"Butthatisn’tlegalnorbusiness。Andyoucouldn’tevenholdtheDitchCompanytoitifTHEYchosetobackout。"
　　"ButIdon’tthinktheywill，"saidBarkersimply。"Andyouseemywordwasn’tgivenentirelytoTHEM。Iboughtthethingthroughmywife’scousin，HenrySpring，abroker，andhemakessomethingbyit，fromthecompany，oncommission。AndIcan’tgobackonHIM。
　　Whatdidyousay？"
　　Stacyhadonlygroanedthroughhissetteeth。"Nothing，"hesaidbriefly，"exceptthatI’mcoming，asIsaidbefore，todinewithyouto-night；butnomoreBUSINESS。I’veenoughofthatwithothers，andtherearesomewaitingformeintheouterofficenow。"
　　Barkerroseatonce，butwiththesameaffectionatesmileandtendergravityofcountenance，andlaidhishandcaressinglyonStacy’sshoulder。"It’slikeyoutogiveupsomuchofyourtimetomeandmyfoolishnessandbesofrankwithme。AndIknowit’smightyroughonyoutohavetobeameremachineinsteadofJimStacy。Don’tyoubotheraboutme。I’llsellsomeofmyWideWestExtensionandpullthethingthroughmyself。It’sallright，butI’msorryforyou，oldchap。"Heglancedaroundtheroomatthewallsandrichpaneling，andadded，"Isupposethat’swhatyouhavetopayforallthissortofthing？"
　　BeforeStacycouldreply，awaitingvisitorwasannouncedforthesecondtime，andBarker，withanotherhand-shakeandareassuringsmiletohisoldpartner，passedintothehall，asiftheonusofanyinfelicityintheinterviewwasuponhimselfalone。ButStacydidnotseemtobeinaparticularlyaccessiblemoodtothenewcaller，whoinhisturnappearedtobeslightlyirritatedbyhavingbeenkeptwaitingoversomeirksomebusiness。"Youdon’tseemtofollowme，"hesaidtoStacyafterrecitinghisbusinessperplexity。
　　"Can’tyousuggestsomething？"
　　"Well，whydon’tyougetholdofoneofyourboardofdirectors？"
　　saidStacyabstractedly。"There’sCaptainDrummond；youandheareoldfriends。YouwerecomradesintheMexicanWar，weren’tyou？"
　　"Thatbed————d！"saidhisvisitorbitterly。"Allhisinterestsaretheotherway，andinatradeofthiskind，youknow，Stacy，thatamanwouldsacrificehisownbrother。Doyousupposethathe’dletuponasurethingthathe’sgotjustbecauseheandI
　　foughtsidebysideatCerroGordo？Come！whatareyougivingus？
　　You’rethelastmanIeverexpectedtohearthatkindofflapdoodlefrom。Ifit’sbecauseyourbankhasgotsomeotherinterestandyoucan’tadviseme，whydon’tyousayso？"Nevertheless，inspiteofStacy’sabruptdisclaimer，heleftafewminuteslater，halfconvincedthatStacy’slukewarmnesswasduetosomeadverseinfluence。Othercallerswerealmostasquicklydisposedof，andattheendofanhourStacyfoundhimselfagainalone。
　　Butnotapparentlyinaverysatisfiedmood。Afterafewmomentsofpurelymechanicalmemoranda-making，heroseabruptlyandopenedasmalldrawerinacabinet，fromwhichhetookaletterstillinitsenvelope。Itboreaforeignpostmark。Glancingoverithastily，hiseyesatlastbecamefixedonaconcludingparagraph。
　　"Ihope，"wrotehiscorrespondent，"thatevenintherushofyourbigbusinessyouwillsometimeslookafterBarker。NotthatI
　　thinkthedearoldchapwillevergowrong——indeed，IoftenwishI
　　wasascertainofmyselfasofhimandhisinsight；butIamafraidweweremoreinclinedtobemerelyamusedandtolerantofhiswonderfultrustandsimplicitythantoreallyunderstanditforhisowngoodandours。Iknowyoudidnotlikehismarriage，andwereinclinedtobelievehewasthevictimofaratherunscrupulousfatherandafoolish，unequalgirl；butareyousatisfiedthathewouldhavebeenthehappierwithoutit，orlivedhisperfectlifeunderotherandwhatyoumaythinkwiserconditions？IfheWROTE
　　thepoetrythatheLIVESeverybodywouldthinkhimwonderful；forbeingwhatheiswenevergivehimsufficientcredit。"Stacysmiledgrimly，andpenciledonhismemorandum，"Hewantsittotheamountoftenthousanddollars。""Anyhow，"continuedthewriter，"lookafterhim，Jim，forhissake，yoursake，andthesakeof——
　　PHILDEMOREST。"
　　Stacyputtheletterbackinitsenvelope，andtossingitgrimlyasidewentonwithhiscalculations。Presentlyhestopped，restoredthelettertohiscabinet，andrangabellonhistable。
　　"SendMr。Northhere，"hesaidtothenegromessenger。Inafewmomentshischiefbook-keeperappearedinthedoorway。
　　"TurntotheBranchledgerandbringmeastatementofMr。GeorgeBarker’saccount。"
　　"Hewashereamomentago，"saidNorth，essayingaconfidentiallooktowardshischief。
　　"Iknowit，"saidStacycoolly，withoutlookingup。
　　"He’sbeenrunningagooddealonwildcatlately，"suggestedNorth。
　　"Iaskedforhisaccount，andnotyouropinionofit，"saidStacyshortly。
　　Thesubordinatewithdrewsomewhatabashedbutstillcurious，andreturnedpresentlywithaledgerwhichhelaidbeforehischief。
　　StacyranhiseyesoverthelistofBarker’ssecurities；itseemedtohimthatallthewildestschemesofthepastyearstaredhimintheface。Hisfinger，however，stoppedontheWideWestExtension。
　　"Mr。Barkerwillbewantingtosellsomeofthisstock。Whatisitquotedatnow？"
　　"Sixty。"
　　"ButIwouldpreferthatMr。Barkershouldnotofferintheopenmarketatpresent。Givehimseventyforit——privatesale；thatwillbetenthousanddollarspaidtohiscredit。AdvisetheBranchofthisatonce，andtokeepthetransactionquiet。"
