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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/15430-8.txt b/15430-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a742d95 --- /dev/null +++ b/15430-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,10202 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Lever, by William Dana Orcutt + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Lever + A Novel + +Author: William Dana Orcutt + +Release Date: March 21, 2005 [EBook #15430] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LEVER *** + + + + +Produced by Audrey Longhurst, Mary Meehan, and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + + + + + + + + + THE LEVER + + BY WILLIAM DANA ORCUTT + +AUTHOR OF "THE SPELL," "THE FLOWER OF DESTINY," "ROBERT CAVELIER," ETC. + + 1911 + + +"_Give me where I may stand, a lever long enough, and a fulcrum strong +enough, and I will move the world_."--ARCHIMEDES. + + + + +TO MY MOTHER + +ELLEN DANA ORCUTT + +"SUPREME IN THE STRENGTH OF ASSERTING THAT WHICH IS EVER WOMAN'S +CREED--JUSTICE AND RIGHT," THIS VOLUME IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED + + + + +THE LEVER + + + + +I + + +The girl leaned forward impulsively from the leisurely moving victoria +and looked back at the automobile which whizzed by the carriage, along +the maple-lined road leading from Washington to Chevy Chase; then she as +suddenly resumed her former position when she discovered that the young +man, who was the only occupant of the motor-car, had slowed down and was +gazing back at her. + +"How impertinent!" she exclaimed, flushing, addressing herself rather +than the older woman beside her. "Of course, it couldn't be Allen; but +if it wasn't, why was he looking back at me? Did you recognize him, +Eleanor?" + +"Who's impertinent?" queried Patricia, who sat between them and +exercised a ten-year-old sister's prerogative. + +Mrs. Gorham was quietly amused. "Which question shall I answer first, +Alice--and who is 'Allen' supposed to be?" + +It was the girl's turn to sense the situation. "How ridiculous!" she +laughed. "Of course you wouldn't know. Allen Sanford and I used to play +together when we were children in Pittsburgh. I haven't seen him since we +moved away after mamma died; but that really looked like him. I wonder if +by any chance it could be?" + +"Oh, Alice, he's coming back," announced Patricia from her point of +vantage on her knees, and a moment later the same automobile, driven at +a speed at which the most conscientious of traffic guardians could not +complain, passed them slowly at the left. The young man made an effort +to conceal the fact that he was surveying the girl in the victoria, but +Alice cut short his suspense. + +"It is! it is!" she cried, eagerly; and with the recognition made +certain the boy shut off his power, and, springing out of the car, was +beside her before even the discreet coachman could draw up to the curb. + +"I thought I couldn't be mistaken--" he began. + +"But you weren't sure," Alice finished for him. "You were trying to +remember a little girl with a pigtail down her back and horrid freckles +all over her face--now, weren't you?" + +"If that's the way you really looked, I evidently wasn't as fussy about +such things then as I am now," he laughed. "All I remember is that you +were the dandiest little playmate I ever had." + +The unexpected compliment caused Alice to turn quickly to Mrs. Gorham. + +"This is Allen Sanford, Eleanor; and this, Allen, is my mother, sister, +and dearest friend all in one." + +"And my name's Pat," added the child, refusing to be ignored and holding +out her hand cordially. + +The boy was even more embarrassed by the unexpected meeting with the +second Mrs. Gorham than to find Alice developed into so lovely and +fascinating a young woman. He had always thought of Alice's step-mother, +when he had thought of her at all, as of a type entirely different from +this slender, attractive woman only a few years older than Alice +herself. There was a self-possession about Mrs. Gorham, a quiet dignity, +which made the difference in their ages seem greater than it really was; +yet, had he not known, Allen would have thought them sisters. His father +was sceptical when he heard of Gorham's second marriage: "It's bigamy, +that's what it is," were Stephen Sanford's words. "Gorham is married to +his business. Everything he touches turns into gold. Business to him is +what a great passion for a woman would be to one man, or a supreme +friendship to another; but the lever which moves Robert Gorham is +neither love nor steel; it is cold, hard cash." + +All this flashed through Allen's mind in that brief moment of silence +after the introduction, but the thoughts of at least one of the two +women had been equally active. To Alice this chance meeting recalled a +time in her life sanctified by the loss of her mother, later made easier +to look back upon by the rare sympathy which had existed from the first +between herself and the sweet, tactful woman who had come into her life, +filling the aching void and awakening her to a new interest in her +surroundings. She and Allen had been "chums" in those early days, and it +gratified her to discover that the boy whom she had admired in a +childish way had become a young man so agreeable to look upon and so +little changed, except in growth, from the lad she remembered. His six +feet of height carried him to a greater altitude than of old, his +well-developed arms and shoulders showed a physical strength which his +youth had not promised, but his face wore the same frank, care-free, +irresponsible and good-natured expression which had made him beloved by +all his acquaintances and taken seriously by none. + +Allen's smile returned before he found his voice, and was so infectious +that Alice, Mrs. Gorham, and Patricia were also smiling broadly. + +"It's awfully good to see you again, Alice," he said, with a sincerity +which could not be doubted; "and to meet you, too, Mrs. Gorham, not +forgetting Lady Pat." And then, as if in explanation, "You see, as Alice +says, she and I were pals when we were youngsters in Pittsburgh, and I +can't realize that now she's grown up into such a--" + +"Do you remember the games of baseball we used to play together?" Alice +interrupted. + +"Indeed I do," he responded. "She could throw a ball overhand just like +a boy," Allen continued, turning to Mrs. Gorham lest he seem to +discriminate in his attentions. + +"She can't do it now, but I can," Patricia remarked, with an air of +superiority, subsiding as Alice glanced meaningly at her. + +"And once you thrashed Jim Thatcher for calling me a tomboy. Oh, I +looked upon you as a real story-book hero!" + +"I suspect that's the only time on record." Allen laughed again +consciously. "That's one epithet I haven't had hurled at me enough times +to make me nervous." He looked at the horses critically. "You don't +suppose there's any chance of a runaway here to give me another +opportunity, do you?" + +"How about the football games, and the races at New London?" Alice +asked. + +"What do you know about those?" + +"I read all about everything in the papers. Your father was so proud +that he told my father and every one about your college record; so, you +see, your friends had no difficulty in keeping posted." + +"My father was proud of me?" Allen demanded, in genuine astonishment. +"Haven't you gotten things a little mixed? That doesn't sound like the +pater at all. He didn't boast any of my record in my studies, did he?" + +"Father didn't say." Alice leaned forward mischievously. "Did you get +your degree _cum laude_, Allen?" + +"Not exactly," he answered, frankly. "_Cum difficultate_ would be more +like it; but I got it, anyhow." + +"And what have you been doing since?" Mrs. Gorham asked. + +"I went abroad right after Commencement." + +"To perfect yourself in the languages?" + +"Well"--the boy hesitated--"that may have been the pater's intention, +but he didn't state it audibly. As a matter of fact, I perfected myself +in running an automobile more than anything else, but I had a corking +good time." + +"And now what? You see how inquisitive I am," Alice said. + +"And now"--he repeated it after her--"I want to go into business, and +the pater says diplomacy for mine. We've had lots of arguments over it, +until we finally compromised it just as we usually do--by my doing it +his way. So here I am in Washington, awaiting my country's call, ready +to steer the great U.S.A. through any old international complication +they can scare up. But I mustn't keep you and Mrs. Gorham here any +longer. It is just fine to see you again." + +"You will come and see us at the hotel," Mrs. Gorham said, warmly +seconded by Alice. "Won't you dine with us to-morrow evening? Mr. Gorham +will be glad to hear about you from yourself." + +To-morrow evening seemed far away to Allen, so he supplemented Mrs. +Gorham's invitation by a suggestion that they take a motor ride with him +the following afternoon, which brought the time of their meeting that +much nearer. + +For some little time after Allen's machine had disappeared Alice and +Mrs. Gorham continued their drive in silence, and it was Patricia who +spoke first. + +"Isn't he the grandest thing?" she remarked. "He's just like one of King +Arthur's knights. And he called me 'Lady Pat.'" + +"You dear child," Eleanor cried, impulsively pressing the little form to +her. + +"That is exactly what I ought to be," Alice said, abruptly. "Just think +how pleased father would be." + +"What ought you to be that you are not, my dear?" Mrs. Gorham inquired, +surprised. + +"Why, a boy like Allen just ready to start off on a business career. +That's about the only disappointment father has ever experienced, not +having a son to succeed him. You know as I do how much it would mean to +him to 'found a house,' as he calls it. I've seen him looking at Pat and +me so many times with an expression in his eyes which I understood, and +it has hurt me all through that I couldn't have been the son he longed +for. The aggravating part of it all is that nothing interests me so +much as business. I must have inherited father's love for it. I adore +listening to him when he is discussing some great problem with Mr. +Covington. It seems to me the grandest thing in the world to be able to +influence people, and to create or expand industries and actually to +accomplish results." + +Mrs. Gorham understood the girl's mood and knew that it was wiser to let +her run on without interruption. + +"I don't feel the same about other things," Alice continued, pausing +from time to time as she became more introspective. "I'm fond of poetry, +of course, but I can't understand how any one can be satisfied to do +nothing else but write poems; I admire art, but with my admiration for +the artist's work there's a real pity for the man because he is debarred +from the world of action. If I were a man I would have to do something +which had a physical as well as an intellectual struggle in it, with a +reward at the end to be striven for which was not expressed alone in the +praise of the world--it would have to be power itself." + +"I would rather be a damosel," Patricia put in. + +"You are your father's own daughter, Alice," Mrs. Gorham said, as the +girl ceased speaking. "You could not be his child and feel otherwise." + +"But that makes it all the harder," Alice rebelled. "It doesn't give me +any chance to do the things I want to do. I must + +'_Sigh and cry + And still sit idly by_.'" + +The drive was coming to an end, and Mrs. Gorham was unwilling to leave +the conversation at just this point. "There is another side to all this, +Alice dear, which you mustn't overlook," she said, seriously. "It is +woman's part to inspire rather than to do, and the fact that it is often +the more difficult rôle to play perhaps makes it the nobler part, after +all. The world sings of the bravery of men who go forth to battle; we +older women know that it takes no less courage to let them go and to +content ourselves in our impotency, while they are spurred on by the +excitement which is denied to us. Those of us whom experience has tested +know this, but this realization cannot yet have come to you." + +Patricia sighed, deeply, "Oh, yes, mamma Eleanor; this waiting is +awful." + +"You mean that we must accept the situation as best we may and +accomplish our results by proxy?" Alice queried, still rebellious. + +Mrs. Gorham smiled at the girl's interpretation. "No, dear," she +insisted; "I am not willing to admit that ours is a position of +self-abnegation. We women are denied the privilege of doing, but we +mustn't be unmindful of the blessing which is given in exchange. To me +it is infinitely more satisfying to know that we are the inspiration +which urges men on to do what they could not do without us." + +"Of course that's one way of putting it," Alice admitted, interested yet +not convinced; "but, just the same, I'd rather be the one to receive the +inspiration than the one to give it." + +On reaching the comfortable apartment occupied by the Gorhams at the +hotel, they found that Mr. Gorham had already returned, accompanied by +his first vice-president, John Covington, and that they were engaged in +close conversation. Mrs. Gorham took Patricia with her to her room, but +Alice immediately joined the two men. + +"We have nearly finished our interview, Alice," her father said, +suggestively, after a smile of greeting. + +"Please let me sit here and listen," she begged. "I am so interested in +it all." + +Gorham acquiesced with a shrug of his shoulders which the girl saw and +felt. + +"I don't know but that we have covered the situation, anyway," he said +to Covington. "I shall see Kenmore to-morrow, and if he can be persuaded +to join us, the Consolidated Companies will be just that much +strengthened. You had better return to New York to-night to keep your +eye on the coffee situation, and I will telephone you if I need you here +after I see the Senator." + +The two men offered a striking contrast in their personalities. Robert +Gorham was a large man, about fifty years of age, whose whole bearing, +when at rest, suggested the idealist rather than the man of action. His +head was large and intellectual, his chin strong, his mouth firm, +conveying at once an impression of strength and of impenetrable +depth--an inner being which defied complete analysis. Behind the +impassive exterior there was a suggestion of latent reserve force, but +it was not until some thought or word penetrated below the surface that +the real man was revealed. Then it was that the impassive face lighted +up, that the quiet gray eyes flashed fire, that the head bent forward +decisively, and the strong-willed, large-brained leader of men stood +forth. + +Covington, on the other hand, ten years Gorham's junior, was slight, +though tall, and was always, in manner, speech, and dress, most +carefully adjusted. He was an organizer of men, as Gorham was the +organizer of companies. Gorham worked so quietly that his purpose +seemed to accomplish itself; Covington won his success by a pitiless +force which left flotsam in its wake. Gorham was beloved and trusted, +Covington was respected for his abilities but dreaded by his +subordinates. It had been necessary for Gorham to supplement himself +with a man who possessed the genius of taking hold of the individual +organizations assimilated by the Consolidated Companies, and +amalgamating those engaged in similar lines into perfect, economic +wholes; and Covington's rare service had proved the wisdom of Gorham's +selection. + +Covington noted Alice's disappointment when her father cut short their +interview upon her entrance, though Gorham himself was entirely +oblivious to it. + +"I'll tell you all about it when we meet next time," he said to her in a +low tone as he was leaving. "It is always an inspiration to me to talk +these matters over with you." + +Alice smiled gratefully but started at the word he used. This man, +acknowledged by her father to be one of the cleverest in the business +world, said that she was an "inspiration" to him. Could this be +possible! This, then, was what Eleanor had meant, this was woman's +mission. But still, she insisted to herself, she would rather be the +recipient than the giver. + +As Covington left the room Gorham turned to Alice. "Now I can give +myself wholly to you," he said, holding out his arms affectionately. + +"Why did you stop talking with Mr. Covington as soon as I came in?" +Alice asked, reproachfully. "Was it a private matter?" + +"No indeed," he laughed, patting her affectionately on the head; "it was +just plain business." + +"But I wanted to hear it," she persisted. + +"It would have meant nothing to you," her father answered. "If you had +been my son that would be different, but a woman's sphere is outside the +business world. Leave that to the men. Now tell me what has happened +to-day." + +Alice knew her father too well to persist further. "Eleanor and I met +Allen Sanford while we were out driving this afternoon," she said. + +"Did you?" he asked, with interest. "I knew he was in Washington and +should have told you. His father wrote me about him last week, and I was +planning to invite him here. How has he developed since we used to know +him?" + +"Splendidly," Alice answered. "He's a big strapping fellow with the same +handsome, happy face. I should have known him anywhere. He wants to get +started in business, and his father wants him to go into the diplomatic +service." + +"So Stephen wrote me." Gorham laughed quietly, turning to his wife, who +had entered a moment before with Patricia. "The boy's father is the +worst enemy he has. He has thoroughly spoiled him all his life, and now +expects him to do great things. He scores him because he has no +initiative, and the first time the youngster tries to exercise it by +expressing his preference for business instead of diplomacy, Stephen +calls him obstinate and ungrateful. Now he wants me to talk with Allen +and persuade him that his father is right." + +"If you are not otherwise engaged you'll have a chance to-morrow +evening," remarked Mrs. Gorham; "we have invited him to dine with us." + +"Good; I shall be glad to see the boy, and can acquit myself of my +obligation to his father at the same time. Hello, Mistress Patricia," he +added, catching the child in his arms. "What has my little tyrant been +up to?" + +"Call me 'Lady Pat,'" she said, grandly. "_He_ named me that." + +"Who did?" her father asked, his mind diverted from the previous +conversation. + +"Mr. Sanford." Patricia rolled her eyes impressively. "Oh, he's the +grandest thing! He must be a prince in disguise." + +"That isn't what his father calls him," laughed Gorham. + +"What are you going to advise him?" Eleanor asked. + +"I can't tell until I see him and discover how much imagination he has." + +"Imagination?" his wife queried. + +"Yes; is that a new idea to you? Ability never asserts itself to its +utmost unless fed by the imagination, and I don't know yet whether Allen +possesses either. Success in any line depends upon the extent of a man's +power of imagination." + +"Then why don't poets make business successes? They have imaginative +ideas," argued Alice, thinking of her remarks upon this subject earlier +in the afternoon. + +"True"--Gorham smiled at her earnestness--"great poets are inspired, but +rarely, if ever, do they apply those inspirations to practical purposes. +That is why they so seldom enter business, and still more rarely succeed +if they do." + +His face sobered as the idea took firmer possession of him. + +"I differ from the poet only in that I make use of my imaginative ideas +in solving the great business problems of the present and the future +instead of in forming rhymes and metres. To do this I must command +unlimited resources; but what does money mean except the opportunity to +gratify ideals? With this I can force my imagination to produce +utilitarian results." + +This would have been Robert Gorham's exposition of his conception of the +Archimedes lever, as opposed to that which Allen Sanford had heard his +father give. To Gorham the power of the lever depended upon the strength +of the imaginative ideals, and the "cold, hard cash" was simply the +necessary fulcrum upon which the lever rested. + + + + +II + + +"The proposition is too gigantic for me even to comprehend." + +The Hon. Mr. Kenmore, member of the United States Senate, laid down the +bulky prospectus of the "Consolidated Companies," and looked up into his +caller's genial face. + +Gorham flicked the ash from his cigar and smiled good-naturedly. "That +is, perhaps, a natural statement, Mr. Kenmore," he replied, +deliberately. "I am not surprised that you find it difficult to +comprehend the vast possibilities of our enterprise; yet its success, +already established, must convince you that no good argument can be +advanced against its practicability." + +"But see what it contemplates!" The Senator again took the prospectus in +his hand and opened the pages. "You propose to control the building and +the manufacturing of the world," he continued, reading aloud from the +prospectus, "and all the allied trades, to construct and deal in all +kinds of machinery, to carry on any other kinds of businesses, to +acquire patents and concessions, to erect and maintain gas and electric +works, to enter into any arrangement with any government, to promote +companies, to lend money--" + +"It is summed up in that last clause," Gorham interrupted, quietly; "'to +do all such other things as are incidental or conducive to the +attainment of the above objects.' You see, I know the articles by heart. +May I ask you to glance over the names of the present stockholders?" + +Gorham handed a leather-covered record-book to his companion and then +walked to the window, where he quietly smoked his cigar, looking out on +the broad avenue while the Senator scanned the names written in the +small volume. He appeared indifferent to the smothered exclamations +which escaped involuntarily from Kenmore's lips as the latter's eye +passed on from page to page, and for the time being he seemed more +deeply interested in the people passing below on the street. His +calmness was in striking contrast to the Senator's growing excitement. + +"By George!" Kenmore exclaimed at length, rising and advancing toward +the window. "This list of names is even more extraordinary than your +stupendous plans." + +"Does not each one explain the other?" asked Gorham. + +"But how did you ever persuade such men as these to lend themselves to +any enterprise--no matter how attractive? Why, there is hardly an +omission--the leaders of the world in finance, politics, diplomacy, +literature, art, and science." + +"There are many omissions, as you would discover if you examined the +list more carefully," Gorham answered; "not the least of which is the +name of the Hon. Mr. Kenmore!" + +"I know, I know," the Senator replied, impatiently; "but how did you get +them?" + +Gorham looked at his questioner attentively for a moment before he +answered. "The proposition itself appeals to that human instinct which +is more or less developed in us all--self-interest--" + +"But that, my dear sir, is nothing more or less than--" + +Gorham held up a protesting hand. "Let me save you from using so ugly a +word as you have in mind, Senator. You are fully justified in having +this thought suggest itself to you--such is the business code of morals +of to-day. Yet I consider myself an idealist, and the whole plan on +which the Consolidated Companies is based a moral one. I must have +succeeded in convincing these men, whose characters are admittedly above +reproach, or they could not have been persuaded to become associated +with our corporation." + +"Idealism, monopoly, and self-interest seem ill-mated partners, Mr. +Gorham." + +"Must monopoly and self-interest always be translated into selfishness +and oppression?" + +"As far as I have observed they always have been," Kenmore asserted. + +"Perhaps so; but must they necessarily be so exercised? Is it not +possible to control these human instincts to the extent of producing +beneficent results?" + +The Senator considered. "I cannot conceive it to be even within the +bounds of possibility." + +"Then, unless I can convince you to the contrary, I shall cheerfully +withdraw my proposition," Gorham replied, with decision. "You will +admit, I feel sure, that were I to eliminate self-interest the great +consolidation which we are discussing could not exist." + +"Absolutely." + +"Will you also admit the possibility--I do not yet say probability--of +conducting an organization such as the Consolidated Companies along +lines which might be for the public good?" + +"Provided the public received the benefits of such economies as your +consolidations effected." + +"Precisely--or even a part of these economies. Now, many of our +stockholders, whose names you see on that list, are in positions of +trust. Our directors have endeavored to select only those whose +reputations guarantee the honorable observance of their +responsibilities." + +"Then how can they serve the Consolidated Companies?" + +"Let me explain more clearly," Gorham continued. "A franchise for a +street railway expires--here in Washington, in Chicago, in London, or in +Vienna. Those who are influential in awarding the new franchise are +among our stockholders. It is to their self-interest, truly, to place +the franchise in the hands of the Consolidated Companies, but it is also +to the best interests of the public, who, after all, are most concerned, +because the Companies is equipped with men and funds to give them +greater efficiency or cheaper transportation than any smaller +organization could possibly afford to do. In awarding us the franchise, +therefore, these officials are in no way proving themselves false to +their trust." + +Gorham studied the half-averted face of his companion carefully before +he proceeded. "Do you follow me?" + +"Perfectly, although not wholly sympathetically," the Senator replied. + +Gorham smiled at Kenmore's frankness. "Suppose a government requires a +loan of, say, fifty million pounds sterling," he continued. "Here in +this little book you will find the names of practically all the +financial heads of the governments of the world. You will also find here +the leading figures in the world of finance. What is more natural than +that the Consolidated Companies be asked to negotiate the loan, to the +distinct advantage of both parties and of the Companies itself? +Incidentally I might say that we shall eventually establish an +international bank which will further simplify details. If it is a +matter of building bridges, we have among our stockholders the officials +who will award the contracts and the engineers best fitted to execute +them. Acting as a medium for both creator and producer, and in serving +their mutual self-interest, the Consolidated Companies can easily become +the greatest patron of the arts, both fine and mechanical, that the +world has ever seen,--and all this, with profit to itself. Could +anything be simpler?" + +"You are prepared to build navies and also submarines to destroy them?" + +"'To do all such other things as are incidental or conducive to the +attainment of the above objects,'" quoted Gorham; "but our energies are +always exerted in constructive directions." + +The Senator became absorbed in his own thoughts and was silent for +several moments. + +"I don't see yet how those men were persuaded to associate themselves +with your corporation," he said, more to himself than to his companion. +"The vast business advantages which it already possesses are quite +apparent, but I cannot reconcile the conflict which must exist between +the dual capacities of your stockholders as individuals and as public +officials or officers of trust. Without intending to cast reflections +upon any name I have seen, I can scarcely resist asking myself if every +man has his price." + +"I claim he has," Gorham stated. + +The Senator turned upon him sharply. "Then my first impressions of the +principles of your enterprise were correct. I beg--" + +"Please hear me out, Senator," Gorham urged. "I believe implicitly that +what I have just said is true, yet I venture to repeat to you that I +consider myself an idealist and an optimist. A man's 'price' has come to +be associated with money. I know this phase--what business man does not? +But beyond this, are there not far subtler influences, which in one form +or another draw every man away from the course he would naturally steer +for himself as surely as the iron deflects the magnet's needle? Ambition +influences an honorable legislator apparently to condone acts which he +knows are wrong, that he may gain a Governor's chair, from which +position he can more surely crush out the evils he has always recognized +and abhorred. I do not say that all our stockholders are influenced by +the guarantee I have given them that a franchise or a concession awarded +to the Consolidated Companies means an advantage to the people they +serve, but I have at least convinced them by word and act of my own +sincerity, and of the possibility of so conducting the Companies that +these results can be obtained. I do not even say that every public +official who co-operates with us is actuated by the highest motives in +giving the Consolidated Companies special privileges, but I do say that +he may properly be so actuated--and the public receives the benefits." + +"But think of the power which this corporation must eventually possess, +and the powerlessness of any individual or organization, business or +otherwise, to oppose it." + +"Why should they wish to oppose it?" Gorham continued. "As I have said, +the combinations suggested can but result in economies in production +and consequent reductions in the living expenses of the masses." + +"Yet you would hardly suggest that the Consolidated Companies has been +launched as a philanthropic enterprise?" + +Gorham's smile returned. "Not primarily, yet the people have already +been benefited in no small degree. It is entirely possible to conduct it +along lines which will reduce the cost of all public utilities and +necessities, and yet secure large financial returns to the Companies." + +"I was thinking--" Kenmore began, and then stopped. + +"Well?" Gorham encouraged, interrogatively. + +"I was thinking what an easy thing it is to mistake a temptation for an +opportunity." + +"Or the reverse," Gorham remarked, significantly, flushing slightly. +"Does it not all depend upon the basis on which the corporation is +administered?" + +As the Senator ventured no reply, Gorham continued, with more feeling +than he had as yet displayed: + +"You and I, Mr. Kenmore, are familiar with the contention made by our +great captains of industry that they are entitled to the vast fortunes +which they have amassed as a return for the benefits which the public +enjoys as a result of their energy and the risks they have taken. They +have opened up new sections of the country, provided transportation +facilities which were previously lacking, or have increased those which +already existed; they have multiplied industries which promoted increase +in population and trade, and have thus largely contributed to the +prosperity enjoyed by the communities themselves and by the country at +large." + +"All of which the Consolidated Companies claims to be doing, or about +to do, upon a scale which makes similar past achievements seem +insignificant," interrupted Kenmore. + +"Yes," Gorham assented, "but with a fuller appreciation that these +accomplishments are not the results alone of individual ability, but far +more of the exercise of the corporate power placed in its hands, not for +its unlimited personal gain, but intrusted to it by law for public +advantage. The law confers upon a corporate organization a power far +beyond that which any individual himself could obtain; it enables him to +make use of capital which thousands have contributed, toward whom he +stands in a relation of trust, and without whom he could not accomplish +the individual triumphs which become so magnified in his own mind, and +for which he demands so great a recompense. The Consolidated Companies +considers itself bound to use franchise privileges and corporate +organization for the equal benefit of all those who contribute of their +capital, with due regard for those public interests which corporations +are created to serve, and to rest content with a fair return upon its +own capital and a reasonable compensation for their services, on the +part of the officers of the enterprises of which it assumes the +responsibility and direction." + +"How long do you think the Consolidated Companies can be run upon such +altruistic principles?" + +"As long as Robert Gorham remains its president and as long as those men +whose names you have seen there remain its directors. This is my pledge. +When the Consolidated Companies, intrusted with the power, credit, and +resources of the many corporations which are and will be included in +it, but which are not agencies of its own creation and do not belong to +it, begins to take advantage of these for personal profit beyond +legitimate return upon investment and fair compensation for services +rendered, it will be guilty of a gross betrayal of trust. When it issues +securities in excess of the requirements of its business and manipulates +them for its own profit; when it makes use of its power, its funds, or +its credit in enterprises which are not for the equal benefit of all who +have contributed to its capital or in the interest of the public, which +gives it its power; when it employs its profits so as to affect the +market value of securities and then speculates in these for its own +advantage,--then it will be flagrantly abusing a power which has been +given to it in trust, and its unique position in the business world will +be destroyed." + +There was another long silence, which this time was not broken until the +Senator was quite ready to speak. When the moment came the question was +asked abruptly: + +"How much can you consistently tell me of any of the corporation's +transactions? I know of them, of course, by hearsay, but I should be +glad to receive more intimate information." + +"Nothing, without assurances of your serious interest, provided I can +demonstrate to your satisfaction the strength of the facts I have +mentioned; everything when you care to give me these assurances." + +The Senator winced. He had expected to meet a man with whose type he was +perfectly familiar, to explain to him that the private affairs of the +Hon. James Kenmore, business or otherwise, were always kept entirely +distinct from his political life, and to dismiss him with merely the +courtesy demanded by the unusually strong letters which had introduced +him. But Robert Gorham did not belong to the expected type. There were +no earmarks of the promoter about him, in spite of the fact that the +enterprise of which he stood as the head and front was in reality the +most gigantic piece of promotion engineering the world had seen. On the +contrary, Gorham was the refined man of affairs, confident in himself +and in the certainty of his strength. And as for dismissal, the Senator +realized that his caller had already made himself the dominant power. + +"You wish me to subscribe for stock in this corporation to the extent of +a hundred thousand dollars?" + +"I am empowered by our directors to offer you the opportunity to +subscribe for that amount." + +The Senator passed over the obvious correction. + +"Why am I selected by your directors rather than others of my colleagues +whose names I do not observe upon that list?" + +"Because we consider your position in the United States Senate to be one +of increasing importance, and of value to the Companies," Gorham +answered, frankly. + +"Why has the specific amount of my desired subscription been so +carefully stipulated?" + +"Because your investment in the Consolidated Companies must be heavy +enough in its relation to your personal fortune to make the success of +the corporation a matter of real concern to you." + +"Are these amounts, then, uniform in size?" + +"Not at all. A hundred thousand dollars to you may be no more than five +thousand to some other stockholder, and no less, on the other hand, than +half a million to a third. In every case the amount of the subscription +is carefully considered." + +"Your directors have made a preliminary estimate of my financial +standing?" + +"Certainly." + +Kenmore smiled incredulously. "Would it be asking too much to inquire +what the inventory, made by your experts, shows?" + +"One million two hundred thousand," Gorham responded, promptly. "Except +for your unfortunate investment in the Arizona oil-wells a year ago, it +might have been half a million more--a loss which your fortunate +connection during the past three years as a special partner in the +well-known banking-house of Gilroy and Company has more than made up." + +The Senator sprang excitedly to his feet. "By George! sir, by what power +or authority do you make yourself aware of my private affairs down +practically to the last penny?" + +"I apologize, Senator, if I answered your question too literally," +Gorham replied, quietly. + +"But how do you know it?" + +"I neglected to state that the secret-service department of the +Consolidated Companies excels in efficiency that of any government. You +can readily appreciate its importance." + +"And you know with equal minuteness the financial condition of every man +on that list?" + +Gorham nodded. "Yes; and of every individual, corporation, business +house, and government wherever it is of any value to us to know it." + +Kenmore again relapsed into silence. He was experiencing a larger number +of new sensations during his conference than he remembered ever having +had aroused by any previous discussion. He was angry with himself for +having permitted the interview, he was incensed by the proposition +itself and the apparent unassailability of the Companies, he was annoyed +by Gorham's good manners and his complete self-control. Never once had +this man, who appeared to have his finger upon the pulse of the world, +allowed his attitude even to approach enthusiasm. He simply presented +facts, and then allowed them to tell their own story. + +"You are at liberty, sir, to acquaint me with the transactions of the +Consolidated Companies," the Senator finally remarked. + +"Probably a few specific cases will suffice," Gorham responded, as if +expecting to receive Kenmore's permission. "You will remember, perhaps, +the apparently insurmountable complications which arose over the placing +of the recent loan of fifty million dollars to the Chinese government, +for their currency reforms and other necessary improvements. As soon as +the Consolidated Companies assumed the responsibility of the +negotiations, all international bickerings ceased, for the Chinese, +French, German, English, and American financiers knew that the loan +would be handled to the advantage of all. I could cite, perhaps, a +hundred cases of similar importance, would time permit. As for the +present, you are aware that England is building several great men-of-war +to restore its navy to its previous supremacy. The contracts for this +work have been placed in the hands of the Consolidated Companies. Our +political strength was tested in a small way two years ago in causing a +cessation of hostilities between Austria and her neighbors. We shall be +strong enough before the war cloud gathers too heavily over England and +Germany to prevent the grievous calamity which threatens these nations. +Shall I give you other data?" + +"But the Consolidated Companies separates the world into two parts--" +the Senator began. + +"Precisely--into those who are stockholders and those who are not. Both +are benefited by the existence of the corporation. But is there any +question as to which is the more favored class?" + +"None whatever," Kenmore replied, with decision. + +"Then may I call to-morrow to learn in which class you decide to place +yourself?" Gorham asked, as he rose and slipped into his overcoat. + +"No," the Senator replied, after a moment's thought. "I will send my +secretary to you to arrange the matter of taking over stock to the +amount of one hundred thousand dollars in the Consolidated +Companies--Unlimited!" + + + + +III + +If punctuality is a virtue presaging business success, Allen gave +evidence, the following afternoon, of a brilliant future. Previously, +he had made no criticism of the condition in which his motor-car was +delivered to him at the garage, but this time the men found him +strangely unreasonable. The brasses had to be repolished, the hood +opened up, and the dust wiped from the long-neglected creases, and every +detail was inspected with a carefulness which created comment. + +"Goin' to sell his car," one of the men remarked, sententiously, to +which sage comment his companion nodded acquiescence. + +In spite of the delay thus caused, Allen shut off his power in front of +the hotel entrance at exactly the appointed hour. He bounded into the +lobby, and a few moments later was ushered into the elevator and guided +to the Gorhams' apartment. + +"Why, it's Riley!" the caller exclaimed, enthusiastically, as the door +was opened for him by Mr. Gorham's aged retainer--"it's the same Riley +who used to box my ears when I tramped over his flower-beds in +Pittsburgh." + +The old man regarded the visitor attentively. "Shure it's Misther Allen +Sanford, grown out iv his short pants into a fine young man, so he has." +A broad grin replaced the questioning expression on his face. "I did +box ye'er ears good, didn't I, sor? but go along wid yer, th' trouble +ye made me, ye an' Miss Alice a-traipsin' over me flower-beds." Then, +with a sigh: "Ah, sor, I remimber it as if 'twas yisterday. Miss Alice's +mother was livin' thin, God rist her soul. Thank ye, sor, f'r +remimberin' me. I'll call Mrs. Gorham an' Miss Alice." + +It was the girl who appeared first, greeting Allen with frank +cordiality. + +"Eleanor will be ready in a moment," she said. "Isn't this the greatest +coincidence?" she continued. "Yesterday at this time I had no idea you +were within a thousand miles, and now it seems as if we might almost be +back in Pittsburgh again, living the same childish life and playing the +same games." + +"It was certainly a dandy coincidence for me," Allen agreed, "but I +don't quite follow you back to the kid games we played." + +"Why, Allen!" Alice reproached him, "have you forgotten the motor rides +you and I took with wash-tubs, turned upside down, for seats, and the +remnant of your express-wagon for a steering-wheel? My! how fast we used +to go!" + +"That's so!" he admitted. "I'd forgotten all about it. You used to look +great sitting on that tub." + +"Freckles and all?" + +"I didn't remember the freckles, either, until you spoke of them. You +were a little corker, even then." + +"Even then?" Alice repeated, without intending to. + +"No one has told you that you've gone backward in looks, has he?" Allen +laughed, looking straight into her face. Then he continued: "There's one +other game we played, which I haven't forgotten: Do you remember how we +used to keep house together? You were Mrs. Allen Sanford then, and we +had everything fixed up--" + +Alice sobered. "I--I think I have forgotten that one," she said. "Isn't +it ridiculous what games children do play?" + +"But the motor-car game has come true," he insisted, "and you'll look +just as good to me sitting in the real car, as you used to on top of +that tub. And as for the other--" + +"How long Eleanor is taking!" she interrupted; "I'll run and find her." +With which she disappeared, returning almost immediately, accompanied by +Mrs. Gorham. + +"I shan't be asked again, if I keep you waiting so long, shall I?" +Eleanor apologized. + +"The appointed time always arrives at the same moment that Mrs. Gorham +does," Allen replied. + +"So!" Eleanor was frankly surprised by the boy's gallantry. "If this is +a sample, I must agree with your father that diplomacy is your natural +field. It would be a pity to waste that in a business office." + +"Don't you join the opposition, Mrs. Gorham," he said, seriously. "I'm +going to have a hard enough time with the pater as it is. Now, if +you're ready, shall we start? It isn't going to be the most sociable +arrangement in the world, with me driving the car, but we'll go slowly, +which will give us a chance to visit." + +With Fort Meyer as the objective point, Allen took the road through Rock +Creek Park to Chevy Chase, feeling attracted, perhaps unconsciously, +because it was there he had renewed this acquaintance which promised to +end the _ennui_ he had experienced during the weeks he had spent in +Washington. Slowing his speed down to a point requiring the least +attention, he was able to converse with his guests. Alice had said +little since they left the hotel, but at last she found an opportunity +to free her mind. + +"Eleanor wasn't serious in what she said about your going into +diplomacy, Allen. Any ability a man has in that line is just as valuable +in business." + +Mrs. Gorham laughed as she turned to Alice. "Has that been troubling +you, my dear?" Then to Allen: "You touched on a very live wire when you +said what you did yesterday, Mr. Sanford. Alice thinks that a man who +chooses anything but a business career is blind to what life offers +him." + +"You do too, don't you, Allen?" the girl asked. + +"Why--yes," he answered. "I haven't exactly analyzed it, but I know I'd +rather go into business than into the diplomatic service." + +"But you must have some reason for it," she urged. + +"I have--I don't want to spend my life in other countries. Little old +New York is good enough for me. I have lots of friends there, and that's +where I'd like to settle down." + +"New York is a hard place for a young man to start his career," said +Mrs. Gorham. "You will find there an absolute intolerance for the man in +the making. New York demands the finished product." + +"But you don't have to start in New York," Alice added. "You could make +your success in some other city, and then come to New York if you wanted +to." + +Allen became unusually thoughtful as the conversation progressed. + +"Gee!" he said; "I knew that I wanted to go into business, but I didn't +realize how much there was to think over before doing it." + +"But it's worth all the time and thought you can give to it," the girl +said, enthusiastically. "I can't imagine anything grander than to stand +at the threshold of the world ready to enter the battle of life, to +struggle with the obstacles and to conquer them. Think, Allen--just +think of what you have before you, while we girls never get any such +chance at all." + +"Yes." Allen hesitated, carried off his feet by the intensity of the +words and the rapt expression of her face. "Yes, I guess it is grand, +though it never struck me just that way before. I say!--" he continued, +after a moment's pause, "you're an enthusiast on this business question, +aren't you?" + +"Could she be Robert Gorham's daughter and not be an enthusiast?" Mrs. +Gorham asked. + +"If father would only let me, I know I could make a success in +business," Alice continued. "I watch him, when he least suspects it; I +study the papers which he leaves around, and sometimes it seems as if I +just must be a boy, and get into the thick of it." + +"What a funny idea!" Allen remarked. "I never thought girls cared +anything about business." + +"But it's no use," she bemoaned. "I've got to be a girl whether I like +it or not; but you haven't any such handicap." + +"Haven't I?--you forget the pater." + +"If you felt as strongly about it as I do, you could persuade him." + +"Have you--met the pater?" he asked, significantly. + +Alice smiled for a moment, and then became serious again. "If you +have determination enough to succeed in business, Allen, the same +characteristic will win out with your father." + +The boy did not know quite what to answer. Stephen Sanford insisted +that the only reason Allen showed a preference for business was because +he knew his father had set his heart on a different career for him. It +may have been merely an unconscious assertion of his budding manhood +which rebelled against having his life-work laid out for him without +consultation, just as his governess used to lay out his clothes. At all +events, from his very nature, Allen had not considered the matter as +seriously as he now saw Alice had done, and he was entirely unequal to +the task of holding up his end of the discussion. So, after a few +moments' silence, during which she watched him with eager expectancy, he +turned his face toward her, and grinned broadly. + +"I'm mighty glad you are a girl," he said, irrelevantly; "and I'm mighty +glad you can't go into business." + +Alice was disappointed on his account, but she chose to reply only to +his reference to her. + +"Of course," she pouted. "You men are all alike. You're selfish and +unsympathetic. You want all the interesting things for yourselves, +and--some of you--don't even know why you want them." + +"I really believe you're getting personal." Allen laughed. "Don't knock; +come right in. Now, to heap coals of fire upon your head, I'll tell you +what I'll do, Alice; I'll divide chances with you, beginning with the +first." + +"Do you mean to say you haven't had even a first chance yet?" + +He nodded cheerfully. "Not a single first, to say nothing of doubtful +seconds." + +"Then it's because you haven't tried," she asserted. + +"Of course; but that doesn't mean that some one else hasn't tried. I've +been the dutiful son, waiting for 'papa' to show him that the paternal +way is the only way; but even the pater hasn't proved a blooming success +in that line. The real trouble is that the old man is too conscientious. +Just as the President gets all worked up and just crazy to send me as +minister plenipotentiary to the Republic of Zuzu, the pater coughs +guiltily, and murmurs, 'Oh, yes; he's a good boy, if he is my son, but +he hasn't been brought up in my school,' and shows by every movement +that he knows he's passing off a gold brick. Then, of course, the whole +game is up." + +"Why doesn't he take you into his own business?" Mrs. Gorham asked. + +"Jealousy or judgment; can't say which." + +"Do be serious, Allen," Alice insisted. "I don't believe you have any +strong feelings about it anyway. No wonder your father gets out of +patience with you if you talk to him about it as you do to us." + +"Oh, he gets out of patience, all right," Allen admitted, "but it's +simply because he can't refute my arguments. He talks about what he was +doing at my age, but I tell him my record is a whole lot better than +his. He couldn't afford to go to college, while I could, and at the same +proud point in our careers I was successfully touching him for five +hundred a month, while he was with great difficulty earning a hundred +and fifty, on which he supported a family. But the pater--well, the +pater has a way of looking at things which is all his own." + +"There is absolutely no use expecting to talk business with you," the +girl declared. "Father won't discuss it with me, and you won't be +serious at all, and I know Mr. Covington is really laughing at me all +the time, even though he tries to make me think that he looks upon me as +a very business-like young woman." + +"Who is Mr. Covington?" Allen asked, bluntly, inwardly resenting the +fact that any one except her father was as intimate with Alice as the +words indicated. + +"He's father's right-hand man in the Consolidated Companies. If you +could once see him and father at work and hear them talk you would +understand the fascination of it." + +"Then you like business conversation?" The boy found it difficult to +comprehend. + +"Better than anything else in the world." + +Allen became really serious. "If that's the case," he said, +emphatically, "I'm going to become a man of affairs, just to give +you that pleasure." + +Alice clapped her hands with delight. "What are you going to do?" she +asked. + +He turned so blank a face to the expectant one he saw before him that +the seriousness could no longer be preserved. The vacuity turned into a +smile, and the smile into a broad grin. + +"I guess I lose if I have to answer that question now," he admitted, +frankly; "but you keep your eye on Willie and the push-ball, and watch +the professor change him into a big roaring captain of industry. Then +you shall talk business with him as much as you like, and he won't make +you feel that he's laughing at you, as that Mr.--, what's his name, +does." + +"Good for you, Allen!" the girl cried, really pleased by the clumsily +expressed compliment. + +"So all is settled now except the pater, and I'm almost launched on my +career," Allen replied. "Now suppose we take up your case. What have you +been doing all these years?" + +"Well," said Alice, smiling, "the history of my life is yet to be +written, but the main facts up to the present are that I have safely +passed through school and most of my other childhood diseases; that I +had my coming-out ball in New York last winter; that I am happy, +and--most important of all--that I have Eleanor." + +She took Mrs. Gorham's hand affectionately in hers as she spoke, and +Allen needed nothing more to demonstrate the strength of the bond which +existed between the two. It was not the affection between mother and +daughters, or between sisters, or friends, but rather the best of all +three merged and purified by the yearning each had felt for that which +now each had found. + +The conversation during the ride back to the hotel was in lighter vein, +in which Allen showed greater proficiency. Alice's interest in him was +mingled with a disappointment that the years had not made him older and +less irresponsible. She felt herself distinctly his senior, yet she also +felt a confidence in his unexpressed ability. To Mrs. Gorham the +passages-at-arms between the two children, as she would have called +them, were refreshing. She knew that each was being benefited by coming +in contact with a different nature. Alice's serious side needed the +leaven of a lighter viewpoint on life; Allen's buoyancy was already +being tempered by her ambition. This was why, when Alice asked her +later, in their apartment, "Don't you think Allen needs a little of that +'inspiration' you spoke of?" she had kissed the girl, and answered +without hesitation, "Yes, dear; and you are just the one to give it to +him." + +"Then this is my chance to enter business by proxy?" Alice asked again; +and Mrs. Gorham, smiling quietly to herself, had answered, "Perhaps." + + + + +IV + + +After his interview with Senator Kenmore, Gorham walked rapidly down the +slight incline from the Senators' office building to the hotel, where +the clerk passed out to him a handful of letters and telegrams. In the +lobby, unseasonably crowded by the extra session of Congress, he nodded +cordially to three or four men who obviously courted recognition, and +ascended in the elevator to his apartment. + +"You don't know Gorham?" queried one of the men, turning to his +friend--"wonderful man, wonderful organizer, head of the great +Consolidated Companies. Thought the Consolidated Companies a myth? Well, +well! That's a great compliment to the man and his methods. You'll know +both well enough before long. But that's characteristic of Gorham--moves +along so quietly that you think he's doing nothing; then you wake up and +find that his corporation has tucked away a big government contract you +thought you'd tied up yourself. Better keep your eye on Gorham and the +Consolidated Companies." + +"There you are, daddy!" cried a welcoming voice as Gorham threw open the +door, the words being quickly followed by a rustle of skirts and an +enthusiastic embrace. "I'm so glad you're back early. You know Allen is +coming to dinner, and couldn't we all go to the theatre afterward?" + +Alice released her father partially, but still held one of his hands in +each of her own. Hat, letters, and telegrams had already fallen in +confusion upon the floor, as the result of the girl's onslaught. She +caught the look, half amusement, half dismay, upon his face. + +"Never mind, daddy dear," she continued, reassuringly; "I'll pick them +all up in a moment. You will go with us to the theatre, won't you?" + +Gorham looked significantly at the telegrams and the letters on the +floor. + +"Let me see," he said, doubtfully. "I really ought to work on these +papers after dinner. How can I do that and go with you, Puss? There's +a problem for you!--unless I could use Riley for a secretary," he +continued, jocosely. "That's the only capacity he hasn't served in. +Where is he, anyway?" + +"Couldn't I help you?" she asked, quickly, without answering his +question. "You don't know how much I'd like to. And I'm sure I could," +she added, with confidence. + +"Tut, tut!" Gorham stroked the soft fair hair affectionately, but +discreetly. "Little girls shouldn't concern themselves with such +matters." + +The girl released him, and, dropping on her knees, gathered up the +fallen missives. Instead of handing them to her father, she sat back and +looked up seriously into his face. + +"Girls are no good, anyhow," she rebelled. "If you would only give me +the chance, I know I could help you in lots of ways, and then I'd feel +that I was worth something. I just can't stand it to sit around all the +time and have things done for me. Oh, why wasn't I a boy!" + +"Come, come." Gorham raised her gently to her feet, noting the tears +in her eyes, and drew her to him. "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, +dear; but business and battle are meant for men. The Amazons in ancient +history didn't change the order of things, did they? You should be proud +to be just what you are. Now give me my letters. There's some one else I +want to see, you know." + +"She's waiting for you," Alice replied, simply, looking into his face +with comprehension. "She's the sweetest thing, daddy," the girl +continued. "One moment she is so wise that she seems old enough to be my +truly mother; and then again so young and sympathetic as to be just an +older sister. I can't tell you how much she does for me every day, or +how completely she understands me." + +"You and I are mighty lucky to have Eleanor, Alice," Gorham replied, +feelingly. "We should both be very grateful to her, dear." + +"I _am_ grateful, daddy; and I love her better every day. There's Riley; +he'll help you get ready for the theatre." + +Gorham made no answer, but patted his daughter's cheek affectionately as +he turned from her to the genial face of his valet and general factotum. +The old man had been in Gorham's family for forty years, and his loyalty +to "Misther Robert" had steadily increased during the period which had +elapsed since "Old Gorham," as his original master had been known in +Pittsburgh, delivered him over to his son as a part of the house and +household effects which constituted the paternal wedding present. Now, +ten years Gorham's senior, he still adopted an attitude at once +protective and admiring, enjoying that intimacy which is the reward of +a lifelong service of loyalty. + +"Miss Alice wishes me to go to the theatre to-night, Riley," Gorham +remarked as the man relieved him of his coat. + +"Yis, sor; 'twill do ye good, Misther Robert--ye wid so manny grand +plans in ye'er head. 'Twill do ye good, sor." + +"But I have so much to do, Riley," Gorham protested. "The more items I +cross off my daily memorandum, the more I find left there to be done." + +"Yis, sor; that's right, sor--I know it's right; it's just like th' +Widow Cruse's oil jug in th' Bible, sor. But th' widow come out all +right, Misther Robert, and ye'll do th' same. I'll have ye'er things +ready f'r ye in a minnit, sor." + +If Riley was in the conspiracy for the theatre-party, Gorham realized +that opposition would be futile, so he turned into his wife's room. + +"I thought I heard voices in the hall," Mrs. Gorham greeted her husband, +affectionately. "You have returned early, which will give us a little +visit together before dinner-time. Has the day been satisfactory?" + +Gorham did not reply at once. He held her face between his hands, +looking down into the depth of her eyes with a strength of feeling which +she could but sense. There was an expression of expectancy, an unspoken +desire that she should recognize something which as yet she had failed +to see. There was a tenseness which would have frightened her except for +the tenderness which accompanied it. + +"Why do you look at me like that, Robert?" + +"Because I love you, Eleanor," he replied at length. "Isn't that an +admission for a man of my age to make? I know it always, but there are +times when I must tell you so. Don't call it weakness, dear, or +sentimentality. There is a relief which I could never explain in turning +from these battles with men and with events to your companionship, which +demanded nothing from me except myself." + +"Nothing except yourself?" Mrs. Gorham smiled, reassured. "What more +could one ask or give? Now that you have confessed, I must do likewise: +I simply count the moments every day until you come, but I never should +have dared to tell you for fear you would laugh at me. What would this +callous world say if it discovered that the great Robert Gorham and his +insignificant wife were really in love with each other! But I am so +thankful for it, dear. What do the years mean unless they add to one's +power to love?" + +"The thankfulness is mine, Eleanor," Gorham replied; "but I shan't let +you speak of 'the years' at twenty-six. Wait until you add twenty-five +more to them and reach my dignified estate." + +"It is experience which adds the years, my Robert; and this almost gives +me the right to priority." + +"I know, I know," her husband replied, drawing her gently to him. "Do +you never forget it?" + +"You and the dear girls have softened the past into a memory which I can +at least endure," she continued, "and you fill the present with so much +happiness that I rarely have time to look backward." + +"Alice spoke just now of how much you had been to her, and it started +something moving in my own heart. That is probably what led me to speak +as I did." + +"Alice is a darling," Mrs. Gorham replied, happy beyond words at the +double tribute received from father and daughter. "Just now she is +passing through what seems to her to be a crisis, and she needs +assistance from us both." + +Gorham looked at her in surprise. "A crisis?" he asked. + +"Yes, Robert; and the responsibility is yours: you have passed on to +her, as directly as heredity can do it, that love of business which has +made you what you are. You have been denied a son, but whether you wish +it or not your daughter naturally possesses those very business +instincts which you would have been proud to recognize in your son." + +"You amaze me," Gorham replied. "Alice is forever trying to persuade me +to let her help me and all that, but I have attributed it simply to an +affectionate desire on her part to be of service to me." + +"It is more than that--there is the reflection of yourself in the girl's +soul which demands expression." + +"But it would be absurd for her to do anything of that kind." + +"Why so? I don't mean for her to go into a business office, of course. +But could you not gratify her by explaining certain problems which she +could grasp, and then give her an opportunity to work them out herself +in some minor personal matter of which you have so many?" + +"It seems ridiculous to me," Gorham said, after a moment's silence, "but +I will think it over carefully. I am disappointed, I admit, that neither +one of my children, especially Alice, should have been a son to +perpetuate my name and to continue my work; but that was not to be, and +my daughters are all that I could ask." + +"They are indeed," she assented, feelingly. "I believe Alice realizes +your disappointment and actually reproaches herself, poor child, for not +being what you wished." + +"Oh, no!" he protested. "I must set her right on that at once. I admit +my disappointment, but that does not lessen my appreciation of my +blessings. You and the girls are everything to me--and you have given me +more than a son in your wonderful conception--the Consolidated Companies +is your child, Eleanor, for without your suggestion of an organization +founded upon an altruistic basis I should never have thought of creating +this corporation which is now certain to be the greatest power the world +has seen." + +"You give me too much credit, Robert. That was simply a chance +suggestion; it was your master mind which gave it life." + +"It is yours, none the less," Gorham insisted; "and this great +corporation may be the means of giving me my son and successor, after +all." + +It was Eleanor's turn to show surprise, but he did not wait for the +question which was on her lips. + +"It is my hope that Alice may marry Covington," he continued, "and I see +no reason why this should not be. She is, of course, a free agent, but I +think Covington will have little difficulty in winning her. He has an +attractive personality, and I know that she already admires and respects +him. He is a man of rare ability and is my natural successor." + +"There seems to be no logical obstacle," Eleanor admitted; "but her +heart is yet to be awakened." + +"As far as that is concerned," Gorham said, decisively, "Alice will not +altogether disregard my wishes in the matter; and the awakening will be +all the healthier if the child is guided." + +"We must never do more than guide her," Eleanor said, apprehensively. + +"I don't intend to. Now tell me something of this youngster who seems to +have made quite an impression on my entire family." + +Mrs. Gorham smiled as her mind reverted to the afternoon. "We had a +charming ride," she said. "Allen has an over-developed bump of humor +which encourages him to be irresponsible, but he is a likable boy and +I enjoyed him." + +"Probably all he needs is a smaller allowance and a greater necessity." + +"I judge he isn't likely to get either from his father. As you know, Mr. +Sanford insists on his becoming a diplomat, while he prefers to go into +business. This naturally interested Alice, and they had a most amusing +discussion about it. He really doesn't know why he prefers business, but +Alice has helped him to crystallize his ideas. In fact, she has quite +fired his ambition. I think you will enjoy your conversation with him at +dinner to-night, Robert, for he is really most ingenuous, and a bit of +advice from you will help him just now, even if he doesn't measure up to +your standard of business capacity." + +"You think me a stern master, don't you, Eleanor?" Gorham pressed the +hand he held in his. + +"It would be unfair to judge him by yourself. Boys of to-day are not +having the early training that fell to your lot, and their latent +ability is just that much slower in showing itself. You see so much +of the serious side of life, it will be diverting to hear the frank +expressions of one of the younger generation. I am curious to know what +you think of him." + +"I couldn't take him into the Consolidated Companies," Gorham said, +flatly. + +"That isn't what I mean," his wife hastened to reply. "You don't think +this a disregard of your desire not to have me refer to business?" + +"No, dear; I understand, and shall be glad to talk with the boy. I hope +you also understand as clearly why I have had to take this seemingly +arbitrary position. My day is filled with problems which require nerve +and confidence in my own judgment in order to carry them through. I must +let no one influence this judgment, and even a suggested preference from +those I love might do it. More than this, my brain is clearer each day +when I can claim an evening with you and Alice, with no intruding +thoughts of business detail. Now I must send a few telegrams to clear +the way for the theatre this evening. You really want me to go with +you?" + +"Alice has set her heart on it, and as for me--well, you know how little +any evening means to me unless we are together." + +"Then I will send Riley to see about the seats." + +"But before you do that, I have a complaint to make." + +Gorham smiled at the expression on his wife's face, half serious, half +humorous. + +"Who is the culprit?" + +"Riley," she replied. + +"Riley?" her husband repeated. "Good heavens, don't tell me that you and +Riley have been having trouble!" + +"Not trouble, exactly; but really, Robert, he treats me as if I were a +child." + +"No!" Gorham assumed an incredulity he did not feel. "Tell me all about +it." + +"It is too absurd to speak of, but I was really annoyed with him for the +moment. He actually wouldn't let me go shopping this morning--he said I +was too tired, and absolutely refused to order a cab." + +Gorham laughed. "Well, wasn't he right?" + +"That isn't the question. Even a privileged servant ought not to presume +too far." + +Gorham did not speak for a moment. "Do you know, Eleanor," he said at +length, "that idea regarding Riley never entered my head before. He was +the bloody tyrant of my childhood, and I would have incurred even my +much-dreaded father's wrath rather than risk a disagreement with Riley. +Actually, if he had disapproved, I question whether I should have dared +to marry you! Even now I can feel my old-time trembling coming on at the +thought of reproving him because he prevented you from overdoing. He +would consider me an ingrate for not recognizing that it was done in my +best interests, and I should positively lose caste." + +Mrs. Gorham laughed in spite of her temporary chagrin in the face of +her husband's genuine discomfiture, which he tried to conceal by +the lightness of his words. She wondered at the extremes he +manifested--quiet but firm and immovable as the rock of Gibraltar in his +business dealings, unaggressive and yielding in all which had to do with +his home life. She hastened to withdraw her complaint. + +"Don't worry about Riley," she laughed. "The next time I want to do +something of which he doesn't approve, I'll have it done before he +knows anything about it." + +"You don't think I'm supporting Riley against you, do you?" + +"No, indeed," Eleanor replied, smiling; "I understand your feelings +about him." + +Gorham drew a sigh of relief. "I always want you to bring everything to +me, Eleanor--everything, no matter how slight, which worries you. You +will always do that, won't you?" + +"Of course"; Mrs. Gorham looked up quickly. + +"You always have, haven't you, dear?" + +"Why, yes, Robert; do you doubt it?" + +"Sometimes I have a feeling that there might have been something in +those sad years of yours which I could make lighter if you shared it +with me." + +"You have made everything lighter and brighter," she replied, +gratefully, yet without directly answering his question. + + + + +V + + +Patricia would also have made complaints of Riley had she not considered +herself entirely competent to cope with the situation. The child's +disappointment at being left behind had made this a trying day for the +whole family, and Eleanor's delay in joining Alice and Allen for the +ride had been caused by her efforts to straighten matters out before +leaving Patricia alone for the afternoon with the declaration of open +warfare still in force between her and the old man. Nine times out of +ten, Patricia played the tune to which Riley danced, but this was the +tenth, and an older understanding would have heeded the signals of the +approaching storm. + +"I don't say she has more iv it than other childern," Riley explained to +Mrs. Gorham; "but th' divvle is in 'em all. Go 'long wid ye'er ride, +Missus Gorham, an' lave her ter me. 'Tis th' firm hand I'll be afther +showin' her, but th' tinder wan, like I done wid her fa-ather forty year +ago. Ye lave her ter me, ma'm." + +So the motor-party set out with one member of it uncertain of what might +happen during her absence; but there was no uncertainty in Patricia's +mind. She watched the departure of the car from the window, and then +slammed the door, knowing well that the noise would arouse all sorts of +apprehensions in Riley's soul. A vigorous knock soon rewarded her +efforts. + +"Come in," she called, innocently. + +Riley stood in the doorway, with a hand resting on each hip, astonished +into silence by the peaceful scene before him. Patricia was seated in +the middle of the bed, completely surrounded with pillows, and fanning +herself nonchalantly. + +"Phwat made ye slam th' dure?" he demanded. + +"Did it slam?" she asked. "It must have been the draught. There's an +awful draught around this apartment--haven't you noticed it, Riley?" + +"I haven't noticed nuthin' excep' that ye are a bad little gurl." + +"It's the 'divvle' in me--coming out, isn't it, Riley? That's what you +told mamma Eleanor, and you ought to know." + +"Shure, I ought ter know, an' I do know." + +"I thought you did." Patricia smiled sweetly. "But if a person has the +'divvle' in him, it is much better to let it get out." + +"'Twud take more room than there is here ter let it all out iv ye," +retorted the irate Riley. + +"You are no gentleman, Mr. Riley, to speak to a lady like that," she +said, severely. "You may go now." + +"Will ye be th' good gurl if I lave ye by yersel'?" + +"How do I know if it's all out of me?" + +"Shure, it oughter be," he declared, in despair. "Will ye thry?" + +"Certainly, _I'll_ try." Patricia was demureness itself. "If anything +happens, it will be the 'divvle's' fault, so you mustn't hold me +responsible." + +"It's ye'er own divvle, ain't it?--ye can make it do what ye want." + +"_I_ don't know," protested Patricia. "I didn't even know I had a +'divvle.' It was you who discovered it; and people who discover things +have to be responsible for them, don't they?" + +Riley shook his head in desperation. His arguments were exhausted, and +all that was left to him was retreat. + +"I wuddent be that child's gov'ness f'r all th' money in th' world," he +muttered, as he shuffled through the hall. "An' ter think they lift her +home fr'm ch'ice. 'Twas th' lucky day f'r Miss Mary--but I wish her +here." + +Finding the coast clear, Patricia moved the scene of her activity to the +reception-room. Here she undertook to put into execution the latest idea +which had struck her fancy, which was nothing less than a medieval +tournament on as elaborate a scale as the properties at hand would +permit. The hotel had not been furnished with an eye to contests of +chivalry, but chairs, turned wrong-side up and covered with +table-cloths, made richly caparisoned steeds; and Patricia's imagination +easily supplied the riders. + +At first the Knights and their horses were ranged together at one end of +the room. + +"You are Front-de-B[oe]uf," the child announced, laying her hand upon +the first overturned chair; "and you are Bois-Guilbert, and you +Malvoisin. We ought to have some others, but there aren't any more +table-covers." + +Then she moved Front-de-B[oe]uf into the centre of the arena. + +"You stay there 'til I get my shield and lance," she said, and the +war-like Knight made no protest. + +Patricia next appeared with an open umbrella dexterously held in front +of her, and a heavy cane belonging to her father in her hand. +Front-de-B[oe]uf may have been intimidated by the militant figure which +approached him, but he stood his ground bravely. + +"I'm the Disinherited Knight," Patricia announced to the assembled +multitude, pausing a moment to receive their enthusiastic plaudits. + +"Largesse, largesse, gallant Knights!" she cried, boldly. "That means +that I'm bigger than any one else," she explained. "Love of the +Ladies--Glory to the Brave!" + +With this ample notice of her intentions, the Disinherited Knight +charged Front-de-B[oe]uf with a frenzy which resulted in his utter +disgrace. The trappings were torn from his steed by the fury of the +onslaught, the horse itself was overthrown, and Patricia surveyed the +carnage with the utmost satisfaction. + +"We shall meet again, I trust, where there is none to separate us," she +said, solemnly. + +A truce was declared while she dragged Bois-Guilbert into the lists. + +"To all brave English hearts and to the confusion of foreign tyrants," +was the war-cry, and in a moment more Bois-Guilbert had shared the fate +of his predecessor. This time, however, the Disinherited Knight did not +escape unscathed, as the front foot of the adversary's steed made a +dismal rent in her umbrella shield. + +Malvoisin alone remained, and he in turn took his stand against the +redoubtable champion. But Malvoisin, contrary to history as Patricia +knew it, proved the most stubborn adversary of the three. The heralds +had not properly cleared away the débris from the tilting-field, so when +the Disinherited Knight forced Malvoisin back, Bois-Guilbert supported +him from behind. Patricia had found the other two so yielding that she +was unprepared for this unexpected defence, and the result of her attack +was the complete demolition of the umbrella and a bad fall for herself, +in the course of which her lance struck the glass door of a bookcase +standing near. + +The noise of the fall, together with the crash of glass, brought Riley +rushing to the room. Patricia recognized his indignation without need of +explanation. Forgetful of her bump, she again seized the cane, and +repeating her cry, "To the confusion of foreign tyrants," she charged +the old man with such vigor that he stepped aside with astonishing +agility, allowing her to pass him into the hall. This was all that the +now thoroughly frightened Patricia desired to accomplish. Dropping the +cane, she rushed into the bedroom, and retreated underneath the bed, +whither she well knew Riley's infirmities would not permit him to +follow. + +"Come out o' there," the old man commanded, close behind her. + +"It's lovely under here," the child answered; "I'd rather stay." + +"Phwat in th' name o' Hiven have ye been doin'?" + +"Playing tournament, Riley," came back the voice from under the bed. +"It's a splendid game. Do you want to learn it some time?" + +"'Tis mesel' has sumthin' to learn ye," he retorted. "Come out o' there, +I say." + +"I couldn't think of it. I'm tired." + +"Well, ye oughter be--smashin' up th' furnichure, an' makin' a noise +like a wake. Wait 'til I gits hold iv ye." + +"You are a foreign tyrant, Riley--I shall never yield to you." + +"Furrin fiddlesticks--I'll lave th' whole mess f'r ye'er mother ter see +when she gits home, d'ye mind." + +"All right, Riley; I'll wait for her here." + +Again the old man retreated, his indignation increasing as he waited for +the return of the motor-party. Mrs. Gorham was given no opportunity even +to remove her wraps before she was solemnly led to the scene of the +disaster. Allen and Alice followed close behind, ignorant of the nature +of the calamity, but feeling certain by Riley's manner that it was a +serious one. They gazed for a moment at the wreck before them. + +"What has happened, Riley?" Eleanor cried, anxiously. + +"It looks as if a vacuum-cleaner had been at work," volunteered Allen. + +The old man's emotions were so strong that he could scarcely speak. + +"What has happened?" again demanded Eleanor. + +"Miss Pat," was all that Riley could articulate. + +"But where is she--has she been hurt?" + +"No, ma'am; but she done it. She's under th' bed in ye'er room." + +The entire party rushed to the bedroom, not knowing what they might +find. Mrs. Gorham knelt on the floor and raised the counterpane. There +lay the Disinherited Knight, fast asleep, exhausted from her first +jousting victories. + +"Pat!" cried Eleanor, "are you all right?" + +"Hello, mamma Eleanor," she answered, sweetly; "is Riley after you, +too?" + + + + +VI + + +Mr. Gorham studied Allen carefully during dinner. What Eleanor had told +him of the boy interested him, and his intimate knowledge of Stephen +Sanford's personality made him a more sympathetic adviser than might +otherwise have been the case. Allen, too, was distinctly attracted by +Gorham, though his eyes rested more often on the girl facing him across +the small table, who seemed even more lovely to him now, in a soft, +clinging gown of exquisite texture. His memory of Gorham had been +indistinct, but he had heard so much of him through his father and +others during these intervening years that he was prepared to see a man +who would intimidate him by his severity and awe him by the +manifestation of his greatness. In fact, associating business success +with his father's manners and methods, Allen had come to believe that +force meant noise and bluster, and that firmness stood for an +intolerance of discussion. But here, in the midst of his family, Robert +Gorham displayed a side of his nature which Stephen Sanford had never +seen; yet Allen was no less conscious of the man's power. The boy was +more quick to sense than he was to analyze, and it was not until he had +left the Gorhams, some hours later, that he was able to satisfy his +silent query as to what was reminiscent in the strength behind Gorham's +genial face and cordial bearing. The thought took him back to his +college days, and the course in ancient history which, strange to say, +he had enjoyed most of all--to the old-time Roman emperors, born to +command, and indifferent to the criticism or the commendation of the +world in which they labored, made up of the lesser men they dominated. + +The conversation at the dinner-table soon turned to Allen's experiences +in Europe, and his naive manner of telling about them afforded no little +amusement. + +"I like everything in London except the telephone," he explained. "It's +easy enough to blow in the hot air, but it takes a whole lot of +experience on the flute to make the proper connections with your +fingers. And to get a number--well, it's a joke, that's what it is." + +"Is it really worse than our service?" asked Alice. + +"Worse? Why, ours is a direct line without a switchboard compared with +theirs. I gave it up altogether after my experience trying to get Crecy +& Brown--you know them, Mr. Gorham. I dropped into the office of one of +the pater's correspondents and asked to use their telephone. One of the +clerks offered to help me out, and I let him. + +"'I say, miss,' began the clerk, 'put me through to Crecy & Brown, will +you?' Then a few moments went by. 'Oh! thank you very much,' was his +reply, and he restored the receiver noisily to its position on the rack. +'They have no telephone,' he said. + +"I looked at him a moment, then I said as calmly as I could, 'and yet +they say the English are slow.' + +"'Do they?' he replied, good-naturedly. 'I don't think I quite follow +you.' + +"'Why, they have taken that telephone out since four o'clock yesterday +afternoon. In America it would have required several days.' + +"'Oh, you're joking,' he laughed; 'they couldn't have taken it out since +then, you know.' + +"'But they have,' I said, boldly, making a noise like the pater. 'I +called them up myself at that time yesterday.' + +"Then he rang the central office again. 