CHAPTER XXX
THE STRONG MAN UNMANNED
Madge locked her doors, bathed her hot face, then paced her room ingreat agitation, feeling that not only her own happiness was in peril,but Graydon's also. Her mental distress was greatly enhanced by afeeling that in order to save her relatives she herself had beenguilty of what to her sensitive nature appeared almost like a crime."Was it right?" she asked herself again and again, and at last reachedthe conclusion that the fealty she owed to her relatives and to theman she loved justified her course--that she should shield them evenat such cost to herself. "It was not curiosity that kept me passive,"she thought, "but the hope, the chance to save Henry from financialruin and Graydon from far worse disaster." It would indeed be"horrible" for any true man to marry such a girl; and to permit theman she loved to make such a fatal blunder was simply monstrous. Yethow could she prevent it without doing violence to every maidenlyprinciple of her nature?
Should she tell her sister? This impulse passed almost instantly. Maryhad not the tact, nerve, or reticence to meet such an emergency. Itseemed, however, that if something was not done almost immediatelythis callous, selfish girl would cause lifelong wretchedness toGraydon as certainly as to Madge herself. Such a nature could not longmaintain its disguise, and probably would not be at pains to do soafter marriage. The self-sacrifice that she had led Graydon to believein was all deceit. It was self with her, first and last; it would beself always. Madge knew Graydon well enough to be sure that to him,when his illusions were dissipated, the marriage vow would become achain growing heavier with time.
This absolutely certain phase of the danger was so terrible that atfirst it almost completely dominated her thoughts. "Oh," she moaned,"I could see him marry a woman who would make him happy, and yetsurvive, but this would be worse than death!"
As she became more calm and could think connectedly, her mind revertedto what had been said about Henry's financial peril; and while she wasinclined to take the same view as Miss Wildmere, she soon began to seethat her brother-in-law should be informed of all references to him.Then the impression grew upon her that it would be wisest to tell himall, and let him save his brother, if possible, from a fate infinitelyworse than lifelong poverty. Would this involve the disclosure to Mr.Muir of her secret? Sometimes she thought that he half suspected heralready, and she feared that she could scarcely speak of a subjectthat touched her heart's interests so closely without revealing tothose keen gray eyes more than she would have them see. But the riskmust be taken to save Graydon.
"Can it be?" she said, after musing awhile, "that Henry is in anysuch danger as that man asserted, or was it a trumped-up scheme toinfluence the girl? Still, he did say that if she would choose Graydonand poverty he would not interpose. Poverty! I would welcome bondageand chains with Graydon. I would almost welcome Henry's failure, thatI might prove to them my devotion. Every penny of my fortune shouldbe theirs. Henry has looked very anxious and troubled sometimes whenthinking himself unobserved. He keeps everything to himself so--"
Suddenly she sprang up with a flash of joy in her face, and whisperedto herself, excitedly: "Suppose there is truth in what was said bythose speculators. I have a fortune, and it's my own. Henry said itwas so left to me that I could control it after I was eighteen. I canlend Henry the money to pay Arnault. I will give him every penny Ipossess to carry him safely through. Oh, I am so glad he is comingto-night!"
"Come down to supper," called Mrs. Muir.
"Why, Madge," exclaimed the lady, as they sat down under the light ofthe chandelier, "how flushed you are! And your eyes fairly beam withexcitement. I half believe you are feverish."
"Nonsense! No doses for me now; milk and beefsteak are my remedies.I've been dwelling on some scenes partly imaginary, and you know howwrought-up I get."
"Oh, yes; now I remember, you asked Miss Thompson for a book, and wentfor it to her room. Of course that was the last seen of you. I nevercould get so carried away by a story."
"I haven't your even disposition, Mary."
"Miss Wildmere looks brilliant to-night, also. And if there isn't herfather! This is the first time I've seen him up during the week. Well,I'm glad to see that his daughter can wake up a little for his sake, awell as for some other man."
Madge looked at her with mingled curiosity and repugnance. "Horridlittle monster!" she thought. "Now she is performing her filial act.As her father said, 'such high-toned people should not be misjudged.'"
"I think you dislike her worse than Henry does," said Mrs. Muir, witha low laugh. "You look at her as if she were a snake."
"She is not a girl after my heart," Madge replied, carelessly; thenadded, under her breath, "She's a vampire, but she shan't drainGraydon's life-blood."