　　"Yes，sir，"respondedtheclerkashemovedtowardsthedoor。Buthehesitated，andwithanotheressayatconfidencesaidinsinuatingly，"Ialwaysthought，sir，thatWideWestwouldrecover。"
　　Stacy，perhapsnotdispleasedtofindwhathadevidentlypassedinhissubordinate’smind，lookedathimandsaiddryly，"ThenIwouldadviseyoualsotokeepthatopiniontoyourself。"But，cleverashewas，hehadnotanticipatedtheresult。Mr。North，thoughatrustedemployee，washuman。Onarrivingintheouterofficehebeckonedtooneoftheloungingbrokers，andinalowvoicesaid，"I’lltaketwosharesofWideWest，ifyoucangetitcheap。"
　　Thebroker’sfacebecamealertandeager。"Yes，butIsay，isanythingup？"
　　"I’mnotheretogivethebusinessofthebankaway，"retortedNorthseverely；"taketheorderorleaveit。"
　　Themanhurriedaway。HavingthusvindicatedhishumanitybyalsopassingthesnubhehadreceivedfromStacytoaninferior，heturnedawaytocarryouthismaster’sinstructions，yetsecureinthebeliefthathehadprofitedbyhissuperiordiscernmentoftherealreasonofthatmaster’ssingularconduct。Butwhenhereturnedtotheprivateroom，inhopesoffurtherrevelations，Mr。
　　Stacywasclosetedwithanotherfinancialmagnate，andhadapparentlydivestedhismindofthewholeaffair。
　　CHAPTERII。
　　WhenGeorgeBarkerreturnedtotheouterwardofthefinancialstrongholdhehadpenetrated，withitscurvingsweepofcounters，brassrailings，andwireworkscreensdefendedbythespruceclerksbehindthem，hewasagainimpressedwiththepositionofthemanhehadjustquitted，andforamomenthesitated，withaninclinationtogoback。Itwaswithnoideaofmakingafurtherappealtohisoldcomrade，but——whatwouldhavebeenoddinanyothernaturebuthis——hewasaffectedbyasensethatHEmighthavebeenunfairandselfishinhismannertothemanpanopliedbythesedefenses，andwhowasinameasureforcedtobeapartofthem。Hewouldliketohavereturnedandcondoledwithhim。Theclerks，whowereheartlesslyfamiliarwiththeanxiousbearingofthemenwhosoughtinterviewswiththeirchief，bothbeforeandafter，smiledwiththewhisperedconvictionthatthefreshandingenuousyoungstrangerhadbeen"chucked"likeothersuntiltheymethiskindly，tolerant，andevensuperioreyes，andwerepuzzled。MeanwhileBarker，whohadthatsublime，naturalqualityofabstractionoversmallimpertinenceswhichismoreexasperatingthanstudiedindifference，afterhisbriefhesitationpassedoutunconcernedlythroughtheswingingmahoganydoorsintotheblowystreet。Herethewindandrainrevivedhim；thebankanditscurtrefusalwereforgotten；hewalkedonwardwithonlyasmilingmemoryofhispartnerasintheolddays。HerememberedhowStacyhadburneddowntheiroldcabinratherthanhaveitfallintosordidorunworthyhands——thisStacywhowasnowcondemnedtosinkhisimpulsesandbecomeameremachine。HehadneverknownStacy’srealmotiveforthatact，——
　　bothDemorestandStacyhadkepttheirknowledgeoftheattemptedrobberyfromtheiryoungerpartner，——italwaysseemedtohimtobeapreciousrevelationofStacy’sinnernature。Facingthewindandrain，herecalledhowStacy，thoughneversoenthusiasticabouthismarriageasDemorest，hadtakenupVanLoosharplyforsomefoolishsneerabouthisownyouthfulness。HewasaffectionatelytolerantofevenStacy’sdisliketohiswife’srelations，forStacydidnotknowthemashedid。Indeed，Barker，whoseownfatherandmotherhaddiedinhisinfancy，hadacceptedhiswife’srelationswithalovingtrustandconfidencethatwassupreme，fromthefactthathehadneverknownanyother。
　　Atlasthereachedhishotel。Itwasanewone，thelatestcreationofafeverishprogressinhotel-buildingwhichhadcoveredfiveyearsandasmanysquareswithlargeshowyerections，utterlybeyondtheneedsofthecommunity，yeteachsuperiorinsizeandadornmenttoitspredecessor。Itstruckhimasbeingtheoneevidenceofanabidingfaithinthefutureofthemetropolisthathehadseeninnothingelse。Asheentereditsfrescoedhallthatafternoonhewassuddenlyreminded，byitschallengingopulency，ofthebankhehadjustquitted，withoutknowingthatthebankhadreallyfurnisheditscapitalanditsoriginaldesign。Thegildedbar-rooms，flashingwithmirrorsandcutglass；thesaloons，withtheirdesertexpanseofTurkeycarpetandoasisofclustereddivansandgildedtables；thegreatdining-room，withporphyrycolumns，andwallsandceilingsshiningwithallegory——allthesethingswhichhadattractedhisyouthfulwonderwithoutdistractinghiscorrectsimplicityoftastehenowbegantocomprehend。Itwasthebank’smoney"atwork。"Intheclatterofdishesinthedining-
　　roomheevenseemedtohearagainthechinkingofcoin。
