\"Butthatisn’tlegalnorbusiness。Andyoucouldn’tevenholdtheDitchCompanytoitifTHEYchosetobackout。\"
\"ButIdon’tthinktheywill，\"saidBarkersimply。\"Andyouseemywordwasn’tgivenentirelytoTHEM。Iboughtthethingthroughmywife’scousin，HenrySpring，abroker，andhemakessomethingbyit，fromthecompany，oncommission。AndIcan’tgobackonHIM。
Whatdidyousay？\"
Stacyhadonlygroanedthroughhissetteeth。\"Nothing，\"hesaidbriefly，\"exceptthatI’mcoming，asIsaidbefore，todinewithyouto-night；butnomoreBUSINESS。I’veenoughofthatwithothers，andtherearesomewaitingformeintheouterofficenow。\"
Barkerroseatonce，butwiththesameaffectionatesmileandtendergravityofcountenance，andlaidhishandcaressinglyonStacy’sshoulder。\"It’slikeyoutogiveupsomuchofyourtimetomeandmyfoolishnessandbesofrankwithme。AndIknowit’smightyroughonyoutohavetobeameremachineinsteadofJimStacy。Don’tyoubotheraboutme。I’llsellsomeofmyWideWestExtensionandpullthethingthroughmyself。It’sallright，butI’msorryforyou，oldchap。\"Heglancedaroundtheroomatthewallsandrichpaneling，andadded，\"Isupposethat’swhatyouhavetopayforallthissortofthing？\"
BeforeStacycouldreply，awaitingvisitorwasannouncedforthesecondtime，andBarker，withanotherhand-shakeandareassuringsmiletohisoldpartner，passedintothehall，asiftheonusofanyinfelicityintheinterviewwasuponhimselfalone。ButStacydidnotseemtobeinaparticularlyaccessiblemoodtothenewcaller，whoinhisturnappearedtobeslightlyirritatedbyhavingbeenkeptwaitingoversomeirksomebusiness。\"Youdon’tseemtofollowme，\"hesaidtoStacyafterrecitinghisbusinessperplexity。
\"Can’tyousuggestsomething？\"
\"Well，whydon’tyougetholdofoneofyourboardofdirectors？\"
saidStacyabstractedly。\"There’sCaptainDrummond；youandheareoldfriends。YouwerecomradesintheMexicanWar，weren’tyou？\"
\"Thatbed————d！\"saidhisvisitorbitterly。\"Allhisinterestsaretheotherway，andinatradeofthiskind，youknow，Stacy，thatamanwouldsacrificehisownbrother。Doyousupposethathe’dletuponasurethingthathe’sgotjustbecauseheandI
foughtsidebysideatCerroGordo？Come！whatareyougivingus？
You’rethelastmanIeverexpectedtohearthatkindofflapdoodlefrom。Ifit’sbecauseyourbankhasgotsomeotherinterestandyoucan’tadviseme，whydon’tyousayso？\"Nevertheless，inspiteofStacy’sabruptdisclaimer，heleftafewminuteslater，halfconvincedthatStacy’slukewarmnesswasduetosomeadverseinfluence。Othercallerswerealmostasquicklydisposedof，andattheendofanhourStacyfoundhimselfagainalone。
Butnotapparentlyinaverysatisfiedmood。Afterafewmomentsofpurelymechanicalmemoranda-making，heroseabruptlyandopenedasmalldrawerinacabinet，fromwhichhetookaletterstillinitsenvelope。Itboreaforeignpostmark。Glancingoverithastily，hiseyesatlastbecamefixedonaconcludingparagraph。
\"Ihope，\"wrotehiscorrespondent，\"thatevenintherushofyourbigbusinessyouwillsometimeslookafterBarker。NotthatI
thinkthedearoldchapwillevergowrong——indeed，IoftenwishI
wasascertainofmyselfasofhimandhisinsight；butIamafraidweweremoreinclinedtobemerelyamusedandtolerantofhiswonderfultrustandsimplicitythantoreallyunderstanditforhisowngoodandours。Iknowyoudidnotlikehismarriage，andwereinclinedtobelievehewasthevictimofaratherunscrupulousfatherandafoolish，unequalgirl；butareyousatisfiedthathewouldhavebeenthehappierwithoutit，orlivedhisperfectlifeunderotherandwhatyoumaythinkwiserconditions？IfheWROTE
thepoetrythatheLIVESeverybodywouldthinkhimwonderful；forbeingwhatheiswenevergivehimsufficientcredit。\"Stacysmiledgrimly，andpenciledonhismemorandum，\"Hewantsittotheamountoftenthousanddollars。\"\"Anyhow，\"continuedthewriter，\"lookafterhim，Jim，forhissake，yoursake，andthesakeof——
PHILDEMOREST。\"
Stacyputtheletterbackinitsenvelope，andtossingitgrimlyasidewentonwithhiscalculations。Presentlyhestopped，restoredthelettertohiscabinet，andrangabellonhistable。
\"SendMr。Northhere，\"hesaidtothenegromessenger。Inafewmomentshischiefbook-keeperappearedinthedoorway。
\"TurntotheBranchledgerandbringmeastatementofMr。GeorgeBarker’saccount。\"
\"Hewashereamomentago，\"saidNorth，essayingaconfidentiallooktowardshischief。
\"Iknowit，\"saidStacycoolly，withoutlookingup。
\"He’sbeenrunningagooddealonwildcatlately，\"suggestedNorth。
\"Iaskedforhisaccount，andnotyouropinionofit，\"saidStacyshortly。
Thesubordinatewithdrewsomewhatabashedbutstillcurious，andreturnedpresentlywithaledgerwhichhelaidbeforehischief。
StacyranhiseyesoverthelistofBarker’ssecurities；itseemedtohimthatallthewildestschemesofthepastyearstaredhimintheface。Hisfinger，however，stoppedontheWideWestExtension。
\"Mr。Barkerwillbewantingtosellsomeofthisstock。Whatisitquotedatnow？\"
\"Sixty。\"
\"ButIwouldpreferthatMr。Barkershouldnotofferintheopenmarketatpresent。Givehimseventyforit——privatesale；thatwillbetenthousanddollarspaidtohiscredit。AdvisetheBranchofthisatonce，andtokeepthetransactionquiet。\"
