Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-06-30
CHAPTER XXI.
The Way of Peace,

They awaited his coming in varying
moods. Darlington was irritable and rest
less, Lady Ruth gave no signs of any emo
ton whatever. She had the air of woman
who had no longer fear or hope. Only her
eyes were little weary
harrington was walking up and down
the room, his hands in his pockets his eyes
fixed upon his wife. Every now and then
he glanced nervously toward her.
"Of course" he said. ''if he wants a set
tlement-well, there's an end of all things
And l. don't see why he shouldn't He
hasn't lent money out of friendship. He
hates me-always has done, and sometimes
L wonder whether he doesn't hate YOU
toon'
Lady Ruth shvered little. Her hus-
bands words came to her with peculiar
brutality. 1t was as though he were blam-
ing her for not having proved more attract
I've to the man who held them in the hol-
low of his hand.
Doesn't it strike you" she murmured,
that a discussion like this is scarcely in
the best possible taste? We cannot sur
mise what he wants-what he is going to
do. Let us waltz
The door opened and Wingrave entered
10 Darlington. who greeted him with
nervous cordially. he presented the same
cold, impenetrabIe appearance; Lady Ruth
with quicker perceptions, noticed at once
the change. She sat up in her chair eager
ly. 1t was what she had prayed for. this
but was 1t for good or evil? Her eyes
sought his eagerly. So much depended
upon his first few words.
Wingrave closed the door behind him
His greetings were laconic as usual. He
addressed Lady Ruth
Il find myself obliged" he said ito take
a journey which may possibly be some
what protracted one. 1 wished, before
left, to see you and your husband. l sent
you separately-to your husband first You
have often expressed a desire to see over
| my house. Lady Ruth. My major domo
is outside. VIII you forgive me if 1 send
you away for a few minutes?"
Lady Ruth rose slowly to her feet.
How long do you wish me to keep
away?" she asked calmly.
"a few minutes only" he answered.
you will find me here when Parkinson has
shown you round
He held the door open and she passed
out, with single upward and wondering
glance. Wingrave closed the door and
seated himself close to where harrington
was standing.
Darlington he said, twenty years ago
we were friends Since then we have been
enemies. Today, so far as 1 am concerned.
we neither
Darlington started a little. His lips
twitched nervously. He did not quite I'M
derstand.
II am sure Wingrave-' he began.
Wingrave interrupted him ruthlessly.
II give you credit" he continued "for
understanding that my attitude toward you
since I-er-reappeared. has been inimical.
l intended you to speculate, and you did
speculate. l meant you to lose. and you
have lost The money lent to your wife
was meant to remain rope around your
neck. The fact that lent It to her was
intended to humillate you. the attentions
which / purposely paid to. her in public
were intended to convey false impression
| to society-and in this. too. I fancy that
have been successful
harrington drew a thick breath-the dull
color was mounting to his cheeks.
Wingrave continued calmly.
Il had possibly in my mind. at one time"
he said, 1.-The idea of drawing things on to
I a clmax-of witnessing the final disap-
pearance of yourself and your wife from
the world-such as we know It. 1 have.
however, ceased to derive amusement or
satisfaction from pursuing what we may
call my vengeance. Consequently, 1t is I'm
, ished."
The light of hope leaped into Barring
| toh's dull eyes. but he recognized Win
graves desire for silence.
"a few feet to your left. upon my writ
| ing table," Wingrave continued, you will
| find envelope addressed to yourself 1t
contains discharge. in full. for the money
/ have lent you. l have also ventured to
place to your credit. at your own bank.
sum sufficient to give you fresh start.
at least. this evening. you will receive a
communication from the prime minister. in
wiling you to become one OF the interna-
tlonal board of arbitration on the Alaskan
question. The position. as you know. is a
! distinguished one. and If you should be sue
cessful. your future career should be as
sured"
Darlington broke down. He covered his
face with his hands. Great sobs shook
him. Wingrave waited for few min
utes, and then rose to his feet
harrington" he said, there Is one
thing more! What the world may say or
| think counts for very little. Society re-
verses its own judgments and eats It's own
words every day. A little success will
bring 1t to your feet like a whipped dog.
1t is for yourself 1 say this. for yourself
alone. Their is no reason why you should