　　Itwasashortcuttohisapartmentstopassthroughasmallerpublicsitting-roompopularlyknownas"FlirtationCamp，"whereeightortencouplesgenerallyfoundrefugeonchairsandsetteesbythewindows，halfconcealedbyheavycurtains。Buttheoccupantswerebynomeansyouthfulspinstersorbachelors；theyweregenerallymarriedwomen，guestsofthehotel，receivingotherpeople’shusbandswhosewiveswere"intheStates，"orresponsiblemiddle-agedleadersofthetown。Intheelaboratetoilettesofthewomen，ascomparedwiththelessformalbusinesssuitsofthemen，therewasanoddminglingofthesocialattitudewithperhapsmoremysteriousconfidences。TheidlegossipaboutthemhadneveraffectedBarker；ratherhehadthatinnaterespectforthesecretsofotherswhichisasinseparablefromsimplicityasitisfromhighbreeding，andhescarcelyglancedatthedifferentcouplesinhisprogressthroughtheroom。Hedidnotevennoticearatherstrikingandhandsomewoman，who，surroundedbytwoorthreeadmirers，yetlookedupatBarkerashepassedwithself-consciouslidsasifseekingareturnofherglance。Buthemovedonabstractedly，andonlystoppedwhenhesuddenlysawthefamiliarskirtofhiswifeatafurtherwindow，andhaltedbeforeit。
　　"Oh，it’sYOU，"saidMrs。Barker，withahalf-nervous，half-
　　impatientlaugh。"Why，Ithoughtyou’dcertainlystayhalftheafternoonwithyouroldpartner，consideringthatyouhaven’tmetforthreeyears。"
　　TherewasnodoubtsheHADthoughtso；therewasequallynodoubtthattheconversationshewascarryingonwithhercompanion——agood-looking，portlybusinessman——waseffectuallyinterrupted。
　　ButBarkerdidnotnoticeit。"CaptainHeath，myhusband，"shewenton，carelesslyrisingandsmoothingherskirts。Thecaptain，whohadrisentoo，bowedvaguelyattheintroduction，butBarkerextendedhishandfrankly。"IfoundStacybusy，"hesaidinanswertohiswife，"butheiscomingtodinewithusto-night。"
　　"IfyoumeanJimStacy，thebanker，"saidCaptainHeath，brighteningintogreaterease，"he’sthebusiestmaninCalifornia。I’veseenmenstandinginaqueueoutsidehisdoorasintheolddaysatthepost-office。Andheonlygivesyoufiveminutesandnoextension。
　　Soyouandhewerepartnersonce？"hesaid，lookingcuriouslyatthestillyouthfulBarker。
　　ButitwasMrs。Barkerwhoanswered，"Ohyes！andalwayssuchgoodfriends。Iwasawfullyjealousofhim。"Nevertheless，shedidnotrespondtotheaffectionateprotestinBarker’seyesnortothelaughofCaptainHeath，butglancedindifferentlyaroundtheroomasiftoleavefurtherconversationtothetwomen。ItwaspossiblethatshewasbeginningtofeelthatCaptainHeathwasasdetropnowasherhusbandhadbeenamomentbefore。Standingthere，however，betweenthemboth，idlytracingapatternonthecarpetwiththetoeofherslipper，shelookedprettierthanshehadeverlookedasKittyCarter。Herslightfigurewasmorefullydeveloped。Thatartificialseveritycoveringanaturalvirgincoynesswithwhichsheusedtowaitattableinherfather’shotelatBoomvillehadgone，andwasreplacedbyasatisfiedconsciousnessofherpowertoplease。Herglancewasfreer，butnotasfrankasinthosedays。Herdresswasundoubtedlyricherandmorestylish；
　　yetBarker’sloyalheartoftenrevertedfondlytothechintzgown，coquettishlyfrilledapron，andspotlesscuffsandcollarinwhichshehadhandedhimhiscoffeewithafaintcolorthatlefthisownfacecrimson。
　　CaptainHeath’stactbeingequaltoherindifference，hehadexcusedhimself，althoughhewasbecominginterestedinthisyouthfulhusband。ButMrs。Barker，afterhavingassertedherhusband’sdistinctionastheequalfriendofthemillionaire，wasbynomeanswillingthatthecaptainshouldbefurtherinterestedinBarkerforhimselfalone，anddidnoturgehimtostay。Ashedepartedsheturnedtoherhusband，and，indicatingthegrouphehadpassedthemomentbefore，said：——
　　"Thathorridwomanhasbeenstaringatusallthetime。Idon’tseewhatyouseeinhertoadmire。"
　　PoorBarker’sadmirationhadbeenlimitedtoafewwordsofcivilityintheenforcedcontactofthathugecaravansaryandinhisquiet，youthfulrecognitionofherstrikingpersonality。ButhewasjustthentoopreoccupiedwithhisinterviewwithStacytoreply，andperhapshedidnotquiteunderstandhiswife。ItwasoddhowmanythingshedidnotquiteunderstandnowaboutKitty，butthatheknewmustbeHISfault。ButMrs。Barkerapparentlydidnotrequire，afterthefashionofhersex，areply。Forthenextmoment，astheymovedtowardstheirrooms，shesaidimpatiently，"Well，youdon’ttellwhatStacysaid。Didyougetthemoney？"
　　Igrievetosaythatthissouloftruthandfranknesslied——onlytohiswife。PerhapsheconsidereditonlylyingtoHIMSELF，athingofwhichhewasattimesmiserablyconscious。"Itwasn’tnecessary，dear，"hesaid；"headvisedmetosellmysecuritiesinthebank；andifyouonlyknewhowdreadfullybusyheis。"
　　Mrs。Barkercurledherprettylip。"Itdoesn’ttakeverylongtolendtenthousanddollars！"shesaid。"Butthat’swhatIalwaystellyou。Youhaveaboutmademesickbysingingthepraisesofthosewonderfulpartnersofyours，andhereyouaskafavorofoneofthemandhetellsyoutosellyoursecurities！Andyouknow，andheknows，they’reworthnexttonothing。"
　　"Youdon’tunderstand，dear"——beganBarker。
　　"Iunderstandthatyou’vegivenyourwordtopoorHarry，"saidMrs。
　　Barkerinprettyindignation，"who’sresponsiblefortheDitchpurchase。"
　　"AndIshallkeepit。Ialwaysdo，"saidBarkerveryquietly，butwiththatsamesingularexpressionoffacethathadpuzzledStacy。
　　ButMrs。Barker，who，perhaps，knewherhusbandbetter，saidinanalteredvoice：——
　　"ButHOWcanyou，dear？"
　　"IfI’mshortathousandortwoI’llaskyourfather。"