\"Yes，sir，\"respondedtheclerkashemovedtowardsthedoor。Buthehesitated，andwithanotheressayatconfidencesaidinsinuatingly，\"Ialwaysthought，sir，thatWideWestwouldrecover。\"
Stacy，perhapsnotdispleasedtofindwhathadevidentlypassedinhissubordinate’smind，lookedathimandsaiddryly，\"ThenIwouldadviseyoualsotokeepthatopiniontoyourself。\"But，cleverashewas，hehadnotanticipatedtheresult。Mr。North，thoughatrustedemployee，washuman。Onarrivingintheouterofficehebeckonedtooneoftheloungingbrokers，andinalowvoicesaid，\"I’lltaketwosharesofWideWest，ifyoucangetitcheap。\"
Thebroker’sfacebecamealertandeager。\"Yes，butIsay，isanythingup？\"
\"I’mnotheretogivethebusinessofthebankaway，\"retortedNorthseverely；\"taketheorderorleaveit。\"
Themanhurriedaway。HavingthusvindicatedhishumanitybyalsopassingthesnubhehadreceivedfromStacytoaninferior，heturnedawaytocarryouthismaster’sinstructions，yetsecureinthebeliefthathehadprofitedbyhissuperiordiscernmentoftherealreasonofthatmaster’ssingularconduct。Butwhenhereturnedtotheprivateroom，inhopesoffurtherrevelations，Mr。
Stacywasclosetedwithanotherfinancialmagnate，andhadapparentlydivestedhismindofthewholeaffair。
CHAPTERII。
WhenGeorgeBarkerreturnedtotheouterwardofthefinancialstrongholdhehadpenetrated，withitscurvingsweepofcounters，brassrailings，andwireworkscreensdefendedbythespruceclerksbehindthem，hewasagainimpressedwiththepositionofthemanhehadjustquitted，andforamomenthesitated，withaninclinationtogoback。Itwaswithnoideaofmakingafurtherappealtohisoldcomrade，but——whatwouldhavebeenoddinanyothernaturebuthis——hewasaffectedbyasensethatHEmighthavebeenunfairandselfishinhismannertothemanpanopliedbythesedefenses，andwhowasinameasureforcedtobeapartofthem。Hewouldliketohavereturnedandcondoledwithhim。Theclerks，whowereheartlesslyfamiliarwiththeanxiousbearingofthemenwhosoughtinterviewswiththeirchief，bothbeforeandafter，smiledwiththewhisperedconvictionthatthefreshandingenuousyoungstrangerhadbeen\"chucked\"likeothersuntiltheymethiskindly，tolerant，andevensuperioreyes，andwerepuzzled。MeanwhileBarker，whohadthatsublime，naturalqualityofabstractionoversmallimpertinenceswhichismoreexasperatingthanstudiedindifference，afterhisbriefhesitationpassedoutunconcernedlythroughtheswingingmahoganydoorsintotheblowystreet。Herethewindandrainrevivedhim；thebankanditscurtrefusalwereforgotten；hewalkedonwardwithonlyasmilingmemoryofhispartnerasintheolddays。HerememberedhowStacyhadburneddowntheiroldcabinratherthanhaveitfallintosordidorunworthyhands——thisStacywhowasnowcondemnedtosinkhisimpulsesandbecomeameremachine。HehadneverknownStacy’srealmotiveforthatact，——
bothDemorestandStacyhadkepttheirknowledgeoftheattemptedrobberyfromtheiryoungerpartner，——italwaysseemedtohimtobeapreciousrevelationofStacy’sinnernature。Facingthewindandrain，herecalledhowStacy，thoughneversoenthusiasticabouthismarriageasDemorest，hadtakenupVanLoosharplyforsomefoolishsneerabouthisownyouthfulness。HewasaffectionatelytolerantofevenStacy’sdisliketohiswife’srelations，forStacydidnotknowthemashedid。Indeed，Barker，whoseownfatherandmotherhaddiedinhisinfancy，hadacceptedhiswife’srelationswithalovingtrustandconfidencethatwassupreme，fromthefactthathehadneverknownanyother。
Atlasthereachedhishotel。Itwasanewone，thelatestcreationofafeverishprogressinhotel-buildingwhichhadcoveredfiveyearsandasmanysquareswithlargeshowyerections，utterlybeyondtheneedsofthecommunity，yeteachsuperiorinsizeandadornmenttoitspredecessor。Itstruckhimasbeingtheoneevidenceofanabidingfaithinthefutureofthemetropolisthathehadseeninnothingelse。Asheentereditsfrescoedhallthatafternoonhewassuddenlyreminded，byitschallengingopulency，ofthebankhehadjustquitted，withoutknowingthatthebankhadreallyfurnisheditscapitalanditsoriginaldesign。Thegildedbar-rooms，flashingwithmirrorsandcutglass；thesaloons，withtheirdesertexpanseofTurkeycarpetandoasisofclustereddivansandgildedtables；thegreatdining-room，withporphyrycolumns，andwallsandceilingsshiningwithallegory——allthesethingswhichhadattractedhisyouthfulwonderwithoutdistractinghiscorrectsimplicityoftastehenowbegantocomprehend。Itwasthebank’smoney\"atwork。\"Intheclatterofdishesinthedining-
roomheevenseemedtohearagainthechinkingofcoin。