'I say, miss, the gentleman is +really positive that Crecy & Brown have a telephone, you know.' + +"Some more minutes passed by, and again the clerk said, 'Oh, thank you +very kindly,' and he put the receiver back. + +"'They have no telephone,' he said. + +"'There you are,' I cried, 'it has been taken out since four o'clock +yesterday afternoon. It's simply wonderful!' + +"'You Americans are such bally jokers,' the clerk said. 'They really +couldn't have done that, you know.' + +"'But they have! I still insist.' + +"Then the Englishman went into a trance for a moment. 'I believe you +think they have a telephone, after all,' he declared. + +"'I really do,' I admitted. + +"'Well, we'll soon find out,' the clerk cried, with an awful burst of +speed, striking a bell upon his desk. + +"'George,' he said to the boy, 'run around to Crecy & Brown's, will you, +and see if they have a telephone.' + +"I sat there for twenty minutes, discussing the weather, the Derby +winner, and all the other favorite English subjects before the boy came +back. + +"'Yes, sir,' the boy reported, 'Crecy & Brown have a telephone, sir. +Their number is 485 Gerard, sir.' + +"The clerk got me the number this time, and I did fairly well. Then I +sat down. + +"'Did you want to call another number?' he asked me. + +"'No, not two in the same day,' I said; 'but over in America we always +pass out something to the operator when she gives us wrong information +like that--just for the good of the service.' + +"'I suppose I ought to reprimand her,' the clerk admitted--'call her +down, as you would say.' + +"'If you don't, I will,' I told him. + +"'Oh, I had much better do it,' he replied, hastily, taking the receiver +in his hand. + +"'I say, miss,' he chirped, 'that number you just gave me, 485 Gerard, +_is_ Crecy & Brown, you know, the one you said had no telephone. Rather +a good joke on you, isn't it, miss?' Then he slammed the receiver on its +hook. + +"'There!' he said, 'I think that will hold her for a while, as you say +in your country!' + +"Wouldn't you think that would have just mortified her to death?" + +Alice laughed. "If you were ambassador to England, Allen, you could +change all that. Perhaps that's the niche for you, after all." + +"What's a 'niche'?" demanded Patricia, taking advantage of the first +opportunity to join in the conversation. + +"What do you think it is, dear?" Mrs. Gorham asked, smiling. + +"I think an itch is an awful feeling; why do you want him to have that?" +Patricia replied, sinking into obscurity at the laugh which her +definition evoked. + +Her father, who had been an interested listener thus far, came to her +rescue, and took advantage of Alice's remark to turn the conversation in +the direction he had previously determined upon. + +"You haven't heard from your father recently, I judge?" he said. + +"I have an idea that the pater has overlooked me," Allen replied; "he's +been so busy with other things." + +"Why don't you fall in with his ambition to make a diplomat of you?" + +"Well--I suppose the strongest reasons are those which I can't put into +words, Mr. Gorham, but one that seems pretty good to me is that I don't +think I'm fitted for it." + +"Why not?" + +"I'm too optimistic, I think, to make a good diplomat. If a man's a +gentleman, and treats me square, I'm apt to think he's all right--and, +from what I hear, in diplomacy the one who fools the others the most +times is the best fellow. Isn't that right?" + +"Some people would tell you that the same thing holds true in business." + +"I know; but in business there seems to be something more tangible to +work on. Of course I don't know anything about it, but I think I could +make a better show selling bonds or cotton than _ententes cordiales_." + +"Have you made any effort to secure a position?" + +"Not yet, Mr. Gorham. The pater would be more than peeved if I didn't +wait for him and his diplomatic expectations. But if he doesn't get busy +pretty soon, I think I'll hike it over to New York, and see what's +doing." + +Gorham smiled in spite of the boy's earnestness. "Surely your father +would realize how much in earnest you are if you talked to him as you're +talking to me now." + +"Father always looks upon me as a joke," Allen continued. "He made his +own way, you see, and then, because he was rich, he didn't want me to +endure the hardships which really made him what he is. He gave me plenty +of money all the way through Harvard, and ever since, in fact; yet he is +always wondering why I lack 'initiative.' He's been mighty generous, and +I appreciate it all, but don't you think it's one thing to build your +own character and economize because you have to, and another to +economize when you know you don't have to? I guess that's my complaint." + +"He was very proud of what you did at college," Gorham said. "I never +used to meet him without hearing about some of your athletic triumphs." + +"I suspect it is you who call them triumphs," Allen replied; "that +doesn't sound like the pater to me. Of course, some of the things I did +in college seemed worth while at the time; I tried for the football +team, and I made it--by hard work, with a hundred other fellows doing +their best to push me back on the side lines; I tried for the crew, and +I made it; I rowed two years at New London, and there was some work +about that. I'm afraid I made athletics my vocation and studies my +avocation, but I tried to do what I undertook as well as I knew how, and +some of the boys still think I'm pretty good in certain lines." + +"Life is scarcely a football-field, my boy," Gorham remarked, +sententiously. "The world of business admits of no vacuum. It is the +survival of the fittest, and work is the great secret of success." + +"I know what a 'vacuum' is, anyway," Patricia was recovering from her +temporary chagrin. + +"Now is your chance to square yourself," said her father, turning to +her, kindly. + +"I learned that at school last winter," the child continued, proudly: "a +'vacuum' is the place where the Pope lives when it is vacant." + +"There, Allen," laughed Gorham, "you have no excuse for not +understanding my statement." + +"Not in the least. Lady Pat has explained my whole difficulty! But, +after all, Mr. Gorham, don't you think there are some things about +business and football which are the same?" pleaded Allen, when Patricia +was again quieted, his attitude with Mr. Gorham being quite different +from the one he had affected with Alice. "I've often tried to think what +I'd do if I ever got started, and I've said to myself that when I came +up against the other fellow I'd just grit my teeth and say, 'That +confounded Eli shan't get through'; and I'm pretty certain that he'd +find something in his way before he got the contract I was after." + +Gorham was distinctly interested in the boy's intensity. "Suppose I +write a line to your father and suggest that he take active steps to get +you started somewhere." + +"Please don't," Allen said, quickly. "I'll write him myself at once. If +you do it, he'll think I haven't got the spunk. Perhaps I can put it +strong enough so he will realize that I'm tired of killing time running +about in my motor-car." + +"I thought your father told me you had lost your license, for speeding." + +The boy grinned guiltily. "'Allen Sanford, owner,' lost his license, +but 'A. Sanford, chauffeur,' is still allowed to run a car." Then +turning to Mrs. Gorham: "You didn't realize you were riding with a +chauffeur to-day, did you?" + +"You had two licenses?" + +"I couldn't possibly get along without them here in Washington. I guess +you don't know how wise these police guys are." + +Gorham looked at the boy steadily for a moment with an amused expression +in his eye. + +"I have half a mind to try it," he said, aloud. + +"Taking out two licenses?" Allen asked, innocently. + +"No," Gorham answered; "I was thinking of something else. Your father +will be here some day this week, Allen, and you will have a chance to +discuss the whole matter. Perhaps you can get him to agree to some +compromise. Whatever you go into, remember what one of our great +captains of industry once said--and it's as applicable to diplomacy as +it is to business--'The man who starts first gets the oyster; the second +man gets the shell.'" + +"I'll settle it definitely when I see the pater," Allen said, with +determination, "and if I live through the interview I'll go for that +oyster with a flying start. Oh, I expect I'll find plenty of good +interference against me, but I can stand that. What's that story in +mythology about the hydra or something--every time they cut off its head +two more grew? That's what I'm going to be--a hydra. Every time I get +turned down I'm going to bob up twice again, and, the first thing you +know, somebody will give me a job just to get rid of me." + + + + +VII + + +After the theatre Mr. Gorham devoted himself to some late despatches +which required immediate attention, so Alice and Eleanor found +themselves in the apartment alone. The latter wore a more serious +expression than her face had shown earlier in the evening, and the girl +was quick to notice it. + +"You are not feeling well," she said, more in the form of a statement +than as a question, looking at her anxiously. "What can I do for you?" + +Mrs. Gorham smiled quietly as she impulsively drew Alice to her and +kissed her. + +"There's nothing the matter, dear," she answered, pleased with the +intuition which prompted the anxiety; "there was something about the +play which brought back old memories and they hurt me--that is all." + +"Dear heart," was all the girl replied, yet the words brought grateful +tears to Eleanor's eyes. + +"Are you tired?" she asked, suddenly, with an appeal which caused Alice +to look at her inquiringly, but she did not wait for the unnecessary +negative. "Then come into my room and let us have a little talk before +we go to bed." + +As Eleanor sat down Alice threw herself on the floor at her feet, and +resting her elbows upon the convenient knees, with her face upon her +hands, she looked up expectantly. + +"I love these cozy talks," she said. "There is something about this +particular hour of the night which makes anything which happens in it of +the greatest importance. How beautiful you are! I love just to look at +you--no wonder father worships you!" + +"You are a sweet child, Alice," Eleanor said, stroking the soft hair +affectionately, while unfastening the loose coils until they fell over +her shoulders in masses of rippling gold. "You have no idea how much you +have done to make my life as happy as it is now. What has your father +ever told you about me?" + +"Nothing, dear, except that you had suffered much before he met you, and +that it was our privilege to try to make you forget the past." + +"Was that all?" + +"All about you. He told me how happy you had made him, so of course I +loved you at once." + +"And you never asked any questions?" + +Alice looked surprised. "Why, no; if father had wished to tell me any +more he would have done so without my asking." + +"I am glad," Eleanor said, simply. "It is better for me to tell you +myself." + +Mrs. Gorham paused, and Alice realized that this was not the time to +interrupt. Eleanor seemed to be bracing herself as for an ordeal, yet +when she spoke the words came with perfect calmness. + +"You were ten years old when your mother died," she said. + +The girl's face saddened. "Yes, just Pat's age now; and the next four +years were so lonely until you came. I try never to think of them. Pat +was too young to give me any companionship, so I was virtually alone +with my governess. Father never realized my unhappiness. He was so busy +with his own matters that, young as I was, I knew that he must not have +mine to worry about." + +"Those were the years in which I suffered, too," Eleanor replied, +quietly. "Perhaps that is what drew us so closely together from the +first. Four years of torture!" she continued, more to herself than to +the girl before her. + +"Why do you speak of them?" Alice begged. "Why not forget them, as I +have tried to do?" + +"I do try, dear, but the play to-night brought everything back to me. +How strange that we should happen on that particular one so soon after +your father and I had spoken of those years! The 'Great Divide'--God +only knows the human agony and truth those words contain!" + +Eleanor controlled herself before she continued. + +"It is a story which I have told only once before, and I had not thought +to take any one except your father into its sad confidences; but you +should know it, dear. My father's health broke down after mother died, +and he was ordered West in the hope of prolonging his life. I was +sixteen then, two years younger than you are now. We went to Colorado, +on a ranch which father had bought upon the recommendation of a friend. +How well I remember the first impressions I received of that glorious +country: the exhilaration of that wonderful air, the inspiration of +those towering mountains, the novelty of the strange new conditions! I +rejoiced in the largeness of everything, and it seemed to me, those +first few days, as though life amid these surroundings could but +reflect the richness with which nature itself overflowed." + +Alice's eyes were fixed upon Eleanor's face with intense interest. The +girl sensed even in these preliminary words the importance of what was +to follow, and was unwilling to lose a single syllable. Eleanor caught +the interest and sympathy of the girl's face as she paused for a moment, +and it gave her strength. + +"Were you quite alone there?" Alice asked. + +"Practically alone--the nearest ranch was four miles from ours. +Naturally, we saw few people, the most constant visitor at this time +being a young man who owned the ranch next to ours, who, during the +year, had ridden over to see us with increasing frequency. His name was +Ralph Buckner, and he seemed to us to be a characteristic product of the +West--with his large frame, bluff manners, and frank, open countenance. +We all liked him, and the fact that he differed so much from the Eastern +men I had known perhaps caused me to show a greater interest in him than +I really felt. At all events, no girl was ever more genuinely surprised +by an offer of marriage than I was, when it came unexpectedly one day, +with that determination back of it to secure what he desired which was a +part of the man himself. I did manage to collect my senses long enough +to insist that I have time to think the matter over--for I had no idea +of marrying him; but, much to my surprise, father approved the idea from +the moment I told him of the proposal. Then it developed that Ralph had +already approached him on the subject. Father, poor dear, thought only +of my future and what he believed would be my happiness. It was so +evident that I held in my hands the solution of his most serious problem +that he never knew the misgivings I felt from the first. He could live +on at the ranch for the present, busying himself with the work which +kept him out-of-doors; then later, if he preferred, he could come and +live with us." + +"Couldn't he see what a sacrifice it meant to you?" Alice asked. + +"No, dear; you must remember that, in his way, Ralph was an attractive +fellow. He had been successful with his ranch; he was agreeable and +intelligent; his Western boldness, as it seemed to me, was at times +tempered with a certain gentleness hardly to be expected in a man of his +nature; and, all in all, he was a man to whom any girl could at least +give respect, and affection might come later. It meant settling down in +the West for the rest of my life, but this was inevitable, anyway. I +must forget the old friends and the old associations, and could I not do +this better with a husband's help than alone? I asked myself a thousand +questions and ended by deciding that I would marry him. + +"It was a short courtship--delay was a word not found in Ralph Buckner's +vocabulary. We were married and began our life at his ranch, which, as I +say, was near enough to my father so that we could be in frequent +communication. He had been much concerned about me, having discovered +more of my homesickness for the East than I had realized, so to see me +well settled and apparently happy relieved him of a heavy load." + +"But you weren't happy even at first," Alice insisted. "How could you +be?" + +"I say 'apparently happy,' dear, for that was all it was. Ralph did what +he could for me in his own way, so at first it was perhaps my fault +that we were not more congenial; but his ways were not my ways, and I +kept looking for what was not there. He was well-born, but his life on +the ranch for so many years had dulled his appreciation of those finer, +innate qualities which every wife craves--he had forgotten how to be the +gentleman. Don't think that I expected the impossible, or anything +incongruous to the life we were leading; but there are little +attentions, thoughtful considerations and other things in a husband's +relation to his wife, trivial perhaps in themselves, which the wife +expects and misses if she does not receive--the more so, if she has +deluded herself into believing that the instincts for them are inborn, +and only require her suggestion to develop and bring them to fruition. +These qualities he had seemed to show before we were married, but they +proved to be only a veneer which soon wore off." + +"Why do you bring this all back now ?" Alice asked, sympathetically, +seeing the lines deepen in Eleanor's face. + +"I must tell it to you, dear--we have grown so close that I feel this is +all that remains between us. When you know this, we shall be sisters +indeed." + +"We are that already and more," Alice urged. "Only think how near of an +age we really are." + +"In years, yes; but sometimes I feel as if I had already lived +centuries." + +"Will the telling of this take a few of those centuries from you?" the +girl inquired, smiling. + +"I hope so; and that is one reason why I am asking you to share the +burden with me. All that I have told you so far has been unimportant +compared with what followed. Had it simply been a difference in +temperament, I have no doubt that I should have become accustomed to +the absence of these things I craved, and have adjusted my life to meet +the new conditions. But other and more serious difficulties soon arose. +With Ralph Buckner possession seemed to be enough. I have seen him +scheme for months to secure some high-bred horse or a fancy breed of +cattle, and after they became his property hardly care whether he ever +saw them again. So it was with his wife. Within six months he resumed +his fortnightly visits to Colorado Springs on alleged business, from +which he always returned worn out and ill-tempered. Until we were +married, I had no idea that his life on the ranch and his life in +Colorado Springs were so distinctly apart, but I was soon to learn it +with bitter clearness." + +As the story progressed Alice could feel the increasing tenseness. +Eleanor had herself well in hand, but the occasional break in her voice +evidenced the strain. + +"There was a so-called club in Colorado Springs whose members included +the wildest young men of the town and several of the younger ranchmen +who were able to stand the pace. In this Ralph was a leading spirit, +drinking and gambling with that abandon which was his dominant +characteristic. 'Buckner is a poor gambler but a good loser,' one of +them is reported to have said, but that only meant that Ralph succeeded +in concealing his real feelings until he reached home; for it was his +wife who received the full force of the reaction as his brain cleared +from the fumes of the liquor and he came to a realization of his +losses." + +She paused and looked at her companion, and encouraged by Alice's rapt +attention continued: + +"Our baby was born a year after we were married--" + +"I never knew of that," the girl said, quietly. + +"Don't," was the reply; "I can't go on if you weaken me by your +sympathy." + +"Forgive me, dear Eleanor," Alice murmured. + +"By that time every remnant of a tie which held us together had +disappeared. The child, however, was a real link, and for a little while +gave us something to think of besides ourselves. For a year, perhaps, +Ralph went less frequently to Colorado Springs, and I came to think that +we might possibly be able to continue our lives together for the child's +sake. But the novelty wore off from this new plaything, as it had from +the others, though it lasted longer than anything else ever had, and +then Ralph's absences from the ranch became more and more frequent and +of longer duration. I cared little for this, as it enabled me to take +Carina to my father's ranch, where I forgot for the time being the +emptiness of the home to which we must sooner or later return." + +Alice glanced up tenderly. "Poor dear Eleanor," she said, softly; but +Mrs. Gorham went on without heeding: + +"One day, when little Carina was three years old, we were visiting at my +father's. It was late in the afternoon, and we were playing some child's +game together when the door was suddenly thrown open and Ralph glowered +in at us, his face purple with drunken anger. Even the four-mile ride +had failed to sober him, and he leaned against the framework of the door +to steady himself. The child, startled by the sudden interruption and +terrified by the expression on her father's face, ran to me for +protection, burying her little face in my lap. + +"'That's right,' he leered at her; 'that's what they teach you to do +here--make you hate your father, don't they? I'll give you a chance to +get acquainted with me.' + +"Then he crossed the room and tore the child from my arms, in spite of +her shrieks of fear and our joint efforts to stop him. Even my father, +who did all he could, was helpless against the man's almost superhuman +strength. In a moment he had mounted his horse with Carina in front of +him, and was galloping at breakneck speed down the long trail which led +to our ranch. Father rushed to the barn, but I was there before him. +Between us we saddled the mare I had ridden so many times before I was +married, and I urged her forward to make up as much as possible for the +lost time. But I had not far to go--" + +The recital proved too much for Eleanor, in spite of her efforts to +control herself. Her eyes filled with tears, and her body was convulsed +with emotion as she bent her head until it rested against her +companion's face. + +"Don't, dear," urged Alice; "tell me the rest some other time." + +"No, no!" Mrs. Gorham cried; "you must know it all, and then we need not +speak of it again. I had gone over less than half the distance when I +came upon them both lying in the trail. I never knew how it happened. He +told some one afterward that the horse stumbled. It may have been that; +it may have been anything with him in that condition. He had fallen at +the side of the trail and was conscious before I left him, but Carina +was--dead." + +"Don't, don't go on--I can't stand it!" cried Alice. + +Eleanor paused as if in response to Alice's appeal, but a glance at her +face showed that an emotion stronger than even the words had expressed +was holding her in its grip. + +"Father was dead, too, when I returned," she said at last, her eyes +still gazing into space. + +"The excitement killed him?" Alice asked, breathlessly, still further +shocked by the double tragedy. + +"That and his anxiety over my unexplained absence." + +"Your absence?" queried the girl, mystified by Eleanor's apparent +incoherency. "Didn't you just say that he was dead when you returned?" + +Mrs. Gorham started violently. "What am I saying!" she cried, +involuntarily. In a moment she was herself again. "Yes, dear, of course +I returned; but not as soon as he expected, and the shock of it all +killed him. You understand, don't you? I was very ill, and a friend +helped me to a hospital in Denver." + +"But you said you had no friends except the man you married," Alice +urged, trying to follow the narrative. + +"Yes, dear, you are right," Eleanor replied somewhat confused; "but one +always finds friends when in trouble, you know. It was so with me, and +after I recovered my strength I lived on there in Denver with the small +legacy my father left me, supplemented later by a little more from the +sale of the ranch. A year after Carina's death I applied for a divorce, +on the ground of desertion. My lawyer found Ralph somewhere to serve the +summons on him, and reported him as having already become a professional +gambler and a confirmed drunkard. He made no defence at the trial, and I +have never seen him since." + +"But it's all over now, Eleanor dear," Alice said, soothingly. "Daddy +and I will try to make up to you for what you have been through. You +must let us do that." + +"You have done it already," Eleanor replied, feelingly, her temporary +obsession having passed. "You and darling little Patricia have become a +real part of my life, and my one prayer has been that I could do as much +for you. Your father restored my lost faith in men almost the first time +I met him in my lawyer's office in Denver." + +"Yes." Alice accepted the tribute to her father as a matter of fact. "He +nearly killed himself in Pittsburgh before he gave up his business +there, and he went out West two or three times to get back his health. +And the last time he brought you back, too. I have always loved the West +for that." + +Mrs. Gorham smiled as she continued: "I learned of his work from others +and from himself, and rejoiced to find a man with real ideals, in +business and in his every-day life, actually lived up to. I had no +notion of what that first chance meeting would lead to, of the home that +it would give me among my girlhood friends, filled with the love and +sympathy which my heart had always craved. Now you know the whole story, +Alice dear--now you know why the tears come sometimes to my eyes as I +press to my heart that quaint, precious little sister of yours, so near +the age Carina would have been, who softens the memory of the sweet dead +face by giving to it a living reality." + +"I understand," the girl cried, throwing her arms about Eleanor's neck +and embracing her warmly. "I can't say the right thing now I am so +unstrung, but I love you even more than ever because you've let me +share it with you." + +So they separated for the night--the woman's heart bleeding from the +reopening of the former wound, yet happier that her accepted confidante +had become acquainted with that part of her life which was consecrated +to a memory; the girl made older by the sudden drawing of the curtain +from one of life's daily yet unheralded tragedies. + + + + +VIII + + +Stephen Sanford arrived in Washington two days later. Little as the boy +realized it, his father's pride in his son was unbounded, and stood out +in marked contrast to the sterner elements in his character which had +combined in such fashion as to enable him to carve out a success among +and in competition with the sturdy, persistent business luminaries who +developed Pittsburgh from an uncouth bed of iron and coal into a great +manufacturing centre. His friends rallied him on his many indulgences to +his son, all of which he accepted in good part, with a uniform rejoinder +that, say what they liked, his son was going to be brought up a +gentleman. + +Allen's boyhood was guided by private tutors, and so hemmed in with +conventions which even to his youthful mind were obviously veneers, that +it was with a positive relief that he welcomed the change from the +restraint of home to the freedom of college life. Yet the boy naturally +possessed inherent qualities which, while not leading him to drink too +deeply from the fount of wisdom, still kept him within lines which won +for him the affection of his fellows and the respect of his instructors, +even though his standing as a student was far below what the professors +thought it might have been. + +During all this period his father followed his career with that same +care and insight which had characterized his own business success. He +was proud of the position which the boy took--proud of his ability to +mix well with his fellows; proud of his splendid run against Yale at New +Haven which placed the ball within striking-distance of the blue goal; +proud of his seat in the victorious eight at New London, and equally +certain that the other seven had not done their full duty when the shell +was nosed out by Yale at the finish on the succeeding year. If the boy +had missed getting his degree Stephen Sanford would have considered his +son a failure, but with the prized parchment actually secured--the first +in the history of the Sanford family--he cared little how narrow the +margin. + +Yet Allen had passed through all these years without a suspicion of his +father's real feelings toward him. He was rebuked for his extravagances +each time he asked for money, yet a substantial check always accompanied +each rebuke. He was criticised for not making a better record in his +studies, and his success in other lines, it seemed to him, was always +accepted as a matter of course. He felt convinced that his father looked +upon him as a colossal failure, and he was too good-natured to quarrel +with this estimate of his abilities; yet with characteristic optimism, +he saw no reason to let this fact interfere with his every-day life and +the pleasures it offered him. + +So Allen went to Europe soon after graduation and acquired further +experience in running a motor-car in England and on the Continent, +together with an increased familiarity with foreign scenery and the most +expensive hotels. On his return, he announced his desire to begin his +business career, more because that was what his classmates were doing +than because he was anxious to exchange the freedom of his present life +for the confinement of an office. + +"You leave that to me," his father had answered, brusquely. "What you +don't know about business won't help you any in giving advice. You're +going into the diplomatic service." + +Unfortunately for the smooth execution of Stephen Sanford's idea, the +whole country at this moment happened to be agitated over the discovery +that a member of the diplomatic corps at Washington had taken advantage +of his official position to secure plans and information, which he had +transmitted to a power unfriendly to America, but allied to the +government which he represented. The diplomat fled, ignominiously +disgraced; but as far as Allen could judge from the comment he heard, +his greatest sin was considered to be the breaking of the thirteenth +commandment, "Thou shalt not be found out." + +All this prejudiced the boy unduly against diplomacy as a profession. In +his eyes the acts of this man were unsportsmanlike; and to Allen +Sanford, who looked upon a "good sport" as the noblest work of God, this +charge was the most serious in the category of crime. But his +expostulations and protests to his father were of no avail. Stephen +Sanford had made up his mind, and that was the end of it. Until he met +Alice, Allen had been more upset because his father still treated him as +a child than on account of any serious opposition to plans which he +himself had formed. He had never yet focussed himself upon any one +particular determination with sufficient strength to make his father's +objections other than an annoyance. But now, assimilating a part of the +girl's enthusiasm, and strengthened by the instant admiration which Mr. +Gorham commanded, he was determined to make a stand at this point, +taking the head of the great Consolidated Companies as his model, and +with lance in hand to charge the world just as he would have "bucked" +the Yale line. Even the undesired diplomatic position was apparently not +forthcoming; now he would not only make an effort on his own account, +but he would insist upon his right to do so. He did not know that the +real reason he had heard nothing from his father during these weeks was +because the positions which had been offered thus far appeared to the +older man too insignificant for his son to be able to accept with +dignity. As one of the Pennsylvania senators remarked, "Stephen Sanford +evidently expects his son to go to the Court of St. James." + +With Allen in this mood, it was not surprising that the meeting between +father and son, immediately after Stephen Sanford arrived in Washington, +should have ended in a declaration of war. During the interview Allen +gave abundant evidence of his unfitness for anything which required +diplomacy; and his father, surprised to find in the boy a will as +unyielding as his own, and angered beyond expression by Allen's +opposition, lost all control over himself and stamped out of the house, +leaving his son behind, cast out forever from his affection, protection, +and support. + +"Let the young cub starve for a while and he'll realize what his father +has done for him," he fumed. "Let him shift for himself and we'll see +how soon he'll come home to roost." + +On he stamped along the street, his cane expressing upon the pavement +the anger which consumed him, but becoming less violent as he approached +the hotel where he had his appointment with Gorham. He must calm +himself, he urged, inwardly. He had acted in the only way he could, and +his old friend must not think he had been hasty or injudicial in the +position he had taken. He must be deliberate and self-possessed, as +Gorham himself would have been under the same circumstances. Then the +cane came down again on the hard pavement with a resounding blow. "Damn +Gorham!" he muttered; "damn all these smooth-mannered men who never lose +their tempers; damn everybody!" + +"Come in, Stephen, come in; I'm glad to see you," Gorham greeted him as +he puffed into the apartment, almost exhausted by the double strain of +losing his self-control and his strenuous efforts to regain it. "I +didn't realize it was so warm outside. This is the most summer-like +October I have ever seen. Sit down and I'll have Riley mix you up +something cooling." + +"No," commanded Sanford, "not a drop; I'm cool enough. I've been +hurrying, that's all. Haven't forgotten how fussy you are about keeping +appointments on the minute, you see." + +Gorham laughed. "I must have learned the trait from you; but it doesn't +apply to an old friend like Stephen Sanford," he said. "Business is +business, of course; but you wrote me that you wanted my advice. There +are no minute appointments in friendship, Stephen. My time is yours." + +"Thank you." Sanford was sparring for breath. "I haven't pestered you +much with my personal affairs, have I?" + +"You couldn't 'pester' me with them, Stephen. If I can serve you I'll +be as glad to as you would be to reciprocate." + +"Yes, yes." The visitor still employed monosyllables as far as possible +as his vehicle of expression, but he was mastering his emotion. + +"Have you seen Allen?" Gorham asked, naturally but unfortunately. + +Sanford sprang out of his chair and waved his arms wildly. "Why do you +try to stir me all up again ?" he cried. "Can't you let me get my +breath?" + +Gorham looked at him amazed. "Has anything happened?" he asked. + +"The young reprobate! I'll show him. I've cut him off without a penny, +Robert; do you understand--without a penny!" + +"You've done what?" Gorham demanded, his face sobering. + +"I'll show him that he can't make a monkey out of his father. You've +seen him, Robert. You know what an obstinate, headstrong cub he is. +Wants to go into business, does he? Thinks he knows what's good for him +better than his father does, does he? I'll show him. He can go to the +devil now--that's where he can go." + +Gorham knew better than to interrupt Sanford until his tirade was spent. +He watched him pacing up and down the room; he noted the twitching of +his features, the clenched hands, and the violent color in his face. + +"You're taking chances to let yourself get worked up like this, +Stephen," he said, quietly, at length. "You and I are growing older, and +our systems won't stand what they used to." + +Sanford stopped abruptly. "That's what he's counting on, the ingrate. +I've spent my whole life building up those furnaces and making money so +that he might be a gentleman. Now he throws it all over, and he thinks +I'll shuffle off in one of these spells; but I'll fix him. Not a penny +of my money shall he get--not one penny." + +"How has Allen disgraced himself? Has he been stealing, or is it forgery +or murder?" + +"You--you," Sanford sputtered, "you dare to suggest that my boy would +disgrace himself! You--you--" + +"Sit down, Stephen, and calm yourself," Gorham laughed. "No one could +think of a less heinous crime than I have suggested, judging by your own +arraignment of the boy. How can I help you unless you tell me what has +happened?" + +"I'm an old fool to let you string me so, but I'm all used up." + +"And the boy has been a young fool and proved himself a chip of the old +block--how is that for a guess?" + +"So you're going to take sides with him, are you?" + +"How can I tell until I know the circumstances ?" + +"He won't do what his father tells him," Sanford explained. "That's the +situation in a nutshell." + +"Good! Now you are becoming communicative. So you've cut him off because +he won't do what you tell him?" + +"Yes--the young reprobate. How he ever broke into my family is more than +I can understand." + +"You're sure your way is better than his, are you, Stephen?" + +"Of course I am. Aren't you?" + +"I don't know what your way is any more than I know Allen's, so I can +speak without prejudice. I just wanted to be sure that you had given +both sides of the question sufficient consideration to be certain of +your position. It's a serious thing to send your own son adrift, +Stephen." + +"He's my son, isn't he?" + +"I judge that he has proved that." + +"Would you let a son of yours lead you around by the nose?" + +"No; nor would I condemn a high-strung colt to the bone-yard because I +couldn't put a bridle on him the first time I tried." + +"H'm!" Sanford ejaculated. "It's the women who don't have children who +always attend 'mothers' meetings.' Of course you know just how to handle +a son." + +"If you hadn't thought I had some ideas, I don't suppose I should have +had the pleasure of this interview." + +"Then you think he ought to be allowed to go into business?" + +"This proposition seems now to have become of secondary importance. The +main issue is whether or not a boy twenty-three years old is to be +allowed to express his ideas when they differ from his father's. Allen, +apparently, has settled the matter without any advice from either of +us." + +"You don't know what that boy is to me." Sanford's voice broke a little +in spite of him. + +"I can imagine," Gorham replied, feelingly. "I know what he would be to +me if he were mine." + +"He's all I have in the world, Robert. I've had to be father and mother +to him. I've given him the best education money could buy, I've sent him +to Europe to get that foreign finish every one talks about; and now he +won't do what my heart is set on." + +"If the boy wants to go into business, why don't you make a place for +him in your own concern? That's where he ought to be--to take the +responsibilities off your shoulders, one by one, and to continue your +name." + +"Put Allen in my furnaces?" Sanford demanded, his choleric attitude +beginning to return. "How can you make a gentleman in my furnaces? Do +you suppose I'd buy a twenty-thousand-dollar painting and hang it up in +the cellar? No, sir; I mean to make something out of that boy better +than his father is, and that isn't the place to do it. But in the +diplomatic service they're all gentlemen--that's why I want to put him +there." + +"And if you can't have your own way you prefer to lose the boy +altogether?" + +"Oh, he'll come back, the young cub. He'll see which side his bread is +buttered on. It'll be a long time before he can earn the five hundred a +month I give him for an allowance, and he knows it. He'll be back." + +"I'm not so sure," Gorham said, seriously. + +"You don't think--" Sanford began, showing signs of alarm. + +"Would you in his place?" + +"That's nothing to do with it; he's only a boy." + +"Did you--in his place?" + +Sanford looked up quickly. "I had more cause," he replied. "My father +was unreasonable; his isn't." + +"Allen's ideas on that subject may differ from yours. Now, if you want +my advice, here it is: Go back to that boy. Tell him you're ashamed to +have lost your temper, and advise him to guard against that greatest +weakness which his father possesses. Tell him you want him to go into +the diplomatic service for a time to gratify your ambition for him, but +that if, after the trial, he prefers business you will stand right back +of him and get him started. Tell him, as you have just told me, that he +is all you have, and that he must make certain sacrifices for your sake, +that he must bear with your weaknesses and profit by your points of +strength. But, above all, make him feel that you believe in him, that +you're proud of him, and that you've been a fool to make such a +humiliating exhibition before him as you did this afternoon." + +The gathering storm in Stephen Sanford's face did not deter Gorham from +finishing his remarks. He knew that his old friend had seldom, if ever, +had the truth spoken to him as unreservedly as now; but he had been +asked for his advice, and he proposed to give it. + +"You--you--" Sanford choked in his rage. "So that's what you think of +me, is it? It's worth something to know that. Knuckle down to that young +cub and have him putting it over me for the rest of my life? What do you +take me for? I'll see him starve first. Why should you undertake to +advise me about my boy--" + +"Chiefly because you asked it, Stephen." + +"Well, I don't ask for it any more. With all your experience you're not +competent--" + +"Should I have shown greater competency if my advice had agreed with +your own ideas?" + +"Don't try to juggle with words, Robert. It's all off between the boy +and me, understand. I'll paddle my canoe and he can paddle his. When +he's ready to use my stroke he knows where my landing is. And now +good-day to you. 'Bear with my weaknesses, eh?' 'Humiliating +exhibition.' Good-day, I say." And without giving Gorham the opportunity +to do so he flung open the door and stamped out into the corridor to the +elevator, his cane keeping time with the tumult of thoughts which surged +through his brain. + +Gorham watched the unyielding back of his friend until he turned the +corner, then he closed the door. + +"Poor old Stephen," he sighed to himself. "If I had only been blessed +with that boy." + + + + +IX + + +Allen had ample opportunity to act the part of the hydra. When his +father left him after their stormy interview the boy utterly failed to +realize the seriousness of the situation. The "pater" had been angry +with him before,--if the truth be told, he was usually angry with +him,--so the fact that the altercation this time had been more severe +than usual was a matter simply of degree. The cutting off of his +allowance was a tangible evidence that his father was more than +ordinarily angry; but, on the other hand, Allen felt himself to be the +aggrieved party, and in a virtuous burst of righteousness he declared to +himself that he "didn't want the pater's money, anyway." He considered +it fortunate that it was still early in the month, and it did not occur +to him to consider the rather handsome balance he still possessed as too +tainted to retain; but as he looked at it the upshot of the whole matter +was that now he would be forced to go into business at once--and this +was his strongest desire since he had met Alice. So Allen "hiked it" to +New York, and spent a fortnight seeking out the opening which should +best offer him the opportunity to become a captain of industry with the +least possible delay. + +In the mean time, Covington had returned to Washington to assist Gorham +in putting through a government contract for the building of the new +battleships just authorized by Congress. He found his chief gratified by +the continued advance of the Companies' interests, but still more +impressed by the personal responsibility which this success entailed. + +"I repeated the cable from Brazil to you by wire," Covington remarked. + +"Yes; the Consolidated Companies now controls the coffee output of the +world. With the economies which we can introduce in production and +handling there will be a saving of about twelve millions a year." + +"That will be a handsome addition to the dividends already assured the +stockholders," Covington observed. + +"Only a drop in the bucket compared with what is to come," Gorham +assured him. "The people can now save six millions a year on their +breakfast cup of coffee, while the Consolidated Companies may +conscientiously drop the other six into its own cup by way of +sweetening." + +"You don't really mean that you are going to throw away all that +profit?" was the incredulous inquiry. + +"I'm not going to 'throw away' any of it." + +"I know," Covington said, quickly; "but six millions is a large sum of +money, and one million given to the public by way of lower prices, if +properly advertised, would accomplish the purpose just as well." + +Gorham looked at him critically. "You're not serious, are you?" + +"As serious as you are." Covington smiled understandingly. "This is man +to man now, you know; that other talk is a great card for the Companies, +as you give it. Of course it isn't necessary to give away so large a +share of the savings." + +"Not necessary, but just and--good business," replied Gorham. "This is +where you and I and the others in the Companies can reap our richest +dividends: we can take the tremendous profits which we are receiving +with the gratifying knowledge that every dollar we get is clean, and +represents an equal sum saved to the people. No one of us has made an +unfair penny out of the promotion; no one of us has improperly used the +information which has come to him while negotiating our consolidations; +there is no act of ours, individually or officially, which will not +stand the fullest publicity. What other corporation can make that boast, +Covington? The most baneful influence which corporate power conveys is +that it blinds the eyes of those possessing it to all except their own +single, selfish purpose; that it dulls their hearts so that every beat +takes them farther away from humanity, and that it hardens their hands +until they can feel nothing but the gold which they clasp to their +breasts. They have thrived upon special privilege just as we are +thriving, but see the difference. In our hands this weapon, which has +previously been turned against the masses, is being made an advantage to +them and not a menace, and yet a profitable enterprise for those who +wield it. I tell you, Covington, when this double purpose can no longer +be served, the Consolidated Companies must cease to exist." + +"Splendid!" exclaimed his listener, with undisguised admiration. "This +is the first time I have personally had the opportunity of listening to +that irresistible appeal which has given the Companies the most +remarkable list of stockholders in the world. But tell me--how much of +that saving are you really going to give back to the public?" + +"Your jest is ill timed," Gorham replied, sternly. "I do not choose to +have even you make light of so serious a subject. Let us have no more of +it." + +Covington retreated behind the inexpressive barrier of his superbly +controlled features, but the coldness of his eyes showed his resentment. + +"As you wish, Mr. Gorham," he replied, as they separated, and he +directed his steps toward the hotel. + +"Does he think me a fool?" he said, petulantly, to himself. "Why should +he always hold himself above the rest of us? I'm working for the +Companies just as he is, and there is no reason why he should try that +bluff with me. 'When this double purpose can no longer be served the +Consolidated Companies must cease to exist.' Bah! I can see the shearing +ahead of us as well as he can, and he won't gain anything by trying to +assume the role of the Almighty, leaving us to be the wicked partners." + +He showed no evidences of his ruffled feelings when he reached the +hotel. Alice was expecting him, but she was in ignorance as to the +nature of his errand. + +"We are to have our first lesson this morning," he announced. + +"First lesson in what?" was the surprised inquiry. + +"In business and finance," Covington enlightened her, smiling. "Your +father has given me the privilege of helping you manage your first +business enterprise. A part of one of the concerns recently assimilated +by the Consolidated Companies is a prosperous mail-order department +which we intend to continue, for a time at least. Your father's +instructions are that all the mail shall be brought to you each morning +by a stenographer, who will receive your dictation and bring the +letters back to you in the afternoon for your approval and signature. +For a time I will give you such advice as you need, and later you will +have matters entirely in your own hands as long as you wish to remain +manager of the department. How do you like the idea?" + +"It is perfectly splendid," Alice cried, her eyes sparkling. "When am I +to begin ?" + +"I will explain some of the details to you now," Covington answered, +drawing a package of papers from his pocket. "You must make yourself +perfectly familiar with these, and we will take the business up +seriously when you return to New York." + +"Why did father do this?" the girl demanded, suddenly. + +Covington was surprised. "Isn't it something you wanted?" he asked. + +"More than anything else in the world, but father never seemed to +realize it. If I can only do something to help, and feel myself +accomplishing no matter how little, I shall be the happiest girl in the +world." + +"Others who are not so wholly engrossed have seen what you wanted, Miss +Alice. Perhaps you have them to thank in part." + +"I do thank you, Mr. Covington, and it is good of you to take all this +trouble to teach me how to do it," she said, gratefully. "I know how +valuable your time is, and how much it must interfere with your work to +gratify this desire of mine which probably seems foolish to you all." + +"Such an experience is of value to any girl, but especially to you who +are in the dangerous position of being threatened with large interests +to look after; and as for me, I shall consider this as one of the +pleasantest of my daily duties." + +"You and father are so good to me." Alice held out her hand impulsively, +after grasping which Covington spread out the papers on the table +preparatory to the first lesson. The girl watched him, all eagerness, +then suddenly she laughed aloud and clapped her hands. + +"Won't Allen be surprised when he hears that I've gotten my position +before he has his?" + +"Allen?" queried Covington, looking up from his papers. + +"Yes, Allen Sanford. Do you know him, Mr. Covington? He's a friend of +mine and I'm very much interested in him." Then she paused and her face +sobered. "Perhaps I ought to let him have this chance," she mused. "He +offered to share his chances with me." + +"Do you mean Stephen Sanford's son?" + +"Yes. Do you know him?" + +Covington smiled, and for some unexplainable reason the girl did not +like his smile. + +"We could hardly accept the substitution, Miss Alice. I understand that +the boy is erratic and irresponsible. His father has just disinherited +him." + +"You don't mean it!" Alice cried, really concerned over this first news +of the result of Allen's interview with his father. "That must have been +yesterday. I wonder why daddy didn't tell me." + +"Your father's mind is pretty full with his own affairs, Miss Alice, +without taking up Mr. Sanford's." + +"But I must see Allen and help him--he will need my inspiration now more +than ever." + +"Shall we begin on our first lesson?" Covington asked, watching the girl +carefully. + +"Please do," she said. "I wonder if woman's part is to give inspiration +even after she is the manager of a business," she said aloud, but to +herself rather than to her companion. + +"It is always woman's part to give inspiration," assented Covington. + +"I must ask Eleanor," the girl said. "Please show me the papers, Mr. +Covington," she continued, turning to him with her mind at last centred +on the new proposition. "Your pupil is all attention." + + * * * * * + +Alice saw Allen just before he left for New York and also immediately +after his return, and the two interviews were interesting in their +diversity. In the first, Allen made light of the trouble between his +father and himself, and was so filled with confidence as to the results +of his approaching visit to the metropolis that the girl's anxiety was +much relieved. + +"The pater is all right, Alice," he said; "he just doesn't understand +me, that's all. He's done everything in the world for me and I'm more +grateful than he realizes; but I can't let him keep tying on my bib, can +I? Now I've got to show him that I'm a man too, and then he'll come +around all right. I'm going over to New York to-night and I'll tell you +all about it when I come back. I'm not afraid of being turned down. +You're a girl and you'd be mortified to death if any one turned you +down, but with us men it's different. You remember what I told your +father--and I meant it. Watch me do the hydra act until I get located, +and then--well, then I'll start a branch mail-order department and push +you off the map, Miss--Manager." + +When he returned Alice welcomed him full of anticipation. + +"What have you gone into?" she demanded. + +The boy's eyes fell as they met hers. "Well"--he hesitated--"I haven't +gone into anything. I guess Mrs. Gorham is right about New York being a +hard place to get started in, and I can't exactly claim to be a +'finished product' yet, can I? You see, they all knew I was Stephen +Sanford's son, and they were as nice to me as could be. They asked me up +to dinner, and then I knew it was all off for getting a job. The heads +of big concerns don't ask their office-boys to their homes to meet their +families, you know. But I'm not a bit discouraged. I'm going to find +something if I have to tear a hole in the road chasing it." + +A few evenings later Allen called again upon the Gorhams. It would have +been apparent even to those less observant than Alice and Eleanor that +something had happened, for the boy's face glowed with suppressed +excitement. + +"I think I've found a job," he announced, scarcely waiting for the +formality of greetings. "I'm not sure, but I want to talk it over with +you." + +"What is it, Allen?" cried Alice, expectantly. + +"It's a whole lot better than it sounds, I'm sure. I'm afraid you'll +laugh when I tell you. It's selling books." + +"A book agent!" Mrs. Gorham exclaimed. + +"There! that's just what I was afraid of." Allen's expression showed +mingled distress and despair. "It really looks like a corking good +chance, yet it's a ten to one shot that I'll be laughed out of taking it +before I begin." + +"Don't mind what I said." Mrs. Gorham hastened to atone for her +involuntary exclamation. "I suppose it can be a perfectly honorable +occupation, but I can't help thinking of some of the experiences my +friends have had. Tell us all about it." + +"Eleanor and I would be the last ones to discourage you," Alice added. +"I think it's fine that you have gotten as far as this." + +Allen's drooping spirits revived at once, and he beamed at Alice +gratefully. + +"I've simply got to get more experience," he said, emphatically. "Mr. +Gorham told me that most of the best companies have no time to develop +their own material, and I've made up my mind definitely that I'm going +to do my own developing right now; and when I've polished up the +material until I can see my face in it, I'll apply again to Mr. +President, and say, 'Here I am, all developed--now will you give me a +job?'" + +"Splendid !" cried Alice, clapping her hands. "Now tell us what you've +found. Where is the book-shop?" + +"It isn't in a book-shop at all," Allen replied, his assurance again +beginning to wane. "It's just what Mrs. Gorham called it." + +"Oh," the girl remarked--"going around from house to house?" + +Allen nodded his head. "But think of the experience I'll get, Alice," he +insisted. "The directions say, 'If the man of the house is at home make +some excuse and call again'; but with my usual luck he's sure to see me +first, and then I'll go out on three legs. I suspect the material will +get polished all right. But the talk that man gave me to learn is +certainly straight from Persuasionville. Honestly, I'm tempted to buy a +set of the books myself--only tempted, mind you; and so far I've +resisted. I'd like mighty well to try it on you before I take any +chances." + +Alice and Mrs. Gorham exchanged glances as Allen busied himself untying +a small package he had brought with him. In the girl's face there was +deep concern, but Eleanor found it difficult to conceal her amusement. + +"There!" said Allen, triumphantly producing a thin booklet. "Here is the +brochure, as they call it, and here are the rules of the game. You take +the instructions, Mrs. Gorham, and correct me if I go wrong, and I'll +try to sell a set to Alice." + +The boy endeavored to cover his consciousness with a broad grin. + +"Isn't this great!" he asked. + +"How did you find this chance?" Alice queried, still a little doubtful +as she seated herself in preparation for the experiment. + +"Saw an advertisement in the _Star_--' Agents make one hundred to five +hundred dollars a week,' it said, and from what the man at the office +tells me there isn't any chance to lose--except, perhaps, for the fellow +who buys." + +"What are the books?" inquired Mrs. Gorham. + +"Travel books," Allen answered, promptly; "the _Home Travellers' +Volumes_. Great title, isn't it? Of course they're not meant for people +who really travel as you do, but for those who stay at home. You'll see +in a minute. Are you ready, Mrs. Gorham?" + +"All ready," was the reply, as she held the leaflet of instructions +where she could follow. + +Allen squared himself for his maiden effort. + +"I have been requested, Miss Gorham, to give you this beautiful +brochure which describes the _Home Travellers' Volumes_. This is one of +the many color-plates which adorn the work." Allen skilfully held the +pamphlet so that the pictures could be seen. "These wonderful volumes +supply to those who cannot leave their homes all the pleasures, +benefits, and entertainment of travel in foreign lands. Do I turn a page +yet?" Allen appealed to Mrs. Gorham. + +"Not yet," she replied. "It says, 'Here open your prospectus and turn to +the first color-plate.'" + +"But I did that. You saw it, didn't you, Alice? Oh, yes, I remember. You +learn how the people get about in different countries and cities; as, +for instance, the jinrikisha in Japan." Allen turned the page. + +"Did you do that hurriedly?" asked his coach. + +"Do what hurriedly?" + +"The directions say, 'Turn page hurriedly.'" + +"I'll remember that. Now I will show you how Morocco is treated. Great +Scott! I've forgotten how many pages to turn! Here it is! Look at it +quick, Alice, before I forget the next! The author tells us that the +natives have such a hatred for Christians that they refuse to use these +splendid bridges. The Moors--" + +"Wait," interrupted Mrs. Gorham. "It says here, 'Emphasize the pictures +by pointing to the bridges.'" + +"All right--consider those bridges pointed to, Alice. The Moors are +intellectual mummies." Allen carefully turned two pages, and encouraged +by a nod of approval from Mrs. Gorham proceeded. "Why, Miss Gorham, if a +Moor happens to sit down upon a tack he doesn't curse or swear or rail +at fate; he simply murmurs, 'It is written,' and carefully replaces the +tack for some other Moor to sit on." + +"It doesn't say that," Alice protested, laughing. + +"Well, if it doesn't it ought to," insisted Allen, taking the +instruction sheet from Mrs. Gorham's hands to prevent Alice from +satisfying her curiosity. "You're not supposed to read the instructions, +you know. You are just to sit there entranced while I do this monologue +act--you're not even expected to ask questions, as any indiscretion such +as that is apt to make the agent lose his cue. Your part comes at the +end when I give you a perfectly good little piece of patient paper, +which you may spoil any old way you like so long as you sign your name +or make your mark--all of which you will discover in due time if you +follow the professor closely and learn his habits." + +Alice and Eleanor were convulsed with laughter over Allen's antics, but +the boy soon sobered down and again assumed his dignified demeanor. + +"Please observe, Miss Gorham, these endless aisles of arches which form +part of three miles of stables built by Mulai Ismail, the tyrant sultan. +He was a superb horseman. It is said that he was able in one graceful +movement to mount his steed, draw his sword, and neatly decapitate the +slave who held his stirrup--" + +"You are reciting that, Allen," Mrs. Gorham broke in. + +"I know I am. Isn't that right?" + +"No; it says, 'Commit the following to memory absolutely, but appear to +read it.'" + +"Oh, sorrow! After spending all that time to learn this, I have to spend +some more time learning to remember that I have remembered. Isn't it the +awful stunt!" + +"You're doing beautifully," Alice encouraged, laughing; "but it's a +shame to waste it all on an audience of two. Why don't you make a +vaudeville turn out of it?" + +"There you go asking questions again," protested Allen, "which is +strictly forbidden by the rules." The boy wiped the beads of +perspiration from his forehead. "Honestly, you've gotten me so rattled +that I don't know whether what comes now is 'low tone' or 'pass the next +picture and come back to it.'" + +"It is 'low tone,' Allen," Mrs. Gorham prompted. + +"Thank you; now watch me make a noise like an innocent cooing dove. The +idea is just this, Miss Gorham: the _Home Travellers' Volumes_ not only +enable you to see and to enjoy the familiar sights and scenes which the +average tourist meets, but hundreds--nay, thousands--of curious and +wonderful customs and things which the average tourist never gets the +chance to see. The real illusion of travel is spread about you, the +thousands of photographic reproductions carry you along comfortably and +irresistibly, and the whole wide world is at your feet. It is absolutely +essential that you should know something beyond the narrow confines of +the city or town in which you live. Successful people acknowledge this +to be a fact--and who wouldn't be a successful people? Would it not be +pleasant, my dear Miss Gorham--surely by this time I may say 'my dear +Miss Gorham'--to be able to talk with confidence and almost human +intelligence about the curious manners, customs, and costumes of foreign +lands? Why, of course it would--and how else can you obtain this ability +in so inexpensive, easy, and agreeable a way as by subscribing for a +set of the _Home Travellers' Volumes_?" + +Mrs. Gorham and Alice greeted this climax with applause, but Allen +sternly checked them with upraised hand. + +"No flowers, please, until after the contract is signed. I have already +learned, during my brief career as an agent, that no widows or orphan +children are fed or clothed by the empty, though well-meant, plaudits of +an enthusiastic populace. And now, my dear Miss Gorham--for you are +still very dear to me--this is the beautiful full Persian Levant +binding, hand-tooled in French gold, which I am permitted to offer you +at three times what it is worth. If you have more money than I think you +have, we will bind up a set specially for you for just that amount. If, +on the other hand, your financial resources have been overestimated here +is another binding at half the price which is exactly as good, but which +is prepared for just such an emergency. I leave it entirely to you to +say which of the three it shall be. Could any proposition be fairer or +more generous?" + +"But suppose--" Alice began. + +"I beg your pardon," Allen stopped her; "the patient in the +operating-chair is not allowed to suppose. Here is a little piece of +paper and an easy-flowing fountain-pen. This is where you place your +name and address for the delivery of the volumes." + +"But that is a contract blank, Allen," remarked Mrs. Gorham. + +"I know it is, but you have no right even to think such a thing. Alice +mustn't sign it right off or it won't be any practice. What do the +directions say?" + +Mrs. Gorham turned again to the paper in her hand. "'If the prospective +customer should hesitate, withdraw the order form for a moment and +proceed.'" + +"Please go on--that's as far as I've learned." + +"'In the _Home Travellers' Volumes_ you have the opportunity to gain +that broader view of things which a knowledge of the world alone can +give you. Here you have all the pleasures and benefits of travel with +the trouble left out. Now I am sure you agree with me upon the great +value of travel--and agreeing on this point, you must agree with me on +the value of this great work.' Here offer the order form again and say, +'Just put your name and address down here, and in a few days you will be +off on one of these delightful journeys, and every member of your family +can enjoy it with you.'" + +"There!" exclaimed Allen, proudly. "Did you ever see a surer thing than +that?" + +"Are the books really valuable?" Mrs. Gorham asked. + +"That really hasn't a thing to do with the proposition," replied Allen; +"it's the talk you buy, and the books are thrown in." + +"But you're not going to take this up, are you, Allen?" Alice inquired, +anxiously. + +"Don't you want me to? You know they say Fortune is bald on the back of +her head, and if you let her once slip past you there's nothing left to +grab hold of." + +"It isn't what I want, Allen; but what could it lead to?" + +"To the Consolidated Companies," he whispered, furtively. "I am bound +and determined to show your father that I am good enough to be annexed, +and to do that I've got to have some experience. Can you think of +anything which would be apt to give a fellow more experience?" + +"May I make a suggestion?" Mrs. Gorham asked. "I think it is a very good +idea for Allen to undertake this, now that he has considered it +seriously. He wants to follow your advice, Alice, and do something. Here +is the first opportunity which offers, and I think he ought to embrace +it. I should be glad, however, if he would promise us to try his first +experiment on Mr. Gorham." + +"Gee!" ejaculated Allen. + +Alice divined Eleanor's real thought instantly. "Splendid!" she cried. +"That shall be the condition. If father falls a victim, your later +success is certain." + +"And what if he doesn't?" Allen asked. + +"Perhaps you'll go out on three legs," she suggested, mischievously. + + + + +X + + +Covington returned to New York several days before the Gorhams left +Washington. To the casual observer, who might meet him even daily, no +change would have been apparent in the smoothly working accurate human +machine which found its exercise through his personality. His face never +showed an emotion other than that which he wished to have seen there; +the mouth, that most treacherous feature, was protected by his heavy +mustache, which in turn merged its identity in the dark Vandyke beard, +into which all expression retreated at the command of its owner; his +gray eyes, cold in the metallic steelness of their shade, penetrated the +object upon which they fixed themselves, reading the characteristics of +others, but yielding nothing in return. His forehead was high, +accentuated by the thinness of his face, but suggestive of strong mental +capacity; and the straightness of his nose evidenced the strength of +will which had done much to give him his present reputation as a +business man. + +But behind this impassive exterior much was happening. It was not so +great a change as it was an expansion of something which had always +existed. Covington had made his mark before Gorham discovered him. The +older man's attention had been attracted to him by the chain he had +developed of over six hundred separate retail stores, all dealing in +the same commodities and each one an individual business success. Gorham +watched him post his sentries at different street corners in the city he +was testing to determine the density of the traffic, finally selecting +the location where the crowd passed most steadily all day. + +"I am never fooled by the noon-hour crowd," Covington confided to him; +"they spend all their time eating lunch. I always keep away from streets +where there are banks--after three o'clock in the afternoon you'll find +as much retail business in the morgue." + +Gorham saw him rent whole buildings in order to get the particular +corner store he wanted, and then organize a real-estate business to +handle the rental of stores and offices which he could not use. He saw +him arrange his show-cases and goods in such a manner that customers +easily found what they wanted, were served promptly, and departed +satisfied, to return again. He studied Covington's system of turning +over each new store to a chief clerk to be operated on a percentage, +thus giving him all the dignity of a proprietor and stimulating him to +his maximum activity. Promotions were accomplished by transferring the +clerks from smaller to larger stores, which automatically raised their +salaries by the increased volume of business on which to draw their +percentage. Gorham listened to the instructions Covington gave them in +governing their relations with customers--original, forceful, and +sane--and then he witnessed in various stores the practical +demonstration and the results. This same genius, he reasoned naturally, +applied to a similar chain of large concerns, would enable Covington to +exercise his ability almost to an unlimited extent, and Gorham succeeded +in convincing him that it was worth while for him to join in the +development of the Consolidated Companies, turning over the retail +amalgamation to his chief subordinate. One by one the master mind +brought the varied corporations into line; one by one, with equal though +different skill, Covington completed the work which his chief had begun. +Between them they succeeded in filling the positions made necessary by +the growth of the Companies with efficient and enthusiastic +subordinates, so that each time the chain was let out to admit another +link the welding was accomplished without weakening the strength of the +whole. + +Covington had never from the first sympathized with Gorham's altruistic +policies except as a means to an end, nor did he for a moment imagine +that Gorham himself had adopted them for any other reason than their +intrinsic business value. The whole scheme of the Consolidated +Companies, when first unfolded before him, appealed to his appreciation +of business cleverness, and he instinctively recognized Gorham as his +master. During the few years they had been associated in the same +corporation, Covington had seen his chief's genius demonstrated in +organization and administration as well as in conception, and he had not +been slow to take advantage of the lessons he was given such ample +opportunity to learn. He had expected this demonstration, but, with a +consummate confidence in his own ability to assimilate, he had also +counted on gradually lessening the gap between Gorham and himself. Here +it was that he had made a mistake, for during this same period the +development of the older man had been far greater than his own. +Covington to-day was, perhaps, as able a business man as Gorham had been +when the Consolidated Companies was born, but Gorham in the mean time, +by sheer display of extraordinary genius, had become an international +figure. The business relations between the two men were closer than +ever, but never once was there any question as to which was the master. +Covington would not have been Covington had he not resented this; +Covington would not have been Covington had he not succeeded in +concealing this resentment from all the world. + +With the knowledge that he could not hope to share with Gorham upon +equal terms in the control of the Consolidated Companies, there came to +him a realization of the necessity of strengthening himself on every +possible side in order to be prepared to take advantage of the first +opportunity, whatever that might be or whenever it might come, to alter +the present relations. His marriage to Alice would be a step of prime +importance, but this alone was not enough. As Gorham's son-in-law he +would still be his subordinate, and Covington's nature demanded an +opportunity to stand at least on a basis of equality with his present +chief, sharing with him the arrogance of the prerogatives and the +absolute autocracy now assumed alone by Gorham in dominating the policy +of the business. + +In Covington's opinion, Gorham was carrying the principles upon which +the Consolidated Companies was based beyond all reason. The corporation +had passed the experimental stage, and now possessed ample strength to +take advantage with safety of its unique position. Gorham was right, he +admitted, in his idea that public necessities ought to be reduced in +price when once controlled by the Companies. The public approval and +general confidence which this established were of distinct value, but +there was absolutely no reason for continuing to give the public so +large a share of the saving. It was not so much the amount that was +saved as the fact that a saving was actually accomplished which served +to advertise the Consolidated Companies. Gorham's real motive could be +only to strengthen his personal prestige. Several of the other directors +shared this conviction with Covington, and he made it his business to +discover just where each one stood against the time when this +information should serve him in good stead. + +The executive offices of the Consolidated Companies occupied an entire +floor in one of the most spacious buildings on Broadway, yet to a casual +visitor they gave little indication of the vast power which centred +there. The rooms were substantially furnished, but everything evidenced +a restraint equal almost to the conservatism which is so distinguishing +a mark of the old-established English houses. This was an expression of +Robert Gorham's individuality, and the Companies itself reflected it in +its modest exterior appearance as in all other features, emphasizing the +one influence which held together and amalgamated into a composite unit +the many factors which necessarily formed the integral parts. + +Gorham's ideas of business management were scientific, and his first +step, after absorbing a new concern, was to have the principles of +science introduced. He insisted that the workman should be supplemented +by close co-operation on the part of the management in laying out his +work for him in advance; by showing him how to eliminate unnecessary +motions; by teaching him to make every portion of his work, however +simple, a scientific performance; by studying his own individuality to +the extent of assisting him to correct methods which militated equally +against his own highest efficiency and the obtaining of the highest +efficiency of the machine he operated; by bringing him to a realization +that traditional knowledge of his specialty was a lower grade of skill +than that knowledge gained by modern scientific study. + +On the other hand, he undertook to correct faults of administration as +well as inefficient methods of execution, demonstrating to each manager +the cash value to the Consolidated Companies of this close co-operation +with his workmen. It was shown that greater product was to be obtained +from workmen who performed their tasks under conditions which tended to +make them happy and contented, which gave them opportunities to advance +themselves to points marked only by their personal limitations; where +they could maintain their self-respect and with his help increase it, in +that they could hope to become the most skilful operatives in their +particular specialties, and to earn higher wages than any employer could +afford to pay under other conditions. With every machine, human or +mechanical, running each day at its maximum degree of productivity, +Gorham knew that the corporation could well afford to share its largely +increased income with those who had co-operated to secure it; and the +workmen could not begrudge their employer the augmented profits, since +they not only had received their share, but because they knew that the +increase was the result of the efforts of the management quite as much +as their own. + +Throughout the offices themselves was to be found every equipment which +modern ingenuity had devised for shortening the processes of daily +routine, and of eliminating or reducing to a minimum the details which +so clog the wheels of any large enterprise unless properly systematized. +Every man exactly fitted the position in which he was placed, and the +machine moved forward with an accuracy and a force which was +irresistible. The same casual visitor would have noticed this had he +been at all observant, and could not have failed to admire the precision +which marked every business incident, however trivial. + +Shortly after Covington's return to New York the Companies' offices were +honored by a visit from Mr. Andrew Harris. The caller asked that his +card be taken to Mr. Covington, and as it bore a pencilled memorandum +that his business was important and confidential, he was ushered into +the private office of the acting head of the Companies. Mr. Harris +seemed deeply interested in studying the appearance of the man he had +come to see--so much interest, in fact, that Covington resented his +scrutiny and inquired the nature of his business. + +"Excuse me," Harris said, quickly; "I came to talk over the proposed +merger of the New York street railways." + +"Then you doubtless wish to see Mr. Gorham," Covington replied. "That is +a matter which is wholly in his hands. He is at present in Washington, +but will be here within a week." + +"Are you not at least partially familiar with the details?" Harris +inquired, apparently unmoved by the news of Mr. Gorham's absence. + +"I could scarcely say that I am unfamiliar with them," Covington +admitted; "but the idea of the merger was Mr. Gorham's, and he is +naturally in closer touch." + +"Do you object to talking things over with me a little?" Harris asked. +"There may be some points that I know more about than Mr. Gorham." + +Covington nodded acquiescence, though somewhat in the dark as to the +object his visitor had in mind. + +"In the first place," Harris began, adjusting himself in his chair, "let +me say that I am a director in the New York Street Railways Company, +which is the largest of the present organizations which are eventually +to be consolidated into the Manhattan Traction Company. The franchise, +as you doubtless know, has already been put through the Board of +Aldermen, and the only question now remaining is whether it is to be +turned over to certain gentlemen in New York who originally planned to +complete the deal, or to the Consolidated Companies." + +"Mr. Gorham has, I believe, advanced to those interested very logical +arguments to show that the Consolidated Companies could engineer the +amalgamation to the distinct advantage of the various roads," Covington +suggested, as his visitor paused for a moment. + +"He has," Harris admitted. "There is no doubt in anybody's mind that +what he says is right; the roads and the stockholders would be +distinctly benefited--but how about the directors? That is the question +I came here to have answered." + +"It is a question which Mr. Gorham must answer." + +Harris subjected him to another careful scrutiny. "Perhaps so," he said, +at length, "but I should like to get your opinion on the matter. You are +one of the directors, I understand." + +"I had an idea that Mr. Gorham had already answered that question to +Mr. Brady, and that there was enough in the deal to satisfy every one." + +"There is enough for every one," assented Harris, with decision; "the +only question is how it is to be divided. We all supposed that we were +to become stockholders in the Consolidated Companies, in which case we +should have gained something at both ends; but Gorham evidently changed +his mind about that, which leaves us nothing but the original rake-off." + +There was something in Harris's manner which annoyed Covington, yet he +did not suggest cutting short the interview. + +"Who are the parties involved?" he asked, more to say something than +because of any real interest. + +"Well"--Harris became reflective--"there's Collins, who put the deal +through the Aldermen; he can't expect any more than we've already agreed +to give him. It cost him a pretty penny, but he'll double his +investment--we can leave him out. Then there's Brady at Tammany Hall; +nothing can be done without him. Gorham's idea seems to be to pay him +his price on this job, take a receipt, and cut loose from him; but if +Brady was a stockholder in the Consolidated Companies he would prove a +mighty useful one. Then there are two other directors in the New York +Street Railways Company who feel as I do--that we ought to see something +more coming to us out of this deal than just the profit on our stock." + +"Is the opportunity to become stockholders in our corporation the +'something more' you have in mind?" + +"Yes," Harris assented; "but it doesn't end just there. We have a little +scheme of our own in connection with this transaction which is worth +money, and we could put it through easier if we were on the inside. +More than this, it would save the Consolidated Companies something in +the long run." + +"You have secured an option on some link in the chain and you're going +to hold up whoever tries to put the deal through until you get your +price," Covington stated, flatly. + +"We have options on three links," Harris replied, frankly, showing no +surprise at the accuracy of the other's intuition. + +"Can you make more out of it if we get the franchise?" + +"Naturally, since the Consolidated Companies will have unlimited +capital. If we were stockholders in the Companies, we could afford to +make the terms easier, because there would be less trouble and expense +in putting it through." + +"Does Mr. Gorham know all this ?" + +Harris laughed. "Well--hardly. I haven't met Gorham, but from what Brady +tells me this isn't in his line." + +"Then why do you give me the information? Frankly, I don't think it will +help you with Mr. Gorham." + +"He isn't going to know anything about it." + +Covington smiled at the assurance Harris displayed. "I have not +committed myself to protect you," he said. + +"Quite right, quite right," assented Harris; "but I'll take my chances. +Now I'm going to tell you the rest of it. As I said, Collins got the +franchise from the Board of Aldermen. Brady is a director in the New +York Street Railways Company, so he keeps Tammany all straight for us. +Our company, being the largest, was to be used as the basis of the +consolidation, and the original small roads were to turn themselves +over to us for nine hundred and ninety-nine years, we to assume their +bonded indebtedness, and, besides this, agreeing to pay from eight to +eighteen per cent. dividends on their stock issues. After these payments +our company was to keep the surplus earnings." + +"And these surplus earnings would be enough to make it worth while?" + +Harris laughed. "Sure," he replied; "the bond total of the smaller +companies is about one hundred million dollars and the stock total only +four million dollars. What's eight or even eighteen per cent. on four +million dollars! In fact, the weak point is that even with the watering +we intended to give the stock after we got it, the profits would still +be so big that the public would notice." + +"There should be no difficulty in fixing that," remarked Covington, +sagely, amused by the frank confidence extended to him in spite of his +warning. + +"The only difficulty is in selecting the means," Harris continued. "Now, +Brady and two other directors and I have secured options on three short +lines which are essential integral parts of the system, and it was +understood, before the Consolidated Companies came into the field, that +the new company would purchase these from us at a handsome profit. In +fact, we four are a majority in the Board of Directors. When Gorham +first talked about it Brady laughed at him, for the thing seemed to be +as good as pulled off; but the more Brady thought it over, the better he +liked the idea. Our plan was to unload the stock on the dear public, +letting the new company last as long as it would, and be satisfied with +our profits; but Brady thinks that Gorham's scheme means success for +the company as well, and naturally we would prefer to have a continuing +profit rather than one which ceases when we deliver the goods. Lately +Gorham has been talking more with the other directors and with some of +the big stockholders, ignoring Brady; so I just called to make sure that +we stood in on the profit on the short lines, as originally intended." + +"How much profit would there be in the short lines for you four +directors?" asked Covington, interested to see how far he could get the +man to commit himself. + +"A half-million apiece." + +"H'm!" Covington soliloquized. "It doesn't look quite so certain to you +since Gorham began to get next to the other directors and the big +stockholders, does it?" + +"They've got to have the short lines, and whoever gets them must pay our +price." + +"Yes; but in one case it goes through without any public demonstration, +and in the other it leaves a smudge on each one of the four which you +would be glad to avoid." + +"Exactly," assented Harris. + +"Well," Covington said, deliberately, "I don't think you can pull it +off. As a matter of fact, since you have been so confidential, I may say +that Mr. Gorham is convinced that there's something crooked, and that is +why he dropped the idea of having Brady and some of the others become +stockholders. We have to maintain a high standard in the Consolidated +Companies, as you can easily understand." + +Harris looked at him sharply. "Perhaps the standard is higher among the +stockholders than on the Board of Directors," he suggested. + +"I don't quite understand you," was the cold reply. + +"We want some one of the directors to steer this thing through for us," +Harris said. "That's the real milk in the cocoanut." + +Covington rose from his chair. "I think it is time to terminate our +interview." + +"Sit down, sit down," Harris insisted. "You and I have a mutual interest +in this matter, and we've only just touched on it." + +The man's effrontery amazed Covington, but before he could answer Harris +continued: + +"I understand that Mr. Gorham is somewhat particular about the men he +has around him, and you stand in pretty close. Now he probably doesn't +know yet that you have been picking up blocks of New York Street +Railways stock, and that you plan to clean up a big slice for yourself +when this merger is put through." + +Covington's face preserved its calm expression, though his smile seemed +forced. + +"So the object of your visit is blackmail?" he said. "You will fail in +this, as you will also fail in your effort to force Mr. Gorham's hand. +You have been misinformed--I have bought no stock." + +Harris took a package of papers from his pocket and selected a single +sheet on which were written certain figures. + +"I was afraid it might be a little hard to convince you that we had the +goods on you," he remarked. "Those are the numbers of the certificates +you hold, and here is the total number of shares. Pretty good-looking +list, isn't it?