CIHM Microfiche Series (IVIonographs) ICIVIH Collection de microfiches (monographies) Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques Technical and Bibliographic Notes / Notes techniques et bibliographiques The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Features of this copy which may be bibliographically unique, which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming are checked below. D Coloured covers / Couverture de couleur □ Covers damaged / Couverture endommag^e □ Covers restored and/or laminated / Couverture restaur^e et/ou pellicul^e I Cover title missing / Le titre de couverture manque I Coloured maps / Cartes g6ographiques en couleur ^ Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black) / Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) I I Coloured plates and/or illustrations / D D D D D Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur Bound with other material / Reli6 avec d'autres documents Only edition available / Seule Edition disponible Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion along interior margin / La reliure serr^e peut causer de I'ombre ou de la distorsion le long de la marge int^rieure. Blank leaves added during restorations may appear within the text. Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming / II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajout^es lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte, mais, lorsque cela ^tait possible, ces pages n'ont pas 6\6 film^es. Additional comments / Commentaires suppl^mentaires: L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a 6\6 possible de se procurer. Les details de cet exem- plaire qui sont peut-dtre uniques du point de vue bibli- ographique, qui peuvent modifier une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la m^tho- de nomiale de filmage sont indiqu^s ci-dessous. I I Coloured pages / Pages de couleur I j Pages damaged / Pages endommag6es D Pages restored and/or laminated / Pages restaur^s et/ou pellicul^es I y Pages discoloured, stained or foxed / Lwl Pages d^olor§es, tachet^es ou piques I I Pages detached / Pages d6tach6es |t/| Showthrough / Transparence I I Quality of print varies / D D D Quality in^gale de I'impression Includes supplementary material / Comprend du materiel supplemental re Pages wholly or partially obscured by en-ata slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to ensure the best possible image / Les pages totalement ou partiellement obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure, etc., ont 6\6 film^s ^ nouveau de fagon k obtenir la meilleure image possible. Opposing pages with varying colouration or discolou rations are filmed twice to ensure the best possible image / Les pages s'opposant ayant des colorations variables ou des decolorations sont filmees deux fois afin d'obtenir la meilleure image possible. This ttem ia f ilnwd at tha raduction ratio chackad balow / Ca documant aat filing au taux da rMuction indiqu* ci-daaaoua. 10x 14x 18x 22x 26x 30x / 12x 16x 20x 24x 28x 32x Th« copy filmed h«r« has b««n reproduced thank* to tha ganarosity of: National Library of Canada L'axamplaira film* fut raproduit grAca A la gAnArotit* da: Bibliotheque nationale du Canada Tha imagaa appearing hare are the beat quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in keeping with the filming contract specif icationa. Original copies in printed paper cover* are filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated improa- *ion. or the back cover whan appropriate. All other original copie* are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illuatratad imprea- sion, and ending on the laat page with a printed or illuatrated impression. The last recorded frame on eech microfiche shall contain tha symbol — ^^ (meaning "CON- TINUED"), or the symbol V (meening "END"), whichever applies. Mapa, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames aa required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les images suivantas ont tt§ raproduitas avac la plus grand soin. compta tanu da la condition at de la nanet* da I'axemplaira film*, at an conformity avac les conditions du contrat de fllmaga. Lea axemplairea originaux dont la couverturs an papier eat imprimia sont filmis an commancant par la premier plat at an tarminant soit par la darniAre page qui comporte une empralnta d'impression ou d'illustration, soit par la second plat, salon la cas. Tous las autras axamplaires originaux sont filmis an commandant par la premiere page qui comporte une empralnta d'Impreasion ou d'illustration at en tarminant par la derniire page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un dee symbolea suivants apparaitra sur la darniire image de cheque microfiche, salon la cas: la symbols — »■ signifie "A SUIVRE", le symbole V signifie "FIN". Les cartea. planchea. taolaaux. etc.. peuvent etre film*s A des taux de rMuction diff^rents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour etre reproduit en un seul cliche, il est film* * partir da Tangle supirieur gauche, de gauche * droita. at de haut en baa, an prenant le nombre d'imegea nicessaire. Las diagrammes suivants illuatrant la mithode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST CHART (ANSI and ISO TEST CHART No. 2) 1^ US 2.8 3.2 13.6 ■ 4.0 2.5 2.2 ZO 1.8 ^ ^IPPLIED IN/HGE 1653 E, ,t Main Street Rochester, New York 14609 USA (716) 482 - 0300 - Phone (716) 288-5989 -Fox inc Love & Company (limited) By J. Try-Davies and Mary Woolston ^ W. Foster Brown Montreal 1901 PSS4feS Entered according to Act of the Parliament of Canada, in the year one thousand nine hundred and one, by J. Trv-Davihs, at the Department of Agriculture. Press of The Hunter, Rose Co., Limited, Toronto Love & Company (Limited) BOOK I. SPECIAL PARTNERS. A YOUNG man and a girl strayed into a palm-shadowed nook in the conservatory of a New York house. It was at the end of the season. Tired of dancing, they had slipped ' from the cotillion for a talk. r^ faces were bright with the spirit of the dance, but, as the girl settled herself comfortably among the cushions and the man took an easy attitude near her, it was evident that they were not lovers. X 2 Love & Co., Limited. He was a stranger visiting Amer- ica and delightedly interested by the American girl, his companion, who, in her turn, found much to study in the man and his manners. They had been talking about books and authors in America, and the men- tion of Emerson and his essays had brought about some pretty play of fence in expos'ng their own opinions on the subjects of Love and Friendship. "It's all of no use, Mr. Hortoi," said the gir' ; "I shall never know what men really think and feel when they love, for I am sure there is al- ways something back of what men write about men. I don't believe any lover ever told the whole truth to his mistress." The man ejaculated **God forbid! But pardon me if I say that if women practise no such concealment it is not I Love & Co., Limited. 3 because of superior virtue, but be- cause there is no need. Their natural vagaries cast a baffling veil before them, which, while it prevjrts others from seeing through, often hinders them from seeing out and makes them walk in the ways of crookedness." "You must have suffered much to have become so wise," said the girl, slowly fanning herself and regarding her companion with slightly contract- ed eyebrows. "Yes," he replied, '*Mong ago I fought ' and not without bloodshed. But, Miss Morris, knowing what we know, why not exchange confidences and make ourselvea le only wholly wise man and woman in the world ? " A faint smile hovered about the girl's mouth as she objected, "But you see, we don't love each other." " But we might make believe, like 4 Love 8l Co., Limited. the children," quickly replied the man whose wits were working rapidly under the stimulus of interest. " I have an idea. We are both going to Fair Haven next month — let us, when we meet there, each do our utmost to win the other's love. Every night we will write in a journal a faithful record of the events and impressions of the day. At the end of a fortnight, we will exchange journals and part, bind- ing ourselves upon honour never to see each other again." The girl hesitated for a few mo- ments, and, hesitating, was lost ; tor curiosity, her rightful inheritance, urged her with gentle but steady pushes to the brink of the unknown. Her color had risen when she slid forth her hand - * said, ** I will." He took the hand and, meeting her €yes, said gravely, ** I pledge you my Love & Co., 7-imited. 5 honour," and, when she had made re- sponse, " I pledge you my honour," their hands parted and they both felt suddenly shy and constrained. Kenneth Horton's Journal. July loth, Newport. — In a few days I shall begin what promises to be a very curious adventure. I think it only fair to set down my impressions after the conclusion of my rash com- pact, suggested, it is true, by myself, but from which Miss Morris' frank acceptance forbids me to withdraw. Twenty times I have been tempted to cry off, partly for my own sake, but chiefly, I honestly believe, because I fear harm for her. It is true that knowledge is good, but it must be accompanied by wisdom, and I doubt much whether my journal will be good for her. Our confidences must 6 Love & Co., Limited. necessarily be most intimate. I can- not forget the sudden sense of con- straint of which I was conscious im- mediately after we had pledged our- selves to the experiment. But Miss Morris has made no sign, and if she does not shrink from the adventure, I cannot, nor, indeed, do I wish to do so. Of one thing I am certain, she has been in my thoughts very much these last weeks, and is already become something to me. Whether enemy, friend, or possible mistress of my heart time will tell. I shall feel very ill at ease until the action begins, when I hope that the ardour of the strife may quicken me into recklessness. Marion Morris' Journal. July 1 2th, Saratoga. — I wonder if ever before a girl was party to such Love & Co., Limited. 