Itwasashortcuttohisapartmentstopassthroughasmallerpublicsitting-roompopularlyknownas\"FlirtationCamp，\"whereeightortencouplesgenerallyfoundrefugeonchairsandsetteesbythewindows，halfconcealedbyheavycurtains。Buttheoccupantswerebynomeansyouthfulspinstersorbachelors；theyweregenerallymarriedwomen，guestsofthehotel，receivingotherpeople’shusbandswhosewiveswere\"intheStates，\"orresponsiblemiddle-agedleadersofthetown。Intheelaboratetoilettesofthewomen，ascomparedwiththelessformalbusinesssuitsofthemen，therewasanoddminglingofthesocialattitudewithperhapsmoremysteriousconfidences。TheidlegossipaboutthemhadneveraffectedBarker；ratherhehadthatinnaterespectforthesecretsofotherswhichisasinseparablefromsimplicityasitisfromhighbreeding，andhescarcelyglancedatthedifferentcouplesinhisprogressthroughtheroom。Hedidnotevennoticearatherstrikingandhandsomewoman，who，surroundedbytwoorthreeadmirers，yetlookedupatBarkerashepassedwithself-consciouslidsasifseekingareturnofherglance。Buthemovedonabstractedly，andonlystoppedwhenhesuddenlysawthefamiliarskirtofhiswifeatafurtherwindow，andhaltedbeforeit。
\"Oh，it’sYOU，\"saidMrs。Barker，withahalf-nervous，half-
impatientlaugh。\"Why，Ithoughtyou’dcertainlystayhalftheafternoonwithyouroldpartner，consideringthatyouhaven’tmetforthreeyears。\"
TherewasnodoubtsheHADthoughtso；therewasequallynodoubtthattheconversationshewascarryingonwithhercompanion——agood-looking，portlybusinessman——waseffectuallyinterrupted。
ButBarkerdidnotnoticeit。\"CaptainHeath，myhusband，\"shewenton，carelesslyrisingandsmoothingherskirts。Thecaptain，whohadrisentoo，bowedvaguelyattheintroduction，butBarkerextendedhishandfrankly。\"IfoundStacybusy，\"hesaidinanswertohiswife，\"butheiscomingtodinewithusto-night。\"
\"IfyoumeanJimStacy，thebanker，\"saidCaptainHeath，brighteningintogreaterease，\"he’sthebusiestmaninCalifornia。I’veseenmenstandinginaqueueoutsidehisdoorasintheolddaysatthepost-office。Andheonlygivesyoufiveminutesandnoextension。
Soyouandhewerepartnersonce？\"hesaid，lookingcuriouslyatthestillyouthfulBarker。
ButitwasMrs。Barkerwhoanswered，\"Ohyes！andalwayssuchgoodfriends。Iwasawfullyjealousofhim。\"Nevertheless，shedidnotrespondtotheaffectionateprotestinBarker’seyesnortothelaughofCaptainHeath，butglancedindifferentlyaroundtheroomasiftoleavefurtherconversationtothetwomen。ItwaspossiblethatshewasbeginningtofeelthatCaptainHeathwasasdetropnowasherhusbandhadbeenamomentbefore。Standingthere，however，betweenthemboth，idlytracingapatternonthecarpetwiththetoeofherslipper，shelookedprettierthanshehadeverlookedasKittyCarter。Herslightfigurewasmorefullydeveloped。Thatartificialseveritycoveringanaturalvirgincoynesswithwhichsheusedtowaitattableinherfather’shotelatBoomvillehadgone，andwasreplacedbyasatisfiedconsciousnessofherpowertoplease。Herglancewasfreer，butnotasfrankasinthosedays。Herdresswasundoubtedlyricherandmorestylish；
yetBarker’sloyalheartoftenrevertedfondlytothechintzgown，coquettishlyfrilledapron，andspotlesscuffsandcollarinwhichshehadhandedhimhiscoffeewithafaintcolorthatlefthisownfacecrimson。
CaptainHeath’stactbeingequaltoherindifference，hehadexcusedhimself，althoughhewasbecominginterestedinthisyouthfulhusband。ButMrs。Barker，afterhavingassertedherhusband’sdistinctionastheequalfriendofthemillionaire，wasbynomeanswillingthatthecaptainshouldbefurtherinterestedinBarkerforhimselfalone，anddidnoturgehimtostay。Ashedepartedsheturnedtoherhusband，and，indicatingthegrouphehadpassedthemomentbefore，said：——
\"Thathorridwomanhasbeenstaringatusallthetime。Idon’tseewhatyouseeinhertoadmire。\"
PoorBarker’sadmirationhadbeenlimitedtoafewwordsofcivilityintheenforcedcontactofthathugecaravansaryandinhisquiet，youthfulrecognitionofherstrikingpersonality。ButhewasjustthentoopreoccupiedwithhisinterviewwithStacytoreply，andperhapshedidnotquiteunderstandhiswife。ItwasoddhowmanythingshedidnotquiteunderstandnowaboutKitty，butthatheknewmustbeHISfault。ButMrs。Barkerapparentlydidnotrequire，afterthefashionofhersex，areply。Forthenextmoment，astheymovedtowardstheirrooms，shesaidimpatiently，\"Well，youdon’ttellwhatStacysaid。Didyougetthemoney？\"
Igrievetosaythatthissouloftruthandfranknesslied——onlytohiswife。PerhapsheconsidereditonlylyingtoHIMSELF，athingofwhichhewasattimesmiserablyconscious。\"Itwasn’tnecessary，dear，\"hesaid；\"headvisedmetosellmysecuritiesinthebank；andifyouonlyknewhowdreadfullybusyheis。\"
Mrs。Barkercurledherprettylip。\"Itdoesn’ttakeverylongtolendtenthousanddollars！\"shesaid。\"Butthat’swhatIalwaystellyou。Youhaveaboutmademesickbysingingthepraisesofthosewonderfulpartnersofyours，andhereyouaskafavorofoneofthemandhetellsyoutosellyoursecurities！Andyouknow，andheknows，they’reworthnexttonothing。\"
\"Youdon’tunderstand，dear\"——beganBarker。
\"Iunderstandthatyou’vegivenyourwordtopoorHarry，\"saidMrs。
Barkerinprettyindignation，\"who’sresponsiblefortheDitchpurchase。\"
\"AndIshallkeepit。Ialwaysdo，\"saidBarkerveryquietly，butwiththatsamesingularexpressionoffacethathadpuzzledStacy。
ButMrs。Barker，who，perhaps，knewherhusbandbetter，saidinanalteredvoice：——
\"ButHOWcanyou，dear？\"
\"IfI’mshortathousandortwoI’llaskyourfather。\"