--and it's worth a lot of money." + +"These mean nothing to me," Covington insisted. "I repeat, I do not own +a share of stock in the New York Street Railways Company." + +"No, but your stool-pigeon does. Why, bless your heart, not one share of +that stock has changed hands these last twelve months without being run +down by Brady. Had to do it, you know, to make sure our deal would go +through. Brady owns that man who bought the stock for you body and soul. +Now, how does it look to you, son? Will you come with me and talk with +Brady, or shall I see the virtuous Mr. Gorham and show him what you've +been doing on the side?" + +Covington's face was as impassive as ever when he turned again, looking +his companion straight in the eye. + +"You won't do it?" Harris asked, surprised. "Better think--" + +"I shall be very glad to see Mr. Brady with you," was the unexpected +answer. + + + + +XI + + +The Gorham residence was located on Riverside Drive near Grant's Tomb, +commanding a superb view of the Hudson River in both directions. The +massive stone house stood well back from the street in the midst of an +extravagant amount of land for a New York city home, and the high wall +protected a beautiful garden, in the use of which the whole family took +much pleasure during the spring and fall. Thither the Gorhams returned +after their sojourn in Washington, glad to exchange their cramped +quarters at the hotel for the home comforts which they found there. +Alice was full of her new business responsibilities and eager to assume +charge of her "department"; Mrs. Gorham, restored to her home city and +her early friends by her present marriage, looked forward to an +enjoyable "season"; Patricia and her beloved pony were reunited; and +Gorham himself, flushed with the continuing success of his gigantic +enterprise, plunged more deeply than ever into its manifold +transactions. + +The remaining member of the family--for such he always considered +himself--was old Riley. Servants might come and servants might go, but +Riley the faithful was always to be found in his appointed place, +occupied by his appointed task. New York was the only home he +recognized, since, in addition to being "Misther Robert's" place of +residence, it also connected him with the one tie in life beyond his +devotion to his master and his master's family. This was an only son who +had risen by degrees to be a pressman in a local printing-office and, +which was more to the point, had become a political power in his +particular ward. Riley's interest in his son was far greater than any +reciprocal sentiment manifested by the younger man. Occasionally the +father ventured to look up his famous offspring, but was always received +with a patronizing indulgence; and when he returned to his own +insignificant duties, it was with a sense of gratitude for the reflected +greatness. + +After one of these rare treats, every member of the family could read in +Riley's face the degree of cordiality with which the old man had been +received; so when, one afternoon a few weeks after their return to New +York, he lingered after giving Mrs. Gorham the evening paper in the +garden, she noted the expression of expectancy and turned from her +conversation with Alice to gratify his unspoken desire to be questioned. +As a matter of fact, Eleanor had reproached herself for complaining of +Riley to Mr. Gorham, and this was an opportunity to make amends. + +"You haven't told us about your call on James last night, Riley. How did +you find him?" + +"Fine, ma'm, fine," he replied, straightening up as he realized that his +opportunity had arrived. "Jimmie is th' great man, ma'm, if I do say it +as hadn't orter." + +"Splendid, Riley!" exclaimed Eleanor, glancing at Alice with amusement. +"It is a fine thing to have our children do us credit. What new honor +has come to James ?" + +"I don't know where he gits it, ma'm, tho' his mother was a smart +woman, but he's th' clever la-ad, ma'm; indade he is." + +"Do tell us about it, Riley," Alice added, entering into Eleanor's +spirit; "we are all impatience." + +"He's th' clever la-ad," Riley repeated, still rolling the sweet morsel +under his tongue. "He's th' comin' man in New York politics, I'm +thinkin'," he mused. "Mebbe he'll be an aldherman yit. Wan iv his +ancistors in th' ol' counthry was a game warden wanst--mebbe Jimmie will +be an aldherman yit." + +There was no use trying to hasten the old man, and his auditors were too +familiar with his peculiarities not to give him his own time. This was +food and drink to his present craving, which during all these years he +had found so little opportunity to indulge. The successes which he had +enjoyed were won by those for whom and with whom he labored. Here was +the hope of a triumph, on the part of one of his own flesh and blood, +which must reflect its brilliancy upon himself. Suppose Jimmie should +some day become an alderman! No wonder that the old man lingered in his +narrative! + +"Ye see, ma'm," Riley continued, "Jimmie is th' man th' big fellers give +th' money at 'lection time, an' it's all lift ter him where he puts it. +All that responsibility is his, ma'm, an' that makes him quite a feller +hisself. Th' other men in th' ward sorter looks up ter him, ma'm. An' +thin agin, Jimmie is th' fine speaker an' quick wid his thinkers, ma'm. +That's why I think he'll be th' great man soon." + +"It's a fine thing to be given responsibility, Riley, and it's a great +thing to be trusted," Eleanor humored him; "but it is even more valuable +to be a fine speaker and quick with one's 'thinkers.' Has James had +much opportunity to show his ability as an orator?" + +"He has, ma'm, as I was just a-goin' ter tell ye. Jimmie come near +makin' a mistake two years ago. Th' Republicans offered him more money +ter come over ter their side an' Jimmie done it. Thin, later, he seen +his mistake an' th' Dimocrats seen theirs, an' Jimmie come back ter his +old roost. Some iv thim who didn't know the true innards iv th' +situation blamed Jimmie, an' at a meetin' th' Dimocrats held--crocus, I +think he called it--some iv them started ter hiss Jimmie when he begun +ter spake. Th' man at th' desk, whatever title he has, thried ter stop +'em, but Jimmie was quicker than any iv 'em. He jumps up on a chair, +Jimmie does, an' waves his arms theatrical like, an' cries out good an' +sthrong, 'Don't mind 'em, Misther Moderator (that's what they call that +feller at th' desk), don't mind 'em, Misther Moderator--as another +gintleman wance said, they know not what they do.'" + +"Did James know who the 'other gentleman' was?" asked Mrs. Gorham, with +difficulty suppressing a laugh. + +"He may have, ma'm, but I'm not sure," Riley replied, honestly. "Me an' +th' ol' woman allus thried ter bring Jimmie up wid a knowledge iv th' +Scripters, an' I'm hopin' he did know; but I ain't shure, ma'm." + +As Riley disappeared into the house Eleanor rose and, drawing Alice's +arm through her own, the two resumed their leisurely stroll about the +garden. + +"I wonder if Riley has forgiven me for marrying your father," Eleanor +queried, laughingly. "He looks upon 'Mr. Robert' as his personal +property, and I really believe he has always resented my presence as an +intrusion." + +"Pat is the only one who can make him stand around," Alice admitted; +"but, seriously, I think he looks upon you as a real addition to the +family. That's a proud position for you to have attained in four years." + +"I hope you are right," Eleanor laughed again. "Without Riley's +approval, peace in the Gorham family would be impossible. Now tell me +what you are thinking over so seriously. I've been on the point of +asking you ever since luncheon." + +Alice looked up quickly and smiled brightly. + +"Am I serious?" she asked. "I didn't realize that I became thoughtful so +seldom as to have it attract attention; but, since you ask, I am +wondering how my business experiment is going to work out." + +"Mr. Covington is an able instructor, and I feel sure that his pupil is +a proficient one." + +"Isn't it good of him to give me so much time! He hasn't missed a +morning since we returned. Oh, it's wonderful to listen to him, he knows +so much about things; and it all seems simple enough after he explains +it. He is very patient with me, even though I know he thinks I'm awfully +stupid." + +"He doesn't seem to find the task irksome," suggested Eleanor. + +"That's because he thinks so much of father," the girl explained. "He +has told me a lot I never knew about dear daddy, and it makes me love +him more than ever. Mr. Covington says there isn't a man in the world +to-day equal to father; and, of course, I know he's right, but it's +pleasant to hear some one else say it." + +"How do you like Mr. Covington as you become better acquainted with +him?" Eleanor asked. + +"Very much," Alice replied, sincerely; "no one could help it. Next to +daddy, he's the finest man I know." + +"Do you think you could become very close friends?" + +The girl laughed merrily. "What a funny idea!" she exclaimed. "It takes +two to become close friends, and a man in his position could never have +a friendship with a girl my age--especially when he has this opportunity +to learn all my shortcomings. I should be very proud of a friend like +Mr. Covington." + +Eleanor feared to disturb matters by further questioning. All seemed to +be progressing favorably in the direction which her husband desired, +and, as he said, Covington was undoubtedly able to handle the situation +himself. Mrs. Gorham had watched the "lessons" from the corner of her +eye, and had seen much which had evidently escaped Alice. + +"I'd like to ask you a question." Mrs. Gorham looked up quickly at the +abruptness of the girl's sudden remark. "You are the only one I can go +to when I don't understand anything; but Mr. Covington told me to think +it over and keep what he said entirely to myself. He couldn't have meant +me to keep it from you, could he?" + +"You are the best judge of that, dear. Has it to do with yourself?" + +"Not exactly--it has to do with my property: the money my mother left +me, you know." + +"Why should he interest himself in that?" + +"As a surprise to daddy--to show him how rapidly I am becoming a +business woman." + +"I think you had better talk it over with your father," Eleanor said, +decidedly. "He can advise you far better than Mr. Covington." + +"Oh, no; that is the very thing I mustn't do. That would spoil the +whole thing. Mr. Covington knows of a stock which I could buy which will +double within two months, and father will be delighted when he sees how +cleverly I have invested the money." + +"But you can't do anything with that money without your father's +permission." + +"Yes, I can; Mr. Covington has looked it all up. I have full control +over it now that I am eighteen. All I have to do is to sign a paper +which he will bring me, and he will do the rest." + +Mrs. Gorham was thoughtful for some moments. "Mr. Covington would +certainly take no chances with the girl's money," she mused. "I wonder +what Robert would think of it." Then aloud, "Did he tell you what the +stock was?" + +"Yes; but you mustn't breathe it. You don't think I'm betraying a +confidence, do you? He was so emphatic about my thinking it over by +myself; but he couldn't have meant not to tell you, dear. It is some +stock in a street railway here in New York which he thinks he can get +hold of. Wouldn't it be fine to double my money! But I must promise not +to tell daddy how I did it--just surprise him with it." + +"I don't know what to advise you, Alice," Eleanor said, doubtfully. + +"It must be all right, for Mr. Covington knows," the girl insisted; +"that's why daddy has him come to teach me. But I shall think it over +very carefully, as he asked me to." Alice threw her arms impulsively +around Eleanor's neck and kissed her, laughing happily. "We business +people have to consider these problems very deeply," she said, dropping +her voice. "I will tell you in the morning what I decide." + +A heavy step upon the gravel walk announced Gorham's arrival. Greeting +them affectionately, he placed one arm about the waist of each and +turned from one to the other, looking silently into their faces. "My +inspirations," he exclaimed, smiling; and as Eleanor glanced +triumphantly at Alice, the girl realized the force of the words the +elder woman had spoken in an earlier conversation. Here--in them--rested +that power which stimulated the execution of affairs of which the whole +world talked! + +"I have news for you," Gorham said, turning to Alice. "Mr. Allen +Sanford, late chauffeur, is now the right arm of the Consolidated +Companies." + +"Do you really mean it!" she cried, transferring her caresses to her +father. "Have you actually given him a chance? Oh, I'm so happy about +it!" + +"I really mean it," Gorham replied, laughingly, amused by the girl's +enthusiasm; "and by doing so, I presume I have incurred the eternal +enmity of one Stephen Sanford." + +"How did it happen, Robert?" Eleanor inquired, hardly less pleased than +Alice. + +"The boy has some promising stuff in him," was the reply. "He has more +to get over than most youngsters have; but his very impulsiveness, +properly controlled, may prove an asset. The young rascal almost sold me +a set of the _Home Travellers' Volumes_, and with all his amateurishness +he showed a good deal of skill, and an unlimited amount of imagination. +I've wanted to give him a chance ever since Stephen threw him over, and +now I'm going to do it." + +Alice became serious again after her first outburst. "Who is going to +teach him?" she asked. + +"Experience will be his best master," Gorham replied, surprised by her +question. + +"Don't you think I could help him by showing him some of the things Mr. +Covington has taught me? He needs an inspiration more than any one I +know." + +"No; I do not think so, young lady," he said, shaking his finger at her +playfully. "If I am any judge of human nature, he would teach you more +along certain lines than I care to have you learn just yet." + +Alice flushed. "How absurd!" she pouted. "Allen could never interest me +in that way. Why, he's only a boy. When I marry, daddy, my husband must +be a man lots older than I am, just as you are older than Eleanor. He +will have to be older, to have had time to accomplish all he must have +done, if I am to respect him; and there couldn't be love without +respect, could there? How perfectly absurd! Why, Allen is--just Allen!" + +"Of course, my dear; I was only teasing you--and the man who wins you +must have accomplished a whole lot more than you demand in order to +satisfy me. So that problem is settled, and we'll wait for the Knight +Adventurous who dares attack our citadel." + +Alice stooped and picked a gorgeous dahlia, upon which she fixed her +still averted gaze. + +"I only wanted to do my part," she said, apologetically. "Allen is +dreadfully alone in the world, now that his father has gone back on him. +I think I am the only one who understands him." + +"Your father is but joking, Alice," Eleanor reassured her. "You and +Allen are now business associates, and it will be your duty to help +each other, all for the advancement of the great Consolidated +Companies." + +The girl looked up brightly. "That's right," she said; "business +associates always do that, don't they? Now I'll leave you to yourselves +until dinner-time." + +With an understanding glance at Eleanor, Alice ran up the terrace steps +and into the house. Mrs. Gorham repeated to her husband the girl's +conversation and added her own interpretation of the situation, +carefully avoiding any mention of Covington's proposition, which was the +one subject upon which she would have preferred to talk. + +"She is growing up too fast, Robert," she concluded. "We must make her +play more and forget the responsibilities which she insists upon +assuming." + +"She's in safe hands," Gorham replied, smiling. "Keep her young as long +as you can, dear, and when she has to grow up, even to your mature +years, help her to be just such another woman as yourself. Covington +gives me glowing accounts of her progress in the little scheme which you +so cleverly suggested. He seems to think her interest is more than a +mere whim, but I can't believe it." + +"She is a strange girl in some ways," Eleanor replied, "and we must +watch her carefully just at this crisis." + +"I don't intend to have young Sanford step in and upset my plans," +Gorham insisted. + +"You had better go slowly, dear, and let her work out her own future, +guiding her quietly without her realizing it. Allen will have to win her +respect before you need to consider him as a possible obstacle. Their +interest in each other just now is so natural and unaffected that I +should be sorry to disturb it. Each one can be a real help to the other +without any danger of the complication which you fear." + +"They are both at the inflammable age," persisted Gorham; "it is just as +well to guard against uncertainties." + +Eleanor smiled. "We are all inconsistent, aren't we, dear? We were so +exasperated with Stephen Sanford because he would not allow Allen to +express his own individuality, yet we are almost ready to interfere with +the development of Alice's. All seems to be progressing exactly as you +wish it. The child's admiration for Mr. Covington is supreme, and with +Alice that is the first step. Then their daily intercourse ought to give +ample opportunity for settling the question your way. But if it proved +finally that her happiness was dependent upon her marrying Allen, or any +other one of her admirers, you would be the first to urge it--wouldn't +you, dear?" + +"Of course I should," Gorham admitted; "but I can't consider any +alternative. Admiration and respect are all very well as far as they go, +but they are no guarantee when a good-looking, impulsive youngster is +concerned." + +"I know, dear," Eleanor continued, quietly. "A man came into my life +once whom I admired and respected with all my strength, yet I never +loved him." + +Gorham paused abruptly and looked at his wife with the same strange +expression which she occasionally noted upon his face. + +"You never loved him?" he repeated. + +"No, dear. He was a noble character, and he once did me a great service, +but I never loved him. With Alice my one fear is that she may mistake +respect for affection, and with her nature such an error would ruin her +life." + +"Some time you must tell me about him," Gorham insisted, still reverting +to her chance remark. + +Eleanor's face sobered. "Some time I will, but not now. It is all a part +of that memory I am ever trying to forget--a bright lining to that heavy +cloud. Some time, dear, but not now." + +"Suppose I have a little chat with Alice before dinner," Gorham said, +changing the subject abruptly. "The child must not think that I am +neglecting her. I must make her realize how proud I am of her." + +"Do," Eleanor replied. "I will follow you in a few moments." She sank +upon a convenient seat as her husband disappeared indoors. Here, half an +hour later, still communing with the early twilight as it deepened into +dusk, Alice and her father found her, when they came out from the house, +arm in arm. Who shall say what spring the words unconsciously released, +conjuring up before her unwilling mental vision a picture of the years +gone by? Who shall explain the apprehensiveness which came unbidden, +causing known certainties to be forgotten because of the disquieting +questionings which demanded an unanswerable reply. + +"I have dropped my flower!" Alice exclaimed, as she searched up and down +the walk. + +"There are plenty more right beside you," suggested her father, +surprised. + +"I must find this very one," she insisted, with an expression on her +face which Eleanor understood. "Flowers have personalities just as we +have--and perhaps their joy in life is in giving inspiration, too." + + + + +XII + + +Whenever a full realization of the fact that he had actually embarked +upon a business career came to him, Allen was completely overpowered by +his sense of its importance. He blessed books and book agents, since +they had been the indirect means to this much-desired end. His chance +had come to him just when his optimism had begun to waver, with the +hydra's heads multiplying beyond belief; and he proposed to show Alice +especially, and Mr. Gorham incidentally, that he was no mere callow +youth idly waiting by the wayside. There could be no doubt whatever +regarding his intentions, but a captious critic might have suggested +that it would have been the part of wisdom to allow himself ample time +for demonstration. Rome was not built in a day, nor does history record +that youth ever acquired the experience of ripe middle age in a like +space of time; but Allen's instructors at college would have given +testimony that he was not strong in history. So it was that he bruised +his head frequently at first against the stone wall of precedent and +practice, in this particular instance made less yielding by the fact +that the vice-president of the Consolidated Companies distinctly +resented his addition to the office force. + +These first busy weeks were giving Allen ample opportunity to gain +experience. The impetuosity of youth would require time before it became +tempered to the degree which would make it wholly reliable; but his +enthusiasm, his indefatigable energy, and, above all, his absolute +belief in and loyalty to the head of the Companies and the corporation +itself were elements of genuine promise. There were moments which tried +the patience, but Allen's mistakes were so much the result of +over-eagerness and consequent over-reaching that Gorham's annoyance was +always short-lived. Even the errors gave evidence that underneath the +boyish irresponsibility lay excellent material for the elder man to +mould. + +"Once upon a time"--Gorham put the words in the form of a +parable--"there was a boy who was ambitious to jump a very long +distance. On the day of the contest, in order to make sure of +accomplishing his purpose, he took an extra long start, and ran so hard +that when he reached the mark from which he was to jump he had spent his +strength." + +Stephen Sanford had not disappointed Gorham in the attitude he took when +he first learned that Allen had been given a position with the +Consolidated Companies. The letter which he wrote to his old friend +contained accusations of the basest treachery which one man could show +toward another: Gorham had deliberately planned to separate father and +son; he had discovered the boy's rare business qualifications and taken +advantage of them for his own personal ends. The act was in keeping with +the basis upon which his whole company was founded. Gorham's good-nature +was taxed to its utmost, but he fully realized how deeply his old friend +was wounded; and the knowledge that his own interest in Allen was in +reality a genuine service to Sanford himself served to blunt the force +of the attack. + +Allen, oblivious to everything except the present opportunity to prove +himself to Alice and to be near Alice, plunged ahead until Gorham was +forced to change his words of caution into actual commands. + +"You are trying to put the head of the wedge in first, my boy," the +older man told him. "You are using twenty pounds of steam to do the work +of two, and that does no credit to your judgment." + +Covington was negatively antagonistic from the start in that quiet, +skilful way which kept his animosity from any specific expression. Allen +felt it, and reciprocated the feeling with an intensity not lessened by +the knowledge that Covington and Alice were thrown together almost daily +by this business arrangement which seemed to him the height of +absurdity. He did not approve of the business manners which the girl +delighted to assume with him when they chanced to meet, and he watched +for an opportunity to tell her so. + +As the opportunity seemed slow in coming, with characteristic energy he +made one to order. Gorham required some important papers which he had +left at his house the night before, and the boy so arranged his arrival +that he had the pleasure of seeing Covington depart, although he himself +was unobserved. He found Alice deep in the mysterious detail of her +growing responsibility, but not at all disturbed to be discovered at her +work. The desk which had been placed in her father's library was as near +a duplicate of his in reduced size as could be found. A bunch of letters +covered one end of it, while a neatly arranged pile of checks directly +in front of her showed that the contents of her mail had proved +profitable. She told Riley to bring Allen here, and the boy stood +regarding her for a moment before she looked up. + +"Don't let me disturb you, Miss--Manager," he said, loftily, as he +caught her eye. "We magnates become peeved by interruptions--I always do +myself." + +Alice laughed as Allen unlocked the drawer in Gorham's desk and placed +the desired papers in his pocket. + +"Isn't it fun?" she asked, merrily. + +"Isn't what fun?" was the unresponsive reply. "I haven't burst any +buttons off my waistcoat watching you and Mr. Covington do the +turtle-dove act while I drag out a tabloid existence in a two by twice +hall bedroom, and stay tied down to my desk all day. Where does the fun +come in?" + +The girl looked at him in complete surprise. "What in the world--" she +began. + +"Oh, I mean it--every word!" he insisted. Now that he had plunged in +there was no retreating. "I say, are you going to marry him?" + +"I'd be angry with you if you weren't so terribly amusing, Allen," she +replied, smiling again after the first shock of his outburst. "Truly, +you don't know how funny you are when you try to be serious. It doesn't +fit." + +Allen bit his lip. "I'm a joke still, am I?" he asked, without looking +at her. "I thought it was the pater's prerogative to consider me that, +but I see he didn't get it patented." + +"Is it being a 'joke' when you ask questions which you have no right to +ask?" + +"If you knew how I feel inside you'd think I had a right." + +The girl relented a little. "You know as well as I do that Mr. Covington +comes here simply to help me in my business education." + +"Business fiddlesticks!" he interrupted, crossly. "You're not engaged to +him yet, are you?" + +There was so pathetic a tone of entreaty in Allen's voice that Alice +could not deny herself the pleasure of being mischievous. + +"Not to him alone," she answered, demurely. + +"What do you mean?" Allen demanded, now thoroughly alarmed. + +"Don't you think it is better for a girl to make a number of men +comparatively happy by being engaged to them than one man supremely +miserable by marrying him?" + +He looked at her aghast. "Who are some of the others?" he asked, with +despair written on every feature. "Is Joe Whitney one of them?" + +"Joe Whitney!" Alice laughed merrily. "Mercy, no! Joe is entirely +without resources. If it wasn't for his family troubles, I shouldn't +know what in the world to talk to him about." + +Allen began to be suspicious. The girl's manner was far too flippant to +be genuine, but he would not for the world give her the satisfaction of +knowing that she had worried him. + +"If you have so many, why can't you add me to the list?" + +"You? Oh, that would never do! You would be sure to think I meant it, +and the first thing I knew you would try to make me marry you." + +"Of course I should. Don't you want to be married?" + +"Marriage is an institution for the blind," she laughed back at him. + +"Then that's where I want to be confined." + +Alice sat up very straight. "Then you had better run right along and +find your guardian," she urged. "We business women have no time for such +trifles." + +"So you shirk your responsibility, do you?" Allen looked at her so +reproachfully, and spoke with such quiet firmness that she ceased her +bantering. + +"What responsibility am I shirking?" she demanded. + +"Me; I am the greatest responsibility you have, and you are neglecting +me shamefully." + +Alice gave evidence of becoming amused again, but he gravely checked +her. + +"For once I am serious, if you can be made to believe it. When we met so +accidentally in Washington--well, I was a joke then, I admit; but it's +different now. You gave me some new ideas to think about, and the more +I've thought about them the more I've seen things your way. And ever +since then I've tried hard to do what I thought would please you. But +now I'm sick of the whole thing. It may be all my fault; but, anyhow, I +wish I were well out of it." + +"Why, Allen Sanford!" Her voice showed astonishment and reproach. + +"I do," he insisted. "I'd give a whole lot right now if I knew that I +never had to go back to the office again." + +Alice was genuinely shocked. "I can't understand you," she said, +soberly. "If you had felt this way at the beginning, I shouldn't have +been so much surprised; but now, just when you are getting to a point +where you could be useful to father and to yourself, you begin to show +the white feather." + +"You mustn't say that, Alice," the boy replied, quickly, his tone +showing that she hurt him. "It isn't quitting; it's a question of +whether or not I am fitted for business--but you mustn't say that I am +showing the white feather. I shan't let even you say that." + +"Father says you are making a splendid start." She tried to atone in +part for her severity. "That ought to mean a lot to you, for he is a +hard man to satisfy." + +"Did he say that?" Allen replied, temporarily mollified. "That does mean +a whole lot to me; but it's all your doing, and you must take the +responsibility. Good or bad, I'm your business creation, and you must +stand by it." + +"No, Allen; you mustn't put it that way. You settled the matter for +yourself when you took the stand you did with your father. Of course I'm +more than interested to see you make good, but it isn't for me to accept +either the responsibility or the credit." + +"We never should have had that scrap if it hadn't been for you. I +shouldn't have had the nerve." + +"Oh, don't say that," she begged. + +"It was a good thing all right," he hastened to reassure her. "Except +for that, I should still be wearing pinafores, and it's as much better +for the pater as it is for me to have shed them. I'd probably like +business all right if I understood the blamed thing; but it isn't the +whole show, you know." + +"Isn't the business end enough?" she asked, quietly. "It is for me. I +can't tell you how much real pleasure I'm getting out of this little +scheme father has turned over to me. It makes all the other things +which I had tired of seem more interesting." + +"Business is all right, of course," he admitted. "You don't get much +idea of it just going through those letters, but the real thing is the +biggest kind of a game you ever saw. It's a finesse here and a forcing +of the opponent's hand there, but it can never be the whole game with +me." + +"It ought to be. You have your chance right before you now, and you +ought not to need anything else to urge you on. Just think, you've got +to make good to justify your own position and to keep daddy from having +made a mistake." + +The boy rose from the arm of the great chair on which he had been +resting and advanced to the little desk behind which Alice sat. With his +hands on the end, he leaned forward until his face was near hers, +looking straight into her eyes. + +"Perhaps I don't need anything else," he said in a low, firm tone, "but +it wouldn't be honest not to tell you that the same something which I +had in mind before I started in business has been there ever since. The +game is enough in itself, of course, if that's all it can be. But don't +you see what a different proposition it is when a fellow sees a dear +girl's face ahead of him in the distance just beyond each obstacle which +he has to meet? Don't you know how much better you always play a game +when there's something up on it?" + +Alice was plainly disappointed. "But you are playing for high stakes +always, Allen; there's success for the winner and failure for the +loser." + +"With a big side wager in the dear girl's face just ahead," he added. +"I've got to keep that hope in my heart, Alice, to help me to make good +quickly; even though you tell me not to, I can't help it. Why, I have +done it so long that even if I knew this minute you were going to marry +that Covington person, I believe I'd keep right on--hoping to get a +chance to be your second husband." + +This was too much for the girl's equilibrium, and she laughed in spite +of herself. She failed to sense the personal side of Allen's +declaration. He was developing, and this to her was only a phase. + +"You are simply impossible," she replied; "but we might as well +understand each other right now. I have no idea of marrying any one. +Perhaps some day I shall change my mind if the man comes along who is +enough stronger than I am to sweep away all the objections." + +"Does Mr. Covington seem likely to be that man?" Allen asked, +pertinently. + +"I have no more idea of marrying him than he has of marrying me," Alice +stated, flatly. "I admire him extravagantly. He is a self-made man--" + +"The good Lord must be pleased to be relieved of that responsibility," +Allen interrupted, ill-naturedly. + +"You mustn't be so prejudiced against him," she reproved him. "He is one +of the ablest business men in New York--daddy has told me that--yet, out +of respect to my father and kindness to me, he is giving me more of his +time, I know, than he can spare. I am very grateful to him." + +"Well"--Allen started to take his departure--"we don't seem to have made +much progress; but, at any rate, you know where I stand. I shan't buy +any crępe until I receive the wedding cards, and in the mean time"--he +bowed very low--"please don't overlook the fact that yours truly is your +greatest responsibility, and one which you can't shake off." + +Standing in the hall at the foot of the stairs, Allen discovered a +figure militant awaiting his descent. Patricia was indignant and +excited. + +"Hello, Lady Pat!" cried Allen. "What's happened?" + +Patricia stamped her foot. "Alice is a naughty, naughty girl," she +cried, with tears in her eyes. "I don't love her any more." + +"Tut, tut." Allen sat on the lowest step and soothed the child. "Alice +is all right." + +"No, she isn't," Patricia insisted. Then she pulled away from him and +again stood very straight, immaculate in her white frock. "I've been +listening up-stairs." + +"Oh, ho!" Allen shook his finger reproachfully. "Was that a nice thing +to do?" + +"It was my duty," the child responded, impressively. "I always do that, +and I heard what she said; but I will make it up to you." + +"That's awfully good of you, Lady Pat." + +"You may kiss me." She held her face forward, with her hands still +behind her. + +Allen drew her into his lap. "There's one for the lips, and one for each +eye, and one for each cheek," suiting the action to the word. Patricia +worked herself free. + +"Now we're engaged," she announced. "You may marry me as soon as you +like." + +Allen concealed his amusement. "I can't marry you because I've made a +vow to marry Alice, and it would never do to break a vow, would it?" + +"But if the lady won't marry you, then you are released from your vow," +Patricia explained, showing perfect familiarity with the laws of +chivalry. + +"Not until she marries some one else," he corrected. + +"That's all right," the child assented, cheerfully; "until then you can +be my Knight." Then she majestically untied the ribbon in her hair and +held it out to him. + +"What's this for?" he inquired. + +"For you--to wear always. Every knight in my _Round Table_ book has a +token from his lady-love." + +"I shall wear it next my heart," Allen told her. "And now, fair Lady +Pat, good-bye." + +The child made a magnificent courtesy. "Good-bye, Sir Launcelot, 'til +death asunder." + + + + +XIII + + +John Covington's mind had been fully occupied during the few days which +succeeded Harris's call. Inwardly he blamed himself as a bungler not to +have covered his footsteps with greater skill; outwardly he was as +unruffled and self-satisfied as ever. He called on Brady with Harris, as +he promised. He allowed them both to explain their plans with even +greater detail than Harris's previous disclosures. He listened, calmly +and unprotestingly, to their confident statements as to what they +proposed to make him, as a director in the Consolidated Companies, do +for them. Then with equal serenity he flatly declined to yield to the +pressure brought to bear upon him. + +"I suppose you understand what this means to you," Brady snapped, +angered by the unexpected refusal. + +"Better than you do, I feel certain." + +"What will the virtuous Mr. Gorham say when he finds out that you hold +all that stock?" + +"He will give your statement no credence whatever." + +"But we can prove it to him." + +"On the contrary, you will find yourself unable to do this." + +"Didn't Harris show you that list?" + +"Yes; but that was some days ago." + +"You've unloaded, eh? That won't help you any. We'll find out who's got +it." + +"You need not take any trouble about the matter, as I am quite ready to +give you the necessary information. Miss Gorham now holds the shares." + +"Gorham's daughter?" queried Harris. "Does he know it?" + +"I really don't know whether Miss Gorham has advised her father or not; +that is her affair." + +"Well, we'll see that he does know it," stormed Brady; "and will also +see that he knows how you've unloaded it on her." + +"You may find some difficulty," Covington replied, suavely. "The +certificates, you know, never stood in my name. I simply acted as the +young lady's agent. If you can make any capital out of that, you are at +perfect liberty to do so. Was there any other detail in connection with +this matter which you wished to discuss with me? Mr. Harris and you have +been most confidential, and I might possibly feel inclined to +reciprocate." + +"You know too damned much already," retorted Brady, savagely. "I was a +fool not to put the deal through before Gorham got into the game. After +that it was too late--the stockholders would never have stood for our +extra rake-off after he put them wise." + +Harris's face paled. "You don't mean that there's danger of our getting +thrown down, do you?" he queried in a tense voice. "I've put every +dollar I own and some I don't own into this pool with you." + +Brady struck him familiarly on the back and laughed. "You are in hard +when you show the white feather like that. Cheer up. There's no question +of being thrown down. What do you take me for? It's only a question of +whether or not we can get all there is in it--that's what I'm worrying +about. Gorham's been getting next to Littleton and Graham all summer. +I've tried to find out just what he was up to, but he's smarter in +covering his tracks than I am to uncover 'em, even if he ain't quite so +smart in some other directions. He's been in to see me several times, +and there hasn't been a word to make me think that things ain't going +through just as we planned 'em; but if they are, what's he monkeying +round with those other fellows for? That's what I want to know. If our +friend here feels like reciprocating, as he says he does, now's his +chance." + +Covington watched the two men closely. He may have enjoyed the fact that +the course of the conversation had turned, but if so he gave no evidence +of it. + +"You have placed me in possession of certain information which obviously +would not assist in carrying out your plans," he remarked, suggestively. +"Now, this whole transaction, as I informed Mr. Harris, is in Mr. +Gorham's hands. Under certain conditions, I might not feel it incumbent +upon me to interfere." + +"And those are?" asked Harris. + +"That you forget my insignificant part in the purchase of Miss Gorham's +stock," he replied. "It is not of great concern to me, and you are +perfectly free to communicate it to Mr. Gorham if you choose; but in +view of certain things which have occurred since, I should be glad to +have the matter dropped if agreeable to you." + +"That's easy enough," Brady remarked, showing signs of relief. "Is that +all?" + +"Yes," Covington replied; "I am not as avaricious as you are in +exacting my pound of flesh. Now, one other thing in order to give good +measure: it may interest you to know that Mr. Gorham went over the +contract with me yesterday in detail, and he is going to accept it as it +stands, paying you the price you named." + +"You saw what it stipulated, Covington? It covers everything just as we +turn it over. He can find out all in good time what three lines ain't +included, and also the price his precious Companies will have to pay for +them." + +"He appeared to be perfectly satisfied," Covington continued, calmly. "I +should judge that everything was all right." + +"Then he's been wastin' time," growled Brady, "and he can have all the +pink teas he wants with Littleton and Graham. We directors have the +authority, anyhow; nobody could stop us. Who the devil is Gorham to +dictate to me? He thinks he's the whole show, he does. It makes me sick +to see him swellin' around with that girl wife of his. She's a stunner +all right, and I don't blame him; but who the devil is she? Somebody's +divorced wife, ain't she, Covington? Does anybody know anything about +her? He ain't so much." He took out his watch and looked at it +mechanically. "I guess I'm gettin' old to have these nervous spells--it +ain't like me." + +Covington bade them good-morning and returned to his office fairly well +satisfied. The danger of the present situation had been minimized. He +felt sure that Alice would not go out of her way to acquaint her father +with the name of the stock by which her property would be handsomely +increased, and he knew that Gorham's mind was too full of other matters +to press her for the details unless she volunteered them. But he must +be more discreet, this he realized. If the matter could be dropped here, +he would have learned a useful lesson; and then, too, the interview had +not been without a suggestion which was well worth following up. It +occurred to Covington, in view of Brady's remark, that he had been +unpardonably obtuse in neglecting to acquaint himself with the details +of Mrs. Gorham's early life. He knew vaguely that she had been the +victim of unpleasant experiences before her present marriage, but what +they were he had never learned. There might be something in them which +it would be to his advantage to know, and it could surely do no harm to +make a quiet investigation. + +On the following day, Covington found himself in front of an +old-fashioned brick building standing almost significantly in the shadow +of the Tombs. He paused for a moment to wonder at the enormous gaudy +sign, "Levy & Whitcher's Law Offices," running across the front and side +of the edifice, which impressed him with a sense of its vulgarity. The +door creaked as Covington opened it and passed on into the dingy +offices--even dingier than the nature of the business done in them +required, because of the dirt-trodden floors and their unwashed windows. +He pushed his way through the bunch of process-servers, messengers, and +clerks who littered up the outer office, almost tripping over a torn +law-book on the floor, and finally found his way to the waiting-room of +Mr. Levy's private sanctum in the rear. Here he was subjected to a +careful scrutiny by the lawyer's "secretary," whose personal appearance +seemed to indicate greater familiarity with the prize ring than with +clerical labors. There may have been method in his selection, as Mr. +Levy was a gentleman whose professional life had been spent in +undertakings which a conservative insurance company might classify under +"hazardous risks." + +Levy had reached a point in his career when he could afford to keep his +clients waiting. He and his partner, during the twenty-five years they +had been together, had prospered even beyond their early dreams of +avarice. It was their boast that during their partnership it had not +been necessary to open a law-book three times. There was always a way to +beat a case "on the facts," and they had learned the way. They kept no +books, and the pleasantest part of each day's business was the +five-o'clock adjournment to a neighboring saloon, where the partners had +punctiliously divided the millions which came to the firm during the +years of their successful association. + +After a delay which proved more or less aggravating to Covington, he was +ushered into the presence of the "great" man. Levy endeavored to be +courteous in his reception, but Covington showed scant interest in +conventions. He plunged at once into the nature of his business, finding +Levy an interested and sympathetic listener. It was some minutes after +his caller ceased speaking that the silence was broken. + +"Well," Covington said at length, coldly, "does the matter interest +you?" + +"I was deliberating," the lawyer rejoined, almost as if in apology. + +"Do you think you can discover anything of interest?" + +Levy smiled blandly. "How can I say as yet?" he replied, conservatively. +"There are certain elements which might contain interesting and +promising details--a famous man married to a divorced woman twenty-five +years his junior. We might easily find enough so that if you cared to +push it he would prefer to make some concessions rather than suffer any +unpleasant notoriety; and she may have a past which she would do much to +keep forgotten. Yes, there are possibilities. Do you wish me to +investigate?" + +"How long will it take?" + +"It may require a fortnight; it may take six months." + +"By that time you would know whether there was anything in it?" + +"Assuredly." + +"Then you may proceed. Advise me when you are ready to talk and I'll +come in again." + +"There is one other matter," added Levy. "In case the affair develops, +it may be fairly expensive." + +Covington looked at him curiously. "I presume so," he said. "Before we +get into it too far, I shall insist upon some understanding. I am not +your debtor yet, am I?" + +"The investigation will entail some expense and time," Levy continued, +thoughtfully. "You might pay me--say, five thousand as a retainer." + +"This is a business proposition, Mr. Levy," Covington reminded him, +sharply. "Thus far I have looked upon myself as a possible plaintiff in +the affair--not as a defendant. I am not obliged to proceed in the +matter, and will drop it right here if you propose to start in by trying +extortion on me." + +Levy was grieved that any one should so misconstrue his motives. "This +isn't a childish play we're going into, Mr. Covington," he replied, +mildly. "Gorham is big game, and I presume you expect to gain something +out of this little affair." + +"You presume too much," Covington said, shortly. "Comments are neither +asked for nor desired. If you wish to do this work for me, I will pay +you a fair price--yes, a high price--for your services, but no +blood-money. I'll pay you a thousand dollars now as a retainer; I'll pay +all reasonable expenses and four thousand dollars more in case you find +anything of interest to me. Then, if I decide to use the information +later, I'll make a trade with you at that time on the basis of what it +is worth. Do you care to accept the case on these terms?" + +"The conditions are most unusual," Levy wavered. + +"The case itself is an unusual one," Covington replied. "The chances are +a hundred to one that you find nothing, in which case you will have +earned your fee easily. Beyond this the odds are at least as great that +I shall make no use of what you find out, anyway, which means that I +shall have paid a large price to gratify my whim." + +"There is something in what you say," admitted Levy. + +"Then you will undertake it on my terms?" + +"Yes; give me your check for a thousand dollars and I'll start the ball +rolling." + +"My check?" queried Covington. "I have no doubt currency will be equally +acceptable." + +"Thank you very much," Levy replied, genially, placing the bills +carefully within a capacious wallet against the happy hour of five +o'clock in Mulligan's conveniently located saloon. + + + + +XIV + + +The merger of the New York street railways, which occurred three weeks +later, was Gorham's first chance to demonstrate to the public what the +Consolidated Companies could accomplish in handling a great metropolitan +transportation problem. The further he got into it, however, the more +serious the problem became, and he had moved slowly to prevent any +possible mistake. But now he was ready to proceed without further delay +to complete his previous negotiations to secure the traction franchise +for which Collins had bribed the Aldermen, and for a part interest in +which Brady had intimidated Collins. It had been a nauseating piece of +work even to Gorham, who had become only too familiar with the +particular grade of business "morality" permeating those possessed of +opportunity and fortified by responsibility. Covington was never able to +reconcile Gorham's willingness to do business with men of this stamp, +and the apparent personal stand which he took against both their +practices and their methods. + +"It is all perfectly consistent," Gorham assured him on more than one +occasion. "It is often necessary to walk through filth and slime in +order to reach high ground. It is a serious fault in our business system +that these crimes can be committed, but the Consolidated Companies is +not responsible for the system. To accomplish its own high ends, the +Companies must possess itself of certain properties. These properties +are at present in the hands of dishonest stewards, but these same +dishonest stewards are legally authorized to sell them. The Companies +buys, therefore, from those who have to sell, and its moral +responsibility begins only upon its acquisition." + +The transaction, large as it was, proved not a lengthy one. The +franchise was formally made over to the Consolidated Companies, and the +controlling stock in the New York Street Railways Company changed +ownership. Properly certified checks for the franchise and for the stock +were duly delivered into Brady's hands, and the business of the +conference seemed to be completely settled to the satisfaction of all +concerned. Still, Mr. Gorham and those who had come with him showed no +disposition to depart. + +"There ain't anything more, is there?" asked Brady, eager to terminate +the conference, "except to congratulate the Consolidated Companies on +acquirin' a damned valuable property." + +"Only a little more," Gorham replied, quietly. "I have asked my friends, +Mr. Littleton and Mr. Graham, to be present this morning, as I found +that they, like the other and smaller stockholders, had very little +knowledge of how their affairs were being handled for them by their +directors. They have received their dividends regularly and promptly and +were satisfied." + +"What in hell is this a preamble to?" Brady whispered to Harris. "My +nerves ain't quiet yet, even with the cash in my jeans." + +But Gorham was still talking in the same low, quiet voice. + +"These gentlemen," he was saying, "have honored the Consolidated +Companies by becoming stockholders, so I thought it might be +illuminating for them to be present at this conference, which will +serve, I believe, as well as any to demonstrate the methods which the +Consolidated Companies is obliged to meet and those which it proposes to +employ." + +"I don't know that this interests me much," interrupted Brady, +ill-humoredly. "Our business is done, ain't it?" + +"Not quite," Gorham continued, scarcely heeding the break. "On behalf of +the Consolidated Companies, and exercising the rights vested in me by my +Board of Directors, I have just handed to you, Mr. Brady, a certified +check for one hundred thousand dollars. Why it should go to you instead +of to Mr. Collins you probably know better than I--it is enough that you +have his authority to receive it. I happen to be aware that this check +represents fifty thousand dollars more than Mr. Collins paid to get the +franchise through the Board of Aldermen, so it is fair to assume that +the price of twelve city fathers is the same as two private citizens." + +Harris found some difficulty in restraining Brady at this point, but +their joint uncertainty regarding Gorham's ultimate purpose resulted in +preserving silence. + +"In addition to the check for the franchise," he continued, "I have also +handed to Mr. Brady other certified checks for some twenty million +dollars beyond the par value of the stocks of the various companies +included in the merger which has just been consummated." + +"What are you kickin' about?" demanded Brady. "Ain't that the price you +agreed to?" + +"It is; and I consider the properties worth the price or I should not +have agreed to it." + +"The stockholders ought to be satisfied, hadn't they? They're gettin' +good returns." + +"Yes, they ought to be satisfied, and I have no doubt they are." + +"Then what's the point, friend--what's all this palaver?" + +"I was just coming to that. There are three short lines which are not +mentioned in that contract. May I ask if there was any special reason +for their omission?" + +"That's our business," snarled Brady. + +"I know it is," Gorham replied, sharply, "and I'm going to ask you to +attend to it right now." + +"We'll attend to it when we get good and ready." Brady squared himself +for the issue. "If you was as smart as you think you are, you'd have +thought of those three lines before you cashed up." + +"I didn't overlook them," Gorham replied. "I can buy them cheaper now." + +Brady was amused and showed his appreciation of the speaker's humor in +his sidelong glance at Harris. + +"You think so, do you?" he calmed himself enough to reply. "I presume +you've settled on the price you're goin' to pay?" + +"I have," answered Gorham; "but I'm not quite ready to quote it. The +stockholders of these small companies understood that you were +purchasing their stock to be merged with the New York Street Railways +Company, didn't they?" + +"It don't make a damned bit of difference what they thought. We paid 'em +their price." + +"And the stockholders of the New York Street Railways Company thought +you were buying this stock to be merged with theirs, didn't they?" + +"We used our own money to buy that stock. You can't find a thing about +it that ain't straight." + +"Very good. Now I'll name my price for the three lines. The Consolidated +Companies will pay you fifty thousand dollars for them." + +"Fifty thousand!" gasped Brady. "Why, we paid two hundred thousand." + +"Thank you. I had wondered what you did pay for them, and this +information is no doubt authentic. The stockholders made a better thing +out of it than you will." + +"But we won't sell at anything like that figure." + +"Oh, yes, you will if you sell at all," Gorham rejoined. "One method by +which the Consolidated Companies has succeeded is that of taking the +public into its confidence whenever there is need of it. To-morrow we +shall announce the birth of the Manhattan Traction Company, explaining +its inception and its intentions. We shall show that, although we have +paid an enormous price for the purchase of the properties, we shall +capitalize at one-half the amount originally planned by those who would +have carried through the merger if our Companies had not stepped in. We +shall announce an increase of transfer privileges and a reduction of +fares. We shall guarantee better equipment and better service. We shall +also carefully explain that one of the reasons we can do this is that +the company will be run in the interests of the public and the +stockholders instead of in the interests of a few individuals; and we +shall quote, in proof of this, that we purchased the three lines +referred to for fifty thousand dollars when it was originally planned +to have them cost the Companies something over two millions." + +"They will still cost the Companies 'something over two millions,'" +shouted Brady, "and the public be damned." + +"Our slogan is, 'The public be pleased,'" smiled Gorham. "The offer of +the Consolidated Companies will hold for twenty-four hours only," he +continued, rising. "The franchise, you will perhaps remember, grants +full privileges for the construction of further subway connections. +Under these circumstances, we do not urge you to accept our offer--we +merely invite your consideration. Now, gentlemen"--Gorham placed a +peculiar emphasis on the word--"I believe our business is completed. The +time limit on our offer will expire at noon to-morrow." + +Covington was an interested spectator throughout the conference, and +Gorham's supreme command of the situation won from him his silent but +profound admiration. He rejoiced that this force was directed against +others rather than himself, and he realized more than ever the +importance of taking no chances of coming into conflict with this man +who swept everything before him. He had enjoyed watching the faces of +Brady and Harris as the game progressed, but his enjoyment encouraged +him to remain too long after the departure of the others. Harris was +cowed and frightened and seemed almost ready to break into tears, but +Brady assumed an attitude which fitted him singularly well. It was not +dismay, it was not chagrin--he was angry to the point of bursting. To +Brady the one sin more flagrant than all others in the category of crime +was failure, and in order to relieve his own conscience from the +pollution of having failed he saw fit to attribute the entire +responsibility to Covington. + +"You damned skunk!" he cried, "you've sold us out after promisin' not +to, that's what you've done! But I'll get back at you if it costs me ten +years in Sing Sing!" + +Covington for a second time went directly from Brady's office to his +own, but the former complacency was replaced by a vague apprehension. A +threat from Brady was worthy of consideration. Among the personal mail +which he found upon his desk was a plain envelope, which, for some +unknown reason, attracted his attention enough to cause him to open it +before the one which lay on top. The signature interested him even more, +particularly at the present moment, with his thoughts filled with what +had recently passed. It is a precaution of the experienced mariner to +inspect his lifeboats with especial care as he passes by a dangerous +reef. The letter read: + +"_The divorce papers prove to be shockingly irregular, and there are +developments in the early life. Please call at your convenience._" + +Covington crushed the paper in his hand and turned toward his desk with +a changed expression. He smiled as he looked forward into space--the +first smile which had lighted up his face for several days. Then he +brought his clenched fist down hard on the desk for no apparent reason +and muttered something to himself. + + + + +XV + + +As evidenced in the message received by Covington, Levy had not been +neglectful of the case which had been intrusted to him by his new +client. Without much difficulty Buckner was located in New Orleans, and +identified as the proprietor of a low dive which had become the +rendezvous for the most vicious outcasts of the city. Drink and +debauchery had long since destroyed the physical advantages he had +possessed over other men at the time of his marriage. The death of his +child, to whom he had given as much affection as his nature possessed, +the stern arraignment of the neighbor who helped him to his ranch and +later brought him the tragic news, and the consciousness of his own +responsibility in the accident, all combined to drive him almost +immediately away from the scenes which reminded him of it; and as time +passed the bitterness turned to resentment against his wife. If she had +not left the ranch that day, he argued to himself, the accident would +never have happened. She had loathed him for months before the final +separation, and he had resented the disgust which she made no effort to +conceal. There had been enough manhood left in him then to feel it and +to resent it. + +When he first heard that she had instituted divorce proceedings his +anger returned, and he determined to hold her to the unwelcome bonds if +for nothing else than to know that she still suffered; but a +consultation with an attorney showed him the futility of any defence, so +he simply held this up against her as another affront to be wiped out if +the time ever came which gave him the opportunity. + +But he had long since given up all hope that this time would ever come. +During the years which had elapsed he had drifted from one city to +another, each time taking a stand a degree lower than the preceding. In +New Orleans he had succeeded in getting a little better living than +heretofore, so he had settled down there with the idea of making it a +permanency. + +It was a welcome break in the monotony for him to receive a call from +Levy's agent, and the fact that the visitor felt inclined to provide +liquid refreshment of a grade considerably higher than he had been able +to indulge himself in for many years did not detract from his welcome. +As the evening wore on he was quite willing--almost eager--to tell the +story of his life to this agreeable and sympathetic listener, so Levy +had been materially assisted in the preliminary investigation of his +case. Nor was the welcome any less cordial when the agent appeared for a +second time, on this occasion offering Buckner five hundred dollars in +exchange for his "time and trouble." He was given no intimation +regarding the nature of his errand; he really had little curiosity. It +was enough that it paid what was now to him a princely sum, and also +guaranteed him an attractive experience at some one else's expense. + +On his arrival Levy gave Buckner a welcome which raised his self-esteem +almost to the bursting-point. A box of costly cigars and a decanter of +fine brandy close at his elbow appeared to him as the height of +hospitality, as one gentleman would extend it to another. And when he +found that his new host manifested even as deep an interest in his +previous life as his earlier friend who had provided the money, he was +prepared to reciprocate in every way that lay in his power. + +With the preliminary acquaintance thus happily and firmly established, +Levy opened up for business. + +"In this suit for divorce which your wife brought," he asked, "the +summons was never served on you, was it?" + +"Why, yes," Buckner replied, slowly refilling his glass from the +decanter; "it was served on me by a man named Murray, at Colorado +Springs." + +"Oh, dear; oh, dear!" groaned Levy, with a mixture of pathos and +incredulity, "what an unfortunate memory you have! There was no one else +in Colorado Springs who knew about it, I presume?" + +"Not there," Buckner answered; "I sent the paper to a lawyer in Denver +named Jennings." + +"But there was no correspondence between you?" + +"Yes; there were two or three letters." + +"Where is Jennings now?" + +"Dead, for all I know," he responded, with a cheerfulness which came +from his comfortable environment rather than from any particular +pleasure from the possible demise of the gentleman in question. "He +moved away from Denver later, and I haven't heard of him since." + +Levy was absorbed in his own thoughts for several moments, which time +was profitably employed by Buckner again to replenish his glass, and to +help himself to a fresh cigar. + +"Look here, Buckner." Levy spoke so suddenly that his companion +guiltily replaced the unlighted cigar in the box. "How difficult would +it be for you to forget that you ever had a summons served on you, +provided there was enough in it to make it worth while?" + +Buckner boldly placed the cigar between his lips and straightened up. + +"What's the game?" he asked. "Tell me what's up, and perhaps we can make +a trade." + +"I have a client who might like to see that divorce decree set aside," +Levy began. + +"Another friend of mine, eh?" Buckner laughed at his own joke. "Never +knew before I was so popular." The brandy was getting in its work. +"Every one is interested in my marriage troubles, and here's one wants +to give me back my wife!" + +"Never mind that," Levy stopped him. "This client of mine isn't +interested in you or in your wife, but he evidently has a private spite +against Gorham, who married her. He may not care to push it, but, if he +does, do you see what the game is?" + +"Sure I do, sure I do," Buckner answered, thickly. "Damned good +game--I'll play it with you. It would hit her hard, too, wouldn't it?" + +"What do you care if it does?" + +"I don't care--glad of it--that's the special reason why I'm willing to +play the game." + +"All right; we'll get down to business. I'm going to draw up an +affidavit that, as far as the divorce proceedings are concerned, you +never retained any lawyer, and never were served with a summons, either +in Colorado Springs or anywhere else; that you never knew of the pending +of the action, nor that this suit was to be brought to trial. And you +are to swear to this, do you understand?" + +Buckner whistled suggestively. "What's the financial proposition?" + +"Five thousand dollars if I use it; five hundred if I don't." + +"Suppose Jennings turns up with those letters. There's a penalty for +that, isn't there?" + +"We'll take good care that Jennings doesn't turn up," Levy assured him, +"and we would be taking all the risk." + +It was Buckner's turn to become absorbed, and this time it was Levy who +refilled his glass. + +"It would be a lot of money," he muttered to himself, as he nervously +gulped the brandy down, "and it would hit her hard. Go ahead, Levy. Draw +up your damned paper and I'll sign it. Never knew I was so popular, +anyhow." + +Levy left him for a few moments while he dictated the affidavit, +returning to his private office while the stenographer was writing out +her notes. + +"I don't suppose you know anything about the personal affairs of Mrs. +Buckner-Gorham which would be of assistance to us in this case, do you?" + +Buckner thought hard. Ideas came slowly to him in his present condition, +but at last he looked up with an expression which interested the lawyer. + +"She thought herself too good for me," he muttered, "but there is +something I should like to have her explain," he said. + +"And what is that?" Levy asked, quickly jumping at a possible clew. + +"After she found me in the trail she disappeared for two weeks before +she returned to her father's ranch, and I should like to know where she +spent that time." + +"Where do you think she spent it?" + +"I don't know for sure, but there are people who say she was with a +prospector in his shack four or five miles from my ranch. I didn't hear +about it until afterward; but, anyhow, there was a man rode back with +her to her father's ranch who got her into the hospital in Denver after +she found her father was dead. She thinks she's better than I am, but, +just the same, I'd like to know who that man was." + +Levy quickly made a few notes. "I think I may be able to assist you in +gratifying that desire," he remarked. + + * * * * * + +The next day after receiving the message, Covington again found himself +within Levy's dingy offices, and this time he experienced no delay in +being conducted to the sanctum in the rear, where he found the lawyer +ready to receive him with a genial smile and a cordiality which +expressed itself in the briskness with which he rubbed his hands +together. + +"I think you will be well pleased with the rapid progress of our +investigations," Levy began. + +"I judged so by your letter." Covington was noncommittal. + +"There will be no difficulty in having the divorce decree granted to +Mrs. Buckner--now Mrs. Gorham--set aside whenever you say the word. Here +is the affidavit of Buckner himself, and the fellow is not only willing +but eager to push the case through." + +Covington took the document in his hand and examined it carefully. +Then: "How would you undertake to do it?" he asked. + +"It is a principle of our firm not to discuss methods with our clients. +Results are what count, and our reputation for securing these is perhaps +a sufficient guarantee that my statement is based on facts." + +"Your position is undoubtedly fully justified," Covington replied, a +slight expression of amusement showing in his face. "We hardly need to +discuss that phase of it, however, as this is probably as far as I shall +ask you to go." + +"Oh, Mr. Covington, you wouldn't drop a nice case like this, would you?" +Levy begged. "There is a lot of money in it for both of us." + +Covington answered him, coldly: "I believe the terms of our business +arrangement were clearly understood at the beginning." + +"Yes, but it is such a nice case," Levy still pleaded. "You need not +appear in it at all if you don't want to. Mr. Buckner can become the +plaintiff, and it need not cost you anything. We can make Mr. Gorham pay +all the bills." + +"That's enough of that," was the sharp reply. "Now, what was it that you +found out about Mrs. Gorham's early history?" + +Levy accepted the inevitable with equanimity, contenting himself with a +gesture which expressed more than words. + +"I have learned that after her child's death Mrs. Gorham, then Mrs. +Buckner, disappeared for a period of two weeks, during which time she is +alleged to have lived in a prospector's shack alone with him. Do you +catch the significance?" + +Covington again held out his hand, taking the second affidavit, which +he scrutinized with the same care he gave the first. + +"This is merely the unconfirmed statement of a prejudiced party," he +remarked; "it is of no value unless you could prove it." + +Levy smiled. "My dear Mr. Covington, we can prove anything--that is our +business." + +"Well"--Covington rose--"you seem to have carried out your end of the +affair." He drew a roll of bills from his pocket. "Here is the balance +due you. If I decide to make use of these documents, I will see you +again and make a trade. Kindly give me an acknowledgment of my payment." + +Levy held up a hand protestingly. "I explained before that we never give +receipts--" + +"Oh, yes; it had slipped my mind," Covington acquiesced. + +"I hope to see you again soon, Mr. Covington," Levy said in parting. "It +is a nice case, such a nice case." + +The departing client gave no evidence that he heard the words, but after +pushing his way to the street he drew a long breath, which might have +indicated relief after sitting in the close office, or satisfaction that +he held in his possession new weapons which could easily be made useful +in case of need. + + + + +XVI + + +The mail-order business came to an abrupt end three months after Alice +Gorham became its head. This in no way reflected upon its management, +but it was too trifling an enterprise for the Consolidated Companies to +retain. Covington was enthusiastic in his reports to Mr. Gorham +regarding Alice's proficiency and natural ability along business lines. +This experience had been an interesting and valuable one to her, he +explained, but would it not accomplish the same purpose and be better +for Miss Gorham--still, of course, under his guidance--to take personal +charge of her own property and thus become thoroughly familiar with the +various investments? + +Gorham heartily approved of Covington's suggestion, and so did Alice. To +the former it seemed to offer a natural vent for his daughter's desires; +to the girl it appeared as a real promotion. It was not necessary for +Covington to explain to his chief that the arrangement actually went +into effect several weeks before it was submitted to him for his +approval, nor did he take any credit to himself for the handsome profit +in certain street railways stock, which netted Alice thirty thousand +dollars as a result of her first investment. In fact, he modestly +cautioned his pupil to say nothing about it, on the ground that the next +investment might show a loss, and her father would be interested only +in final results. + +During the weeks which succeeded the merger of the New York street +railways, Covington was more assiduous than ever in his attentions to +Alice, yet, even with Allen's jealous suggestions, the girl saw in them +nothing more than a continuation of their previous relations. His skill +in manipulating her securities increased her admiration, and the +incredible success filled her with joy. She was bursting with +enthusiasm, and longed for an opportunity to share her happiness at +least with Eleanor; but since the first confidences with her, she had +become convinced that her preceptor's restrictions included Eleanor as +well. + +In spite of the care with which he selected the moment and the words, +when Covington actually declared himself it came to Alice not only as a +surprise, but as a distinct shock. At first she could not believe him +sincere, but he succeeded in convincing her on this point. He +interpreted her long silence and evident surprise as the natural +expression of a young girl face to face with the most vital problem +which ever comes to her. As a matter of fact, had Alice analyzed her +feelings, the compound would have proved to be made up in equal parts of +gratification, astonishment, and a broken idol. She was flattered that +this man should really wish to marry her, she was amazed that his +declaration did not arouse in her all those sentimental emotions which +she had associated with a moment such as this; and she instinctively +felt that he could not possibly be the great man she had considered him, +to desire what he had asked. + +"I thought you and I had decided that I was to be a business woman," +Alice said at last, questioningly. + +"Only for the time being," Covington smiled, well satisfied. "That is +all right as a pastime, and you shall indulge in it as much as you like, +but Mrs. John Covington will have more of a position to live up to even +than Miss Alice Gorham." + +"That's just it," she said, slowly. "It doesn't seem to me that I am +ready to assume any 'position,' as you call it. Until you and daddy gave +me this chance to do something else besides dances and theatre-parties +and all those things we girls fill our time with, I was drifting +hopelessly. This tiny bit of responsibility has been just the anchor I +needed. What I read means so much more to me, what people talk about is +of increased interest because I am just that much more conversant with +what is going on; and the dances and the theatre-parties are lots more +fun too. What you have asked, Mr. Covington, is enough to make any girl +feel proud and happy, but--I don't believe I'm ready yet to give up my +girlhood now when I am enjoying it most." + +"There need be no haste in your decision," he said, graciously. + +"Needn't there? Then you will give me a long time to think it over?" + +"Not too long, I hope," he answered, significantly. + +"But, truly," Alice's pout was exceedingly becoming, "I don't want to be +married at all. Why should I when I am so happy?" + +"Isn't that an unusual position for a young girl to take?" + +"Perhaps it's because I am young," she admitted, smiling. "But I see so +many--what shall I call them?