down, if she didnвАЩt see him at the station beforehand, he would pass through her car for a drink so that she could see that he was thereвБ†вАФno more than thatвБ†вАФbut she mustnвАЩt speak to him. Then once in Utica, she should check her bag and he would follow her out to the nearest quiet corner. After that he would go and get her bag, and then they could go to some little hotel and he would take care of all the rest. + 

But she must do this. Would she have that much faith in him? If so, he would call her up on the thirdвБ†вАФthe very next dayвБ†вАФand on the morning of the sixthвБ†вАФsure, so that both he and she would know that everything was all rightвБ†вАФthat she was starting and that he would be there. What was that? Her trunk? The little one? Sure. If she needed it, certainly bring it. Only, if he were she, he would not trouble to try to bring too much now, because once she was settled somewhere, it would be easy enough to send for anything else that she really needed. + 

As Clyde stood at the telephone in a small outlying drug store and talkedвБ†вАФthe lonely proprietor buried in a silly romance among his pots and phials at the backвБ†вАФit seemed as though the Giant Afreet that had previously materialized in the silent halls of his brain, was once more here at his elbowвБ†вАФthat he himself, cold and numb and fearsome, was being talked throughвБ†вАФnot actually talking himself. + 

Go to the lake which you visited with Sondra! + 

Get travel folders of the region there from either the Lycurgus House here or the depot. + 

Go to the south end of it and from there walk south, afterwards. + 

Pick a boat that will upset easilyвБ†вАФone with a round bottom, such as those you have seen here at Crum Lake and up there. + 

Buy a new and different hat and leave that on the waterвБ†вАФone that cannot be traced to you. You might even tear the lining out of it so that it cannot be traced. + 

Pack all of your things in your trunk here, but leave it, so that swiftly, in the event that anything goes wrong, you can return here and get it and depart. + 

And take only such things with you as will make it seem as though you were going for an outing to Twelfth LakeвБ†вАФnot away, so that should you be sought at Twelfth Lake, it will look as though you had gone only there, not elsewhere. + 

Tell her that you intend to marry her, but after you return from this outing, not before. + 

And if necessary strike a light blow, so as to stun herвБ†вАФno moreвБ†вАФso that falling in the water, she will drown the more easily. + 

Do not fear! + 

Do not be weak! + 

Walk through the woods by night, not by dayвБ†вАФso that when seen again you will be in Three Mile Bay or SharonвБ†вАФand can say that you came from Racquette or Long Lake south, or from Lycurgus north. + 

Use a false name and alter your handwriting as much as possible. + 

Assume that you will be successful. + 

And whisper, whisperвБ†вАФlet your language be soft, your tone tender, loving, even. It must be, if you are to win her to your will now. + 

So the Afreet of his own darker self. + 

XLVI + 

And then at noon on Tuesday, July sixth, the station platform of the railroad running from Fonda to Utica, with Roberta stepping down from the train which came south from Biltz to await Clyde, for the train that was to take them to Utica was not due for another half hour. And fifteen minutes later Clyde himself coming from a side street and approaching the station from the south, from which position Roberta could not see him but from where, after turning the west corner of the depot and stationing himself behind a pile of crates, he could see her. How thin and pale indeed! By contrast with Sondra, how illy-dressed in the blue traveling suit and small brown hat with which she had equipped herself for this occasionвБ†вАФthe promise of a restricted and difficult life as contrasted with that offered by Sondra. And she was thinking of compelling him to give up Sondra in order to marry her, and from which union he might never be able to extricate himself until such time as would make Sondra and all she represented a mere recollection. The difference between the attitudes of these two girlsвБ†вАФSondra with everything offering allвБ†вАФasking nothing of him; Roberta, with nothing, asking all. + 

A feeling of dark and bitter resentment swept over him and he could not help but feel sympathetic toward that unknown man at Pass Lake and secretly wish that he had been successful. Perhaps he, too, had been confronted by a situation just like this. And perhaps he had done right, too, after all, and that was why it had not been found out. His nerves twitched. His eyes were somber, resentful and yet nervous. Could it not happen again successfully in this case? + 

But here he was now upon the same platform with her as the result of her persistent and illogical demands, and he must be thinking how, and boldly, he must carry out the plans which, for four days, or ever since he had telephoned her, and in a dimmer way for the ten preceding those, he had been planning. This settled course must not be interfered with now. He must act! He must not let fear influence him to anything less than he had now planned. + 

And so it was that he now stepped forth in order that she might see him, at the same time giving her a wise and seemingly friendly and informative look as if to say, вАЬYou see I am here.вАЭ But behind the look! If only she could have pierced beneath the surface and sensed that dark and tortured mood, how speedily she would have fled. But now seeing him actually present, a heavy shadow that was lurking in her eyes lifted, the somewhat down-turned corners of her mouth reversed themselves, and without appearing to recognize him, she nevertheless brightened and at once proceeded to the window to purchase her ticket to Utica, as he had instructed her to do. + 

And she was now thinking that at last, at last he had come. And he was going to take her away. And hence a kind of gratefulness for this welling up in her. For they were to be together for seven or eight months at the least. And while it might take tact and patience to adjust things, still it might and probably could be done. From now on she must be the very soul of cautionвБ†вАФnot do or say anything that would irritate him in any way, since naturally he would not be in the best mood because of this. But he must have changed someвБ†вАФperhaps he was seeing her in a more kindly lightвБ†вАФsympathizing with her a little, since he now appeared at last to have most gracefully and genially succumbed to the unavoidable. And at the same time noting his light gray suit, his new straw hat, his brightly polished shoes and the dark tan suitcase and (strange, equivocal, frivolous erraticism of his in this instance) the tripod of a recently purchased camera together with his tennis racquet in its canvas case strapped to the sideвБ†вАФmore than anything to conceal the initials C. G.вБ†вАФshe was seized with much of her old-time mood and desire in regard to his looks and temperament. He was still, and despite his present indifference to her, her Clyde. + 

Having seen her secure her ticket, he now went to get his own, and then, with another knowing look in her direction, which said that everything was now all right, he returned to the eastern end of the platform, while she returned to her position at the forward end. + 

(Why was that old man in that old brown winter suit and hat and carrying that bird cage in a brown paper looking at him so? Could he sense anything? Did he know him? Had he ever worked in Lycurgus or seen him before?) + 