Mrs。Barkerwassilent。\"Father’ssoverymuchharriednow，George。
Whydon’tyousimplythrowthewholethingup？\"
\"ButI’vegivenmywordtoyourcousinHenry。\"
\"Yes，butonlyyourWORD。Therewasnowrittenagreement。Andyoucouldn’tevenholdhimtoit。\"
Barkeropenedhisfrankeyesinastonishment。Herowncousin，too！
AndtheywereStacy’sverywords！
\"Besides，\"addedMrs。Barkeraudaciously，\"hecouldgetridofitelsewhere。Hehadanotheroffer，buthethoughtyoursthebest。
Sodon’tbesilly。\"
Bythistimetheyhadreachedtheirrooms。Barker，apparentlydismissingthesubjectfromhismindwithcharacteristicbuoyancy，turnedintothebedroomandwalkedsmilinglytowardsasmallcribwhichstoodinthecorner。\"Why，he’sgone！\"hesaidinsomedismay。
\"Well，\"saidMrs。Barkeralittleimpatiently，\"youdidn’texpectmetotakehimintothepublicparlor，whereIwasseeingvisitors，didyou？Isenthimoutwiththenurseintothelowerhalltoplaywiththeotherchildren。\"
AshademomentarilypassedoverBarker’sface。Healwayslookedforwardtomeetingthechildwhenhecameback。Hehadabelief，basedonnogroundswhatever，thatthelittlecreatureunderstoodhim。Andhehadafather’sdoubtofthewholesomenessofotherpeople’schildrenwhowerebornintotheworldindiscriminatelyandnotundertheexceptionalconditionsofhisown。\"I’llgoandfetchhim，\"hesaid。
\"Youhaven’ttoldmeanythingaboutyourinterview；whatyoudidandwhatyourgoodfriendStacysaid，\"saidMrs。Barker，droppinglanguidlyintoachair。\"Andreallyifyouaresimplyrunningawayagainafterthatchild，ImightjustaswellhaveaskedCaptainHeathtostaylonger。\"
\"Oh，astoStacy，\"saidBarker，droppingbesideherandtakingherhand；\"well，dear，hewasawfullybusy，youknow，andshutupintheinnermostofficeliketheagateinoneoftheJapanesenestsofboxes。But，\"hecontinued，brighteningup，\"justthesamedearoldJimStacyofHeavyTreeHill，whenIfirstknewyou。Lord！dear，howitallcamebacktome！ThatdayIproposedtoyouinthebeliefthatIwasunexpectedlyrichandevenboughtaclaimfortheboysonthestrengthofit，andhowIcamebacktothemtofindthattheyhadmadeabigstrikeontheveryclaim。Lord！I
rememberhowIwassoafraidtotellthemaboutyou——andhowtheyguessedit——thatdearoldStacyoneofthefirst。\"
\"Yes，\"saidMrs。Barker，\"andIhopeyourfriendStacyrememberedthatbutforME，whenyoufoundoutthatyouwerenotrich，you’dhavegivenuptheclaim，butthatIreallydeceivedmyownfathertomakeyoukeepit。I’veoftenworriedoverthat，George，\"shesaidpensively，turningadiamondbraceletaroundherprettywrist，\"althoughIneversaidanythingaboutit。\"
\"But，Kittydarling，\"saidBarker，graspinghiswife’shand，\"I
gavemynoteforit；youknowyousaidthatwasbargainenough，andIhadbetterwaituntilthenotewasdue，anduntilIfoundI
couldn’tpay，beforeIgaveuptheclaim。Itwasverycleverofyou，andtheboysallsaidso，too。Butyouneverdeceivedyourfather，dear，\"hesaid，lookingathergravely，\"forIshouldhavetoldhimeverything。\"
\"Ofcourse，ifyoulookatitinthatway，\"saidhiswifelanguidly，\"it’snothing；onlyIthinkitoughttoberememberedwhenpeoplegoaboutsayingpaparuinedyouwithhishotelschemes。\"
\"Whodaressaythat？\"saidBarkerindignantly。
\"Well，iftheydon’tSAYittheylookit，\"saidMrs。Barker，withatossofherprettyhead，\"andIbelievethat’satthebottomofStacy’srefusal。\"
\"Butheneversaidaword，Kitty，\"saidBarker，flushing。
\"There，don’texciteyourself，George，\"saidMrs。Barkerresignedly，\"butgoforthebaby。Iknowyou’redyingtogo，andIsupposeit’stimeNorahbroughtitupstairs。\"
AtanyothertimeBarkerwouldhavelingeredwithexplanations，butjustthenadeepersensethanusualofsomemisunderstandingmadehimanxioustoshortenthisdomesticcolloquy。Herose，pressedhiswife’shand，andwentout。Butyethewasnotentirelysatisfiedwithhimselfforleavingher。\"Isupposeitisn’trightmygoingoffassoonasIcomein，\"hemurmuredreproachfullytohimself，\"butIthinkshewantsthebabybackasmuchasI；only，womanlike，shedidn’tcaretoletmeknowit。\"
Hereachedthelowerhall，whichheknewwasafavoritepromenadeforthenurseswhoweregatheredatthefartherend，wherealargewindowlookeduponMontgomeryStreet。ButNorah，theIrishnurse，wasnotamongthem；hepassedthroughseveralcorridorsinhissearch，butinvain。Atlast，worriedandalittleanxious，heturnedtoregainhisroomsthroughthelongsaloonwherehehadfoundhiswifepreviously。Itwasdesertednow；thelastcallerhadleft——evenfrivolityhaditsprescribedlimits。Hewasconsequentlystartledbyagentlemurmurfromoneoftheheavilycurtainedwindowrecesses。Itwasawoman’svoice——low，sweet，caressing，andfilledwithanalmostpathetictenderness。Anditwasfollowedbyadistinctgurglingsatisfiedcrow。
Barkerturnedinstantlyinthatdirection。Astepbroughthimtothecurtain，whereasingularspectaclepresenteditself。
Seatedonalounge，completelyabsorbedandpossessedbyhertreasure，wasthe\"horridwoman\"whomhiswifehadindicatedonlyalittlewhileago，holdingababy——Kitty’ssacredbaby——inherwantonlap！Thechildwasfeeblygraspingtheendoftheslenderjewelednecklacewhichthewomanheldtemptinglydanglingfromathinwhitejeweledfingeraboveit。Butitseyeswerebeamingwithanintensedelight，asiftryingtorespondtothedeep，concentratedloveinthehandsomefacethatwasbentaboveit。