--semi-detached couples, that it makes me +wonder." + +"Semi-detached?" Covington queried. + +"Why, yes," she explained; "you know what I mean: the only way they can +live happily together is to live apart." + +"You are not very complimentary to me." + +"Oh, please!" Alice interrupted quickly. "But you've noticed it, haven't +you?" + +"We notice many things which do not require personal application. In the +present instance I think we possess so many interests in common that our +marriage would be considered an ideal one. It would make me very happy." + +"You have been so kind," Alice said, looking at him gratefully. "You +know that I appreciate it, don't you? But I had no idea--you quite took +my breath away, you are so much older than I am, and--" + +"Am I so terribly old?" + +"Oh, no; I mean it is I who am so terribly young. I never felt quite so +young before. I suppose it is the surprise of it all. But you said I +might have a long time. I must talk with daddy and Eleanor, you know. +And I shall think it all over most carefully, please believe me." Alice +held out her hand cordially. "Will you excuse me now--I really must see +Eleanor." + +Covington watched the girl in amazement as she hastily withdrew her hand +and fled from the room. The self-possessed young woman whom he had met +day after day had vanished, and in her place he saw the youthful +school-girl, frightened into a loss of self-control by the offer of +marriage he had just tendered her. Yet the whole episode amused him +hugely. He smiled as he thought of his wife-to-be--the future Mrs. John +Covington--running like a frightened deer from the first situation which +took her by surprise! It was not as he had pictured it, but youth is a +malady from which one's convalescence is ever speedy, and he could enjoy +it while it lasted. He found his way to the front door unguided, where +he paused for a moment and looked back, as if expecting to see the lithe +form of the girl peering over the banister; but no sound came from the +floor above, and the staircase was vacant. + +"An amusing little minx," he laughed to himself, as he passed out of the +house. + +Alice lost no time in seeking Eleanor, eager to pour into her +sympathetic ears the new problem which had presented itself. Instead, +she found Patricia, curled up in an easy-chair, rereading her _Knights +of the Round Table_ with renewed interest. She bent over to kiss her, +but the child drew away. + +"I don't love you any more," she announced. + +"You don't!" asked Alice, taken by surprise. + +"No; you're so mean to Allen." + +The girl laughed. "Don't be silly, Pat. Why, Allen is only a kid, like +you. Where's mamma Eleanor?" + +"Lying down in her room; but he isn't a kid--he's my Knight." + +"All right; you may have him," Alice answered, lightly, turning toward +the door. + +"Alice!" + +The older girl turned. "Well?" she interrogated. + +"Is Mr. Covington a cat?" + +"What do you mean?" + +"Allen said to me the other day, 'Listen to him purr.'" + +"Allen ought to have his ears boxed." + +"No, he oughtn't"--but the door had slammed, and Patricia was alone with +her Knights. + +Alice tiptoed into Mrs. Gorham's room, then started to withdraw as +Eleanor appeared to be asleep, but the older woman stopped her. + +"Come in, dear," she said; "I am only resting." + +"Are you ill?" the girl asked, anxiously, all thought of her errand +vanishing; "you were looking very tired at breakfast." + +"I did not sleep last night," she replied, rising wearily from the bed, +and pressing her hands against her temples as she sat down. "I am so +perplexed that I don't know which way to turn. I wonder if you could +advise me, Alice?" + +"If only I could be of help to you!" the girl exclaimed, drawing another +chair close to Eleanor's, and taking both her hands in her own. + +Eleanor made no reply for several moments. "I don't know what to do," +she said simply at last. "I want to have my life an open book to your +father, yet in this one instance I can't see my way clear." + +"Why, Eleanor!" cried the girl, surprised, "how can that be possible?" + +"I don't wonder you ask; that is the question I have set myself to +answer. I saw Ralph Buckner yesterday as I was driving up Fifth Avenue, +and the sight of him filled me with apprehension." + +"Your first husband--in New York?" Alice asked, surprised. + +"Yes--what can he be doing here?" + +"You don't know that it has anything to do with you, do you?" + +"No; but I am so apprehensive that I imagine everything." + +"But the past is dead, Eleanor dear. To have it recalled is of course +painful, but why should you dread it?" + +Mrs. Gorham did not answer at once, and the girl was amazed to witness +the conflict of emotion which her face expressed. At last Eleanor raised +her eyes. + +"The past is not wholly dead," she said, in a low voice. "That is the +unfortunate part. There is one event which happened back there in +Colorado, right after Carina was killed, which has never--can never be +explained. It is the only detail of that awful tragedy which I have not +told your father, and I could not even tell you." + +"Can't you tell me enough so I can really help you, Eleanor?" + +"No, not even as much as that. The appearances were all against me. I +know that nothing occurred of which I need feel ashamed, but the +circumstantial evidence is so strong that it would be beyond human +possibility to expect any one, even one as generous as your father, to +accept my unsupported statement." + +"Has this to do with your first husband?" + +"I fear that if he has come in possession of the facts he may intend to +use them against me." + +"Then the only thing for you to do is to see father at once, and to tell +him everything yourself before that horrid man has the opportunity. +There is nothing, Eleanor, which you could tell him which he would not +accept exactly as you stated. Why, of course there isn't." + +"I wish I had your confidence, dear," Eleanor sighed, "but that would be +asking too much." + +"Was Mr. Buckner concerned in it?" + +"No; it was another man--the only other man I ever met except your +father whom I would include among God's noblemen." + +"Some one you loved, Eleanor?" the girl asked, hesitatingly. + +"No, dear, not that!" she cried, hastily. "I was in no condition at that +time to love any one. It was, as I told you, right after Carina's death. +He was the friend who protected me and who helped me at that time--I +told you about it--but who would believe that it was simply an act of +humanity?" + +"Father would believe it, Eleanor," the girl cried, firmly. "You must +tell him, and you must tell him now--now--he is in the library." + +"Oh, I cannot!" cried Eleanor, shrinking; "Robert is so much to me that +I cannot run the risk of having even a doubt disturb the perfect +understanding that has always existed between us." + +"You must, Eleanor," insisted Alice, rising and urging Mrs. Gorham to +her feet. "You must--shall I go with you?" + +"No, dear," Eleanor replied. "I will go"; and with slow footsteps she +left the room. + + * * * * * + +Gorham was well satisfied with the successful formation of the Manhattan +Traction Company, as he was also with the general progress of the +Consolidated Companies. Its expansion and success were phenomenal, and +it was, of a certainty, coming into its own. The volume of business had +quadrupled; its list of stockholders was nearly complete, and already +included a sufficient proportion of those who controlled the world's +pulse to make the acquisition of the others certain; its political +strength, exercised under his firm hand for peace always, even now +exceeded any similarly exerted power the world had known. + +It was natural that Gorham should be filled with a certain sense of +satisfaction that his work was bearing such magnificent fruit. One by +one the necessities of life were being given to the public at a lower +cost; one by one the luxuries, which had previously been denied them, +were being brought within their reach. Wars had been prevented and +taxation reduced. Everywhere the Consolidated Companies was looked upon +as the people's friend, and those connected with it as public +benefactors. And yet--the profits were increasing so rapidly that before +long they bade fair to defy human computation! + +For the first time since he began his work of forming the corporation +Gorham gave himself up to day-dreams. Sitting back in an easy-chair in +his library he watched the smoke curl upward from his cigar, and gave +his mind free rein. With the momentum now acquired, nothing could stem +the triumphal advance. The business scope had extended nearly as far as +he would let it go--he would confine it to public utilities and public +necessities. In the future, it might break beyond the confines he had +set for it, and even become the single employer of all labor, but for +his own time he would keep it within his limitations, so that he might +devote his thought and energy to the development of its political power. +Why should he not eventually succeed even in forcing a disarmament of +nations, relieving the people of their most grievous burden, and +insuring peace by the absolute control the Companies was certain to +acquire of foodstuffs and the munitions of war? Then, indeed, his life +would not have been in vain! + +His day-dreams and his thoughts were interrupted by finding his wife at +his side. She had entered so quietly that he had not heard her footstep, +and he gave a gentle start when he felt her hand upon his forehead. + +"Yes, dear, I am dreaming," he said, in answer to her unspoken question. +"You don't often see me this way, do you? The world never looked so +bright as it does to-day. The Consolidated Companies, the child of your +conception and my creation, has reached the zenith of its power. It may +grow larger, but even now nothing can resist it." + +"The world never looked so bright as it does to-day," Eleanor repeated to +herself, sitting on the arm of his chair, thrilled by the message of +love which this man sent out to her through the pressure of his hand on +hers which he held so closely. Should she be the one to disturb the +supreme serenity of his thoughts at this moment by a suggestion of +something which perhaps was only the figment of an over-anxious brain? +Inside the battle waged, but he could not see her face, so was ignorant +of the conflict. If her hand trembled within his own he did not notice +it. She looked down at the profile so clearly outlined. What strength, +what sweetness, what contentment! To-morrow she would tell him, but not +to-day. This moment was hers, and no past memory had the right to take +it from her! + + + + +XVII + + +The strain under which Gorham had been working for the past five years +was beginning to show itself, and, acting upon his doctor's advice, he +decided to take a brief respite from the cares and responsibilities of +the office. He did not think it necessary to leave New York, as the +reaction was not as yet strong enough to require any radical treatment. +A fortnight spent quietly at his home in the midst of congenial +surroundings would be entirely sufficient. During this time he denied +himself to business callers, simply keeping in touch with affairs by +means of his daily reports, which formed so strong a feature of his +business system. + +"They make the yesterdays into a whip of many lashes to urge to-day on +to still greater speed," Gorham once explained. "They change the +president of the Consolidated Companies from an absentee employer into +an ubiquitous superintendent." + +Because of Mr. Gorham's desire for retirement, the butler endeavored to +explain the impossibility of an interview to a tall, smooth-faced young +man who presented his card one afternoon. The caller's slight figure was +clad in a black whip-cord suit, and over his arm was thrown a neatly +folded tan overcoat. His silk hat carried a broad mourning band, and his +hands were encased in black kid gloves. Gorham's would-be visitor did +not present the most cheerful appearance, but the insistence with which +he emphasized the important nature of his business succeeded in +effecting his entrance to the hallway, where he was left until the +butler could fortify himself behind the faithful Riley's invaluable +advice. + +Riley looked at the printed visiting-card, gave a violent start, and +then quickly closed his hand over it. A penetrating glance disclosed the +fact that the name had conveyed no special information to his companion, +so he hastily assumed the responsibility of handling the situation, and +hurried to the hall. Giving the visitor no opportunity to speak, Riley +placed his hand gently upon his arm, and addressed him beseechingly. + +"Jimmie, me la-ad," the old man said, "is it raly yersel' come ter see +ye'er ol' fa-ather? I can't belave it, indade I can't; but 'tain't this +we must be talkin' about now. I know it's th' great man ye are, but ye +wuddent queer ye'er fa-ather by comin' ter th' front dure, wud ye? Come +now, Misther Robert ain't heard about it yit, so it's all right, +Jimmie--we'll go down-stairs an' have a nice little visit. It's proud I +am ter have ye call on me, but ye mustn't come ter th' front dure, +Jimmie--ye mustn't do that." + +Riley's anxiety to get his son down-stairs and into his own domain +blinded him to the straightness of Jimmie's back and the severe lines in +his face. With all the dignity at his command the visitor assumed a +position which perhaps he had learned during his career as an orator: + +"You are my father, and an old man," he replied, with rare +condescension, "so I will be gentle with you. I didn't call to sec +_you_, Mr. Riley--I have important business with Mr. Gorham." + +Riley drew back, indecision mingled with a father's pride that a son of +his could carry himself with such an air. + +"That's phwat brought ye here, is it?--business wid Misther Robert--ye!" +he repeated. "Ah, Jimmie, I can't belave it, me la-ad. Are ye shure?" + +"Is it his father who doubts the word of James Riley?" the younger man +replied, and Riley thought he discerned a touch of sorrow in the +unnatural tone of voice. + +"But Misther Robert ain't doin' no business these days, Jimmie. It's th' +vacation he's havin'." + +"This is personal business, Mr. Riley, and it's to his own interest to +see me. I can be of service to Mr. Gorham." + +"Ye can be iv service ter Misther Robert, Jimmie?" The old man's face +beamed with pride. "Ah, Jimmie, it's proud I am iv ye! Me own la-ad iv +service ter Misther Robert! I'll spake ter him at wance." + +As Riley drew back to admire his son, his eye fell upon the silk hat and +the black gloves. + +"Who's dead, Jimmie?" he asked, with real concern "--why do ye wear th' +sorry rag on ye'er hat an' th' ravens on ye'er hands?" + +"No one you know," James replied, carelessly flicking a speck from his +overcoat sleeve. "The city supplied them for the committee what went to +Moriarty's funeral last month." + +"Oh!" Riley wavered between his relief and his sense of duty to +acquaint his son with the proper usage of the articles in question. +Discretion finally prevailed, and he went up-stairs to impress Mr. +Gorham with the importance of Jimmie's errand. + +James Riley had acted upon a sudden impulse in making his call upon Mr. +Gorham. He had unexpectedly gained possession of certain information +which he felt might be of commercial value to himself, and beyond this +it offered him an opportunity to come in close contact with a famous +man. With his eye always open to the main chance, James felt that this +first meeting with Mr. Gorham, since he himself had come into his own, +might lead to something worth while. + +Even Gorham was conscious of the satisfaction expressed in the old man's +voice as he opened the library door for his famous offspring and +announced "Misther James Riley," dwelling noticeably upon the prefix. + +"I am glad to see you, James," Gorham greeted him cordially. "Your +father has kept me posted from time to time of your successes, and I +congratulate you both." + +Praise from the president of the Consolidated Companies was nectar to +James Riley, and with an effort to appear indifferent he suffered +himself to sit down. + +"Your father tells me you have personal business with me," Gorham +continued, noting the difficulty James experienced in getting under way. + +The caller would not have admitted it, even to himself, but the effect +of being actually in the presence of this man of world-wide fame, and in +the midst of such palatial surroundings, was to deprive him of his usual +easy flow of words. Gorham's remark, however, as was intended, served to +relieve him, but the oratorical prelude which he had carefully rehearsed +coming up on the electric 'bus had vanished from his mind, and he +plunged, as had still another "gentleman" before him, _in medias res_. + +"There's a feller in town what means to make trouble for you," he +announced, bluntly, looking up from his study of the pattern in the rug +to note the effect of his announcement upon his host. + +Gorham laughed. "I have an idea that there is more than one 'feller' in +town who would be glad to do that if he found the chance." + +"That may be, sir," James assented, "but this feller has come a long bit +out of his way to do it, and I don't think it's on the level, sir." + +"It is very good of you to come and tell me this, James," Gorham said, +lightly; "but I presume our secret service force already have the +gentleman on their list." + +"Oh, he ain't no gentleman," James corrected him, "and it ain't got +nothin' to do with business, sir, so I thought I'd call on you as a +friend and tell you what I know." + +"What else can it have to do with?" queried Gorham, incredulously, yet +humoring James for his father's sake. + +"With Mrs. Gorham, sir--leastwise, that's what he says." + +Gorham's apathy disappeared, but his visitor observed no change in the +calmness of his expression or in the quiet tone in which he spoke. + +"You surprise me, James. What sort of man is he?" + +"He's a blackguard, sir, and a liar. I'd have told him so, only he was +drunk, and I thought he might leak something what would be of interest +to you. He says he used to be Mrs. Gorham's husband." + +The lines deepened a little in Gorham's face. "What is his name?" he +asked. + +"Buckner, sir--Ralph Buckner." + +"H'm! And why do you think he intends to try to make trouble for me?" + +"Well, sir, you see it's this way. This feller come to the same +boardin'-house where I live, but I didn't pay no attention to him 'til I +see him playin' pool in the saloon opposite. I'm a Tammany man, sir, and +I has to mix with all the new ones what come into my ward. I got +acquainted with him over there, and he drank awful heavy. He's quiet +enough when he's sober, but he talks free and easy like when he gets +tanked. One night he says to me, 'I'm goin' to make a lot o' money.' + +"'Good!' says I, more to be agreeable than because I had any 'special +interest--'how're you goin' to do it?' + +"Then he laughed, silly-like, and winked at me. I didn't say no more, +but the next night he talked again. + +"'What do you think,' he says; 'I see my wife to-day ridin' up Fifth +Avenue behind the swellest pair o' horses in New York City. No wonder +she shook me for that.' + +"'What do you mean?' says I, surprised at his line o' talk. + +"'She's Mrs. Robert Gorham now,' says he, 'but perhaps she won't be +long.' + +"Then I laughed at him, and that made him mad. + +"'That's right,' says he. 'There're people here in this town who tell me +that her divorce from me warn't reg'lar, and I may be takin' the lady +back to New Orleans with me, and a heap o' money besides.' + +"0' course, all this don't mean nothin' to me, but I thought it might to +you, sir." + +Mr. Gorham did not reply for so long a time that James became anxious. + +"I hope I done right, sir, to come to you with this." + +"Yes, James; quite right. You are evidently influenced by your loyalty +to my family," Gorham answered. "It is right that you should be, but it +shall not be forgotten. There probably is nothing in all this, but, +since Mrs. Gorham's name was mentioned, I should like to get to the +bottom of it. I shall depend upon you to keep me posted." + +"I will, sir," James responded, eagerly. "I'll do that as long as he +stays in New York, but he says they're trying to get him to go back to +New Orleans." + +"Who are 'they'?" + +"I don't know, sir." + +"That is the first thing to discover, James. I shall trust you to do +it." + +Gorham rose, and James, vastly satisfied with himself, followed the +suggestion. + +"I'll do it for you, sir," he said at the door. "You can depend on me +for that." + +"Thank you, James; and in the mean time it will be prudent for you to +keep your information to yourself." + +"Yes, sir; I'll do that, sir. Any one with a Tammany Hall education +knows how to do that, sir." + +Riley was anxiously awaiting the close of the interview, and eagerly +accompanied his son to the front door. Before he opened it, the old man +turned inquiringly. + +"Ain't ye goin' ter tell me phwat it's all about, Jimmie?" + +"It's too delicate a situation to discuss with the servants," James +replied, freezingly. "Me and Mr. Gorham understands each other, that's +all." + +Riley gazed with still greater admiration at the straight figure which +passed by him, out of the house, and up the gravel walk to the street. + +"Jimmie's th' great man," he muttered to himself as he closed the +door--"he's th' great man, mixin' wid men like Misther Robert; but he +hadn't oughter wear that sorry rag an' th' ravens, wid me, his only +livin' relation, still livin'." + +The bell rang almost immediately, and Riley, certain that James had +returned, hastened to throw the door open. As he did so, he discovered +Allen Sanford. + +"Who's that undertaker person?" Allen demanded. + +Riley straightened perceptibly. "'Tis me son James, Misther Sanford, an' +it's th' great man he is, an' no undertaker." + +"I beg your pardon, Riley," Allen laughed, noting the old man's injured +dignity. "Of course I should have known; but I may want to employ an +undertaker soon, so I suppose I had it on my mind." + +"Ain't ye falin' well, Misther Allen?" Riley asked, anxiously. + +"Oh, I don't want him for myself," Allen laughed again. "Is Miss Alice +in?" + +"How do I know 'til she tells me, sor?" + +"All right; you'll have to ask her then, won't you? If she is in, tell +her that I've called to have tea with her." + +Alice was in particularly high spirits. She had digested Covington's +proposal, and found that she enjoyed it. She was still waiting for a +chance to discuss it with Eleanor and her father, but she experienced an +unexpected amount of pleasure in thinking it over by herself. She had +already decided that she would take plenty of time before she gave her +answer. The sensation was so exhilarating that she was unwilling to +shorten its duration. It was all so incredible that she--little +she--should have attracted a man of Mr. Covington's calibre to the +extent that he should actually want to marry her! And now Allen had +called, giving her an outlet for this unusual buoyancy. + +Her caller was not blind to the excitement which showed in Alice's face, +and the formalities were scarcely over before he asked the question +which brought a violent color to the girl's cheeks. + +"So it's come, has it--just as I said it would?" + +"What has come?" Alice busied herself with the teacups which the butler +had already placed on the little table in front of her, and appeared to +be mystified, though she knew well what he meant. + +"That doesn't surprise me any," Allen continued, "but I really didn't +think it would set you up so much when it did strike." + +"I suppose you are enjoying this monologue," she replied. "Don't mind me +if it gives you any pleasure." + +"Look here, Alice"--he became desperate--"why can't we talk it over +without having to jump all these high hurdles? I know you don't care +anything about me, and you know that I can't see anything in life worth +while except you, so the situation is clear on both sides. But I can't +let that four-flusher pull the wool over your eyes without saying, +'Beware of the dog.' I shouldn't be a man if I did." + +"You take advantage of our friendship," she said, severely; "but there +are limits beyond which even an old friend cannot go, and you've reached +them. Mr. Covington is a friend too; I don't admit that he is more than +this, but I shan't let you say unfair things about him any more than I +should listen to similar things about you. Come now, let's drop the +subject. How many lumps will you have?" + +"Two lumps, and--no lemon, please." + +"You say you wouldn't be a man if you didn't warn me," the girl went on; +"but it is because you are not that you talk as you do. You find me +agreeable, and, boy-like, think you want to marry me. Pat thinks she +wants to marry you--you are both children, and both behave the same." + +Allen put his cup down on the table untasted. "Is there no way I can +convince you that I've grown up?" he demanded. + +"Yes; drop all this nonsense about me, and make yourself a place in the +world as Mr. Covington has done." + +"Never!" he almost shouted. "You don't know how he's made his place, or +you wouldn't say that. Do you want me to climb up by stepping all over +those who have helped me, to play double with every one I meet, to +crisscross even on the man who trusts me most, and finally try to cinch +my position by marrying his daughter? If that's your idea of being a +man, I'll tell you right now, not for mine." + +Alice rose, with flaming face. "I told you that you had reached the +limit, Allen--now you have passed it. Oh! why did I let you go on! I +like you so much, and I want to see you succeed. I've tried to help you +all I could, and this is the result. Now we can't even be friends any +more, and this insane jealousy of yours will spoil your chances in the +Companies. Oh, Allen, Allen--why can't you grow up and be sensible!" + +"Don't worry about me," the boy said, dejectedly. "You're probably +right, just as the pater was probably right. I'm no good anyhow. I +didn't want to go into diplomacy because there seemed to be so much in +it which was double-dealing. Now I'm in business, and I see the same +things there. It's all my fault--it must be; but I'm in wrong somehow. I +wouldn't say a word, Alice, if it were some one else, but +Covington--well, you've told me to cut that out, so I will. But don't +say we can't be friends--I couldn't stand that. You'll need me some +time, little girl, and when you do, I want to be Johnny on the spot." + +Alice never found it possible to be angry with him for any extended +period. Always after his impulsive outbreaks he became so contrite that +the early displeasure was abated by his unspoken but evident desire for +forgiveness. + +"Will you take back what you said about Mr. Covington?" she asked. + +"I can't do that," he replied, firmly; "but I'll do my best to let you +find him out from some one else." + +And the girl let him leave it there, remaining in the same position +several minutes after he had gone, wondering that she had been willing +to permit so gross a slander to stand unchallenged. When at last she +turned slowly toward the door, she started violently as something began +to untangle itself from the portičres. + +"It's only me," announced Patricia, ungrammatically, but none the less +undauntedly. + +"What have you been doing there?" the elder sister demanded, her +momentary fright making her indignation even greater. + +"Listenin'," replied the culprit, shamelessly. + +"Patricia Gorham!" For Alice to use the child's full name conveyed the +absolute limit of reproach, but Patricia stood her ground fearlessly. + +"I'm not ashamed--I've simply _got_ to know my future. You'll stick to +what you said, won't you, Alice?" + +"You ought to be punished!" + +"But you won't marry Allen, will you?" Pat pleaded, unblushingly. "You +can have Mr. Covington and I will have Allen, and we all will be happy +ever afterward." + +"Oh, you--kids, that's what you both are!" Alice cried in sheer +desperation. "Between you, I can't get a moment's peace." + +"He would make a lovely Knight." Patricia's face assumed an enraptured +expression. "Oh, I wish I was a damosel, with a vessel of gold between +my hands, and Allen was Sir Launcelot, and I would say, 'Wit ye well,' +and he would kneel and say his prayers to me, and--Alice, what does 'Wit +ye well' mean, anyhow?" + +But Alice had fled, leaving Patricia the victrix of her bloodless +battle-field. + + + + +XVIII + + +James Riley's information, while causing Gorham some concern, was not +the matter which gave him the greatest anxiety during the days he passed +away from his office. The fact that Buckner was in town was not +altogether surprising, and his maudlin comments need not necessarily be +seriously considered. In addition to the commission he intrusted to +young Riley, Gorham also set in motion the wheels of his own +secret-service department, feeling confident that he would soon learn +all the facts. The conduct of the current business of the Companies, +complex as it had now become, appeared to be advancing steadily along +the lines which he himself had laid down for it, and he saw no reason to +think that his temporary absence was causing the slightest +disarrangement of the delicately adjusted machine upon which depended +the continued momentum of the business. This interested him +particularly, as he considered that the crowning point of his successful +formation of the Consolidated Companies would not be attained until his +actual contact with the business was not required. + +But great enterprises do not expand themselves without the jealous +watchfulness of other competing or interested organizations, and +Gorham's daily reports contained an increasing number of references to +the efforts being made by these to harass the Consolidated Companies +with governmental interference. Senator Kenmore had by this time become +the chief spokesman of the Companies in Washington. Since his first +exhaustive examination into its affairs, his doubts as to the +possibility of conducting so mammoth a consolidation along conscientious +lines had been dissipated by the absolute straightness of the course +which Gorham steered. His influence had been exerted frequently in +behalf of the Companies, and each time the success which thus came to +the corporation carried in its wake advantages to the people, just as +Gorham had promised. The Senator had become one of Gorham's stanchest +admirers and supporters, and the president of the Consolidated Companies +in turn relied fully upon him. For several weeks Kenmore's +correspondence had suggested certain unrest in the Senate concerning +trusts and consolidations, so when Gorham received from him an urgent +summons to come to Washington at once, it left no room for doubt as to +the necessity which prompted its sending, and obliged him for the +present to abandon his idea of rest. + +Gorham found Kenmore awaiting him in his office, and the Senator, with +characteristic directness, came to the point at once. + +"Some one is starting up another scare on monopolies and combinations, +and is making the Consolidated Companies the target. Do you know +anything about it?" + +"Does it come from New York State?" Gorham asked. + +"Yes; the junior senator is at the head of it." + +"He is a Tammany man." + +"Yes." + +"Brady made him, and now he is collecting his fee. The Consolidated +Companies hit Brady hard in the Manhattan Traction deal, you remember. +How much headway has it gained?" + +"Enough to be dangerous; that's why I wrote as I did." + +"It can't be dangerous while we have the people so strongly with us, but +it might become troublesome. Whom do you want me to see?" + +"The President. I have made an appointment with him half an hour from +now. The Senator from New York has touched him a bit by demanding why he +is haling the other great corporations into court, and leaving the +Consolidated Companies to grow larger and stronger without opposition." + +"Have you discussed the matter with the President?" + +"No; I thought it best to let you present it as a whole. Come--we shall +find him ready for us." + +The President received his callers in his office. He was a great +President, and as such realized, as some of his predecessors had not, +that the country of which he was the chief executive was constantly +outgrowing the legislation which had been wise at the time of its +enactment. He realized that as expansion comes conditions change, and +these changed conditions necessitate the exercise of a far-seeing and a +far-reaching judgment in administering the law in its spirit rather than +always in its letter; but the experience he had gained in the White +House had taught him the difficulties which beset his path in living up +to his convictions. Gorham had been frequently called to his councils +for advice upon various subjects, and the President was familiar with +the Consolidated Companies in conception and operation. + +"We are accused of discrimination, Mr. Gorham," the President +explained, after the first greetings. "You and I have discussed the +Consolidated Companies upon various occasions; I have watched its +operations carefully, and I am free to say that my early apprehensions +have thus far proved groundless. I believe that I have acted +conscientiously in pushing the investigations and prosecutions against +those combinations which are really a menace to the country; but there +are some who disagree with me, and flaunt the Consolidated Companies in +my face as an evidence of insincerity on my part. I have asked you and +Senator Kenmore to meet me here this afternoon, to talk over the +question quite informally with the senator from New York and with the +Attorney-General." + +"I appreciate the opportunity, Mr. President," Gorham replied, quietly. + +"Then we are all ready for the discussion," said the President, touching +a button. "They are waiting--I will send for them." + +Upon the arrival of the others, he repeated to them what he had said to +Gorham, and then, settling back in his chair, became an interested +listener, leaving Gorham and the senator from New York as the principal +disputants, with Kenmore and the Attorney-General joining in the +argument from time to time. + +"Do I understand that Mr. Gorham speaks for the Administration in this +matter?" asked Senator Hunt, with some asperity. + +"I speak for the Consolidated Companies, and for that alone," Gorham +replied, promptly. + +"Then you will perhaps explain why your corporation, the largest trust +in existence to-day, is immune, while other trusts are being persecuted +to the extent of the Government's power." + +"I am not authorized to answer any question which has to do with the +Government," Gorham continued; "but it may be that it is due to the same +reason that some of the 'other trusts' you mention are not as yet +incorporated as a part of the Consolidated Companies." + +"Then they have been approached?" the Senator asked, quickly. + +"Several of them have approached us; but they have thus far been +unwilling to accept the principles upon which the Consolidated Companies +is founded." + +"You refer to its alleged benevolent aspect?" + +"Yes, if you choose to call it that," Gorham replied, smiling. "We +prefer to call it reciprocity. If we receive favors in the form of +concessions from the people, we believe it to be not only fair, but also +sound business, to use these concessions not to bleed them, but for +their benefit." + +"In other words, the Consolidated Companies is a good trust, and the +others are bad trusts?" + +"Exactly." + +"The Sherman Act, if I read it correctly, makes no distinction." + +"But the Government does." + +"And to that extent unlawfully discriminates," the Senator said, +emphatically. + +"What would be the effect upon the country if the Sherman Act were +enforced literally?" Gorham asked. + +"That is not for me to say." + +"Perhaps the Attorney-General will give us his opinion," Gorham +persisted. + +The Attorney-General had been listening to the discussion with much +interest. + +"There can be but one answer to that question," he replied; "it would +produce an industrial reign of terror, and yet I am frank to say that, +from a legal standpoint, I believe Senator Hunt is correct in his +statement that the Government unlawfully discriminates in drawing any +distinction between good and bad trusts; but let me say further, that it +is my definite opinion that the Sherman Act, as it now stands, is a +menace to the country. That Act, literally interpreted, would break up +every trust into smaller corporations. It is based on a hasty inference +that great consolidations are of necessity monopolies. Even if we +disintegrated a great corporation like the Consolidated Companies, for +instance, into a large number of smaller corporations, we should not +have solved the problem. There would always be methods by which a common +understanding could be reached, and, in the disintegration, producing +concerns would lose much of the efficiency in serving the public which +has already been demonstrated by the Consolidated Companies. I have +answered your question frankly, giving you my opinion from a legal and +also from a personal standpoint." + +"Was there not a time," Kenmore asked, "when the public in England was +as much afraid of the formation of business partnerships as our public +has been afraid of trusts?" + +"Yes," the Attorney-General replied; "our own trust legislation is +nothing more than a modern repetition of certain laws which centuries +ago were in force in England, and were designed to prevent the formation +of co-partnerships in business." + +"Yet partnerships were formed in spite of the law, were they not?" +insisted Kenmore, "and it was discovered that the prices of goods did +not go up." + +"We are digressing," the senator from New York interrupted. "As I +understand it, we are concerned with the present rather than the past." + +"I am glad you realize that," Gorham responded, "for it has a +considerable bearing upon the situation. In the past, the public has +been opposed to the organization of industry, and properly so, since it +has meant the secret rebates, the limiting of output, the 'fake' +independent companies, and the stealing of competitors' secrets; but +to-day there is a changed public sentiment, and perhaps I may be +pardoned if I say that I believe the Consolidated Companies has played +its part in bringing this about. The magazines have turned from +muckraking to articles instructing their readers in finance; the +anti-trust orator is speaking to empty seats; and intelligent lawmakers, +who once considered 'corporation' as a synonym for 'crime,' now +carefully distinguish between the honest and the dishonest organization. +The Administration is elected by the people to exercise the will of the +people, and it is the will of the people to-day that honest combinations +be permitted, in order to reduce the cost of the necessities of life." + +"It is a conflict between a literal interpretation of the law and +industrial progress," added Senator Kenmore, "and the law as it stands +does not appeal to justice nor does it express American public +sentiment. Bigness, in commerce and industry, has now come to be +associated with progress. Production on a large scale is justified by +its economy and efficiency when brought about through the free play of +economic forces. It would be just as ridiculous to oppose the +ever-increasing demand for machinery." + +"To what point is all this leading us?" asked Senator Hunt, impatiently. +"These one-sided arguments may be interesting to those who agree with +them, but my question still remains unanswered: why does not the +Government enforce the law equally against one offender as against +another, since by that law both are offenders?" + +"Senator Kenmore, the Attorney-General, and I have endeavored to answer +your question to the best of our ability," Gorham replied, "and I, for +one, regret to have failed in my endeavor. We all agree, I am sure, that +the Government has a plain duty to perform, but we do not understand +that duty to be the prevention of honest and beneficial combination. The +Consolidated Companies has led the way in seeking publicity and +preserving equality, and in insuring public participation in the +benefits accruing from the combinations which it effects. If other +trusts do likewise, I have no doubt that they will be as 'immune' as you +have been pleased to call the Consolidated Companies." + +"Are you prepared to deny that, in spite of this 'benevolent' aspect of +which you boast, the profits of your corporation are greater than those +of any trust in the world?" + +"I have never made the comparative analysis which would be required to +answer your question," Gorham replied; "but I do say without fear of +contradiction that no organization ever gave back to the people so large +a percentage of its earnings. It may interest Senator Hunt if I outline +the principles upon which the Consolidated Companies was conceived." + +Gorham's voice was a strong asset. Its low, clear tones carried without +apparent effort, and there was a firmness and sincerity in every spoken +word which always secured attentive hearing. + +"The public," he said, "has long since become accustomed to mergers and +consolidations, and has naturally associated with them the strangling of +competition and the creation and enjoyment, on the part of a few, of the +conditions of monopoly. But business exploits such as these are, in a +measure, things of the past, and cannot be repeated. Great industries +can no longer hem in their rivals, or stifle and cripple them to the +extent that fields, which by natural law are free to all, become the +field of one. The people have at last risen against this, and +consolidations will only be tolerated when confidence is established +that the masses will be benefited. When the scheme of the Consolidated +Companies first became known, it was bitterly opposed by the public, who +saw in it nothing other than a new and more gigantic octopus, to feed +upon its very life-blood. + +"From the very beginning, both from principle and from what I consider +to be sound business sense, I have endeavored by word and act to +convince the public that the Consolidated Companies intended to serve +its best interests, and our unprecedented success is the best evidence I +could offer that I have, at least in part, succeeded. Our stockholders +are men in high positions of trust, and they cannot continue to deliver +contracts to us unless we make good our promises to execute those +concessions to the advantage of the people. To-day, wherever the +Consolidated Companies is known, the public looks with approval upon +favors shown us by its officials, and this in itself is an asset to our +corporation of untold value. Bread, coffee, and other daily necessities +are now obtainable cheaper than ever before in the history of the world, +because the Consolidated Companies has made them so. Transportation +charges, wherever we have obtained the franchises, have been reduced +twenty per cent.; lighting costs, both gas and electric, are fifteen per +cent. cheaper in those cities which we control; government loans placed +through us are from one to two per cent. lower, thus substantially +reducing the rate of taxation. We have prevented war in at least two +instances, and thus demonstrated the possibilities of our power in +preserving universal peace. For the Government to interfere with our +work because of a technicality would result in an international +calamity." + +"Are you now speaking for the Administration, Mr. Gorham?" + +"Now, I am speaking as a private citizen." + +"If the Attorney-General agrees with me," added the President, joining +in the discussion for the first time, "I think I may say that Mr. +Gorham's views as a private citizen are shared by the Administration; on +the other hand, I agree with the Attorney-General in the position which +he takes regarding the conflict between the legal and practical bearing +of the Sherman Act. There is only one way to solve the problem, and that +is to modify that Act so that a distinction can be made between those +consolidations which advance the country's prosperity, and those which +are operated solely for personal gain to the detriment of all except the +few directly interested. You may report back to your constituents, +Senator Hunt, that the Administration will refrain from further action +in this matter for the present, and will direct its efforts toward +securing amendments to the Sherman Act which shall make it possible to +draw a distinction between good and bad trusts, as you call them, +without discrimination." + +The President rose, signifying that the conference was ended, and Gorham +left the White House in company with Senator Kenmore and the +Attorney-General. The latter wore a serious expression upon his face. + +"The President took the only logical position," he remarked to his +companions; "but I tell you, gentlemen, that there is not the slightest +possibility of passing any bill through either house which can +accomplish the results we all desire." + +"In another twelve months," observed Gorham, "granting that the +Companies continues to make history as it has, the people themselves +will prevent their representatives from interfering." + +"Provided nothing occurs to raise a doubt as to the integrity of the +Companies' motives," added the Attorney-General, suggestively. + +"How could such a doubt be raised?" Gorham was incredulous. + +"By having some official in your corporation act in defiance of the +principles which you have upheld." + +"We have a five-years' record to fall back upon." + +"Yes; but as the Companies grows larger the risk increases." + +"And the careful surveillance increases in like ratio." + +"There are human limitations, Mr. Gorham," laughed the Attorney-General. + + + + +XIX + + +Allen Sanford, during the next few weeks, found much to think about +besides himself. His advance had been more rapid than Gorham had +expected. His position with the Companies was still the same, but his +value in his position had steadily increased. The impetuosity and +intensity which, previously uncontrolled, had made him heedless, were +now directed through a smaller vent, and gained in power. Gorham's early +belief that the boy possessed in no small degree, though undeveloped, +the business genius which had accomplished his father's great success, +was being definitely confirmed, and he rejoiced in it. + +Allen had studied the business problem with which he came daily in +contact as closely as he could with the little experience which had as +yet come to him. What man of affairs does not recall how intangible was +that turning-point, in his own early business career, before which he +felt hopelessly submerged in that sea of infinite detail, vainly +struggling to gauge its currents and to escape its undertow; after which +he found himself advancing with steady strides, short at first, but +gaining in power as the lesser responsibilities merged into greater +ones! + +Gorham's business training, previous to the inception of the +Consolidated Companies, had been in accord with the universal business +code, quite at variance with the idealistic basis which he himself had +now established. Allen's training had all been along Gorham's idealistic +thread. It was perhaps natural, therefore, that Allen, under these +circumstances, should look upon the transactions of the Consolidated +Companies from a different viewpoint from that which Mr. Gorham took. At +all events, some of these business acts did not seem to the boy to be in +full accord with the altruism which he had learned from his preceptor. +Allen had come to know most of the directors and some of the +stockholders, and he was convinced that the prevailing instinct which +controlled their relations to the Consolidated Companies and to its +transactions was self-interest pure and simple. There was no question +that the Companies had accomplished important reductions in the +necessities of life and in the cost of public utilities, as a result of +which the people were radically benefited; but to Allen's untrained mind +even this seemed to be a clever business policy from the exercise of +which the corporation gained more than it gave. Already there had come +to him a sense of apprehension as to what might happen if Mr. Gorham's +restraining hand should lose its present power, and the control should +fall into the hands of men such as he conceived Covington and his +sympathizers to be; and lately the boy had regarded this chance as not +altogether remote. + +Gorham never allowed Allen to discuss with him the personalities of any +of the directors or stockholders with whom he came in contact. This was +partly due to his feeling that Allen was not as yet competent to form +opinions of any value, and partly to his general principle that he must +hold his own mind unprejudiced in his duty toward his associates. For +this reason, and for another which lay closer to his heart, the boy had +never expressed to him his distrust of Covington, though he had been +tempted to do so on more than one occasion. Now, however, during the +absence of his chief from the offices, Allen felt sure that a crisis was +near at hand. He knew that Covington was in constant communication with +certain of the directors, and the nature of these conferences could +perhaps be divined by the growing discontent which he saw developing +among those upon whom he knew Gorham depended as his most valued +lieutenants. He had been brooding over matters so long that this new and +tenser situation, as he saw it, made him feel it to be his duty to talk +it over with Gorham. He was none too sure that his doubts would be +shared or even accepted, and this uncertainty added to his +apprehensiveness in breaking over what he knew to be his chief's implied +commands. This was his first experience in a business office, and it +might be that what caused him anxiety was only a part of the day's work, +to be found in any similar establishment. Still, he determined to free +his mind of its ever-present burden, and he selected the time shortly +after Gorham's return from Washington. + +Gorham listened to Allen's reports well into the night. The boy did most +of the talking, and Gorham absorbed with little comment the story which +he had to tell. Allen was surprised and relieved to find that he +listened to him without criticism, and it strengthened him in his own +confidence to find that the elder man treated him with a consideration +beyond that which he had previously received. + +"You are quite right to come to me with this," Gorham said at length; +"but I feel that, as far as the business is concerned, you are unduly +apprehensive. I shall satisfy myself on this point on my return to the +office. Now, as to Mr. Covington: I have been aware for weeks of your +personal dislike for each other, but it is unworthy of you, Allen, to +allow this to influence you to the extent of doing him so great an +injustice." + +Allen colored deeply at the criticism. "I have waited until I am certain +that it is no injustice before bringing the matter to you," he said. + +"I have also been aware of another fact," Gorham continued, "which is in +itself an explanation of your present attitude. When I tell you that it +is my fondest hope that Alice shall marry Mr. Covington, you will +understand. This in itself is the strongest evidence I could give of my +confidence in him." + +This was a blow far greater than any Alice had dealt him. Allen had +never lost hope that sooner or later he could convince her that he had +attained man's estate, and this he considered the only real barrier +between them. But if Mr. Gorham had set his heart upon her marriage to +Covington, he knew the case was hopeless. The older man watched him as +he struggled with himself. + +"You should have no thought at present of marrying any one," he said, +kindly. "You are not mature enough yet to know your own mind. You have +done well, and I have great hopes for your future, but for the present +you must be content to solve one day's problems before taking up the +next." + +"I wouldn't mind so much about Alice," the boy finally managed to blurt +out, "if it was any one except Mr. Covington." + +"Have you any actual evidence that he is other than an upright, able +man, whose character entitles him to the fullest confidence and esteem?" + +"No actual evidence; but I know I'm right. Please don't let him have +Alice without making sure." + +Gorham placed his hand kindly upon the boy's shoulder. "Your interest in +my little girl's happiness, though prejudiced, makes me overlook this +boyish jealousy toward a man whom I respect. But you can't think that my +carefulness in so important a matter as this would be any less than your +own. Come, now, let us forget all this. Go back to your duties, my boy, +with a confidence that my judgment is better than yours." + +As Allen made no reply and showed no inclination to leave, Gorham +wondered if he had still anything further to say. The boy moved +uncomfortably in his chair as the question was asked. + +"Not regarding the business detail, Mr. Gorham," he replied at length. +"Oh, I am all at sea!" he burst out suddenly, his voice trembling with +emotion. "I guess business isn't in my line anyhow." + +"What do you mean, Allen?" Gorham asked, completely surprised by the +boy's intensity. + +"If I tell you what I really mean you will think I am ungrateful for the +chance you have given me, and, truly, that isn't it. I know you feel +that the Consolidated Companies is accomplishing a great work, and +you're right; but there's another side which I don't like at all. With +the single exception of yourself, I don't believe there is a man +connected with it who isn't in it for what he can get out of it. The +public is being benefited by certain reductions which the Companies +accomplishes, but before long I'm sure they will have to pay up for all +they have saved, with a bitter interest. Of course, my feeling this way +is simply an evidence that I don't understand things at all." + +Allen had touched upon Gorham's most sensitive point. "It is a deep +disappointment to me that you feel as you do," he replied. "As you say, +it is an evidence that you don't understand things at all. The +Consolidated Companies has almost reached a point where individual +personality is merely incidental; where, in my opinion, my own services +even will not long be essential. I like to believe that my continued +connection strengthens and guides it, but no one man can now affect its +progress to any serious degree; but, my boy, loyalty to the Companies on +the part of its employees is absolutely imperative. That I must demand +of you." + +Allen winced under the criticism, but he could not withdraw from his +position. + +"Could not a man like Mr. Covington change the entire policy of the +Companies if he came into control?" he asked, significantly. + +"No," Gorham replied, firmly. "In the first place, if he gained control, +he would have no desire to change it; in the second, my Executive +Committee is made up of men of too high principle to permit him or any +other man to operate the Companies upon other than a proper basis." + +"You may not feel so sure of this after you have investigated," Allen +insisted. + +"I shall never alter my opinion." Gorham was annoyed by the boy's +persistence. "It is too late to-night to discuss this phase of the +subject with you as thoroughly as we must if you are to continue with +the corporation, but in the mean time remember that the Consolidated +Companies is in the hands of men whose self-interest is coupled with a +personal gratification in the altruistic basis whose nature you have +learned from me. You are not competent to pass upon their motives, and +until you are you should not venture to criticise." + +"I admitted that it is all due to my inexperience, Mr. Gorham, and I am +sorry that you are angry. I believe in you as I could never believe in +any other man, and I know that, as far as you can control it, you will +keep the Consolidated Companies within the lines you have laid down; but +I can't make myself believe that the others have the same honorable +intentions." + +"Stop!" cried Gorham, seriously aroused by the boy's words. "I shall +listen to you no further. It is only my friendship for your father and +my affection for you which, keeps me from speaking harshly to you; but +be warned! You are attempting to interfere in a matter which is too +heavy for your strength. Leave it to those who understand it." + +After Allen left the house Gorham sat for a long time in his library, +smoking and meditating. Yet it was not the possible internal business +complications, as suggested by the boy, which occupied his thoughts; it +was not some new gigantic transaction about to be launched on behalf of +the Companies which filled his mind, nor was it the suggested danger to +Eleanor's peace of mind. He was thinking of Allen, half blaming himself +for the forlorn expression the boy's face had worn as he left the room. +It was a courageous thing for this youngster to rush in where older and +more experienced men would not have dared, to face Robert Gorham and to +tell him that the monument he had erected rested upon a base of shifting +sand. His absurd statements regarding Covington were easily explained, +but what he had said of the business was an honest expression, even +though groundless in fact and resulting from an inexperienced +interpretation of matters far beyond his present knowledge. + +Gorham contrasted in his mind the changes which these few months had +wrought in him. He remembered how lightly the boy had taken his father's +tirade which had thrown him upon his own resources, and compared this +with the depressing effect which his own criticism had produced. + +"Poor boy, I'm really sorry for him," he said to himself. "With old +Stephen on one side and with me on the other, and with his fancied +devotion to Alice on top of it all, he must feel that the world is +against him." Then Gorham's face became stern again. "But he must take +on ballast," he said, firmly; "he must get over these snap-judgments and +learn to recognize that he is playing with tools too heavy for him to +handle. It will do him good--but I love the boy for his courage. It will +land him somewhere if he keeps his head." + + + + +XX + + +The days passed by with nothing to justify Eleanor's apprehensions +resulting from Ralph Buckner's presence in New York, so her fears +vanished, and with them the necessity of disturbing her husband's +tranquillity with this confidence which already had been so long +postponed. Gorham's sudden trip to Washington made this even more +natural. Alice had told her of Covington's proposal, and was eager to +discuss the situation from every possible standpoint. To the older woman +the girl's attitude toward Allen seemed heartless, yet, knowing her +husband's feeling in the matter, she decided that it was wiser to leave +the young people to solve their own problem. Youth is ever heartless in +its attitude toward others, and it is only by its own suffering that it +learns the lesson of consideration. Eleanor sought to impress Alice with +the importance of being sure of her own heart before making her final +decision, and encouraged her to take plenty of time. She would have +hesitated to do this, on her husband's account, except that with Allen +so hopelessly out of the running the delay could do no harm. Alice must +make no error, Eleanor kept repeating to herself, recalling with painful +vividness the result of her own mistaken act of duty. + +Covington became a constant visitor at the Gorham home, assuming more +and more the prerogatives of an accepted suitor. His attentions were +assiduous and his companionship was so agreeable that Alice considered +the arrangement ideal. Each time he urged her to give him a definite +reply she begged off in such a playful, girlish fashion that Covington +mildly acquiesced, feeling that each day's association made the +situation that much more favorable to him. And this courtship, curious +as it was, proved not unpleasant to him. Much to his own surprise, he +began to find himself really fond of this young girl, who kept him +constantly on the _qui vive_ to follow her from the absurdity of girlish +conceits to the opposite extreme of mature discussion of subjects +ordinarily far beyond the grasp of her years. It whetted his interest +and possessed a decided fascination for him, he admitted to himself more +than once as he left the house to return to his own apartment, wearing a +satisfied smile of patronizing indulgence. Had it not been for the +business necessities, and the importance of actually becoming her +husband before anything occurred to disturb his relations with Gorham, +he would have preferred to have things run on indefinitely as they were. + +During this time Allen found Covington's attitude toward him completely +changed. It would have hurt the older man's self-respect to admit that +the boy could in any way be looked upon as a rival; but young girls are +uncertain quantities, and it had been necessary for Alice to prove that +she was beyond this danger-point before Covington decided that Allen was +a promising youngster, after all, and, as Stephen Sanford's son, +entitled at least to being noticed. + +Allen, during the same period, and perhaps because of the same +conditions, had grown to regard Covington with even more cordial +aversion. The only positive grievance he had against him was the +success he had gained with Alice; but, in an undefined way, he felt +instinctively that this man possessed every Machiavellian attribute in +the calendar of dishonor. With an effort to be just, Allen mentally made +a generous discount to offset any possible prejudice, but even then +Covington measured up shockingly bad. If Alice had insisted on a proof +of the statements he made against him to her, he would have found +himself lacking ammunition; when Gorham had asked him point-blank what +evidence he had to substantiate his accusations, he had been unable to +give any, and this, he realized, had hurt him in the eyes of his chief. + +So now the boy proposed to collect evidence, with the self-acknowledged +purpose of helping Gorham and of saving Alice, entirely overlooking any +personal interest in the undertaking. Covington's first overtures came +just at this time and were coldly received; but as Allen considered the +matter, he concluded that he would learn to "purr" too, taking lessons +in this gentle art from the one man whom he acknowledged to be its past +master. + +Gorham was surprised by the change in their relations as he saw it, and +the boy at once rose in his estimation. Allen had evidently taken to +heart the advice given him during their last interview, and had proved +himself big enough to rise above his jealousies and his disappointment. +Gorham, guided by Eleanor's judgment, had refrained even from expressing +to Alice his strong desire that she should marry Covington, but with +Allen already self-effaced and with Alice accepting Covington's +attentions, even though as yet uncommitted, all was progressing to his +satisfaction. + +Allen's duties still took him frequently to the Gorham house, but he +saw Alice only casually, as he made no effort to force himself upon her. +She was too much engrossed with the new element which had entered her +life to concern herself particularly, but she was negatively grateful to +him for not making the present condition unpleasant. She wanted to keep +him as a friend, and told him so frankly, but that could only be so long +as he accepted things as he found them. + +But any lack of enthusiasm on the part of Alice was more than made up +for by Patricia. She was living on the seventh floor of her seventh +heaven. As she saw it, Alice had acted in the friendliest way possible +in giving her a clear field with her Sir Launcelot. Allen humored her, +finding a real relief in this childish game which his little friend took +so seriously. The one drawback was the amount of intimate information +which she conveyed through the medium of her innocent prattle. Allen +could not know what was coming next, and so was powerless to head off +conversation upon subjects into which he knew he had no right to enter, +for Patricia possessed the faculty of keeping herself well informed as +to family matters. It was through this that he secured the first clew +upon which to start a real investigation, so he considered the +information Heaven-sent, and blessed the child accordingly. + +The staircase, as usual, formed the trysting-place. Here Patricia +waylaid her Knight on his way down from the library, taking her position +on an upper step, which made their difference in height less apparent. +The same ceremony was enacted each time in accord with the ritual she +had taught him. After he passed her, she suddenly sprang up to her full +stature, holding her arm high above her with the palm of her hand +extended. + +"Wit ye well, Sir Knight!" she cried, impressively. + +Then Allen turned--he was forbidden, under pain of death, to recognize +her until he heard these mystic words--knelt on the step below her and +kissed her other hand, while the one upraised descended upon his head in +benediction. + +"The Lord be with thee, Fair Lady," he replied, following his lesson. + +"And with thee--I accept thy troth. Now we can have a visit." + +The Arthurian lady had vanished, and Patricia was herself again, curled +up close beside him. + +"Look here, Lady Pat," he said, shaking his finger at her warningly, "I +think we ought to put a stop to this--you're taking it all too +seriously." + +"Of course," she admitted, smiling up at him. "Why don't we get married +right away--then it needn't be serious any longer." + +"Well"--Allen would not have wounded the devoted little heart for +worlds--"one reason is that I haven't money enough." + +"Did Knights have to have money?" Patricia inquired. "I never saw a suit +of armor with a money-pocket in it." + +"Neither did I," he admitted. "There wasn't any money then, like ours, +and when they wanted anything they didn't have, they fought for it." + +"Well, then, why don't you fight for it?" + +"I'm going to--I am fighting now. I mean, Lady Pat, they don't let you +fight the way they used to." + +"Is it only because you haven't money enough that we don't marry, Sir +Launcelot?" + +"That is--one of the principal reasons." + +"Swear that you don't love any other fair lady." + +"Except Alice," Allen insisted. + +"Shall you always love her?" Patricia asked, wistfully. + +Allen sighed. "I'm afraid so, Lady Pat." + +"Well, I don't care--I'll love you enough for both of us, so that's all +settled. Now promise that you'll sit on this very step and not move 'til +I come back." + +"What for? I must run along." + +"You promised," she cried, and disappeared up-stairs as fast as her +little white legs could carry her. There was nothing to do but wait, yet +Allen was not long kept in suspense. Patricia returned with equal speed, +carrying her bank in both hands. + +"There!" she exclaimed, jingling the contents. "You take that and make a +lot more with it, and we shall have all the money we want." + +"But I can't do that," he protested. + +"Aren't you as smart as Mr. Covington?" + +"What has he to do with it, Lady Pat?" + +"He took Alice's money and made a whole lot more with it, and I'm going +to tell you how to do it, too." + +Patricia danced before him on the hall rug, clapping her hands together +with joy and excitement. Suddenly she paused in her gyrations, and, +placing her mouth close to his ear, she whispered: + +"Buy some storks from the New York Railroad." + +Allen jumped to his feet as if he had been struck. "What did you say?" +he demanded, seizing the child almost roughly by the wrist; but Patricia +attributed his action to excitement and joy equal to her own, so +accepted it cheerfully. + +"That is it," she repeated, firmly. "I'm sure, for I wrote it down just +as soon as I heard it. I knew I should need it some time. Storks must be +very valuable birds, because Mr. Covington told Alice not to tell; and +he made thirty--thousand--dollars for her. Now, you're smarter than Mr. +Covington, and you can make a hundred thousand. Will you?" + +"I'll start right out and see what I can do." Allen tried to keep the +child from seeing his excitement. "I haven't time to stop to tell you +how naughty it is to listen. If I don't go right now the storks may all +be gone, and then of course we couldn't make any money. Good-bye, Lady +Pat--I'll try hard, but don't be disappointed if there aren't any +left--good-bye." + +Allen rushed from the house and, hailing a passing taxi, ordered the +chauffeur to drive to the office, although it was now nearly six +o'clock. + + + + +XXI + + +With characteristic energy Gorham made good the promise given to Allen +to investigate matters at the office, and not many days after his return +to his desk he issued a call for a special meeting of the Executive +Committee. He looked upon it almost as a weakness to have permitted this +boy's unsupported statements to influence him even to this extent, but +he justified himself by the knowledge that a confirmation of the loyalty +of his associates would give him renewed strength. + +The day of the meeting found every member of the committee present--a +fact which interested Gorham as an evidence of the devotion of these men +to the responsibilities which rested upon them. But the routine business +had no sooner been completed than the president became aware that the +harmony which had existed from the beginning was in danger of being +disturbed. Inquiries were made which were too significant to be +overlooked, and veiled criticism came from quarters where previously he +had believed existed absolute confidence in himself and full approval of +his methods. + +"It is well to have this come to a head," Gorham remarked after several +had expressed their views. "This corporation is so gigantic that it must +fall of its own weight unless every part of its structure be sound and +effective in bearing its share of the load. There is no stability where +there is lack of harmony, and what you gentlemen have said to-day shows +beyond question that radical and immediate action is imperative to +preserve to our stockholders what we have already gained for them, and +to secure the future benefits which are assured, provided the Companies +itself can act as a unit. Now, in order that we may clearly understand +the situation, will not Mr. Litchfield state specifically the criticism +implied in his remarks?" + +Litchfield rose deliberately from his seat. He was the head of certain +large gas-works which the corporation had acquired in connection with +its consolidation of the lighting interests in Philadelphia. + +"Before complying with Mr. Gorham's request," he began, "I wish to say +that nothing is further from my intentions than to cast aspersions +either upon our president or his motives. During the time I have served +on this committee I have been amazed by the increasing realization which +has come to me of the marvellous success he has achieved in developing +the Consolidated Companies to the point it has reached to-day. Many of +us have contributed in a smaller or greater degree to its success, but +it has been his master mind which has anticipated the conditions and +provided the means to make the most of them. But it is also true that in +doing this Mr. Gorham has, in my opinion, deliberately neglected to +secure for the Companies as large returns as might have been gained. In +the Philadelphia Lighting Company, for example, with which I am +naturally more familiar than with any of the other ramifications of the +Consolidated Companies, Mr. Gorham has voluntarily reduced the rates +when the consumers had expressed no general discontent with the former +prices. It is true that the consolidation effected great economies in +the production, but it is entirely obvious that the profits to the +company would be greater if we were receiving the full advantage of the +economies by still selling our product at the old rates. And this case +which I have cited is, I understand, a fair sample of Mr. Gorham's +policy in all other directions. I can appreciate the desirability in the +past of giving the people the advantage in a few transactions in order +to create public confidence; but to continue to make a practice of so +doing appears to me to be unnecessary and, I may say, unbusinesslike." + +After Litchfield sat down Gorham called upon several others, some of +whom expressed themselves, with more or less frankness, along the same +line. + +"Then it all sums itself up in this," he said at length, after having +invited remarks from those who cared to take part in the discussion: +"Your president has been guilty of not making the most of the +opportunities which he himself has created." + +This seemed to be the sense of the meeting. + +"Then let me ask a few questions," continued Gorham. "Mr. Litchfield has +told us of the reduced cost of production in his plants as a result of +our consolidation. Will he not further state how great that economy is?" + +"Thirty-three and one-third per cent.," was the prompt reply. + +"And we have reduced the rate how much?" + +"Fifteen per cent." + +"How much has the business increased during the past year?" + +"About twenty per cent." + +"And the balance-sheet shows what as to profits?" + +"About twenty-five per cent. larger than any previous year." + +"In spite of the reduced rates," Gorham added, significantly. + +"But they would have been larger still if the old rates had prevailed," +Litchfield insisted. + +"I cannot agree with you," Gorham said, firmly. "Your concern had been +standing still for six years when we took hold of it--the business had +even gone backward the last year--yet in two years' time, under our +administration, it shows a gross gain of thirty-three and one-third per +cent. and a net gain of twenty-five. I am enlarging on Mr. Litchfield's +case because, in a measure, it is an answer to you all, and a full +justification of the basis upon which I have rested and shall continue +to rest the operations of the Companies. It has been my pride that it +was possible to administer the affairs of this corporation in such a way +that not only could we boast that during the five years of our business +existence we had lived up to the principles on which we originally +built, but also that we have proved it a sound financial proposition. +Never before in the history of the world has any body of men associated +themselves in business with the avowed purpose of making their +organization an advantage to the people, without either failing signally +in their undertaking or proving themselves false to their +responsibilities. We have reached a point where failure is impossible; +we find ourselves receiving greater returns upon our investment than is +yielded by any other organization in existence. Can it be possible that +there is one man among us who wishes to take away from the Companies the +unique position which it has now gained?" + +It was evident that Litchfield had been appointed the spokesman for the +committee, as he immediately assumed the responsibility of replying to +Gorham's remarks. + +"May I not ask our president if he does not overestimate the importance +of standing up so straight that there is danger of falling over +backward? There is no difference of opinion as to the commercial value +of the great asset which he has established for the Companies, in so +completely winning the confidence of the people at large as well as +those who hold high positions of trust. We should stultify ourselves +were we to take any such stand, for the profits of the Companies are an +irrefutable argument. The question before us, then, is not one of fact, +but rather of degree. Why should we spend these further millions to gain +that which we have already secured? We should still so administer the +affairs of the Companies as to hold this great advantage, but I maintain +that we should pay no more to hold it than is absolutely necessary." + +Gorham glanced around to see if any one else was disposed to add to what +Litchfield had said, but the silence which prevailed indicated more +clearly than words that the speaker had expressed the consensus of +opinion. + +"I am waiting for some one to remind Mr. Litchfield that he has +overlooked, in his statement, a fact which possesses vital +significance," Gorham said at length. "The Consolidated Companies has +received from the people concessions which it has succeeded in making +immensely valuable. It has accepted these concessions in trust upon the +distinct understanding that those who gave them should receive equal +benefit. So far, this trust has been religiously observed. Every dollar +of profit which the stockholders have divided represents a like amount +paid back to those to whom it belongs. To pay them less would be not +only a breach of faith, but would be to retain that which does not +belong to us. It is not for Mr. Litchfield or for me to determine the +amount--the proportion has already been settled by our original +covenant." + +Litchfield moved uneasily in his chair as Gorham ceased speaking. + +"You put it in rather a disagreeable form, Mr. Gorham. Perhaps the fact +that you have been talking this side of the enterprise for so long has +made you assimilate more of your own theories than is ordinarily the +case. Of course, in the beginning, it was necessary to make the +statements strong in order to be convincing, but there was no +'covenant,' as you call it, and the people are not in a position to +exact an equal division unless we choose to give it to them." + +"Can it be that I understand you correctly?" Gorham demanded, with +mingled indignation and amazement. "Do you mean to imply that I have not +been sincere in stating to the public the original basis upon which we +incorporated? Do you suggest that when one party to the agreement has +lived fairly up to his end of it we, the other party, should neglect to +do the same, simply because he has no access to our books and no power +to demand an accounting?" + +"You are far too literal in your interpretation of my remarks," +Litchfield protested, with some warmth. "This parallel you have drawn is +absurd on the face of it. There has been no legal agreement that we +should treat the dear public as if it were in actual partnership with +us. You have held out certain inducements which have secured for us the +concessions, and we have made good the promise you gave that our success +meant advantage to the people. But all this was a means to an end. For +five years the public has shared equally with those of us who have put +money and brains into the Consolidated Companies. No one suggests that +the people should not still continue to receive benefits, but those of +us here present are unanimous in our conviction that the time has now +come to conduct the Companies upon a strictly business basis. This is +not the age for quixotic sentimentality, and the Consolidated Companies +not only possesses the right, but the power to maintain its position +upon the same basis as other smaller and less powerful organizations. +Speaking for myself alone, I am amazed that Robert Gorham, with his +exceptional and acknowledged business acumen, should take a position +with his Executive Committee which is as disadvantageous to his own +interests as it is to the stockholders'." + +No one but Gorham himself saw the mist which momentarily rose before his +eyes, yet, when it passed, his vision was clearer than it had ever been. +The men sitting around him represented the flower of the business world, +each one of whom stood before his fellow-men as a tangible expression of +honor and integrity. Yet not one was able to comprehend Gorham's +viewpoint, not one could be anything but incredulous that he stood +sincere in the position he had taken. This was what hurt him most. The +applause which his associates had awarded him had been as that won by a +clever actor rather than, as he had believed, the responsive echo forced +from their souls by the battle notes of a new cause. Their acceptance of +his doctrines had been because his arguments had persuaded them of the +material side of the enterprise. The very magnetism which they had felt +exercised by him upon themselves they had capitalized as an asset to be +assayed when once the ore was stopped. All the high-sounding claims were +turned at this moment into empty platitudes. All his promises were +valueless beyond his personal strength to make them good. To this extent +Allen had been right, but it was not too late to recognize the danger +and to meet it. His associates saw the Robert Gorham they thought they +had known for five years sitting in repose before them while this +realization of the situation surged through his brain--they saw the real +Robert Gorham when he rose to his feet, and faced them with a force they +felt before a word was spoken. + +"I could not have believed it possible," he said, "for a moment such as +this ever to arrive. I have lived in this business Utopia for five +years, blind to the fact that those who labored with me failed utterly +to comprehend or to appreciate the sincerity of my motives or the +integrity of my purpose. I admit that I question my ability to make +clear to you by words what my acts have not conveyed. During these +years, and until to-day, you have accepted my judgment as supreme, and +for the first time I realize that this was not because you believed in +it, but because you saw in it advantage to yourselves. The gratification +which I have enjoyed from this supposed tribute has vanished, like the +empty bubble that it was. It has been said that the Consolidated +Companies was a one-man corporation, which I have denied, believing that +my labors were rather those of the pioneer, showing the way to those +associated with me who would naturally follow my footsteps. Again, I was +wrong: this has been a one-man corporation, and it is so to-day. Not +only has the creation of it been mine and mine alone, but also the +successful putting into execution of those principles which I alone +devised. The credit for this, which I have until now proudly conceded to +you, I assume wholly for myself, and I also give myself the further +credit of having, unknown to myself, been the single force which has +compelled you to live up to the high standard I established. + +"Now, as the parent of this child which I have seen develop to this +point under my guidance and protection, I stand here prepared to fight +for its honor against you who threaten its destruction--and I warn you +that the parent love dares much. As the Roman Virginius stood with his +sword pricking the flesh over the heart of his beloved daughter, so do I +stand ready to destroy my offspring rather than suffer its dishonor at +the hands of any Appius Claudius. Gentlemen, the Consolidated Companies +has been a one-man corporation in the past through your sufferance; from +to-day, if it exist at all, it shall be a one-man corporation because of +my will. You know that these are no idle words. You know what would be +the result of a single statement from me that the Companies repudiates +its assumed responsibilities. I do not ask--I demand that you gentlemen, +as the Executive Committee of the corporation, pass such resolutions as +will place the authority absolutely in my hands. I ask Mr. Litchfield to +take the chair, while I retire to give you ample opportunity for +discussion. However hard it may be for your personal pride, you will +have to do this--you have too much at stake to gratify your resentment +of my autocracy. But if you can gain any consolation in the knowledge +that you have dealt your president a blow from which it will take long +for him to recover, I beg of you to make the most of it. I believed +that power was the supreme lever with which to move the world, and that +money was but the fulcrum upon which that lever should rest. You +gentlemen have shattered this belief, and have shown me that sordid gold +is the controlling object of man's life. Still, I prefer to remain in my +Utopia, alone if need be, but with your unwilling company so long as my +present strength shall last." + +Gorham closed his eyes involuntarily as he ceased speaking, still +standing before his associates. A single tremor passed over his face, +and then it was as impassive as before. With a bow as courteous as it +was impressive, he left the room. + + + + +XXII + + +When Covington entered Gorham's office an hour later he found his chief +bowed forward on his desk, his head resting upon his hands. As the door +closed the older man raised his eyes, and the change in his face caused +Covington to stop in surprise. The usual color was replaced by a dull, +ashen gray, the lines had deepened, and the general aspect was that of a +man ten years older. + +"Everything is all right, Mr. Gorham," Covington remarked, +encouragingly. "They passed the resolutions you demanded." + +"John." + +It was the first time Gorham had ever addressed him by his Christian +name, and this fact, together with the tone in which it was spoken, +aroused a novel sensation in the younger man. He took the outstretched +hand, and accepted the friendly pressure, conscious of a feeling not +altogether pleasant. + +"John," Gorham repeated, "you and I are the only ones who can save the +Companies to its stockholders. We have a tremendous responsibility +thrust upon us." + +"But you won out," Covington exclaimed, amazed that Gorham seemed not to +have comprehended his words. "Everything is all right." + +"Everything is all wrong," the older man corrected, his eyes flashing +with a fire at variance with his general bearing. "Of course I won out, +but that is the least of my concern. My life-work bids fair to be a +failure, unless you and I together can build this structure over, using +material which this time will prove strong enough to withstand the +unholy strain of money, money, money. Of course I won out, because they +dare not risk my antagonism; but I have failed--miserably failed--in my +efforts to instil into those associated with me the basic principles of +a successful altruistic business. Oh, the pity of it! The greater the +returns the greater the greed, and their blindness in killing the goose +which lays the golden egg! But in you, John, at least, I have a tower of +strength." + +Covington found himself being rapidly forced into an equivocal position. +No one knew so well as he that the present conditions