Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-13
The Ring and the Man
from page
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had rather avoid it, if that in anyway pos
slble, than provoke 1T.
Now that the chance for speech with the man
had arrived, he was in some doubt as to how
far he should 60. This very hesitation was an
evidence of the impression Gor1nly had made
on him. The elder man, therefore, had no
very clearly defined plan in approaching his
host. The plans that he had made being con-
ditioned upon ignorance, were promptly aban-
doned on acquaintance and inspection.
REHOLD the two men seated on each side of
- the bright fire in the library; Haldane
smoking one of Gormlys excellent Havanas;
glasses bottles, and ice little table at hand.
From the great hall beyond the hum of desul-
tory conversation from the bridge players who
were not specially intent on their game pro-
vided pleasant background for conversation,
which Haldane determined, if he could make 1t
so, would be agreeable one. He had dlsap-
proved of Mrs. Haldane's manner not because
he thought it unsuited to the occasion, but
on account of the peculiar qualities and char
acteristics of Gormly and the relationship in
which he stood to certain matters OF 1mpor-
lance. He had been inclined on the first en-
trance to follow his wife's patronizing, arrogant
assumption of superiority; but now he strove
to infuse all the geniality and cordiality possible
into his voice and manner.
Gormly naturally had deep interest in Hal
dane. AS the father of the woman he loved, he
would necessarily be a great factor in the battle
and influence. while not absolutely essential,
would naturally be of great value. If he could
by any means win the support and countenance
of the great fnancier, his dream would be by
that much the easier of realization. He had
an idea, however, that this would be impos
sible. That did not daunt him or render him
less alert. To win Haldane's consent possibly
might be more impossible than to win Miss
Hadanes consent. Yet Gornly was accus-
toned to attempt the impossible, and nine
times out of ten to achieve it. That Haldane
had any relationship could have any rela-
tionshp, to him other than that of prospec
tive father in law never entered his head. That
sufficient to render the interview memora-
BILE to him.
Both men, therefore approached it casually;
both were on their guard; both were deeply
anxious to make no mistake. Haldane, as the
older and more experienced player, was the
more composed. His affectation of indifference
was admirably assumed, quite in keeping with
his character and with the situation; for,
Gormly reasoned, he could not be expected to
have the slightest idea that Gormly considered
himself sutton for Eleanor Haldanes hand.
And it was not to be supposed that Haldane
had any more interest in any other of Gormly'S
projects, social, mercantile, political.
Gormly, on the other hand, was deeply inter-
ested in fathoming the elder man, and made
no special effort to disguise that fact His man
ner, as became the younger, was respectful
without being in the least degree propitiatory
or submissive. He sat forward in his chair;
Haldane recned somewhat 1anguidly in his.
To be continued next Sunday