7 an extraordinary and reckless com- pact as this of ours ! Was it my good or my evil genius who was in the ascendant when I gave my hand into his, — this chosen confidant of my maiden dreams, — and pledged myself to keep the faith? Time, doubtless, will tell. I am beginning my journal now, because I cannot help it. It is a relief to put into written words some of the strange thoughts that dome to me as I think over and try to foresee the consequences of our rash enterprise. What are my mo- tives in trying this wild experiment? I must confess to a natural curiosity to know something of what is, to most women, a sealed book — the inner workings of a man's mind. The experience will give me wisdom, and that this wisdom of mine may some day be of use to other women 1 i I 8 Love & Co., Limited. i ! i is, I think, my chief motive in at- tempting what might seem to many an unmaidenly task. I know life as perhaps few girls of my age do ; I have read widely, and heard and seen most things that a girl may hear and see. I feel very sure of myself, and my ability to withstand any humiliating passion. Whether it is that I am cold or that Dame Nature has reserved me for some future feat I do not know. Certain it is that passion, as such, I have never experienced. Am I on the eve of being taught? I fancy not. I am not sentimental, and I do not now look forward to anything more than (as did Mademoiselle de Maupin in her rash venture) a taste of the Tree of Knowledge. Stay — is not the mention of her name a bad omen for me? Come what may, I have Love & Co., Limited. 9 made my promise and I shall abide by it. Mr. Horton is a man whom I can thoroughly trust. I like him, and his ready tact in that uncomfortable mo- ment in the conservatory, when the realization of what we were doing came home to us, assures me that we shall be able to pass successfully any awkward places in our short journey together. Kenneth Horton's Journal. I'^thjuly^ Fair Haven. — The duel is begun. I try to stifle conscience with the reflection that I am offering in my own person a subject for scientific re- search, and that my experiences, how- ever painful they may prove to myself, may at least be interesting and valu- able to my antagonist and associate. We are, by a happy chance, stay- ing at the same house. The party is lo Love & Co., Limited. neither so large as to make frequent distractions probable, nor so small as to narrow the field for advance and retreat. I am feeling and looking my best. Miss Morris came about noon, and we exchanged greetings without any diffi- culty. Her colour was slightly higher for a moment, and in her eyes was a look in which I fancied I saw defiance alternating with gentle interest. When a man loves deeply, he usual- ly loses his nerve and plays a poor game, now too bold, now too timid. I am not in love at all, and find it easy to be natural and agreeable. I am waiting for an opening in my adver- sary's fence and she has apparently chosen the same tactics. She is look- ing very bonny and happy, and I may say that I should feel remorse for my promise did I not know what danger- Love & Co., Limited, ii ous weapons for attack and defence she wields. Her manner to me has been charm- ing, but so easy as to suggest indiffer- ence. As we said good-night, her hand lingered for a second in mine, but whose doing it was I do not know. Marion Morris' Journal. 17th July, Fair Haven. — I am with my friends, the Fairfaxes, ready to enjoy my fortnight's visit. I arrived just before luncheon, and. as I sat down at the table, what was my sur- prise to see Mr. Horton opposite me. I hope I did not display any special feeling of interest ; I clasped my hands spasmodically beneath the table, but I'm sure it wasn't noticed. It seems that Mrs. Fairfax came on the same boat with him, and knowing him well 12 Love & Co., Limited. m I' I i! ; thought he would be an addition to her party. I shall not forgive him in a hurry for the start he gave me, though I suppose I am unreason- able. I wonder what his idea is in bringing the action to such close quarters; he is at all events entirely responsible for this move. I did not come down-stairs again until tea-time, and then I devoted my- self to my host. I was perfectly un- concerned and at my ease. I am glad I can assume such a calm exte- rior even when my mind is in a tumult. We women learn one lesson thoroughly, and well we may, since our instruction begins almost at the cradle — the art of successfully con- cealing our feelings. During the evening I made use of the opportunity to notice Mr. Horton particularly. He is a handsome man, there is no Lc 76 & Co., Limited. 13 i doubt about that. There is some- thing else about him, too, that is very attractive ; I wonder if it is his thor- ough knowledge of the world that constitutes the charm of his manner? (Of course I am speaking of his man- ner to others, and of the way in which he would be generally regarded.) Though I have always found him in- teresting, and this compact of ours should establish a sense of good- fellowship, an invisible barrier seems to have risen up between us. By chance, or more likely by de- sign, he was standing by the staircase as we said good-night. I offered him my hand to see what he would do with it. He did not press it, but for all that something seemed to happen for a moment, and our hands did not part as lightly as I expected. I really do not know whose fault it was. • M 14 Love & Co., Limited. il ilil if Probably we were each trying to appear very indiflferent, and thus brought about what we were both anxious to avoid. Well, I am very tired, and the change of air has made me sleepy, and not even the dream of conquest of many Mr. Hortons could keep me awake to-night. Neither am I trou- bled by fears for myself. Kenneth Horton's Journal. 1 8th July y Fair Haven. — Before our tournament has well begun a third person has tumbled into the lists. A man named Van Sittart turned up this morning. There has evidently been something between him and Miss Morris, and I think he is still in love with her. She did not betray herself, but I saw that she felt a sense of ownership. In himself the man seems Love & Co., Limited. 15 —t i ■n i neither good nor bad, but he is not the sort of man for whom I should suppose Miss Morris would care. He is, however, a nuisance. If he comes here much he will waste a lot of our valuable time.. Besides, if he be a real lover, he will make my part more difficult. **A11 the world loves a lover," even if the man himself be insignificant, and a real lover should be vastly more inter- esting to a woman than a make- believe. If she is at all interested in him, she will never complete her journal. I have fished for information but can learn nothing, save that he has been "devoted" to her. But "devoted" does not always mean ** devotion " in American. I do not believe that he is a confederate, for I am sure that Miss Morris would not betray our secret to I m {' m t i6 Love & Co., Limited. any one. Yet his appearance has given her an immense advantage. I dare say she is grinning over her jour- nal row as she writes. Look out for yourself, my lady. I mean to discover some way to carry the war into your own country. An odd thing happened at dinner. Miss Morris, who sat opposite to me, put her feet on mine and left them there until the ladies rose to go. I had kept very still, but, as she passed me on her way out of the room, she attempli^d some sort of an apology or explanation. Is she only a fast sort of girl after a'll ? And does she think to overcome me by charms of sense ? It would be a most ignoble and com- monplace ending to our very original and interesting adventure. But if that i' ^hat she means, shall I lower myseh > her level ? / cannot in honour Love & Co., Limited. 17 back out. If I repulse her advances, she will certainly hate me. If I yield to them, the whole affair sinks to an episode with a sensual woman. U would be very, very tempting. She is so beautiful and well bred that I don't believe I could resist. That thei'e are such girls I know, but I did not for one moment imagine that she was one of the.n. I am very angry. What right had she to suppose that, if she played Circe, I would be willing to — bah ! it hardly bears thinking about. And yet it was very good to feel that close contact. The memory of it makes me glow yet, and some- how my anger seems scarcely as genu- ine as it might be. I should like amazingly to know whether the act was intentional — it would make a dif- ference in my feelings. She may have mistaken my feet for i I m i8 Love & Co., Limited. a part of the furniture. It is barely possible, but I will give her the benefit of the doubt for the present. The next day or two will tell. Meanwhile I am the uneasy prey to uncertainty, and I despise both Miss Morris and myself. I must brace up to-morrow and try and get on kissing terms with some one else to take the edge off. I feel that at present the pull is all her way. Good God ! Is it possible that she can be in love with me already ? Marion Morris' Journal. 1 8th July, Fair Haven. — The morn- ing passed pleasantly but unevent- fully, and I began to think that we shjuld never really begin. But at luncheon Mr. Van Sittart came in. I am very much annoyed. Last winter he asked me to be his wife and he does not see that my **no" was a final answer. A Love & Co., Limited. 19 I dw not mean to give him any en- couragement, but I shall use him as my first weapon. Mr. Horton evi- dently suspects something, for he looks curiously at us both. No one knows that Mr. Van Sittart proposed to me, and so the former can gain no information. I think that I have scored the first point, and I feel somewhat elated and muc! .Tiore daring. Of course it is a very old stratagem, but I believe it is always successful in creating interest or jealousy of a kind. Mr. Horton will suspect my plan, but he is, I think, too clever to retaliate in the same way. I am sure I should not care if he did. Mr. Van Sittart vas appointed to take me into dinner and I was pleased to see that Mr, Horton sat opposite. Of course I was very gracious to my . % ill 20 Love & Co., Limited. quondam lover, but Mr. Horton affect- ed to notice nothing. A rather em- barrassing situation unnerved me somewhat. I was seated near the centre of the large table, and in ac- cordance with a habit I learned at home I rested my feet, as I supposed, on its turned legs. When the signal to rise was given I was leaning over to pick up my handkerchief, when, to my horror, my footstool began to move, and the awful consciousness was borne in upon me that I had been using Mr. Horton's feet for a support all through dinner. I struggled to make some apology as I passed him ; he bowed with apparent gravity, but I saw his eyes for a moment and they were very unpleasantly bright, and he was evidently suppressing a grin. I think I hate him this evening. How dared he ? To think of his enjoying Love & Co., Limited. 