were the direct +result of his skilful and persistent manipulation, yet the result of +this first issue had not been what he had foreseen. In fact, it had +turned out better than he had expected, in that Gorham now leaned on him +as his sole support. Yet it was dangerous, Covington realized, to be +placed where he could be accused of carrying water on both shoulders, so +he hastened to put himself on record, midway between the two factions. + +"They had no idea that you laid so much stress on the moral side, in +your own mind--" he began. + +"How could they have known me at all and thought otherwise?" + +"The whole scheme of the Consolidated Companies is so unusual that +perhaps it isn't to be wondered at. What you consider to be unwarranted +is a recognized business method in other corporations." + +"Why do you tell me this?" Gorham demanded, suddenly. + +"Because I feared that you had overlooked it, in the heat of the +argument, and some sort of a compromise is of course necessary." + +"Compromise?" repeated Gorham, questioningly. "I don't follow you." + +"Why, you've carried your point, and proved your strength, but you have +divided the Companies into two camps. Of course something must be done +to conciliate. By Jove! that was an arraignment you gave them!" + +"There can be no conciliation, Covington," was the firm response; "there +can be no compromise. The Consolidated Companies either is what it is, +or it is nothing. The pledges which I have made from the beginning shall +be lived up to in spirit and in letter, or the final exercise of the +strength which they all are forced to admit shall be again to separate +it into its integral parts, and prevent it from undoing that which I +have already accomplished through its agency." + +"That is a large contract for any one man to undertake," Covington +remarked. "No individual has yet been able to disintegrate a successful +going corporation when the stockholders and the directors were opposed +to it." + +"We are talking of unusual things," Gorham replied. "No individual +before has been able to found so mammoth or so successful a corporation +as the Consolidated Companies. No individual before this has found +himself strong enough to force the immediate capitulation, against their +wills, of so powerful an Executive Committee. With these precedents +before me, I state my determination not as a threat, or as a boast, but +as a fact." + +"Are you counting on the stockholders for support?" + +"Absolutely." + +"You will find them as unanimously against you as you have just found +the committee." + +"Do you know this?" + +"They all know it; they would not have taken their position otherwise. +Next time, the stockholders will be put in evidence." + +Gorham again became silent. This second shock, following so soon after +the first, for a moment paralyzed his power to think, but he quickly +recovered his optimism. + +"I do not believe it--I will not believe it. But why do you tell me +this?" he again asked. "There must be some purpose behind it all." + +"There is. It is necessary for you to realize the exact position we are +in. Your work has been with those about to become stockholders, or with +the consolidations; I have been brought in personal contact with the +stockholders and the directors. You have met the ideals, while I have +come face to face with the actualities. For this reason I tell you that +you are undertaking a more serious campaign than you realize, and I also +tell you that, strong as you are, compromise and conciliation will +eventually be required." + +"Do I, then, stand alone?" + +Covington resented the suggestion. + +"There should be no question in your mind as to where I stand," he said. +"My personal relations with you, and my hope of an even closer +relationship, make any discussion unnecessary. But I see the situation +from a viewpoint which you cannot, and my duty clearly demands that I +express myself to you with complete frankness. I do not suggest that you +give up your ideals--I simply urge you to compromise with them in order +to win greater victories in the future." + +"Covington," replied Gorham, with decision, "you know how much I value +your judgment, how firmly I rely upon your loyalty. Because of this, I +shall move with even greater care than so serious a crisis as this +inevitably demands. Yet it is only fair to say to you now that I can see +but one outcome. There are many conflicts which arise in life which +admit of compromise--but you cannot compromise with truth, with virtue, +or with honor. These attributes either exist, or they do not--there are +no half-ways. Suppose you do a little thinking, too, along my line. Then +we'll join together, taking advantage of this new knowledge which has +come to us, and force the issue where we see the necessity. We are both +trying to accomplish the same results, but are considering different +routes. Think it over, my friend, and I feel sure that you will see that +I am right." + +His interview with Gorham left Covington with certain well-defined +conclusions: Gorham would never yield one iota from his position, and +his associates would not rest until they had wiped out this affront they +had received. It would be necessary for him to take sides openly with +Gorham or else make definite sacrifices. Yet he must hold the position +he now had with the directors so as to be Gorham's successor in case the +affair turned in that direction; and, most important of all, he must +fortify himself still further against the breaking of the storm, which +he knew would sooner or later come upon him. + +In military conflicts there are various methods of winning a victory. +When the adversary appears too strong for a direct battle, a skilful +tactician will sometimes weaken the enemy's strength by a rear attack. +Covington was a skilful tactician, and in the present crisis the +affidavits he had stored away in his safe-deposit drawer tempted him +sorely. He had never expected to use them, he told himself. He had never +expected to be placed in opposition to Mr. Gorham. With the family +alliance he contemplated, there would seem to be no occasion for +conflicting interests to exist between them. But if Gorham insisted on +making a fool of himself, there was really no good reason why Covington +should allow himself to be dragged down with him. It was infinitely +wiser to be in the position of "heads I win, tails you lose." Surely he +could not be accused of selfishness in the matter, when, if Mr. Gorham +were eventually dethroned by the directors, and he, Covington, crowned +in his place, it would simply result in keeping the Consolidated +Companies still in the family. And as for Gorham's silly threat to +disintegrate the corporation--that was too absurd to be considered +seriously. + +So Covington again inspected the papers which Levy had secured for him. +The one which related to Mrs. Buckner and the prospector he laid aside +at once as too contemptible to be considered, but the other interested +him. Gorham was setting himself above other men who held enviable +positions in the business and social world. If this affidavit was +true--and Covington saw no reason to doubt its authenticity--this +demigod might hesitate to emphasize his superiority. With the legality +of his marriage questioned, his Czarship might be weakened; and this, +as Covington saw it, meant advantage to himself in the Consolidated +Companies, and an insurance against any attitude Gorham might take +against him. With Brady vowing vengeance, his part in unloading the +railways stock on Alice might at any time be uncovered. With the present +strained relations between Gorham and the Executive Committee, his +confidential relations with both sides might prove disagreeable. But +with Gorham himself entangled in a domestic complication, serious +consequences to himself from such a catastrophe might be averted, or, at +least, mitigated. And, best of all, Levy was quite ready to proceed in +the matter with Buckner as his client. Surely Opportunity never offered +herself with more brazen coquetry to any one than she did to John +Covington. + +All this resulted in a busy afternoon for Lawyer Levy. Covington +returned the affidavit to him and left him free to proceed or not, as he +saw fit. Levy's delight was unbounded--"it was such a nice case." +Buckner was quickly summoned to the lawyer's office and a new agreement +drawn between them, which gave special joy to Buckner, as it meant an +increased supply of money and a renewed lease of life in New York City, +which he had learned to "love." Besides the agreement, he was asked to +sign a letter to Mrs. Gorham, which had been carefully worded by Levy +and was filled with lurid descriptions of his affection and loneliness. +He had accidentally become aware of the fact that their separation was +not legal, and the unexpected knowledge had served to revive in him all +the fondness of the early days. He had mastered the curse of drink which +had brought about their estrangement, and needed her companionship and +care. He regretted the inconvenience which it might occasion, but Mr. +Gorham had everything while he had nothing but the affection which he +felt for her--and that as she was now, and always had been his wife, he +demanded his rights. + +Levy had known men to change their minds, and in order to prevent any +such misfortune he despatched the letter by special messenger early in +the evening. Gorham had returned late and betook himself to the library +immediately after dinner to consider the new business complications with +great care before grappling with the situation on the following day. He +was still meditating when he was surprised to see Eleanor enter the +room, with an expression on her face which at once made him forget his +own perplexities. + +"Why, Eleanor!" he cried, "what has gone wrong with you?" + +Mrs. Gorham took her favorite seat on the arm of her husband's chair, +and he drew her to him. + +"I saw Ralph Buckner while out driving a few weeks ago," she said in +response to his question. "It unnerved me at the time, and I have been +apprehensive ever since. I did not tell you about it, as there seemed +nothing on which to base my fears, and you were so occupied. I hesitate +even now to add to your burdens, but this letter has just come, and you +should see it." + +As she spoke she placed the open letter in his hand, and he read it +carefully. + +"There can be nothing to this--can there?" she asked, her lip trembling +and her whole expression showing how eagerly she awaited his answer. + +"Eleanor," he said, softly, drawing her onto his lap, and soothing her +with the tenderness a mother would have shown an anxious child. He held +her pressed closely to him for so long a time in silence that at last +she became frightened She sat upright and, placing a hand on either +shoulder, regarded him searchingly. + +"Robert," she cried, aghast, "you don't believe--" + +Then he told her the news which James Riley had brought him, and of his +efforts to learn more. + +"No, dear, I don't believe it," Gorham finally answered her unfinished +question. "No power on earth could make me believe it until they proved +it; and even then no power could take you from me." + +"But it must be proved one way or the other." + +"There will be no need," Gorham replied, with a lightness he did not +feel; "I will find this man and will settle it for all time." + +"How will you settle it, Robert?" + +"He is doing this for money. Now that he has come out into the open, I +can take care of him." + +"But that won't do, dear. If there is any question about the divorce, +your buying him off won't settle it, will it?" + +"It must," was Gorham's decisive answer. + +"It can't." Eleanor rose and regarded him with an infinite tenderness. +"It can't, Robert; you know it can't, dear. If the divorce is not legal, +then there was no marriage between us, and what Ralph Buckner says or +does cannot affect that. We must know the facts now, dear." + +"In all probability the divorce was perfectly regular. It is questioned +now purely for blackmailing purposes; but I will submit to that, if +necessary, rather than have the matter go any further. Don't be quixotic +and play into the hands of these scoundrels who have gotten hold of +Buckner, and are trying to reach me through you, knowing well that this +is my vulnerable point." + +Mrs. Gorham was so long silent that her husband felt his argument had +won. + +"Eleanor," he said more calmly, "can you ever fully realize what you are +to me? All these gigantic transactions which have fallen to my lot mean +only so many contests with the world that I may bring my victories back +to you. The struggle is inspiring, the strife is intoxicating while it +is on, but how hollow the successes except for you! My life and all its +activities are centred about this one inmost shrine in which I mean to +keep you, unsullied by even the implied contamination which these +blackmailers would bring upon you. I will fight them with their own +weapons, and, thank God, I can ward off the blow." + +"Robert--my Robert!" Mrs. Gorham's voice was low but masterful in the +force which lay behind the words. "Nothing can ever come to me so bitter +as to make me forget that this has caused you to say what you have just +said. You mean every word, and to have won such devotion from such a man +is enough to make any woman's life complete. But it is your heart which +speaks, and our sober judgment must acknowledge without a question the +necessity of settling beyond the reach of doubt the validity of the +legal tie which binds us. We need no court to settle the question of our +love, my Robert--that is the real marriage which I know God only +recognizes; but there can be no happiness for us if we disregard even +for a moment those conventions which are necessary to our every-day +life. You know it, dear, just as I do." + +"It is unnecessary, Eleanor--it is unwise. We are so certain that there +is no real basis for doubt." + +"Would you feel the same if Alice were involved?" she asked, quietly. + +"Alice?" he repeated. + +"Yes; suppose this same question came up with her, would you not be the +first to insist that the facts be proven?" + +"What can I say?" he asked, brokenly. "This means a public trial and all +the scandal that goes with it. It means a rehearsing of all that past +which I have tried to help you to forget. It means pain and sorrow and +suffering to you, dear--to you whom I would shield with my life from +just what now threatens you." + +"A trial, Robert?" Mrs. Gorham asked, looking at him with a startled +expression. "Do you mean that there has to be a trial?" + +"Of course," Gorham replied, wondering at the unexpected change in her +attitude. + +Suddenly she buried her face against his shoulder and burst into tears. +"Oh, I couldn't stand that!" she cried. + +Gorham gently held her face from him and looked into it kindly but +questioningly. "Why not?" he asked. + +"It would kill me," she replied, not meeting his look. + +"Is there anything which the trial could bring out which you have not +already told me, Eleanor?" he asked, quietly. + +"Don't you know enough already to understand why I could never live +through it?" + +Gorham urged no further and caressed her gently, yet there was an +expression of distinct disappointment in his face. + +"There must be no trial," he said, firmly. "You shall be shielded from +that and from everything else which threatens to bring you sorrow. You +must leave it all in my hands." + + + + +XXIII + + +Allen went over the list of names lying on the desk before him for a +third time, carefully running down the column with his finger. Then he +leaned back in his chair and reflected. The single light flooded the +desk and cast its shadows out into the great office, but the boy's eyes +never left the papers before him. + +"That's mighty strange," he said aloud. "I'll bet Lady Pat got it +straight, but if she did that list ought to show it." + +He leaned forward again and turned to the early pages. "Courtney, +Cousens, Covell, Coveney--Covington ought to come in right there." Then +he turned the pages over rapidly--"Goodrich, Goodspeed, Goodwin, Gordon, +Gore--there isn't any Gorham there, either." + +For several moments he sat there deep in thought. Suddenly he rose and +struck the top of the desk a resounding blow with his fist. + +"Chump!" he cried. "Of course he didn't. Oh, I'm a great business man, I +am, thinking he'd buy those shares in his own name or in Alice's. It's +back to the dear old farm for me. Chump!" + +He restored the papers to their proper places, picked up Patricia's +bank, which he still had with him, turned out the light, and then +tramped down the long flights of stairs to work off his excitement. He +was disappointed not to have succeeded in this first attempt to prove +his suspicions, but he found some consolation in the certainty which +came to him, even in the face of this defeat, that he was on the right +track. + +For the next few days more immediate matters kept him completely +occupied. Gorham told him enough of what had happened at the meeting to +make him feel at once elated and concerned. + +"You were right to a degree, my boy, and I give you credit for it; but +don't think for a moment that there is going to be any change in the +administration of the Consolidated Companies." + +"You'll have a hard fight on your hands, Mr. Gorham. They aren't the +kind of men to let you force them any longer than they have to." + +"That will be as long as we remain associated in the corporation," +Gorham said, with conviction. "It does mean a greater burden for me and +for Covington and for you, as for all those who remain loyal, but the +game is worth the struggle. This is what makes life worth living, boy. +Struggles are nothing--I've had them always; it's only the lost faith +which slips in under one's guard and stings." + +Allen longed to ask just where Covington claimed to stand, but he +dreaded further imputations as to the motives underlying his question. +Then, later, it occurred to him that he might take advantage of the new +relations created by Covington himself. Watching his opportunity, he +opened up the subject with a proper air of mystery. + +"I wish you would advise me, Mr. Covington." + +The words may have caused surprise, but Covington turned to the boy as +though his remark were perfectly natural. + +"I shall be glad to if I can," he said. + +"You see, I don't quite know where I stand just now. There's evidently +going to be a struggle between the chief and the committee, and I'd like +to be put in right. How do you think it's going to turn out?" + +Covington did not doubt the sincerity which Allen's words and tone +apparently expressed. + +"There is only one possible outcome," he replied, frankly. "Mr. Gorham +will have to compromise or they will find a way to take his power away +from him." + +"But you don't think he will, do you?" + +"He's bound to. No man except a fool is going to let his ideals rob him +of his power, and Robert Gorham is no fool." + +"No, but those ideals are pretty well developed." + +"Of course they are, and he will hold to them as long as he can; but +when Litchfield and the others begin to take real action, as they will +soon, he will see things differently." + +"Then you advise me to stick to him?" + +Covington looked at him critically. "If I were you," he said, carefully, +"I would stick to the Companies. I am with him, of course, but the +clerks have no special obligation to any one. You have been closer to +him than the others, but I don't suppose that is any reason why you +shouldn't look out for yourself if a break comes. But personally, I'm +not expecting any break." + +"I never saw any one cotton so to anything as Mr. Gorham does to those +ideals of his," Allen continued. "I believe he talks them all day and +dreams them all night. It would break his heart to be obliged to take +back water." + +Covington laughed at the boy's simplicity. "Mr. Gorham was in business +long before the Consolidated Companies was born, and from what they tell +me he was a clever one even back there. His ideals didn't trouble him +any then, yet he succeeded. He figures that it is necessary for him to +test his strength against the committee at this point, and he has +accomplished all he wants. He will play with them for a time, and +eventually make a compromise which will fool them into thinking that +they have carried their point, but which in reality will give him a +still stronger grip on the Companies. Mr. Gorham has taught me a good +many lessons, not the least of which is how to turn ideals into business +assets. I would suggest that you don't give yourself a great deal of +anxiety over his 'broken heart.'" + +Covington's conversation with Allen was as frank and cordial as the boy +could have asked, yet between the two there was a barrier beyond which +Allen could not venture to pass. But the ice was broken, and this first +conversation which approached even a semblance of friendliness might +open the way for more important conferences in the future. + +Gorham, during these days, was working hard to discover the real crux in +Buckner's affairs. His secret-service men supplied him with a detailed +record of the man's history, and reported frequent interviews between +him and Levy or Levy's agents. Gorham had even seen the lawyer himself, +but gained only a deeper conviction that it was a case of blackmail for +revenue only. Levy laid before him all the papers in the case with +praiseworthy frankness. He would even have extended his sympathy, +except that his first efforts in this direction had not been received in +the spirit he thought they should have been. If Buckner's statement was +correct, there had been a cruel blunder on the part of Eleanor's +counsel; yet unless he was certain of his ground, Gorham could not +comprehend his daring to place himself in so dangerous a position. +Already the machinery was in motion to settle this point, but so far the +telegrams from the Colorado lawyers threw no light on the situation. +James Riley made frequent reports, drawing liberal expense accounts each +time he called, but as yet no single fact had been unearthed which gave +any promise of relief. Gorham relished an open fight, but this guerilla +warfare, threatening Eleanor's happiness and peace of mind, caused him +real anxiety. + +Eleanor's attitude throughout this period puzzled him not a little. The +more he thought the matter over, the more convinced he was that she was +right in her position that the question of the legality of the divorce +must be settled once and for all and at whatever cost. There must be +some way to arrive at this point without the necessity of a public +trial, but even if it came to that the facts must be established. Yet as +Gorham gradually came squarely over to his wife's viewpoint, Eleanor +seemed to be coming nearer to accepting the one which he had originally +advanced. This was what mystified him. He recognized that what she had +told him, when they first talked the matter over, was the natural +expression of the woman's self which he knew so well; her later attitude +showed the influence of some factor in her life unknown to him. She had +repeatedly been on the point of confiding to him, yet the confidence had +never been given, and Gorham was not a man who could urge beyond what +it was her voluntary desire to speak. + +It never had occurred to him to take offence or to criticise Eleanor's +attitude. He wished that she would come to him with the burden which lay +so heavily upon her heart, but he wished it only because he felt that he +could lighten it. Ever since the cloud had become apparent, his +tenderness toward her had increased to such an extent that she felt +herself weakened by his sympathy and swept along relentlessly by the +flood of events which crowded one on top of another. He had told her +that there should be no trial, and she showed him by every word and act +that she depended blindly upon his ability to make good his promise. + +The calm which existed at the offices of the Consolidated Companies +during the fortnight succeeding the stormy session of the committee, +while unexpected, did not lull Gorham into any false sense of security. +Now that his vision had been cleared, he knew that it was their strength +pitted against his own. He had his own plans for meeting this, but with +supreme confidence in himself he preferred to let them make the first +move. Covington had not retreated from his position that a compromise of +some sort was desirable, but he succeeded in convincing Gorham that this +was simply a difference in viewpoint, and that his chief's judgment +would, of course, be final. Acting upon the definite authority which +Gorham had forced from the committee to replace the tacit understanding +which had existed from the first, he plunged ahead with renewed energy +to perfect the organizations which the Companies had in hand. But while +conscious that his associates were undoubtedly concentrating their +energies upon some plan which might be used effectively against him, he +was grateful for the postponement of the issue, in that it gave him time +to work upon his present domestic problem. + +Covington congratulated himself upon the happy solution of the most +dangerous horn of his dilemma. He did not wish Gorham to yield, and he +found that the more he urged him to compromise, the more firmly set he +was against doing it. Thus he could accomplish his purpose, and at the +same time put himself on record without risk of being called disloyal, +while advising him for his own best good. The others were working hard, +and Covington could have posted his chief upon many interesting points +had he chosen to do so. Instead, he preferred to bring added pressure +upon Alice to name an early date for their wedding. He seemed to have +overlooked the fact that as yet she had not given him her formal +consent, but as the event was apparently accepted by her father and +Eleanor and Covington himself as a foregone conclusion, the girl took no +definite exceptions to his attitude. He was, of course, aware of the +family complications, and, in expressing his sympathy, explained that he +could be of much greater assistance in helping to straighten matters out +if he were actually included in the family circle. + +But Covington, with all his astuteness, was frankly surprised by a piece +of information which one of the committee confided to him; and this was +nothing less than that unquestionable evidence had been secured that +Gorham himself had, at least in one instance, taken advantage of his +position for personal gain. What this instance was his informant could +not at that moment say--the facts were being carefully compiled, but the +evidence was beyond dispute. This autocrat, who talked of principle and +honor, had been caught red-handed in the very act against which he +pretended to stand; and, of course, this instance was but one of many. +Doctor Jekyll could take it upon himself to deliver platitudes upon +moral rectitude, while Mr. Hyde gathered in the shekels on the side! + +The members of the Executive Committee were hugely pleased, and +Covington no less so. All was playing into his hands with surprising +directness, and he even began to feel that his approaching marriage into +Mr. Gorham's family was an act of supreme sacrifice on his part. Still, +it were better to safeguard both exits to the house, and Alice was an +amusing little minx, after all. + + + + +XXIV + + +The elder Riley felt the tenseness in the atmosphere of the Gorham +family, and his inability to discover the occasion for it proved trying +to his soul. The mysterious visits of his son James, and the apparent +confidences between him and his employer, made the old man feel strongly +that, if James were not a part of the new condition, at least he was +acquainted with the cause. Patience with Riley had ceased to be a +virtue, and he so contrived it that he passed an evening with his son at +the latter's lodgings. + +Much to his relief, he found James in an unusually agreeable mood; and, +although the younger man made no effort to move from the comfortable +position he had assumed with the assistance of an extra chair for his +feet, the welcome extended was far more cordial than that to which the +elder Riley was accustomed. + +"Well, well, well," the old man ejaculated, as he closed the door and +stood for a moment contemplating the scene before him. James smiled +complacently at the look of mingled surprise and admiration his father +so plainly showed, as his eye roved from the new pieces of gaudy +furniture to the box of cigars upon the table, particularly noting the +attitude which the son assumed as the nearest he could imagine to that +of a gentleman in repose. + +"Well, well, well," Riley repeated, coming down to earth again, and +seating himself upon a near-by chair not required for James's feet, +which the host had been too preoccupied to think of offering. "Things is +comin' good f'r ye, ain't they, Jimmie?" + +The old man had discovered a fact which James had no desire to dispute, +so he admitted it graciously, at the same time blowing clouds of smoke +from his over-fragrant cigar. + +"They is," he replied, sententiously; "and soon they'll be comin' better +still." + +"Ah, Jimmie"--the old man lowered his voice--"are ye goin' ter run f'r +mayor?" + +"Not--yet," James replied, dwelling upon his words in such a way as to +convince his hearer that the delay was wholly a matter of his own +convenience. "Politics is movin' some, father, but 'tis in my private +capacity that I'm makin' my present strides." + +"So," murmured Riley; "an' phwat may ye'er private capacity be, Jimmie?" + +"'Tis of a confidential nature," he replied, loftily. + +"Has it ter do wid Misther Robert?" + +"Him--and others." + +"Who is th' others?" the old man persisted. + +"That's my affair. 'Tis confidential, I tell you." + +"Not wid me, Jimmie," Riley begged; "not when I've watched over Misther +Robert iver sence he was a little la-ad, not wid me when I've brought ye +up fr'm a howlin' little brat. There can't be nothin' confidential, I +tell ye, when it's affectin' thim I loves best in all th' whole wide +world. Shure ye'll tell me about it, Jimmie, shure ye will." + +In James's present mood, it was easier to talk than to keep silent. If +his father really knew the importance of the part he felt himself to be +playing in Mr. Gorham's family complication, the old man's appreciation +of his son's true position in the community could not fail to be +enhanced. James Riley's most vulnerable point was his vanity, and the +present opportunity to gratify it was more than he could well resist. +The elder Riley, without having analyzed his son's characteristics to +this extent, was intuitively conscious of a yielding to his appeal, and +he was not slow to follow it up. + +"That's th' good la-ad, Jimmie," he said, coaxingly. "Ye knows how tight +I keeps me mouth shut; an' phwat hits ye or Misther Robert hits me." + +"Well," James replied, indulgently, blowing another cloud of +smoke--"'tis his wife that it's all about." + +"His wife!" the old man repeated, surprised and excited--"about Mrs. +Gorham, d'ye say?" + +"That is--provided she is his wife. There is them that says she ain't." + +"Who says she ain't?" Riley almost shouted the words as he rose +excitedly to his feet. "Who says she ain't? By God, I'll kill th' man +phwat says that!" + +"Slowly, slowly," James answered, soothingly, thoroughly enjoying his +father's amazement and excitement. "That's for them to settle as knows +how, but it's to me Mr. Gorham must look to help him out. Now, do you +understand where I come in?" + +"Ah, Jimmie, ye're killin' me wid yer slowness. Out wid it, la-ad! What +do they say, an' who done phwat? Out wid it!" + +"The divorce was crooked, so they say; and now her first husband is here +in New York and wants her back." + +"But it ain't true, Jimmie--it ain't true; tell me that." + +"I don't know yet myself," James admitted; "but there's a few things I +do know what ought to be worth the coin to Mr. Gorham." + +"An' ye're goin' ter give 'em ter him?" + +"Perhaps," James replied, indifferently--"if he thinks they're worth +what I do." + +"But Misther Robert has paid ye already, hasn't he? Hasn't these new +prosperity things come out iv Misther Robert's pay?" + +"He's got what he's paid for," James asserted. "These new tips come to +me while I was workin' on my own account. They're worth the coin to +either side." + +"That's phwat ye meant when ye said there was more prosperity comin'?" + +"Sure." + +"An' if Misther Robert don't pay ye ye'er price, ye'll sell 'em ter th' +other feller who says his wife ain't his wife?" + +"Business is business," James replied, sagely. + +The elder Riley's lips came close together as he rose quietly yet +quickly from his chair. In a moment more he had seized James by the +collar, and with a sudden, violent action, made easier by the recumbent +attitude, deposited the younger man in a heap on the floor. Too +surprised by the unexpectedness of the attack, James made no defence, +and before he could even attempt to rise from his humiliating position +the old man stood over him, shaking his fist in his face. + +"Ye damn dirty spalpeen, lie there f'r a time, will ye? I'll break ivery +bone in ye'er body if ye even make a move ter git up. Do ye think I've +spint me life f'r nothin' better than ter rear up a blackmailer an' th' +like iv ye? Do ye think me an' th' ol' woman, God rist her soul, slaved +th' flesh off our bones f'r nothin' better than ter raise a brat who'd +sell th' man whose hand was always out f'r me an' mine? It's ye'er +fa-ather talkin' ter ye now, James Riley, an' it's ye'er fa-ather who's +goin' ter scrape off some iv thim fine airs thim Tammany thieves an' +blacklegs has learned ye. It's manny th' time I've licked ye good, +Jimmie, when ye was a la-ad, an' it's agin I'll do it if I has ter, ter +learn ye honesty. Now git up an' set in that chair an' do phwat I tell +ye, if ye know phwat's best f'r ye." + +James Riley rose from the floor and sat obediently in the chair his +father indicated. Had he chosen to assert his strength, the elder man +would have been but a child in opposition; but the fire which flashed +from those angry eyes, and the tone in which his father's scathing +castigation was administered, took him back twenty years when the same +angry flash and the same convincing tones were backed up by a physical +force which made them worthy of respect. James Riley was again the +offending boy, and his father--stern, severe, unrelenting in his own +ideas of right and wrong--held him in a grip he could not break. + +"Set there, damn ye," the elder Riley repeated, breathing hard from +excitement and from the unusual exertion. "Now tell me phwat ye found +out when ye was workin' on ye'er own account." + +James tried desperately to summon courage enough to oppose his father's +will, but to no avail. + +"I've mixed a bit with Buckner--the first husband--that's all." + +"An' phwat did ye find out?" Riley demanded, sternly. + +James hesitated. + +"Out wid it!" the old man shouted. + +"He's been married again since." + +"Ah, ha! th' feller phwat says me Misther Robert's wife ain't his wife, +'cause th' divorce warn't reg'lar, has been married agin, has he?" +Riley's good-humor began to return with this cheerful bit of +information. "Then that makes him a liar or a Mormon--take ye'er choice. +Which do ye think it is, Jimmie?" + +"Liar," James replied, sententiously. + +"Right ye are, Jimmie! Right ye are! Liar it is, tho' 'twud serve him +right ter be th' other. An' where's his second wife?" + +"That's what's a-worryin' him; he don't know." + +"Ah, ha!" Riley chuckled, "why shouldn't it? It's bad enough when th' +wife don't know where ye are, but when ye don't know where th' wife is +an' her apt ter turn up anny minnit! Ah, let him worry; it's good f'r +him. What else did ye find out by ye'er mixin's?" + +"That's all, so far, but I can get more. Buckner likes me." + +The old man's passing amusement was gone, and his indignation returned +with full force. + +"P'r'aps ye can git th' likin's iv a man who says me Misther Robert's +wife ain't his wife, but 'twill be healthier f'r ye if ye gits th' +likin's iv Misther Robert himself. Now, ye'll go ter him to-morrer +mornin'--d'ye mind--an' ye'll tell him all ye've tol' me, an' there +won't be no price asked, an' ye'll keep on findin' out all ye can f'r +Misther Robert, an' ye'll play fair, an' ye'll take phwat pay he chooses +ter give ye, an' if ye thry anny more thricks like th' dirty wan I've +just catched ye wid I'll be back ter see ye, James Riley, an' I'll break +ivery damn bone in ye'er body, James Riley. Now, good-night ter ye an' +ye'er prosperities. I'll tell Misther Robert ye'll be up ter see him at +nine o'clock to-morrer mornin'." + +The old man drew himself up majestically, cast one more withering glance +on the completely humiliated James, and took his departure. + +The next morning nine had not ceased striking on the clock standing on +the mantelpiece in Mr. Gorham's study when James Riley was formally and +seriously ushered by his father into these, the sacred precincts, where +none entered except by its owner's invitation; but it was a far +different James from the man who had called upon Mr. Gorham some weeks +earlier. The younger Riley's self-assurance was missing, his jaunty air +was replaced by a bearing almost timid in its gentleness, his voice had +become halty; and when Mr. Gorham first spoke to him he started +suddenly, turning his face toward his questioner, and showing +apprehension in every feature. + +Gorham noticed the change, and, being ignorant of the tragic events of +the evening before, was frankly surprised. + +"Have you been ill, James?" he inquired, quietly. + +"Oh, no, sir--I'm feeling very well, I thank you, sir," James answered +in a quick, frightened voice. + +"I am glad to hear it," Gorham answered, but his tone suggested +incredulity. + +"I have been some worrited lately," James added, by way of explanation. +"I s'pose you knows how that tells on a feller, sir." + +"Yes, James," Gorham agreed. "It comes to all of us sooner or later. +Now tell me what is the important information which your father promised +me you would bring with you ?" + +"Hasn't he told you, sir?" + +"Not a word, James. Has it to do with the matter you have been working +on for me, or is it some trouble of your own which has caused the worry +you speak of?" + +James was seated on the edge of his chair with his thin hands folded and +resting on his knees. His eyes roved about the room, looking anywhere +except into Mr. Gorham's face. As a matter of fact, he had in reality +passed through some "worrited" times since his father's call, and his +humiliation was complete. It was a relief to him to know that his father +had not discussed the matter with Mr. Gorham, but even that consolation +was not equal to the task of restoring him to his former equinimity. + +"Well," interrogated Mr. Gorham, helpfully, striving to assist him in +what was evidently a serious undertaking. + +"You see, sir," James began, "there's another Mrs. Buckner." + +"What!" cried Gorham, genuinely surprised and rising from his chair. +"Buckner has been married again, you say?" + +"That's what I understand, sir; leastwise that's what he told me. He was +drunk when he said it, and perhaps that's why he did say it; but I +believe it's true." + +James had the satisfaction of witnessing a sight which few men had seen +during Mr. Gorham's lifetime--he was visibly excited, and, what was +stranger still, he made no effort to conceal his emotion. + +"If there is anything in what you say, James, this information is the +most cheering piece of news which I have heard for many a day. Now tell +me all you know about it." + +In another half-hour James Riley was painfully making his way to the +nearest subway station, giving no indication, either in his face or in +his movements, as to whether the result of his mission had turned out +more or less favorably, in its financial probabilities, than would have +been the case had he followed his original intentions. He had found his +father waiting for him in the front hall after he came down-stairs from +Mr. Gorham's library, but the only remark the old man vouchsafed was, +"Have ye done phwat I told ye, Jimmie?" Then the door swung upon its +hinges while the younger man went out, leaving his father chuckling +softly. + +"Jimmie's th' fine la-ad, afther all," Riley muttered quietly to +himself. "He has th' temptations same as we all has, but he seen his +duty when his fa-ather shown it ter him." Then the old man became +reflective. "It's sorry I'd 'a' been ter have had ter mess Jimmie all +up," he continued--"but I'd 'a' done it. It's lucky f'r him he didn't +show fight; it's lucky f'r him, I'm tellin' ye." + +In the mean time Gorham had sought Eleanor and Alice, and told them the +news which had come to him so unexpectedly. The problem now was to find +the second Mrs. Buckner, and as quickly as possible. James had explained +to Mr. Gorham that even Buckner himself did not know where the woman +was. He had lived in several cities during the last few years. His wife +might have died or moved away; but as Gorham pointed out in answer to +the doubts Eleanor and his daughter expressed, if it was a fact, there +must be a way to find conclusive evidence. + +"I cannot delay a moment," Gorham at length declared. "It will take some +time at best to run this matter down, and with the certainty so near at +hand to prove our fears groundless, I am all impatience to take steps +toward securing the actual evidence itself. It is imperative that I +leave for Chicago to-morrow, and I must get this investigation under way +before then." + +Eleanor and Alice sat for some moments in silence after Gorham left the +house. The girl watched the older woman, waiting for her to speak. The +anxious lines were still in Eleanor's face; her pallor remained, and +Alice wondered that she gave no evidence of relief from the +nerve-racking strain which she had endured, in the face of so hopeful a +turn in the whole situation. Still more, to the girl's surprise, Eleanor +rose abruptly from beside her, and walked irresolutely to the window. + +"I cannot, I cannot," she cried at last, all the pent-up feeling of the +last few moments finding expression in these brief words. Alice was +quickly beside her. + +"You cannot do what, dear?" she asked, sympathetically. + +"I cannot tell him." + +"Haven't you told him yet?" Alice asked, a shade of reproach showing in +her voice. + +Eleanor turned from the window and passed her arm around Alice's waist. + +"I have tried a hundred times. The few opportunities when I might have +done so naturally found me too weak; at other times it has been +impossible. Robert is so sweet and tender with me these days that the +mere possibility of having him blame me is the most terrifying thought +which I can have." + +"It ought not to be so hard now, dear. Everything is going to be +straightened out. Already the burden is a good deal lighter than before +because now we have something tangible to work upon. This leaves you +simply the one thing to think about, and of course father will believe +everything you tell him." + +Eleanor looked at Alice irresolutely. "It isn't in the nature of man to +be so credulous--I doubt if I would believe the story myself if I heard +any one else tell it. Under these circumstances, how can I expect more +from your father?" + +"Because it is--father," the girl replied, feelingly "--because he's the +grandest, noblest, truest man who ever lived; because he loves you, +Eleanor; and because he believes in you as he believes in himself." + +"If I did not know of this belief in me, Alice dear, and was not so +jealous of it, perhaps I should not fear to bring the matter to the +test. But, of course, you are right. He must know the whole story, and +he must know it from me. I only hope that the opportunity may offer +itself naturally for me to tell him, under such conditions as will make +it appear less incredible than it does just now." + +"It doesn't seem to me that that ought to enter into it at all," Alice +continued, quietly. "Even if you knew that it would destroy this belief, +you could do nothing else than tell him, could you, Eleanor? There could +be nothing good come from anything kept from father." + +Eleanor felt reproached by the faith which the girl exhibited. "I have +done it to spare him," she urged. "If there had been anything in the +experience of which I need feel ashamed, I should have felt it +necessary to let him know it before we were married. I thought it all +over then, and decided it was wiser not to bring the matter up. It was +weak and cowardly not to do it, I can see that now, but at the time I +thought I was acting for the best." + +"If father were to tell you something about his life which seemed +incredible, and which might be misinterpreted into something +dishonorable to him, would you believe his version of it?" + +"Implicitly," Eleanor replied, with much feeling. + +"Then do you think he is less loving or less tender or has less faith +than you, Eleanor?" + +"Not that, dear," Eleanor replied; "but he is a man, and a man's +standpoint is essentially different from a woman's." + +"I never think of him as a man," the girl replied, simply. "He is so far +above and beyond any man I have ever known that I have never thought of +him as only that." + + + + +XXV + + +A week later the Gorhams' dinner-table received two unexpected +additions. Gorham had returned from Chicago earlier in the day, and +found a telegram awaiting him which announced that Senator Kenmore would +call at his house at five o'clock that afternoon. As he was unable to +complete his work upon the accumulated matters which demanded immediate +attention, he put the papers into his bag, and took Allen with him to +the house in time to keep his appointment with the Senator, intending to +continue his day's labors after his caller had departed. + +During the weeks which had elapsed since Gorham's conversation with +Allen, the boy's attitude toward him manifested a respect so marked that +the older man saw in it an effort to atone for his momentary disloyalty; +in his work he was devoted and exact to a degree beyond anything he had +previously demonstrated; inwardly he was the investigator. Never had he +put himself through so merciless a self-examination. He felt keenly +Alice's misunderstanding of his dislike of business; he blamed himself +for having spoken so freely to Mr. Gorham before he had fully satisfied +himself that the doubts he expressed at that time were based on anything +beyond inexperience and a lack of knowledge. He knew that he had +committed an error in accusing Covington before he could substantiate +his statements. He was glad, therefore, to be able to work this all out +in his own mind during the absence of his chief, yet when Mr. Gorham +returned, the boy was still further embarrassed by his special +kindliness toward him. + +Kenmore's face wore a worried expression as he entered the hall soon +after Gorham and Allen arrived. He was shown at once to the library, +where he and Gorham passed the next two hours in close conference. +Indeed, the discussion was sufficiently important to hold Kenmore longer +than he expected, and to cause Gorham to break over a rule which he had +never before violated, in discussing business matters at the +dinner-table and in the presence of his family. + +The thought had come to Gorham, as he was rushing along toward New York +on the limited express, of the rapidity with which events had shaped +themselves since that moment, only a few weeks earlier, when he had sat +in his library indulging in day-dreams. James Riley had come first, with +his news of Buckner's presence in New York; then Allen called, bringing +his suspicions concerning the attitude of those trusted in the affairs +of the corporation, adding his own unexpected and unwarranted doubts as +to the integrity of Covington and the morality of this company, which to +its creator had seemed to embody every idealistic and altruistic +principle; then Litchfield, at the meeting of the committee, +substantiated to a considerable extent Allen's deep-seated conviction +that the men who made up the fibre of the corporation were actuated by +selfish motives in their relations to it and to its transactions, thus +making the situation even more acute. James Riley later had brought him +the first definite ray of hope in what promised a solution of his +domestic tangle; but as the burden lightened on the one hand, it seemed +to bear him down with added weight on the other. Senator Hunt, urged on +by Brady and other powerful interests, was working against the +Consolidated Companies with an energy which would have done him credit +had it owed its origin to his appreciation of the responsibilities of +his public duties. Now, Kenmore's description of the situation at +Washington left no room for doubt that for the first time Gorham must +admit the assailability of the Companies. After the two hours' +interview, Gorham could not fail to recognize that the one thing which +showed above all else in Kenmore's attitude, was his anxiety lest the +threatened adverse position on the part of the Government toward the +Companies should result in a loss of his own future profits. Could it be +possible, Gorham asked, inwardly, that Allen was right in saying that he +himself was the only man in the corporation who lived up to the ideals +he expressed! + +"Next Tuesday is the critical day," the Senator repeated at the table, +all other conversation giving way to the matter which he had so strongly +upon his mind. "The Attorney-General was not far wrong when he told us +in Washington that there was not the slightest possibility of passing +any bill through either House which could accomplish the results which +the President desires, and yet I cannot believe that the position which +the Administration has taken will be overridden." + +"If we can get the bill through the Senate, do you think there will be +the same difficulty in the House?" asked Gorham. + +"No," Kenmore responded; "the Congressmen are more eager to serve their +constituents. The people are still with us, and Congress knows it. In +the Senate, however, they are playing for bigger game. The great +interests there hope to divert attention from themselves to the +Consolidated Companies, and if they can secure legislation which will +operate against us they think that the people will so resent it that it +will probably put a stop, for the present at least, to all agitation +against consolidations, good or bad. It is a clever game, and they are +playing it well." + +"We must not let them play it better than ourselves," Gorham replied, +decisively. + +"We are working hard, Gorham," the Senator replied. "That was a great +move of yours, having each stockholder invest in the Consolidated +Companies to such an extent that it made the welfare of the corporation +a matter of personal concern. Those of us who are stockholders are +fighting for our lives, and the Companies is getting the benefit of it." + +"So is the public," Gorham replied, quickly, regretting particularly the +turn the conversation had taken owing to Allen's presence, and noting +the expression on the boy's face. "You and our other colleagues in the +Senate are fighting for the people, and the right is bound to win." + +Kenmore laughed nervously. "I don't know that it makes much difference +what you call it," he replied. "We are fighting all right, and the +result is bound to be the same whether it is for the people or for +ourselves. You won't fail us next Tuesday, Gorham? If you can turn the +tide in our favor, you will accomplish the greatest stroke in your +career." + +"I shall be there," Gorham replied, and with deliberate intent turned +the conversation into general channels. + +Kenmore took his departure shortly after dinner, and Eleanor and Alice +remained with Mr. Gorham and Allen, who lingered a few moments over +their cigars before taking up their evening's labors. Eleanor, in an +effort to relieve her own mind from its oppressing thoughts, quite +unconsciously called attention to Allen's quiet bearing, which Mr. +Gorham had hoped would pass by without attracting attention, knowing as +he did what lay beneath. + +"How sober you are to-night, Allen," she said. + +The boy looked up quickly. "Forgive me for being such poor company," he +replied, simply. "I was thinking over what the Senator has been telling +us." + +"You must leave all that worry to me," Gorham said, kindly. "Great +burdens are not meant for young shoulders. The Consolidated Companies is +too strong a force to be vanquished without a hard struggle, even when +attacked by so mighty an organization as the United States Senate." + +"I was not worrying about that, Mr. Gorham," Allen replied, and he +regretted the words as soon as they had left his lips. + +"What is it, then?" asked Alice. + +The boy passed his hand across his forehead and rose to his feet. "I +don't know what it is," he answered, irresolutely. "I am all upset +to-night--do you mind if I go up to the library now, Mr. Gorham, and +wait for you there?" + +Gorham held out his hand and Allen grasped it firmly, yet turned his +face away. + +"Have you lost faith in me, too, my boy? Has it really come to that?" + +"I beg of you, let me go now," Allen replied, controlling himself with +difficulty. "You know I shall never lose faith in you." + +"You are in no condition for work to-night," Gorham remarked, quietly. +"Draw your chair up here beside me, and let us talk it all out right +now." + +Allen looked hesitatingly at Eleanor and Alice and then at Gorham. "Not +now?" he said. + +"Why not now, Allen?" Alice asked, curious to know what so affected him. +"You told me once that you were my business creation, and that I must +accept the responsibility whether I wished it or not. Surely I am +entitled to be present." + +"Affairs have changed since then. If I don't hold my tongue now, I shall +say things for which you and your father will never forgive me." + +"I want to hear them, Allen," she insisted; "I have a right to hear +them." + +Gorham was impressed by the girl's attitude. "She is right," he added. +"Now, out with it, boy, and let us get to the bottom of things." + +Then the pent-up thoughts which had been collecting during the past few +months burst forth. + +"You have made me do it, Mr. Gorham," the boy cried, passionately. "You +would never have heard it from my lips except for that, but I can't +stand it any longer. I have tried hard since we talked that last time to +convince myself that I was wrong, but I can't do it. I know it's because +I can't see things the right way, but, whatever the cause, the trouble +is there. To me the Companies seems based on interests which are wholly +selfish, and to be accomplishing good only because doing business on +this basis brings extra dividends to its stockholders. It is growing +bigger and more powerful and more irresistible, but with this +increasing power there is also increasing danger; and I feel sure, Mr. +Gorham, as I told you before, that some day the public will have to pay +the price. When the dike breaks the flood is going to wipe out all the +advantages which the people have received, and more too." + +The boy paused for breath and waited, expecting to hear Gorham's stern +reproaches, but none came. The amazed expression both on Eleanor's and +Alice's faces, however, evidenced the heresy of his words. + +"I suppose I am forfeiting all which this family means to me by my +seeming disloyalty to you, Mr. Gorham; but I honestly feel that I am +more loyal than if I played the hypocrite. I see you carrying on the +business of this corporation surrounded by men whose only thought is of +themselves, who accept your judgment simply because it puts dollars into +their pockets, who permit you to exercise your ideals only because they +know that it means profit to them. Yet you have been consistent, you +have been straightforward, you have lived up to the standards which you +have taught me to expect. But can't you see, Mr. Gorham"--the boy held +out both arms supplicatingly--"can't you see that there isn't a single +man in that great organization who feels as you do? Can't you see that +even Senator Kenmore is thinking only of himself?" + +"You forget Mr. Covington and--yourself," Gorham answered. + +"I don't cut any ice, one way or the other," Allen protested, "but I +haven't forgotten Mr. Covington. I tell you, Mr. Gorham--forgive me, +Alice--Mr. Covington is the worst of all. He's the one who has +influenced the committee to take their stand against you; he's helping +them plan things out now so as to throw you down, hoping to become +president himself; he's trying to marry Alice so that you can't expose +him when you begin to unravel his double cross. I tell you, he's the +slickest Johnnie outside of State's Prison." + +"Of course you have unquestionable proof to support all this, Allen?" +Gorham demanded, sternly. + +"No, I haven't, and I shouldn't speak; but I know I'm right," was the +dogged reply. + +"Do you realize what it means to make such unsubstantiated statements?" + +"But I have everything except the actual proofs," he pleaded. + +"What else can you have?" + +"I know how he's been investing Alice's money for her, for instance." + +"What of that; it was done with my consent." + +"With your consent?" Allen repeated, bewildered. "Then you knew--with +your principles--" + +Gorham was thoroughly angry now, but he delayed replying until he could +choose his words in the presence of his wife and daughter. + +"I have borne with this long enough," he interrupted. "I have been +patient with you because I sympathized with your disappointment +regarding Alice--but my patience is at an end. Your jealousy has so +warped your sense of right and wrong that you are willing to attack the +reputation of a man of honor and integrity, trying to injure him in the +eyes of those who respect him. I warned you against this, and you have +failed to heed my warning. Much as I regret it, on many accounts, there +is no alternative--your usefulness to the Companies is at an end." + +Allen rose and looked searchingly into Gorham's face. He could read in +the lines which he saw there a real suffering which touched him deeply. +No man, not even his father, had come so closely into his life as Mr. +Gorham, and the boy's heart was wrung with pain that he should be the +cause of adding to his burdens. But his gaze into those expressive eyes +seemed to bewilder him still further, for he passed his hand in a dazed +manner across his forehead. + +"You must be right," he said at length. "I should have known that I'd be +no good in business. Why, I haven't even brains enough to comprehend. I +know that you, sir, are the soul of honor, and yet you tell me that you +knew of that investment. I'm a failure--I'm just no good, that's all. +I'll go back to Pittsburgh and tell the pater what a chance you gave me, +and what a mess I made of it. Then I'll ask him to let me strip down as +his other workmen do, and go into the furnaces where I belong. +Good-night and--good-bye." + +As the conversation developed into so serious a situation, Alice and +Eleanor watched the two men, astonished at the nature of the +disagreement, and filled with apprehension. Mrs. Gorham had grown more +fond of the boy than she realized until this moment, and she actually +suffered for him. Alice was running the gamut of her emotions, her +sensations changing every moment, affected by each sentence which she +heard torn from the very soul of each speaker. As Allen rose after his +final acceptance of his dismissal, she rose with him, a curious mixture +of uncertainty and lack of understanding combining in her expression. + +"I don't believe you do know about that stock, daddy," she said, +quietly. "Before Allen goes perhaps--" + +"I know all about it, Alice," her father replied, impatiently. "Allen +has no right to meddle in my personal affairs, and I resent it. Don't +interfere, little girl--leave this to me." + +The color left her face, and she seemed to grow to mature years in the +instant. Allen started to leave, but was held spellbound by the force +exercised by the quiet, firm dignity which became at once the dominating +factor. + +"You are wrong, daddy," she said, with a new note in her voice which all +recognized instinctively. "For the first time in my life, I tell you, +you are wrong." + +"Leave this to me, Alice," Gorham repeated, sternly, but the girl did +not heed him. + +"Since I have been sitting here I have learned a lot, and I know that +Allen is right. There are things which I have kept from you, and now I +know that I should have told you all about them. Now I know that the +advice I received was wrong--and it is all reacting upon Allen and upon +you." + +"Is there no way--" Gorham began, thoroughly exasperated. + +"Be patient, Robert," begged Eleanor. + +"Don't, Alice," Allen protested; "it's mighty white of you, but it only +makes matters worse. I'm going now--" + +"Not until I tell you that I've been unfair to you too," she cried. +"I've made fun of you and been horrid to you, but I believe I've loved +you all the time." + +"Alice!" the boy exclaimed. + +"You are forgetting your duty to Mr. Covington, as you have already +forgotten your duty to me," her father expostulated, severely. + +"She doesn't mean it, Mr. Gorham--please don't blame her; it's all my +fault." + +"I do mean it, Allen. I haven't known my own heart till now." + +"It's pity for me--it isn't love," the boy replied, bitterly. "I'm a +failure and you're sorry for me. I wanted you when I thought I could +make good. Now that I know I can't, it's different. But I'll never +forget it, Alice, never. Don't blame her, Mr. Gorham. Good-bye." + +He rushed out, not trusting himself to speak further, and a moment later +those left behind heard the door close quietly as he went out into the +darkness. + + + + +XXVI + + +The Executive Committee were ready to make their first move; and at a +meeting at which Gorham was not present, they had voted to ask the +president to call a special meeting of the Board of Directors. The call +for the meeting was supplemented by a letter to the Directors, signed by +each member of the committee, setting forth that the business to be +considered included the rescinding of a resolution passed at a previous +meeting, placing plenipotentiary powers in the hands of the president, +and also to consider the desirability of so dividing his present duties +that the responsibilities might rest on several shoulders instead of +upon his alone. It further recited that various criticisms of the +president would be considered at that time,--specifically, that Mr. +Gorham was using the Consolidated Companies for his own private ends; +that he prevented his associates from being recognized in their full +relation to the work, the credit for which he himself monopolized; that +he was devoting a large part of his time at the expense of the Companies +in straightening out certain domestic complications, as a result of +which the corporation was losing ground, and was even being threatened +by adverse legislation in Washington, against which it was his duty to +protect it. And finally, it was claimed that the president had at least +on one occasion taken advantage of his official position to make +certain investments for his own personal advantage. + +A copy of this letter accidentally fell into Gorham's hands, and his +indignation at its needlessly antagonistic wording was tempered by +several elements of surprise. The frankness with which the grievances +were stated was an evidence that his associates were prepared to force +the break with him, and to dispense with whatever value his connection +with the corporation might have. The reference to his domestic +complications surprised him not a little, showing as it did a +familiarity with this subject which he had not supposed to have become +common property. The suggestion that he had been false to the ideals +which he himself had imposed could only be construed as a gratuitous +affront; yet these men who constituted the Executive Committee were not +those who would lightly do this. He could quite understand their +resentment of both his attitude and his words at the last meeting--he +had expected them to make an effort to wrest from him, but in such a way +as not to jeopardize their own interests, the supreme authority which he +had forced from them; yet they all knew him too well even to suggest any +transaction on his part so at variance with the standards which he had +established. + +After thinking it all over, he sent for Covington, and as the younger +man entered he handed him the communication. + +"Have you seen this before?" Gorham asked. + +"Yes; Litchfield just showed it to me." + +"What does it mean?" + +"Compromise, I hope," Covington replied. "Nothing else can prevent a +great calamity to the Companies. I am even more certain of this now than +before." + +"How do they know anything about my personal affairs?" + +"I can't imagine, unless through some one of the secret-service men." + +"You, of course, have made no reference to it?" + +"Certainly not." Covington resented the suggestion. + +"Now, about this last statement--what does that mean?" + +"It is a complete mystery to me. Of course, there's nothing in it?" + +Gorham looked at him with a flash in his eye which he had learned to +respect. "Do I need to answer that question?" + +Covington's watchful mind noted the evasion. Gorham had not actually +denied it. + +"Of course not," he responded; "but they claim to have indisputable +evidence. I tried to find out what it was, but knowing how close I am to +you, they are holding that back until the meeting." + +"Indisputable evidence, have they? I should like to see it! Please have +a call signed by the secretary and sent out at once for a special +meeting of the Board to be held to-morrow afternoon at four o'clock. +Send with it a waiver of the usual five days' notice. More than a +majority of the Board are in the city, and they will be as eager as I am +to dispose of this matter." + +The formalities in opening the meeting were brief, and the business in +hand was taken up with a promptness which showed the strong desire +dominating both sides to have the issue met squarely and settled once +for all. It was an interesting study to watch the expressions on the +various faces. Men who seldom allowed their bearing to reflect the +emotions influencing them, gave every evidence of their full +appreciation that a crisis was upon them. With the possible exception of +Covington, Gorham showed less than any of them the effect of the tense +strain which the situation developed. At the last meeting, the committee +had witnessed an exhibition of the latent reserve force which lay +beneath the impassive exterior, so they needed no further warning that +the quiet yet flashing eyes, the firm setting of the mouth, the head +bent forward, the general bearing--alert and decisive--all attested a +foeman worthy of their steel. It was his business life now against +theirs, but they believed themselves strong enough to force the +struggle. + +Litchfield was again spokesman. "Nothing can be more painful," he said, +"to me personally or to the other members of the Board of Directors than +to have circumstances arise such as these which have made this meeting +necessary. It was a surprise to us, on the occasion of the last session, +to have our president take such exceptions to the suggestions which we +advanced in good faith. We tried to make it clear to him that we all +recognized and appreciated the extraordinary services which he has +rendered to the Consolidated Companies, yet we cannot admit that he +possesses all the wisdom, or that his policies are the only ones which +can be considered. He made it quite evident to us at that time that our +judgment was desired only to the extent that it coincided with his own. +He has seemed to overlook the fact that the Consolidated Companies is +not a private corporation, but rather one in which several of the +Directors are even more heavily interested, in a financial way, than he +is himself. + +"There is no question in the minds of any of us that the services of +our president are still absolutely essential to the success of the +corporation, and we have no wish or intention of having him separate +himself from it; but we have become aware, through the unprecedented +position which has been taken, that if those interests which we +represent are to be safeguarded, immediate action must be taken to +convince him that the Consolidated Companies is not his personal +property, that the Executive Committee are not mere puppets, and that +even the president of a great and successful corporation is, after all, +an employee of that corporation, and subject to its control. The +gentlemen who have the honor to serve on the Executive Committee resent +the imputation made by him that this code of business morals, which he +has originated, is necessarily the only moral code, or that he himself +possesses the right or the power to establish the standard by which to +measure them as individuals or as officials. + +"My colleagues have asked me to state the situation at this length in +order that our president may understand that our present attitude is +inspired not by any personal antagonism, but rather by what appears to +us to be a necessary and simple business precaution. What the Board of +Directors propose now is to rescind the resolution, passed upon our +president's insistence at the last meeting, which gave him unlimited +power in the conduct of the corporation, to divide the responsibilities +in such a way that the fortunes of the Consolidated Companies will no +longer remain dependent upon the life or services of any one officer, +and to insist that the employees of the corporation be used only in the +execution of the corporation's business. Our president will still be +given a free scope in the conduct of the important matters which will be +intrusted to him, but from now on the Board of Directors insist that the +corporation shall be dominated by their joint policies, in the +establishment of which our president will still have great weight." + +Gorham listened to Litchfield's remarks with marked patience. He was +relieved that they were free from the personalities and vituperations +which the wording of the call had led him to fear, for to his nature it +was impossible to work in such close relationship with such a body of +able men without acquiring a regard beyond that inspired by mere +commercial intercourse. They were wrong in their whole understanding of +his position, but he could convince them of that now that there had been +nothing said to cause an open rupture. + +"My friends," he said, "I can take no exception to the position which +you assume, knowing as I do the viewpoint from which you speak. The +arbitrary attitude which I have assumed has been one which you +yourselves have forced upon me rather than one taken of my own +volition--but I shall later refer to this more at length. I agree with +you that the employees of this or any other corporation should be used +only in the exercise of the corporation's business; but would not the +success of any blackmailing attempt, such as the one I am fighting, +react upon the Companies fully as much as upon me? As to the gentlemen +who form our Executive Committee, even though I have differed from them +on a point which I conceive to be absolutely vital to the success of the +Consolidated Companies, I consider them the ablest body of business men +ever gathered together upon any committee. I am proud of them for the +reputation they have given to the Companies, I respect them personally +for their own sterling worth. I can conceive no personal calamity +greater than to have any necessity arise to make it necessary for us to +sever our relations--and I cannot, even now, see that any such occasion +exists. + +"As to the matter of dividing the responsibilities, I again agree with +you. It is not the act of wisdom to have the destinies of any +corporation so large as this rest as heavily upon any one man's +shoulders as your attitude has convinced me that this rests upon mine. I +not only assent to this proposition also, but I will do all which lies +in my power to accomplish it. I will even reserve my 'code of morals,' +as you are pleased to call it, wholly for myself, considering that it is +a point upon which we fail to agree. + +"All that remains, then, is for you gentlemen to give me your assurances +upon one point: namely, that the present basis of profit-sharing with +the public shall not be disturbed. I will no longer put it upon a moral +basis--I insist upon it solely as a business policy. With this one point +established, I will work with you to the extent of such strength and +ability as I have within me, to further the interests of the great +Consolidated Companies as it advances triumphantly along its appointed +path." + +"But this is the main contention upon which our split has come," +protested Litchfield. + +"You objected to the stand I took that the public is morally entitled to +an equal division. Personally, I still maintain that this obligation +exists, but now I am endeavoring to convince you that to continue this +is an act of supreme business wisdom. Mr. Litchfield made reference, in +the course of his remarks, to the adverse legislation with which the +Companies is threatened. I am, and have always been, in the closest +touch with the situation, and I tell you, gentlemen, this danger is a +real one. I have seen Senator Kenmore within a few days, and his +information is most alarming. Next week I expect to be in Washington +again to fight the battle not only for the future of the Consolidated +Companies, but for its very life. We have powerful allies, and I believe +that we can win, but, in the words of the Attorney-General himself, only +provided that we can show our hands to be clean in our future intentions +as well as in our present practices." + +"Suppose we postpone any action whatever until after the present crisis +in Washington has passed," suggested one of the Directors. + +"The action must be taken at once," insisted Gorham. "I told you, +gentlemen, that I had awakened from my Utopian dream. I shall make no +more promises until I am absolutely certain that they will be made good +to the letter." + +"How far do you carry this 'Utopian' policy of yours, Mr. Gorham?" asked +Litchfield. "Would you even go so far as to deny the right of any +officer of the corporation to make profit for himself as a result of +inside information gained in his official capacity?" + +"Most assuredly." + +Covington watched his chief critically as the blow began to fall. What a +crash this idol would make when it fell from its self-created pedestal! + +"Would you criticise an officer of this corporation who invested in +stock about to be acquired by the Companies, thus taking advantage of +the certain rise in value which he knew would come to it?" + +"I should consider such an official as absolutely false to his trust. Is +there one of us present who would feel otherwise?" + +Litchfield smiled. "There is no one present who does not regret the lack +of friendliness which prevented our president from giving him an equal +chance with himself in the purchase of stock in the New York Street +Railways Company." + +Gorham seemed not to comprehend the charge against him. "You will have +to enlighten me further," he said, coldly. + +Litchfield drew some papers from his pocket and handed them to Gorham. +"We don't undertake to criticise you for making the most of this +opportunity," he said, "but out of respect to your ridiculous 'code,' we +have ourselves refrained. Next time we shall expect you to give us a +chance too; and, incidentally, don't you think we can now come to a +mutual understanding regarding the morality basis of the Consolidated +Companies?" + +"Where did you get these papers?" Gorham demanded. + +"From Mr. Brady, who was interested enough to supply us with the sworn +statements which you see here." + +"Do you really believe that I invested a penny of my money in that +stock?" + +"Come, Gorham, admit that the joke's on you," Litchfield laughed. "Of +course, it was your daughter who did it, and, of course, you knew +nothing about it!