New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-10-22


stand that; whatever you might do. pc ople would
always feel. when in your presence, that, some
how it wasn't the same thing for you TOTO
forgive me again--to forge and lie as"
"Dont."-don't"
Salone's eyes dilatcd painfully, then she sud
denly covered her face with her hands.
you don't like the sound Of those words?'
asked Ms. Darrah.
"No"
"But the deeds themselves"
Mrs Darrah paused. She feld her pencil
poised over a page of her notebook. She was
telling herself that here was such an abundance
of material that she was embarrassed by H.
The subject Of general ethics seemed yet more
vast than it had hitherto seemed. She almost
believed that she would be obliged to introduce
two or three more characters into her novel;
and she hardly knew whether even that change
would avail
'.What I want to discover" be- gan Mrs Oar
rah again. 'is why I'm not shocked and horri-
fed by you, Mrs Moore really am shocked and
Mortified by fasehood and forgery; and falsehood
and forgery are the same things at all times.
OF course, / know about extenuating ciIcum-
stances and all that kind of talk. I've been
through those things a thousand times: it's like
horse on a treadmill; you keep going and you
never get anywhere. Sometimes I'm not sure of
anything definite. Now l should like to ask
some who could tell me why you should in
variably give the impression Of one to whom
guilt of any kind must be utterly alien. Don't
shrink so. / know I'm hurting you, but think
of general ethics; think I'm only considering you
as material and you won't care in the least
Can't you throw any light on this subject, Mrs
Moore?'
Salome did not try to reply in words; she only
ming to feel resentful, but she endeavored to
stne her resentment. She had feeling that
this kind of suffering sort Of penance for
what she had done, and that she must endure
it.
your atmosphere" said Mrs Dariah 'is one
Of special innocence. Now, how do you account
for that?'
The authoress. who was particularly indolcnt
as regard I'd bodily movement, now threw aside
her shaws, rose, and began walking about the
room.
salome had flung herself back in her chair
with despairing movement She was blessed
with a sweet and forbearing temper, but she
knew that her Indignation could not be restrained
much longer, even though she might view
this hour as a penance. But then this woman
had been very kind when kindness and con-
sideration We're worth good deal.
about your marriage" suddenly said Mrs.
Darrah, pausing and gazing at her guest. "Of
course you knew that Mr. Moore would learn all
about it time. Several people knew it,
Some one was sure to tell him sooner or later
I'm sorry that l happened to be the one. You
ought to have told him yourself"
Il thought" began Salome. Then she broke
off to say with some vehemence. but why should
1 tell you what thought"
"Tell me- You certainly know I am your
friend: and contrary to the dictates Of my judg-
ment, love you. You must have great per-
sonal magnetism; but that doesn't account in the
least for that wonderful impression of innocence
which you give"
"Oh. Mrs Darrah, wont you stop talking about
me? l can't bear it any longer; indeed can
not.'
Salome rose and took her fur wrap and began
impetuously to put 1t on. saying as she did so:
Il haven't forgotten how good you've been to
me. but this is more than can endure"
Mrs Darrah drew the garment fIom her guest
with a gentle motion. She was smiling in that
whimsical way she had
I'm afraid you are not considering the light
1 wish to shed upon the world the topic Of
ethics, and you don't remember how much the
world needs that light. But never mind. You
notebooks Surely YOU can't ask me TO do any
thing more then that? Now let us gossip"
Mrs. Darrah placed her hand for an instant
caressingy on Salomes shoulder, then she bade
her sit down again; and presently she said:
Tell me about your mother"
Salore had resumed her seat. She seemed
weary and dspirted, but she WAS plainly max
ing an effort to overcome that state of body and
mind. 1t is usually depressing to have glimpse
Of the precise way in which other people look at
us She felt that size had tonight Rad such a
glimpse.
There is nothing to tell about my mother"
she answered.
"She is out there in the country"
YES"
"Alone?'
"Yes she preferred to be alone. We wanted
her to stay with US, but she said she would
rather live in the country. And she said"
salome hesitated: there vas a CULVER about her
mouth as she finished-"she said that she was
sure l should be happier without her.
"She was right" decisvely remarked Mrs
Darrah
"She wrong" decisvely returned Sa-
lone. Il am never happier witt cut my mother"
Dear child" murmured the other in voice
much less dry than her usual tone. but she
must be wretched without you
Mrs. Darrah," said Saome, pitcoLsly. Il can't
bear to be hurt any more this afternoon. 1t
seems to me that | am always thinking Of her
We are going South early next fall, and she has
promised to go with She doesn't like the
South, but I'm she will be happy with us
I'm sure Of It," repeating the words ferventy,
land this summer that is coming mean to
spend with her out there in the country where
l was born. Randolph-Mr Moore-loves the
country as we'll as do But how am talking
Of my affairs. You shouldn't let me do 1t,
Mrs. Darrah."
Yes, / should let you do it as long as you in
terest me-" the reply.
The two chatted OF this and that, and Sa-
lone recovered her spirits. The conversation
she had had with her husband had only de-
pressed her for the time; the buoyant reaction
from it had not yet subsidized; end besides, she
still absolutely Of his love and of her