He was going to buy a second straw hat in Utica todayвБ†вАФhe must remember thatвБ†вАФa straw hat with a Utica label, which he would wear instead of his present one. Then, when she was not looking, he would put the old one in his bag with his other things. That was why he would have to leave her for a little while after they reached UticaвБ†вАФat the depot or library or somewhereвБ†вАФperhaps as was his first plan, take her to some small hotel somewhere and register as Mr.¬†and Mrs.¬†Carl Graham or Clifford Golden or Gehring (there was a girl in the factory by that name) so if they were ever traced in any way, it would be assumed that she had gone away with some man of that name. + 

(That whistle of a train afar off. It must be coming now. His watch said twelve-twenty-seven.) + 

And again he must decide what his manner toward her in Utica must beвБ†вАФwhether very cordial or the opposite. For over the telephone, of course, he had talked very soft and genial-like because he had to. Perhaps it would be best to keep that up, otherwise she might become angry or suspicious or stubborn and that would make it hard. + 

(Would that train never get here?) + 

At the same time it was going to be very hard on him to be so very pleasant when, after all, she was driving him as she wasвБ†вАФexpecting him to do all that she was asking him to do and yet be nice to her. Damn! And yet if he werenвАЩt?вБ†вАФSupposing she should sense something of his thoughts in connection with thisвБ†вАФreally refuse to go through with it this way and spoil his plans. + 

(If only his knees and hands wouldnвАЩt tremble so at times.) + 

But no, how was she to be able to detect anything of that kind, when he himself had not quite made up his mind as to whether he would be able to go through with it or not? He only knew he was not going away with her, and that was all there was to that. He might not upset the boat, as he had decided on the day before, but just the same he was not going away with her. + 

But here now was the train. And there was Roberta lifting her bag. Was it too heavy for her in her present state? It probably was. Well, too bad. It was very hot today, too. At any rate he would help her with it later, when they were where no one could see them. She was looking toward him to be sure he was getting onвБ†вАФso like her these days, in her suspicious, doubtful mood in regard to him. But here was a seat in the rear of the car on the shady side, too. That was not so bad. He would settle himself comfortably and look out. For just outside Fonda, a mile or two beyond, was that same Mohawk that ran through Lycurgus and past the factory, and along the banks of which the year before, he and Roberta had walked about this time. But the memory of that being far from pleasant now, he turned his eyes to a paper he had bought, and behind which he could shield himself as much as possible, while he once more began to observe the details of the more inward scene which now so much more concerned himвБ†вАФthe nature of the lake country around Big Bittern, which ever since that final important conversation with Roberta over the telephone, had been interesting him more than any other geography of the world. + 

For on Friday, after the conversation, he had stopped in at the Lycurgus House and secured three different folders relating to hotels, lodges, inns and other camps in the more remote region beyond Big Bittern and Long Lake. (If only there were some way to get to one of those completely deserted lakes described by that guide at Big BitternвБ†вАФonly, perhaps, there might not be any rowboats on any of these lakes at all!) And again on Saturday, had he not secured four more circulars from the rack at the depot (they were in his pocket now)? Had they not proved how many small lakes and inns there were along this same railroad, which ran north to Big Bittern, to which he and Roberta might resort for a day or two if she wouldвБ†вАФa night, anyhow, before going to Big Bittern and Grass LakeвБ†вАФhad he not noted that in particularвБ†вАФa beautiful lake it had saidвБ†вАФnear the station, and with at least three attractive lodges or country home inns where two could stay for as low as twenty dollars a week. That meant that two could stay for one night surely for as little as five dollars. It must be so surelyвБ†вАФand so he was going to say to her, as he had already planned these several days, that she needed a little rest before going away to a strange place. That it would not cost very muchвБ†вАФabout fifteen dollars for fares and all, so the circulars saidвБ†вАФif they went to Grass Lake for a nightвБ†вАФthis same night after reaching UticaвБ†вАФor on the morrow, anyhow. And he would have to picture it all to her as a sort of honeymoon journeyвБ†вАФa little pleasant outingвБ†вАФbefore getting married. And it would not do to succumb to any plan of hers to get married before they did thisвБ†вАФthat would never do. + 

(Those five birds winging toward that patch of trees over thereвБ†вАФbelow that hill.) + 

It certainly would not do to go direct to Big Bittern from Utica for a boat rideвБ†вАФjust one dayвБ†вАФseventy miles. That would not sound right to her, or to anyone. It would make her suspicious, maybe. It might be better, since he would have to get away from her to buy a hat in Utica, to spend this first night there at some inexpensive, inconspicuous hotel, and once there, suggest going up to Grass Lake. And from there they could go to Big Bittern in the morning. He could say that Big Bittern was nicerвБ†вАФor that they would go down to Three Mile BayвБ†вАФa hamlet really as he knewвБ†вАФwhere they could be married, but en route stop at Big Bittern as a sort of lark. He would say that he wanted to show her the lakeвБ†вАФtake some pictures of her and himself. He had brought his camera for that and for other pictures of Sondra later. + 

The blackness of this plot of his! + 

(Those nine black and white cows on that green hillside.) + 

But again, strapping that tripod along with his tennis racquet to the side of his suitcase, might not that cause people to imagine that they were passing tourists from some distant point, maybe, and if they both disappeared, well, then, they were not people from anywhere around here, were they? DidnвАЩt the guide say that the water in the lake was all of seventy-five feet deepвБ†вАФlike that water at Pass Lake? And as for RobertaвАЩs gripвБ†вАФoh, yes, what about that? He hadnвАЩt even thought about that as yet, really. + 

(Those three automobiles out there running almost as fast as this train.) + 

Well, in coming down from Grass Lake after one night there (he could say that he was going to marry her at Three Mile Bay at the north end of Greys Lake, where a minister lived whom he had met), he would induce her to leave her bag at that Gun Lodge station, where they took the bus over to Big Bittern, while he took his with him. He could just say to someoneвБ†вАФthe boatman, maybe, or the driver, that he was taking his camera in his bag, and ask where the best views were. Or maybe a lunch. Was that not a better ideaвБ†вАФto take a lunch and so deceive Roberta, too, perhaps? And that would tend to mislead the driver, also, would it not? People did carry cameras in bags when they went out on lakes, at times. At any rate it was most necessary for him to carry his bag in this instance. Else why the plan to go south to that island and from thence through the woods? + 