--Don't try to hide behind her skirts." + +Gorham looked across to where Covington was sitting, pale and unnerved +by the unexpected development. He might have suspected this, but the +remoteness of the chance had as a matter of fact precluded any thought +of the possibility. Gorham started to speak, but checked himself. He +could not bring his daughter's name into this discussion without more +time to consider the situation. Then he turned again to his associates. + +"Gentlemen," he said, quietly, "it seems hardly necessary for me to make +this statement, but I wish to put myself on record: I have never +invested one cent of my own money, or any one else's, in any stock whose +value was likely to be affected by the action of the Consolidated +Companies. No one else has ever done so with my knowledge or consent. I +shall have more to say upon this matter when I have had sufficient time +to acquaint myself with all the facts. Until then, I ask that this +meeting be adjourned, subject to an early call." + +Litchfield, puzzled, as were the others, by Gorham's flat denial in the +face of the overwhelming evidence, put the motion for adjournment which +the president requested. + + + + +XXVII + + +The bachelor apartment-house which Allen Sanford called his home in New +York, though constantly referred to by him as his "two by twice hall +bedroom," was considerably more pretentious and expensive than a young +man receiving his modest income would ordinarily have selected; yet when +he decided upon it, the chief point in question was whether or not it +suited his tastes. The fact that the rent alone exceeded the salary +assured him by his position in the Consolidated Companies did not strike +him as of any particular significance. He had sold his motor before +leaving Washington, and with this nest-egg and what remained of his last +allowance to draw upon, the necessity of economy had not occurred to +him. "I've eaten up the tires, and now I'm beginning on the chassis," he +had once remarked in conversation; but with characteristic confidence in +the future, he made no provision for the time when he should have +thoroughly fletcherized the entire machine. + +Now that he had joined the army of the unemployed, and had decided to +return to Pittsburgh, it was incumbent upon him to pack up his +belongings. This was a project which failed to appeal to him. He had +formally terminated his connection with the Consolidated Companies on +the day before, and this Sunday morning had been set apart by him for +his tremendous undertaking. His trunks were in the middle of the floor, +and his clothes deposited in various stages of disorder upon every chair +in the room, preparatory to making the start toward packing which +appalled him. The empty drawers of the dresser and the chiffonnier, and +the bare hooks of the closet bore silent tribute to the thoroughness of +his work thus far. + +He was sitting upon the edge of a trunk, regarding in dismay the +confusion around him and wondering where to make a start, when the bell +rang vigorously. He opened the door in surprise, and was relieved to +find no more formidable a visitor than the elevator boy. + +"A young lady down-stairs to see you, sir." + +"A--what?" demanded Allen. + +"She wouldn't give her name, sir." + +"I'll be right down," he cried, slamming the door unceremoniously in the +boy's face, and rushing into his coat and waistcoat. Could it be that +Alice had really meant what she said that night, and had come to +convince him of it! There was a girl for you! He would never accept the +sacrifice, he told himself resolutely, still he fairly danced as he +straightened his necktie, tripped over his evening clothes, which he had +knocked onto the floor, and almost stumbled over a little figure in the +hallway, as he threw open the door and started to rush to the elevator. + +"They wouldn't let me come up in the elevator, so I walked," announced +Patricia, looking up at him with a beaming smile. + +"What are you doing here? Is Alice down-stairs?" Allen demanded, +completely bewildered by the unexpected apparition. + +"I've come to go away with you, and Alice is at home," the child +answered, simply. "Papa said you were going back to Pittsburgh. Aren't +you glad to see me? I've got all my things packed up in this bag, except +my _Knights of the Round Table_, which wouldn't go in, so I carried it +under my arm." + +He looked at her, speechless with astonishment as she proudly held up +the diminutive satchel and displayed her precious volume. + +"Of course I'm glad to see you, Lady Pat," he said at length; "but you +ought not to come here alone, you know." + +"I'm not alone," she insisted. "Riley is down-stairs in my pony cart. +Phillips didn't know where you lived, but he's only a groom, so I +brought Riley. Now, how shall we get rid of him, and have you made a +hundred thousand dollars with my money?" + +"I'm ashamed to say I haven't--I was too late. The storks had all gone +South for the winter, but I must give you back your bank." + +Allen turned into his room, closely followed by Patricia. + +"Then you haven't money enough to get married?" she asked in a pathetic +little voice. Suddenly her face brightened. "But I don't mind; I'll keep +house for you without any money; and storks always come to newly married +people, I've heard them say so." + +"We couldn't do that, Lady Pat; we'd starve to death unless we ate the +storks. Come, let's go and find Riley." + +But Riley's anxiety had resulted in his anticipating them, and the +familiar face at that moment showed above the stairway, as the old man +approached them, out of breath. + +"Ah, there ye are, praise be ter th' Virgin Mary," he panted. "Ah, sich +a mess as ye're gettin' poor old Riley in. I cudn't hilp it, Misther +Allen, I cudn't nohow," heading off any criticism from that +quarter--"she wud have it, and that's th' ind iv it. I'm thinkin' that's +why they named her Miss Pat--'tis th' Irish persistency iv her name that +crops out, an' th' cajolery. I cudn't hilp it, nohow." + +"Of course he couldn't help it." Patricia assented. "I had to see you, +and some one had to show me where you lived. But you may go now if you +want to, Riley." + +"We had better come inside and talk it over--if we can get in," Allen +suggested, opening the door again, and pushing the things one side. + +"Ah, Misther Allen--all ye'er clothes will be spiled, kickin' 'round +like this. Shall I fold 'em up an' put 'em in th' thrunks fer ye, sor?" + +Riley was in his element again, and Allen grasped at the old man's offer +with an eagerness not assumed. + +"That's just the thing," he said. "You pack the trunk, Riley, while Lady +Pat and I sit on the window-seat and have a little visit." + +"Here are my things, too, Riley." Patricia handed the old man her +satchel and book. "Perhaps you'd better pack those on top." + +"Why should I pack thim in Misther Allen's thrunk?" he demanded. + +"Because we're going away to be married," she announced, grandly. "You +are the first one in the family to know it, and you mustn't tell." + +Riley started to speak, but a signal from Allen silenced him; so he +continued his work, bringing order out of chaos so quickly that he won +instant admiration. + +"Now, look here, Lady Pat," said Allen, kindly, as the child sat on her +heels in front of him on the window-seat, "we must talk this matter over +very carefully." + +"Yes, Sir Launcelot," Patricia assented, expectantly. + +"In the first place, I have made your father very angry with me." + +"Were you a naughty boy?" + +"He thinks so, and he must be right; but it wouldn't do to make him any +more angry by taking you away without his permission. You see that, +don't you?" + +"But they wouldn't blame you--they'd blame me," the child persisted. +"Alice would frown at me and say 'Pa-tri-ci-a.' Papa would be severe and +say, 'I shall have to ask mamma Eleanor to punish you,' and mamma +Eleanor would look sad and say, 'Oh, my darling,' But she'd forget all +about it as soon as I kissed her." + +"No; they would blame me, because I'm older--and, besides, a true knight +could never stand by and see his Lady Fair blamed, could he? The only +thing is for me to go away, and for you to go back home with Riley, and +then, later, for me to storm the castle and carry you off." + +"But if you did that, you might carry off Alice instead of me," she +objected. + +"That's so," Allen assented, laughing, "unless she hurries up and gets +married. That was our agreement, Lady Pat--as long as Alice is free, we +can't make any plans for ourselves." + +"Wouldn't it be grand to have you storm the castle and carry me off!" +Patricia was quite taken by the idea. "Anyhow, next to Alice, you love +me best, don't you, Sir Launcelot?" + +"I certainly do," Allen said, truthfully. "Now, you'll go home with +Riley and wait to see what happens, won't you?" + +"All right," the child said, entirely satisfied. "Gee, but I wish Mr. +Covington would hurry up!" + +Patricia rose obediently and took Riley's hand, as they left the room. + +"Wit ye well," she said as she bade Allen good-bye at the elevator. "I +shall wait at the window with a silken ladder every night until you +come." + +Allen turned slowly back into his room, closed the door, and sat down +alone on the window-seat which had so recently also sustained his +animated little companion. Not until now had the full force of the +wrench come upon him, and he was conscious of a lump in his throat as he +thought of Alice, first always, then of Mr. Gorham, and last of the city +itself. During the months since he had accidentally met Alice in +Washington, there had never been a wavering of his purpose. She was the +one girl to him among the many he met during the social rounds into +which he had plunged while living in New York. He had been undaunted by +her attitude, undismayed by the seeming hopelessness of it all--but now +her very sympathy proved to him the necessity of at last giving up the +one great hope upon which he had set his heart. The pain at separating +from his chief, while of a different nature, was no less keen. Mr. +Gorham still stood to Allen as the epitome of the best that a man could +express. The shock which had come to him when Gorham admitted a +knowledge of Covington's investment of Alice's money, did not weaken his +respect for the man, but rather was the final event to convince him that +his own conception of business must be entirely wrong. If Mr. Gorham +sanctioned it, then it was right, it could be nothing else; but all his +efforts, conscientious as he knew them to have been, to master the +intricacies of the code his preceptor had tried to teach him, had +accomplished nothing. + +And the great city, which contained so many of his classmates and +friends, who had made him welcome in their homes, must in the future +receive him only as a stranger. He loved the individuality of the great +towering buildings, the wonderful harbor with its kaleidoscopic +shipping, the surging masses of the striving people in the streets, the +blinding glare of Broadway at night, and the tense, eager business +competition keeping each man, irrespective of position, constantly on +his taps to hold his own or to forge ahead against the incoming tide of +growing prosperity. Everything he craved seemed centred here, yet he had +been a part of it all, and had failed to keep his grip. His opportunity +had been given him, and he had not taken advantage of it. The city +contained no room for failures--only those who could force success from +its grinding turmoil belonged within its ever-grasping arms. He must +turn his back upon it all, and go to some place less critical, less +overpowering, taking with him as memories, in place of triumphs, the +thoughts of what might have been. + +Amid the gloom which surrounded him, a childish face forced its sweet +features upon him, and it relieved the tension of the moment. Dear +little Patricia, at least, had faith in him. Alice's attitude was that +of sympathy and pity, but little Pat saw in him, the failure, those +attributes which belong to the Knight Courageous, undaunted by the +hostile flings of Fortune. As she grew older, she too would discover +that the gold was paint and the silver, tinsel; but until then, he knew +her faith was in him. He pressed his hands against his aching +temples--"God bless her for that," he said, softly, "God bless her for +that." + + + + +XXVIII + + +The first train which left Pittsburgh after the arrival of Mr. Gorham's +letter bore Stephen Sanford to New York. Gorham had found time, even +with the pressure of the conflicting details, to write his old friend at +length regarding the situation which made it necessary for Allen to +terminate his connection with the Consolidated Companies. There was no +word of censure against the boy--he even took pains to express in full +his admiration for certain sterling qualities which this, Allen's first +business experience, had brought out. + +"_The time has come_," he wrote, "_when Allen needs the sympathy and +assistance of his father more than he ever has, or ever will need it +again. I believe I know you well enough, Stephen, to feel certain that +you won't refuse it to him simply because he has not asked for it. What +I have tried to do for him has been more for your sake than for his own, +though you have misunderstood my motive. The boy has developed rapidly, +and possesses an ability for business naturally inherited from you; but +when his mind is once made up it seems impossible to change him. I hope +you will set him a good example by showing him your own strength of +character in going to him now. As for our relations, Stephen, in spite +of the last stormy interview, and your attitude since, I know that I +have no firmer friend than you, and you know well that my affection for +you has not lessened because of anything so trivial as what has passed. +Old friends are like old wine in more than one respect--the explosion +made by the blowing out of the cork does not affect the quality. Come to +me first, and let me tell you the whole story_." + +"I'll do nothing of the sort," Sanford fumed as he finished the letter; +yet the first train leaving Pittsburgh which he could catch carried him +to New York. + +The months which had intervened had left their impress upon him, and his +friends had noticed it, though ignorant of the cause. Allen had been +away from home so much during the past few years, that his failure to +appear beneath the parental roof after his return from Europe was no +occasion for comment. Yet it was not the fact that he was separated from +the boy that wore on Stephen Sanford, but rather the knowledge that a +barrier had arisen between them. He had honestly expected that Allen +would refuse to take him seriously when he cast him adrift. They had +quarrelled before and nothing had come of it, so he had no reason to +think that this would be any exception. He knew the boy's tastes, and +while blaming him for his extravagances, he was proud to have him "live +like a gentleman." Even with the income assured from the position given +him by Mr. Gorham, Sanford knew how small it must be compared with the +allowance which Allen had previously received; and he suffered over +again the privations of his own youth while thinking of the self-denials +which his son must be obliged to practise. Picturing him living in a +hall bedroom of meagre proportions, taking his meals at cheap +restaurants and generally resorting to those economies common to +ambitious youth fighting its battle against the world, the father would +many times have sent him a substantial check if he could have made sure +that the source would remain unknown. + +Yet he insisted to himself that Allen must come to him. He would respond +to Gorham's letter to the extent of going to New York and discussing the +matter, but he refused to admit any possibility of a reconciliation +unless the overtures came from the boy himself. As he hastened to +arrange matters for his departure, he muttered imprecations against him +with the same breath that drew an unquestioned joy from the thought that +a sight of him was near at hand; and no idea entered his mind other than +to reach New York at the earliest possible moment. + + +Covington was surprised that the blow did not fall upon him immediately +after the meeting of the committee adjourned. He was ignorant of the +exact contents of the papers handed to Gorham by Litchfield, but they +could scarcely fail to give his chief all the information necessary to +show his connection with the transaction, and he knew well how great +would be Gorham's resentment. Yet no mention was made of the matter +during the few minutes which remained of the business day after the +others had taken their departure. There were two or three routine +matters which Gorham turned over to him, with a few words of comment, +then he said good-night and left the office. Could it be that something +still intervened to keep the real facts covered up? + +All doubts were removed the following morning. Gorham sent for him to +come to his office, and when he appeared he found that Brady was also +present. Covington seemed not to recognize him, but Brady's face assumed +a significant and satisfied expression. + +"Mr. Brady has been good enough to respond to my request," Gorham began, +"and is here to supply me with fuller details concerning the matter +which was brought up at the meeting of the committee yesterday. As it +interests you even more than it does me, I have asked you to be present +during our interview." + +Covington seated himself in silence. + +"Now, Mr. Brady," Gorham continued, "I understand that you made a +statement to Mr. Litchfield to the effect that I had personally secured +some of the stock in the New York Street Railways Company, with a view +to profiting by the advance in price made inevitable by its proposed +merger into the Manhattan Traction Company, of which I was cognizant at +the time." + +"No, I didn't say all that," Brady protested; "I simply said that a big +block of the stock was bought for you. It wasn't necessary to say why." + +"But you don't really believe that this stock was purchased for me, or +with my knowledge, do you?" + +Few men could resist the frank appeal of Gorham's eyes when he chose to +exert it, and Brady was not one of these. He moved uncomfortably in his +chair, and laughed consciously. + +"Why, no, guv'nor, since you put it that way, man to man, I don't." + +"Then why did you say what you did? I can't blame you for harboring some +resentment against me because I interfered with your plans in that +railway deal, but this statement is so easily refuted that I wonder why +you made it. It was to discover this that I asked you to come here this +morning." + +Brady looked over at Covington meaningly. "That was just why I did do +it," he said. "I knew it would bring out certain facts that I wanted to +have known. I ain't harborin' any resentment against you. You licked me, +an' I took my medicine. P'raps I've worried you a bit in Washington +since,--that's another matter. I'm a sport all right, an' I know when to +take my hat off to any man. But there is other slick Alecks, who think +they're so all-fired smart, that I like to get even with when they try +to be funny with me,--an' there's one of 'em sittin' in that chair over +there now." + +"Well--go on." Gorham encouraged him as he paused, at the same time +studying the unexpressive face of Covington as the man progressed. + +"Just before that railway deal was put through, an' Harris an' me was +feelin' nervous about you gettin' so close to the big stockholders, I +found out that this Covington here was saltin' away some good blocks of +stock of the New York Street Railways Company. He wasn't buyin' them +direct, you understand, an' the stool-pigeon he was usin' happened to be +one of my own men. Then I sent Harris to see Covington, to get his +influence with you to let our personal scheme go through, usin' the +little information we had gained to act as an argument to help him make +up his mind. He see the game was up, of course, an' then he tried to be +smart. He had it all figured out that if he could unload that stock on +your daughter, it would make things run easier for him when the facts +come out. I wouldn't have held this up against him, for it was nothin' +but a cheap trick, but then he come to us of his own accord, an' told +us that you an' him had gone all over the matter, an' you was goin' to +let the thing go through all right. Well, you remember what happened. He +evidently went right back to you an' told you what we had up our sleeve. +I swore then I'd get even with him, an' this is the way I chose to do +it." + +"That's the whole story, is it?" Gorham asked. + +"Yes; unless friend Covington here can add a few details." + +"I don't think he can,--but you do him an injustice in thinking that he +spoke to me of your plans. His failure to do so is noteworthy, but it +affects others rather than yourself. I am exceedingly obliged to you for +your time and frankness. I will not detain you further unless Mr. +Covington would like to make any comments." + +"I have nothing to say," Covington replied. + +Gorham waited until Brady had made his departure before he turned to the +man sitting in silence before him. + +"This is all that is needed to make the blow complete, is it not?" he +asked, in a voice which betrayed the feeling beneath by its quiet +restraint. "Even the awakening which came to me when the committee +showed their real selves was not enough. I still believed that I could +carry through my purpose, and I relied on you to help make this +possible. I, who felt myself strong enough to undertake the +revolutionizing of the business world because of my magnificent support, +find myself, like Samson, shorn of my strength, and face to face with a +realization that man is by nature the cringing slave of the almighty +dollar. He may, for a time, or for a purpose, disguise it even from +himself, but when the real test comes, he dare not disregard the +compelling voice of his master. This is enough of an awakening, but +think of the pain which accompanies it when one finds that the friend in +whom he trusted, that the one man whom he was most proud to honor, fails +even to measure up to the simple test of honesty! Oh, Covington, I find +it hard to bring myself to believe it!" + +"What do you propose to do?" Covington asked. + +"First of all, I shall place the facts before the Directors. They at +least shall know that I have not been false to them or to myself." + +"When will you do this?" + +"As soon as possible,--this afternoon if I can get them together." + +"Would you mind postponing it until to-morrow?" + +"What is to be gained by that?" + +"May I have an interview with you at your house to-night? It is for this +that I ask the postponement." + +"Certainly," Gorham replied, wonderingly. "I will see you at nine +o'clock." + +"I thank you," said Covington, rising and leaving the office without +further comment. + + + + +XXIX + + +Gorham received two callers on that Saturday night. Sanford came first, +and the heartiness of the welcome extended him thawed out the blustering +exterior which made it so difficult for the warm heart underneath to +assert itself. + +"I never was so proud of any one," cried Gorham, with more enthusiasm +than he often manifested. "Now it is the old Stephen I used to know and +love, acting his own self once more! But you are going to have your +chance to crow over me. Stephen, I've been a more obstinate old fool +than you ever thought of being, and I'm going to make you my +father-confessor." + +Then he told him of Allen's development, from the first day he entered +the offices of the Consolidated Companies down to the time when he had +himself sent the boy away from him in anger. He even told him of the +crisis in the corporation, knowing that their conversation was sacred to +his old friend. Then he dwelt on Allen's courage in the face of his own +blindness, and his admiration for the boy's attitude throughout. + +"He is planning to go back to you, Stephen, but I shan't let him if I +can help it. I have made him think that his work has been a failure, +when in reality his vision has been clearer than mine. But don't tell +him this. Let your talk be of yourselves. Then bring him to me +to-morrow for dinner, and let me show him what he really is." + +"I told you he'd make a fine business man," Stephen could not resist +saying. "You remember that." + +"I do," laughed Gorham. "That is why I gave him the chance. You remember +asking me to do it, don't you?" + +"There's another thing I told you, Robert,--that you never could do +business on the basis you planned unless you had angels all the way up +from the office boy to the Board of Directors." + +"It has been my fault in not being able to distinguish between angels +and mortals," Gorham replied seriously, his mind reverting to the great +problem which still lay unsolved before him. "I am not willing yet to +admit that the basis is wrong,--the error must rest in the building. +Good-night, Stephen. Be sure to bring Allen with you to-morrow." + + * * * * * + +Covington entered the library, walking with short, quick steps quite +unlike his usual deliberate gait, and sat down in the chair just vacated +by Mr. Sanford. Gorham noted at once the change which had come over his +features, even during the few hours which had elapsed since morning. For +the first time his eyes showed a nervous unrest, the lines about his +mouth had settled into a hard, disagreeable expression, and his whole +manner evidenced the strain he was enduring. Gorham noted all this, and +in a measure it surprised him. If Covington was so constituted that he +could play the hypocrite, he would not have supposed his sensibilities +acute enough to overwhelm him in the unmasking. + +"You are wondering why I desired this interview," Covington began. "You +cannot understand what there is left for me to say to you in view of +what has happened. I could have bluffed this out for a time, but it was +no use. There are other developments which will follow on the heels of +this which make it useless to temporize. I have played the game my way, +letting you make the rules, believing that when it came to the showdown +my cards would be strong enough to win. They would be under normal +circumstances, but you've called my hand too soon. You see before you a +desperate man, Mr. Gorham, upon whom you have forced the necessity of +taking a gambler's chance. That is why I am here to-night." + +"You must be implicated in matters far deeper than I have knowledge to +talk like this, Covington. You have been false to me and false to the +Companies, but after all there is nothing criminal in what you have +done. To me, the greatest crime a man can commit is so to forget the +manhood with which his Maker endowed him, as to prostitute it for +temporary personal advantage, but the law looks upon other lesser crimes +as deserving of greater punishment. I cannot tell how much of a lesson +this may be to you. It will, of course, be necessary for you to leave +New York, as the committee, however much they may criticise my code, +have one of their own which you have transgressed. As far as I am +concerned, you may have no anxiety. I have too many important matters in +hand to wish to divert myself from them simply to make you pay the +penalty you owe me." + +"I am implicated deeper than you know, but I am here to make terms +rather than accept them," Covington replied. "I do not choose to begin +life over again, and I require your definite assurances that whatever +you know or may learn against me be kept from the knowledge of the +committee. At present I hold their confidence, and I am not willing to +relinquish it. What I have done in this stock transaction will not +strike them as so serious a matter as you make of it. I venture to say +that I am not the only one of them to do it." + +Gorham looked at him keenly. "This is the talk of a man bereft of his +senses." + +"I told you I was desperate, and so I am. I have been working all my +life to gain the position of wealth and power which is now within my +grasp, and you shall not keep me from it." + +"You yourself have made its attainment impossible." + +"Next to you, I am the one man most competent to conduct the affairs of +the Consolidated Companies. You yourself have trained me to be your +successor. The committee know this, and they also know that with me at +the head, the Companies will be run as they wish it. They are eager to +have the change, and only fear your influence against the corporation if +they force you out." + +"All that may have been true, Covington, in the past. Not one of them +would trust you now." + +"They know nothing which reflects upon my character, and they must not +know. You and they can never continue together,--it is hopeless to +expect a compromise. I am the only man who can hold these forces +together, and you must give me this chance." + +Gorham could only believe that the excitement which controlled Covington +had affected him to the extent of irresponsibility, and his unusual +manner heightened the impression. + +"I see no reason to continue this interview," he said shortly. "You +speak of what must and shall happen when the shaping of events has +already passed from your control." + +"You think it has, Mr. Gorham; but that is where the gambler's chance +comes in. It is a desperate chance, and it is one which I could never +have believed myself capable of taking. It simply shows how far a man +will go when forced against the wall." + +"I am tiring of this play-acting," protested Gorham. "If you have +anything to say, say it, or else leave me to devote my time to matters +which require it." + +Covington hesitated even then. The weapon was an ugly one to handle, and +there were elements in him which rebelled. Slowly he drew the bulky +paper from his pocket, not meeting Gorham's steady gaze. + +"More affidavits?" asked Gorham. "What is the nature of them this time?" + +"I am more keenly aware of how despicable this is than you will give me +credit," he said. "I have lived among gentlemen long enough to recognize +that to those who know of this, my act separates me from the society of +which I have been a part. But I have chosen. With the wealth and power +which this will bring me, I can buy back what now I seem to forfeit." + +He placed the papers in Mr. Gorham's hands, turning his pale face away, +and drumming nervously on the arm of his chair with his fingers. The +minutes seemed hours, and when he turned, he found Gorham's penetrating +eye fixed firmly upon him. He had counted on the strength of the +statements contained in the affidavits to protect him from personal +violence, yet he half suspected Gorham's purpose when he rose. His host, +however, walked quietly to the wall and pressed the button, then +noiselessly resumed his seat. The awful silence was in itself a strain +on Covington. He wished Gorham would speak, even though he thought he +knew the nature of what those first words would be. Presently Riley +opened the door. + +"Ask Mrs. Gorham and Miss Alice to come here, Riley." + +"Not Alice!" Covington cried. + +Again silence pervaded the room, Gorham rereading the papers, and +Covington still drumming on the arm of his chair. As Eleanor and Alice +entered they greeted Covington cordially, but he drew back without +accepting the outstretched hands. + +"We have a matter to discuss which affects us all," Gorham said, handing +Eleanor one of the papers. "Please read this, but make no comment until +later." + +The first few words conveyed its nature to her, and she swayed for a +moment as if she might fall. Alice sprang to her side. + +"What is it, Eleanor,--let me read it with you. Shall I, daddy?" + +Gorham nodded. When they had finished, Eleanor started to speak, but her +husband checked her. The momentary faintness had passed, and she stood +erect, eager for the word from Gorham which would permit her to break +the silence. + +"Where did this come from?" Alice demanded. + +"Mr. Covington just brought it to me." + +"What did you do to the man who dared to draw it up?" she asked +indignantly of Covington. + +"Mr. Covington is the man who had it drawn up," her father answered. +"Now we will listen to what he has to say about it." + +The man squared himself for the issue. + +"You have read it," he said huskily, "and you value your wife's +reputation?" + +"Yes, beyond anything and everything else." + +"Beyond the Consolidated Companies and the gratification of injuring me +with the committee?" + +"Yes." + +Covington gained confidence from the ease with which all was moving. A +few minutes more of this as against a lifetime of wealth and power! It +was worth the degradation. "It is sometimes necessary to walk through +filth and slime to attain high places," he remembered Gorham had once +told him. + +"Would you agree to stand one side and give me this chance, rather than +have a blemish on your wife's name made public?" + +"Yes," was the firm reply. + +Eleanor had lived a century during the conversation. Sitting now in the +shadow of the room, she turned her eyes first toward one speaker and +then the other, wondering all the while how it was to end. If only she +had told Robert herself before this moment! She could not understand her +husband's passive attitude. She knew him to be slow to anger, yet she +also knew well the strength of the passion which lay controlled beneath +his calm exterior. What Covington had said and the manner in which he +had said it would, under ordinary circumstances, have aroused Gorham to +stern indignation. She could only attribute his present patience to an +uncertainty which lay in his own mind as to the truth of the story +which he had read; but when he answered Covington's questions, +indicating which choice he would make, she could endure it no longer. +Rising quickly, she stood between the two men, her face turned toward +Gorham. + +"Robert," she said, "what do you mean? This man is asking you to give up +the Consolidated Companies." + +"I understand it, Eleanor," Gorham replied. "I would prefer to do so +rather than have a single breath of scandal or even suspicion attach +itself to you." + +Eleanor drew herself up very straight, and, paying no attention to +Covington, she addressed herself passionately to her husband. + +"Look at me, Robert, look into my eyes, and tell me if you see there +anything of which I need to feel ashamed. You have read this story, now +you shall hear mine. It is one which you should have heard long ago, +Robert, but I hesitated to speak, not because I was ashamed of anything +which happened, but because I feared just the interpretation which has +now been put upon it. You know all about my marriage to Ralph Buckner; +you know all about Carina's death, and you shall know all which I am +able to tell any one, or which I myself know, of what happened during +the awful days which followed." + +Eleanor's voice trembled, but the excitement of the moment kept her from +breaking down. + +"When I lifted that little form from the trail and pressed it to my +heart I knew that she was dead. My one thought in the face of the awful +blow which had come to me was to get away from the man who had inflicted +it. Somehow, with Carina in my arms, I got upon the mare, and again I +strained the little body to my heart and forgot all else except my +overpowering grief. The mare walked on unguided, uncontrolled,--I knew +not where,--I cared not where. I believe I never should have stopped her +myself, but suddenly a man appeared by the side of the trail who saw +that something was wrong, and he asked if he could be of help. At these +first words of sympathy I lost control of myself, and made some +incoherent reply. From that time on I was a child myself, and he a kind, +loving, guiding father. Walking beside me and helping to support me, we +soon reached the shack in which he lived. He took the dead child from my +arms, and carried it tenderly into the house; then he came back and +helped me to dismount. He asked no further questions, but led me inside, +too, soothing my outburst of grief as the reaction came in full force. +Of what happened afterward I have no memory. For the time, I lost my +reason, and he, day by day, night by night, watched over me, bathing my +hot forehead, moistening my parched lips, trying to give me courage to +pass through the awful ordeal. + +"It was all of two weeks that I was there, so he told me afterward. As +my reason returned, his first thought was to get me back to my father's +ranch, having learned who I was and enough of what had happened to +understand the situation. Before we left, he took me to the little mound +back of the shack, where I said 'good-bye' to the one ray of sunshine +which had entered my life during those awful years. Then he helped me on +my mare and mounted his own horse. Together we rode silently back over +the seven or eight miles, only to learn that my father had suddenly +died, partly from the shock and partly from my unexplained absence. The +old man's strength could not endure the double blow. + +"In dismay I turned to my protector, and he at once answered the query +which he read in my eyes. He made arrangements, and accompanied me to +Denver, leaving me in a hospital there, where for two months I hovered +between life and death, owing to a relapse. I saw him only once again, +when he came to the hospital and told me that he had placed my affairs +in the hands of a certain lawyer, who would look after what property my +father left, and would advise me after I was able to leave the hospital. +Then he passed out of my life, though I was told later that he stayed in +Denver until I was out of danger, before he returned East. In my +condition and because of the excitement, his name was a blank to me from +the moment I left the hospital, and I have striven ever since to recall +it. The lawyer to whom he referred me professed not to know it, and +simply said that the man had described himself as a prospector from the +East." + +As Eleanor paused from weakness, Covington glanced across to Gorham. + +"Her story doesn't differ much from that contained in the affidavit," he +remarked. + +"No," Gorham answered, shortly; "it is the same story with a different +interpretation." + +"What do you think of it now?" + +"Just as I have from the beginning." + +"You don't believe me!" Eleanor cried, half-beseechingly, +half-reproachfully. "I don't wonder,--it is past belief." + +"You must believe her, daddy," Alice insisted, ready to burst into +tears; "she has tried so many times to tell you." + +"I do believe you, Eleanor," Gorham replied. "And what is more, I know +that you speak the truth." + +"The public may not be so generous," suggested Covington. + +"You forget that I have great faith in that same public," Gorham +answered, strangely calm in the face of such great provocation. + +"You know it, Robert?" Eleanor asked, scarcely believing what she heard. +"How can you know it? You mean that your faith in me is strong enough to +make you believe it." + +"You may tell them that story, Covington," Gorham said, rising; "but it +will make it even more interesting if you add the finale which you are +going to witness now." + +Then he turned to his wife and took her hand in his. + +"Would you know that prospector if you saw him again?" he asked. + +"I am sure I should," she replied, wonderingly. + +"Must he still wear his full beard and his old corduroy clothes, with a +blue handkerchief knotted around his throat, to recall himself to you? +Must I tell you that he called himself 'Roberts'?" + +"Roberts!" she gasped, gazing at him spellbound, "--how could you know?" + +"Look at me again, Eleanor," he urged with infinite tenderness, but with +an eager expectancy manifest in every feature,--"look hard." + +She drew back speechless as the truth came to her. + +"Oh, my Robert," she cried at last, with a joy in her voice which +thrilled her hearers, "you--you were that man!" + + +It seemed a sacrilege to the two spectators of the unexpected climax of +this intimate personal drama to remain, so instinctively they both +withdrew silently to the drawing-room, leaving Eleanor closely enfolded +in her husband's arms. For the first time since Covington had disclosed +himself, Alice was alone with him. Wrought up as the girl had been by +the conflicting emotions which had consumed her strength during the past +moments, and relieved beyond measure by the final outcome of what had +promised only a tragedy, yet her eyes filled with tears as she looked at +him. + +"Why did you do this?" she asked. "Why did you come into my life to +teach me that this beautiful world of ours can contain so much that is +bad?--you, whom I respected and admired, and whom I was beginning to +believe I loved? How could you do it?" + +Covington made no answer to the impelling voice which spoke. The girl, +with her varying moods and changing conceits, who had so amused him, had +vanished, and in her place he saw the woman, supreme in the strength of +asserting that which is ever woman's creed,--justice and right. He could +sense, in her attitude, as in her words, that her resentment was not +because of the indignity which he had forced upon herself, but rather +because of the wrong he had done to those she loved. What a woman to +have called his wife,--what a woman to have lived up to as a husband! + +"I must see your father again," he said when he spoke at last. "Let us +go back to them." + +Covington stood in the doorway of the library as Alice slipped quietly +into the room and took her place beside Eleanor and her father. As he +looked upon the three, forming a group into which he had almost entered, +he realized the infinite distance which now separated them. Their total +disregard of his presence, Gorham's lack of open resentment, Alice's +indifference,--all told him that in their eyes he was only the pariah, +beneath their contempt, suffered to remain there until he saw fit to rid +them of his presence. Yet he could not leave them thus. Somewhere within +him a something, until now quiescent, demanded recognition and insisted +upon expression. Why had it waited until now! It was a changed John +Covington who spoke from that doorway, when at last silence became +unendurable. The hard lines in the face had softened, and the previously +insistent voice now betrayed realization of the present, and +hopelessness for the future. The fires of truth and love and faith and +honor, which burned so brightly before him, at least touched him with +their heat. God pity him! + +"It is all over, Mr. Gorham," he forced himself to say. "It is not you +who have defeated me, it is I who have defeated myself. I offer no +defence. I despised myself before I did this, I despise myself still +further for having done it. I could not believe you sincere,--I could +not believe any man capable of living the creed you preached. I accept +the penalty which you or other men may impose upon me." + +"You have imposed your own penalty, Covington," Gorham replied. "You, +who have destroyed the way-marks to misguide others, now find yourself +adrift because of your own act. You are a young man. If you are honest +in what you now say, there is still hope for you. Fight those +overpowering ambitions which have brought you to the brink until you +have them properly controlled, then guide your undoubted abilities along +lines which men recognize as true." + +Covington bowed his head, and without a word disappeared. As the outer +door closed Alice turned to her father, but her thought was not of the +man who had passed from their lives. + +"You were that prospector, daddy? Why did you never tell Eleanor?" + +"I have tried to make her recognize me ever since we were married, dear. +I have tried to make her tell me the story, hoping that the repetition +might recall in her heart some association which would link me with that +past, sad as it was to her. You never knew, Alice, of that experience +when I went West in search of health, but now you know why I hurried +back to Denver; why I kept myself constantly informed regarding the +recovery and later life of this little woman who came into my heart +during those days when she was passing through her agony. I loved her +then, but she was another man's wife. I knew when the court gave her +back her freedom, and I lost no time in winning her at the first +opportunity which offered." + +"How could I have recognized you, ill as I was then,--and without your +old prospector's clothes and your full beard? You should have told me." + +"I wanted your love, dear heart, not your gratitude." + +She tenderly pushed back the gray hair from the high forehead, and +pressed her lips against it reverently. + +"You have both, Robert,--you have always had them." + + + + +XXX + + +Sanford located Allen's apartment from the address Gorham had given him. +He stood before the entrance for several moments, regarding its +pretentious appearance and the aristocratic neighborhood. + +"Gorham must have made a mistake," he muttered; "this can't be the +place." + +But the handsome Gothic figures over the doorway corresponded with those +written upon the slip of paper, so he approached the elevator boy, +resplendent in his brass buttons. + +"Does Mr. Allen Sanford live here?" he demanded. + +"Yes, sir; eighth floor. What name shall I say, sir?" + +"You needn't say any name,--I'll say it myself. I'm his father. Rents +must be cheaper than they used to be," he remarked to himself in the +elevator. "I guess the boy hasn't suffered much." + +Allen had just risen from the window-seat after the painful revelry he +had indulged in since Patricia and Riley left him. The ringing of the +bell annoyed him. He was in no mood to see any one, and he resented the +intrusion. Then he threw the door open and saw his father standing +there. For a long moment he stood speechless with amazement, when his +face broke into a smile of welcome which touched the old man's heart. + +"The pater!" he cried, and in another moment he had him grasped in his +arms with a grip which almost crushed him. + +"What do you mean, you young reprobate," Sanford gasped, struggling to +escape. "I'm not a football dummy. Let me get my breath." + +Allen dragged him into the room, unwilling to release him. + +"The dear old pater," he cried again, depositing him in the great Morris +chair, and drawing back to regard him joyfully. "You've come just in +time. There are my trunks packed all ready to go to you. You said I'd +come back, and you were right. Oh, pater, I've made an awful mess of +things. You knew that I was no good, but I've had to find it out for +myself." + +"Nothing of the sort," blubbered the old man, striving earnestly to +conceal the emotion which almost overcame him as a result of the boy's +welcome. "Any one who says you're no good will have to settle with me. +You're my son, that's what you are, and no Sanford was ever a failure +yet." + +"Then you must keep me from being the first." + +"Nothing of the sort;--why do you try to make me lose my temper? Gorham +says--" + +"You've seen Mr. Gorham?" Allen interrupted, his heart leaping at the +sound of the name. "What did he say?" + +"Never mind what he said," Sanford replied, remembering the injunction +laid upon him. Then he looked about him. "Gorham must have paid you a +good deal more than you were worth," he remarked significantly. + +"He did," admitted Allen, and then divining what was in his father's +mind; "but not enough for this." + +"You've run in debt, have you?" Allen noticed that the question did not +contain the usual sting. The old man would have rejoiced at this +opportunity to express his sympathy in the only way he knew how. + +"Not yet. I sold my motor and some other things." + +"Had to live like a gentleman, whatever your salary, didn't you?" + +"I ought not to have done it," the boy admitted. + +"Nothing of the sort," Sanford sputtered, again resorting to his +favorite phrase. "My son has to live like a gentleman,--that's what I +educated him for. Now help me off with my coat, and tell me all the damn +fool things you've been doing." + +Their conference lasted well into the afternoon,--an afternoon filled +with surprises for them both. For the first time Allen found his father +an interested, sympathetic listener; for the first time Stephen Sanford +came to know his son. The boy made no effort to spare himself, though +eager for his father to realize that he had been earnest and +industrious, albeit the net results of this had been but failure. Mr. +Gorham had done so much for him, and he had tried to assimilate the +lessons both from his deeds and from his words; but instead he had seen +chimeras breathing fire at every turn, and had charged them quixote-like +to find them but windmills, harmful only to himself. He enlarged upon +the personal characteristics of the directors and the other business men +with whom he came in contact,--many of them well known to his +listener,--and Sanford marvelled at the accuracy of the boy's insight, +and the integrity of the portraits. Gorham was right,--Allen had +developed, and far beyond what he himself realized. He was now a man to +be reckoned with rather than a boy to be disciplined. + +The old man's keen business sense also for the first time grasped the +tremendous scope of Gorham's gigantic project. There was no room left to +doubt the strength of the appeal of the absolute honesty of purpose +after listening to Allen's unconsciously irresistible testimony. In +words made pregnant by the simplicity of their utterance, he described +Gorham the man and Gorham the Colossus of the business world; he +pictured the waves of avarice and intrigue and discontent which he +thought he saw beating against the feet of this towering figure, +unheeded and unrecognized because so far beneath it; he told of his own +puny efforts to warn this giant of the storm which he thought he saw +approaching, but in doing this he had betrayed his own ignorance, and +had prepared the pit into which he himself had fallen. + +"And the worst of it all is," Allen concluded, "that I can't see even +now where I was wrong; but if Mr. Gorham told me that Napoleon Bonaparte +discovered America I would know that, all previous statements to the +contrary, he was right." + +"H'm!" ejaculated Sanford, eager to break over the injunction Gorham had +placed upon him. "I don't believe there's anything in what you've said +yet that you can't live down. Now I suppose if Gorham had told you that +we'd had our lunch, the fact that your father was starving to death +wouldn't be accepted as evidence worthy of consideration." + +Allen laughed as he pulled out his watch, his mind easier and his heart +lighter than it had been for months. + +"I had forgotten all about that, and it's after four o'clock. Come on +out with me, and I'll give you a revised version of the 'fatted calf' +story." + +"You think it is the return of the prodigal father, do you?" + +"I hope we are both prodigals, you dear old pater," Allen replied, +seriously; "I hope we both need each other so much that we never can +exist alone again." + +"All right; but we'd better go easy with the calf, for I've accepted a +dinner invitation for us both to-night." + +"You have?" Allen asked, disappointed that their visit was to be +interrupted. "Where?" + +"At Gorham's." + +"I couldn't go there again, pater," he protested quickly. "He's just +asking me because he wants you." + +"No; he wants to talk with you, especially." + +"With me?" Allen's face sobered. "He thinks he was harsh the other +night. I would rather not open up the whole subject again. There are +special reasons. Please go without me." + +"You don't want to do anything which will make him think worse of you +than he does now, do you?" + +"No," was the frank reply, into which a genuine note of sorrow entered. + +"Then we'll dine with him, as he asks us to. Now lead on to that calf, +but make it a little one." + + * * * * * + +Allen found himself the only one at the dinner-table who seemed to be +laboring under any restraint. Eleanor and Alice were in better spirits +than he had seen them for months, Gorham was an ideal host, conversing +with Sanford and with Allen upon lighter topics in a way which seemed to +show entire forgetfulness of what had gone before. It seemed almost +heartless to the boy to find these friends, so dear to him, able to +conduct themselves in so matter-of-fact a manner while he was in the +grip of his own life tragedy. But he could not blame them. He had +assumed much which they had never granted. This last dinner together, +made possible by his father's presence in New York, was intended as a +lesson to him, and as Mr. Gorham had planned it, then it must be for his +good. He would play his part, and, concealing the pain it cost him, he +entered into the conversation with an abandon which surprised them all. + +It was not until they had gathered in the library, whither Gorham had +especially invited them after the dinner was over, that the atmosphere +changed. Allen saw the expression on Gorham's face deepen into that +serious aspect which always signified matters of important moment. + +"I find myself face to face with certain duties and responsibilities," +Gorham began, "which appall me with their far-reaching significance, and +I have asked you, who are the nearest and dearest to me, to be witnesses +of my faithful performance of them, to the extent of my understanding." + +Gorham paused, and seemed to deliberate before making his next +statement, unconscious of the tenseness of the silence which his words +had produced. + +"First of all, it is my immediate intention to take such steps as are +necessary to bring about the disintegration of the Consolidated +Companies." + +"But you can't do it," Sanford declared. "The corporation is solvent, +the directors and the stockholders will of course be against it, and you +will be powerless." "I have considered all that," Gorham replied, +quietly. + +"What you say might be true six months from now, if the Executive +Committee succeed in wrenching my control from me; but to-day I have the +strength. The stockholders have invested because of their faith in me; +because of this same faith they will accept my statement that the +Companies' future is imperilled,--and the Government itself will help +me to accomplish my purpose." + +"You are convinced, then, that the principles you built on are wrong?" +asked Sanford, unable to keep from showing some satisfaction in his +voice. + +"No," Gorham replied, firmly. "The principles are right,--the wrong lies +in that human instinct which finds itself incapable of living up to its +best standard. I believed that my success had been due to a recognition +of my principle, when in reality it came from the simplest possible +expression of self-interest. If we go on, the Companies' continued +success means a growth beyond my control,--recent events show that it +has almost reached that point already,--and when once in the hands of +others, it can be nothing but a menace to the people. + +"And now for the most humiliating confession of all: I myself have been +guilty of an exercise of my own self-interest as flagrant as any of my +associates, though in a different way. Their lust has been for gold, +while mine has been for a justification of an idea. My self-interest has +been less malignant in its possible effects, but it has been my +controlling influence none the less. With due humility, I confess that I +have attempted to assume a role which belongs to Providence, and that no +man has a right to do. I have been guilty of violating certain laws of +life, just as my associates have violated other laws which to me demand +observance; but I have recognized the tendency of things to gravitate +back to their natural positions before it is too late for me not to make +certain that they do so. In order to prevent this corporation from +becoming a great power for evil, and as a final evidence of the strength +which I still possess, I propose to force its dissolution." + +"You have a big contract on your hands, Gorham," Sanford replied; "I +don't believe even you can do it." + +"On Tuesday next," Gorham continued, "the Senate Committee will consider +a bill which is in reality an amendment to the Sherman Act, and is +intended to give the Government the power to discriminate between good +and bad trusts. The Consolidated Companies is to be cited as a case in +point, and they are depending upon me to advance the principal arguments +for the passage of the bill. All the other big interests are naturally +against it, and they are forcing the issue, hoping to compel the +Government to act against the Consolidated Companies, and thus call down +the wrath of the people upon trust legislation as a whole. If the masses +find that the one agency which has reduced their cost of living is +prevented from continuing its co-operative work, they will effectually +put a stop to further interference, and the other interests will be the +gainers." + +"A clever game," Sanford exclaimed. + +"But now I am convinced there are no 'good' trusts, as I have been +pleased to call them. Those combinations, like the Consolidated +Companies, which are really a benefit to the people to-day, may, as +again in the case of the Consolidated Companies, become their greatest +enemy to-morrow. I am prepared to say that all this talk--much of which +I have made myself--to the effect that combination effects economies of +which the public receives the benefit, is true only for a time. Just so +soon as the combinations become monopolies, amounts saved by the +economies simply go to swell the profits for the stockholders. +Competition must not be eliminated--it is the vital spark which keeps +alive the welfare of the country." + +"You are going to say all this before the Senate Committee?" + +"Yes, and more. I am going to use the Consolidated Companies as an +example, and urge immediate active enforcement of the Sherman Act +against all consolidations which aim at monopolies or the restraint of +trade. The Attorney-General said that this would mean an industrial +reign of terror. So be it. Even that is better than this gradual +strangling of the people's rights, which is now being carried on with +legislative approval. I shall at least have the satisfaction of +performing this one act in the interests of the people, even though I +must forego the continued administration of a corporation honestly +devoted to their welfare. This statement from me, and the position I +take regarding my own corporation, will go far toward defeating those +other malign interests which hope to gain by their attack upon me." + +Allen's face had been a study while Mr. Gorham was speaking, and Alice +had particularly noted the varying emotions it expressed. She saw there +first the astonished incredulity at her father's determination to +dissolve the Companies; then the wonder as he heard Gorham state +conclusions which coincided with those he had arrived at earlier; and +finally the radiant joy as the realization came, not fully but in part, +that his own understanding of the situation had not been all at fault. +It needed only the words which Gorham added to make the world look +bright again. But it was to his father rather than to Allen that Gorham +addressed himself. + +"And now, Stephen, as to this boy. You and I have done our best to make +him think the world is wrong side up; but I am more to blame because I +had the better opportunity to study his development, beneath my own +eyes. I taught him that imagination was an essential ingredient of a +successful business man, to enable him to grasp each situation as a +whole, and to conceive its dangers and its possibilities. Yet, when he +exercised that very quality, and came to me frankly with the results of +his efforts, I refused to recognize my own handiwork. I taught him my +altruistic creed, and then blamed him when he used it as his standard, +and was unhappy that those around him failed to measure up to it. Never +has a man been more blind than I. Never has a man settled back, so +self-satisfied, with so determined a conviction that because he willed +things to be so, then they were so. I have merged the white thread of my +new creed with the black one of the old business morals I first learned; +his pattern has been wholly woven from the white. + +"My boy," he added, turning to Allen, "for the first time in my life I +ask a man's forgiveness. In the face of the greatest discouragements, +you have shown yourself true, and I congratulate you and your father +upon the future which you have before you. I want you to stay with me +until the Consolidated Companies has been placed in a position of safety +to itself and to its stockholders, then you may choose your own +career." + +"No Sanford ever made a failure yet," Stephen proudly repeated. + +"But, Mr. Gorham--" Allen began, surprised into confusion by the +unstinted praise; but Alice interrupted him. + +"So this is my business creation!" she exclaimed, with satisfaction. +Allen looked first at her and then at Mr. Gorham. Then he smiled +consciously. + +"While you are about it, Mr. Gorham," he said, impulsively, "I wish you +would disintegrate Alice and Mr. Covington." + +A momentary shadow passed over the faces of all who knew what had +occurred. + +"That dissolution took place last night," Mr. Gorham replied, quietly. + +Alice's cheeks were flaming, but her smile was irresistible as she +spoke. + +"I'll tell you all about it, Allen, if you'll come into the +conservatory." + + + + +XXXI + + +A great event requires retrospective consideration. Unlike the laws of +perspective, distance gives it greater size. So it was with Gorham's +supreme and final demonstration of his strength. To Covington, who, true +to his promise of the night before, was present at this crucial meeting +of the Board of Directors, and marvelled that his chief demanded of him +only a statement regarding the real purchaser of the stock, this +dissolution of the Consolidated Companies appeared as an act of +sacrilege; to his associates, aghast at the knowledge that they were +powerless to prevent him, it seemed the epitome of treachery; to his +family it meant a sublime exhibit of self-sacrifice;--to himself it was +the crowning point of his career, and a justification of his life-work. + +"You know what this means?" Litchfield had demanded of him. "You realize +that your action to-morrow will deprive us of millions, and will plunge +the country into a panic which will cost that dear public which you +profess to love, more than we should have kept from them in a decade?" + +"Yes," replied Gorham, resolutely; "I realize it all. It is a simple +case of surgery--it may be necessary to sacrifice the limb to save the +life. You, gentlemen, have had it in your power to place the standard of +the business world so high that no longer would other nations gaze at +our marvellous machine, appalled by its pace--politically, socially, +financially--wondering whether they or we read correctly the +danger-signals ahead. You have had it in your power, and you refused to +embrace the opportunity; and if men of your intelligence and high +standing in the world are not ready for it, then the world itself is not +ready. The people have trusted themselves to me, and have placed in my +hands power beyond that which has ever yet been given; now that I have +learned how that power may be misused against them, I will prevent their +betrayal." + +From his office, Gorham returned to his home before leaving for +Washington. It was from Riley's hand, as he entered, that he received +the telegram from his Denver attorneys, announcing that the lawyer, +Jennings, was already on his way East, bringing with him absolute +evidence that the divorce papers had been properly served on Buckner. +Strengthened for the ordeal before him by the removal of this burden, he +sought Eleanor; but she met him in the hallway before he reached her +room. + +"Robert," she said, impulsively, after looking for a moment searchingly +into his face--"something has happened, and the light in your eyes tells +me that all is well. You have decided not to take that awful step." + +"All is well, dear heart," he repeated, handing her the telegram; "but +it would not be so except that the 'awful step' has already been taken." + +"Then there is no doubt regarding the divorce?" she cried, joyfully, +after reading the telegram. + +"There never has been," he replied, as he pressed her to him. + +"May I tell the children?" she asked, happily, a moment later, and Alice +and Allen responded quickly. + +The Consolidated Companies was forgotten in the joy of the new +knowledge, and it was Allen who first made reference to it. + +"Are you really going to put things through as you said, Mr. Gorham?" + +"The die is cast, my boy; I leave for Washington to-night." + +"Then monopolies are doomed?" + +"Monopolies can never be prevented," Gorham answered, seriously, "but I +hope that my action to-morrow will go far toward forcing their control. +You and I have seen the impossibility of trying to make them change +their spots. I thought I had solved the problem, but I was wrong. Far +ahead in the future, beyond the point which our present vision reaches, +perhaps the solution lies. Until it is found, the Government must +protect itself and the people it represents." + +"Please fix it so as to make one exception," the boy pleaded. As Gorham +looked at him for explanation, he drew Alice closely to him. "Please let +this monopoly be exempt from governmental interference." + +A stifled sob, entirely out of place in the presence of such general +rejoicing, came from a little human ball rolled up on the steps below +them. Eleanor and Allen quickly sprang toward her, but the boy better +understood Patricia's tears. He sat beside her, and wrapped his great +arms around her. + +"Don't cry, Lady Pat," he entreated. + +"I can't help it," she moaned. "I haven't any Sir Launcelot, and you +haven't stormed the castle, and I've lost my silken ladder, and I want +to die so that I can go up to heaven and be mean to the angels." + +"Oh, no, no!" he begged. "I've tried to think it all out, and the only +thing I can do is to cut myself in two pieces the way King Solomon +decided to do with the baby. Do you remember?" + +"But he didn't do it," replied Patricia, showing surprising knowledge of +the Scriptures. + +"Well, I haven't done it yet--but I will if you say so." + +"Will you really?" The child's mind was already diverted from its +tragedy. "But then you couldn't wear armor or ride a horse, or storm a +castle, or do any of those things." + +"Not without messing everything all up," Allen admitted, sorrowfully; +"but that's the best thing I can think of." + +Patricia was seized with an inspiration. "Will you swear to be my Knight +every time Alice is mean and horrid to you?" + +"I swear," Allen responded in a sepulchral voice, his eyes laughing at +the older girl above him. + +"Then I'll get you most of the time," Patricia announced, joyfully; and +she suffered herself to join the group in the hallway. + +"So you have decided to abandon your business career?" Gorham asked, +turning to Alice. + +"No, daddy," she replied, slyly. "I'm just changing my company from a +private corporation into a partnership." + +Gorham drew her to him and kissed her tenderly. Then he held out his +disengaged hand to Allen. + +"The world is before you. From the time it was created, man has striven +to force from it the secret of unlimited power. Events have sometimes +seemed to give encouragement, but ever at the end of each seeming +success has come the unmistakable warning of a wisely jealous God. +Omnipotence is not for mortals. The only lever which really moves the +world is love, and it rests on a fulcrum of honor." + + + + +THE END + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Lever, by William Dana Orcutt + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LEVER *** + +***** This file should be named 15430-8.txt or 15430-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/5/4/3/15430/ + +Produced by Audrey Longhurst, Mary Meehan, and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/15430-8.zip b/15430-8.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..684b9e2 --- /dev/null +++ b/15430-8.zip diff --git a/15430.txt b/15430.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1efc529 --- /dev/null +++ b/15430.txt @@ -0,0 +1,10202 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Lever, by William Dana Orcutt + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Lever + A Novel + +Author: William Dana Orcutt + +Release Date: March 21, 2005 [EBook #15430] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LEVER *** + + + + +Produced by Audrey Longhurst, Mary Meehan, and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + + + + + + + + + THE LEVER + + BY WILLIAM DANA ORCUTT + +AUTHOR OF "THE SPELL," "THE FLOWER OF DESTINY," "ROBERT CAVELIER," ETC. + + 1911 + + +"_Give me where I may stand, a lever long enough, and a fulcrum strong +enough, and I will move the world_."--ARCHIMEDES. + + + + +TO MY MOTHER + +ELLEN DANA ORCUTT + +"SUPREME IN THE STRENGTH OF ASSERTING THAT WHICH IS EVER WOMAN'S +CREED--JUSTICE AND RIGHT," THIS VOLUME IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED + + + + +THE LEVER + + + + +I + + +The girl leaned forward impulsively from the leisurely moving victoria +and looked back at the automobile which whizzed by the carriage, along +the maple-lined road leading from Washington to Chevy Chase; then she as +suddenly resumed her former position when she discovered that the young +man, who was the only occupant of the motor-car, had slowed down and was +gazing back at her. + +"How impertinent!" she exclaimed, flushing, addressing herself rather +than the older woman beside her. "Of course, it couldn't be Allen; but +if it wasn't, why was he looking back at me? Did you recognize him, +Eleanor?" + +"Who's impertinent?" queried Patricia, who sat between them and +exercised a ten-year-old sister's prerogative. + +Mrs. Gorham was quietly amused. "Which question shall I answer first, +Alice--and who is 'Allen' supposed to be?" + +It was the girl's turn to sense the situation. "How ridiculous!" she +laughed. "Of course you wouldn't know. Allen Sanford and I used to play +together when we were children in Pittsburgh. I haven't seen him since we +moved away after mamma died; but that really looked like him. I wonder if +by any chance it could be?" + +"Oh, Alice, he's coming back," announced Patricia from her point of +vantage on her knees, and a moment later the same automobile, driven at +a speed at which the most conscientious of traffic guardians could not +complain, passed them slowly at the left. The young man made an effort +to conceal the fact that he was surveying the girl in the victoria, but +Alice cut short his suspense. + +"It is! it is!" she cried, eagerly; and with the recognition made +certain the boy shut off his power, and, springing out of the car, was +beside her before even the discreet coachman could draw up to the curb. + +"I thought I couldn't be mistaken--" he began. + +"But you weren't sure," Alice finished for him. "You were trying to +remember a little girl with a pigtail down her back and horrid freckles +all over her face--now, weren't you?" + +"If that's the way you really looked, I evidently wasn't as fussy about +such things then as I am now," he laughed. "All I remember is that you +were the dandiest little playmate I ever had." + +The unexpected compliment caused Alice to turn quickly to Mrs. Gorham. + +"This is Allen Sanford, Eleanor; and this, Allen, is my mother, sister, +and dearest friend all in one." + +"And my name's Pat," added the child, refusing to be ignored and holding +out her hand cordially. + +The boy was even more embarrassed by the unexpected meeting with the +second Mrs. Gorham than to find Alice developed into so lovely and +fascinating a young woman. He had always thought of Alice's step-mother, +when he had thought of her at all, as of a type entirely different from +this slender, attractive woman only a few years older than Alice +herself. There was a self-possession about Mrs. Gorham, a quiet dignity, +which made the difference in their ages seem greater than it really was; +yet, had he not known, Allen would have thought them sisters. His father +was sceptical when he heard of Gorham's second marriage: "It's bigamy, +that's what it is," were Stephen Sanford's words. "Gorham is married to +his business. Everything he touches turns into gold. Business to him is +what a great passion for a woman would be to one man, or a supreme +friendship to another; but the lever which moves Robert Gorham is +neither love nor steel; it is cold, hard cash." + +All this flashed through Allen's mind in that brief moment of silence +after the introduction, but the thoughts of at least one of the two +women had been equally active. To Alice this chance meeting recalled a +time in her life sanctified by the loss of her mother, later made easier +to look back upon by the rare sympathy which had existed from the first +between herself and the sweet, tactful woman who had come into her life, +filling the aching void and awakening her to a new interest in her +surroundings. She and Allen had been "chums" in those early days, and it +gratified her to discover that the boy whom she had admired in a +childish way had become a young man so agreeable to look upon and so +little changed, except in growth, from the lad she remembered. His six +feet of height carried him to a greater altitude than of old, his +well-developed arms and shoulders showed a physical strength which his +youth had not promised, but his face wore the same frank, care-free, +irresponsible and good-natured expression which had made him beloved by +all his acquaintances and taken seriously by none. + +Allen's smile returned before he found his voice, and was so infectious +that Alice, Mrs. Gorham, and Patricia were also smiling broadly. + +"It's awfully good to see you again, Alice," he said, with a sincerity +which could not be doubted; "and to meet you, too, Mrs. Gorham, not +forgetting Lady Pat." And then, as if in explanation, "You see, as Alice +says, she and I were pals when we were youngsters in Pittsburgh, and I +can't realize that now she's grown up into such a--" + +"Do you remember the games of baseball we used to play together?" Alice +interrupted. + +"Indeed I do," he responded. "She could throw a ball overhand just like +a boy," Allen continued, turning to Mrs. Gorham lest he seem to +discriminate in his attentions. + +"She can't do it now, but I can," Patricia remarked, with an air of +superiority, subsiding as Alice glanced meaningly at her. + +"And once you thrashed Jim Thatcher for calling me a tomboy. Oh, I +looked upon you as a real story-book hero!" + +"I suspect that's the only time on record." Allen laughed again +consciously. "That's one epithet I haven't had hurled at me enough times +to make me nervous." He looked at the horses critically. "You don't +suppose there's any chance of a runaway here to give me another +opportunity, do you?" + +"How about the football games, and the races at New London?" Alice +asked. + +"What do you know about those?" + +"I read all about everything in the papers. Your father was so proud +that he told my father and every one about your college record; so, you +see, your friends had no difficulty in keeping posted." + +"My father was proud of me?" Allen demanded, in genuine astonishment. +"Haven't you gotten things a little mixed? That doesn't sound like the +pater at all. He didn't boast any of my record in my studies, did he?" + +"Father didn't say." Alice leaned forward mischievously. "Did you get +your degree _cum laude_, Allen?" + +"Not exactly," he answered, frankly. "_Cum difficultate_ would be more +like it; but I got it, anyhow." + +"And what have you been doing since?" Mrs. Gorham asked. + +"I went abroad right after Commencement." + +"To perfect yourself in the languages?" + +"Well"--the boy hesitated--"that may have been the pater's intention, +but he didn't state it audibly. As a matter of fact, I perfected myself +in running an automobile more than anything else, but I had a corking +good time." + +"And now what? You see how inquisitive I am," Alice said. + +"And now"--he repeated it after her--"I want to go into business, and +the pater says diplomacy for mine. We've had lots of arguments over it, +until we finally compromised it just as we usually do--by my doing it +his way. So here I am in Washington, awaiting my country's call, ready +to steer the great U.S.A. through any old international complication +they can scare up. But I mustn't keep you and Mrs. Gorham here any +longer. It is just fine to see you again." + +"You will come and see us at the hotel," Mrs. Gorham said, warmly +seconded by Alice. "Won't you dine with us to-morrow evening? Mr. Gorham +will be glad to hear about you from yourself." + +To-morrow evening seemed far away to Allen, so he supplemented Mrs. +Gorham's invitation by a suggestion that they take a motor ride with him +the following afternoon, which brought the time of their meeting that +much nearer. + +For some little time after Allen's machine had disappeared Alice and +Mrs. Gorham continued their drive in silence, and it was Patricia who +spoke first. + +"Isn't he the grandest thing?" she remarked. "He's just like one of King +Arthur's knights. And he called me 'Lady Pat.'" + +"You dear child," Eleanor cried, impulsively pressing the little form to +her. + +"That is exactly what I ought to be," Alice said, abruptly. "Just think +how pleased father would be." + +"What ought you to be that you are not, my dear?" Mrs. Gorham inquired, +surprised. + +"Why, a boy like Allen just ready to start off on a business career. +That's about the only disappointment father has ever experienced, not +having a son to succeed him. You know as I do how much it would mean to +him to 'found a house,' as he calls it. I've seen him looking at Pat and +me so many times with an expression in his eyes which I understood, and +it has hurt me all through that I couldn't have been the son he longed +for. The aggravating part of it all is that nothing interests me so +much as business. I must have inherited father's love for it. I adore +listening to him when he is discussing some great problem with Mr. +Covington. It seems to me the grandest thing in the world to be able to +influence people, and to create or expand industries and actually to +accomplish results." + +Mrs. Gorham understood the girl's mood and knew that it was wiser to let +her run on without interruption. + +"I don't feel the same about other things," Alice continued, pausing +from time to time as she became more introspective. "I'm fond of poetry, +of course, but I can't understand how any one can be satisfied to do +nothing else but write poems; I admire art, but with my admiration for +the artist's work there's a real pity for the man because he is debarred +from the world of action. If I were a man I would have to do something +which had a physical as well as an intellectual struggle in it, with a +reward at the end to be striven for which was not expressed alone in the +praise of the world--it would have to be power itself." + +"I would rather be a damosel," Patricia put in. + +"You are your father's own daughter, Alice," Mrs. Gorham said, as the +girl ceased speaking. "You could not be his child and feel otherwise." + +"But that makes it all the harder," Alice rebelled. "It doesn't give me +any chance to do the things I want to do. I must + +'_Sigh and cry + And still sit idly by_.'" + +The drive was coming to an end, and Mrs. Gorham was unwilling to leave +the conversation at just this point. "There is another side to all this, +Alice dear, which you mustn't overlook," she said, seriously. "It is +woman's part to inspire rather than to do, and the fact that it is often +the more difficult role to play perhaps makes it the nobler part, after +all. The world sings of the bravery of men who go forth to battle; we +older women know that it takes no less courage to let them go and to +content ourselves in our impotency, while they are spurred on by the +excitement which is denied to us. Those of us whom experience has tested +know this, but this realization cannot yet have come to you." + +Patricia sighed, deeply, "Oh, yes, mamma Eleanor; this waiting is +awful." + +"You mean that we must accept the situation as best we may and +accomplish our results by proxy?" Alice queried, still rebellious. + +Mrs. Gorham smiled at the girl's interpretation. "No, dear," she +insisted; "I am not willing to admit that ours is a position of +self-abnegation. We women are denied the privilege of doing, but we +mustn't be unmindful of the blessing which is given in exchange. To me +it is infinitely more satisfying to know that we are the inspiration +which urges men on to do what they could not do without us." + +"Of course that's one way of putting it," Alice admitted, interested yet +not convinced; "but, just the same, I'd rather be the one to receive the +inspiration than the one to give it." + +On reaching the comfortable apartment occupied by the Gorhams at the +hotel, they found that Mr. Gorham had already returned, accompanied by +his first vice-president, John Covington, and that they were engaged in +close conversation. Mrs. Gorham took Patricia with her to her room, but +Alice immediately joined the two men. + +"We have nearly finished our interview, Alice," her father said, +suggestively, after a smile of greeting. + +"Please let me sit here and listen," she begged. "I am so interested in +it all." + +Gorham acquiesced with a shrug of his shoulders which the girl saw and +felt. + +"I don't know but that we have covered the situation, anyway," he said +to Covington. "I shall see Kenmore to-morrow, and if he can be persuaded +to join us, the Consolidated Companies will be just that much +strengthened. You had better return to New York to-night to keep your +eye on the coffee situation, and I will telephone you if I need you here +after I see the Senator." + +The two men offered a striking contrast in their personalities. Robert +Gorham was a large man, about fifty years of age, whose whole bearing, +when at rest, suggested the idealist rather than the man of action. His +head was large and intellectual, his chin strong, his mouth firm, +conveying at once an impression of strength and of impenetrable +depth--an inner being which defied complete analysis. Behind the +impassive exterior there was a suggestion of latent reserve force, but +it was not until some thought or word penetrated below the surface that +the real man was revealed. Then it was that the impassive face lighted +up, that the quiet gray eyes flashed fire, that the head bent forward +decisively, and the strong-willed, large-brained leader of men stood +forth. + +Covington, on the other hand, ten years Gorham's junior, was slight, +though tall, and was always, in manner, speech, and dress, most +carefully adjusted. He was an organizer of men, as Gorham was the +organizer of companies. Gorham worked so quietly that his purpose +seemed to accomplish itself; Covington won his success by a pitiless +force which left flotsam in its wake. Gorham was beloved and trusted, +Covington was respected for his abilities but dreaded by his +subordinates. It had been necessary for Gorham to supplement himself +with a man who possessed the genius of taking hold of the individual +organizations assimilated by the Consolidated Companies, and +amalgamating those engaged in similar lines into perfect, economic +wholes; and Covington's rare service had proved the wisdom of Gorham's +selection. + +Covington noted Alice's disappointment when her father cut short their +interview upon her entrance, though Gorham himself was entirely +oblivious to it. + +"I'll tell you all about it when we meet next time," he said to her in a +low tone as he was leaving. "It is always an inspiration to me to talk +these matters over with you." + +Alice smiled gratefully but started at the word he used. This man, +acknowledged by her father to be one of the cleverest in the business +world, said that she was an "inspiration" to him. Could this be +possible! This, then, was what Eleanor had meant, this was woman's +mission. But still, she insisted to herself, she would rather be the +recipient than the giver. + +As Covington left the room Gorham turned to Alice. "Now I can give +myself wholly to you," he said, holding out his arms affectionately. + +"Why did you stop talking with Mr. Covington as soon as I came in?" +Alice asked, reproachfully. "Was it a private matter?" + +"No indeed," he laughed, patting her affectionately on the head; "it was +just plain business." + +"But I wanted to hear it," she persisted. + +"It would have meant nothing to you," her father answered. "If you had +been my son that would be different, but a woman's sphere is outside the +business world. Leave that to the men. Now tell me what has happened +to-day." + +Alice knew her father too well to persist further. "Eleanor and I met +Allen Sanford while we were out driving this afternoon," she said. + +"Did you?" he asked, with interest. "I knew he was in Washington and +should have told you. His father wrote me about him last week, and I was +planning to invite him here. How has he developed since we used to know +him?" + +"Splendidly," Alice answered. "He's a big strapping fellow with the same +handsome, happy face. I should have known him anywhere. He wants to get +started in business, and his father wants him to go into the diplomatic +service." + +"So Stephen wrote me." Gorham laughed quietly, turning to his wife, who +had entered a moment before with Patricia. "The boy's father is the +worst enemy he has. He has thoroughly spoiled him all his life, and now +expects him to do great things. He scores him because he has no +initiative, and the first time the youngster tries to exercise it by +expressing his preference for business instead of diplomacy, Stephen +calls him obstinate and ungrateful. Now he wants me to talk with Allen +and persuade him that his father is right." + +"If you are not otherwise engaged you'll have a chance to-morrow +evening," remarked Mrs. Gorham; "we have invited him to dine with us." + +"Good; I shall be glad to see the boy, and can acquit myself of my +obligation to his father at the same time. Hello, Mistress Patricia," he +added, catching the child in his arms. "What has my little tyrant been +up to?" + +"Call me 'Lady Pat,'" she said, grandly. "_He_ named me that." + +"Who did?" her father asked, his mind diverted from the previous +conversation. + +"Mr. Sanford." Patricia rolled her eyes impressively. "Oh, he's the +grandest thing! He must be a prince in disguise." + +"That isn't what his father calls him," laughed Gorham. + +"What are you going to advise him?" Eleanor asked. + +"I can't tell until I see him and discover how much imagination he has." + +"Imagination?" his wife queried. + +"Yes; is that a new idea to you? Ability never asserts itself to its +utmost unless fed by the imagination, and I don't know yet whether Allen +possesses either. Success in any line depends upon the extent of a man's +power of imagination." + +"Then why don't poets make business successes? They have imaginative +ideas," argued Alice, thinking of her remarks upon this subject earlier +in the afternoon. + +"True"--Gorham smiled at her earnestness--"great poets are inspired, but +rarely, if ever, do they apply those inspirations to practical purposes. +That is why they so seldom enter business, and still more rarely succeed +if they do." + +His face sobered as the idea took firmer possession of him. + +"I differ from the poet only in that I make use of my imaginative ideas +in solving the great business problems of the present and the future +instead of in forming rhymes and metres. To do this I must command +unlimited resources; but what does money mean except the opportunity to +gratify ideals? With this I can force my imagination to produce +utilitarian results." + +This would have been Robert Gorham's exposition of his conception of the +Archimedes lever, as opposed to that which Allen Sanford had heard his +father give. To Gorham the power of the lever depended upon the strength +of the imaginative ideals, and the "cold, hard cash" was simply the +necessary fulcrum upon which the lever rested. + + + + +II + + +"The proposition is too gigantic for me even to comprehend." + +The Hon. Mr. Kenmore, member of the United States Senate, laid down the +bulky prospectus of the "Consolidated Companies," and looked up into his +caller's genial face. + +Gorham flicked the ash from his cigar and smiled good-naturedly. "That +is, perhaps, a natural statement, Mr. Kenmore," he replied, +deliberately. "I am not surprised that you find it difficult to +comprehend the vast possibilities of our enterprise; yet its success, +already established, must convince you that no good argument can be +advanced against its practicability." + +"But see what it contemplates!" The Senator again took the prospectus in +his hand and opened the pages. "You propose to control the building and +the manufacturing of the world," he continued, reading aloud from the +prospectus, "and all the allied trades, to construct and deal in all +kinds of machinery, to carry on any other kinds of businesses, to +acquire patents and concessions, to erect and maintain gas and electric +works, to enter into any arrangement with any government, to promote +companies, to lend money--" + +"It is summed up in that last clause," Gorham interrupted, quietly; "'to +do all such other things as are incidental or conducive to the +attainment of the above objects.' You see, I know the articles by heart. +May I ask you to glance over the names of the present stockholders?" + +Gorham handed a leather-covered record-book to his companion and then +walked to the window, where he quietly smoked his cigar, looking out on +the broad avenue while the Senator scanned the names written in the +small volume. He appeared indifferent to the smothered exclamations +which escaped