The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1886-12-31
CHAPTER Nv,
There's neither honesty. MANHOOD. nor
III i,,t ~

GOOD fellowship IN the -.
The snow has ceased to fall, and q
dull moon shines sullenly from between
two clouds. It gives sufficient light,
however to let Mervyn. at the wicket
gate, see that two figures are approach
ing him instead of one. He starts in
voluntarily, and makes a movement
as if to go.
"You needn't run away" says Bar
rington, the grave ghost of humorous
expression lighting his eyes.
Thus openly addressed, Mervyn per-
force comes to a standstill, though
the desire for flight is undeniably
written upon his brow.
Florence, glancing neryously from
one man to the other, tells herself at
this moment there is mental beauty
that far outdoes the merely physical
81 know all about it, says the ugly
man imperturbably. "Mrs. Barring
ton, having found life with me insup-
portable, is desirous of trying it with
you. L think myself she shows bad
taste; but that is so natural conceit
that dare say you will excuse it. She
tells me you intend to travel. Continu-
GUS change is always to be desired on
such occasions; but hope you will be
able to make her happy. She is ex-
travagant in some ways. like an
extravagant woman myself" says Bar
rington pleasantly. "But it doesn't
suit all purses"
al don't understand you" says Mer-
vyn, with q miserable attempt at
haughtinesS.
"Then Unjust try to make my mean
ing clearer. Look here" says Barring
ton. changing his tone suddenly, and
turning sharply upon the other, "let lis
drop hints and come to business You
are in debt, as knoao; YOU are on the
point of absolute ruin rs suspect. In
six months you will not have enough
money to keep yourself going, to say
nothing Of another. l give you a
chance of beginning a new life else
where. If you will leave this place
alone tomorrow will give you 5OOJi."
The crisp, clear voice ceases, and
silence follows it. Mrs. Darlington,
throwing back her hood from her face,
stares with passionate Impotence at
the man in whose love she had believed
a minute ago. Will he neuer speak
Is there to be hesitation, a choice, he
tween her and paltry sum of money?
~If thought" he stammers at last
larnely, that it would be for her hap
piness to leave her in peace,I-"
aft you are about to make any allu-
sion to Mrs. Darlington, must beg You
to leave it unsaid," interrupts Mrs.
Barrington's husband unpleasantly.
"Come to the point. You will take
the money, and be gomez"
There is another silence, even more
distressing than the last Florence,
immovable as a statue, stands erect;
Darlington is beating his foot angrily
on the ground. AS for Mervyn;-he is
ruined-there was no exaggeration in
that suspicion-and the money is a
temptation, and
Considering all am giving up"
he begins, too confused, perhaps, to
comprehend the enormity of his words.
"There, don't be a greater black
guard than is strictly necessary" says
George harrington, cutting him short
with frown. You accept my terms?
That is well. Tomorrow morning you
shall have my cheque, and now-you
shalt have this"
In second he has twined his hand
in Mervyn'S collar, and brought him on
his knees before him. Raising the dog
whip, he brings it down with uncontrol-
liable fury upon his shoulders again and
again, until the miserable craven cries
aloud for mercy, grovelling at the very
feet of the woman to whom he had been
half hero at least, an hour ago.
With final cut, Darlington filings him
far from him, and, taking FlOrence's
hand with impulsive haste, hurries her
toward the house until they are out Of
sight and hearing of the frightened
wretch they have left behind.
Then, the herce tit of passion and re-
venge over, Darlington stops and
breatheS heavily. The livid pallor de-