(Oh, the grimness and the terror of this plan! Could he really execute it?) + 

But that strange cry of that bird at Big Bittern. He had not liked that, or seeing that guide up there who might remember him now. He had not talked to him at allвБ†вАФhad not even gotten out of the car, but had only looked out at him through the window; and in so far as he could recall the guide had not even once looked at himвБ†вАФhad merely talked to Grant Cranston and Harley Baggott, who had gotten out and had done all the talking. But supposing this guide should be there and remember him? But how could that be when he really had not seen him? This guide would probably not remember him at allвБ†вАФmight not even be there. But why should his hands and face be damp all the time nowвБ†вАФwet almost, and coldвБ†вАФhis knees shaky? + 

(This train was following the exact curve of this streamвБ†вАФand last summer he and Roberta. But noвБ†вАФ) + 

As soon as they reached Utica now this was the way he would doвБ†вАФand must keep it well in mind and not get rattled in any way. He must notвБ†вАФhe must not. He must let her walk up the street before him, say a hundred feet or so between them, so that no one would think he was following her, of course. And then when they were quite alone somewhere he would catch up with her and explain all about thisвБ†вАФbe very nice as though he cared for her as much as ever nowвБ†вАФhe would have toвБ†вАФif he were to get her to do as he wanted. And thenвБ†вАФand then, oh, yes, have her wait while he went for that extra straw hat that he was going toвБ†вАФwell, leave on the water, maybe. And the oars, too, of course. And her hatвБ†вАФandвБ†вАФwellвБ†вАФ + 

(The long, sad sounding whistle of this train. Damn. He was getting nervous already.) + 

But before going to the hotel, he must go back to the depot and put his new hat in the bag, or better yet, carry it while he looked for the sort of hotel he wanted, and then, before going to Roberta, take the hat and put it in his bag. Then he would go and find her and have her come to the entrance of the hotel he had found and wait for him, while he got the bags. And, of course, if there was no one around or very few, they would enter together, only she could wait in the ladiesвАЩ parlor somewhere, while he went and registered as Charles Golden, maybe, this time. And then, well, in the morning, if she agreed, or tonight, for that matter, if there were any trainsвБ†вАФhe would have to find out about thatвБ†вАФthey could go up to Grass Lake in separate cars until they were past Twelfth Lake and Sharon, at any rate. + 

(The beautiful Cranston Lodge there and Sondra.) + 

And thenвБ†вАФand thenвБ†вАФ + 

(That big red barn and that small white house near it. And that windmill. So like those houses and barns that he had seen out there in Illinois and Missouri. And Chicago, too.) + 

And at the same time Roberta in her car forward thinking that Clyde had not appeared so very unfriendly to her. To be sure, it was hard on him, making him leave Lycurgus in this way, and when he might be enjoying himself as he wished to. But on the other hand, here was sheвБ†вАФand there was no other way for her to be. She must be very genial and yet not put herself forward too much or in his way. And yet she must not be too receding or weak, either, for, after all, Clyde was the one who had placed her in this position. And it was only fair, and little enough for him to do. She would have a baby to look after in the future, and all that trouble to go through with from now on. And later, she would have to explain to her parents this whole mysterious proceeding, which covered her present disappearance and marriage, if Clyde really did marry her now. But she must insist upon thatвБ†вАФand soonвБ†вАФin Utica, perhapsвБ†вАФcertainly at the very next place they went toвБ†вАФand get a copy of her marriage certificate, too, and keep it for her own as well as the babyвАЩs sake. He could get a divorce as he pleased after that. She would still be Mrs.¬†Griffiths. And ClydeвАЩs baby and hers would be a Griffiths, too. That was something. + 

(How beautiful the little river was. It reminded her of the Mohawk and the walks she and he had taken last summer when they first met. Oh, last summer! And now this!) + 

And they would settle somewhereвБ†вАФin one or two rooms, no doubt. Where, she wonderedвБ†вАФin what town or city? How far away from Lycurgus or BiltzвБ†вАФthe farther from Biltz the better, although she would like to see her mother and father again, and soonвБ†вАФas soon as she safely could. But what matter, as long as they were going away together and she was to be married? + 

Had he noticed her blue suit and little brown hat? And had he thought she looked at all attractive compared to those rich girls with whom he was always running? She must be very tactfulвБ†вАФnot irritate him in any way. ButвБ†вАФoh, the happy life they could have if onlyвБ†вАФif only he cared for her a littleвБ†вАФjust a littleвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ + 

And then Utica, and on a quiet street Clyde catching up with Roberta, his expression a mixture of innocent geniality and goodwill, tempered by worry and opposition, which was really a mask for the fear of the deed that he himself was contemplatingвБ†вАФhis power to execute itвБ†вАФthe consequences in case he failed. + 

XLVII + 

And then, as planned that night between themвБ†вАФa trip to Grass Lake the next morning in separate cars, but which, upon their arrival and to his surprise, proved to be so much more briskly tenanted than he anticipated. He was very much disturbed and frightened by the evidence of so much active life up here. For he had fancied this, as well as Big Bittern, would be all but deserted. Yet here now, as both could see, it was the summer seat and gathering place of some small religious organization or groupвБ†вАФthe Winebrennarians of PennsylvaniaвБ†вАФas it proved with a tabernacle and numerous cottages across the lake from the station. And Roberta at once exclaiming: + 

вАЬNow, there, isnвАЩt that cute? Why couldnвАЩt we be married over there by the minister of that church?вАЭ + 

And Clyde, puzzled and shaken by this sudden and highly unsatisfactory development, at once announced: вАЬWhy, sureвБ†вАФIвАЩll go over after a bit and see,вАЭ yet his mind busy with schemes for circumventing her. He would take her out in a boat after registering and getting settled and remain too long. Or should a peculiarly remote and unobserved spot be foundвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ but no, there were too many people here. The lake was not large enough, and probably not very deep. It was black or dark like tar, and sentineled to the east and north by tall, dark pinesвБ†вАФthe serried spears of armed and watchful giants, as they now seemed to himвБ†вАФogres almostвБ†вАФso gloomy, suspicious and fantastically erratic was his own mood in regard to all this. But still there were too many peopleвБ†вАФas many as ten on the lake. + 

The weirdness of it. + 

The difficulty. + 

But whisper:вБ†вАФone could not walk from here through any woods to Three Mile Bay. Oh, no. That was all of thirty miles to the south now. And besides this lake was less lonelyвБ†вАФprobably continually observed by members of this religious group. Oh, noвБ†вАФhe must sayвБ†вАФhe must sayвБ†вАФbut whatвБ†вАФcould he say? That he had inquired, and that no license could be procured here? Or that the minister was away, or that he required certain identifications which he did not haveвБ†вАФorвБ†вАФor, well, wellвБ†вАФanything that would serve to still Roberta until such hour tomorrow, as the train south from here left for Big Bittern and Sharon, where, of course, they would surely be married. + 