involuntarily from Kenmore's lips as the latter's eye +passed on from page to page, and for the time being he seemed more +deeply interested in the people passing below on the street. His +calmness was in striking contrast to the Senator's growing excitement. + +"By George!" Kenmore exclaimed at length, rising and advancing toward +the window. "This list of names is even more extraordinary than your +stupendous plans." + +"Does not each one explain the other?" asked Gorham. + +"But how did you ever persuade such men as these to lend themselves to +any enterprise--no matter how attractive? Why, there is hardly an +omission--the leaders of the world in finance, politics, diplomacy, +literature, art, and science." + +"There are many omissions, as you would discover if you examined the +list more carefully," Gorham answered; "not the least of which is the +name of the Hon. Mr. Kenmore!" + +"I know, I know," the Senator replied, impatiently; "but how did you get +them?" + +Gorham looked at his questioner attentively for a moment before he +answered. "The proposition itself appeals to that human instinct which +is more or less developed in us all--self-interest--" + +"But that, my dear sir, is nothing more or less than--" + +Gorham held up a protesting hand. "Let me save you from using so ugly a +word as you have in mind, Senator. You are fully justified in having +this thought suggest itself to you--such is the business code of morals +of to-day. Yet I consider myself an idealist, and the whole plan on +which the Consolidated Companies is based a moral one. I must have +succeeded in convincing these men, whose characters are admittedly above +reproach, or they could not have been persuaded to become associated +with our corporation." + +"Idealism, monopoly, and self-interest seem ill-mated partners, Mr. +Gorham." + +"Must monopoly and self-interest always be translated into selfishness +and oppression?" + +"As far as I have observed they always have been," Kenmore asserted. + +"Perhaps so; but must they necessarily be so exercised? Is it not +possible to control these human instincts to the extent of producing +beneficent results?" + +The Senator considered. "I cannot conceive it to be even within the +bounds of possibility." + +"Then, unless I can convince you to the contrary, I shall cheerfully +withdraw my proposition," Gorham replied, with decision. "You will +admit, I feel sure, that were I to eliminate self-interest the great +consolidation which we are discussing could not exist." + +"Absolutely." + +"Will you also admit the possibility--I do not yet say probability--of +conducting an organization such as the Consolidated Companies along +lines which might be for the public good?" + +"Provided the public received the benefits of such economies as your +consolidations effected." + +"Precisely--or even a part of these economies. Now, many of our +stockholders, whose names you see on that list, are in positions of +trust. Our directors have endeavored to select only those whose +reputations guarantee the honorable observance of their +responsibilities." + +"Then how can they serve the Consolidated Companies?" + +"Let me explain more clearly," Gorham continued. "A franchise for a +street railway expires--here in Washington, in Chicago, in London, or in +Vienna. Those who are influential in awarding the new franchise are +among our stockholders. It is to their self-interest, truly, to place +the franchise in the hands of the Consolidated Companies, but it is also +to the best interests of the public, who, after all, are most concerned, +because the Companies is equipped with men and funds to give them +greater efficiency or cheaper transportation than any smaller +organization could possibly afford to do. In awarding us the franchise, +therefore, these officials are in no way proving themselves false to +their trust." + +Gorham studied the half-averted face of his companion carefully before +he proceeded. "Do you follow me?" + +"Perfectly, although not wholly sympathetically," the Senator replied. + +Gorham smiled at Kenmore's frankness. "Suppose a government requires a +loan of, say, fifty million pounds sterling," he continued. "Here in +this little book you will find the names of practically all the +financial heads of the governments of the world. You will also find here +the leading figures in the world of finance. What is more natural than +that the Consolidated Companies be asked to negotiate the loan, to the +distinct advantage of both parties and of the Companies itself? +Incidentally I might say that we shall eventually establish an +international bank which will further simplify details. If it is a +matter of building bridges, we have among our stockholders the officials +who will award the contracts and the engineers best fitted to execute +them. Acting as a medium for both creator and producer, and in serving +their mutual self-interest, the Consolidated Companies can easily become +the greatest patron of the arts, both fine and mechanical, that the +world has ever seen,--and all this, with profit to itself. Could +anything be simpler?" + +"You are prepared to build navies and also submarines to destroy them?" + +"'To do all such other things as are incidental or conducive to the +attainment of the above objects,'" quoted Gorham; "but our energies are +always exerted in constructive directions." + +The Senator became absorbed in his own thoughts and was silent for +several moments. + +"I don't see yet how those men were persuaded to associate themselves +with your corporation," he said, more to himself than to his companion. +"The vast business advantages which it already possesses are quite +apparent, but I cannot reconcile the conflict which must exist between +the dual capacities of your stockholders as individuals and as public +officials or officers of trust. Without intending to cast reflections +upon any name I have seen, I can scarcely resist asking myself if every +man has his price." + +"I claim he has," Gorham stated. + +The Senator turned upon him sharply. "Then my first impressions of the +principles of your enterprise were correct. I beg--" + +"Please hear me out, Senator," Gorham urged. "I believe implicitly that +what I have just said is true, yet I venture to repeat to you that I +consider myself an idealist and an optimist. A man's 'price' has come to +be associated with money. I know this phase--what business man does not? +But beyond this, are there not far subtler influences, which in one form +or another draw every man away from the course he would naturally steer +for himself as surely as the iron deflects the magnet's needle? Ambition +influences an honorable legislator apparently to condone acts which he +knows are wrong, that he may gain a Governor's chair, from which +position he can more surely crush out the evils he has always recognized +and abhorred. I do not say that all our stockholders are influenced by +the guarantee I have given them that a franchise or a concession awarded +to the Consolidated Companies means an advantage to the people they +serve, but I have at least convinced them by word and act of my own +sincerity, and of the possibility of so conducting the Companies that +these results can be obtained. I do not even say that every public +official who co-operates with us is actuated by the highest motives in +giving the Consolidated Companies special privileges, but I do say that +he may properly be so actuated--and the public receives the benefits." + +"But think of the power which this corporation must eventually possess, +and the powerlessness of any individual or organization, business or +otherwise, to oppose it." + +"Why should they wish to oppose it?" Gorham continued. "As I have said, +the combinations suggested can but result in economies in production +and consequent reductions in the living expenses of the masses." + +"Yet you would hardly suggest that the Consolidated Companies has been +launched as a philanthropic enterprise?" + +Gorham's smile returned. "Not primarily, yet the people have already +been benefited in no small degree. It is entirely possible to conduct it +along lines which will reduce the cost of all public utilities and +necessities, and yet secure large financial returns to the Companies." + +"I was thinking--" Kenmore began, and then stopped. + +"Well?" Gorham encouraged, interrogatively. + +"I was thinking what an easy thing it is to mistake a temptation for an +opportunity." + +"Or the reverse," Gorham remarked, significantly, flushing slightly. +"Does it not all depend upon the basis on which the corporation is +administered?" + +As the Senator ventured no reply, Gorham continued, with more feeling +than he had as yet displayed: + +"You and I, Mr. Kenmore, are familiar with the contention made by our +great captains of industry that they are entitled to the vast fortunes +which they have amassed as a return for the benefits which the public +enjoys as a result of their energy and the risks they have taken. They +have opened up new sections of the country, provided transportation +facilities which were previously lacking, or have increased those which +already existed; they have multiplied industries which promoted increase +in population and trade, and have thus largely contributed to the +prosperity enjoyed by the communities themselves and by the country at +large." + +"All of which the Consolidated Companies claims to be doing, or about +to do, upon a scale which makes similar past achievements seem +insignificant," interrupted Kenmore. + +"Yes," Gorham assented, "but with a fuller appreciation that these +accomplishments are not the results alone of individual ability, but far +more of the exercise of the corporate power placed in its hands, not for +its unlimited personal gain, but intrusted to it by law for public +advantage. The law confers upon a corporate organization a power far +beyond that which any individual himself could obtain; it enables him to +make use of capital which thousands have contributed, toward whom he +stands in a relation of trust, and without whom he could not accomplish +the individual triumphs which become so magnified in his own mind, and +for which he demands so great a recompense. The Consolidated Companies +considers itself bound to use franchise privileges and corporate +organization for the equal benefit of all those who contribute of their +capital, with due regard for those public interests which corporations +are created to serve, and to rest content with a fair return upon its +own capital and a reasonable compensation for their services, on the +part of the officers of the enterprises of which it assumes the +responsibility and direction." + +"How long do you think the Consolidated Companies can be run upon such +altruistic principles?" + +"As long as Robert Gorham remains its president and as long as those men +whose names you have seen there remain its directors. This is my pledge. +When the Consolidated Companies, intrusted with the power, credit, and +resources of the many corporations which are and will be included in +it, but which are not agencies of its own creation and do not belong to +it, begins to take advantage of these for personal profit beyond +legitimate return upon investment and fair compensation for services +rendered, it will be guilty of a gross betrayal of trust. When it issues +securities in excess of the requirements of its business and manipulates +them for its own profit; when it makes use of its power, its funds, or +its credit in enterprises which are not for the equal benefit of all who +have contributed to its capital or in the interest of the public, which +gives it its power; when it employs its profits so as to affect the +market value of securities and then speculates in these for its own +advantage,--then it will be flagrantly abusing a power which has been +given to it in trust, and its unique position in the business world will +be destroyed." + +There was another long silence, which this time was not broken until the +Senator was quite ready to speak. When the moment came the question was +asked abruptly: + +"How much can you consistently tell me of any of the corporation's +transactions? I know of them, of course, by hearsay, but I should be +glad to receive more intimate information." + +"Nothing, without assurances of your serious interest, provided I can +demonstrate to your satisfaction the strength of the facts I have +mentioned; everything when you care to give me these assurances." + +The Senator winced. He had expected to meet a man with whose type he was +perfectly familiar, to explain to him that the private affairs of the +Hon. James Kenmore, business or otherwise, were always kept entirely +distinct from his political life, and to dismiss him with merely the +courtesy demanded by the unusually strong letters which had introduced +him. But Robert Gorham did not belong to the expected type. There were +no earmarks of the promoter about him, in spite of the fact that the +enterprise of which he stood as the head and front was in reality the +most gigantic piece of promotion engineering the world had seen. On the +contrary, Gorham was the refined man of affairs, confident in himself +and in the certainty of his strength. And as for dismissal, the Senator +realized that his caller had already made himself the dominant power. + +"You wish me to subscribe for stock in this corporation to the extent of +a hundred thousand dollars?" + +"I am empowered by our directors to offer you the opportunity to +subscribe for that amount." + +The Senator passed over the obvious correction. + +"Why am I selected by your directors rather than others of my colleagues +whose names I do not observe upon that list?" + +"Because we consider your position in the United States Senate to be one +of increasing importance, and of value to the Companies," Gorham +answered, frankly. + +"Why has the specific amount of my desired subscription been so +carefully stipulated?" + +"Because your investment in the Consolidated Companies must be heavy +enough in its relation to your personal fortune to make the success of +the corporation a matter of real concern to you." + +"Are these amounts, then, uniform in size?" + +"Not at all. A hundred thousand dollars to you may be no more than five +thousand to some other stockholder, and no less, on the other hand, than +half a million to a third. In every case the amount of the subscription +is carefully considered." + +"Your directors have made a preliminary estimate of my financial +standing?" + +"Certainly." + +Kenmore smiled incredulously. "Would it be asking too much to inquire +what the inventory, made by your experts, shows?" + +"One million two hundred thousand," Gorham responded, promptly. "Except +for your unfortunate investment in the Arizona oil-wells a year ago, it +might have been half a million more--a loss which your fortunate +connection during the past three years as a special partner in the +well-known banking-house of Gilroy and Company has more than made up." + +The Senator sprang excitedly to his feet. "By George! sir, by what power +or authority do you make yourself aware of my private affairs down +practically to the last penny?" + +"I apologize, Senator, if I answered your question too literally," +Gorham replied, quietly. + +"But how do you know it?" + +"I neglected to state that the secret-service department of the +Consolidated Companies excels in efficiency that of any government. You +can readily appreciate its importance." + +"And you know with equal minuteness the financial condition of every man +on that list?" + +Gorham nodded. "Yes; and of every individual, corporation, business +house, and government wherever it is of any value to us to know it." + +Kenmore again relapsed into silence. He was experiencing a larger number +of new sensations during his conference than he remembered ever having +had aroused by any previous discussion. He was angry with himself for +having permitted the interview, he was incensed by the proposition +itself and the apparent unassailability of the Companies, he was annoyed +by Gorham's good manners and his complete self-control. Never once had +this man, who appeared to have his finger upon the pulse of the world, +allowed his attitude even to approach enthusiasm. He simply presented +facts, and then allowed them to tell their own story. + +"You are at liberty, sir, to acquaint me with the transactions of the +Consolidated Companies," the Senator finally remarked. + +"Probably a few specific cases will suffice," Gorham responded, as if +expecting to receive Kenmore's permission. "You will remember, perhaps, +the apparently insurmountable complications which arose over the placing +of the recent loan of fifty million dollars to the Chinese government, +for their currency reforms and other necessary improvements. As soon as +the Consolidated Companies assumed the responsibility of the +negotiations, all international bickerings ceased, for the Chinese, +French, German, English, and American financiers knew that the loan +would be handled to the advantage of all. I could cite, perhaps, a +hundred cases of similar importance, would time permit. As for the +present, you are aware that England is building several great men-of-war +to restore its navy to its previous supremacy. The contracts for this +work have been placed in the hands of the Consolidated Companies. Our +political strength was tested in a small way two years ago in causing a +cessation of hostilities between Austria and her neighbors. We shall be +strong enough before the war cloud gathers too heavily over England and +Germany to prevent the grievous calamity which threatens these nations. +Shall I give you other data?" + +"But the Consolidated Companies separates the world into two parts--" +the Senator began. + +"Precisely--into those who are stockholders and those who are not. Both +are benefited by the existence of the corporation. But is there any +question as to which is the more favored class?" + +"None whatever," Kenmore replied, with decision. + +"Then may I call to-morrow to learn in which class you decide to place +yourself?" Gorham asked, as he rose and slipped into his overcoat. + +"No," the Senator replied, after a moment's thought. "I will send my +secretary to you to arrange the matter of taking over stock to the +amount of one hundred thousand dollars in the Consolidated +Companies--Unlimited!" + + + + +III + +If punctuality is a virtue presaging business success, Allen gave +evidence, the following afternoon, of a brilliant future. Previously, +he had made no criticism of the condition in which his motor-car was +delivered to him at the garage, but this time the men found him +strangely unreasonable. The brasses had to be repolished, the hood +opened up, and the dust wiped from the long-neglected creases, and every +detail was inspected with a carefulness which created comment. + +"Goin' to sell his car," one of the men remarked, sententiously, to +which sage comment his companion nodded acquiescence. + +In spite of the delay thus caused, Allen shut off his power in front of +the hotel entrance at exactly the appointed hour. He bounded into the +lobby, and a few moments later was ushered into the elevator and guided +to the Gorhams' apartment. + +"Why, it's Riley!" the caller exclaimed, enthusiastically, as the door +was opened for him by Mr. Gorham's aged retainer--"it's the same Riley +who used to box my ears when I tramped over his flower-beds in +Pittsburgh." + +The old man regarded the visitor attentively. "Shure it's Misther Allen +Sanford, grown out iv his short pants into a fine young man, so he has." +A broad grin replaced the questioning expression on his face. "I did +box ye'er ears good, didn't I, sor? but go along wid yer, th' trouble +ye made me, ye an' Miss Alice a-traipsin' over me flower-beds." Then, +with a sigh: "Ah, sor, I remimber it as if 'twas yisterday. Miss Alice's +mother was livin' thin, God rist her soul. Thank ye, sor, f'r +remimberin' me. I'll call Mrs. Gorham an' Miss Alice." + +It was the girl who appeared first, greeting Allen with frank +cordiality. + +"Eleanor will be ready in a moment," she said. "Isn't this the greatest +coincidence?" she continued. "Yesterday at this time I had no idea you +were within a thousand miles, and now it seems as if we might almost be +back in Pittsburgh again, living the same childish life and playing the +same games." + +"It was certainly a dandy coincidence for me," Allen agreed, "but I +don't quite follow you back to the kid games we played." + +"Why, Allen!" Alice reproached him, "have you forgotten the motor rides +you and I took with wash-tubs, turned upside down, for seats, and the +remnant of your express-wagon for a steering-wheel? My! how fast we used +to go!" + +"That's so!" he admitted. "I'd forgotten all about it. You used to look +great sitting on that tub." + +"Freckles and all?" + +"I didn't remember the freckles, either, until you spoke of them. You +were a little corker, even then." + +"Even then?" Alice repeated, without intending to. + +"No one has told you that you've gone backward in looks, has he?" Allen +laughed, looking straight into her face. Then he continued: "There's one +other game we played, which I haven't forgotten: Do you remember how we +used to keep house together? You were Mrs. Allen Sanford then, and we +had everything fixed up--" + +Alice sobered. "I--I think I have forgotten that one," she said. "Isn't +it ridiculous what games children do play?" + +"But the motor-car game has come true," he insisted, "and you'll look +just as good to me sitting in the real car, as you used to on top of +that tub. And as for the other--" + +"How long Eleanor is taking!" she interrupted; "I'll run and find her." +With which she disappeared, returning almost immediately, accompanied by +Mrs. Gorham. + +"I shan't be asked again, if I keep you waiting so long, shall I?" +Eleanor apologized. + +"The appointed time always arrives at the same moment that Mrs. Gorham +does," Allen replied. + +"So!" Eleanor was frankly surprised by the boy's gallantry. "If this is +a sample, I must agree with your father that diplomacy is your natural +field. It would be a pity to waste that in a business office." + +"Don't you join the opposition, Mrs. Gorham," he said, seriously. "I'm +going to have a hard enough time with the pater as it is. Now, if +you're ready, shall we start? It isn't going to be the most sociable +arrangement in the world, with me driving the car, but we'll go slowly, +which will give us a chance to visit." + +With Fort Meyer as the objective point, Allen took the road through Rock +Creek Park to Chevy Chase, feeling attracted, perhaps unconsciously, +because it was there he had renewed this acquaintance which promised to +end the _ennui_ he had experienced during the weeks he had spent in +Washington. Slowing his speed down to a point requiring the least +attention, he was able to converse with his guests. Alice had said +little since they left the hotel, but at last she found an opportunity +to free her mind. + +"Eleanor wasn't serious in what she said about your going into +diplomacy, Allen. Any ability a man has in that line is just as valuable +in business." + +Mrs. Gorham laughed as she turned to Alice. "Has that been troubling +you, my dear?" Then to Allen: "You touched on a very live wire when you +said what you did yesterday, Mr. Sanford. Alice thinks that a man who +chooses anything but a business career is blind to what life offers +him." + +"You do too, don't you, Allen?" the girl asked. + +"Why--yes," he answered. "I haven't exactly analyzed it, but I know I'd +rather go into business than into the diplomatic service." + +"But you must have some reason for it," she urged. + +"I have--I don't want to spend my life in other countries. Little old +New York is good enough for me. I have lots of friends there, and that's +where I'd like to settle down." + +"New York is a hard place for a young man to start his career," said +Mrs. Gorham. "You will find there an absolute intolerance for the man in +the making. New York demands the finished product." + +"But you don't have to start in New York," Alice added. "You could make +your success in some other city, and then come to New York if you wanted +to." + +Allen became unusually thoughtful as the conversation progressed. + +"Gee!" he said; "I knew that I wanted to go into business, but I didn't +realize how much there was to think over before doing it." + +"But it's worth all the time and thought you can give to it," the girl +said, enthusiastically. "I can't imagine anything grander than to stand +at the threshold of the world ready to enter the battle of life, to +struggle with the obstacles and to conquer them. Think, Allen--just +think of what you have before you, while we girls never get any such +chance at all." + +"Yes." Allen hesitated, carried off his feet by the intensity of the +words and the rapt expression of her face. "Yes, I guess it is grand, +though it never struck me just that way before. I say!--" he continued, +after a moment's pause, "you're an enthusiast on this business question, +aren't you?" + +"Could she be Robert Gorham's daughter and not be an enthusiast?" Mrs. +Gorham asked. + +"If father would only let me, I know I could make a success in +business," Alice continued. "I watch him, when he least suspects it; I +study the papers which he leaves around, and sometimes it seems as if I +just must be a boy, and get into the thick of it." + +"What a funny idea!" Allen remarked. "I never thought girls cared +anything about business." + +"But it's no use," she bemoaned. "I've got to be a girl whether I like +it or not; but you haven't any such handicap." + +"Haven't I?--you forget the pater." + +"If you felt as strongly about it as I do, you could persuade him." + +"Have you--met the pater?" he asked, significantly. + +Alice smiled for a moment, and then became serious again. "If you +have determination enough to succeed in business, Allen, the same +characteristic will win out with your father." + +The boy did not know quite what to answer. Stephen Sanford insisted +that the only reason Allen showed a preference for business was because +he knew his father had set his heart on a different career for him. It +may have been merely an unconscious assertion of his budding manhood +which rebelled against having his life-work laid out for him without +consultation, just as his governess used to lay out his clothes. At all +events, from his very nature, Allen had not considered the matter as +seriously as he now saw Alice had done, and he was entirely unequal to +the task of holding up his end of the discussion. So, after a few +moments' silence, during which she watched him with eager expectancy, he +turned his face toward her, and grinned broadly. + +"I'm mighty glad you are a girl," he said, irrelevantly; "and I'm mighty +glad you can't go into business." + +Alice was disappointed on his account, but she chose to reply only to +his reference to her. + +"Of course," she pouted. "You men are all alike. You're selfish and +unsympathetic. You want all the interesting things for yourselves, +and--some of you--don't even know why you want them." + +"I really believe you're getting personal." Allen laughed. "Don't knock; +come right in. Now, to heap coals of fire upon your head, I'll tell you +what I'll do, Alice; I'll divide chances with you, beginning with the +first." + +"Do you mean to say you haven't had even a first chance yet?" + +He nodded cheerfully. "Not a single first, to say nothing of doubtful +seconds." + +"Then it's because you haven't tried," she asserted. + +"Of course; but that doesn't mean that some one else hasn't tried. I've +been the dutiful son, waiting for 'papa' to show him that the paternal +way is the only way; but even the pater hasn't proved a blooming success +in that line. The real trouble is that the old man is too conscientious. +Just as the President gets all worked up and just crazy to send me as +minister plenipotentiary to the Republic of Zuzu, the pater coughs +guiltily, and murmurs, 'Oh, yes; he's a good boy, if he is my son, but +he hasn't been brought up in my school,' and shows by every movement +that he knows he's passing off a gold brick. Then, of course, the whole +game is up." + +"Why doesn't he take you into his own business?" Mrs. Gorham asked. + +"Jealousy or judgment; can't say which." + +"Do be serious, Allen," Alice insisted. "I don't believe you have any +strong feelings about it anyway. No wonder your father gets out of +patience with you if you talk to him about it as you do to us." + +"Oh, he gets out of patience, all right," Allen admitted, "but it's +simply because he can't refute my arguments. He talks about what he was +doing at my age, but I tell him my record is a whole lot better than +his. He couldn't afford to go to college, while I could, and at the same +proud point in our careers I was successfully touching him for five +hundred a month, while he was with great difficulty earning a hundred +and fifty, on which he supported a family. But the pater--well, the +pater has a way of looking at things which is all his own." + +"There is absolutely no use expecting to talk business with you," the +girl declared. "Father won't discuss it with me, and you won't be +serious at all, and I know Mr. Covington is really laughing at me all +the time, even though he tries to make me think that he looks upon me as +a very business-like young woman." + +"Who is Mr. Covington?" Allen asked, bluntly, inwardly resenting the +fact that any one except her father was as intimate with Alice as the +words indicated. + +"He's father's right-hand man in the Consolidated Companies. If you +could once see him and father at work and hear them talk you would +understand the fascination of it." + +"Then you like business conversation?" The boy found it difficult to +comprehend. + +"Better than anything else in the world." + +Allen became really serious. "If that's the case," he said, +emphatically, "I'm going to become a man of affairs, just to give +you that pleasure." + +Alice clapped her hands with delight. "What are you going to do?" she +asked. + +He turned so blank a face to the expectant one he saw before him that +the seriousness could no longer be preserved. The vacuity turned into a +smile, and the smile into a broad grin. + +"I guess I lose if I have to answer that question now," he admitted, +frankly; "but you keep your eye on Willie and the push-ball, and watch +the professor change him into a big roaring captain of industry. Then +you shall talk business with him as much as you like, and he won't make +you feel that he's laughing at you, as that Mr.--, what's his name, +does." + +"Good for you, Allen!" the girl cried, really pleased by the clumsily +expressed compliment. + +"So all is settled now except the pater, and I'm almost launched on my +career," Allen replied. "Now suppose we take up your case. What have you +been doing all these years?" + +"Well," said Alice, smiling, "the history of my life is yet to be +written, but the main facts up to the present are that I have safely +passed through school and most of my other childhood diseases; that I +had my coming-out ball in New York last winter; that I am happy, +and--most important of all--that I have Eleanor." + +She took Mrs. Gorham's hand affectionately in hers as she spoke, and +Allen needed nothing more to demonstrate the strength of the bond which +existed between the two. It was not the affection between mother and +daughters, or between sisters, or friends, but rather the best of all +three merged and purified by the yearning each had felt for that which +now each had found. + +The conversation during the ride back to the hotel was in lighter vein, +in which Allen showed greater proficiency. Alice's interest in him was +mingled with a disappointment that the years had not made him older and +less irresponsible. She felt herself distinctly his senior, yet she also +felt a confidence in his unexpressed ability. To Mrs. Gorham the +passages-at-arms between the two children, as she would have called +them, were refreshing. She knew that each was being benefited by coming +in contact with a different nature. Alice's serious side needed the +leaven of a lighter viewpoint on life; Allen's buoyancy was already +being tempered by her ambition. This was why, when Alice asked her +later, in their apartment, "Don't you think Allen needs a little of that +'inspiration' you spoke of?" she had kissed the girl, and answered +without hesitation, "Yes, dear; and you are just the one to give it to +him." + +"Then this is my chance to enter business by proxy?" Alice asked again; +and Mrs. Gorham, smiling quietly to herself, had answered, "Perhaps." + + + + +IV + + +After his interview with Senator Kenmore, Gorham walked rapidly down the +slight incline from the Senators' office building to the hotel, where +the clerk passed out to him a handful of letters and telegrams. In the +lobby, unseasonably crowded by the extra session of Congress, he nodded +cordially to three or four men who obviously courted recognition, and +ascended in the elevator to his apartment. + +"You don't know Gorham?" queried one of the men, turning to his +friend--"wonderful man, wonderful organizer, head of the great +Consolidated Companies. Thought the Consolidated Companies a myth? Well, +well! That's a great compliment to the man and his methods. You'll know +both well enough before long. But that's characteristic of Gorham--moves +along so quietly that you think he's doing nothing; then you wake up and +find that his corporation has tucked away a big government contract you +thought you'd tied up yourself. Better keep your eye on Gorham and the +Consolidated Companies." + +"There you are, daddy!" cried a welcoming voice as Gorham threw open the +door, the words being quickly followed by a rustle of skirts and an +enthusiastic embrace. "I'm so glad you're back early. You know Allen is +coming to dinner, and couldn't we all go to the theatre afterward?" + +Alice released her father partially, but still held one of his hands in +each of her own. Hat, letters, and telegrams had already fallen in +confusion upon the floor, as the result of the girl's onslaught. She +caught the look, half amusement, half dismay, upon his face. + +"Never mind, daddy dear," she continued, reassuringly; "I'll pick them +all up in a moment. You will go with us to the theatre, won't you?" + +Gorham looked significantly at the telegrams and the letters on the +floor. + +"Let me see," he said, doubtfully. "I really ought to work on these +papers after dinner. How can I do that and go with you, Puss? There's +a problem for you!--unless I could use Riley for a secretary," he +continued, jocosely. "That's the only capacity he hasn't served in. +Where is he, anyway?" + +"Couldn't I help you?" she asked, quickly, without answering his +question. "You don't know how much I'd like to. And I'm sure I could," +she added, with confidence. + +"Tut, tut!" Gorham stroked the soft fair hair affectionately, but +discreetly. "Little girls shouldn't concern themselves with such +matters." + +The girl released him, and, dropping on her knees, gathered up the +fallen missives. Instead of handing them to her father, she sat back and +looked up seriously into his face. + +"Girls are no good, anyhow," she rebelled. "If you would only give me +the chance, I know I could help you in lots of ways, and then I'd feel +that I was worth something. I just can't stand it to sit around all the +time and have things done for me. Oh, why wasn't I a boy!" + +"Come, come." Gorham raised her gently to her feet, noting the tears +in her eyes, and drew her to him. "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, +dear; but business and battle are meant for men. The Amazons in ancient +history didn't change the order of things, did they? You should be proud +to be just what you are. Now give me my letters. There's some one else I +want to see, you know." + +"She's waiting for you," Alice replied, simply, looking into his face +with comprehension. "She's the sweetest thing, daddy," the girl +continued. "One moment she is so wise that she seems old enough to be my +truly mother; and then again so young and sympathetic as to be just an +older sister. I can't tell you how much she does for me every day, or +how completely she understands me." + +"You and I are mighty lucky to have Eleanor, Alice," Gorham replied, +feelingly. "We should both be very grateful to her, dear." + +"I _am_ grateful, daddy; and I love her better every day. There's Riley; +he'll help you get ready for the theatre." + +Gorham made no answer, but patted his daughter's cheek affectionately as +he turned from her to the genial face of his valet and general factotum. +The old man had been in Gorham's family for forty years, and his loyalty +to "Misther Robert" had steadily increased during the period which had +elapsed since "Old Gorham," as his original master had been known in +Pittsburgh, delivered him over to his son as a part of the house and +household effects which constituted the paternal wedding present. Now, +ten years Gorham's senior, he still adopted an attitude at once +protective and admiring, enjoying that intimacy which is the reward of +a lifelong service of loyalty. + +"Miss Alice wishes me to go to the theatre to-night, Riley," Gorham +remarked as the man relieved him of his coat. + +"Yis, sor; 'twill do ye good, Misther Robert--ye wid so manny grand +plans in ye'er head. 'Twill do ye good, sor." + +"But I have so much to do, Riley," Gorham protested. "The more items I +cross off my daily memorandum, the more I find left there to be done." + +"Yis, sor; that's right, sor--I know it's right; it's just like th' +Widow Cruse's oil jug in th' Bible, sor. But th' widow come out all +right, Misther Robert, and ye'll do th' same. I'll have ye'er things +ready f'r ye in a minnit, sor." + +If Riley was in the conspiracy for the theatre-party, Gorham realized +that opposition would be futile, so he turned into his wife's room. + +"I thought I heard voices in the hall," Mrs. Gorham greeted her husband, +affectionately. "You have returned early, which will give us a little +visit together before dinner-time. Has the day been satisfactory?" + +Gorham did not reply at once. He held her face between his hands, +looking down into the depth of her eyes with a strength of feeling which +she could but sense. There was an expression of expectancy, an unspoken +desire that she should recognize something which as yet she had failed +to see. There was a tenseness which would have frightened her except for +the tenderness which accompanied it. + +"Why do you look at me like that, Robert?" + +"Because I love you, Eleanor," he replied at length. "Isn't that an +admission for a man of my age to make? I know it always, but there are +times when I must tell you so. Don't call it weakness, dear, or +sentimentality. There is a relief which I could never explain in turning +from these battles with men and with events to your companionship, which +demanded nothing from me except myself." + +"Nothing except yourself?" Mrs. Gorham smiled, reassured. "What more +could one ask or give? Now that you have confessed, I must do likewise: +I simply count the moments every day until you come, but I never should +have dared to tell you for fear you would laugh at me. What would this +callous world say if it discovered that the great Robert Gorham and his +insignificant wife were really in love with each other! But I am so +thankful for it, dear. What do the years mean unless they add to one's +power to love?" + +"The thankfulness is mine, Eleanor," Gorham replied; "but I shan't let +you speak of 'the years' at twenty-six. Wait until you add twenty-five +more to them and reach my dignified estate." + +"It is experience which adds the years, my Robert; and this almost gives +me the right to priority." + +"I know, I know," her husband replied, drawing her gently to him. "Do +you never forget it?" + +"You and the dear girls have softened the past into a memory which I can +at least endure," she continued, "and you fill the present with so much +happiness that I rarely have time to look backward." + +"Alice spoke just now of how much you had been to her, and it started +something moving in my own heart. That is probably what led me to speak +as I did." + +"Alice is a darling," Mrs. Gorham replied, happy beyond words at the +double tribute received from father and daughter. "Just now she is +passing through what seems to her to be a crisis, and she needs +assistance from us both." + +Gorham looked at her in surprise. "A crisis?" he asked. + +"Yes, Robert; and the responsibility is yours: you have passed on to +her, as directly as heredity can do it, that love of business which has +made you what you are. You have been denied a son, but whether you wish +it or not your daughter naturally possesses those very business +instincts which you would have been proud to recognize in your son." + +"You amaze me," Gorham replied. "Alice is forever trying to persuade me +to let her help me and all that, but I have attributed it simply to an +affectionate desire on her part to be of service to me." + +"It is more than that--there is the reflection of yourself in the girl's +soul which demands expression." + +"But it would be absurd for her to do anything of that kind." + +"Why so? I don't mean for her to go into a business office, of course. +But could you not gratify her by explaining certain problems which she +could grasp, and then give her an opportunity to work them out herself +in some minor personal matter of which you have so many?" + +"It seems ridiculous to me," Gorham said, after a moment's silence, "but +I will think it over carefully. I am disappointed, I admit, that neither +one of my children, especially Alice, should have been a son to +perpetuate my name and to continue my work; but that was not to be, and +my daughters are all that I could ask." + +"They are indeed," she assented, feelingly. "I believe Alice realizes +your disappointment and actually reproaches herself, poor child, for not +being what you wished." + +"Oh, no!" he protested. "I must set her right on that at once. I admit +my disappointment, but that does not lessen my appreciation of my +blessings. You and the girls are everything to me--and you have given me +more than a son in your wonderful conception--the Consolidated Companies +is your child, Eleanor, for without your suggestion of an organization +founded upon an altruistic basis I should never have thought of creating +this corporation which is now certain to be the greatest power the world +has seen." + +"You give me too much credit, Robert. That was simply a chance +suggestion; it was your master mind which gave it life." + +"It is yours, none the less," Gorham insisted; "and this great +corporation may be the means of giving me my son and successor, after +all." + +It was Eleanor's turn to show surprise, but he did not wait for the +question which was on her lips. + +"It is my hope that Alice may marry Covington," he continued, "and I see +no reason why this should not be. She is, of course, a free agent, but I +think Covington will have little difficulty in winning her. He has an +attractive personality, and I know that she already admires and respects +him. He is a man of rare ability and is my natural successor." + +"There seems to be no logical obstacle," Eleanor admitted; "but her +heart is yet to be awakened." + +"As far as that is concerned," Gorham said, decisively, "Alice will not +altogether disregard my wishes in the matter; and the awakening will be +all the healthier if the child is guided." + +"We must never do more than guide her," Eleanor said, apprehensively. + +"I don't intend to. Now tell me something of this youngster who seems to +have made quite an impression on my entire family." + +Mrs. Gorham smiled as her mind reverted to the afternoon. "We had a +charming ride," she said. "Allen has an over-developed bump of humor +which encourages him to be irresponsible, but he is a likable boy and +I enjoyed him." + +"Probably all he needs is a smaller allowance and a greater necessity." + +"I judge he isn't likely to get either from his father. As you know, Mr. +Sanford insists on his becoming a diplomat, while he prefers to go into +business. This naturally interested Alice, and they had a most amusing +discussion about it. He really doesn't know why he prefers business, but +Alice has helped him to crystallize his ideas. In fact, she has quite +fired his ambition. I think you will enjoy your conversation with him at +dinner to-night, Robert, for he is really most ingenuous, and a bit of +advice from you will help him just now, even if he doesn't measure up to +your standard of business capacity." + +"You think me a stern master, don't you, Eleanor?" Gorham pressed the +hand he held in his. + +"It would be unfair to judge him by yourself. Boys of to-day are not +having the early training that fell to your lot, and their latent +ability is just that much slower in showing itself. You see so much +of the serious side of life, it will be diverting to hear the frank +expressions of one of the younger generation. I am curious to know what +you think of him." + +"I couldn't take him into the Consolidated Companies," Gorham said, +flatly. + +"That isn't what I mean," his wife hastened to reply. "You don't think +this a disregard of your desire not to have me refer to business?" + +"No, dear; I understand, and shall be glad to talk with the boy. I hope +you also understand as clearly why I have had to take this seemingly +arbitrary position. My day is filled with problems which require nerve +and confidence in my own judgment in order to carry them through. I must +let no one influence this judgment, and even a suggested preference from +those I love might do it. More than this, my brain is clearer each day +when I can claim an evening with you and Alice, with no intruding +thoughts of business detail. Now I must send a few telegrams to clear +the way for the theatre this evening. You really want me to go with +you?" + +"Alice has set her heart on it, and as for me--well, you know how little +any evening means to me unless we are together." + +"Then I will send Riley to see about the seats." + +"But before you do that, I have a complaint to make." + +Gorham smiled at the expression on his wife's face, half serious, half +humorous. + +"Who is the culprit?" + +"Riley," she replied. + +"Riley?" her husband repeated. "Good heavens, don't tell me that you and +Riley have been having trouble!" + +"Not trouble, exactly; but really, Robert, he treats me as if I were a +child." + +"No!" Gorham assumed an incredulity he did not feel. "Tell me all about +it." + +"It is too absurd to speak of, but I was really annoyed with him for the +moment. He actually wouldn't let me go shopping this morning--he said I +was too tired, and absolutely refused to order a cab." + +Gorham laughed. "Well, wasn't he right?" + +"That isn't the question. Even a privileged servant ought not to presume +too far." + +Gorham did not speak for a moment. "Do you know, Eleanor," he said at +length, "that idea regarding Riley never entered my head before. He was +the bloody tyrant of my childhood, and I would have incurred even my +much-dreaded father's wrath rather than risk a disagreement with Riley. +Actually, if he had disapproved, I question whether I should have dared +to marry you! Even now I can feel my old-time trembling coming on at the +thought of reproving him because he prevented you from overdoing. He +would consider me an ingrate for not recognizing that it was done in my +best interests, and I should positively lose caste." + +Mrs. Gorham laughed in spite of her temporary chagrin in the face of +her husband's genuine discomfiture, which he tried to conceal by +the lightness of his words. She wondered at the extremes he +manifested--quiet but firm and immovable as the rock of Gibraltar in his +business dealings, unaggressive and yielding in all which had to do with +his home life. She hastened to withdraw her complaint. + +"Don't worry about Riley," she laughed. "The next time I want to do +something of which he doesn't approve, I'll have it done before he +knows anything about it." + +"You don't think I'm supporting Riley against you, do you?" + +"No, indeed," Eleanor replied, smiling; "I understand your feelings +about him." + +Gorham drew a sigh of relief. "I always want you to bring everything to +me, Eleanor--everything, no matter how slight, which worries you. You +will always do that, won't you?" + +"Of course"; Mrs. Gorham looked up quickly. + +"You always have, haven't you, dear?" + +"Why, yes, Robert; do you doubt it?" + +"Sometimes I have a feeling that there might have been something in +those sad years of yours which I could make lighter if you shared it +with me." + +"You have made everything lighter and brighter," she replied, +gratefully, yet without directly answering his question. + + + + +V + + +Patricia would also have made complaints of Riley had she not considered +herself entirely competent to cope with the situation. The child's +disappointment at being left behind had made this a trying day for the +whole family, and Eleanor's delay in joining Alice and Allen for the +ride had been caused by her efforts to straighten matters out before +leaving Patricia alone for the afternoon with the declaration of open +warfare still in force between her and the old man. Nine times out of +ten, Patricia played the tune to which Riley danced, but this was the +tenth, and an older understanding would have heeded the signals of the +approaching storm. + +"I don't say she has more iv it than other childern," Riley explained to +Mrs. Gorham; "but th' divvle is in 'em all. Go 'long wid ye'er ride, +Missus Gorham, an' lave her ter me. 'Tis th' firm hand I'll be afther +showin' her, but th' tinder wan, like I done wid her fa-ather forty year +ago. Ye lave her ter me, ma'm." + +So the motor-party set out with one member of it uncertain of what might +happen during her absence; but there was no uncertainty in Patricia's +mind. She watched the departure of the car from the window, and then +slammed the door, knowing well that the noise would arouse all sorts of +apprehensions in Riley's soul. A vigorous knock soon rewarded her +efforts. + +"Come in," she called, innocently. + +Riley stood in the doorway, with a hand resting on each hip, astonished +into silence by the peaceful scene before him. Patricia was seated in +the middle of the bed, completely surrounded with pillows, and fanning +herself nonchalantly. + +"Phwat made ye slam th' dure?" he demanded. + +"Did it slam?" she asked. "It must have been the draught. There's an +awful draught around this apartment--haven't you noticed it, Riley?" + +"I haven't noticed nuthin' excep' that ye are a bad little gurl." + +"It's the 'divvle' in me--coming out, isn't it, Riley? That's what you +told mamma Eleanor, and you ought to know." + +"Shure, I ought ter know, an' I do know." + +"I thought you did." Patricia smiled sweetly. "But if a person has the +'divvle' in him, it is much better to let it get out." + +"'Twud take more room than there is here ter let it all out iv ye," +retorted the irate Riley. + +"You are no gentleman, Mr. Riley, to speak to a lady like that," she +said, severely. "You may go now." + +"Will ye be th' good gurl if I lave ye by yersel'?" + +"How do I know if it's all out of me?" + +"Shure, it oughter be," he declared, in despair. "Will ye thry?" + +"Certainly, _I'll_ try." Patricia was demureness itself. "If anything +happens, it will be the 'divvle's' fault, so you mustn't hold me +responsible." + +"It's ye'er own divvle, ain't it?--ye can make it do what ye want." + +"_I_ don't know," protested Patricia. "I didn't even know I had a +'divvle.' It was you who discovered it; and people who discover things +have to be responsible for them, don't they?" + +Riley shook his head in desperation. His arguments were exhausted, and +all that was left to him was retreat. + +"I wuddent be that child's gov'ness f'r all th' money in th' world," he +muttered, as he shuffled through the hall. "An' ter think they lift her +home fr'm ch'ice. 'Twas th' lucky day f'r Miss Mary--but I wish her +here." + +Finding the coast clear, Patricia moved the scene of her activity to the +reception-room. Here she undertook to put into execution the latest idea +which had struck her fancy, which was nothing less than a medieval +tournament on as elaborate a scale as the properties at hand would +permit. The hotel had not been furnished with an eye to contests of +chivalry, but chairs, turned wrong-side up and covered with +table-cloths, made richly caparisoned steeds; and Patricia's imagination +easily supplied the riders. + +At first the Knights and their horses were ranged together at one end of +the room. + +"You are Front-de-B[oe]uf," the child announced, laying her hand upon +the first overturned chair; "and you are Bois-Guilbert, and you +Malvoisin. We ought to have some others, but there aren't any more +table-covers." + +Then she moved Front-de-B[oe]uf into the centre of the arena. + +"You stay there 'til I get my shield and lance," she said, and the +war-like Knight made no protest. + +Patricia next appeared with an open umbrella dexterously held in front +of her, and a heavy cane belonging to her father in her hand. +Front-de-B[oe]uf may have been intimidated by the militant figure which +approached him, but he stood his ground bravely. + +"I'm the Disinherited Knight," Patricia announced to the assembled +multitude, pausing a moment to receive their enthusiastic plaudits. + +"Largesse, largesse, gallant Knights!" she cried, boldly. "That means +that I'm bigger than any one else," she explained. "Love of the +Ladies--Glory to the Brave!" + +With this ample notice of her intentions, the Disinherited Knight +charged Front-de-B[oe]uf with a frenzy which resulted in his utter +disgrace. The trappings were torn from his steed by the fury of the +onslaught, the horse itself was overthrown, and Patricia surveyed the +carnage with the utmost satisfaction. + +"We shall meet again, I trust, where there is none to separate us," she +said, solemnly. + +A truce was declared while she dragged Bois-Guilbert into the lists. + +"To all brave English hearts and to the confusion of foreign tyrants," +was the war-cry, and in a moment more Bois-Guilbert had shared the fate +of his predecessor. This time, however, the Disinherited Knight did not +escape unscathed, as the front foot of the adversary's steed made a +dismal rent in her umbrella shield. + +Malvoisin alone remained, and he in turn took his stand against the +redoubtable champion. But Malvoisin, contrary to history as Patricia +knew it, proved the most stubborn adversary of the three. The heralds +had not properly cleared away the debris from the tilting-field, so when +the Disinherited Knight forced Malvoisin back, Bois-Guilbert supported +him from behind. Patricia had found the other two so yielding that she +was unprepared for this unexpected defence, and the result of her attack +was the complete demolition of the umbrella and a bad fall for herself, +in the course of which her lance struck the glass door of a bookcase +standing near. + +The noise of the fall, together with the crash of glass, brought Riley +rushing to the room. Patricia recognized his indignation without need of +explanation. Forgetful of her bump, she again seized the cane, and +repeating her cry, "To the confusion of foreign tyrants," she charged +the old man with such vigor that he stepped aside with astonishing +agility, allowing her to pass him into the hall. This was all that the +now thoroughly frightened Patricia desired to accomplish. Dropping the +cane, she rushed into the bedroom, and retreated underneath the bed, +whither she well knew Riley's infirmities would not permit him to +follow. + +"Come out o' there," the old man commanded, close behind her. + +"It's lovely under here," the child answered; "I'd rather stay." + +"Phwat in th' name o' Hiven have ye been doin'?" + +"Playing tournament, Riley," came back the voice from under the bed. +"It's a splendid game. Do you want to learn it some time?" + +"'Tis mesel' has sumthin' to learn ye," he retorted. "Come out o' there, +I say." + +"I couldn't think of it. I'm tired." + +"Well, ye oughter be--smashin' up th' furnichure, an' makin' a noise +like a wake. Wait 'til I gits hold iv ye." + +"You are a foreign tyrant, Riley--I shall never yield to you." + +"Furrin fiddlesticks--I'll lave th' whole mess f'r ye'er mother ter see +when she gits home, d'ye mind." + +"All right, Riley; I'll wait for her here." + +Again the old man retreated, his indignation increasing as he waited for +the return of the motor-party. Mrs. Gorham was given no opportunity even +to remove her wraps before she was solemnly led to the scene of the +disaster. Allen and Alice followed close behind, ignorant of the nature +of the calamity, but feeling certain by Riley's manner that it was a +serious one. They gazed for a moment at the wreck before them. + +"What has happened, Riley?" Eleanor cried, anxiously. + +"It looks as if a vacuum-cleaner had been at work," volunteered Allen. + +The old man's emotions were so strong that he could scarcely speak. + +"What has happened?" again demanded Eleanor. + +"Miss Pat," was all that Riley could articulate. + +"But where is she--has she been hurt?" + +"No, ma'am; but she done it. She's under th' bed in ye'er room." + +The entire party rushed to the bedroom, not knowing what they might +find. Mrs. Gorham knelt on the floor and raised the counterpane. There +lay the Disinherited Knight, fast asleep, exhausted from her first +jousting victories. + +"Pat!" cried Eleanor, "are you all right?" + +"Hello, mamma Eleanor," she answered, sweetly; "is Riley after you, +too?" + + + + +VI + + +Mr. Gorham studied Allen carefully during dinner. What Eleanor had told +him of the boy interested him, and his intimate knowledge of Stephen +Sanford's personality made him a more sympathetic adviser than might +otherwise have been the case. Allen, too, was distinctly attracted by +Gorham, though his eyes rested more often on the girl facing him across +the small table, who seemed even more lovely to him now, in a soft, +clinging gown of exquisite texture. His memory of Gorham had been +indistinct, but he had heard so much of him through his father and +others during these intervening years that he was prepared to see a man +who would intimidate him by his severity and awe him by the +manifestation of his greatness. In fact, associating business success +with his father's manners and methods, Allen had come to believe that +force meant noise and bluster, and that firmness stood for an +intolerance of discussion. But here, in the midst of his family, Robert +Gorham displayed a side of his nature which Stephen Sanford had never +seen; yet Allen was no less conscious of the man's power. The boy was +more quick to sense than he was to analyze, and it was not until he had +left the Gorhams, some hours later, that he was able to satisfy his +silent query as to what was reminiscent in the strength behind Gorham's +genial face and cordial bearing. The thought took him back to his +college days, and the course in ancient history which, strange to say, +he had enjoyed most of all--to the old-time Roman emperors, born to +command, and indifferent to the criticism or the commendation of the +world in which they labored, made up of the lesser men they dominated. + +The conversation at the dinner-table soon turned to Allen's experiences +in Europe, and his naive manner of telling about them afforded no little +amusement. + +"I like everything in London except the telephone," he explained. "It's +easy enough to blow in the hot air, but it takes a whole lot of +experience on the flute to make the proper connections with your +fingers. And to get a number--well, it's a joke, that's what it is." + +"Is it really worse than our service?" asked Alice. + +"Worse? Why, ours is a direct line without a switchboard compared with +theirs. I gave it up altogether after my experience trying to get Crecy +& Brown--you know them, Mr. Gorham. I dropped into the office of one of +the pater's correspondents and asked to use their telephone. One of the +clerks offered to help me out, and I let him. + +"'I say, miss,' began the clerk, 'put me through to Crecy & Brown, will +you?' Then a few moments went by. 'Oh! thank you very much,' was his +reply, and he restored the receiver noisily to its position on the rack. +'They have no telephone,' he said. + +"I looked at him a moment, then I said as calmly as I could, 'and yet +they say the English are slow.' + +"'Do they?' he replied, good-naturedly. 'I don't think I quite follow +you.' + +"'Why, they have taken that telephone out since four o'clock yesterday +afternoon. In America it would have required several days.' + +"'Oh, you're joking,' he laughed; 'they couldn't have taken it out since +then, you know.' + +"'But they have,' I said, boldly, making a noise like the pater. 'I +called them up myself at that time yesterday.' + +"Then he rang the central office again. 'I say, miss, the gentleman is +really positive that Crecy & Brown have a telephone, you know.' + +"Some more minutes passed by, and again the clerk said, 'Oh, thank you +very kindly,' and he put the receiver back. + +"'They have no telephone,' he said. + +"'There you are,' I cried, 'it has been taken out since four o'clock +yesterday afternoon. It's simply wonderful!' + +"'You Americans are such bally jokers,' the clerk said. 'They really +couldn't have done that, you know.' + +"'But they have! I still insist.' + +"Then the Englishman went into a trance for a moment. 'I believe you +think they have a telephone, after all,' he declared. + +"'I really do,' I admitted. + +"'Well, we'll soon find out,' the clerk cried, with an awful burst of +speed, striking a bell upon his desk. + +"'George,' he said to the boy, 'run around to Crecy & Brown's, will you, +and see if they have a telephone.' + +"I sat there for twenty minutes, discussing the weather, the Derby +winner, and all the other favorite English subjects before the boy came +back. + +"'Yes, sir,' the boy reported, 'Crecy & Brown have a telephone, sir. +Their number is 485 Gerard, sir.' + +"The clerk got me the number this time, and I did fairly well. Then I +sat down. + +"'Did you want to call another number?' he asked me. + +"'No, not two in the same day,' I said; 'but over in America we always +pass out something to the operator when she gives us wrong information +like that--just for the good of the service.' + +"'I suppose I ought to reprimand her,' the clerk admitted--'call her +down, as you would say.' + +"'If you don't, I will,' I told him. + +"'Oh, I had much better do it,' he replied, hastily, taking the receiver +in his hand. + +"'I say, miss,' he chirped, 'that number you just gave me, 485 Gerard, +_is_ Crecy & Brown, you know, the one you said had no telephone. Rather +a good joke on you, isn't it, miss?' Then he slammed the receiver on its +hook. + +"'There!' he said, 'I think that will hold her for a while, as you say +in your country!' + +"Wouldn't you think that would have just mortified her to death?" + +Alice laughed. "If you were ambassador to England, Allen, you could +change all that. Perhaps that's the niche for you, after all." + +"What's a 'niche'?" demanded Patricia, taking advantage of the first +opportunity to join in the conversation. + +"What do you think it is, dear?" Mrs. Gorham asked, smiling. + +"I think an itch is an awful feeling; why do you want him to have that?" +Patricia replied, sinking into obscurity at the laugh which her +definition evoked. + +Her father, who had been an interested listener thus far, came to her +rescue, and took advantage of Alice's remark to turn the conversation in +the direction he had previously determined upon. + +"You haven't heard from your father recently, I judge?" he said. + +"I have an idea that the pater has overlooked me," Allen replied; "he's +been so busy with other things." + +"Why don't you fall in with his ambition to make a diplomat of you?" + +"Well--I suppose the strongest reasons are those which I can't put into +words, Mr. Gorham, but one that seems pretty good to me is that I don't +think I'm fitted for it." + +"Why not?" + +"I'm too optimistic, I think, to make a good diplomat. If a man's a +gentleman, and treats me square, I'm apt to think he's all right--and, +from what I hear, in diplomacy the one who fools the others the most +times is the best fellow. Isn't that right?" + +"Some people would tell you that the same thing holds true in business." + +"I know; but in business there seems to be something more tangible to +work on. Of course I don't know anything about it, but I think I could +make a better show selling bonds or cotton than _ententes cordiales_." + +"Have you made any effort to secure a position?" + +"Not yet, Mr. Gorham. The pater would be more than peeved if I didn't +wait for him and his diplomatic expectations. But if he doesn't get busy +pretty soon, I think I'll hike it over to New York, and see what's +doing." + +Gorham smiled in spite of the boy's earnestness. "Surely your father +would realize how much in earnest you are if you talked to him as you're +talking to me now." + +"Father always looks upon me as a joke," Allen continued. "He made his +own way, you see, and then, because he was rich, he didn't want me to +endure the hardships which really made him what he is. He gave me plenty +of money all the way through Harvard, and ever since, in fact; yet he is +always wondering why I lack 'initiative.' He's been mighty generous, and +I appreciate it all, but don't you think it's one thing to build your +own character and economize because you have to, and another to +economize when you know you don't have to? I guess that's my complaint." + +"He was very proud of what you did at college," Gorham said. "I never +used to meet him without hearing about some of your athletic triumphs." + +"I suspect it is you who call them triumphs," Allen replied; "that +doesn't sound like the pater to me. Of course, some of the things I did +in college seemed worth while at the time; I tried for the football +team, and I made it--by hard work, with a hundred other fellows doing +their best to push me back on the side lines; I tried for the crew, and +I made it; I rowed two years at New London, and there was some work +about that. I'm afraid I made athletics my vocation and studies my +avocation, but I tried to do what I undertook as well as I knew how, and +some of the boys still think I'm pretty good in certain lines." + +"Life is scarcely a football-field, my boy," Gorham remarked, +sententiously. "The world of business admits of no vacuum. It is the +survival of the fittest, and work is the great secret of success." + +"I know what a 'vacuum' is, anyway," Patricia was recovering from her +temporary chagrin. + +"Now is your chance to square yourself," said her father, turning to +her, kindly. + +"I learned that at school last winter," the child continued, proudly: "a +'vacuum' is the place where the Pope lives when it is vacant." + +"There, Allen," laughed Gorham, "you have no excuse for not +understanding my statement." + +"Not in the least. Lady Pat has explained my whole difficulty! But, +after all, Mr. Gorham, don't you think there are some things about +business and football which are the same?" pleaded Allen, when Patricia +was again quieted, his attitude with Mr. Gorham being quite different +from the one he had affected with Alice. "I've often tried to think what +I'd do if I ever got started, and I've said to myself that when I came +up against the other fellow I'd just grit my teeth and say, 'That +confounded Eli shan't get through'; and I'm pretty certain that he'd +find something in his way before he got the contract I was after." + +Gorham was distinctly interested in the boy's intensity. "Suppose I +write a line to your father and suggest that he take active steps to get +you started somewhere." + +"Please don't," Allen said, quickly. "I'll write him myself at once. If +you do it, he'll think I haven't got the spunk. Perhaps I can put it +strong enough so he will realize that I'm tired of killing time running +about in my motor-car." + +"I thought your father told me you had lost your license, for speeding." + +The boy grinned guiltily. "'Allen Sanford, owner,' lost his license, +but 'A. Sanford, chauffeur,' is still allowed to run a car." Then +turning to Mrs. Gorham: "You didn't realize you were riding with a +chauffeur to-day, did you?" + +"You had two licenses?" + +"I couldn't possibly get along without them here in Washington. I guess +you don't know how wise these police guys are." + +Gorham looked at the boy steadily for a moment with an amused expression +in his eye. + +"I have half a mind to try it," he said, aloud. + +"Taking out two licenses?" Allen asked, innocently. + +"No," Gorham answered; "I was thinking of something else. Your father +will be here some day this week, Allen, and you will have a chance to +discuss the whole matter. Perhaps you can get him to agree to some +compromise. Whatever you go into, remember what one of our great +captains of industry once said--and it's as applicable to diplomacy as +it is to business--'The man who starts first gets the oyster; the second +man gets the shell.'" + +"I'll settle it definitely when I see the pater," Allen said, with +determination, "and if I live through the interview I'll go for that +oyster with a flying start. Oh, I expect I'll find plenty of good +interference against me, but I can stand that. What's that story in +mythology about the hydra or something--every time they cut off its head +two more grew? That's what I'm going to be--a hydra. Every time I get +turned down I'm going to bob up twice again, and, the first thing you +know, somebody will give me a job just to get rid of me." + + + + +VII + + +After the theatre Mr. Gorham devoted himself to some late despatches +which required immediate attention, so Alice and Eleanor found +themselves in the apartment alone. The latter wore a more serious +expression than her face had shown earlier in the evening, and the girl +was quick to notice it. + +"You are not feeling well," she said, more in the form of a statement +than as a question, looking at her anxiously. "What can I do for you?" + +Mrs. Gorham smiled quietly as she impulsively drew Alice to her and +kissed her. + +"There's nothing the matter, dear," she answered, pleased with the +intuition which prompted the anxiety; "there was something about the +play which brought back old memories and they hurt me--that is all." + +"Dear heart," was all the girl replied, yet the words brought grateful +tears to Eleanor's eyes. + +"Are you tired?" she asked, suddenly, with an appeal which caused Alice +to look at her inquiringly, but she did not wait for the unnecessary +negative. "Then come into my room and let us have a little talk before +we go to bed." + +As Eleanor sat down Alice threw herself on the floor at her feet, and +resting her elbows upon the convenient knees, with her face upon her +hands, she looked up expectantly. + +"I love these cozy talks," she said. "There is something about this +particular hour of the night which makes anything which happens in it of +the greatest importance. How beautiful you are! I love just to look at +you--no wonder father worships you!" + +"You are a sweet child, Alice," Eleanor said, stroking the soft hair +affectionately, while unfastening the loose coils until they fell over +her shoulders in masses of rippling gold. "You have no idea how much you +have done to make my life as happy as it is now. What has your father +ever told you about me?" + +"Nothing, dear, except that you had suffered much before he met you, and +that it was our privilege to try to make you forget the past." + +"Was that all?" + +"All about you. He told me how happy you had made him, so of course I +loved you at once." + +"And you never asked any questions?" + +Alice looked surprised. "Why, no; if father had wished to tell me any +more he would have done so without my asking." + +"I am glad," Eleanor said, simply. "It is better for me to tell you +myself." + +Mrs. Gorham paused, and Alice realized that this was not the time to +interrupt. Eleanor seemed to be bracing herself as for an ordeal, yet +when she spoke the words came with perfect calmness. + +"You were ten years old when your mother died," she said. + +The girl's face saddened. "Yes, just Pat's age now; and the next four +years were so lonely until you came. I try never to think of them. Pat +was too young to give me any companionship, so I was virtually alone +with my governess. Father never realized my unhappiness. He was so busy +with his own matters that, young as I was, I knew that he must not have +mine to worry about." + +"Those were the years in which I suffered, too," Eleanor replied, +quietly. "Perhaps that is what drew us so closely together from the +first. Four years of torture!" she continued, more to herself than to +the girl before her. + +"Why do you speak of them?" Alice begged. "Why not forget them, as I +have tried to do?" + +"I do try, dear, but the play to-night brought everything back to me. +How strange that we should happen on that particular one so soon after +your father and I had spoken of those years! The 'Great Divide'--God +only knows the human agony and truth those words contain!" + +Eleanor controlled herself before she continued. + +"It is a story which I have told only once before, and I had not thought +to take any one except your father into its sad confidences; but you +should know it, dear. My father's health broke down after mother died, +and he was ordered West in the hope of prolonging his life. I was +sixteen then, two years younger than you are now. We went to Colorado, +on a ranch which father had bought upon the recommendation of a friend. +How well I remember the first impressions I received of that glorious +country: the exhilaration of that wonderful air, the inspiration of +those towering mountains, the novelty of the strange new conditions! I +rejoiced in the largeness of everything, and it seemed to me, those +first few days, as though life amid these surroundings could but +reflect the richness with which nature itself overflowed." + +Alice's eyes were fixed upon Eleanor's face with intense interest. The +girl sensed even in these preliminary words the importance of what was +to follow, and was unwilling to lose a single syllable. Eleanor caught +the interest and sympathy of the girl's face as she paused for a moment, +and it gave her strength. + +"Were you quite alone there?" Alice asked. + +"Practically alone--the nearest ranch was four miles from ours. +Naturally, we saw few people, the most constant visitor at this time +being a young man who owned the ranch next to ours, who, during the +year, had ridden over to see us with increasing frequency. His name was +Ralph Buckner, and he seemed to us to be a characteristic product of the +West--with his large frame, bluff manners, and frank, open countenance. +We all liked him, and the fact that he differed so much from the Eastern +men I had known perhaps caused me to show a greater interest in him than +I really felt. At all events, no girl was ever more genuinely surprised +by an offer of marriage than I was, when it came unexpectedly one day, +with that determination back of it to secure what he desired which was a +part of the man himself. I did manage to collect my senses long enough +to insist that I have time to think the matter over--for I had no idea +of marrying him; but, much to my surprise, father approved the idea from +the moment I told him of the proposal. Then it developed that Ralph had +already approached him on the subject. Father, poor dear, thought only +of my future and what he believed would be my happiness. It was so +evident that I held in my hands the solution of his most serious problem +that he never knew the misgivings I felt from the first. He could live +on at the ranch for the present, busying himself with the work which +kept him out-of-doors; then later, if he preferred, he could come and +live with us." + +"Couldn't he see what a sacrifice it meant to you?" Alice asked. + +"No, dear; you must remember that, in his way, Ralph was an attractive +fellow. He had been successful with his ranch; he was agreeable and +intelligent; his Western boldness, as it seemed to me, was at times +tempered with a certain gentleness hardly to be expected in a man of his +nature; and, all in all, he was a man to whom any girl could at least +give respect, and affection might come later. It meant settling down in +the West for the rest of my life, but this was inevitable, anyway. I +must forget the old friends and the old associations, and could I not do +this better with a husband's help than alone? I asked myself a thousand +questions and ended by deciding that I would marry him. + +"It was a short courtship--delay was a word not found in Ralph Buckner's +vocabulary. We were married and began our life at his ranch, which, as I +say, was near enough to my father so that we could be in frequent +communication. He had been much concerned about me, having discovered +more of my homesickness for the East than I had realized, so to see me +well settled and apparently happy relieved him of a heavy load." + +"But you weren't happy even at first," Alice insisted. "How could you +be?" + +"I say 'apparently happy,' dear, for that was all it was. Ralph did what +he could for me in his own way, so at first it was perhaps my fault +that we were not more congenial; but his ways were not my ways, and I +kept looking for what was not there. He was well-born, but his life on +the ranch for so many years had dulled his appreciation of those finer, +innate qualities which every wife craves--he had forgotten how to be the +gentleman. Don't think that I expected the impossible, or anything +incongruous to the life we were leading; but there are little +attentions, thoughtful considerations and other things in a husband's +relation to his wife, trivial perhaps in themselves, which the wife +expects and misses if she does not receive--the more so, if she has +deluded herself into believing that the instincts for them are inborn, +and only require her suggestion to develop and bring them to fruition. +These qualities he had seemed to show before we were married, but they +proved to be only a veneer which soon wore off." + +"Why do you bring this all back now ?" Alice asked, sympathetically, +seeing the lines deepen in Eleanor's face. + +"I must tell it to you, dear--we have grown so close that I feel this is +all that remains between us. When you know this, we shall be sisters +indeed." + +"We are that already and more," Alice urged. "Only think how near of an +age we really are." + +"In years, yes; but sometimes I feel as if I had already lived +centuries." + +"Will the telling of this take a few of those centuries from you?" the +girl inquired, smiling. + +"I hope so; and that is one reason why I am asking you to share the +burden with me. All that I have told you so far has been unimportant +compared with what followed. Had it simply been a difference in +temperament, I have no doubt that I should have become accustomed to +the absence of these things I craved, and have adjusted my life to meet +the new conditions. But other and more serious difficulties soon arose. +With Ralph Buckner possession seemed to be enough. I have seen him +scheme for months to secure some high-bred horse or a fancy breed of +cattle, and after they became his property hardly care whether he ever +saw them again. So it was with his wife. Within six months he resumed +his fortnightly visits to Colorado Springs on alleged business, from +which he always returned worn out and ill-tempered. Until we were +married, I had no idea that his life on the ranch and his life in +Colorado Springs were so distinctly apart, but I was soon to learn it +with bitter clearness." + +As the story progressed Alice could feel the increasing tenseness. +Eleanor had herself well in hand, but the occasional break in her voice +evidenced the strain. + +"There was a so-called club in Colorado Springs whose members included +the wildest young men of the town and several of the younger ranchmen +who were able to stand the pace. In this Ralph was a leading spirit, +drinking and gambling with that abandon which was his dominant +characteristic. 