　　Mrs。Barkerwassilent。"Father’ssoverymuchharriednow，George。
　　Whydon’tyousimplythrowthewholethingup？"
　　"ButI’vegivenmywordtoyourcousinHenry。"
　　"Yes，butonlyyourWORD。Therewasnowrittenagreement。Andyoucouldn’tevenholdhimtoit。"
　　Barkeropenedhisfrankeyesinastonishment。Herowncousin，too！
　　AndtheywereStacy’sverywords！
　　"Besides，"addedMrs。Barkeraudaciously，"hecouldgetridofitelsewhere。Hehadanotheroffer，buthethoughtyoursthebest。
　　Sodon’tbesilly。"
　　Bythistimetheyhadreachedtheirrooms。Barker，apparentlydismissingthesubjectfromhismindwithcharacteristicbuoyancy，turnedintothebedroomandwalkedsmilinglytowardsasmallcribwhichstoodinthecorner。"Why，he’sgone！"hesaidinsomedismay。
　　"Well，"saidMrs。Barkeralittleimpatiently，"youdidn’texpectmetotakehimintothepublicparlor，whereIwasseeingvisitors，didyou？Isenthimoutwiththenurseintothelowerhalltoplaywiththeotherchildren。"
　　AshademomentarilypassedoverBarker’sface。Healwayslookedforwardtomeetingthechildwhenhecameback。Hehadabelief，basedonnogroundswhatever，thatthelittlecreatureunderstoodhim。Andhehadafather’sdoubtofthewholesomenessofotherpeople’schildrenwhowerebornintotheworldindiscriminatelyandnotundertheexceptionalconditionsofhisown。"I’llgoandfetchhim，"hesaid。
　　"Youhaven’ttoldmeanythingaboutyourinterview；whatyoudidandwhatyourgoodfriendStacysaid，"saidMrs。Barker，droppinglanguidlyintoachair。"Andreallyifyouaresimplyrunningawayagainafterthatchild，ImightjustaswellhaveaskedCaptainHeathtostaylonger。"
　　"Oh，astoStacy，"saidBarker，droppingbesideherandtakingherhand；"well，dear，hewasawfullybusy，youknow，andshutupintheinnermostofficeliketheagateinoneoftheJapanesenestsofboxes。But，"hecontinued，brighteningup，"justthesamedearoldJimStacyofHeavyTreeHill，whenIfirstknewyou。Lord！dear，howitallcamebacktome！ThatdayIproposedtoyouinthebeliefthatIwasunexpectedlyrichandevenboughtaclaimfortheboysonthestrengthofit，andhowIcamebacktothemtofindthattheyhadmadeabigstrikeontheveryclaim。Lord！I
　　rememberhowIwassoafraidtotellthemaboutyou——andhowtheyguessedit——thatdearoldStacyoneofthefirst。"
　　"Yes，"saidMrs。Barker，"andIhopeyourfriendStacyrememberedthatbutforME，whenyoufoundoutthatyouwerenotrich，you’dhavegivenuptheclaim，butthatIreallydeceivedmyownfathertomakeyoukeepit。I’veoftenworriedoverthat，George，"shesaidpensively，turningadiamondbraceletaroundherprettywrist，"althoughIneversaidanythingaboutit。"
　　"But，Kittydarling，"saidBarker，graspinghiswife’shand，"I
　　gavemynoteforit；youknowyousaidthatwasbargainenough，andIhadbetterwaituntilthenotewasdue，anduntilIfoundI
　　couldn’tpay，beforeIgaveuptheclaim。Itwasverycleverofyou，andtheboysallsaidso，too。Butyouneverdeceivedyourfather，dear，"hesaid，lookingathergravely，"forIshouldhavetoldhimeverything。"
　　"Ofcourse，ifyoulookatitinthatway，"saidhiswifelanguidly，"it’snothing；onlyIthinkitoughttoberememberedwhenpeoplegoaboutsayingpaparuinedyouwithhishotelschemes。"
　　"Whodaressaythat？"saidBarkerindignantly。
　　"Well，iftheydon’tSAYittheylookit，"saidMrs。Barker，withatossofherprettyhead，"andIbelievethat’satthebottomofStacy’srefusal。"
　　"Butheneversaidaword，Kitty，"saidBarker，flushing。
　　"There，don’texciteyourself，George，"saidMrs。Barkerresignedly，"butgoforthebaby。Iknowyou’redyingtogo，andIsupposeit’stimeNorahbroughtitupstairs。"
　　AtanyothertimeBarkerwouldhavelingeredwithexplanations，butjustthenadeepersensethanusualofsomemisunderstandingmadehimanxioustoshortenthisdomesticcolloquy。Herose，pressedhiswife’shand，andwentout。Butyethewasnotentirelysatisfiedwithhimselfforleavingher。"Isupposeitisn’trightmygoingoffassoonasIcomein，"hemurmuredreproachfullytohimself，"butIthinkshewantsthebabybackasmuchasI；only，womanlike，shedidn’tcaretoletmeknowit。"
　　Hereachedthelowerhall，whichheknewwasafavoritepromenadeforthenurseswhoweregatheredatthefartherend，wherealargewindowlookeduponMontgomeryStreet。ButNorah，theIrishnurse，wasnotamongthem；hepassedthroughseveralcorridorsinhissearch，butinvain。Atlast，worriedandalittleanxious，heturnedtoregainhisroomsthroughthelongsaloonwherehehadfoundhiswifepreviously。Itwasdesertednow；thelastcallerhadleft——evenfrivolityhaditsprescribedlimits。Hewasconsequentlystartledbyagentlemurmurfromoneoftheheavilycurtainedwindowrecesses。Itwasawoman’svoice——low，sweet，caressing，andfilledwithanalmostpathetictenderness。Anditwasfollowedbyadistinctgurglingsatisfiedcrow。
　　Barkerturnedinstantlyinthatdirection。Astepbroughthimtothecurtain，whereasingularspectaclepresenteditself。
　　Seatedonalounge，completelyabsorbedandpossessedbyhertreasure，wasthe"horridwoman"whomhiswifehadindicatedonlyalittlewhileago，holdingababy——Kitty’ssacredbaby——inherwantonlap！Thechildwasfeeblygraspingtheendoftheslenderjewelednecklacewhichthewomanheldtemptinglydanglingfromathinwhitejeweledfingeraboveit。Butitseyeswerebeamingwithanintensedelight，asiftryingtorespondtothedeep，concentratedloveinthehandsomefacethatwasbentaboveit。