AtthesuddenintrusionofBarkershelookedup。Therewasafaintriseinhercolor，butnolossofsell-possession。
\"Pleasedon’tscoldthenurse，\"shesaid，\"norsayanythingtoMrs。
Barker。Itisallmyfault。Ithoughtthatboththenurseandchildlookeddreadfullyboredwitheachother，andIborrowedthelittlefellowforawhiletotryandamusehim。AtleastIhaven’tmadehimcry，haveI，dear？\"Thelastepithet，itisneedlesstosay，wasaddressedtothelittlecreatureinherlap，butinitstendermodulationittouchedthefather’squicksympathiesasifhehadshareditwiththechild。\"Yousee，\"shesaidsoftly，disengagingthebabyfingersfromhernecklace，\"thatOURsexisnottheonlyonetemptedbyjewelryandglitter。\"
Barkerhesitated；theMadonna-likedevotionofamomentagowasgone；itwasonlythewomanoftheworldwholaughinglylookedupathim。Neverthelesshewastouched。\"Haveyou——ever——hadachild，Mrs。Horncastle？\"heaskedgentlyandhesitatingly。Hehadavaguerecollectionthatshepassedforawidow，andinhissimpleeyesallwomenwerevirginsormarriedsaints。
\"No，\"shesaidabruptly。Thensheaddedwithalaugh，\"OrperhapsIshouldnotadmirethemsomuch。Isupposeit’sthesamefeelingbachelorshaveforotherpeople’swives。ButIknowyou’redyingtotakethatboyfromme。Takehim，then，anddon’tbeashamedtocarryhimyourselfjustbecauseI’mhere；youknowyouwoulddelighttodoitifIweren’t。\"
Barkerbentoverthesilkenlapinwhichthechildwascomfortablynestling，andinthatattitudehadafaintconsciousnessthatMrs。
Horncastlewasmischievouslybreathingintohiscurlsasilentlaugh。Barkerliftedhisfirstbornwithproudskillfulness，butthatsagaciousinfantevidentlyknewwhenhewascomfortable，andinaparoxysmofobjectioncaughthisfather’scurlswithonefist，whilewiththeotherhegraspedMrs。Horncastle’sbrownbraidsandbroughttheirheadsintocontact。UponwhichhumoroussituationNorah，thenurse，entered。
\"It’sallright，Norah，\"saidMrs。Horncastle，laughing，asshedisengagedherselffromthelinkingchild。\"Mr。Barkerhasclaimedthebaby，andhasagreedtoforgiveyouandmeandsaynothingtoMrs。Barker。\"Norah，withtheinscrutablecriticismofhersexonhersex，thoughtitextremelyprobable，andhaltedwithexasperatingdiscretion。\"There，\"continuedMrs。Horncastle，playfullyevadingthechild’sfurtheradvances，\"gowithpapa，that’sadear。Mr。Barkerpreferstocarryhimback，Norah。\"
\"But，\"saidtheingenuousandpersistentBarker，stilllingeringinhopesofrecallingthewoman’spreviousexpression，\"youDOlovechildren，andyouthinkhimabrightlittlechapforhisage？\"
\"Yes，\"saidMrs。Horncastle，puttingbackherloosenedbraid，\"soroundandfatandsoft。Andsuchadiscriminatingeyeforjewelry。
ReallyyououghttogetanecklacelikemineforMrs。Barker——itwouldpleaseboth，youknow。\"Shemovedslowlyaway，theunitedeffortsofNorahandBarkerscarcelysufficingtorestrainthestrugglingchildfromleapingafterherassheturnedatthedoorandblewhimakiss。
WhenBarkerregainedhisroomhefoundthatMrs。BarkerhaddismissedStacyfromhermindexceptsofarastoinvokeNorah’saidinlayingouthersmartestgownfordinner。\"Butwhytakeallthistrouble，dear？\"saidhersimple-mindedhusband；\"wearegoingtodineinaprivateroomsothatwecantalkoveroldtimesallbyourselves，andanydresswouldsuithim。And，Lord，dear！\"headded，withaquickbrighteningatthefancy，\"ifyoucouldonlyjustrigyourselfupinthatprettylilacgownyouusedtowearatBoomville——itwouldbetookilling，andjustlikeoldtimes。Iputitawaymyselfinoneofourtrunks——Icouldn’tbeartoleaveitbehind；Iknowjustwhereitis。I’ll\"——ButMrs。Barker’srestrainingscornwithheldhim。
\"GeorgeBarker，ifyouthinkIamgoingtoletyouthrowawayandutterlyWASTEMr。Stacyonus，alone，inaprivateroomwithcloseddoors——andIdaresayyou’dliketositinyourdressing-gownandslippers——youareentirelymistaken。Iknowwhatisdue，nottoyouroldpartner，buttothegreatMr。Stacy，thefinancier，andI
knowwhatisdueFROMHIMTOUS！No！Wedineinthegreatdining-
room，publicly，and，ifpossible，attheverynexttabletothosestuck-upPeterburysandtheirEasternfriends，includingthathorridwoman，which，I’msure，oughttosatisfyyou。Thenyoucantalkasmuchasyoulike，andasloudasyoulike，aboutoldtimes，——andthelouderandthemorethebetter，——butIdon’tthinkHE’LLlikeit。\"
\"Butthebaby！\"expostulatedBarker。\"Stacy’sjustwildtoseehim——andwecan’tbringhimdowntothetable——thoughweMIGHT，\"headded，momentarilybrightening。
