The Eagle's Shadow

  XIX

  Billy went into the gardens in pursuit of Margaret. He was almosthappy now and felt vaguely ashamed of himself. Then he came uponKathleen Saumarez, who, indeed, was waiting for him there; and hisheart went down into his boots.

  He realised on a sudden that he was one of the richest men in America.It was a staggering thought. Also, Mr. Woods's views, at this moment,as to the advantages of wealth, might have been interesting.

  Kathleen stood silent for an instant, eyes downcast, face flushed. Shewas trembling.

  Then, "Billy," she asked, almost inaudibly, "do--do you stillwant--your answer?"

  The birds sang about them. Spring triumphed in the gardens. She lookedvery womanly and very pretty.

  To all appearances, it might easily have been a lover and his lass metin the springtide, shamefaced after last night's kissing. But Billy,somehow, lacked much of the elation and the perfect content and thedisposition to burst into melody that is currently supposed to seizeupon rustic swains at such moments. He merely wanted to know if atany time in the remote future his heart would be likely to resume thedischarge of its proper functions. It was standing still now.

  However, "Can you ask--dear?" His words, at least, lied gallantly.

  The poor woman looked up into Billy's face. After years of battlingwith the world, here for the asking was peace and luxury and wealthincalculable, and--as Kathleen thought--a love that had endured sincethey were boy and girl together. Yet she shrunk from him a little andclinched her hands before she spoke.

  "Yes," Kathleen faltered, and afterward she shuddered.

  And here, if for the moment I may prefigure the Eagle as a sentientbeing, I can imagine his chuckle.

  "Please God," thought poor Billy, "I will make her happy. Yes, pleaseGod, I can at least do that, since she cares for me."

  Then he kissed her.

  "My dear," said he, aloud, "I'll try to make you happy. And--and youdon't mind, do you, if I leave you now?" queried this ardent lover."You see, it's absolutely necessary I should see--see Miss Hugoninabout this will business. You don't mind very much, do you--darling?"Mr. Woods inquired of her, the last word being rather obviously anafterthought.

  "No," said she. "Not if you must--dear."

  Billy went away, lugging a heart of lead in his breast.

  Kathleen stared after him and gave a hard, wringing motion of herhands. She had done what many women do daily; the thing is common andsensible and universally commended; but in her own eyes, the draggledtrollop of the pavements was neither better nor worse than she.

  At the entrance of the next walkway Billy encountered FelixKennaston--alone and in the most ebulliently mirthful of humours.