　　AtthesuddenintrusionofBarkershelookedup。Therewasafaintriseinhercolor，butnolossofsell-possession。
　　"Pleasedon’tscoldthenurse，"shesaid，"norsayanythingtoMrs。
　　Barker。Itisallmyfault。Ithoughtthatboththenurseandchildlookeddreadfullyboredwitheachother，andIborrowedthelittlefellowforawhiletotryandamusehim。AtleastIhaven’tmadehimcry，haveI，dear？"Thelastepithet，itisneedlesstosay，wasaddressedtothelittlecreatureinherlap，butinitstendermodulationittouchedthefather’squicksympathiesasifhehadshareditwiththechild。"Yousee，"shesaidsoftly，disengagingthebabyfingersfromhernecklace，"thatOURsexisnottheonlyonetemptedbyjewelryandglitter。"
　　Barkerhesitated；theMadonna-likedevotionofamomentagowasgone；itwasonlythewomanoftheworldwholaughinglylookedupathim。Neverthelesshewastouched。"Haveyou——ever——hadachild，Mrs。Horncastle？"heaskedgentlyandhesitatingly。Hehadavaguerecollectionthatshepassedforawidow，andinhissimpleeyesallwomenwerevirginsormarriedsaints。
　　"No，"shesaidabruptly。Thensheaddedwithalaugh，"OrperhapsIshouldnotadmirethemsomuch。Isupposeit’sthesamefeelingbachelorshaveforotherpeople’swives。ButIknowyou’redyingtotakethatboyfromme。Takehim，then，anddon’tbeashamedtocarryhimyourselfjustbecauseI’mhere；youknowyouwoulddelighttodoitifIweren’t。"
　　Barkerbentoverthesilkenlapinwhichthechildwascomfortablynestling，andinthatattitudehadafaintconsciousnessthatMrs。
　　Horncastlewasmischievouslybreathingintohiscurlsasilentlaugh。Barkerliftedhisfirstbornwithproudskillfulness，butthatsagaciousinfantevidentlyknewwhenhewascomfortable，andinaparoxysmofobjectioncaughthisfather’scurlswithonefist，whilewiththeotherhegraspedMrs。Horncastle’sbrownbraidsandbroughttheirheadsintocontact。UponwhichhumoroussituationNorah，thenurse，entered。
　　"It’sallright，Norah，"saidMrs。Horncastle，laughing，asshedisengagedherselffromthelinkingchild。"Mr。Barkerhasclaimedthebaby，andhasagreedtoforgiveyouandmeandsaynothingtoMrs。Barker。"Norah，withtheinscrutablecriticismofhersexonhersex，thoughtitextremelyprobable，andhaltedwithexasperatingdiscretion。"There，"continuedMrs。Horncastle，playfullyevadingthechild’sfurtheradvances，"gowithpapa，that’sadear。Mr。Barkerpreferstocarryhimback，Norah。"
　　"But，"saidtheingenuousandpersistentBarker，stilllingeringinhopesofrecallingthewoman’spreviousexpression，"youDOlovechildren，andyouthinkhimabrightlittlechapforhisage？"
　　"Yes，"saidMrs。Horncastle，puttingbackherloosenedbraid，"soroundandfatandsoft。Andsuchadiscriminatingeyeforjewelry。
　　ReallyyououghttogetanecklacelikemineforMrs。Barker——itwouldpleaseboth，youknow。"Shemovedslowlyaway，theunitedeffortsofNorahandBarkerscarcelysufficingtorestrainthestrugglingchildfromleapingafterherassheturnedatthedoorandblewhimakiss。
　　WhenBarkerregainedhisroomhefoundthatMrs。BarkerhaddismissedStacyfromhermindexceptsofarastoinvokeNorah’saidinlayingouthersmartestgownfordinner。"Butwhytakeallthistrouble，dear？"saidhersimple-mindedhusband；"wearegoingtodineinaprivateroomsothatwecantalkoveroldtimesallbyourselves，andanydresswouldsuithim。And，Lord，dear！"headded，withaquickbrighteningatthefancy，"ifyoucouldonlyjustrigyourselfupinthatprettylilacgownyouusedtowearatBoomville——itwouldbetookilling，andjustlikeoldtimes。Iputitawaymyselfinoneofourtrunks——Icouldn’tbeartoleaveitbehind；Iknowjustwhereitis。I’ll"——ButMrs。Barker’srestrainingscornwithheldhim。
　　"GeorgeBarker，ifyouthinkIamgoingtoletyouthrowawayandutterlyWASTEMr。Stacyonus，alone，inaprivateroomwithcloseddoors——andIdaresayyou’dliketositinyourdressing-gownandslippers——youareentirelymistaken。Iknowwhatisdue，nottoyouroldpartner，buttothegreatMr。Stacy，thefinancier，andI
　　knowwhatisdueFROMHIMTOUS！No！Wedineinthegreatdining-
　　room，publicly，and，ifpossible，attheverynexttabletothosestuck-upPeterburysandtheirEasternfriends，includingthathorridwoman，which，I’msure，oughttosatisfyyou。Thenyoucantalkasmuchasyoulike，andasloudasyoulike，aboutoldtimes，——andthelouderandthemorethebetter，——butIdon’tthinkHE’LLlikeit。"
　　"Butthebaby！"expostulatedBarker。"Stacy’sjustwildtoseehim——andwecan’tbringhimdowntothetable——thoughweMIGHT，"headded，momentarilybrightening。