Miss Wildmere was certainly in a genial mood. The munificent offerreceived from Mr. Arnault had enhanced her self-appreciation, and shefelt that she had met it with rare nerve and sagacity. She had notshown herself dazzled like a village girl, and eager to grasp theprize. Moreover, she had thought, with proud complacency: "The man whocan offer so much is not going to give me up, even should I keep himwaiting months longer. I still believe that Graydon can give me allI want at present, and at the same time a position in society whichArnault could never attain, though worth millions. Arnault is on topof the wave now, but he is a speculator, like papa, and I'm sickof these Wall Street ups and downs. I believe in Henry Muir'sconservatism. Because he is keeping quiet now they think he is goingto fail. He is just the kind of man to be five times as rich as peoplethink. Graydon will succeed to his business and business methods, andwill not only make an immense fortune, but keep it. Papa has givenme the test of all these gloomy warnings. If Henry Muir does not failto-morrow, I won't believe a word of all that's been said. If he does,I'll do the next best thing, and take Arnault. No tenement-house forme, thank you. I've not been in society so long as not to make themost of my chances;" and under the inspiration of thoughts like theseMiss Wildmere condescended to be affable to her parents, and to smileupon the world in general.
Madge Alden was an exception, however, and for her she had only afrown as she looked across the room at the young girl and saw theadmiration and friendly regard that were so freely bestowed upon her.As was inevitable, the selfish spirit of one girl had repelled and thekindly nature of the other had attracted good-will. Human instinct isquick to recognize the tax-gatherers of society--the people who areever exacting, yet give little except slights, wounds, and criticism.
"Oh," thought Miss Wildmere, "if I can only marry Graydon and snubthat girl unmercifully I shall be perfectly happy!"
The late train would not arrive before nine o'clock, and Madgedetermined to go down in the stage to meet Mr. Muir. In the meantimeher quick mind was coping with the emergency. She had often heardit said that in times of financial uncertainty an air of the utmostconfidence should be maintained. Therefore she drew her sister intothe parlor, and managed to place her in a lively and congenial groupof ladies. Mrs. Muir herself was happy in the thought of soon seeingher husband, and appeared cheerfulness embodied.
Miss Wildmere saw her laughing and chatting with such unforcedgeniality that she muttered: "It's perfectly absurd to imagine thather husband is on the eve of bankruptcy. Even if he tried he couldn'tkeep such trouble utterly from his wife, and I've seen enough ofpeople to be sure she does not dream of danger. The best people of thehouse are ever around her and that Madge Alden. Unless papa returnsto-morrow night with predictions confirmed, the Muirs will have toadmit me hereafter into their charmed circle. 'Sister Madge' looksalso as if something keyed her up tremendously. Perhaps she isthinking that Graydon will return to-morrow to be her escort on longrides again. I'll soon put a spoke in that wheel, my proud minx. In afew hours you may wear a very different expression."
When the two girls met, however, they were scrupulously polite; butMadge took such pains to make these occasions rare that Miss Wildmereperceived the avoidance, and her vindictive feeling was intensified.Madge saw one or two of
her dark looks, but only thought, "I shall nowtake a part in your cruel game, and it may not end as you imagine."She danced and laughed as if not a care weighed upon her mind.
When the hour arrived for the stage to meet the train she slippedaway, wrapped herself in a cloak, and said to the driver that she wasgoing to meet a relative. The train, was on time, and Mr. Muir, withothers who were strangers, entered the stage.
"Why, Madge!" he exclaimed; "you here? This certainly is very kind."
They sat a little apart, and she whispered: "Don't show any surpriseat this or anything else to-night. I have something to tell you, andyou must manage to give me a private interview without any one knowingit--not even Mary at present."
"It's about Graydon," he said, anxiously.
"It's chiefly about yourself. I've heard something." She took his handin the darkness, and felt it tremble. "You know how to keep cool anddisguise your feelings," she resumed. "We can beat them yet. I leftMary in the parlor, the merriest of a merry group. She is happy in thethought that you are coming, and doesn't suspect anything. I am sureyou will know just what to do when I tell you all, and you can avertall danger. Greet Mary as usual, and make the people in the housethink you have no trouble on your mind."
"All right, Madge. As soon as I've had a little supper, you come to myroom."
"No, you must take a walk with me outside. I want no walls with earsaround."
"Is it so very serious?"
"You will know best when I have told you everything."