21 my unconsciousness all dinner-time ! Of course he knows I was uncon- scious. The bare possibility of his imagining the contrary makes my cheeks burn though I am here all alone. I hate him, but I will keep to my agreement, and if I make him love me and he breaks his heart I don't care ; he deserves it ! Kenneth Horton's Journal. igth July. — I awoke this morning to find myself much more self-possessed. The little gust of passion has passed by and left me wondering and ashamed of what I wrote last night. I would destroy it if I were not bound by my pi mise. What a brute she will think me when she reads it. But perhaps even as I wrote she was penning a similar confession of the weakness of wo- man's nature. ■I n 0^ f ii, I ' I ", ill M 22 Love & Co., Limited. She gave no sign to-day, however, and I viras carefully ordinary in my manner. We played tennis and all hands went swimming, as usual, but I fan- cied that she shrank from me a little as I put her wrapper over her when she came out of the wat^r. I think she felt braver after luncheon, for we passed a couple of hours together on the veranda, and I hope that I con- trived, in the course of our talk, to assure her of my respsct. Even if she is bad, she will wish to be respect- ed. Do not all women exact an as- surance of Ihai when they abandon themselves, and do they not generally get the lying answer they desire ? A man must love a woman utterly with soul and body, and for her soul and body, or ever he can forget that she has broken caste. This is, of course. Love & Co., Limited. 23 the result of long-established conven- tions. I suppose that most women know this, but do not want to think about it. Van Sittart has disappeared. I am glad of it. He was in my way, I am sure. It is scarcely time for jealousy yet, but he w^3 an annoyance. I can get forward better in my adventure wit.,jut him, and, at the pace we are going, the fortnight is likely to prove too long. There seems to be a prob- ability of a row before its end. Marion Morris' Journal. July igth. — I did not enjoy my swim to-day, I can scarcely tell why. Some things that are clearly felt entirely baffle description. I had an uncom- fortable feeling that Mr. Horton was watching me, and my bathing-dress seemed an insufficient protection. '!■ ^ m I ¥■ 1 i' il\ 1 lll 24 Love & Co., Limited, What is the matter with me ? I am not a prude, nor, I think, absurdly sensitive in such matters; why should this idea have occurred to me now ? We talked a while after luncheon and I tried to feel the same pleasure in his conversation that I did before. I tried to be very bright and interest- ing, for is it not the avowed object of my life at present to make this ma- in love with me ? Once I gl- .^ed up quickly and caught him looking at me in such a strange way that I felt a lit- tle shiver thrill through me and my face grow hot. What did that look mean ? I have been trying to imagine it again here to myself, as I lie back in my chair and think. It was not a sneer, certainly not a caress, and yet, strangely enough, it occurred to me that, intensified in one way or the other, it might be either a look of dis- Love & Co., Limited. 25 gfust or of absolute love. Bah ! how foolish I am! It may have been thoughts of an entirely different char- acter that brought forth that expres- sion of countenance. I will go to bed and sleep without dreams. Kenneth Horton's Journal. ■>M/w/v.— When Miss Morris ap- peared this morning, she looked hol- low-eyed and out of sorts. I sup- posed that she had a '* migraine," and prepared myself to do some quiet petting, which art I flatter myself that I understand. It seemed a good chance, but for some reason or other she avoided me, and my scheme of footstool, wrap, and reading aloud did not come off. I managed, however, to express without obtruding my sym- pathy. Is she fretting over the feet affair, or is she tired of our compact, F i 26 Love & Co., Limited. 11 I |! ill: II i ii B' ffl or is she simply ill ? I wish she had let me be good to her, for I really like her very much. Her pallor became her very well and gave a poetic cast to her face. I wonder if it was only indigestion after all. The best thing I could imagine was to let her alone, so I went off to t' e Casino and had a merry luncheon with the Crosbys, who had a Baltimore girl with them. They took me for a drive. The Baltimore girl was very nice and promised to be a valuable find. We got on very well indeed, and for two hours I quite for- got Miss Morris. This was just what I needed. I have no intention of let- ting myself become tt)o much interest- ed in the last-named lady. "One nail drives out the other," as the French proverb has it. I got home just in time for dinner. Mrs. Fairfax had heard where I had lunched and gently If Love & Co., Limited. 27 twitted me on the subject of the Balti- more girl. I caught a sharp glance of Miss Morris' eyes in my direction, and fancy that she is not pleased. But it may be only indigestion. It was a wet evening, so we played a mild game of poker. I lost pheno- menally, and did not fail to be remind- ed by Mrs. Fairfax of the ancient saw about the happy lover and the un- lucky gamester. Miss Morris looked really ill as she said good-night. I felt in high animal spirits. Marion Morris' Journal. July 20th. — It was strange that I should end my journal as I did last night. I did dreau., and such a dream! It has followed me all day, and even now I shudder as I write of it. I thought that I was lying on a snow-bank, and oh ! so cold. How I 11 1 i I J: J' Ill' 28 Love & Co., Limited. ipf: came there I do not know, but it seemed that I had lain there for hours. I was not numbed, but felt every sen- sation acutely. Suddenly I was con- scious of a grateful warmth stealing over me; it began at my feet and gradually crept over my body. The sensation was more than pleasant — it was a delicious, thrilling happiness, like nothing I had ever before experi- enced, and I shut my eyes and longed for it to continue. Then quickly the sensation became more intense, the warmth circled itself round my body faster and warmer, round my limbs, my waist, my throat. I put my hands out gropingly and touched it — it was a mighty creature, a snake that was coiled about me, and as it raised its horrid head and looked into my eyes I saw the features change into those of Mr, Horton ; there, too, was that half- Love & Co., Limited. 29 mocking: glance that had troubled me in the afternoon. I struggled vainly for a moment ; then again the deadly coldness came over me, and I woke to find myself curled up and shivering. It was only a nightmare, but it was so vivid that I could not dispel it from my mind by an effort of the will. I avoided Mr. Horton all day ; I could not overcome the aversion I felt for what reminded me so strongly of my dream. I did not speak to him alone, and kept my eyes turned away from him when I was obliged to meet him be- fore others. It was childish, foolish perhaps, but I could not help it. I wonder what he thinks. Will he be angry ? Perhaps he may look upon it as a new stratagem. Happy thought! this avoidance of him may be my best S" i-8 r -I ^ 'fSl 30 Love & Co., Limited. move after all. If he cares ever so little for me he will want to under- stand what I mean by this treatment of him. I will wait and see. It is a warm evening, and as I write I am thoroughly comfortable. I have taken off my dress, and my aims look very white against the dark wood of the writing-table. I have always been a little vain of my arms, they are so round, and soft, and pretty. There is the loveliest curve just at the shoul- der, so smooth and beautiful. I won- der if Mr. Horton would think it pretty if he could see it ? I am glad the horrid dream is fading away from me and that I can now think naturally of him. I am shivering again at the bare recollection. I must put it quite away from me, or the dream may come back again. .•i-.-i. A' Jl*^l«*' Love & Co., Limited. 31 ■ii si Kenneth Horton's Journal. 2isl /uly.—The night once again brought me counsel, and on this calm, bright Sunday morning the chari.i of the Baltimore girl was much less, while, on the other hand, I felt per- suaded that I had been ungenerous to Miss Morris. I therefore decided that she was good and that I wanted to go to church with her. I thought that she would probably go to the early service at nine o'clock, and so stole quietly down-stairs in time to waylay her. I had guessed right, for she presently appeared, look- ing quite herself but with a certain grave determination in her face. She seemed to be somewhat surprised when I expressed my intention of going to church, but quietly assented 11 'Mi Mil I ^ if y^?3^!rs 32 Love & Co., Limited. when I asked leave to accompany her. The walk was very pleasant. We found seats in a pew near the door, and, as Miss Morris slipped to her knees, I was very glad that I had come. I was conscious, too, of a wave of spiritual purification, which swept away the gross and ignoble thoughts which had been haunting me for the last two days. Miss Morris' low but clear responses to the peniten- tial prayers were accompanied by my own silent but earnest supplications. I felt for a moment that heavenly things were nearer to me than they had been for a long time, and that my dear companion — she was dear to me at the time — was a good angel who might lead me by the hand out of the world in which I had been living to that higher sphere where it might be possible for me to lead the Life. The rjB'jRr.^Has Love & Co., Limited. ^:^ hymns were simple and the music good and unpretentious; both wt.c in harmony with my train of thought and feeling. My little old Prayer Book, given me by my mother when I first went to a public school, assisted my mood, and, as I glanced at the faded inscription inside the cover, I felt that Religion was possible and that Wo- men were good. Somehow Religion and Women seemed to belong to each other, both incomprehensible and both the highest good or the worst evil ac- cording as a man shall use them or as his light may be. As we bent our heads to the bene- diction, I felt that we were sharers in something holy, which was more ours than our fellow-worshippers'. We talked very little as we walked home, but I am sure that Miss Morris had divined my mood, for her old %\\ m im ist f .'