Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1925-05-07
BY Richard WasI1burr1 Child
Copyright by e. P. Dutton g. Col
CIV. N. U. Service)

old study, stopping before the photo
graphs of members of the house of
commons who had been Benham's
/ friends, but were like the ends Of so
many empty spools to Peters eyes at
this moment He read an inscription
on a portrait of General Wolseley, he
touched an ivory idol from Benares.
Lets light the fire." suggested Mu-
riel in weak and trembling voice.
All right said Peter, and struck a
match
He did not smoke.
i why not?' asked the girl
Il have a-headache,' he said with
laugh.
Come here, then Lie down on IA
able, Peter"
He stretched out upon the springs
bent and sagged by years of pressure
of the fox-huIting bankers solid
weight, and closed his eyes.
Muriel, who had drawn up a stool,
sat down upon it, staring into the fire.
light. There in the study behind the
heavy door, which she had closed, the
two seemed suddenly very remote.
i had wonderful time-this after
noon" she said in tense andatrem-I
bling voice which made struggle to
appear normal
"Good!" said DeWolfe.
Her hand moved timidly forth and
her soft fingers touched his forehead,
brushing back the hair.
Peter closed his eyes.
She leaned over quietly and with
little cry hardly audible pressed her
lips to his
He knew what had happened-the
real Muriel had come up through layer
on layer OF tradition, training pride,
habit, restraint. He only was confused
by his own stupidity in allowing this to
/ happen.
He sprang up.
Il never did that before. never
by any one" she said, clenching her
hands.
"Oh | say, I'm sorry" he began.
Sorry !" she said
"Of course" he replied with unnec-
essary coldness "Of course I'm sorry.
I've allowed you to think"
MNriels eyes were wide and blazing.
She threw her clenched hands apart
until her arms were outstretched to
their utmost. The freight was upon
her face and Peter could see elemen-
tary passions enough upon it.
You needn't say more" she almost
screamed so that suddenly Peter had
a great distaste for the exposure of
things he did not know had lived in
her. "You needn't say more, because
/ know"
KNEW" said Peter in a low tone,
as if inviting her to speak more quietly.
YES know. It's herr she said,
pointing toward the wall where the
deer's heads were hung. Il know it's
my brother Eversby. He told you
about her. That's why you came.
That's what you've been thinking
about Ny brother was fool!"
Peter raised his hand.
Il kissed you and I'm glad" she
went on furiously. Yes I am. I'm
glad. 1t has brought out the truth. /
never did it before. I'm glad The
truth"
EYES," said Peter sternly. ct has
brought out the truth.%
'sYou came here to see her. / know.
I guessed. L knew Eversby told you
about her, but you never asked. And
I knew why. didn't want to know. Il
wanted"
"I'm sorry" Peter said again.
The girl came on several PAGES and
leaned forward toward him.
For Gods sake, Peter, keep away
from her. She might like you. OF
course she'd like you. And If she liked
/ you"
what do you mean?" he said.
II know / can't tell. It's matter
of honor, matter of confidence her
confidence something / learned.
wish l didn't know. But warn YOU"
She moved toward the door.
'Wait moment he said.
mo. | want to 60 { hate you now,
Peter. Yes, do. 1t has been awful,
though. / never want to see you again.
If you will only go while | hate your
"Of course" he said.
"But she is"
Muriel stopped aghast.
''Well?" he asked.
Il can't tell you. But I warn you
It is too awful to believe. If she takes
you in, you will This is all | can
tell"
"What?"
Vanish she whispered, like the
! others"
The door closed after her.
TOO late to go to London tonight"
he said, looking at his watch. He lis
tened for moment. There was rain
upon the window panes vanish?
Vanish-like the others? Oh, It's alb
surd. A piece of jealous oistburst.
Vanish? Nonsense!'