New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-01
CHAPTER M.
THE RECTOR SPEAKS.

Charges his custom Friday morn
ings, sat writing out his sermon for the next
Sunday. He liked to fix his thoughts by setting
them down, though when he was before his con-
gregation he did not always adhere to the words
which suggested themselves to him in his study.
On this particular Friday words would come.
The rector physically spent. The previous
day had been the twelfth Of the month, and he
had fasted--a private fast he always kept; it
was the day he had decided, years before, to
abandon his fathers business and go about the
Lords. Unfortunately. to-day was fast day
also and Charges had breakfasted upon crackers
and water He was used to rigid simplicity,
even to austerity of living but forty Eight hours
on crackers is not conducive to easy thinking.
Besides his brain seemed less under control
than usual. He could not keep his mind off Amy
Bradford. he had seen her, quiet and fearless,
at Boys funeral few days before Charges was
used to funerals, and accustomed to displays of
sorrow, hypocriticaI and sincere. well bred and
uncouth, hopeless and comfortable; but Amys
face baff1ed and troubled him. He wondered
what she thinking of, as she sat listening
if she listened-to the words which rounded
off the life of Boy. He wondered how she had
found life since her marriage. He knew that
the death of her son had hurt her terribly. but
he knew, too. that her life was before her STILL
and if she cared for her husband as she had
still be desperately glad that she had a life to
live out II she did not care-Clarges shivered.
He could not help fearing that in such case she
would have preferred to die with her
He rose and began to walk up and down the
room thinking. He drew out a pipe mechan-
icany and then put 1t back \ queer thing
about Charges was that he never smoked when
he was alone. From Amy his thoughts drifted
to her husband. Once he had supposed that
when Bradford and his wife found each other
out as they must some day. the suffering would
all be Amy's. He had anticipated for Bradford
only anger and disenchantment when he dis
covered that his wife was the stronger Of the
two Once he had expected that conceit would
come TO Bradford's assistance and shield him
from any unpleasant shock. But, as the year
had gone by, and he had had glimpses of Brad
ford's attitude toward Amy. Charges doubted
whether matters were 20 be arranged so easily
for Amy's husband. When the break came, as
II must come Charges suspected that both
would be hurt.
The little girl who acted maid TO the clergy
house of ST. Hnda's knocked at the door.
"There is a gentleman to see you, Father"
who is he. Norah%
II asked him, Father, and he said just to tell
you a gentleman"
81 must know who he is. If ne won't give his
name tell him I'm busy
She retired, and came back with a card on
which was written Il. Fl. s..
Charges turned the card over and over IN his
fingers. Why had the man not sent up his
name? Why this curious appeal? SHOW him
I'M Norah," he said. He sat down hastily. filed
his pipe and was smoking when Bradford en-
tered. He rose, however. and shook hands.
Have chair. Pipe?
mo, thank you"
The rector. looking at Bradford, was aston
ished The younger man had aged, in week
so that he seemed the elder. They sat without
sDeaking for five minutes; then Bradford said
abruptly;
DO YOU know what I'm here for?"
Charges looked at the card. which he still
hold hut said nothing Had the break come
then?
you know what sort Of am, don't
you?'' said Bradford. bitterly. you've known
ever since the first time we met. haven't you?
And you haven't always kept the knowledge to
Yourself have you? Yes; mean you have told
my wife Never mind. God knows I'm past
bearing malice Sometimes think you even did
me service. She was so set on hating you, and
proving you wrong that she didn't find me out
as soon as she would have otherwise. Well, I've
come to give you the satisfaction OF confess
sion"
You'd better lie down" said the rector. Il
don't believe you're well"
I'm perfectly we'll. thanks. I'm well as
ever shall be- Sit down. I know what I'm talk
ing about"
Charges. studying his guest, sat still. as he
ordered.
you've always known I wasnt-weH, not
quite certain about the truth. haven't you?
Don't trouble to answer. 1 know what you
think You saw through the first time We
net. You don't like me, account Orwell,
you know; but besides that, you understood me-
Few men do: I'm too clever for most of them.
1 always wondered how you knew" He stopped
a moment; the rector did not take the pipe from
his lips, but the smoke ceased to curl up from
the bowl.
Did you ever guess. Bradford ent on.
that once in a while I actually deceiving
myself as well as other people?' don't suppose
that such a subtlety appeals to your nature.
You're Hke-you're the sort OF man that knows
exactly what he believes. and that finishes IT.
Perhaps I've fooled and lied so long I'm denied
your exalted point Of view; but I've made up |
my mind to try for il for a little while I've set
out TO be absolutely honest Cor the time I've got /
left and this that I'm telling you Is the nrst
instalment OF my honesty. I'm going 10 ASK
YOU a straightforward question, too-sometnins
I've never done before. You were IN love with
my wife. Of course that wss plain enough Fax