Why should she be so insistent? And why, anyhow, and except for her crass determination to force him in this way, should he be compelled to track here and there with herвБ†вАФevery hourвБ†вАФevery minute of which was tortureвБ†вАФan unending mental crucifixion really, when, if he were but rid of her! Oh, Sondra, Sondra, if but now from your high estate, you might bend down and aid me. No more lies! No more suffering! No more misery of any kind! + 

But instead, more lies. A long and aimless and pestilential search for water-lilies, which because of his own restless mood, bored Roberta as much as it did him. For why, she was now thinking to herself as they rowed about, this indifference to this marriage possibility, which could have been arranged before now and given this outing the dream quality it would and should have had, if onlyвБ†вАФif only he had arranged for everything in Utica, even as she had wanted. But this waitingвБ†вАФevasionвБ†вАФand so like Clyde, his vacillating, indefinite, uncertain mood, always. She was beginning to wonder now as to his intentions againвБ†вАФwhether really and truly he did intend to marry her as he had promised. Tomorrow, or the next day at most, would show. So why worry now? + 

And then the next day at noon, Gun Lodge and Big Bittern itself and Clyde climbing down from the train at Gun Lodge and escorting Roberta to the waiting bus, the while he assured her that since they were coming back this way, it would be best if she were to leave her bag here, while he, because of his camera as well as the lunch done up at Grass Lake and crowded into his suitcase, would take his own with him, because they would lunch on the lake. But on reaching the bus, he was dismayed by the fact that the driver was the same guide whom he had heard talk at Big Bittern. What if it should prove now that this guide had seen and remembered him! Would he not at least recall the handsome Finchley carвБ†вАФBertine and Stuart on the front seatвБ†вАФhimself and Sondra at the backвБ†вАФGrant and that Harley Baggott talking to him outside? + 

At once that cold perspiration that had marked his more nervous and terrified moods for weeks past, now burst forth on his face and hands. Of what had he been thinking, anyhow? How planning? In GodвАЩs name, how expect to carry a thing like this through, if he were going to think so poorly? It was like his failing to wear his cap from Lycurgus to Utica, or at least getting it out of his bag before he tried to buy that straw hat; it was like not buying the straw hat before he went to Utica at all. + 

Yet the guide did not remember him, thank God! On the contrary he inquired rather curiously, and as of a total stranger: вАЬGoinвАЩ over to the lodge at Big Bittern? First time up here?вАЭ And Clyde, enormously relieved and yet really tremulous, replied: вАЬYes,вАЭ and then in his nervous excitement asked: вАЬMany people over there today?вАЭ a question which the moment he had propounded it, seemed almost insane. Why, why, of all questions, should he ask that? Oh, God, would his silly, self-destructive mistakes never cease? + 

So troubled was he indeed, now, that he scarcely heard the guideвАЩs reply, or, if at all, as a voice speaking from a long way off. вАЬNot so many. About seven or eight, I guess. We did have about thirty over the Fourth, but most oвАЩ them went down yesterday.вАЭ + 

The stillness of these pines lining this damp yellow road along which they were traveling; the cool and the silence; the dark shadows and purple and gray depths and nooks in them, even at high noon. If one were slipping away at night or by day, who would encounter one here? A blue-jay far in the depths somewhere uttered its metallic shriek; a field sparrow, tremulous upon some distant twig, filled the silver shadows with its perfect song. And Roberta, as this heavy, covered bus crossed rill and thin stream, and then rough wooden bridges here and there, commented on the clarity and sparkle of the water: вАЬIsnвАЩt that wonderful in there? Do you hear the tinkling of that water, Clyde? Oh, the freshness of this air!вАЭ + 

And yet she was going to die so soon! + 

God! + 

But supposing now, at Big BitternвБ†вАФthe lodge and boathouse thereвБ†вАФthere were many people. Or that the lake, peradventure, was literally dotted with those that were thereвБ†вАФall fishermen and all fishing here and there, each one separate and aloneвБ†вАФno privacy or a deserted spot anywhere. And how strange he had not thought of that. This lake was probably not nearly as deserted as he had imagined, or would not be today, any more than Grass Lake had proved. And then what? + 

Well, flight thenвБ†вАФflightвБ†вАФand let it go at that. This strain was too muchвБ†вАФhellвБ†вАФhe would die, thinking thoughts like these. How could he have dreamed to better his fortunes by any so wild and brutal a scheme as this anyhowвБ†вАФto kill and then run awayвБ†вАФor rather to kill and pretend that he and she had drownedвБ†вАФwhile heвБ†вАФthe real murdererвБ†вАФslipped away to life and happiness. What a horrible plan! And yet how else? How? Had he not come all this way to do this? And was he going to turn back now? + 

And all this time Roberta at his side was imagining that she was not going to anything but marriageвБ†вАФtomorrow morning sure; and now only to the passing pleasure of seeing this beautiful lake of which he had been talkingвБ†вАФtalking, as though it were something more important and delectable than any that had as yet been in her or his life for that matter. + 

But now the guide was speaking again, and to him: вАЬYouвАЩre not mindinвАЩ to stay over, I suppose. I see you left the young ladyвАЩs bag over there.вАЭ He nodded in the direction of Gun Lodge. + 

вАЬNo, weвАЩre going on down tonightвБ†вАФon that 8:10. You take people over to that?вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, sure.вАЭ + 

вАЬThey said you didвБ†вАФat Grass Lake.вАЭ + 

But now why should he have added that reference to Grass Lake, for that showed that he and Roberta had been there before coming here. But this fool with his reference to вАЬthe young ladyвАЩs bagвАЭ! And leaving it at Gun Lodge. The Devil! Why shouldnвАЩt he mind his own business? Or why should he have decided that he and Roberta were not married? Or had he so decided? At any rate, why such a question when they were carrying two bags and he had brought one? Strange! The effrontery! How should he know or guess or what? But what harm could it doвБ†вАФmarried or unmarried? If she were not foundвБ†вАФвАЬmarried or unmarriedвАЭ would make no difference, would it? And if she were, and it was discovered that she was not married, would that not prove that she was off with someone else? Of course! So why worry over that now? + 