A few moments later Mr. Muir walked into the parlor the picture ofserene confidence, and smiling pleasure at meeting his wife, whosprang up, exclaiming: "I declare, I was so enjoying myself that Idid not realize it was time for you to be here. Come, I've ordered asplendid supper for you."
"I shall reward your thoughtfulness abundantly," he replied, "for Iam ravenous." He then greeted Mrs. Muir's friends cordially, said somepleasant words, and even bowed, when retiring, very politely to Mrs.Wildmere, who in her meek, deprecating way sat near the door.
Two or three gentlemen sought Madge's hand for the next dance, and shewas out upon the floor again, her absence not having been commentedupon.
Not a feature of this by-play had been lost on Miss Wildmere, and shesmiled satirically. "They thought to dupe me with delusions about Mr.Muir. He has no more idea of failing than I have, and before very longhe shall be Brother Henry to me as well as to Madge Alden."
After a little while Madge excused herself and joined her relatives inthe dining-room. She found her sister happy in giving all the detailsof what had occurred in her husband's absence, and he was listeningwith his usual quiet interest, while deliberately prolonging his mealto give the impression that his appetite made good his words. ButMadge saw that he was pale and at times preoccupied.
At last he rose from the table, and Mrs. Muir said, "I will go andhave a look at the children, and then join you on the piazza."
"Very well, Mary, I'll be there soon. I've sat so long in the carsthat I want to walk a little for a change, so don't hasten or worry ifI'm gone a little longer than usual. After such a splendid supper asyou have secured for me I need a little exercise, and will smokemy cigar on my feet. The fact is, I don't get exercise enough. Come,Madge, you'd walk all day if you had a chance."
Mrs. Muir thought the idea very sensible. Mr. Muir and Madge passedout through a side door. The former lighted his cigar leisurely, andthey strolled away as if for no other purpose than to enjoy the warmevening. The storm had not come, but clouds were flying wildly acrossthe disk of the moon, and the hurry-skurry in the sky was akin to thethoughts of the quiet saunterers.
"Where shall we go?" he asked.
"Not far away. There is an open walk near, where we could see any oneapproach us."
"Now, Madge," Mr. Muir began, after reaching the spot, "I havefollowed your suggestions, for I have great confidence in your goodsense. Your words have worried me exceedingly."
"There is reason for it, Henry, even though there is probably no truthin what has been said about your financial peril."
"Great God!" he exclaimed, starting, "is that subject talked about?"
"Do you owe money to Mr. Arnault?"
"Yes," with a groan.
"Would it hurt you should he demand it to-morrow?"
"Oh, Madge, this is dreadful!" and she saw that he was trembling.
"Now, Henry, take heart, and be your cool, brave self."
"Give me a little time, Madge. I've been carrying a heavy load, butthought the worst was over. I believe things have touched bottom, andI was beginning to see my way to safety in a short time. Even now thetide is turning, and I can realize on some things in a few days. Butif this money is demanded to-morrow--Saturday, too, when nearly allmy friends are out of town--it is very doubtful whether I could raiseit."
"Would it cause your failure?"
"Yes, yes, indeed. A man may be worth a million but if he can't gethold of ready money at the moment it is needed, everything may beswept away. Oh, Madge, this is cruel I With just a little more time Icould be safe and rich."
"Why have you not told us this?"
"Because I wouldn't touch your money and Mary's under anycircumstances, and I know that you both would have given me no peace,through trying to persuade me to borrow from you."
"That's just like you, Henry. How much do you owe Mr. Arnault?"
"Madge, I'm not going to borrow your money."
"Of course not, Henry. Please tell me."
"You will take no action without my consent?"
"Certainly not."
"Well, the paltry sum of thirty thousand, if demanded to-morrow, mayinvolve the loss of my fortune. Of course if I could not pay this atonce all the rest would be down on me. How in the world did you gainany knowledge of this affair?"
"Thank God, and take courage. I believe good is going to come out ofthis evil, and I believe you will think so too when you have heard mystory;" and she told him everything.
"And Graydon has, to all intents and purposes, engaged himself tothis--speculator," said Mr. Muir, grinding his teeth. "He's no brotherof mine if he does not break with her; and, as it is, I feel as if Icould never trust him with my affairs again."
Henry Muir was a man not easily moved, but now his concentratedpassion was terrible to witness. His hands worked convulsively; hisrespiration was quick and irregular. His business and his commercialstanding were his idols, and to think that a selfish, scheming girlhad caused the jeopardy of both to further her own petty ambition,and that his brother should be one of her tools, enraged him beyondmeasure.