\"Afterdinner，\"saidMrs。Barkerseverely，\"wewillwalkthroughthebigdrawing-rooms，andTHENMr。Stacymaycomeupstairsandseehiminhiscrib；butnotbefore。Andnow，George，Idowishthatto-night，FORONCE，youwouldnotwearaturn-downcollar，andthatyouwouldgotothebarber’sandhavehimcutyourhairandsmoothoutthecurls。And，forHeaven’ssake！lethimputsomewaxorgumorSOMETHINGonyourmustacheandtwistituponyourcheeklikeCaptainHeath’s，foritpositivelydroopsoveryourmouthlikeagirl’sringlet。It’squiteenoughformetohearpeopletalkofyourinexperience，butreallyIdon’twantyoutolookasifIhadrunawaywithaprettyschoolboy。And，consideringthesizeofthatchild，it’spositivelydisgraceful。And，onethingmore，George。WhenI’mtalkingtoanybody，pleasedon’tsitoppositetome，beamingwithdelight，andyourmouthopen。Anddon’troarifbychanceIsaysomethingfunny。And——whateveryoudo——don’tmakeeyesatmeincompanywheneverIhappentoalludetoyou，asIdidbeforeCaptainHeath。Itispositivelytooridiculous。\"
Nothingcouldexceedthelaughinggoodhumorwithwhichherhusbandreceivedthesecautions，northeevidentsinceritywithwhichhepromisedamendment。Equallysincerewashe，thoughalittlemorethoughtful，inhissevereself-examinationofhisdeficiencies，when，later，heseatedhimselfatthewindowwithonehandsoftlyencompassinghischild’schubbyfistinthecribbesidehim，and，intheinstinctivefashionofallloneliness，lookedoutofthewindow。Thesoutherntradeswerewhippingthewavesofthedistantbayandharborintoyeastycrests。Sheetsofrainsweptthesidewalkswiththeregularityofafusillade，againstwhichafewpedestriansstruggledwithflappingwaterproofsandslantingumbrellas。HecouldlookalongthedesertedlengthofMontgomeryStreettotheheightsofTelegraphHillanditslong-disusedsemaphore。Itseemedloneliertohimthanthemile-longsweepofHeavyTreeHill，writhingagainstthemountainwindanditsaeoliansong。HehadneverfeltsolonelyTHERE。Inhisrigidself-
examinationhethoughtKittyrightinprotestingagainsttheeffectofhisyouthfulnessandoptimism。Yethewasalsorightinbeinghimself。Thereisanegoisminthehighestsimplicity；andBarker，whilewillingtobelieveinothers’methods，neverabandonedhisownaims。HewasrightinlovingKittyashedid；heknewthatshewasbetterandmorelovablethanshecouldbelieveherselftobe；
buthewaswillingtobelieveitpainedanddiscomposedherifheshoweditbeforecompany。Hewouldnothaveherchangeeventhispeculiarity——itwaspartofherself——nomorethanhewouldhavechangedhimself。Andbehindwhathehadconceivedwasherclear，practicalcommonsense，allthistimehadbeenherbeliefthatshehaddeceivedherfather！Poordear，dearKitty！Andshehadsufferedbecausestupidpeoplehadconceivedthatherfatherhadledhimawayinselfishspeculations。Asifhe——Barker——wouldnothavefirstdiscoveredit，andasifanybody——evendearKittyherself——wasresponsibleforHISconvictionsandactionsbuthimself。Nevertheless，thisgentleegotistwasunusuallyserious，andwhenthechildawokeatlast，andwithafretfulstartandvacanteyespushedhiscaressinghandaway，hefeltlonelierthanbefore。Itwaswithaslightsenseofhumiliation，too，thathesawitstretchitshandstothemerehireling，Norah，whohadnevergivenitthelovethathehadseeneveninthefrivolousMrs。
Horncastle’seyes。Later，whenhiswifecamein，lookingveryprettyinherelaboratedinnertoilette，hehadthesameconflictingemotions。Heknewthattheyhadalreadypassedthatphaseoftheirmarriedlifewhenshenolongerdressedtopleasehim，andthatthedictatesoffashionortherivalryofanotherwomansheheldsuperiortohistastes；yethedidnotblameher。
ButhewasalittlesurprisedtoseethatherdresswascopiedfromoneofMrs。Horncastle’smoststrikingones，andthatitdidnotsuither。Thatwhichadornedthematurerwomandidnotagreewiththedemureandslightlyaustereprettinessoftheyoungwife。
ButBarkerforgotallthiswhenStacy——reservedandsomewhatsevere-lookingineveningdress——arrivedwithbusinesspunctuality。
Hefanciedthathisoldpartnerreceivedtheannouncementthattheywoulddineinthepublicroomwithsomethingofsurprise，andhesawhimglancekeenlyatKittyinherfinearray，asifhehadsuspecteditwasherchoice，andunderstoodhermotives。Indeed，theyounghusbandhadfoundhimselfsomewhatnervousinregardtoStacy’sestimateofKitty；hewasconsciousthatshewasnotlookingandactingliketheoldKittythatStacyhadknown；itdidnotenterhishonestheartthatStacyhad，perhaps，notappreciatedherthen，andthatherpresentqualitymightaccordmorewithhisworldlytastesandexperience。Itwas，therefore，withakindoftimiddelightthathesawStacyapparentlyenterintohermood，andwithastillmoretimorousamusementtonoticethatheseemedtosympathizenotonlywithher，butwithherhalf-rallying，half-
seriousattitudetowardshis（Barker’s）inexperienceandsimplicity。HewasgladthatshehadmadeafriendofStacy，eveninthisway。Stacywouldunderstand，ashedid，herprettywillfulnessatlast；shewouldunderstandwhatatruefriendStacywastohim。Itwaswithunfeignedsatisfactionthathefollowedthemintodinnerassheleaneduponhisguest’sarm，chattingconfidentially。Hewasonlyuneasybecausehermannerhadaslightostentation。
Theentranceofthelittlepartyproducedaquicksensationthroughoutthedining-room。Whisperspassedfromtabletotable；
allheadswereturnedtowardsthegreatfinancierastowardsamagnet；afewguestsevenshamelesslyfacedroundintheirchairsashepassed。Mrs。Barkerwaspink，pretty，andvolublewithexcitement；Stacyhadaslightmaskofreserve；Barkerwastheonlyonenaturalandunconscious。