And Roberta asking: вАЬAre there any hotels or boarding houses on the lake besides this one weвАЩre going to?вАЭ + 

вАЬNot a one, miss, outside oвАЩ the inn that weвАЩre goinвАЩ to. There was a crowd of young fellers and girls campinвАЩ over on the east shore, yisterday, I believe, about a mile from the innвБ†вАФbut whether theyвАЩre there now or not, I dunno. AinвАЩt seen none of вАЩem today.вАЭ + 

A crowd of young fellows and girls! For GodвАЩs sake! And might not they now be out on the waterвБ†вАФall of themвБ†вАФrowingвБ†вАФor sailingвБ†вАФor what? And he here with her! Maybe some of them from Twelfth Lake! Just as he and Sondra and Harriet and Stuart and Bertine had come up two weeks beforeвБ†вАФsome of them friends of the Cranstons, Harriets, Finchleys or others who had come up here to play and who would remember him, of course. And again, then, there must be a road to the east of this lake. And all this knowledge and their presence there now might make this trip of his useless. Such silly plotting! Such pointless planning as thisвБ†вАФwhen at least he might have taken more timeвБ†вАФchosen a lake still farther away and should haveвБ†вАФonly so tortured had he been for these last many days, that he could scarcely think how to think. Well, all he could do now was to go and see. If there were many he must think of some way to row to some real lonely spot or maybe turn and return to Grass LakeвБ†вАФor where? Oh, what could or would he doвБ†вАФif there were many over here? + 

But just then a long aisle of green trees giving out at the far end as he now recalled upon a square of lawn, and the lake itself, the little inn with its pillared verandah, facing the dark blue waters of Big Bittern. And that low, small red-roofed boathouse to the right on the water that he had seen before when he was here. And Roberta exclaiming on sight, вАЬOh, it is pretty, isnвАЩt itвБ†вАФjust beautiful.вАЭ And Clyde surveying that dark, low island in the distance, to the south, and seeing but few people aboutвБ†вАФnone on the lake itselfвБ†вАФexclaiming nervously, вАЬYes, it is, you bet.вАЭ But feeling half choked as he said it. + 

And now the host of the inn himself appearing and approachingвБ†вАФa medium-sized, red-faced, broad-shouldered man who was saying most intriguingly, вАЬStaying over for a few days?вАЭ + 

But Clyde, irritated by this new development and after paying the guide a dollar, replying crustily and irritably, вАЬNo, noвБ†вАФjust came over for the afternoon. WeвАЩre going on down tonight.вАЭ + 

вАЬYouвАЩll be staying over for dinner then, I suppose? The train doesnвАЩt leave till eight-fifteen.вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, yesвБ†вАФthatвАЩs so. Sure. Yes, well, in that case, we will.вАЭвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ For, of course, Roberta on her honeymoonвБ†вАФthe day before her wedding and on a trip like this, would be expecting her dinner. Damn this stocky, red-faced fool, anyway. + 

вАЬWell, then, IвАЩll just take your bag and you can register. Your wifeвАЩll probably be wanting to freshen up a bit anyway.вАЭ + 

He led the way, bag in hand, although ClydeвАЩs greatest desire was to snatch it from him. For he had not expected to register hereвБ†вАФnor leave his bag either. And would not. He would recapture it and hire a boat. But on top of that, being compelled вАЬfor the registerвАЩs sake,вАЭ as Boniface phrased it, to sign Clifford Golden and wifeвБ†вАФbefore he could take his bag again. + 

And then to add to the nervousness and confusion engendered by all this, thoughts as to what additional developments or persons, even, he might encounter before leaving on his climacteric errandвБ†вАФRoberta announcing that because of the heat and the fact that they were coming back to dinner, she would leave her hat and coatвБ†вАФa hat in which he had already seen the label of Braunstein in LycurgusвБ†вАФand which at the time caused him to meditate as to the wisdom of leaving or extracting it. But he had decided that perhaps afterwardsвБ†вАФafterwardsвБ†вАФif he should really do thisвБ†вАФit might not make any difference whether it was there, or not. Was she not likely to be identified anyhow, if found, and if not found, who was to know who she was? + 

In a confused and turbulent state mentally, scarcely realizing the clarity or import of any particular thought or movement or act now, he took up his bag and led the way to the boathouse platform. And then, after dropping the bag into the boat, asking of the boathouse keeper if he knew where the best views were, that he wanted to photograph them. And this doneвБ†вАФthe meaningless explanation over, assisting Roberta (an almost nebulous figure, she now seemed, stepping down into an insubstantial rowboat upon a purely ideational lake), he now stepped in after her, seating himself in the center and taking the oars. + 

The quiet, glassy, iridescent surface of this lake that now to both seemed, not so much like water as oilвБ†вАФlike molten glass that, of enormous bulk and weight, resting upon the substantial earth so very far below. And the lightness and freshness and intoxication of the gentle air blowing here and there, yet scarcely rippling the surface of the lake. And the softness and furry thickness of the tall pines about the shore. Everywhere pinesвБ†вАФtall and spearlike. And above them the humped backs of the dark and distant Adirondacks beyond. Not a rower to be seen. Not a house or cabin. He sought to distinguish the camp of which the guide had spoken. He could not. He sought to distinguish the voices of those who might be thereвБ†вАФor any voices. Yet, except for the lock-lock of his own oars as he rowed and the voice of the boathouse keeper and the guide in converse two hundred, three hundred, five hundred, a thousand feet behind, there was no sound. + 

вАЬIsnвАЩt it still and peaceful?вАЭ It was Roberta talking. вАЬIt seems to be so restful here. I think itвАЩs beautiful, truly, so much more beautiful than that other lake. These trees are so tall, arenвАЩt they? And those mountains. I was thinking all the way over how cool and silent that road was, even if it was a little rough.вАЭ + 

вАЬDid you talk to anyone in the inn there just now?вАЭ + 

вАЬWhy, no; what makes you ask?вАЭ + 

вАЬOh, I thought you might have run into someone. There donвАЩt seem to be very many people up here today, though, does there?вАЭ + 

вАЬNo, I donвАЩt see anyone on the lake. I saw two men in that billiard room at the back there, and there was a girl in the ladiesвАЩ room, that was all. IsnвАЩt this water cold?вАЭ She had put her hand over the side and was trailing it in the blue-black ripples made by his oars. + 