■;•> :.i T^^^^!^^^>!r 34 Love 8' Cn., Limited. frankness he, jcurned, and, as she gently thanked me on our parting in the hall, our eyes looked into each other's, grave, but joyful with a hope of better things. My mood lasted all day in spite of the distraction of tennis, and in the evening, when careless voices were singing hymns to the accompaniment of the piano in the drawing-room, I stole away to the dark veranda where I found Miss Morris. She talked about church music, and from that we soon passed to the subject of Religion. Hers seemed to be wonderfully direct and childlike, and I found some diffi- culty in concealing my own chaos of belief. I think, however, that she understood that my doubts were hon- est and that my yearning was for bet- ter things. At any rate, as she bade me "good-night" the friendly pres- Love & Co., Limited. 35 sure of her hand assured me of her renewed confidence. But if .^ ^e only knew half of my past blac :j,'r.ard:sm . and could guess how little ir y nresent frame of mind is likely to hinder me from future yielding to temptations of the grosser sort, she would spurn me as a vile hypocrite. I am not that, I think, but only a man like most others, with whom the Angels of Darkness and of Light alternately prevail. I believe that I would say a prayer to-night if it did not seem an impertinence. Marion Morris' Journal. Sunday, July 2ist.—T\C\s has been a delightful day to me— all peace, no disturbing emotions, no uncomfortable contretemps. I was very much sur- prised to have Mr. Horton's company at church this morning ; I had gath- 36 Love & Co., Limited. ered from some of his conversation in the past that he regarded church- going in the light of a practice to be confined to sentimental women, and I was pleased to see that I was mistak- en. I tried to keep my thoughts en- tirely fixed on the service, but there were moments when they flew to the man who knelt beside me. I won- dered whether he would be the better or the worse for having known me, and determined to take the first opportunity to compare beliefs and see how much or how little he is in sym- pathy with me. I had my talk with Mr. Horton in the evening. I fear it was not a sense of religious duty that prompted him this morning when he came to church with me. I wonder if it is too much thinking or too little that has given him such strange ideas on the subject :li Love & Co., Limited. 37 of religion. I should be sorry to re- sign my Christ, the Man-God, for the Philosopher of Nazareth, a little above Plato and something less than Divine. If Mr. Horton's state of feeling is Ag- nosticism, I think there is a great lack of satisfaction in the Agnostic creed, or lack of creed. I am strangely anx- ious to understand him perfectly. July 22. — What a glorious day this has been ! Warm and ripe and rosy with the midsummer fulness and joy. It was a day for new-n hay and poetry, Mr. Horton said; • ^ ne took a book of poems from the library, a rug, and a box of sweets, and invited me to come and sit on the lawn and read to him. I agreed, and we *^^ok up our station with our backs against a haycock with the bonbons between us, and gave ourselves up to the dolce far niente for which the day seemed to be it i 38 Love & Co., Limited. made. The only energetic things to be seen or he^rd were the irrepressible crickets, who chirped incessantly in mad chorus, as if life in the grass were one long carousal, while the wind and the coolness slept. I read aloud for some time while Mr. Horton smoked his cigar; there were some charming verses in the little book, pnd they were in harmony with the quietness and sweetness of the afternoon. I didn't allow him to be selfish, however, and when the cigar was flung away I passed over the volume to him and devoted myself to the sweets. As he read I had a good chance to look at him critically, and decide as to the good and bad points in his appearance and voice. He certainly reads beautifully; his tone is low and caressingly soft, and did I not know to the contrary I Love & Co., Limited. 39 should fancy he was himself a poet, so well does he interpret, by voice and accent, the thoughts of another. He was a fine specimen of manly beauty as he lay stretched out beside me — a man always looks his best in flannels. I had an almost irresistible desire to run my fingers through that mass of gold-brown hair, it was so curly and looked so soft. He looked up suddenly and saw that I was not listening to the poem, and indignantly shut up the book. Of course I insisted on his opening it again, and promised to listen with all my ears. ** And with all your heart?" he said. ** With all my heart," said I, treat- ing it as a jest. This is ''hat he read : ** Once only, Love, may love's sweet song be sung-; n i ■' :| I 40 Love & Co., Limited. But once, Love, at our feet love's flower is Once, Love, once only. Love, can we be youngf; Say, shall we love, dear Love, or shall we hate? "Once only, Love, will burn the blood-red fire. But once awakeneth the wild desire; Love pleadeth long, but what if love should tire: Now, shall we love, dear Love, or shall we wait? " The day is short, the evening- cometh fast ; The time of choosing. Love, will soon be past; The outer darkness falleth, Love, at last ; Love, let us love ere it be late— too late ! " Was the magic in the words or in the reader? Truly I know not, but they had a strange effect upon me. As he read in low impassioned tones, his voice more tender and seductive at each succeeding line, I felt something Love & Co., Limited. 41 slipping: away from me, some power over my own soul that had never be- fore been tested, and I was afraid. For a moment the balance wavered. His e3'es were on me, searching me through and through ; then the spell was broken, and I said brusquely : "You have mistaken your calling, Mr. Horton ; you should have gone on the stage." He was disappointed in me, I felt, and disgusted at my levity. We read no more poetry, and soon after five- o'clock tea and the others took pos- session of our nook and we had no more time alone. After I came upstairs this evening I ran down to the library again and looked for the little volume. I pos- sessed myself of it and crept stealthily upstairs. I wanted to read that poem over to myself, and see what there was in it to move me so strangely. ft ) : 42 Love & Co., Limited. Marion Morris, you must be careful. These new and inexplicable sensations are dangerous, and must not be in- dulged for a moment. Heaven forbid that I should be learning to love this man ! Kenneth Horton's Journal. 22nd Jtdy. — There happened to be no plans made for to-day, and so, as the weather was lovely and my yester- day's mood had survived the night, I beguiled Miss Morris to a tete-a-tete under pretence of reading a book of new American verses which I had picked up from the library table. I had intended to make the daintily got-up little volume a pretext for monopolizing her society, but when my turn came to read aloud I hap- pened upon some lines which were so strong and sympathetic that I found Love & Co., Limited. 43 myrelf reading them with a good deal of emotion. They sounded like an appeal. I was conscious that Miss Morris was under the spell, but she pulled herself together and made an unfeeling remark about the dramatic quality of my reading. Her voice did not ring tr and so I was more an- noyed by her lack of candour than by her apparent coldness. I suppose I sulked a little this even- ing, for I went off to the Casino, where I met the Crosbys and the girl from Baltimore. The girl did not seem to me to be as plea-^ant as when I last saw her. Certainly she did not attract me greatly. I believe that Miss Morris has definitely triumphed over her. I am rather uneasy about this. The Baltimore antidote is los- ing, or, rather, has lost its power. The best plan will be to see how I J- 44 Love & Co., Limited. stand with Miss Morris, and to-mor- row I shall try to get her away for a drive. It will be pleasant, and may give me a chance to test my strength. If I find myself too much under the spell of her charm, I shall make a re- treating fight of it for the few days tha*^ '^main to us. It would be quite too foolish to let that dangerous joke, our compact, make me forsworn or forlorn. For I shall s ick to my part of the agreement. And I have the conviction that she is equally resolved. NARRATIVE. m m THE young man and the girl were driving quietly along one of the deep fir-bound roads in the neighbourhood of P'air Haven. They laughed as they talked, but their voices stilled as mad pounding of hoofs and jerking of wheels, with shouts '^^ fear and warning, bore down upon them through the after- noon quiet of the woods. Round a turn in the road in front hurled a great three-seated buck- board. The near wheels spun a mo- ment in the air, but settled down again as the terrified horses, with flap- ping reins, took a straighter course. 45 V I 46 Love & Co., Limited. The young man sprang from the dogcart to his horse's head, and yelled to the girl, "Jump out! Up the bank ! " She obeyed, but as she leaped to the ground her skirt caught in the step and she fell heavily in the road. The man uttered a desperate oath, and, darting back to her, seized her in his arms, and with a mighty wrench tore free her skirt. Rushing up the friendly bank, he had just time to de- posit her in safety pmong the ferns at the top before his feet slipped on the sandy slope and he fell struggling back into the road, in time to feel the stinging gravel shot from the horses' feet as they whirled by him, a horror of gleaming shoes. The buckboard just missed the dog-cart. The young man instinctively looked to his horse, and, finding him steady, v'ju;' ^ • Lt'isw .-& wa Love & Co., Limited. 