AsthedinnerprogressedBarkerfoundthattherewaslittlechanceforhimtoinvokehisoldpartner’smemoriesofthepast。Hefound，however，thatStacyhadreceivedaletterfromDemorest，andthathewascominghomefromEurope。Hisletterswerestillsad；
theybothagreeduponthat。AndthenforthefirsttimethatdayStacylookedintentlyatBarkerwiththelookthathehadoftenwornonHeavyTreeHill。
\"Thenyouthinkitisthesameoldtroublethatworrieshim？\"saidBarkerinanawedandsympatheticvoice。
\"Ibelieveitis，\"saidStacy，withanequalfeeling。Mrs。Barkerprickedupherprettyears；herhusband’sreadysympathywasfamiliarenough；butthatthiscold，practicalStacyshouldbemovedatanythingpiquedhercuriosity。
\"Andyoubelievethathehasnevergotoverit？\"continuedBarker。
\"Hehadonechance，buthethrewitaway，\"saidStacyenergetically。
\"If，insteadofgoingofftoEuropebyhimselftobroodoverit，hehadjoinedmeinbusiness，he’dhavebeenanotherman。\"
\"ButnotDemorest，\"saidBarkerquickly。
\"WhatdreadfulsecretisthisaboutDemorest？\"saidMrs。Barkerpetulantly。\"Isheill？\"
Bothmenweresilentbytheiroldcommoninstinct。ButitwasStacywhosaid\"No\"inawaythatputanyfurtherquestioningatanend，andBarkerwasgratefulandforthemomentdisloyaltohisKitty。
ItwaswithdelightthatMrs。Barkerhadseenthattheattentionofthenexttablewasdirectedtothem，andthatevenMrs。HorncastlehadglancedfromtimetotimeatStacy。ButshewasnotpreparedfortheevidentequaleffectthatMrs。HorncastlehadcreateduponStacy。Hiscoldfacewarmed，hiscriticaleyesoftened；heaskedhername。Mrs。Barkerwasvoluble，prejudiced，and，itseemed，misinformed。
\"Iknowitall，\"saidStacy，withdidacticemphasis。\"Herhusbandwasasbadastheymakethem。WhenherlifehadbecomeintolerableWITHHIM，hetriedtomakeitshamefulWITHOUTHIMbyabandoningher。Shecouldgetadivorceadozentimesover，butshewon’t。\"
\"Isupposethat’swhatmakeshersoveryattractivetogentlemen，\"
saidMrs。Barkerironically。
\"Ihaveneverseenherbefore，\"continuedStacy，withbusinessprecision，\"althoughIandtwoothermenareguardiansofherproperty，andhavesaveditfromtheclutchesofherhusband。Theytoldmeshewashandsome——andsosheis。\"
PleasedwiththesuddenhumanweaknessofStacy，Barkerglancedathiswifeforsympathy。Butshewaslookingstudiouslyanotherway，andtheyounghusband’seyes，stillfullofhisgratification，felluponMrs。Horncastle’s。Shelookedawaywithabrightcolor。
WhereuponthesanguineBarker——perfectlyconvincedthatshereturnedStacy’sadmiration——wasseizedwithoneofhisoldboyishdreamsofthefuture，andsawStacyhappilyunitedtoher，andwasonlyrecalledtothedinnerbeforehimbyitsend。ThenStacydulypromenadedthegreatsaloonwithMrs。Barkeronhisarm，visitedthebabyinherapartments，andtookaneasyleave。ButhegraspedBarker’shandbeforepartinginquitehisoldfashion，andsaid，\"Cometolunchwithmeatthebankanyday，andwe’lltalkofPhilDemorest，\"andleftBarkerashappyasiftheappointmentweretoconferthefavorhehadthatmorningrefused。ButMrs。Barker，whohadoverheard，wasmoredubious。
\"Youdon’tsupposeheasksyoutotalkwithyouaboutDemorestandhisstupidsecret，doyou？\"shesaidscornfully。
\"Perhapsnotonlyaboutthat，\"saidBarker，gladthatshehadnotdemandedthesecret。
\"Well，\"returnedMrs。Barkerassheturnedaway，\"hemightjustaswelllunchhereandtalkaboutHER——andseeher，too。\"
MeantimeStacyhaddroppedintohisclub，onlyafewsquaresdistant。Hisappearancecreatedthesameinterestthatithadproducedatthehotel，butwithlessreserveamonghisfellowmembers。
\"Haveyouheardthenews？\"saidadozenvoices。Stacyhadnot；hehadbeendiningout。
\"ThatinfernalswindleofaDivideRailroadhaspassedthelegislature。\"
StacyinstantlyrememberedBarker’sabsurdbeliefinitandhisreasons。Hesmiledandsaidcarelessly，\"Areyouquitesureit’saswindle？\"
Therewasadeadsilenceatthecoolnessofthemanwhohadbeenmostoutspokenagainstit。
\"But，\"saidavoicehesitatingly，\"youknowitgoesnowhereandtonopurpose。\"
\"Butthatdoesnotpreventit，nowthatit’safact，fromgoinganywhereandtosomepurpose，\"saidStacy，turningaway。Hepassedintothereading-roomquietly，butinaninstantturnedandquicklydescendedbyanotherstaircaseintothehall，hurriedlyputonhisovercoat，andslippingoutwasamomentlaterre-enteringthehotel。HerehehastilysummonedBarker，whocamedown，flushedandexcited。LayinghishandonBarker’sarminhisolddominantway，hesaid：——
\"Don’tdelayasinglehour，butgetawrittenagreementforthatDitchproperty。\"
Barkersmiled。\"ButIhave。Gotitthisafternoon。\"
\"Thenyouknow？\"ejaculatedStacyinsurprise。
\"Ionlyknow，\"saidBarker，coloring，\"thatyousaidIcouldbackoutofitifitwasn’tsigned，andthat’swhatKittysaid，too。
AndIthoughtitlookedawfullymeanformetoholdamantothatkindofabargain。Andso——youwon’tbemad，oldfellow，willyou？——IthoughtI’dputitbeyondanyquestionofmyowngoodfaithbyhavingitinblackandwhite。\"Hestopped，laughingandblushing，butstillearnestandsincere。\"Youdon’tthinkmeafool，doyou？\"hesaidpathetically。