　　"Afterdinner，"saidMrs。Barkerseverely，"wewillwalkthroughthebigdrawing-rooms，andTHENMr。Stacymaycomeupstairsandseehiminhiscrib；butnotbefore。Andnow，George，Idowishthatto-night，FORONCE，youwouldnotwearaturn-downcollar，andthatyouwouldgotothebarber’sandhavehimcutyourhairandsmoothoutthecurls。And，forHeaven’ssake！lethimputsomewaxorgumorSOMETHINGonyourmustacheandtwistituponyourcheeklikeCaptainHeath’s，foritpositivelydroopsoveryourmouthlikeagirl’sringlet。It’squiteenoughformetohearpeopletalkofyourinexperience，butreallyIdon’twantyoutolookasifIhadrunawaywithaprettyschoolboy。And，consideringthesizeofthatchild，it’spositivelydisgraceful。And，onethingmore，George。WhenI’mtalkingtoanybody，pleasedon’tsitoppositetome，beamingwithdelight，andyourmouthopen。Anddon’troarifbychanceIsaysomethingfunny。And——whateveryoudo——don’tmakeeyesatmeincompanywheneverIhappentoalludetoyou，asIdidbeforeCaptainHeath。Itispositivelytooridiculous。"
　　Nothingcouldexceedthelaughinggoodhumorwithwhichherhusbandreceivedthesecautions，northeevidentsinceritywithwhichhepromisedamendment。Equallysincerewashe，thoughalittlemorethoughtful，inhissevereself-examinationofhisdeficiencies，when，later，heseatedhimselfatthewindowwithonehandsoftlyencompassinghischild’schubbyfistinthecribbesidehim，and，intheinstinctivefashionofallloneliness，lookedoutofthewindow。Thesoutherntradeswerewhippingthewavesofthedistantbayandharborintoyeastycrests。Sheetsofrainsweptthesidewalkswiththeregularityofafusillade，againstwhichafewpedestriansstruggledwithflappingwaterproofsandslantingumbrellas。HecouldlookalongthedesertedlengthofMontgomeryStreettotheheightsofTelegraphHillanditslong-disusedsemaphore。Itseemedloneliertohimthanthemile-longsweepofHeavyTreeHill，writhingagainstthemountainwindanditsaeoliansong。HehadneverfeltsolonelyTHERE。Inhisrigidself-
　　examinationhethoughtKittyrightinprotestingagainsttheeffectofhisyouthfulnessandoptimism。Yethewasalsorightinbeinghimself。Thereisanegoisminthehighestsimplicity；andBarker，whilewillingtobelieveinothers’methods，neverabandonedhisownaims。HewasrightinlovingKittyashedid；heknewthatshewasbetterandmorelovablethanshecouldbelieveherselftobe；
　　buthewaswillingtobelieveitpainedanddiscomposedherifheshoweditbeforecompany。Hewouldnothaveherchangeeventhispeculiarity——itwaspartofherself——nomorethanhewouldhavechangedhimself。Andbehindwhathehadconceivedwasherclear，practicalcommonsense，allthistimehadbeenherbeliefthatshehaddeceivedherfather！Poordear，dearKitty！Andshehadsufferedbecausestupidpeoplehadconceivedthatherfatherhadledhimawayinselfishspeculations。Asifhe——Barker——wouldnothavefirstdiscoveredit，andasifanybody——evendearKittyherself——wasresponsibleforHISconvictionsandactionsbuthimself。Nevertheless，thisgentleegotistwasunusuallyserious，andwhenthechildawokeatlast，andwithafretfulstartandvacanteyespushedhiscaressinghandaway，hefeltlonelierthanbefore。Itwaswithaslightsenseofhumiliation，too，thathesawitstretchitshandstothemerehireling，Norah，whohadnevergivenitthelovethathehadseeneveninthefrivolousMrs。
　　Horncastle’seyes。Later，whenhiswifecamein，lookingveryprettyinherelaboratedinnertoilette，hehadthesameconflictingemotions。Heknewthattheyhadalreadypassedthatphaseoftheirmarriedlifewhenshenolongerdressedtopleasehim，andthatthedictatesoffashionortherivalryofanotherwomansheheldsuperiortohistastes；yethedidnotblameher。
　　ButhewasalittlesurprisedtoseethatherdresswascopiedfromoneofMrs。Horncastle’smoststrikingones，andthatitdidnotsuither。Thatwhichadornedthematurerwomandidnotagreewiththedemureandslightlyaustereprettinessoftheyoungwife。
　　ButBarkerforgotallthiswhenStacy——reservedandsomewhatsevere-lookingineveningdress——arrivedwithbusinesspunctuality。
　　Hefanciedthathisoldpartnerreceivedtheannouncementthattheywoulddineinthepublicroomwithsomethingofsurprise，andhesawhimglancekeenlyatKittyinherfinearray，asifhehadsuspecteditwasherchoice，andunderstoodhermotives。Indeed，theyounghusbandhadfoundhimselfsomewhatnervousinregardtoStacy’sestimateofKitty；hewasconsciousthatshewasnotlookingandactingliketheoldKittythatStacyhadknown；itdidnotenterhishonestheartthatStacyhad，perhaps，notappreciatedherthen，andthatherpresentqualitymightaccordmorewithhisworldlytastesandexperience。Itwas，therefore，withakindoftimiddelightthathesawStacyapparentlyenterintohermood，andwithastillmoretimorousamusementtonoticethatheseemedtosympathizenotonlywithher，butwithherhalf-rallying，half-
　　seriousattitudetowardshis（Barker’s）inexperienceandsimplicity。HewasgladthatshehadmadeafriendofStacy，eveninthisway。Stacywouldunderstand，ashedid，herprettywillfulnessatlast；shewouldunderstandwhatatruefriendStacywastohim。Itwaswithunfeignedsatisfactionthathefollowedthemintodinnerassheleaneduponhisguest’sarm，chattingconfidentially。Hewasonlyuneasybecausehermannerhadaslightostentation。
　　Theentranceofthelittlepartyproducedaquicksensationthroughoutthedining-room。Whisperspassedfromtabletotable；
　　allheadswereturnedtowardsthegreatfinancierastowardsamagnet；afewguestsevenshamelesslyfacedroundintheirchairsashepassed。Mrs。Barkerwaspink，pretty，andvolublewithexcitement；Stacyhadaslightmaskofreserve；Barkerwastheonlyonenaturalandunconscious。