47 turned to the girl, who was already busy with her hat-pins and veil. " I'm all right," she said cheerfully, and they set to work to brush away, as well as they might, the dusty traces of their scramble. They climbed back into the dog-cart very composedly and resumed their way, making light of the adventure. But the man asked leave to smoke, and seemed to peer ahead at the blind corners of the road, and the girl's left hand sought the seat-rail from time to time. They were passing through a straight but shady part of the road when the girl quietly turned up her veil, and, with her face to the young man, lifted her mouth, as she said, "I am very grateful." He promptly cast away his cigarette, and bending down, kissed her lips with a beating heart ^nd a swimming head. i ry^^ 48 Love & Co., Limited. y I. The rest of the drive was passed in silence, but as they entered the private avenue of their host, the girl said, " I think we had better not say anything. It would only make people nervous about driving." To this the young man heartily as- sented, and dropping his companion at the front door, he drove quietly round to the stables. But he had a mighty drink when he got indoors. Kenneth Horton's Journal. 23rd July. — I did take Miss Morris for a drive, and the result was much beyond my intention. I have held her in my arms and kissed her, and I be- lieve that she kissed me. We met a runaway team in a hollow road. I pulled up and told her to jump out, but in doing so she fell, and I had to I I Love & Co., Limited. 49 lift her up and carry her out of the way. It might have been a very ugly affair and I was horribly frightened, but Miss Morris behaved very well. Our horse and trap were untouched, so we got in again and drove home. I was feeling rather shaky, and sup- posing that she was equally unnerved, I tried to make light of the incident, when she suddenly turned to me and with some simple words of thanks lift- ed her face to mine, offering her lips. I kissed her in great wonder, and as I did so I remembered what I had quite forgotten, that I had held her close in my arms for a few moments. I was so moved that I could not say any- thing, and somehow our common sil- ence was eloquent. I know that I found myself leaning over her, while she drooped toward me until her shoulder just touched my arm. When m t.. 50 Love & Co., Limited. we got near home she suggested that we should say nothing about our escape lest the others should feel nerv- ous about driving. I assented heart- ily, and a moment after I knew that the possession of a secret between us two marked another step on the way toward the dangerous but fascinating bourne whither we were travelling. Now, in the quiet of my own cham- ber, I am trying to think it over. I believe I did behave well when we met that runaway. That is, that I was able to do the right thing and did it. I am thankful for it; but, after all, I could not have done less and preserved my self-respect. I set down my thoughts about it thus pre- cisely because I have a fear that the reward was too great for the service rendered. Here again I am beset with ugly doubts. Damn that feet Love & Co., Limited. 51 business? I had ceased to think about it, but now the recollection of it seems to make the innocence of the kiss doubtful. I find myself arguing in the same unsatisfactory, dreary round. But wh :. ivliss Morris felt that she owed me a debt for saving her life, as I really did, and that while the debt was unpaid I had an advantage over her in our contest? Now that she has paid up in full she can, with a clear conscience, pursue her intention of making me love her. Or, mad thought ! does she really love me, and was the offered kiss the sign of her defeat and self-abandonment? I can- not think clearly about it, which is a bad sign. I can at least see that I might very easily be in love with her and just as easily hate her. I had the kiss— which is much— and I will sleep f*\\ I I m 1 f 52 Love & Co., Limited. upon it. God give her gentle dreams to-night. Marion Morris' Journal. /ufy 2jrd. — For some reason or other I feel that I do not want to write in my journal to-night. It may be that I am tired, for I have been sit- ting up for some time mending a large rent in my dress, and sewing is not my forte. I did not care to give it to Th^rbse; she mends very well, but I did not wish to make any explanations with regard to it. Besides, as I stitched away I seemed to be better able to think over the events of the day. Fortunately I met no one on my way from the carriage, or the state of my costume might have excited com- ment. J can scarcely remember the way it all happened, what might have Love & Co., Limited. 53 ( been a serious accident, but I know that he held me in his arms, and — yes, I must write it — that I was happy. For just one minute I could feel his heart beating against mine, and his breath came fast and warm over my face. We did not say much after we got back into tls cart, but the silence spoke for us. I looked up at him, and he seemed so splendidly strong and handsome, and he had res' ' me so bravely and without fuss or t ,urb- ance, almost involuntarily I held up my face to be kissed. It was partly, perhaps, an idea of reward for his goodness, partly because the thought came to me on the spur of the mo- ment, and it was not a time for con- ventionalities ; and — I wanted to do it. Was it the common danger that seemed to bring us ibr a moment close together? Something seemed 54 Love & Co., Limited. to lift the barrier that has been rising between us ever since our coming to Fair Haven, and has made us con- strained and awkward in each other's presence. I am sure he understood my impul- sive action. I wonder if he has any idea that that is the first kiss I ever gave a man of my own free will ? How easily he carried me in those great strong arms. What was the feeling I had while he held me for those few moments so close to him, that warm rush of something so like happiness ? Am I tasting of the Tree of Knowledge even now ? /uly 24th, — To-day passed unevent- fully till evening. Mr. Horton's man- ner was perfect, and I did not feel the slightest embarrassment, though the events of yesterday crowded my mind to the exclusion of all else. Love & Co., Limited. 55 We all danced in the evening. The room is not large, and we soon found it too warm for comfort, and were glad to adjourn to the piazza. I had been dancing with some of the men who usually drop in about eight o'clock from some of the other cot- tages, so when Mr. Horton made his way toward me I acceded to his pro- posal to ** sit out " on the piazza. How alone we seemed, there in the shadow of the gable. The piazza was full of laughing men and girls who passed and repassed us continually, but we were virtually alone, inasmuch as the noise entirely drowned our con- versation, and the light from the el > trie lamp behind us did not fall on our faces. Mr. Horton seemed very quiet, and I had Ine conversation to myself. I started a discussion as to which of the English poets should obtain the II Ifc 56 Love & Co., Limited. laureateship left vacant by the death of Tennyson. I argued for William Morris, he for Swinburne. He asked me if I remembered Swinburne's " Garden of Proserpine," and quoted: " From too much love of living-, From hope and fear set free, We thank with brief thanksgiving Whatever gods may be That no life lives forever. That dead men rise up never. That even the weariest river Winds somewhere safe to sea." I hope Mr. Horton will not read any more poetry to me. The subtle spell that was on me the last time he read crept over me again, as the syllables fell caressingly from his lips. He was very good to look at, and I could not help thinking what a wonderful lover he would make could a woman be strong enough in herself to rouse in him a real passion. Love & Co., Limited. 57 i 'k i': i f I ■. He repeated the last two lines : "That even the weariest river Winds somewhere safe to sea." I was silent, and Mr. Horton changed his tone, and went on: ** You see we men are so easily deceived ; it is difficult to be sure." Then gently ' and quite softly he said : " It is almost too great a happiness to believe that one has found the pearl of great price." I felt his eyes upon me, and for one instant swiftly came the thought, "He loves me." Then the tide rolled back, the thought of that compact of ours showed me the truth. It was a fine piece of acting. He was trying to make me love him, as we agreed. I had not the heart to answer him brusquely, but I shivered a little and suggested returning to the dancing- room. As soon as possible I escaped fti 58 Love & Co., Limited. and came up-stairs. My mind is in a tumult. How earnestly he spoke of '* the pearl of great price." We have only six days left of my visit here and of our partnership. How is it going to end ? Ah me ! Kenneth Horton's Journal. 24th July. — This has been a quiet day. Miss Morris has been her natu- ral, ladylike self. I was conscious, however, that there was a secret be- tween us, and so I think was she. Several times our eyes met, express- ing frank sympathy. We seemed, too, to have an attraction toward each other, for I found myself unconscious- ly drifting to her side more than once, and she either came a litt'j way to meet me or silently r-ade me welcome. There was a little dance here this evening and we sat out most of the Love & Co., Limited. 