вАЬIs it? I havenвАЩt felt it yet.вАЭ + 

He paused in his rowing and put out his hand, then resumed. He would not row directly to that island to the south. It wasвБ†вАФtoo farвБ†вАФtoo early. She might think it odd. Better a little delay. A little time in which to thinkвБ†вАФa little while in which to reconnoiter. Roberta would be wanting to eat her lunch (her lunch!) and there was a charming looking point of land there to the west about a mile further on. They could go there and eat firstвБ†вАФor she couldвБ†вАФfor he would not be eating today. And thenвБ†вАФand thenвБ†вАФ + 

She was looking at the very same point of land that he wasвБ†вАФa curved horn of land that bent to the south and yet reached quite far out into the water and combed with tall pines. And now she added: + 

вАЬHave you any spot in mind, dear, where we could stop and eat? IвАЩm getting a little hungry, arenвАЩt you?вАЭ (If she would only not call him dear, here and now!) + 

The little inn and the boathouse to the north were growing momentarily smallerвБ†вАФlooking now, like that other boathouse and pavilion on Crum Lake the day he had first rowed there, and when he had been wishing that he might come to such a lake as this in the Adirondacks, dreaming of such a lakeвБ†вАФand wishing to meet such a girl as RobertaвБ†вАФthenвБ†вАФAnd overhead was one of those identical woolly clouds that had sailed above him at Crum Lake on that fateful day. + 

The horror of this effort! + 

They might look for water-lilies here today to kill time a little, beforeвБ†вАФto kill timeвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ to kill, (God)вБ†вАФhe must quit thinking of that, if he were going to do it at all. He neednвАЩt be thinking of it now, at any rate. + 

At the point of land favored by Roberta, into a minute protected bay with a small, curved, honey-colored beach, and safe from all prying eyes north or east. And then he and she stepping out normally enough. And Roberta, after Clyde had extracted the lunch most cautiously from his bag, spreading it on a newspaper on the shore, while he walked here and there, making strained and yet admiring comments on the beauty of the sceneвБ†вАФthe pines and the curve of this small bay, yet thinkingвБ†вАФthinking, thinking of the island farther on and the bay below that again somewhere, where somehow, and in the face of a weakening courage for it, he must still execute this grim and terrible business before himвБ†вАФnot allow this carefully planned opportunity to go for nothingвБ†вАФifвБ†вАФifвБ†вАФhe were to not really run away and leave all that he most desired to keep. + 

And yet the horror of this business and the danger, now that it was so close at handвБ†вАФthe danger of making a mistake of some kindвБ†вАФif nothing more, of not upsetting the boat rightвБ†вАФof not being able toвБ†вАФtoвБ†вАФoh, God! And subsequently, maybe, to be proved to be what he would beвБ†вАФthenвБ†вАФa murderer. Arrested! Tried. (He could not, he would not, go through with it. No, no, no!) + 

And yet Roberta, sitting here with him now on the sand, feeling quite at peace with all the world as he could see. And she was beginning to hum a little, and then to make advisory and practical references to the nature of their coming adventure togetherвБ†вАФtheir material and financial state from now onвБ†вАФhow and where they would go from hereвБ†вАФSyracuse, most likelyвБ†вАФsince Clyde seemed to have no objection to thatвБ†вАФand what, once there, they would do. For Roberta had heard from her brother-in-law, Fred Gabel, of a new collar and shirt factory that was just starting up in Syracuse. Might it not be possible for Clyde, for the time being at least, to get himself a position with that firm at once? And then later, when her own worst trouble was over, might not she connect herself with the same company, or some other? And temporarily, since they had so little money, could they not take a small room together, somewhere in some family home, or if he did not like that, since they were by no means so close temperamentally as they once had been, then two small adjoining rooms, maybe. She could still feel his unrelenting opposition under all this present show of courtesy and consideration. + 

And he thinking, Oh, well, what difference such talk now? And whether he agreed or whether he did not. What difference since he was not goingвБ†вАФor she eitherвБ†вАФthat way. Great God! But here he was talking as though tomorrow she would be here still. And she would not be. + 

If only his knees would not tremble so; his hands and face and body continue so damp. + 

And after that, farther on down the west shore of this small lake in this little boat, to that island, with Clyde looking nervously and wearily here and there to see that there was no oneвБ†вАФno oneвБ†вАФnot anywhere in sight on land or waterвБ†вАФno one. It was so still and deserted here, thank God. HereвБ†вАФor anywhere near here might do, reallyвБ†вАФif only he had the courage so to do now, which he had notвБ†вАФyet. Roberta trailing her hand in the water, asking him if he thought they might find some water-lilies or wild flowers somewhere on shore. Water-lilies! Wild flowers! And he convincing himself as he went that there were no roads, cabins, tents, paths, anything in the form of a habitation among these tall, close, ranking pinesвБ†вАФno trace of any little boat on the widespread surface of this beautiful lake on this beautiful day. Yet might there not be some lone, solitary hunter and trapper or guide or fisherman in these woods or along these banks? Might there not be? And supposing there were one here now somewhere? And watching! + 

Fate! + 

Destruction! + 

Death! Yet no sound and no smoke. OnlyвБ†вАФonlyвБ†вАФthese tall, dark, green pinesвБ†вАФspear-shaped and still, with here and there a dead oneвБ†вАФashen pale in the hard afternoon sun, its gaunt, sapless arms almost menacingly outstretched. + 

Death! + 

And the sharp metallic cry of a blue-jay speeding in the depths of these woods. Or the lone and ghostly tap-tap-tap of some solitary woodpecker, with now and then the red line of a flying tanager, the yellow and black of a yellow-shouldered blackbird. + 

вАЬOh, the sun shines bright in my old Kentucky home.вАЭ + 

It was Roberta singing cheerfully, one hand in the deep blue water. + 

And then a little laterвБ†вАФвАЬIвАЩll be there Sunday if you will,вАЭ one of the popular dance pieces of the day. + 

And then at last, after fully an hour of rowing, brooding, singing, stopping to look at some charming point of land, reconnoitering some receding inlet which promised water-lilies, and with Roberta already saying that they must watch the time and not stay out too longвБ†вАФthe bay, south of the island itselfвБ†вАФa beautiful and yet most funereally pine-encircled and land delimited bit of waterвБ†вАФmore like a smaller lake, connected by an inlet or passage to the larger one, and yet itself a respectable body of water of perhaps twenty acres of surface and almost circular in form. The manner in which to the east, the north, the south, the west, even, except for the passage by which the island to the north of it was separated from the mainland, this pool or tarn was encircled by trees! And cattails and water-lilies here and thereвБ†вАФa few along its shores. And somehow suggesting an especially arranged pool or tarn to which one who was weary of life and caresвБ†вАФanxious to be away from the strife and contentions of the world, might most wisely and yet gloomily repair. + 