　　AsthedinnerprogressedBarkerfoundthattherewaslittlechanceforhimtoinvokehisoldpartner’smemoriesofthepast。Hefound，however，thatStacyhadreceivedaletterfromDemorest，andthathewascominghomefromEurope。Hisletterswerestillsad；
　　theybothagreeduponthat。AndthenforthefirsttimethatdayStacylookedintentlyatBarkerwiththelookthathehadoftenwornonHeavyTreeHill。
　　"Thenyouthinkitisthesameoldtroublethatworrieshim？"saidBarkerinanawedandsympatheticvoice。
　　"Ibelieveitis，"saidStacy，withanequalfeeling。Mrs。Barkerprickedupherprettyears；herhusband’sreadysympathywasfamiliarenough；butthatthiscold，practicalStacyshouldbemovedatanythingpiquedhercuriosity。
　　"Andyoubelievethathehasnevergotoverit？"continuedBarker。
　　"Hehadonechance，buthethrewitaway，"saidStacyenergetically。
　　"If，insteadofgoingofftoEuropebyhimselftobroodoverit，hehadjoinedmeinbusiness，he’dhavebeenanotherman。"
　　"ButnotDemorest，"saidBarkerquickly。
　　"WhatdreadfulsecretisthisaboutDemorest？"saidMrs。Barkerpetulantly。"Isheill？"
　　Bothmenweresilentbytheiroldcommoninstinct。ButitwasStacywhosaid"No"inawaythatputanyfurtherquestioningatanend，andBarkerwasgratefulandforthemomentdisloyaltohisKitty。
　　ItwaswithdelightthatMrs。Barkerhadseenthattheattentionofthenexttablewasdirectedtothem，andthatevenMrs。HorncastlehadglancedfromtimetotimeatStacy。ButshewasnotpreparedfortheevidentequaleffectthatMrs。HorncastlehadcreateduponStacy。Hiscoldfacewarmed，hiscriticaleyesoftened；heaskedhername。Mrs。Barkerwasvoluble，prejudiced，and，itseemed，misinformed。
　　"Iknowitall，"saidStacy，withdidacticemphasis。"Herhusbandwasasbadastheymakethem。WhenherlifehadbecomeintolerableWITHHIM，hetriedtomakeitshamefulWITHOUTHIMbyabandoningher。Shecouldgetadivorceadozentimesover，butshewon’t。"
　　"Isupposethat’swhatmakeshersoveryattractivetogentlemen，"
　　saidMrs。Barkerironically。
　　"Ihaveneverseenherbefore，"continuedStacy，withbusinessprecision，"althoughIandtwoothermenareguardiansofherproperty，andhavesaveditfromtheclutchesofherhusband。Theytoldmeshewashandsome——andsosheis。"
　　PleasedwiththesuddenhumanweaknessofStacy，Barkerglancedathiswifeforsympathy。Butshewaslookingstudiouslyanotherway，andtheyounghusband’seyes，stillfullofhisgratification，felluponMrs。Horncastle’s。Shelookedawaywithabrightcolor。
　　WhereuponthesanguineBarker——perfectlyconvincedthatshereturnedStacy’sadmiration——wasseizedwithoneofhisoldboyishdreamsofthefuture，andsawStacyhappilyunitedtoher，andwasonlyrecalledtothedinnerbeforehimbyitsend。ThenStacydulypromenadedthegreatsaloonwithMrs。Barkeronhisarm，visitedthebabyinherapartments，andtookaneasyleave。ButhegraspedBarker’shandbeforepartinginquitehisoldfashion，andsaid，"Cometolunchwithmeatthebankanyday，andwe’lltalkofPhilDemorest，"andleftBarkerashappyasiftheappointmentweretoconferthefavorhehadthatmorningrefused。ButMrs。Barker，whohadoverheard，wasmoredubious。
　　"Youdon’tsupposeheasksyoutotalkwithyouaboutDemorestandhisstupidsecret，doyou？"shesaidscornfully。
　　"Perhapsnotonlyaboutthat，"saidBarker，gladthatshehadnotdemandedthesecret。
　　"Well，"returnedMrs。Barkerassheturnedaway，"hemightjustaswelllunchhereandtalkaboutHER——andseeher，too。"
　　MeantimeStacyhaddroppedintohisclub，onlyafewsquaresdistant。Hisappearancecreatedthesameinterestthatithadproducedatthehotel，butwithlessreserveamonghisfellowmembers。
　　"Haveyouheardthenews？"saidadozenvoices。Stacyhadnot；hehadbeendiningout。
　　"ThatinfernalswindleofaDivideRailroadhaspassedthelegislature。"
　　StacyinstantlyrememberedBarker’sabsurdbeliefinitandhisreasons。Hesmiledandsaidcarelessly，"Areyouquitesureit’saswindle？"
　　Therewasadeadsilenceatthecoolnessofthemanwhohadbeenmostoutspokenagainstit。
　　"But，"saidavoicehesitatingly，"youknowitgoesnowhereandtonopurpose。"
　　"Butthatdoesnotpreventit，nowthatit’safact，fromgoinganywhereandtosomepurpose，"saidStacy，turningaway。Hepassedintothereading-roomquietly，butinaninstantturnedandquicklydescendedbyanotherstaircaseintothehall，hurriedlyputonhisovercoat，andslippingoutwasamomentlaterre-enteringthehotel。HerehehastilysummonedBarker，whocamedown，flushedandexcited。LayinghishandonBarker’sarminhisolddominantway，hesaid：——
　　"Don’tdelayasinglehour，butgetawrittenagreementforthatDitchproperty。"
　　Barkersmiled。"ButIhave。Gotitthisafternoon。"
　　"Thenyouknow？"ejaculatedStacyinsurprise。
　　"Ionlyknow，"saidBarker，coloring，"thatyousaidIcouldbackoutofitifitwasn’tsigned，andthat’swhatKittysaid，too。
　　AndIthoughtitlookedawfullymeanformetoholdamantothatkindofabargain。Andso——youwon’tbemad，oldfellow，willyou？——IthoughtI’dputitbeyondanyquestionofmyowngoodfaithbyhavingitinblackandwhite。"Hestopped，laughingandblushing，butstillearnestandsincere。"Youdon’tthinkmeafool，doyou？"hesaidpathetically。
