New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-09-09
XVIII.

XVIII.
Az Claire was descending into the lower hall. at
.hout four o'clock the next afternoon, she saw her
husband enter the house with his latch-key She
nucxened her step O little and met him at the
landing of the stairs. They had not seen each
other for twenty -four hours; she had breakfasted
IN her room, that morning, as was OF late almost
bsbitual with her. and by the time that she left 1t
he had been driven away in his brougham. On the
previous night he had reached home long after she
had retired TO bed All this thing. Its first
and second had shocked them both, az an
unforeseen result of their altered existence. But rep
stton had set it securely among the commonplaces.
They accepted it. now. with matter-of-course
placdity.
"Iwas going to the Vanvelsors' reception" Claire
said did you think of dropping inn
mo" answered HOLSTER He had taken her
hand and was holding it while he spoke. The next
moment be kissed her cheek and soon let his eye
wander over the complex tastefuness of her attire.
He then drew her arm within his own, aud led her
toward the near drawing room. whose threshold
they crossed. Except his recorded mOnosynable, he
had said nothing for an apprecable time, and
Claire regarding his face with sideong glance, had
already detected there marked signs of worrment.
"No," he presently continued, taking seat or
one of the rchclad sofas and gently forcing her TO
don't feel like anything gay Claire. Things are
doing horribly the Street. There's dreadful
sQualL / hope it will be only q squall.
and soon blow over" He then named
certain stock IN which he had very
comprehensive interests. cit has dropped In the
most furious fashion," he proceeded. 'Clare. Pye
lost seventy thousand dollars to-day, If I've lost
penny"
He talked more technically of his ill.luck after
that and told her what he believed to be the
reason OF the adverse change. She listened with
great attention. She knew so much of Wall Street
matters that she scarcely missed point in all that
he explained.
80 Goodwin is on the other side" she said, when
he had finished.
aYes, Goodwin is safe. But you can't tell what
tomorrow will bring. No one is really safe.
Prices are flying about. It's shocking state of
affairs"
There is nothing for you to do just now, is
there I" Claire asked after little pause.
"Oh no may get few kilograms later But
nothing serious will happen till tomorrow"
She laid her hand on his arm. She was moro
alarmed and perplexed than she chose TO show.
"Then come with me to the reception" she said;
"you might as well. Herbert. 1t is better than to
brood over the state of matters down there"
He shook his head negatively. 81 should make
very bad guest.n he replied Go yourself, Claire.
But remember one thing" He was looking at her
very fxedly his frank blue eyes were full of soft
yet assertive pain. "Our life may alter suddenly
for the worse We may have to give up all this"
He waved one hand here and there. as though gen.
erahzlng the whole luxurious encompassment-
:" There is no telling what may happen. never
felt the insecurity of my career as feel 1t now.
Do you know. Claire, that few more such days as
this may rum me ~
Ruin you ~ she repeated.
She was pale, as those words left her lips. Hollis
teI had proposed to her terrible possibility.
"Yes, Claire. mean it. OF course |. am looking
ut the worst that might happen. But want to
prepare YOU"
She rose, keeping her eyes on his. 81 don't
know what should do" she said. " if lost what
haven0w. have grown used to It, Herbert. won't
let myself think that it might pass away--that
should be left without all these good and precious
things"
As she spoke the last word. he also. and
caught both her hands, looking eagerly into her
face.
"Claire" he exclaimed. "you must think of los
Ing it ALL You must try to reconcile yourself with
the ideal If you don't. the ordeal will be all the
harder when it comes"
"When it comes 2" she again repeated.
Yes-you see just how stand. You have grasped
chance that NAV right myself. but"
"P take that chance" she broke in. quite
forciby withdrawing her hands. So will you,
Herbert / prefer to look at it this way. We will
both take the chance"
HOLSTERS face was full of reproach.
Claire |" he exclaimed. 81 see that you love this
new life with positive passion ~
Z" love it very much" she answered. 81 love-
90 much that 1 should suffer fearfully if l were
turned adrift from 1t. . Come. we will both go to
the vanvelsorS reception"
No. replied Hollister. He walked away from
her. BY her lack of sympathy she had dealt him
cruel sting.
Very WE'LL" responded Claire. as she wa tched
hsreceding fgnre II am going"
His back was turned to her, but he
suddenly veered round facing her, and saying. with
bitter sharpness: Co. if you please! Go, and
Leave me to my misery If you cared for me IN the
right manner. you would not want to 20. You
would want to stay with me- aud forget for while
~ least the gay crowds that admire aud court
you!n
These words were utterly unexpected. He had
never before alluded to her lack Of fondness. She
was embarrassed ashamed For q moment she
could not speak. Then she simulated an affronted
oemeanor 1t seemed her sole refuge. IL care
ior you as much asI have always cared" she said.
NO more aud no lessn
one moved toward the door, at once. after thus
Speaking She wondered If be would seek to detain
aes. de did not. She entered her coupe very
soon aftsrward. During the drive to Mrs. Vanvel-
"rsrecepion she had keen remembrance of just
now HOLSTER had looked when her final gaze had
welt upon him. Sheknew that she had stung at
,aS' into life the perception Of how much he had
nesn giving and how little he had received. Her
eonscience sternIy smote herr. she was more than
ynce On the ordering that the vehicle should
70 onven home again. Bat in her then mood any
s..enpt at amendment seemed wildly futile.
= NAT could she say to her husband That
~ 0eplored his possible ruin Z Yes: but