And as they glided into this, this still dark water seemed to grip Clyde as nothing here or anywhere before this ever hadвБ†вАФto change his mood. For once here he seemed to be fairly pulled or lured along into it, and having encircled its quiet banks, to be drifting, driftingвБ†вАФin endless space where was no end of anythingвБ†вАФno plotsвБ†вАФno plansвБ†вАФno practical problems to be solvedвБ†вАФnothing. The insidious beauty of this place! Truly, it seemed to mock himвБ†вАФthis strangenessвБ†вАФthis dark pool, surrounded on all sides by those wonderful, soft, fir trees. And the water itself looking like a huge, black pearl cast by some mighty hand, in anger possibly, in sport or fantasy maybe, into the bosom of this valley of dark, green plushвБ†вАФand which seemed bottomless as he gazed into it. + 

And yet, what did it all suggest so strongly? Death! Death! More definitely than anything he had ever seen before. Death! But also a still, quiet, unprotesting type of death into which one, by reason of choice or hypnosis or unutterable weariness, might joyfully and gratefully sink. So quietвБ†вАФso shadedвБ†вАФso serene. Even Roberta exclaimed over this. And he now felt for the first time the grip of some seemingly strong, and yet friendly sympathetic, hands laid firmly on his shoulders. The comfort of them! The warmth! The strength! For now they seemed to have a steadying effect on him and he liked themвБ†вАФtheir reassuranceвБ†вАФtheir support. If only they would not be removed! If only they would remain alwaysвБ†вАФthe hands of this friend! For where had he ever known this comforting and almost tender sensation before in all his life? Not anywhereвБ†вАФand somehow this calmed him and he seemed to slip away from the reality of all things. + 

To be sure, there was Roberta over there, but by now she had faded to a shadow or thought really, a form of illusion more vaporous than real. And while there was something about her in color, form that suggested realityвБ†вАФstill she was very insubstantialвБ†вАФso veryвБ†вАФand once more now he felt strangely alone. For the hands of the friend of firm grip had vanished also. And Clyde was alone, so very much alone and forlorn, in this somber, beautiful realm to which apparently he had been led, and then deserted. Also he felt strangely coldвБ†вАФthe spell of this strange beauty overwhelming him with a kind of chill. + 

He had come here for what? + 

And he must do what? + 

Kill Roberta? Oh, no! + 

And again he lowered his head and gazed into the fascinating and yet treacherous depths of that magnetic, bluish, purple pool, which, as he continued to gaze, seemed to change its form kaleidoscopically to a large, crystalline ball. But what was that moving about in this crystal? A form! It came nearerвБ†вАФclearerвБ†вАФand as it did so, he recognized Roberta struggling and waving her thin white arms out of the water and reaching toward him! God! How terrible! The expression on her face! What in GodвАЩs name was he thinking of anyway? Death! Murder! + 

And suddenly becoming conscious that his courage, on which he had counted so much this long while to sustain him here, was leaving him, and he instantly and consciously plumbing the depths of his being in a vain search to recapture it. + 

Kit, kit, kit, CaвАСaвАСaвАСah! + 

Kit, kit, kit, CaвАСaвАСaвАСah! + 

Kit, kit, kit, CaвАСaвАСaвАСah! + 

(The weird, haunting cry of that unearthly bird again. So cold, so harsh! Here it was once more to startle him out of his soul flight into a realization of the real or unreal immediate problem with all of its torturesome angles that lay before him.) + 

He must face this thing! He must! + 

Kit, kit, kit, CaвАСaвАСaвАСah! + 

Kit, kit, kit, CaвАСaвАСaвАСah! + 

What was it soundingвБ†вАФa warningвБ†вАФa protestвБ†вАФcondemnation? The same bird that had marked the very birth of this miserable plan. For there it was now upon that dead treeвБ†вАФthat wretched bird. And now it was flying to another oneвБ†вАФas deadвБ†вАФa little farther inland and crying as it did so. God! + 

And then to the shore again in spite of himself. For Clyde, in order to justify his having brought his bag, now must suggest that pictures of this be takenвБ†вАФand of RobertaвБ†вАФand of himself, possiblyвБ†вАФon land and water. For that would bring her into the boat again, without his bag, which would be safe and dry on land. And once on shore, actually pretending to be seeking out various special views here and there, while he fixed in his mind the exact tree at the base of which he might leave his bag against his returnвБ†вАФwhich must be soon nowвБ†вАФmust be soon. They would not come on shore again together. Never! Never! And that in spite of Roberta protesting that she was getting tired; and did he not think they ought to be starting back pretty soon? It must be after five, surely. And Clyde, assuring her that presently they wouldвБ†вАФafter he had made one or two more pictures of her in the boat with those wonderful treesвБ†вАФthat island and this dark water around and beneath her. + 

His wet, damp, nervous hands! + 

And his dark, liquid, nervous eyes, looking anywhere but at her. + 

And then once more on the water againвБ†вАФabout five hundred feet from shore, the while he fumbled aimlessly with the hard and heavy and yet small camera that he now held, as the boat floated out nearer the center. And then, at this point and time looking fearfully about. For nowвБ†вАФnowвБ†вАФin spite of himself, the long evaded and yet commanding moment. And no voice or figure or sound on shore. No road or cabin or smoke! And the moment which he or something had planned for him, and which was now to decide his fate at hand! The moment of actionвБ†вАФof crisis! All that he needed to do now was to turn swiftly and savagely to one side or the otherвБ†вАФleap upвБ†вАФupon the left wale or right and upset the boat; or, failing that, rock it swiftly, and if Roberta protested too much, strike her with the camera in his hand, or one of the oars at his right. It could be doneвБ†вАФit could be doneвБ†вАФswiftly and simply, were he now of the mind and heart, or lack of itвБ†вАФwith him swimming swiftly away thereafter to freedomвБ†вАФto successвБ†вАФof courseвБ†вАФto Sondra and happinessвБ†вАФa new and greater and sweeter life than any he had ever known. + 