　　Stacysmiledgrimly。"Ithink，Barkerboy，thatifyougototheBranchyou’llhavenodifficultyinpayingfortheDitchproperty。
　　Good-night。"
　　Inafewmomentshewasbackattheclubagainbeforeanyoneknewhehadevenleftthebuilding。Asheagainre-enteredthesmoking-
　　roomhefoundthemembersstillineagerdiscussionaboutthenewrailroad。Onewassaying，"Iftheycouldgetanextension，andcarrytheroadthroughHeavyTreeHilltoBoomvillethey’dbeallright。"
　　"Iquiteagreewithyou，"saidStacy。
　　CHAPTERIII。
　　Theswaying，creaking，Boomvillecoachhadatlastreachedthelevelridge，andsankforwarduponitsspringswithasighofreliefandtheslowprecipitationofthereddustwhichhadhungincloudsaroundit。Thewholecoach，insideandout，wascoveredwiththisimpalpablepowder；ithadpouredintothewindowsthatgapedwidelyintheinsufferableheat；itlaythickuponthenovelreadbythepassengerwhohadforthethirdorfourthtimeduringtheascentmadeagutterofthehalf-openedbookandblownthedustawayinasinglepuff，likethesmokefromapistol。Itlayinfoldsandcreasesovertheyellowsilkdusterofthehandsomewomanonthebackseat，andwhensheendeavoredtoshakeitoffenvelopedherinareddishnimbus。Itgrimedthehandkerchiefsofothers，andleftsanguinarystreaksontheirmoppedforeheads。ButasthecoachhadslowlyclimbedthesummitthesunwasalsosinkingbehindtheBlackSpurRange，andwithitsultimatedisappearanceadeliciouscoolnessspreaditselflikeawaveacrosstheridge。Thepassengersdrewalongbreath，thereaderclosedhisbook，theladyliftedtheedgeofherveilanddelicatelywipedherforehead，overwhichafewdamptendrilsofhairwereclinging。Evenadistinguished-lookingmanwhohadsatasimpenetrableandremoteasastatueinoneofthefrontseatsmovedandturnedhisabstractedfacetothewindow。Hisdeeplytannedcheekandclearlycutfeaturesharmonizedwiththereddustthatlayinthecurvesofhisbrownlinendust-cloak，andcompletedhisresemblancetoabronzefigure。YetitwasDemorest，changedonlyincoloring。Now，asfiveyearsago，hisabstractionhadacertainqualitywhichthemostfamiliarstrangershrankfromdisturbing。Butinthegeneralrelaxationofreliefthenovel-readeraddressedhim。
　　"Well，weain’tfarfromBoomvillenow，andit’salldown-gradetherestoftheway。Ireckonyou’llbeasgladtogeta’washup’anda’shake’astherestofus。"
　　"IamafraidIwon’thavesoearlyanopportunity，"saidDemorest，withafaint，gravesmile，"forIgetoffatthecross-roadtoHeavyTreeHill。"
　　"HeavyTreeHill！"repeatedtheotherinsurprise。"Youain’tgoin’toHeavyTreeHill？Why，youmighthavegonetheredirectbyrailroad，andhavebeentherefourhoursago。Youknowthere’sabranchfromtheDivideRailroadgoestherestraighttothehotelatHymettus。"
　　"Where？"saidDemorest，withapuzzledsmile。
　　"Hymettus。That’sthefancynamethey’vegiventothewatering-
　　placeontheslope。ButIreckonyou’reastrangerhere？"
　　"Forfiveyears，"saidDemorest。"IfancyI’veheardoftherailroad，althoughIprefertogotoHeavyTreethisway。ButI
　　neverheardofawatering-placetherebefore。"
　　"Why，it’sthebiggestboomoftheyear。Folksthataretiredofthefogsof’FriscoandtheheatofSacramentoallgothere。It’sfourthousandfeetup，withahotellikeSaratoga，dancing，andabandplayseverynight。AnditallsprangoutoftheDivideRailroadandacranknamedGeorgeBarker，whoboughtupsomeoldDitchpropertyandranabranchlinealongitslevels，andmadeajunctionwiththeDivide。Youcancomeallthewayfrom’FriscoorSacramentobyrail。It’samightybigthing！"
　　"Yet，"saidDemorest，withsomeanimation，"youcallthemanwhooriginatedthissuccessacrank。Ishouldsayhewasagenius。"
　　Theotherpassengershookhishead。"Allsheerniggerluck。HeboughttheDitchplantaforetherewasaghostofachancefortheDivideRailroad，justouto’pured————dfoolishness。Heexpectedsolittlefromitthathehadn’tevengottheagreementdoneinwritin’，andhadn’tpaidforit，whentheDivideRailroadpassedthelegislature，asitneveroughterdone！For，yousee，theblamedestcur’ousthingaboutthewholeaffairwasthatthis’straw’roadofaDivide，allpurewildcat，wasonlygottenuptofrightenthePacificRailroadsharpsintobuyingitup。AndtheroadthatnobodyevercalculatedwouldeverhavearailofitlaidwaspushedonassoonasfolksknewthattheDitchplanthadbeenboughtup，fortheythoughttherewasabigthingbehindit。Eventhehotelwas，atfirst，simplyakindofgenteelalms-housethatthisyerBarkerhadbuiltforbroken-downminers！"
　　"Nevertheless，"continuedDemorest，smiling，"youadmitthatitisagreatsuccess？"
　　"Yes，"saidtheother，alittleirritatedbysomecomplacencyinDemorest’ssmile，"butthesuccessisn’tHIS’N。Foolshasideas，andwisemenprofitbythem，forthathotelnowhasJimStacy’sbankbehindit，andisevenakindofcountrybranchoftheBrookHousein’Frisco。Barker’soutofit，Ireckon。Anyhow，HE
　　couldn’trunahotel，forallthathiswife——shethat’soneofthebig’Friscoswellsnow——usedtohelpserveinherfather’s。No，sir，it’sjustafool’sluck，gettin’thefirsttasteandleavin’
　　theresttoothers。"