59 time. We were let alone in what was perhaps rather a marked way. I sup- pose people think that there either is or is going to be something between us. Mrs. Fairfax wore a look of delighted curiosity as I said good- night, and I fancied that the warm pressure of her hand was at once an invitation to confidence and an en- couragement. If she only knew ! It has just occurred to me that in a very few days Miss Morris and I must part, never to see each other again. The thought has given me a sort of sick faintness at my heart for a mo- ment. Am I in love with her? Or should I be in love with her were it not for the restraint of our promise ? That promise makes her as inaccess- ible to me as a princess of the blood, and so I will not let my heart go out to her. But if our compact did not I 6o Love & Co., limited. exist ? I feel that it is loo ilangerous to contemplate such r .x .»1ition. I admire and respect he. i ^pi^e of all my suspicions, and wt c w? ^ree from our pledge I believe I si: n' ove !.er. To I not even now love iv,r'^ ' uu, God help me! And sh^ ^ \'/li r does she think and feel? I fay thai i>h^ at least may escape the misery in store for me. Dare I open my heart for her to-night, with the resolve to close it again in the morning ? I must and will enjoy that happiness for a few hours. I love you, Marion ! m i NARRATIVE. If THE gayety of Mrs. Fairfax's drawing-room was hushed into quiet in expectancy of a new sensation. Mr. Lansing, a dabbler in hypnotism, had suggested some ex- periments, and the offer had been ac cepted by acclamation. Kenneth Horton submitted himself with a very good grace to the art of the hypnotist, and proved to be an ex- cellent subject. '*It is always strong-willed people who make the best mediums,' de- clared the professor. '* I believe that Mr. Horton could be made to do much more under different influences. Are 6i 62 Love & Co., Limited. iiiiiii you willing to be put to sleep again ? " he asked eagerly. "Certainly! anything you like," laughed Horton. '* Lie down upon the hearth-rug then, and make your mind a blank." The young man obeyed, and for about five minutes the company watched while Mr. Lansing held up a bunch of keys before the victim's eyes. "He is off. See, I can pinch him and he feels no pain. Will one of you ladies please come here? Miss Mor- ris, will you be good enough to man- age this for me ? Place your hand on his forehead and keep it there firmly. Now tell him to answer any questions you may put to him. We will go to the other end of the room so that there may be no interference." The girl, after a slight hesitation, summoned her courage and obeyed. Love & Co., Limited. 63 ! 'I i J Putting her strong white hand firmly on the head of the subject, she said, in a low voice: *' Answer me." "Ask him — let me see — ask him in what year this house was built and by whom ? " prompted the professor. Mechanically the girl complied, but all her mind was busy with another question which had flashed across her thoughts. She waited breathlessly '"or the reply. It came in answer to the true desire of her heart. " Yes, I love you, Marion, with all my heart and with all my strength. I cannot help it." The girl listened with bent ear and wide eyes as the murmured confession fluttered from the half-closed lips. By a desperate efl^ort of will she steadied herself as she informed the expectant m 64 Love & Co., Limited. ifni' Iv i -' audience that "Mr. Howard Hart was the architect, and it was built in the year 1883." The company clamoured for more. *'Ask him what changes will take place among us during the coming year." The professor was about to exclaim against the absurdity of the question when the girl put it, and the mur- mured reply came: '* There will be no change, dear. I could not if I would. It is for better or worse with me this time. Let me kiss you once again, but with all my heart and soul. I think that if you lay in my arms I could never let you go." How the girl would have rendered this answer was never known. She turned death- ly white, and as the room began to sway beneath her, she mustered her strength to command, ** Wake ! " and Love & Co., Limited. 65 then slid in a gently rustling heap to the rug by the side of the astonished Horton. "I wonder what on earth made that girl wake him up," was the question that disturbed Mr. Lansing's rest that night, Kenneth Horton's Journal. 2Sth July.—\ do not like playing with mesmerism or hypnotism, but I could not politely refuse when Mrs. Fairfax asked m BOOK II. time's achievement. NARRATIVE. TEN years afterward Major Ken- neth Horton came home on long leave from India. He had borne his part with the famous regiment to which he belonged, and had won credit and even distinction. Those years had set their mark upon him. The young soldier was now a veteran. The bronzed face, slightly wrinkled at the corners of the eyes, the firmly set mouth, the quiet but authoritative voice, were signs that in the school of danger and hard- 7« Love & Co., Limited. 79 ship he had learned both to obey and command. He had met an old friend and com- panion-in-arms on board the Peninsu- lar and Oriental steamer, and they had agreed to break their journey at Brindisi and have a ramble in Italy, which country neither of them had yet visited. It was springtime, and after a trip to Rome and Naples, which was all too short, they had travelled north- ward, and, lingering in delight amowg the Italian lakes, arrived at Stresa on a lovely everting. The enchant»»€nt of ^e scene kept the two friends by the margin of the lake until the deepening shadows waraed them that tfoe dinner hour was at hand. Regretfully they turned their steps to their hotel, and presently entered the large, brilliantly lit dining. 8o Love Si Co., Limited. 1.1 it- room to find the long table nearly filled by that better class of tourists whose means permit them to make holiday when they choose. The maitre (T hotel assigned them to seats at the lower end of the room. They made a hasty inspection of the people about them, and then busied themselves with their dinner. The seats at the bottom of the table had remained unoccupied. Presently there arose a slight bustle of footsteps and rustle of gowns, and a girl's voice said : "We're late again and everything will be cold, and I am so hungry.** A woman's pleasant voice an- swered : ''It's all your fauk, Gwen. You can't sentimentalize on tbe lake and expect dinner to wait for you/' The nwtjor started and looked queer. When eke two ladies and the gea- ■«t5t: ■■Mvi'-^ « ' ■" >a'"^i7t^^^rt; ; -^Z ' r^;' Love & Co., Limited. 8i tleman who was with them had taken the vacant seats and settled them- selves, the Major cautiously stole a look. The ladies were prepared to endure his respectful glance with com- posure, but one of them, the elder, as she met his eye, turned white, and made a little gasping sound. Her eyes, wide opened, expressed aston- ishment, shame, and irresolution. As she nervously swallowed some water, the color returned to her face and the courage to her heart, for she fixed her eyes upon the Major until he once more looked her way, and then bowed to him with the discreet smile of one who recognizes an old friend after years of an unknown absence. Her companions, a good-looking English man and woman, were busy with their soup, and had not noticed anything save the bow. Il ■^'w^sh'^Mm^fxt.Y.w^: 2 82 Love & Co., Limited. "Who is your friend, Marion?" asked the former. "Mr. Horton — I knew him at home and at Newport when I was a girl. He used to be in the — th." "Oh, yes," said the man. "I've heard of him. Distinguished himself in Burmah. Major now, I think." " Looks very nice," said the girl. "Is he, Marion?" " He used to be before he went to the wars," she said, a smile hovering about the corners of her mouth, which presently drooped again as if some powerful influence had checked mirth. The Major's companion asked who the lady was, but being an old cam- paigner and discreet, contented him- self with brief answers. The Major finished his dinner with composure, but he had watched for the lady's left hand and had seen that Love & Co., Limited. 83 it bore a wedding-.ring. He rose, and, bowing^ slightly to the table, left the room in search of information. The porticr told him that the party were Sir John Sorby, Lady Sorby, and Miss Sorby, that they had arrived that day and taken rooms for a fortnight. Kenneth Horton's Journal. Stresa, May 15th. — I have met Ma- rion Morris again. The small world of Europe has brought it about. We were safe enough while I was in India. She married an Englishman after all, which I feel to be a compliment. She is as beautiful as ever, though more matronly. I suppose she has chil- dren. Do I care much? 1 am not sure about it. I have thought very little about her for the last five years. Hard work and, in the holidays, other S| 84 Love & Co., Limited. women, made it easy to forget. They say that women never do. I wonder why she recognized me at lable. Per- haps she thought it safer. My God ! how stupid I am. Of course, she wants to get back her journal or to know if it is destroyed. I left it safe in London marked: ** To be burnt un- opened," in case of accident. I won- der what she has done with mine. What young fools we were ! And yet I do not regret it. It helped me, though, for it made me a little reck- less, and I got toughened in active service the more quickly. Her husband seems to be a decent sort of a fellow. The name is that of a good old Derbyshire family. He cannot be much older than his wife. I do not blame her. I am wondering al! sorts of things as I write. But I shall probably know more to-morrow. TT *«'i^a^ Love & Co., Limited. 85 I have ever found that writing in my journal is a sedative. I am deter- mined, however, in one thing, and that is that I will not go in for a warmed-up flirtation. The past was too good. Nor will I run risk of any serious love affair. Marion Sorby's Journal. Stresa, May 15th, — It is many years since I last put upon paper the record of my thoughts, and the years which have passed, though uneventful and prosaic enough, have yet changed to a great extent the current of my imagin- ings and the impulse of my life. I have felt little desire, since the disastrous experiment of my curious and impetuous girlhood, to put into written words the facts or emotions of my daily life; but the unexpected meeting to-day with the man who t'' 86 Love & Co., Limited. X- shared in my folly and was a partner of my unhappiness, has given me once more the desire to put my feelings upon paper. Thoughts crowd in upon me as, forgetting the intervening years, I send my mind back to Fair Haven, and those days which were too terrible to be joyous, too exquisite to be altogether pain. Of my feelings on the day on which I saw him, to all intents and purposes, for the last time, and reluctantly, yet in accordance with our solemn prom- ise, put into his hands the open record of a woman's soul, I have no distinct remembrance. And yet it seems to me that in spite of the sense of shame that this man should know me — Ma- rion — in all the abandonment of my own self-knowledge, there came to me a quietness that was almost peace in the thought that, though forever sepa- Jl Love & Co., Limited. 