Stacysmiledgrimly。\"Ithink，Barkerboy，thatifyougototheBranchyou’llhavenodifficultyinpayingfortheDitchproperty。
Good-night。\"
Inafewmomentshewasbackattheclubagainbeforeanyoneknewhehadevenleftthebuilding。Asheagainre-enteredthesmoking-
roomhefoundthemembersstillineagerdiscussionaboutthenewrailroad。Onewassaying，\"Iftheycouldgetanextension，andcarrytheroadthroughHeavyTreeHilltoBoomvillethey’dbeallright。\"
\"Iquiteagreewithyou，\"saidStacy。
CHAPTERIII。
Theswaying，creaking，Boomvillecoachhadatlastreachedthelevelridge，andsankforwarduponitsspringswithasighofreliefandtheslowprecipitationofthereddustwhichhadhungincloudsaroundit。Thewholecoach，insideandout，wascoveredwiththisimpalpablepowder；ithadpouredintothewindowsthatgapedwidelyintheinsufferableheat；itlaythickuponthenovelreadbythepassengerwhohadforthethirdorfourthtimeduringtheascentmadeagutterofthehalf-openedbookandblownthedustawayinasinglepuff，likethesmokefromapistol。Itlayinfoldsandcreasesovertheyellowsilkdusterofthehandsomewomanonthebackseat，andwhensheendeavoredtoshakeitoffenvelopedherinareddishnimbus。Itgrimedthehandkerchiefsofothers，andleftsanguinarystreaksontheirmoppedforeheads。ButasthecoachhadslowlyclimbedthesummitthesunwasalsosinkingbehindtheBlackSpurRange，andwithitsultimatedisappearanceadeliciouscoolnessspreaditselflikeawaveacrosstheridge。Thepassengersdrewalongbreath，thereaderclosedhisbook，theladyliftedtheedgeofherveilanddelicatelywipedherforehead，overwhichafewdamptendrilsofhairwereclinging。Evenadistinguished-lookingmanwhohadsatasimpenetrableandremoteasastatueinoneofthefrontseatsmovedandturnedhisabstractedfacetothewindow。Hisdeeplytannedcheekandclearlycutfeaturesharmonizedwiththereddustthatlayinthecurvesofhisbrownlinendust-cloak，andcompletedhisresemblancetoabronzefigure。YetitwasDemorest，changedonlyincoloring。Now，asfiveyearsago，hisabstractionhadacertainqualitywhichthemostfamiliarstrangershrankfromdisturbing。Butinthegeneralrelaxationofreliefthenovel-readeraddressedhim。
\"Well，weain’tfarfromBoomvillenow，andit’salldown-gradetherestoftheway。Ireckonyou’llbeasgladtogeta’washup’anda’shake’astherestofus。\"
\"IamafraidIwon’thavesoearlyanopportunity，\"saidDemorest，withafaint，gravesmile，\"forIgetoffatthecross-roadtoHeavyTreeHill。\"
\"HeavyTreeHill！\"repeatedtheotherinsurprise。\"Youain’tgoin’toHeavyTreeHill？Why，youmighthavegonetheredirectbyrailroad，andhavebeentherefourhoursago。Youknowthere’sabranchfromtheDivideRailroadgoestherestraighttothehotelatHymettus。\"
\"Where？\"saidDemorest，withapuzzledsmile。
\"Hymettus。That’sthefancynamethey’vegiventothewatering-
placeontheslope。ButIreckonyou’reastrangerhere？\"
\"Forfiveyears，\"saidDemorest。\"IfancyI’veheardoftherailroad，althoughIprefertogotoHeavyTreethisway。ButI
neverheardofawatering-placetherebefore。\"
\"Why，it’sthebiggestboomoftheyear。Folksthataretiredofthefogsof’FriscoandtheheatofSacramentoallgothere。It’sfourthousandfeetup，withahotellikeSaratoga，dancing，andabandplayseverynight。AnditallsprangoutoftheDivideRailroadandacranknamedGeorgeBarker，whoboughtupsomeoldDitchpropertyandranabranchlinealongitslevels，andmadeajunctionwiththeDivide。Youcancomeallthewayfrom’FriscoorSacramentobyrail。It’samightybigthing！\"
\"Yet，\"saidDemorest，withsomeanimation，\"youcallthemanwhooriginatedthissuccessacrank。Ishouldsayhewasagenius。\"
Theotherpassengershookhishead。\"Allsheerniggerluck。HeboughttheDitchplantaforetherewasaghostofachancefortheDivideRailroad，justouto’pured————dfoolishness。Heexpectedsolittlefromitthathehadn’tevengottheagreementdoneinwritin’，andhadn’tpaidforit，whentheDivideRailroadpassedthelegislature，asitneveroughterdone！For，yousee，theblamedestcur’ousthingaboutthewholeaffairwasthatthis’straw’roadofaDivide，allpurewildcat，wasonlygottenuptofrightenthePacificRailroadsharpsintobuyingitup。AndtheroadthatnobodyevercalculatedwouldeverhavearailofitlaidwaspushedonassoonasfolksknewthattheDitchplanthadbeenboughtup，fortheythoughttherewasabigthingbehindit。Eventhehotelwas，atfirst，simplyakindofgenteelalms-housethatthisyerBarkerhadbuiltforbroken-downminers！\"
\"Nevertheless，\"continuedDemorest，smiling，\"youadmitthatitisagreatsuccess？\"
\"Yes，\"saidtheother，alittleirritatedbysomecomplacencyinDemorest’ssmile，\"butthesuccessisn’tHIS’N。Foolshasideas，andwisemenprofitbythem，forthathotelnowhasJimStacy’sbankbehindit，andisevenakindofcountrybranchoftheBrookHousein’Frisco。Barker’soutofit，Ireckon。Anyhow，HE
couldn’trunahotel，forallthathiswife——shethat’soneofthebig’Friscoswellsnow——usedtohelpserveinherfather’s。No，sir，it’sjustafool’sluck，gettin’thefirsttasteandleavin’
theresttoothers。\"