"Now," he hissed, "I understand why that plausible scamp offered tolend me money. He and his confederate Wildmere have been watchingand biding their time. I had to be ruined in order to bring thatspeculator's daughter to a decision, and Graydon has been doing hislevel best to further these schemes."
"Henry, Henry, do be calm. You are not ruined, and shall not be."
"It's no use, Madge; I'm foully caught in their devilish toils."
Madge grasped his arm with a force that compelled his attention.
"Henry Muir," she said, in low and almost stern tones, "you shalllisten to me. Ignorant girl as I am, I know better, and I demand thatyou meet this emergency, not in impotent anger, but with your wholemanhood. I demand it for the sake of my sister and your children, foryour own sake and Graydon's. You explained to me before we lefttown that I had sixty thousand dollars in United States bonds, firstmortgage, and other good securities. You also explained that by theprovisions of my father's will I had control of this money after I waseighteen. You have been so scrupulous that you have not even thoughtof asking for the use of it, but I demand of you, as an honest man,what right have you to prevent me from doing what I please with it?"
"You cannot make me take it, Madge."
"I can and will. I shall go to the city with you by the earliesttrain, and when Arnault asks for his money you shall quietly give itto him, and no one but ourselves shall k
now anything about the matter.If you pay this money promptly, will it not help your credit at once?"
"Certainly, Madge, but--"
"Oh, Henry," she cried, "why will you cloud all our lives by scruplesthat are now not only absurd but almost criminal? Think of the lossyou will inflict on Graydon, your children, and your wife, by suchsenseless refusal. Have you not said that a little time will insuresafety and fortune? And there is my money lying idle, when withto-morrow's sun it could buy me more happiness than could millions atanother time. I trust to your business judgment fully. Suppose themoney was lost--suppose my whole fortune was lost--do you think Iwould care a jot compared with being denied at this critical moment? Ishould hate the money you saved for me in this way, and I should neverforgive you for saving it." She stood aloof and faced him proudly, asshe continued: "Do you imagine I fear poverty? Believe me, Henry Muir,I have brain and muscle to take care of myself and others too ifneed be." Then, in swift alternation of mood, she clasped her handscaressingly upon his arm, and added: "But I have a woman's heart, andthere are troubles worse than poverty. To see you lose the results ofyour lifework, and to see Graydon's prospects blighted, would be morethan I could bear. You can give me all the security you wish, ifthat will satisfy you better; but if you deny me now, I shall loseconfidence in you, and feel that you have failed me in the mostdesperate emergency of my life."
"The most desperate emergency of _your_ life, Madge?"
"Yes; of _my_ life," she replied, her voice choking with sobs, for thestrain was growing too great for her nerve-force to resist. "You giveway to senseless anger; you inveigh against Graydon, when he hasonly acted honorably, and has been deceived; you refuse to do the onesimple, rational thing that will avert this trouble and bring safetyto us all."
"Why, Madge, if I fail, this speculator will drop Graydon at once.Scott! this fact alone would be large compensation."
"If you were cool--if you were yourself--you could save Graydon inevery way. I want to see him go on in life, prosperous and happy, notthwarted and disheartened almost at its beginning. Oh, why won't you?Why _won't_ you?" and she wrung her hands in distress.
"Is Graydon so very much to you, Madge?" he asked, in a wonderingtone.
"Hush!" she said, imperiously; "there are things which no man or womanshall know or appear to know unless I reveal them. It's enough thatI am trying to save you all, and my own peace of mind. Henry Muir, Iwill not be denied. There are moments when a woman feels and _knows_what is right, while a man, with his narrow, cast-iron rules, wouldruin everything. You _must_ carry out my wish, and Graydon must know_nothing_ about it. Oh, God! that I were a man!"
"Thank God, you are a woman! Child as you are, compared with my yearsand experience, you shall have your own way. I will this once put mylifelong principle under my feet, and if the future house of Muir &Brother is saved, you shall save it."
"Oh, thank you, thank you, Henry! Now see how happy I am. I have butone stipulation--the 'brother' must not know it. We shall go on thefirst train, shall we not?"
"Yes. You can say you want to do some shopping. Come, we have beenaway from Mary too long already. Oh, Madge, Madge, would that therewere more girls like you!"