87 rated, we, man and woman, had looked into the hidden recesses of each other's souls, had seen what those who desire happiness, not know- ledge, would never wish to see, and that, thou«jh at a bitter cost to our individual selves, our compact had been kept. Has he kept my journal? That is one thought that cannot fail to trouble me. Not that I fear its being ever seen by other eyes ; he would, I know, be careful to guard against any such possibility. But will the sight of me inspire him with a desire to look at it again, as now the idea comes to me to take his from the hiding-place where it has lain for these ten long years, and re-read what I know would be better left unread ? What I hope is that in the first excitement of the hour in which he read my miserable MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST CHART (ANSI and ISO TEf T CHART No. 2) I.I Li 14 ^ u muu 2£ ■ 4.0 2.5 2.2 2.0 1.8 ^ ^JPPUEDIM/IGE inc '653 East Main Street Rochester. New York 14609 USA (716) 482 - 0300 - Phone (716) 288- 5989 -Fax 88 Love & Co., Limited. confession, in justice to me and in an effort to obliterate what had been done, he consigned it to the flames. In the years that have passed forget- fulness has come. The strongest feel- ings of which a man is capable — so I have learned from my great teacher, the World — will not stand the test of Time. He has learned to think of me — if, indeed, in the whirl and excite- ment of Indian life he has not entirely forgotten the experiences of other days— as a part of the past, the dead past. The lapse of time has dead- ened remembrance and I do not fear it. But should he have kept the visible witness to our rash compact— the thought that, even as I write, he may be re-reading that journal in the light of to-day's maturer judgment, with a sneer on his handsome face possibly, and a lazy interest in some fi Love & Co., Limited. 89 4 of the more touching parts — the thought leaves my face burning and my hands hot and trembling. I need not distress myself, however. It is extremely improbable that Mr. Horton has carried the journal about with him for ten years. Men have not the same attachment to relics of bygone days that we women have ; sentiment plays but a small part in their lives, and it is likely that the written testimony to our foolhardiness has long ago been reduced to ashes. I have never regretted that step which I took when I married Sir John Sorby nine years ago. He was some forty years my senior, kind, consider- ate, and affectionate. Of such love as other women know in their married lives, the union of twin souls, I no longer dreamed. I had given my love where it might { i fi' J; ji 1 1 ll 1 1 90 Love & Co., Limited. never bring forth fruit in joy, and with my own hand had signed the death- warrant of my happiness. I felt that I could do no better with my life than marry and care for the good man who had honoured me with the offer of his hand. My few years of married life were tranquil and content, and when, three years ago, I was left a widow, I felt that 'here was no unfulfilled duty with which I could reproach myself. My step-son the present Sir John Sorby, who succeeded to the title on the death of my husband, proposed the distraction of this little trip to the Continent, and his sister, who is my companion on such occasions, per- suaded me that it was my duty to give her a taste of the delights of travel. We have no definite purpose as to our movements as yet. Probably Gwen will plan our next move when the Love & Co., Limited. 91 humor seizes her to continue our journey ; meanwhile we are thorough- ly enjoying the charming scenery and delightful air of the Lago Maggiore. Here I pushed away my writing and dived to the bottom of my box for the locked case containing the few valua- bles which I carry with me ; his journal was there. I half pulled it out of its resting-place, but wavered in my purpose, and put it back. I will not look at it. Let it lie there, at all events for the present, as it has lain for the last ten years. It could do no good for me to read it again. I know that the pages are warped and blis- tered in many places where my tears fell on it that day w' "» I /ead it first ; it could do no good and would only disturb me uselessly to rake over the ashes of a bygone fever and a bygone pain. I am Marion Morris no longer. NARRATIVE. THE next morning as Major Horton stepped through the hall ot the hotel into the air and sunlight he saw for the first time the Lago Maggiore, with Isola Bella, Isola Pescatori, and Isola Madre floating on its bosom, bathed in golden light and looking more like a scene in an opera than a real land and water scape. All was quiet, but from the lake came a splash of oars, and some foolish, happy boatman was singing a barcarolle. Two ladies shared the prospect from a garden seat, and although the Major saw only their backs he recog- nized Lady Sorby anc* Miss Sorby. 92 Love f& Co., Limited. 93 A pedler had opened shop outside the gate, and had strung on the rail- ings a number of old prints and modern water-colour drawings. The Major passed the ladies unper- ceived, and was presently deep in negotiations from which he emerged triumphant with a very clever draw- ing of a girl violin-player. The artist had signed it with his initials only, and the pedler did not know his name. It was probably part of the wreckage from some poor artist's studio. Armed with his purchase the Major re-entered the garden. As he met Lady Sorby's eyes he was greeted with a pleasant bow and smile, and as he drew near a small hand slid out to meet him. The commonplace and customary words were spoken with ease on both sides, and Lady Sorby, turning to her companion, said : It I r* I ! 94 Love & Co., Limited. " Gwen, Mr. Horton — I beg: your pardon, Major Horton, is it not ? " The Major bowed assent, and the next few minutes passed in a rapid ac- count of the events which had brought about the meeting. Lady Sorby was soon in possession of the principal facts of the past ten years of Major Horton's life in India and Burmah. Of her own history during that time he learned little, and Miss Sorby, divin- ing his reluctance to ask questions in her prer ence, very discreetly withdrew. Lady Sorby told him that she had lived in the country in England since her marriage, and her bright looks and happy manner gave assurance that she had found her lot in pleasant places. Presently Sir John Sorby joined them and was introduced. He seemed really glad, and was quite as cordial as was becoming. il i.i~- Love & Co., Limited. 95 The conversation touched lightly but sympathetically upon the beauty of the scenery, and the water-colour of the girl playing the violin elicited some very intelligent criticism of modern Italian art and artists. Then Sir John asked some questions about India and the Burmese war, in which he knew that Major Horton had taken part, and beguiled him into an account of some of the sharp fighting he had seen. Lady Sorby listened with a woman's shuddering interest i \ of war, and once, for a mon- n er hands tightened upon themselves, and her eyes betrayed more than common feel- ing. When the little group rose to enter the hotel for second breakfast, she said: •'Now, Jack, we have a complete party, and you must arrange some- 96 Love & Co., Limited. thing' for this afternoon, if Major Horton has no other plans and is not afraid of being bored;" and turning to the Major she added, quietly: ** I think you will like Gwen." That afternoon the little party were rowed across to Isola Bella, and, the visit to the villa being duly p.iid, they were free to wander in the gardens. Lady Sorby, pleading fatigue, plac- ed herself on a seat on thj terrace, and from the shelter of her sunshade cautiously eyed Major Horton, who had seated himself by her side. Sir John and Miss Sorby strolled away. The Major, having obtained permis- sion to smoke, awaited events with outward calm. The sunshade was held so that he could see only the lidy's chin, but when she drew two or three quick breaths he knew that she had made up her mind to speak. He Love & Co., Limited. 97 did not help her. At last she said : "We once did a very foolish thin;. It had best be undone." " Quite so," said the Major quietly. " I wrote to London for it this morn- ing. "You kept it then?" "Yes, of course; I could not bear to destroy it, so I left it safe, with in- structions to have it burned in case of accident to me. And I have not been home since. And mine ? " The lady was prepared for the sud- den ti. ist, and said: " I think I can manage t have it here nearly as soon as the ot..er one." Her face was still hidden by the sun- shade, but her neck betrayed a rising v*ave of colour. Thai evening as the ladies said good-night, Lady Sorby lingered be- hind for a moment, whispered " Thank you," and put out her hand. v' I 98 Love & Co., Limited. Major Horton took it and kept it a little too lor^, for the lady made her fingers limp £ini withdrew them, as if they had touched something unpleas- ant. Her cold " Good-night " expres- sed vexation and disappointment. The Major looked mortified and slightly ashamed. Kenneth Horton's Journal. Stresa, May i6th. — I slept later than usual this morning, and when, after my Italian chota hazriy I strolled into the garden of the hotel, I found the ladies installed in a seat overlooking the lake. I had made up my mind to face the situation with Lady Sorby, and 'ad expected her to be waiting for me. I felt more composed than on the previous evening, and had the day been rainy or the surroundings com- Love & Co., Limited. 99 monplace I think I should have got through the interview without other feeling than was due to a woman I had loved, but who was now the wife of another man, and of the nature of whose present sentiments towards my- self I was ignorant. j3ut as I gazed upon the fairy-like scf.fie of the lake with its enchanted islands, I fell under the spell of its voluptuous cha.