Yet why was he waiting now? + 

What was the matter with him, anyhow? + 

Why was he waiting? + 

At this cataclysmic moment, and in the face of the utmost, the most urgent need of action, a sudden palsy of the willвБ†вАФof courageвБ†вАФof hate or rage sufficient; and with Roberta from her seat in the stern of the boat gazing at his troubled and then suddenly distorted and fulgurous, yet weak and even unbalanced faceвБ†вАФa face of a sudden, instead of angry, ferocious, demoniacвБ†вАФconfused and all but meaningless in its registration of a balanced combat between fear (a chemic revulsion against death or murderous brutality that would bring death) and a harried and restless and yet self-repressed desire to doвБ†вАФto doвБ†вАФto doвБ†вАФyet temporarily unbreakable here and nowвБ†вАФa static between a powerful compulsion to do and yet not to do. + 

And in the meantime his eyesвБ†вАФthe pupils of the same growing momentarily larger and more lurid; his face and body and hands tense and contractedвБ†вАФthe stillness of his position, the balanced immobility of the mood more and more ominous, yet in truth not suggesting a brutal, courageous power to destroy, but the imminence of trance or spasm. + 

And Roberta, suddenly noticing the strangeness of it allвБ†вАФthe something of eerie unreason or physical and mental indetermination so strangely and painfully contrasting with this scene, exclaiming: вАЬWhy, Clyde! Clyde! What is it? Whatever is the matter with you anyhow? You look soвБ†вАФso strangeвБ†вАФsoвБ†вАФsoвБ†вАФWhy, I never saw you look like this before. What is it?вАЭ And suddenly rising, or rather leaning forward, and by crawling along the even keel, attempting to approach him, since he looked as though he was about to fall forward into the boatвБ†вАФor to one side and out into the water. And Clyde, as instantly sensing the profoundness of his own failure, his own cowardice or inadequateness for such an occasion, as instantly yielding to a tide of submerged hate, not only for himself, but RobertaвБ†вАФher powerвБ†вАФor that of life to restrain him in this way. And yet fearing to act in any wayвБ†вАФbeing unwilling toвБ†вАФbeing willing only to say that never, never would he marry herвБ†вАФthat never, even should she expose him, would he leave here with her to marry herвБ†вАФthat he was in love with Sondra and would cling only to herвБ†вАФand yet not being able to say that even. But angry and confused and glowering. And then, as she drew near him, seeking to take his hand in hers and the camera from him in order to put it in the boat, he flinging out at her, but not even then with any intention to do other than free himself of herвБ†вАФher touchвБ†вАФher pleadingвБ†вАФconsoling sympathyвБ†вАФher presence foreverвБ†вАФGod! + 

Yet (the camera still unconsciously held tight) pushing at her with so much vehemence as not only to strike her lips and nose and chin with it, but to throw her back sidewise toward the left wale which caused the boat to careen to the very waterвАЩs edge. And then he, stirred by her sharp scream (as much due to the lurch of the boat, as the cut on her nose and lip), rising and reaching half to assist or recapture her and half to apologize for the unintended blowвБ†вАФyet in so doing completely capsizing the boatвБ†вАФhimself and Roberta being as instantly thrown into the water. And the left wale of the boat as it turned, striking Roberta on the head as she sank and then rose for the first time, her frantic, contorted face turned to Clyde, who by now had righted himself. For she was stunned, horror-struck, unintelligible with pain and fearвБ†вАФher lifelong fear of water and drowning and the blow he had so accidentally and all but unconsciously administered. + 

вАЬHelp! Help! + 

вАЬOh, my God, IвАЩm drowning, IвАЩm drowning. Help! Oh, my God! + 

вАЬClyde, Clyde!вАЭ + 

And then the voice at his ear! + 

вАЬBut thisвБ†вАФthisвБ†вАФis not this that which you have been thinking and wishing for this whileвБ†вАФyou in your great need? And behold! For despite your fear, your cowardice, thisвБ†вАФthisвБ†вАФhas been done for you. An accidentвБ†вАФan accidentвБ†вАФan unintentional blow on your part is now saving you the labor of what you sought, and yet did not have the courage to do! But will you now, and when you need not, since it is an accident, by going to her rescue, once more plunge yourself in the horror of that defeat and failure which has so tortured you and from which this now releases you? You might save her. But again you might not! For see how she strikes about. She is stunned. She herself is unable to save herself and by her erratic terror, if you draw near her now, may bring about your own death also. But you desire to live! And her living will make your life not worth while from now on. Rest but a momentвБ†вАФa fraction of a minute! WaitвБ†вАФwaitвБ†вАФignore the pity of that appeal. And thenвБ†вАФthenвБ†вАФBut there! Behold. It is over. She is sinking now. You will never, never see her alive any moreвБ†вАФever. And there is your own hat upon the waterвБ†вАФas you wished. And upon the boat, clinging to that rowlock a veil belonging to her. Leave it. Will it not show that this was an accident?вАЭ + 

And apart from that, nothingвБ†вАФa few ripplesвБ†вАФthe peace and solemnity of this wondrous scene. And then once more the voice of that weird, contemptuous, mocking, lonely bird. + 

Kit, kit, kit, CaвАСaвАСaвАСah! + 

Kit, kit, kit, CaвАСaвАСaвАСah! + 

Kit, kit, kit, CaвАСaвАСaвАСah! + 

The cry of that devilish bird upon that dead limbвБ†вАФthe wier-wier. + 

And then Clyde, with the sound of RobertaвАЩs cries still in his ears, that last frantic, white, appealing look in her eyes, swimming heavily, gloomily and darkly to shore. And the thought that, after all, he had not really killed her. No, no. Thank God for that. He had not. And yet (stepping up on the nearby bank and shaking the water from his clothes) had he? Or, had he not? For had he not refused to go to her rescue, and when he might have saved her, and when the fault for casting her in the water, however accidentally, was so truly his? And yetвБ†вАФand yetвБ†вАФ + 

The dusk and silence of a closing day. A concealed spot in the depths of the same sheltering woods where alone and dripping, his dry bag near, Clyde stood, and by waiting, sought to dry himself. But in the interim, removing from the side of the bag the unused tripod of his camera and seeking an obscure, dead log farther in the woods, hiding it. Had anyone seen? Was anyone looking? Then returning and wondering as to the direction! He must go west and then south. He must not get turned about! But the repeated cry of that birdвБ†вАФharsh, nerve shaking. And then the gloom, in spite of the summer stars. And a youth making his way through a dark, uninhabited wood, a dry straw hat upon his head, a bag in his hand, walking briskly and yet warilyвБ†вАФsouthвБ†вАФsouth. + 