-m. I had come out armed with good in- tentions and steeled to virtue, but the sensuous prospect before me mastered me, and my good resolves melted like wax in the light and warmth of the lovely Italian morning. I indulged in visions of a villa with Marion, and endless contented loiter- ings in boats, and I knew then why all runaway couples are supposed to hide their triumph and their shame amid the Italian lakes. lOO Love & Co., Limited. A man outside the gate had some water-colours for sale, and to distract my thoughts I had a fierce bargaining encounter with him. I was all right again when I re-entered the garden and approached Lady Sorby. For the moment I forgot everything save that I was glad to see her, and our greetings were exchanged with the easy cordiality of old friends. But I missed the little, half-motherly, half- sisterly air of a young married woman toward an old love. She was very little changed in looks but had grown more stately. Her English was that of England, but re- tained here and there an American pronunciation which was not unpleas- ant, and which, indeed, had the charm of a slightly foreign accent. When I told her that I intended to stay in Stresa for a week, she seemed Love & Co., Limited. loi relieved from some care, which I guessed to be the recovery of her jour- nal. Sir John came up just then, and was introduced. As we went in to second breakfast, Lady Sorby proposed an excursion to Isola Bella in the afternoon, and, in a sort of aside to me, hinted that I should find Miss Sorby charming. It was plain enough what she meant. The first difficulty of meeting was over, the past was to be forgotten and the evidence destroyed, and she was going to bestow me, if possible, upon Miss Sorby. It would no doubt be pleas- ant for her to do a little matchmaking in behalf of an old love. I know that I ought to have fled from the ignominious situation, but I did not, and I almost quarrelled with my travelling companion, McMurdo, !t ;;i: I 102 Love & Co., Limited. who, being in haste to taste the de- lights of London in the season, left Stresa to-day. I telegraphed to my family solicitor in London to send me the sealed packet marked **To be de- stroyed in case of my death." So that this afternoon when she al- luded to ''our past folly," I was able to inform her that I had already taken the first steps to recover the evidence. I did not find out what she had done with my journal, but it is not de- stroyed. I am not sure whether I care great- ly about it. She has too much of her old charm, and the possibilities of the * * might have been " are too bewilder- ing to make it safe for me to dwell upon either. She is a very delightful woman and her husband seems a good sort, though hardly her equal in some respects. He seems a trifle too cool Love & Co., Limited. 103 with her. I wonder — Oh, damn It ! — I won't think about it. Marion Sorby's Journal. Strestty May i6th. — We met Major Horton in the garden this morning, and I introduced him to the others. I was relieved to find the meeting easy and natural, and pleased at the utter absence of self-consciousness or em- barrassment in his manner. The years that have been so tranquil and un- eventful with me have evidently been full of activity for him. He told us of some of his Indian experiences, and I thought as I listened that he seemed very brave and manly, and that the years had improved him. His man- ner has a quiet assurance that I think it lacked in the old days ; but I sup- pose that is a natural outcome of add- ed age and experience. He went with I04 Love & Co., Limited. ii us to the islands this afternoon, and when I had the chance I referred to our journals. I was anxious, I con- fess, to find out if he had destroyed mine. He told me that he had left it behind him in safe keeping in England and had already sent for it. I suppose while the feeling he had for me was fresh, he did not wish to destroy the only link that bound us. Of course he has since felt very differently about it, or, more probably, he has not thought of it at all. It will be a re- lief to have the thing in my own hands. I gather that Major Horton has not married. Perhaps, however, he is en- gaged ; nothing could be less unlikely. Indeed, as I come to think over it, there was something in his manner toward Gwen which would give one the idea of the assured position and Love & Co., Limited. 105 self-satisfied carelessness of the en- gaged man. I wonder that it did not occur to me before. Perhaps he may speak about her if we see much of him. I suppose he is very much in love with her, and men always like to pour out their enthusiasm over the perfections of the adored one to some sympathetic feminine ears. I wonder what she is like. Small, and fair, and doll-like, I expect, with sweet appeal- ing eyes. Big men are always taken with that kind of girl. I think I shall let Gwen do the sympathetic-listener part. I am afraid I should be bored ; I am getting too old for that sort of thing. Heigho-ho ! I had better go to bed and stop maundering on in this absurd way. What possible difference does it make to me if Major Horton marries a Hottentot or a New Zealander ? I io6 Love & Co., Limited. have not the slightest interest in his affairs. Kenneth Horton's Journal. Strestty ^yth May. — Is it possible that after all these years my life is to be upset by the woman I loved long ago ? She was always a mystery, even when her journal seemed most truthful. I know more about women now than I dia then, and she behaves to me exactly as would a girl to a lover to whom she was not indifferent, but of whose regard for herself she had no certain assurance. She takes matters very coolly with Sir John, and I have seen no evidence of love for him. He is very polite and kind to her, but is rather too free in his remarks about women. At least, he made up to some pretty i\m- li Love & Co., Limited. 107 erican girls this morning under Lady Sorby's nose and came and laughed about it afterward. She did not seem to care. Can it be that ihey have each taken their freedom back into their own hands ? And she ? — Marion, I will not be- lieve it of you. I remember so well how I misdoubted you more than once in the old days, and how I re- pented it. I will believe in you now ; and even if the old love has faded to that after- glow which is friendship, I confess that in my eyes you represent all that is loveliest and best in woman. In most cases when a man meets an old love whom he has not seen for years, he thanks the gods for his escape. I am not very thankful after all. io8 Love & Co., Limited. ■i I And I mean to run away when I have given her her journal. It should be here to-morrow. We have been together a good deal to-day, but my pleasure in her com- pany was set off by so many petty annoyances that I have retired to my room early. Marion Sorby's Journal. Sfresa, lyih May^ 1.30 a.m. — I don't seem to be able to rest, so I have risen and put on a dressing-gown and shall try to induce sleep by writing in my journal. I am ashamed to confess the thoughts that have come to me as I have lain av/ake pondering on the events of the past few days. With- out volition on my part I have dream- ed dreams of what might have been, dreams in which the only man I have Love & Co., Limited. 109 ever really cared for plays an all-im- portant part. Have I no pride ? Ten years ago there was a barrier between us cer- tainly, but it was of our own making-, and because we built it together, though we must be forever on differ- ent sides of it, there was still the knowledge that it was ours — not mine alone, nor hisy but ours. Now, however, what remains of the crumbled ruins is about to be destroy- ed. We shall exchange our journals, burn, and forget them. There will be no longer even the semblance of an understanding to draw us together ; only a wide ariu plain of distance and coldness. For it is evident to me that the memory of old days does not now move him. If I desired it to do so, I would wish for some sign of dislike or aversion rather than this show of no Love & Co., Limited. •M quiet friendliness on his part. With him, without doubt, all thought of the possibility of a deepe^ feeling \s entire- ly absent. That to me he should seem more worthy to be loved than in the old days, more manly, more all that a woman desires, is surely no matter for surprise. After our exchange of journals he will leave Stresa, or we shall, and we may never meet again. Our paths lie apart, and the wider the divergence the better, probably, ior us both. And yet the thought that it might have been otherwise is very sweet. t i • :! i ■ : i 5 id 1 NARRATIVE. ON the following afternoon a boat took the little party to Isola Madre. Lady Sorby was calmly gracious, but avoided Major Horton's eyes. Miss Sorby was rallying Sir John about his attentions to the fair Ameri- cans, and that gentleman replied to her attack with a grin that made the Major long to kick him. Major Korton was very uncomfort- able. He was in a bad temper, and when every now and again the pres- sure of his arm against the pocket of his shooting-coat made a little crackling sound his humor was not II ! 112 Love & Co., Limited. 'I I improved by that reminder of th ordeal before him. For his pocke contained Marion Morris' journal. The perfunctory tour of the islant having been made. Major Morton am Lady Sorby dropped behind, am seated themselves on a stone sea embowered in a myrtle hedge. On j pedestal in front of them stood i statue of a young god, whose grav( face, and lips finger-sealed, expressec silence. "Here it is," said the Major abrupt, ly, as he handed Lady Sorby a packet. The lady said nothing, but her hand shook a little as she gave him s bundle of manuscript tied with a faded blue ribbon. *• Oh, I did not mean Ma/," she ex- claimed ; and, recovering the roll foi a moment, she nervously plucked away the ribbon, which she crushed in her hand Love & Co., Limited. 113 The Major took no notice, but said in a set voice : ••Your journal was sealed, and no one but myself has ever seen it." He paused, and the silence forced Lady Sorby to reply to his unspoken question. •'No, he never saw it, and when — when he I'leu " "Who died? broke in the Major sternly. ••My husband." "Your what?" the Major almost shouted. •'My husband. He was much older than I, and he died five years ago, and — and " Her face flushed crimson as she vainly tried to steady her voice, which broke into a sob — •*Oh! Kenneth! O— oh !" When the Major released iier from 114 Love & Co., Limited. his arms he silently took both the iournals and, tearing them into frag- ments, made a little heap in front oi the god of Silence, and set light to it. The two sat hand in hand and watched it burn, while the god of Silence looked on gravely with lip- poised finger. THE END. titi wtmmmmmm I