'Buckner is a poor gambler but a good loser,' one of +them is reported to have said, but that only meant that Ralph succeeded +in concealing his real feelings until he reached home; for it was his +wife who received the full force of the reaction as his brain cleared +from the fumes of the liquor and he came to a realization of his +losses." + +She paused and looked at her companion, and encouraged by Alice's rapt +attention continued: + +"Our baby was born a year after we were married--" + +"I never knew of that," the girl said, quietly. + +"Don't," was the reply; "I can't go on if you weaken me by your +sympathy." + +"Forgive me, dear Eleanor," Alice murmured. + +"By that time every remnant of a tie which held us together had +disappeared. The child, however, was a real link, and for a little while +gave us something to think of besides ourselves. For a year, perhaps, +Ralph went less frequently to Colorado Springs, and I came to think that +we might possibly be able to continue our lives together for the child's +sake. But the novelty wore off from this new plaything, as it had from +the others, though it lasted longer than anything else ever had, and +then Ralph's absences from the ranch became more and more frequent and +of longer duration. I cared little for this, as it enabled me to take +Carina to my father's ranch, where I forgot for the time being the +emptiness of the home to which we must sooner or later return." + +Alice glanced up tenderly. "Poor dear Eleanor," she said, softly; but +Mrs. Gorham went on without heeding: + +"One day, when little Carina was three years old, we were visiting at my +father's. It was late in the afternoon, and we were playing some child's +game together when the door was suddenly thrown open and Ralph glowered +in at us, his face purple with drunken anger. Even the four-mile ride +had failed to sober him, and he leaned against the framework of the door +to steady himself. The child, startled by the sudden interruption and +terrified by the expression on her father's face, ran to me for +protection, burying her little face in my lap. + +"'That's right,' he leered at her; 'that's what they teach you to do +here--make you hate your father, don't they? I'll give you a chance to +get acquainted with me.' + +"Then he crossed the room and tore the child from my arms, in spite of +her shrieks of fear and our joint efforts to stop him. Even my father, +who did all he could, was helpless against the man's almost superhuman +strength. In a moment he had mounted his horse with Carina in front of +him, and was galloping at breakneck speed down the long trail which led +to our ranch. Father rushed to the barn, but I was there before him. +Between us we saddled the mare I had ridden so many times before I was +married, and I urged her forward to make up as much as possible for the +lost time. But I had not far to go--" + +The recital proved too much for Eleanor, in spite of her efforts to +control herself. Her eyes filled with tears, and her body was convulsed +with emotion as she bent her head until it rested against her +companion's face. + +"Don't, dear," urged Alice; "tell me the rest some other time." + +"No, no!" Mrs. Gorham cried; "you must know it all, and then we need not +speak of it again. I had gone over less than half the distance when I +came upon them both lying in the trail. I never knew how it happened. He +told some one afterward that the horse stumbled. It may have been that; +it may have been anything with him in that condition. He had fallen at +the side of the trail and was conscious before I left him, but Carina +was--dead." + +"Don't, don't go on--I can't stand it!" cried Alice. + +Eleanor paused as if in response to Alice's appeal, but a glance at her +face showed that an emotion stronger than even the words had expressed +was holding her in its grip. + +"Father was dead, too, when I returned," she said at last, her eyes +still gazing into space. + +"The excitement killed him?" Alice asked, breathlessly, still further +shocked by the double tragedy. + +"That and his anxiety over my unexplained absence." + +"Your absence?" queried the girl, mystified by Eleanor's apparent +incoherency. "Didn't you just say that he was dead when you returned?" + +Mrs. Gorham started violently. "What am I saying!" she cried, +involuntarily. In a moment she was herself again. "Yes, dear, of course +I returned; but not as soon as he expected, and the shock of it all +killed him. You understand, don't you? I was very ill, and a friend +helped me to a hospital in Denver." + +"But you said you had no friends except the man you married," Alice +urged, trying to follow the narrative. + +"Yes, dear, you are right," Eleanor replied somewhat confused; "but one +always finds friends when in trouble, you know. It was so with me, and +after I recovered my strength I lived on there in Denver with the small +legacy my father left me, supplemented later by a little more from the +sale of the ranch. A year after Carina's death I applied for a divorce, +on the ground of desertion. My lawyer found Ralph somewhere to serve the +summons on him, and reported him as having already become a professional +gambler and a confirmed drunkard. He made no defence at the trial, and I +have never seen him since." + +"But it's all over now, Eleanor dear," Alice said, soothingly. "Daddy +and I will try to make up to you for what you have been through. You +must let us do that." + +"You have done it already," Eleanor replied, feelingly, her temporary +obsession having passed. "You and darling little Patricia have become a +real part of my life, and my one prayer has been that I could do as much +for you. Your father restored my lost faith in men almost the first time +I met him in my lawyer's office in Denver." + +"Yes." Alice accepted the tribute to her father as a matter of fact. "He +nearly killed himself in Pittsburgh before he gave up his business +there, and he went out West two or three times to get back his health. +And the last time he brought you back, too. I have always loved the West +for that." + +Mrs. Gorham smiled as she continued: "I learned of his work from others +and from himself, and rejoiced to find a man with real ideals, in +business and in his every-day life, actually lived up to. I had no +notion of what that first chance meeting would lead to, of the home that +it would give me among my girlhood friends, filled with the love and +sympathy which my heart had always craved. Now you know the whole story, +Alice dear--now you know why the tears come sometimes to my eyes as I +press to my heart that quaint, precious little sister of yours, so near +the age Carina would have been, who softens the memory of the sweet dead +face by giving to it a living reality." + +"I understand," the girl cried, throwing her arms about Eleanor's neck +and embracing her warmly. "I can't say the right thing now I am so +unstrung, but I love you even more than ever because you've let me +share it with you." + +So they separated for the night--the woman's heart bleeding from the +reopening of the former wound, yet happier that her accepted confidante +had become acquainted with that part of her life which was consecrated +to a memory; the girl made older by the sudden drawing of the curtain +from one of life's daily yet unheralded tragedies. + + + + +VIII + + +Stephen Sanford arrived in Washington two days later. Little as the boy +realized it, his father's pride in his son was unbounded, and stood out +in marked contrast to the sterner elements in his character which had +combined in such fashion as to enable him to carve out a success among +and in competition with the sturdy, persistent business luminaries who +developed Pittsburgh from an uncouth bed of iron and coal into a great +manufacturing centre. His friends rallied him on his many indulgences to +his son, all of which he accepted in good part, with a uniform rejoinder +that, say what they liked, his son was going to be brought up a +gentleman. + +Allen's boyhood was guided by private tutors, and so hemmed in with +conventions which even to his youthful mind were obviously veneers, that +it was with a positive relief that he welcomed the change from the +restraint of home to the freedom of college life. Yet the boy naturally +possessed inherent qualities which, while not leading him to drink too +deeply from the fount of wisdom, still kept him within lines which won +for him the affection of his fellows and the respect of his instructors, +even though his standing as a student was far below what the professors +thought it might have been. + +During all this period his father followed his career with that same +care and insight which had characterized his own business success. He +was proud of the position which the boy took--proud of his ability to +mix well with his fellows; proud of his splendid run against Yale at New +Haven which placed the ball within striking-distance of the blue goal; +proud of his seat in the victorious eight at New London, and equally +certain that the other seven had not done their full duty when the shell +was nosed out by Yale at the finish on the succeeding year. If the boy +had missed getting his degree Stephen Sanford would have considered his +son a failure, but with the prized parchment actually secured--the first +in the history of the Sanford family--he cared little how narrow the +margin. + +Yet Allen had passed through all these years without a suspicion of his +father's real feelings toward him. He was rebuked for his extravagances +each time he asked for money, yet a substantial check always accompanied +each rebuke. He was criticised for not making a better record in his +studies, and his success in other lines, it seemed to him, was always +accepted as a matter of course. He felt convinced that his father looked +upon him as a colossal failure, and he was too good-natured to quarrel +with this estimate of his abilities; yet with characteristic optimism, +he saw no reason to let this fact interfere with his every-day life and +the pleasures it offered him. + +So Allen went to Europe soon after graduation and acquired further +experience in running a motor-car in England and on the Continent, +together with an increased familiarity with foreign scenery and the most +expensive hotels. On his return, he announced his desire to begin his +business career, more because that was what his classmates were doing +than because he was anxious to exchange the freedom of his present life +for the confinement of an office. + +"You leave that to me," his father had answered, brusquely. "What you +don't know about business won't help you any in giving advice. You're +going into the diplomatic service." + +Unfortunately for the smooth execution of Stephen Sanford's idea, the +whole country at this moment happened to be agitated over the discovery +that a member of the diplomatic corps at Washington had taken advantage +of his official position to secure plans and information, which he had +transmitted to a power unfriendly to America, but allied to the +government which he represented. The diplomat fled, ignominiously +disgraced; but as far as Allen could judge from the comment he heard, +his greatest sin was considered to be the breaking of the thirteenth +commandment, "Thou shalt not be found out." + +All this prejudiced the boy unduly against diplomacy as a profession. In +his eyes the acts of this man were unsportsmanlike; and to Allen +Sanford, who looked upon a "good sport" as the noblest work of God, this +charge was the most serious in the category of crime. But his +expostulations and protests to his father were of no avail. Stephen +Sanford had made up his mind, and that was the end of it. Until he met +Alice, Allen had been more upset because his father still treated him as +a child than on account of any serious opposition to plans which he +himself had formed. He had never yet focussed himself upon any one +particular determination with sufficient strength to make his father's +objections other than an annoyance. But now, assimilating a part of the +girl's enthusiasm, and strengthened by the instant admiration which Mr. +Gorham commanded, he was determined to make a stand at this point, +taking the head of the great Consolidated Companies as his model, and +with lance in hand to charge the world just as he would have "bucked" +the Yale line. Even the undesired diplomatic position was apparently not +forthcoming; now he would not only make an effort on his own account, +but he would insist upon his right to do so. He did not know that the +real reason he had heard nothing from his father during these weeks was +because the positions which had been offered thus far appeared to the +older man too insignificant for his son to be able to accept with +dignity. As one of the Pennsylvania senators remarked, "Stephen Sanford +evidently expects his son to go to the Court of St. James." + +With Allen in this mood, it was not surprising that the meeting between +father and son, immediately after Stephen Sanford arrived in Washington, +should have ended in a declaration of war. During the interview Allen +gave abundant evidence of his unfitness for anything which required +diplomacy; and his father, surprised to find in the boy a will as +unyielding as his own, and angered beyond expression by Allen's +opposition, lost all control over himself and stamped out of the house, +leaving his son behind, cast out forever from his affection, protection, +and support. + +"Let the young cub starve for a while and he'll realize what his father +has done for him," he fumed. "Let him shift for himself and we'll see +how soon he'll come home to roost." + +On he stamped along the street, his cane expressing upon the pavement +the anger which consumed him, but becoming less violent as he approached +the hotel where he had his appointment with Gorham. He must calm +himself, he urged, inwardly. He had acted in the only way he could, and +his old friend must not think he had been hasty or injudicial in the +position he had taken. He must be deliberate and self-possessed, as +Gorham himself would have been under the same circumstances. Then the +cane came down again on the hard pavement with a resounding blow. "Damn +Gorham!" he muttered; "damn all these smooth-mannered men who never lose +their tempers; damn everybody!" + +"Come in, Stephen, come in; I'm glad to see you," Gorham greeted him as +he puffed into the apartment, almost exhausted by the double strain of +losing his self-control and his strenuous efforts to regain it. "I +didn't realize it was so warm outside. This is the most summer-like +October I have ever seen. Sit down and I'll have Riley mix you up +something cooling." + +"No," commanded Sanford, "not a drop; I'm cool enough. I've been +hurrying, that's all. Haven't forgotten how fussy you are about keeping +appointments on the minute, you see." + +Gorham laughed. "I must have learned the trait from you; but it doesn't +apply to an old friend like Stephen Sanford," he said. "Business is +business, of course; but you wrote me that you wanted my advice. There +are no minute appointments in friendship, Stephen. My time is yours." + +"Thank you." Sanford was sparring for breath. "I haven't pestered you +much with my personal affairs, have I?" + +"You couldn't 'pester' me with them, Stephen. If I can serve you I'll +be as glad to as you would be to reciprocate." + +"Yes, yes." The visitor still employed monosyllables as far as possible +as his vehicle of expression, but he was mastering his emotion. + +"Have you seen Allen?" Gorham asked, naturally but unfortunately. + +Sanford sprang out of his chair and waved his arms wildly. "Why do you +try to stir me all up again ?" he cried. "Can't you let me get my +breath?" + +Gorham looked at him amazed. "Has anything happened?" he asked. + +"The young reprobate! I'll show him. I've cut him off without a penny, +Robert; do you understand--without a penny!" + +"You've done what?" Gorham demanded, his face sobering. + +"I'll show him that he can't make a monkey out of his father. You've +seen him, Robert. You know what an obstinate, headstrong cub he is. +Wants to go into business, does he? Thinks he knows what's good for him +better than his father does, does he? I'll show him. He can go to the +devil now--that's where he can go." + +Gorham knew better than to interrupt Sanford until his tirade was spent. +He watched him pacing up and down the room; he noted the twitching of +his features, the clenched hands, and the violent color in his face. + +"You're taking chances to let yourself get worked up like this, +Stephen," he said, quietly, at length. "You and I are growing older, and +our systems won't stand what they used to." + +Sanford stopped abruptly. "That's what he's counting on, the ingrate. +I've spent my whole life building up those furnaces and making money so +that he might be a gentleman. Now he throws it all over, and he thinks +I'll shuffle off in one of these spells; but I'll fix him. Not a penny +of my money shall he get--not one penny." + +"How has Allen disgraced himself? Has he been stealing, or is it forgery +or murder?" + +"You--you," Sanford sputtered, "you dare to suggest that my boy would +disgrace himself! You--you--" + +"Sit down, Stephen, and calm yourself," Gorham laughed. "No one could +think of a less heinous crime than I have suggested, judging by your own +arraignment of the boy. How can I help you unless you tell me what has +happened?" + +"I'm an old fool to let you string me so, but I'm all used up." + +"And the boy has been a young fool and proved himself a chip of the old +block--how is that for a guess?" + +"So you're going to take sides with him, are you?" + +"How can I tell until I know the circumstances ?" + +"He won't do what his father tells him," Sanford explained. "That's the +situation in a nutshell." + +"Good! Now you are becoming communicative. So you've cut him off because +he won't do what you tell him?" + +"Yes--the young reprobate. How he ever broke into my family is more than +I can understand." + +"You're sure your way is better than his, are you, Stephen?" + +"Of course I am. Aren't you?" + +"I don't know what your way is any more than I know Allen's, so I can +speak without prejudice. I just wanted to be sure that you had given +both sides of the question sufficient consideration to be certain of +your position. It's a serious thing to send your own son adrift, +Stephen." + +"He's my son, isn't he?" + +"I judge that he has proved that." + +"Would you let a son of yours lead you around by the nose?" + +"No; nor would I condemn a high-strung colt to the bone-yard because I +couldn't put a bridle on him the first time I tried." + +"H'm!" Sanford ejaculated. "It's the women who don't have children who +always attend 'mothers' meetings.' Of course you know just how to handle +a son." + +"If you hadn't thought I had some ideas, I don't suppose I should have +had the pleasure of this interview." + +"Then you think he ought to be allowed to go into business?" + +"This proposition seems now to have become of secondary importance. The +main issue is whether or not a boy twenty-three years old is to be +allowed to express his ideas when they differ from his father's. Allen, +apparently, has settled the matter without any advice from either of +us." + +"You don't know what that boy is to me." Sanford's voice broke a little +in spite of him. + +"I can imagine," Gorham replied, feelingly. "I know what he would be to +me if he were mine." + +"He's all I have in the world, Robert. I've had to be father and mother +to him. I've given him the best education money could buy, I've sent him +to Europe to get that foreign finish every one talks about; and now he +won't do what my heart is set on." + +"If the boy wants to go into business, why don't you make a place for +him in your own concern? That's where he ought to be--to take the +responsibilities off your shoulders, one by one, and to continue your +name." + +"Put Allen in my furnaces?" Sanford demanded, his choleric attitude +beginning to return. "How can you make a gentleman in my furnaces? Do +you suppose I'd buy a twenty-thousand-dollar painting and hang it up in +the cellar? No, sir; I mean to make something out of that boy better +than his father is, and that isn't the place to do it. But in the +diplomatic service they're all gentlemen--that's why I want to put him +there." + +"And if you can't have your own way you prefer to lose the boy +altogether?" + +"Oh, he'll come back, the young cub. He'll see which side his bread is +buttered on. It'll be a long time before he can earn the five hundred a +month I give him for an allowance, and he knows it. He'll be back." + +"I'm not so sure," Gorham said, seriously. + +"You don't think--" Sanford began, showing signs of alarm. + +"Would you in his place?" + +"That's nothing to do with it; he's only a boy." + +"Did you--in his place?" + +Sanford looked up quickly. "I had more cause," he replied. "My father +was unreasonable; his isn't." + +"Allen's ideas on that subject may differ from yours. Now, if you want +my advice, here it is: Go back to that boy. Tell him you're ashamed to +have lost your temper, and advise him to guard against that greatest +weakness which his father possesses. Tell him you want him to go into +the diplomatic service for a time to gratify your ambition for him, but +that if, after the trial, he prefers business you will stand right back +of him and get him started. Tell him, as you have just told me, that he +is all you have, and that he must make certain sacrifices for your sake, +that he must bear with your weaknesses and profit by your points of +strength. But, above all, make him feel that you believe in him, that +you're proud of him, and that you've been a fool to make such a +humiliating exhibition before him as you did this afternoon." + +The gathering storm in Stephen Sanford's face did not deter Gorham from +finishing his remarks. He knew that his old friend had seldom, if ever, +had the truth spoken to him as unreservedly as now; but he had been +asked for his advice, and he proposed to give it. + +"You--you--" Sanford choked in his rage. "So that's what you think of +me, is it? It's worth something to know that. Knuckle down to that young +cub and have him putting it over me for the rest of my life? What do you +take me for? I'll see him starve first. Why should you undertake to +advise me about my boy--" + +"Chiefly because you asked it, Stephen." + +"Well, I don't ask for it any more. With all your experience you're not +competent--" + +"Should I have shown greater competency if my advice had agreed with +your own ideas?" + +"Don't try to juggle with words, Robert. It's all off between the boy +and me, understand. I'll paddle my canoe and he can paddle his. When +he's ready to use my stroke he knows where my landing is. And now +good-day to you. 'Bear with my weaknesses, eh?' 'Humiliating +exhibition.' Good-day, I say." And without giving Gorham the opportunity +to do so he flung open the door and stamped out into the corridor to the +elevator, his cane keeping time with the tumult of thoughts which surged +through his brain. + +Gorham watched the unyielding back of his friend until he turned the +corner, then he closed the door. + +"Poor old Stephen," he sighed to himself. "If I had only been blessed +with that boy." + + + + +IX + + +Allen had ample opportunity to act the part of the hydra. When his +father left him after their stormy interview the boy utterly failed to +realize the seriousness of the situation. The "pater" had been angry +with him before,--if the truth be told, he was usually angry with +him,--so the fact that the altercation this time had been more severe +than usual was a matter simply of degree. The cutting off of his +allowance was a tangible evidence that his father was more than +ordinarily angry; but, on the other hand, Allen felt himself to be the +aggrieved party, and in a virtuous burst of righteousness he declared to +himself that he "didn't want the pater's money, anyway." He considered +it fortunate that it was still early in the month, and it did not occur +to him to consider the rather handsome balance he still possessed as too +tainted to retain; but as he looked at it the upshot of the whole matter +was that now he would be forced to go into business at once--and this +was his strongest desire since he had met Alice. So Allen "hiked it" to +New York, and spent a fortnight seeking out the opening which should +best offer him the opportunity to become a captain of industry with the +least possible delay. + +In the mean time, Covington had returned to Washington to assist Gorham +in putting through a government contract for the building of the new +battleships just authorized by Congress. He found his chief gratified by +the continued advance of the Companies' interests, but still more +impressed by the personal responsibility which this success entailed. + +"I repeated the cable from Brazil to you by wire," Covington remarked. + +"Yes; the Consolidated Companies now controls the coffee output of the +world. With the economies which we can introduce in production and +handling there will be a saving of about twelve millions a year." + +"That will be a handsome addition to the dividends already assured the +stockholders," Covington observed. + +"Only a drop in the bucket compared with what is to come," Gorham +assured him. "The people can now save six millions a year on their +breakfast cup of coffee, while the Consolidated Companies may +conscientiously drop the other six into its own cup by way of +sweetening." + +"You don't really mean that you are going to throw away all that +profit?" was the incredulous inquiry. + +"I'm not going to 'throw away' any of it." + +"I know," Covington said, quickly; "but six millions is a large sum of +money, and one million given to the public by way of lower prices, if +properly advertised, would accomplish the purpose just as well." + +Gorham looked at him critically. "You're not serious, are you?" + +"As serious as you are." Covington smiled understandingly. "This is man +to man now, you know; that other talk is a great card for the Companies, +as you give it. Of course it isn't necessary to give away so large a +share of the savings." + +"Not necessary, but just and--good business," replied Gorham. "This is +where you and I and the others in the Companies can reap our richest +dividends: we can take the tremendous profits which we are receiving +with the gratifying knowledge that every dollar we get is clean, and +represents an equal sum saved to the people. No one of us has made an +unfair penny out of the promotion; no one of us has improperly used the +information which has come to him while negotiating our consolidations; +there is no act of ours, individually or officially, which will not +stand the fullest publicity. What other corporation can make that boast, +Covington? The most baneful influence which corporate power conveys is +that it blinds the eyes of those possessing it to all except their own +single, selfish purpose; that it dulls their hearts so that every beat +takes them farther away from humanity, and that it hardens their hands +until they can feel nothing but the gold which they clasp to their +breasts. They have thrived upon special privilege just as we are +thriving, but see the difference. In our hands this weapon, which has +previously been turned against the masses, is being made an advantage to +them and not a menace, and yet a profitable enterprise for those who +wield it. I tell you, Covington, when this double purpose can no longer +be served, the Consolidated Companies must cease to exist." + +"Splendid!" exclaimed his listener, with undisguised admiration. "This +is the first time I have personally had the opportunity of listening to +that irresistible appeal which has given the Companies the most +remarkable list of stockholders in the world. But tell me--how much of +that saving are you really going to give back to the public?" + +"Your jest is ill timed," Gorham replied, sternly. "I do not choose to +have even you make light of so serious a subject. Let us have no more of +it." + +Covington retreated behind the inexpressive barrier of his superbly +controlled features, but the coldness of his eyes showed his resentment. + +"As you wish, Mr. Gorham," he replied, as they separated, and he +directed his steps toward the hotel. + +"Does he think me a fool?" he said, petulantly, to himself. "Why should +he always hold himself above the rest of us? I'm working for the +Companies just as he is, and there is no reason why he should try that +bluff with me. 'When this double purpose can no longer be served the +Consolidated Companies must cease to exist.' Bah! I can see the shearing +ahead of us as well as he can, and he won't gain anything by trying to +assume the role of the Almighty, leaving us to be the wicked partners." + +He showed no evidences of his ruffled feelings when he reached the +hotel. Alice was expecting him, but she was in ignorance as to the +nature of his errand. + +"We are to have our first lesson this morning," he announced. + +"First lesson in what?" was the surprised inquiry. + +"In business and finance," Covington enlightened her, smiling. "Your +father has given me the privilege of helping you manage your first +business enterprise. A part of one of the concerns recently assimilated +by the Consolidated Companies is a prosperous mail-order department +which we intend to continue, for a time at least. Your father's +instructions are that all the mail shall be brought to you each morning +by a stenographer, who will receive your dictation and bring the +letters back to you in the afternoon for your approval and signature. +For a time I will give you such advice as you need, and later you will +have matters entirely in your own hands as long as you wish to remain +manager of the department. How do you like the idea?" + +"It is perfectly splendid," Alice cried, her eyes sparkling. "When am I +to begin ?" + +"I will explain some of the details to you now," Covington answered, +drawing a package of papers from his pocket. "You must make yourself +perfectly familiar with these, and we will take the business up +seriously when you return to New York." + +"Why did father do this?" the girl demanded, suddenly. + +Covington was surprised. "Isn't it something you wanted?" he asked. + +"More than anything else in the world, but father never seemed to +realize it. If I can only do something to help, and feel myself +accomplishing no matter how little, I shall be the happiest girl in the +world." + +"Others who are not so wholly engrossed have seen what you wanted, Miss +Alice. Perhaps you have them to thank in part." + +"I do thank you, Mr. Covington, and it is good of you to take all this +trouble to teach me how to do it," she said, gratefully. "I know how +valuable your time is, and how much it must interfere with your work to +gratify this desire of mine which probably seems foolish to you all." + +"Such an experience is of value to any girl, but especially to you who +are in the dangerous position of being threatened with large interests +to look after; and as for me, I shall consider this as one of the +pleasantest of my daily duties." + +"You and father are so good to me." Alice held out her hand impulsively, +after grasping which Covington spread out the papers on the table +preparatory to the first lesson. The girl watched him, all eagerness, +then suddenly she laughed aloud and clapped her hands. + +"Won't Allen be surprised when he hears that I've gotten my position +before he has his?" + +"Allen?" queried Covington, looking up from his papers. + +"Yes, Allen Sanford. Do you know him, Mr. Covington? He's a friend of +mine and I'm very much interested in him." Then she paused and her face +sobered. "Perhaps I ought to let him have this chance," she mused. "He +offered to share his chances with me." + +"Do you mean Stephen Sanford's son?" + +"Yes. Do you know him?" + +Covington smiled, and for some unexplainable reason the girl did not +like his smile. + +"We could hardly accept the substitution, Miss Alice. I understand that +the boy is erratic and irresponsible. His father has just disinherited +him." + +"You don't mean it!" Alice cried, really concerned over this first news +of the result of Allen's interview with his father. "That must have been +yesterday. I wonder why daddy didn't tell me." + +"Your father's mind is pretty full with his own affairs, Miss Alice, +without taking up Mr. Sanford's." + +"But I must see Allen and help him--he will need my inspiration now more +than ever." + +"Shall we begin on our first lesson?" Covington asked, watching the girl +carefully. + +"Please do," she said. "I wonder if woman's part is to give inspiration +even after she is the manager of a business," she said aloud, but to +herself rather than to her companion. + +"It is always woman's part to give inspiration," assented Covington. + +"I must ask Eleanor," the girl said. "Please show me the papers, Mr. +Covington," she continued, turning to him with her mind at last centred +on the new proposition. "Your pupil is all attention." + + * * * * * + +Alice saw Allen just before he left for New York and also immediately +after his return, and the two interviews were interesting in their +diversity. In the first, Allen made light of the trouble between his +father and himself, and was so filled with confidence as to the results +of his approaching visit to the metropolis that the girl's anxiety was +much relieved. + +"The pater is all right, Alice," he said; "he just doesn't understand +me, that's all. He's done everything in the world for me and I'm more +grateful than he realizes; but I can't let him keep tying on my bib, can +I? Now I've got to show him that I'm a man too, and then he'll come +around all right. I'm going over to New York to-night and I'll tell you +all about it when I come back. I'm not afraid of being turned down. +You're a girl and you'd be mortified to death if any one turned you +down, but with us men it's different. You remember what I told your +father--and I meant it. Watch me do the hydra act until I get located, +and then--well, then I'll start a branch mail-order department and push +you off the map, Miss--Manager." + +When he returned Alice welcomed him full of anticipation. + +"What have you gone into?" she demanded. + +The boy's eyes fell as they met hers. "Well"--he hesitated--"I haven't +gone into anything. I guess Mrs. Gorham is right about New York being a +hard place to get started in, and I can't exactly claim to be a +'finished product' yet, can I? You see, they all knew I was Stephen +Sanford's son, and they were as nice to me as could be. They asked me up +to dinner, and then I knew it was all off for getting a job. The heads +of big concerns don't ask their office-boys to their homes to meet their +families, you know. But I'm not a bit discouraged. I'm going to find +something if I have to tear a hole in the road chasing it." + +A few evenings later Allen called again upon the Gorhams. It would have +been apparent even to those less observant than Alice and Eleanor that +something had happened, for the boy's face glowed with suppressed +excitement. + +"I think I've found a job," he announced, scarcely waiting for the +formality of greetings. "I'm not sure, but I want to talk it over with +you." + +"What is it, Allen?" cried Alice, expectantly. + +"It's a whole lot better than it sounds, I'm sure. I'm afraid you'll +laugh when I tell you. It's selling books." + +"A book agent!" Mrs. Gorham exclaimed. + +"There! that's just what I was afraid of." Allen's expression showed +mingled distress and despair. "It really looks like a corking good +chance, yet it's a ten to one shot that I'll be laughed out of taking it +before I begin." + +"Don't mind what I said." Mrs. Gorham hastened to atone for her +involuntary exclamation. "I suppose it can be a perfectly honorable +occupation, but I can't help thinking of some of the experiences my +friends have had. Tell us all about it." + +"Eleanor and I would be the last ones to discourage you," Alice added. +"I think it's fine that you have gotten as far as this." + +Allen's drooping spirits revived at once, and he beamed at Alice +gratefully. + +"I've simply got to get more experience," he said, emphatically. "Mr. +Gorham told me that most of the best companies have no time to develop +their own material, and I've made up my mind definitely that I'm going +to do my own developing right now; and when I've polished up the +material until I can see my face in it, I'll apply again to Mr. +President, and say, 'Here I am, all developed--now will you give me a +job?'" + +"Splendid !" cried Alice, clapping her hands. "Now tell us what you've +found. Where is the book-shop?" + +"It isn't in a book-shop at all," Allen replied, his assurance again +beginning to wane. "It's just what Mrs. Gorham called it." + +"Oh," the girl remarked--"going around from house to house?" + +Allen nodded his head. "But think of the experience I'll get, Alice," he +insisted. "The directions say, 'If the man of the house is at home make +some excuse and call again'; but with my usual luck he's sure to see me +first, and then I'll go out on three legs. I suspect the material will +get polished all right. But the talk that man gave me to learn is +certainly straight from Persuasionville. Honestly, I'm tempted to buy a +set of the books myself--only tempted, mind you; and so far I've +resisted. I'd like mighty well to try it on you before I take any +chances." + +Alice and Mrs. Gorham exchanged glances as Allen busied himself untying +a small package he had brought with him. In the girl's face there was +deep concern, but Eleanor found it difficult to conceal her amusement. + +"There!" said Allen, triumphantly producing a thin booklet. "Here is the +brochure, as they call it, and here are the rules of the game. You take +the instructions, Mrs. Gorham, and correct me if I go wrong, and I'll +try to sell a set to Alice." + +The boy endeavored to cover his consciousness with a broad grin. + +"Isn't this great!" he asked. + +"How did you find this chance?" Alice queried, still a little doubtful +as she seated herself in preparation for the experiment. + +"Saw an advertisement in the _Star_--' Agents make one hundred to five +hundred dollars a week,' it said, and from what the man at the office +tells me there isn't any chance to lose--except, perhaps, for the fellow +who buys." + +"What are the books?" inquired Mrs. Gorham. + +"Travel books," Allen answered, promptly; "the _Home Travellers' +Volumes_. Great title, isn't it? Of course they're not meant for people +who really travel as you do, but for those who stay at home. You'll see +in a minute. Are you ready, Mrs. Gorham?" + +"All ready," was the reply, as she held the leaflet of instructions +where she could follow. + +Allen squared himself for his maiden effort. + +"I have been requested, Miss Gorham, to give you this beautiful +brochure which describes the _Home Travellers' Volumes_. This is one of +the many color-plates which adorn the work." Allen skilfully held the +pamphlet so that the pictures could be seen. "These wonderful volumes +supply to those who cannot leave their homes all the pleasures, +benefits, and entertainment of travel in foreign lands. Do I turn a page +yet?" Allen appealed to Mrs. Gorham. + +"Not yet," she replied. "It says, 'Here open your prospectus and turn to +the first color-plate.'" + +"But I did that. You saw it, didn't you, Alice? Oh, yes, I remember. You +learn how the people get about in different countries and cities; as, +for instance, the jinrikisha in Japan." Allen turned the page. + +"Did you do that hurriedly?" asked his coach. + +"Do what hurriedly?" + +"The directions say, 'Turn page hurriedly.'" + +"I'll remember that. Now I will show you how Morocco is treated. Great +Scott! I've forgotten how many pages to turn! Here it is! Look at it +quick, Alice, before I forget the next! The author tells us that the +natives have such a hatred for Christians that they refuse to use these +splendid bridges. The Moors--" + +"Wait," interrupted Mrs. Gorham. "It says here, 'Emphasize the pictures +by pointing to the bridges.'" + +"All right--consider those bridges pointed to, Alice. The Moors are +intellectual mummies." Allen carefully turned two pages, and encouraged +by a nod of approval from Mrs. Gorham proceeded. "Why, Miss Gorham, if a +Moor happens to sit down upon a tack he doesn't curse or swear or rail +at fate; he simply murmurs, 'It is written,' and carefully replaces the +tack for some other Moor to sit on." + +"It doesn't say that," Alice protested, laughing. + +"Well, if it doesn't it ought to," insisted Allen, taking the +instruction sheet from Mrs. Gorham's hands to prevent Alice from +satisfying her curiosity. "You're not supposed to read the instructions, +you know. You are just to sit there entranced while I do this monologue +act--you're not even expected to ask questions, as any indiscretion such +as that is apt to make the agent lose his cue. Your part comes at the +end when I give you a perfectly good little piece of patient paper, +which you may spoil any old way you like so long as you sign your name +or make your mark--all of which you will discover in due time if you +follow the professor closely and learn his habits." + +Alice and Eleanor were convulsed with laughter over Allen's antics, but +the boy soon sobered down and again assumed his dignified demeanor. + +"Please observe, Miss Gorham, these endless aisles of arches which form +part of three miles of stables built by Mulai Ismail, the tyrant sultan. +He was a superb horseman. It is said that he was able in one graceful +movement to mount his steed, draw his sword, and neatly decapitate the +slave who held his stirrup--" + +"You are reciting that, Allen," Mrs. Gorham broke in. + +"I know I am. Isn't that right?" + +"No; it says, 'Commit the following to memory absolutely, but appear to +read it.'" + +"Oh, sorrow! After spending all that time to learn this, I have to spend +some more time learning to remember that I have remembered. Isn't it the +awful stunt!" + +"You're doing beautifully," Alice encouraged, laughing; "but it's a +shame to waste it all on an audience of two. Why don't you make a +vaudeville turn out of it?" + +"There you go asking questions again," protested Allen, "which is +strictly forbidden by the rules." The boy wiped the beads of +perspiration from his forehead. "Honestly, you've gotten me so rattled +that I don't know whether what comes now is 'low tone' or 'pass the next +picture and come back to it.'" + +"It is 'low tone,' Allen," Mrs. Gorham prompted. + +"Thank you; now watch me make a noise like an innocent cooing dove. The +idea is just this, Miss Gorham: the _Home Travellers' Volumes_ not only +enable you to see and to enjoy the familiar sights and scenes which the +average tourist meets, but hundreds--nay, thousands--of curious and +wonderful customs and things which the average tourist never gets the +chance to see. The real illusion of travel is spread about you, the +thousands of photographic reproductions carry you along comfortably and +irresistibly, and the whole wide world is at your feet. It is absolutely +essential that you should know something beyond the narrow confines of +the city or town in which you live. Successful people acknowledge this +to be a fact--and who wouldn't be a successful people? Would it not be +pleasant, my dear Miss Gorham--surely by this time I may say 'my dear +Miss Gorham'--to be able to talk with confidence and almost human +intelligence about the curious manners, customs, and costumes of foreign +lands? Why, of course it would--and how else can you obtain this ability +in so inexpensive, easy, and agreeable a way as by subscribing for a +set of the _Home Travellers' Volumes_?" + +Mrs. Gorham and Alice greeted this climax with applause, but Allen +sternly checked them with upraised hand. + +"No flowers, please, until after the contract is signed. I have already +learned, during my brief career as an agent, that no widows or orphan +children are fed or clothed by the empty, though well-meant, plaudits of +an enthusiastic populace. And now, my dear Miss Gorham--for you are +still very dear to me--this is the beautiful full Persian Levant +binding, hand-tooled in French gold, which I am permitted to offer you +at three times what it is worth. If you have more money than I think you +have, we will bind up a set specially for you for just that amount. If, +on the other hand, your financial resources have been overestimated here +is another binding at half the price which is exactly as good, but which +is prepared for just such an emergency. I leave it entirely to you to +say which of the three it shall be. Could any proposition be fairer or +more generous?" + +"But suppose--" Alice began. + +"I beg your pardon," Allen stopped her; "the patient in the +operating-chair is not allowed to suppose. Here is a little piece of +paper and an easy-flowing fountain-pen. This is where you place your +name and address for the delivery of the volumes." + +"But that is a contract blank, Allen," remarked Mrs. Gorham. + +"I know it is, but you have no right even to think such a thing. Alice +mustn't sign it right off or it won't be any practice. What do the +directions say?" + +Mrs. Gorham turned again to the paper in her hand. "'If the prospective +customer should hesitate, withdraw the order form for a moment and +proceed.'" + +"Please go on--that's as far as I've learned." + +"'In the _Home Travellers' Volumes_ you have the opportunity to gain +that broader view of things which a knowledge of the world alone can +give you. Here you have all the pleasures and benefits of travel with +the trouble left out. Now I am sure you agree with me upon the great +value of travel--and agreeing on this point, you must agree with me on +the value of this great work.' Here offer the order form again and say, +'Just put your name and address down here, and in a few days you will be +off on one of these delightful journeys, and every member of your family +can enjoy it with you.'" + +"There!" exclaimed Allen, proudly. "Did you ever see a surer thing than +that?" + +"Are the books really valuable?" Mrs. Gorham asked. + +"That really hasn't a thing to do with the proposition," replied Allen; +"it's the talk you buy, and the books are thrown in." + +"But you're not going to take this up, are you, Allen?" Alice inquired, +anxiously. + +"Don't you want me to? You know they say Fortune is bald on the back of +her head, and if you let her once slip past you there's nothing left to +grab hold of." + +"It isn't what I want, Allen; but what could it lead to?" + +"To the Consolidated Companies," he whispered, furtively. "I am bound +and determined to show your father that I am good enough to be annexed, +and to do that I've got to have some experience. Can you think of +anything which would be apt to give a fellow more experience?" + +"May I make a suggestion?" Mrs. Gorham asked. "I think it is a very good +idea for Allen to undertake this, now that he has considered it +seriously. He wants to follow your advice, Alice, and do something. Here +is the first opportunity which offers, and I think he ought to embrace +it. I should be glad, however, if he would promise us to try his first +experiment on Mr. Gorham." + +"Gee!" ejaculated Allen. + +Alice divined Eleanor's real thought instantly. "Splendid!" she cried. +"That shall be the condition. If father falls a victim, your later +success is certain." + +"And what if he doesn't?" Allen asked. + +"Perhaps you'll go out on three legs," she suggested, mischievously. + + + + +X + + +Covington returned to New York several days before the Gorhams left +Washington. To the casual observer, who might meet him even daily, no +change would have been apparent in the smoothly working accurate human +machine which found its exercise through his personality. His face never +showed an emotion other than that which he wished to have seen there; +the mouth, that most treacherous feature, was protected by his heavy +mustache, which in turn merged its identity in the dark Vandyke beard, +into which all expression retreated at the command of its owner; his +gray eyes, cold in the metallic steelness of their shade, penetrated the +object upon which they fixed themselves, reading the characteristics of +others, but yielding nothing in return. His forehead was high, +accentuated by the thinness of his face, but suggestive of strong mental +capacity; and the straightness of his nose evidenced the strength of +will which had done much to give him his present reputation as a +business man. + +But behind this impassive exterior much was happening. It was not so +great a change as it was an expansion of something which had always +existed. Covington had made his mark before Gorham discovered him. The +older man's attention had been attracted to him by the chain he had +developed of over six hundred separate retail stores, all dealing in +the same commodities and each one an individual business success. Gorham +watched him post his sentries at different street corners in the city he +was testing to determine the density of the traffic, finally selecting +the location where the crowd passed most steadily all day. + +"I am never fooled by the noon-hour crowd," Covington confided to him; +"they spend all their time eating lunch. I always keep away from streets +where there are banks--after three o'clock in the afternoon you'll find +as much retail business in the morgue." + +Gorham saw him rent whole buildings in order to get the particular +corner store he wanted, and then organize a real-estate business to +handle the rental of stores and offices which he could not use. He saw +him arrange his show-cases and goods in such a manner that customers +easily found what they wanted, were served promptly, and departed +satisfied, to return again. He studied Covington's system of turning +over each new store to a chief clerk to be operated on a percentage, +thus giving him all the dignity of a proprietor and stimulating him to +his maximum activity. Promotions were accomplished by transferring the +clerks from smaller to larger stores, which automatically raised their +salaries by the increased volume of business on which to draw their +percentage. Gorham listened to the instructions Covington gave them in +governing their relations with customers--original, forceful, and +sane--and then he witnessed in various stores the practical +demonstration and the results. This same genius, he reasoned naturally, +applied to a similar chain of large concerns, would enable Covington to +exercise his ability almost to an unlimited extent, and Gorham succeeded +in convincing him that it was worth while for him to join in the +development of the Consolidated Companies, turning over the retail +amalgamation to his chief subordinate. One by one the master mind +brought the varied corporations into line; one by one, with equal though +different skill, Covington completed the work which his chief had begun. +Between them they succeeded in filling the positions made necessary by +the growth of the Companies with efficient and enthusiastic +subordinates, so that each time the chain was let out to admit another +link the welding was accomplished without weakening the strength of the +whole. + +Covington had never from the first sympathized with Gorham's altruistic +policies except as a means to an end, nor did he for a moment imagine +that Gorham himself had adopted them for any other reason than their +intrinsic business value. The whole scheme of the Consolidated +Companies, when first unfolded before him, appealed to his appreciation +of business cleverness, and he instinctively recognized Gorham as his +master. During the few years they had been associated in the same +corporation, Covington had seen his chief's genius demonstrated in +organization and administration as well as in conception, and he had not +been slow to take advantage of the lessons he was given such ample +opportunity to learn. He had expected this demonstration, but, with a +consummate confidence in his own ability to assimilate, he had also +counted on gradually lessening the gap between Gorham and himself. Here +it was that he had made a mistake, for during this same period the +development of the older man had been far greater than his own. +Covington to-day was, perhaps, as able a business man as Gorham had been +when the Consolidated Companies was born, but Gorham in the mean time, +by sheer display of extraordinary genius, had become an international +figure. The business relations between the two men were closer than +ever, but never once was there any question as to which was the master. +Covington would not have been Covington had he not resented this; +Covington would not have been Covington had he not succeeded in +concealing this resentment from all the world. + +With the knowledge that he could not hope to share with Gorham upon +equal terms in the control of the Consolidated Companies, there came to +him a realization of the necessity of strengthening himself on every +possible side in order to be prepared to take advantage of the first +opportunity, whatever that might be or whenever it might come, to alter +the present relations. His marriage to Alice would be a step of prime +importance, but this alone was not enough. As Gorham's son-in-law he +would still be his subordinate, and Covington's nature demanded an +opportunity to stand at least on a basis of equality with his present +chief, sharing with him the arrogance of the prerogatives and the +absolute autocracy now assumed alone by Gorham in dominating the policy +of the business. + +In Covington's opinion, Gorham was carrying the principles upon which +the Consolidated Companies was based beyond all reason. The corporation +had passed the experimental stage, and now possessed ample strength to +take advantage with safety of its unique position. Gorham was right, he +admitted, in his idea that public necessities ought to be reduced in +price when once controlled by the Companies. The public approval and +general confidence which this established were of distinct value, but +there was absolutely no reason for continuing to give the public so +large a share of the saving. It was not so much the amount that was +saved as the fact that a saving was actually accomplished which served +to advertise the Consolidated Companies. Gorham's real motive could be +only to strengthen his personal prestige. Several of the other directors +shared this conviction with Covington, and he made it his business to +discover just where each one stood against the time when this +information should serve him in good stead. + +The executive offices of the Consolidated Companies occupied an entire +floor in one of the most spacious buildings on Broadway, yet to a casual +visitor they gave little indication of the vast power which centred +there. The rooms were substantially furnished, but everything evidenced +a restraint equal almost to the conservatism which is so distinguishing +a mark of the old-established English houses. This was an expression of +Robert Gorham's individuality, and the Companies itself reflected it in +its modest exterior appearance as in all other features, emphasizing the +one influence which held together and amalgamated into a composite unit +the many factors which necessarily formed the integral parts. + +Gorham's ideas of business management were scientific, and his first +step, after absorbing a new concern, was to have the principles of +science introduced. He insisted that the workman should be supplemented +by close co-operation on the part of the management in laying out his +work for him in advance; by showing him how to eliminate unnecessary +motions; by teaching him to make every portion of his work, however +simple, a scientific performance; by studying his own individuality to +the extent of assisting him to correct methods which militated equally +against his own highest efficiency and the obtaining of the highest +efficiency of the machine he operated; by bringing him to a realization +that traditional knowledge of his specialty was a lower grade of skill +than that knowledge gained by modern scientific study. + +On the other hand, he undertook to correct faults of administration as +well as inefficient methods of execution, demonstrating to each manager +the cash value to the Consolidated Companies of this close co-operation +with his workmen. It was shown that greater product was to be obtained +from workmen who performed their tasks under conditions which tended to +make them happy and contented, which gave them opportunities to advance +themselves to points marked only by their personal limitations; where +they could maintain their self-respect and with his help increase it, in +that they could hope to become the most skilful operatives in their +particular specialties, and to earn higher wages than any employer could +afford to pay under other conditions. With every machine, human or +mechanical, running each day at its maximum degree of productivity, +Gorham knew that the corporation could well afford to share its largely +increased income with those who had co-operated to secure it; and the +workmen could not begrudge their employer the augmented profits, since +they not only had received their share, but because they knew that the +increase was the result of the efforts of the management quite as much +as their own. + +Throughout the offices themselves was to be found every equipment which +modern ingenuity had devised for shortening the processes of daily +routine, and of eliminating or reducing to a minimum the details which +so clog the wheels of any large enterprise unless properly systematized. +Every man exactly fitted the position in which he was placed, and the +machine moved forward with an accuracy and a force which was +irresistible. The same casual visitor would have noticed this had he +been at all observant, and could not have failed to admire the precision +which marked every business incident, however trivial. + +Shortly after Covington's return to New York the Companies' offices were +honored by a visit from Mr. Andrew Harris. The caller asked that his +card be taken to Mr. Covington, and as it bore a pencilled memorandum +that his business was important and confidential, he was ushered into +the private office of the acting head of the Companies. Mr. Harris +seemed deeply interested in studying the appearance of the man he had +come to see--so much interest, in fact, that Covington resented his +scrutiny and inquired the nature of his business. + +"Excuse me," Harris said, quickly; "I came to talk over the proposed +merger of the New York street railways." + +"Then you doubtless wish to see Mr. Gorham," Covington replied. "That is +a matter which is wholly in his hands. He is at present in Washington, +but will be here within a week." + +"Are you not at least partially familiar with the details?" Harris +inquired, apparently unmoved by the news of Mr. Gorham's absence. + +"I could scarcely say that I am unfamiliar with them," Covington +admitted; "but the idea of the merger was Mr. Gorham's, and he is +naturally in closer touch." + +"Do you object to talking things over with me a little?" Harris asked. +"There may be some points that I know more about than Mr. Gorham." + +Covington nodded acquiescence, though somewhat in the dark as to the +object his visitor had in mind. + +"In the first place," Harris began, adjusting himself in his chair, "let +me say that I am a director in the New York Street Railways Company, +which is the largest of the present organizations which are eventually +to be consolidated into the Manhattan Traction Company. The franchise, +as you doubtless know, has already been put through the Board of +Aldermen, and the only question now remaining is whether it is to be +turned over to certain gentlemen in New York who originally planned to +complete the deal, or to the Consolidated Companies." + +"Mr. Gorham has, I believe, advanced to those interested very logical +arguments to show that the Consolidated Companies could engineer the +amalgamation to the distinct advantage of the various roads," Covington +suggested, as his visitor paused for a moment. + +"He has," Harris admitted. "There is no doubt in anybody's mind that +what he says is right; the roads and the stockholders would be +distinctly benefited--but how about the directors? That is the question +I came here to have answered." + +"It is a question which Mr. Gorham must answer." + +Harris subjected him to another careful scrutiny. "Perhaps so," he said, +at length, "but I should like to get your opinion on the matter. You are +one of the directors, I understand." + +"I had an idea that Mr. Gorham had already answered that question to +Mr. Brady, and that there was enough in the deal to satisfy every one." + +"There is enough for every one," assented Harris, with decision; "the +only question is how it is to be divided. We all supposed that we were +to become stockholders in the Consolidated Companies, in which case we +should have gained something at both ends; but Gorham evidently changed +his mind about that, which leaves us nothing but the original rake-off." + +There was something in Harris's manner which annoyed Covington, yet he +did not suggest cutting short the interview. + +"Who are the parties involved?" he asked, more to say something than +because of any real interest. + +"Well"--Harris became reflective--"there's Collins, who put the deal +through the Aldermen; he can't expect any more than we've already agreed +to give him. It cost him a pretty penny, but he'll double his +investment--we can leave him out. Then there's Brady at Tammany Hall; +nothing can be done without him. Gorham's idea seems to be to pay him +his price on this job, take a receipt, and cut loose from him; but if +Brady was a stockholder in the Consolidated Companies he would prove a +mighty useful one. Then there are two other directors in the New York +Street Railways Company who feel as I do--that we ought to see something +more coming to us out of this deal than just the profit on our stock." + +"Is the opportunity to become stockholders in our corporation the +'something more' you have in mind?" + +"Yes," Harris assented; "but it doesn't end just there. We have a little +scheme of our own in connection with this transaction which is worth +money, and we could put it through easier if we were on the inside. +More than this, it would save the Consolidated Companies something in +the long run." + +"You have secured an option on some link in the chain and you're going +to hold up whoever tries to put the deal through until you get your +price," Covington stated, flatly. + +"We have options on three links," Harris replied, frankly, showing no +surprise at the accuracy of the other's intuition. + +"Can you make more out of it if we get the franchise?" + +"Naturally, since the Consolidated Companies will have unlimited +capital. If we were stockholders in the Companies, we could afford to +make the terms easier, because there would be less trouble and expense +in putting it through." + +"Does Mr. Gorham know all this ?" + +Harris laughed. "Well--hardly. I haven't met Gorham, but from what Brady +tells me this isn't in his line." + +"Then why do you give me the information? Frankly, I don't think it will +help you with Mr. Gorham." + +"He isn't going to know anything about it." + +Covington smiled at the assurance Harris displayed. "I have not +committed myself to protect you," he said. + +"Quite right, quite right," assented Harris; "but I'll take my chances. +Now I'm going to tell you the rest of it. As I said, Collins got the +franchise from the Board of Aldermen. Brady is a director in the New +York Street Railways Company, so he keeps Tammany all straight for us. +Our company, being the largest, was to be used as the basis of the +consolidation, and the original small roads were to turn themselves +over to us for nine hundred and ninety-nine years, we to assume their +bonded indebtedness, and, besides this, agreeing to pay from eight to +eighteen per cent. dividends on their stock issues. After these payments +our company was to keep the surplus earnings." + +"And these surplus earnings would be enough to make it worth while?" + +Harris laughed. "Sure," he replied; "the bond total of the smaller +companies is about one hundred million dollars and the stock total only +four million dollars. What's eight or even eighteen per cent. on four +million dollars! In fact, the weak point is that even with the watering +we intended to give the stock after we got it, the profits would still +be so big that the public would notice." + +"There should be no difficulty in fixing that," remarked Covington, +sagely, amused by the frank confidence extended to him in spite of his +warning. + +"The only difficulty is in selecting the means," Harris continued. "Now, +Brady and two other directors and I have secured options on three short +lines which are essential integral parts of the system, and it was +understood, before the Consolidated Companies came into the field, that +the new company would purchase these from us at a handsome profit. In +fact, we four are a majority in the Board of Directors. When Gorham +first talked about it Brady laughed at him, for the thing seemed to be +as good as pulled off; but the more Brady thought it over, the better he +liked the idea. Our plan was to unload the stock on the dear public, +letting the new company last as long as it would, and be satisfied with +our profits; but Brady thinks that Gorham's scheme means success for +the company as well, and naturally we would prefer to have a continuing +profit rather than one which ceases when we deliver the goods. Lately +Gorham has been talking more with the other directors and with some of +the big stockholders, ignoring Brady; so I just called to make sure that +we stood in on the profit on the short lines, as originally intended." + +"How much profit would there be in the short lines for you four +directors?" asked Covington, interested to see how far he could get the +man to commit himself. + +"A half-million apiece." + +"H'm!" Covington soliloquized. "It doesn't look quite so certain to you +since Gorham began to get next to the other directors and the big +stockholders, does it?" + +"They've got to have the short lines, and whoever gets them must pay our +price." + +"Yes; but in one case it goes through without any public demonstration, +and in the other it leaves a smudge on each one of the four which you +would be glad to avoid." + +"Exactly," assented Harris. + +"Well," Covington said, deliberately, "I don't think you can pull it +off. As a matter of fact, since you have been so confidential, I may say +that Mr. Gorham is convinced that there's something crooked, and that is +why he dropped the idea of having Brady and some of the others become +stockholders. We have to maintain a high standard in the Consolidated +Companies, as you can easily understand." + +Harris looked at him sharply. "Perhaps the standard is higher among the +stockholders than on the Board of Directors," he suggested. + +"I don't quite understand you," was the cold reply. + +"We want some one of the directors to steer this thing through for us," +Harris said. "That's the real milk in the cocoanut." + +Covington rose from his chair. "I think it is time to terminate our +interview." + +"Sit down, sit down," Harris insisted. "You and I have a mutual interest +in this matter, and we've only just touched on it." + +The man's effrontery amazed Covington, but before he could answer Harris +continued: + +"I understand that Mr. Gorham is somewhat particular about the men he +has around him, and you stand in pretty close. Now he probably doesn't +know yet that you have been picking up blocks of New York Street +Railways stock, and that you plan to clean up a big slice for yourself +when this merger is put through." + +Covington's face preserved its calm expression, though his smile seemed +forced. + +"So the object of your visit is blackmail?" he said. "You will fail in +this, as you will also fail in your effort to force Mr. Gorham's hand. +You have been misinformed--I have bought no stock." + +Harris took a package of papers from his pocket and selected a single +sheet on which were written certain figures. + +"I was afraid it might be a little hard to convince you that we had the +goods on you," he remarked. "Those are the numbers of the certificates +you hold, and here is the total number of shares. Pretty good-looking +list, isn't it?--and it's worth a lot of money." + +"These mean nothing to me," Covington insisted. "I repeat, I do not own +a share of stock in the New York Street Railways Company." + +"No, but your stool-pigeon does. Why, bless your heart, not one share of +that stock has changed hands these last twelve months without being run +down by Brady. Had to do it, you know, to make sure our deal would go +through. Brady owns that man who bought the stock for you body and soul. +Now, how does it look to you, son? Will you come with me and talk with +Brady, or shall I see the virtuous Mr. Gorham and show him what you've +been doing on the side?" + +Covington's face was as impassive as ever when he turned again, looking +his companion straight in the eye. + +"You won't do it?" Harris asked, surprised. "Better think--" + +"I shall be very glad to see Mr. Brady with you," was the unexpected +answer. + + + + +XI + + +The Gorham residence was located on Riverside Drive near Grant's Tomb, +commanding a superb view of the Hudson River in both directions. The +massive stone house stood well back from the street in the midst of an +extravagant amount of land for a New York city home, and the high wall +protected a beautiful garden, in the use of which the whole family took +much pleasure during the spring and fall. Thither the Gorhams returned +after their sojourn in Washington, glad to exchange their cramped +quarters at the hotel for the home comforts which they found there. +Alice was full of her new business responsibilities and eager to assume +charge of her "department"; Mrs. Gorham, restored to her home city and +her early friends by her present marriage, looked forward to an +enjoyable "season"; Patricia and her beloved pony were reunited; and +Gorham himself, flushed with the continuing success of his gigantic +enterprise, plunged more deeply than ever into its manifold +transactions. + +The remaining member of the family--for such he always considered +himself--was old Riley. Servants might come and servants might go, but +Riley the faithful was always to be found in his appointed place, +occupied by his appointed task. New York was the only home he +recognized, since, in addition to being "Misther Robert's" place of +residence, it also connected him with the one tie in life beyond his +devotion to his master and his master's family. This was an only son who +had risen by degrees to be a pressman in a local printing-office and, +which was more to the point, had become a political power in his +particular ward. Riley's interest in his son was far greater than any +reciprocal sentiment manifested by the younger man. Occasionally the +father ventured to look up his famous offspring, but was always received +with a patronizing indulgence; and when he returned to his own +insignificant duties, it was with a sense of gratitude for the reflected +greatness. + +After one of these rare treats, every member of the family could read in +Riley's face the degree of cordiality with which the old man had been +received; so when, one afternoon a few weeks after their return to New +York, he lingered after giving Mrs. Gorham the evening paper in the +garden, she noted the expression of expectancy and turned from her +conversation with Alice to gratify his unspoken desire to be questioned. +As a matter of fact, Eleanor had reproached herself for complaining of +Riley to Mr. Gorham, and this was an opportunity to make amends. + +"You haven't told us about your call on James last night, Riley. How did +you find him?" + +"Fine, ma'm, fine," he replied, straightening up as he realized that his +opportunity had arrived. "Jimmie is th' great man, ma'm, if I do say it +as hadn't orter." + +"Splendid, Riley!" exclaimed Eleanor, glancing at Alice with amusement. +"It is a fine thing to have our children do us credit. What new honor +has come to James ?" + +"I don't know where he gits it, ma'm, tho' his mother was a smart +woman, but he's th' clever la-ad, ma'm; indade he is." + +"Do tell us about it, Riley," Alice added, entering into Eleanor's +spirit; "we are all impatience." + +"He's th' clever la-ad," Riley repeated, still rolling the sweet morsel +under his tongue. "He's th' comin' man in New York politics, I'm +thinkin'," he mused. "Mebbe he'll be an aldherman yit. Wan iv his +ancistors in th' ol' counthry was a game warden wanst--mebbe Jimmie will +be an aldherman yit." + +There was no use trying to hasten the old man, and his auditors were too +familiar with his peculiarities not to give him his own time. This was +food and drink to his present craving, which during all these years he +had found so little opportunity to indulge. The successes which he had +enjoyed were won by those for whom and with whom he labored. Here was +the hope of a triumph, on the part of one of his own flesh and blood, +which must reflect its brilliancy upon himself. Suppose Jimmie should +some day become an alderman! No wonder that the old man lingered in his +narrative! + +"Ye see, ma'm," Riley continued, "Jimmie is th' man th' big fellers give +th' money at 'lection time, an' it's all lift ter him where he puts it. +All that responsibility is his, ma'm, an' that makes him quite a feller +hisself. Th' other men in th' ward sorter looks up ter him, ma'm. An' +thin agin, Jimmie is th' fine speaker an' quick wid his thinkers, ma'm. +That's why I think he'll be th' great man soon." + +"It's a fine thing to be given responsibility, Riley, and it's a great +thing to be trusted," Eleanor humored him; "but it is even more valuable +to be a fine speaker and quick with one's 'thinkers.' Has James had +much opportunity to show his ability as an orator?" + +"He has, ma'm, as I was just a-goin' ter tell ye. Jimmie come near +makin' a mistake two years ago. Th' Republicans offered him more money +ter come over ter their side an' Jimmie done it. Thin, later, he seen +his mistake an' th' Dimocrats seen theirs, an' Jimmie come back ter his +old roost. Some iv thim who didn't know the true innards iv th' +situation blamed Jimmie, an' at a meetin' th' Dimocrats held--crocus, I +think he called it--some iv them started ter hiss Jimmie when he begun +ter spake. Th' man at th' desk, whatever title he has, thried ter stop +'em, but Jimmie was quicker than any iv 'em. He jumps up on a chair, +Jimmie does, an' waves his arms theatrical like, an' cries out good an' +sthrong, 'Don't mind 'em, Misther Moderator (that's what they call that +feller at th' desk), don't mind 'em, Misther Moderator--as another +gintleman wance said, they know not what they do.'" + +"Did James know who the 'other gentleman' was?" asked Mrs. Gorham, with +difficulty suppressing a laugh. + +"He may have, ma'm, but I'm not sure," Riley replied, honestly. "Me an' +th' ol' woman allus thried ter bring Jimmie up wid a knowledge iv th' +Scripters, an' I'm hopin' he did know; but I ain't shure, ma'm." + +As Riley disappeared into the house Eleanor rose and, drawing Alice's +arm through her own, the two resumed their leisurely stroll about the +garden. + +"I wonder if Riley has forgiven me for marrying your father," Eleanor +queried, laughingly. "He looks upon 'Mr. Robert' as his personal +property, and I really believe he has always resented my presence as an +intrusion." + +"Pat is the only one who can make him stand around," Alice admitted; +"but, seriously, I think he looks upon you as a real addition to the +family. That's a proud position for you to have attained in four years." + +"I hope you are right," Eleanor laughed again. "Without Riley's +approval, peace in the Gorham family would be impossible. Now tell me +what you are thinking over so seriously. I've been on the point of +asking you ever since luncheon." + +Alice looked up quickly and smiled brightly. + +"Am I serious?" she asked. "I didn't realize that I became thoughtful so +seldom as to have it attract attention; but, since you ask, I am +wondering how my business experiment is going to work out." + +"Mr. Covington is an able instructor, and I feel sure that his pupil is +a proficient one." + +"Isn't it good of him to give me so much time! He hasn't missed a +morning since we returned. Oh, it's wonderful to listen to him, he knows +so much about things; and it all seems simple enough after he explains +it. He is very patient with me, even though I know he thinks I'm awfully +stupid." + +"He doesn't seem to find the task irksome," suggested Eleanor. + +"That's because he thinks so much of father," the girl explained. "He +has told me a lot I never knew about dear daddy, and it makes me love +him more than ever. Mr. Covington says there isn't a man in the world +to-day equal to father; and, of course, I know he's right, but it's +pleasant to hear some one else say it." + +"How do you like Mr. Covington as you become better acquainted with +him?" Eleanor asked. + +"Very much," Alice replied, sincerely; "no one could help it. Next to +daddy, he's the finest man I know." + +"Do you think you could become very close friends?" + +The girl laughed merrily. "What a funny idea!" she exclaimed. "It takes +two to become close friends, and a man in his position could never have +a friendship with a girl my age--especially when he has this opportunity +to learn all my shortcomings. I should be very proud of a friend like +Mr. Covington." + +Eleanor feared to disturb matters by further questioning. All seemed to +be progressing favorably in the direction which her husband desired, +and, as he said, Covington was undoubtedly able to handle the situation +himself. Mrs. Gorham had watched the "lessons" from the corner of her +eye, and had seen much which had evidently escaped Alice. + +"I'd like to ask you a question." Mrs. Gorham looked up quickly at the +abruptness of the girl's sudden remark. "You are the only one I can go +to when I don't understand anything; but Mr. Covington told me to think +it over and keep what he said entirely to myself. He couldn't have meant +me to keep it from you, could he?" + +"You are the best judge of that, dear. Has it to do with yourself?" + +"Not exactly--it has to do with my property: the money my mother left +me, you know." + +"Why should he interest himself in that?" + +"As a surprise to daddy--to show him how rapidly I am becoming a +business woman." + +"I think you had better talk it over with your father," Eleanor said, +decidedly. "He can advise you far better than Mr. Covington." + +"Oh, no; that is the very thing I mustn't do. That would spoil the +whole thing. Mr. Covington knows of a stock which I could buy which will +double within two months, and father will be delighted when he sees how +cleverly I have invested the money." + +"But you can't do anything with that money without your father's +permission." + +"Yes, I can; Mr. Covington has looked it all up. I have full control +over it now that I am eighteen. All I have to do is to sign a paper +which he will bring me, and he will do the rest." + +Mrs. Gorham was thoughtful for some moments. "Mr. Covington would +certainly take no chances with the girl's money," she mused. "I wonder +what Robert would think of it." Then aloud, "Did he tell you what the +stock was?" + +"Yes; but you mustn't breathe it. You don't think I'm betraying a +confidence, do you? He was so emphatic about my thinking it over by +myself; but he couldn't have meant not to tell you, dear. It is some +stock in a street railway here in New York which he thinks he can get +hold of. Wouldn't it be fine to double my money! But I must promise not +to tell daddy how I did it--just surprise him with it." + +"I don't know what to advise you, Alice," Eleanor said, doubtfully. + +"It must be all right, for Mr. Covington knows," the girl insisted; +"that's why daddy has him come to teach me. But I shall think it over +very carefully, as he asked me to." Alice threw her arms impulsively +around Eleanor's neck and kissed her, laughing happily. "We business +people have to consider these problems very deeply," she said, dropping +her voice. "I will tell you in the morning what I decide." + +A heavy step upon the gravel walk announced Gorham's arrival. Greeting +them affectionately, he placed one arm about the waist of each and +turned from one to the other, looking silently into their faces. "My +inspirations," he exclaimed, smiling; and as Eleanor glanced +triumphantly at Alice, the girl realized the force of the words the +elder woman had spoken in an earlier conversation. Here--in them--rested +that power which stimulated the execution of affairs of which the whole +world talked! + +"I have news for you," Gorham said, turning to Alice. "Mr. Allen +Sanford, late chauffeur, is now the right arm of the Consolidated +Companies." + +"Do you really mean it!" she cried, transferring her caresses to her +father. "Have you actually given him a chance? Oh, I'm so happy about +it!" + +"I really mean it," Gorham replied, laughingly, amused by the girl's +enthusiasm; "and by doing so, I presume I have incurred the eternal +enmity of one Stephen Sanford." + +"How did it happen, Robert?" Eleanor inquired, hardly less pleased than +Alice. + +"The boy has some promising stuff in him," was the reply. "He has more +to get over than most youngsters have; but his very impulsiveness, +properly controlled, may prove an asset. The young rascal almost sold me +a set of the _Home Travellers' Volumes_, and with all his amateurishness +he showed a good deal of skill, and an unlimited amount of imagination. +I've wanted to give him a chance ever since Stephen threw him over, and +now I'm going to do it." + +Alice became serious again after her first outburst. "Who is going to +teach him?" she asked. + +"Experience will be his best master," Gorham replied, surprised by her +question. + +"Don't you think I could help him by showing him some of the things Mr. +Covington has taught me? He needs an inspiration more than any one I +know." + +"No; I do not think so, young lady," he said, shaking his finger at her +playfully. "If I am any judge of human nature, he would teach you more +along certain lines than I care to have you learn just yet." + +Alice flushed. "How absurd!" she pouted. "Allen could never interest me +in that way. Why, he's only a boy. When I marry, daddy, my husband must +be a man lots older than I am, just as you are older than Eleanor. He +will have to be older, to have had time to accomplish all he must have +done, if I am to respect him; and there couldn't be love without +respect, could there? How perfectly absurd! Why, Allen is--just Allen!" + +"Of course, my dear; I was only teasing you--and the man who wins you +must have accomplished a whole lot more than you demand in order to +satisfy me. So that problem is settled, and we'll wait for the Knight +Adventurous who dares attack our citadel." + +Alice stooped and picked a gorgeous dahlia, upon which she fixed her +still averted gaze. + +"I only wanted to do my part," she said, apologetically. "Allen is +dreadfully alone in the world, now that his father has gone back on him. +I think I am the only one who understands him." + +"Your father is but joking, Alice," Eleanor reassured her. "You and +Allen are now business associates, and it will be your duty to help +each other, all for the advancement of the great Consolidated +Companies." + +The girl looked up brightly. "That's right," she said; "business +associates always do that, don't they? Now I'll leave you to yourselves +until dinner-time." + +With an understanding glance at Eleanor, Alice ran up the terrace steps +and into the house. Mrs. Gorham repeated to her husband the girl's +conversation and added her own interpretation of the situation, +carefully avoiding any mention of Covington's proposition, which was the +one subject upon which she would have preferred to talk. + +"She is growing up too fast, Robert," she concluded. "We must make her +play more and forget the responsibilities which she insists upon +assuming." + +"She's in safe hands," Gorham replied, smiling. "Keep her young as long +as you can, dear, and when she has to grow up, even to your mature +years, help her to be just such another woman as yourself. Covington +gives me glowing accounts of her progress in the little scheme which you +so cleverly suggested. He seems to think her interest is more than a +mere whim, but I can't believe it." + +"She is a strange girl in some ways," Eleanor replied, "and we must +watch her carefully just at this crisis." + +"I don't intend to have young Sanford step in and upset my plans," +Gorham insisted. + +"You had better go slowly, dear, and let her work out her own future, +guiding her quietly without her realizing it. Allen will have to win her +respect before you need to consider him as a possible obstacle. Their +interest in each other just now is so natural and unaffected that I +should be sorry to disturb it. Each one can be a real help to the other +without any danger of the complication which you fear." + +"They are both at the inflammable age," persisted Gorham; "it is just as +well to guard against uncertainties." + +Eleanor smiled. "We are all inconsistent, aren't we, dear? We were so +exasperated with Stephen Sanford because he would not allow Allen to +express his own individuality, yet we are almost ready to interfere with +the development of Alice's. All seems to be progressing exactly as you +wish it. The child's admiration for Mr. Covington is supreme, and with +Alice that is the first step. Then their daily intercourse ought to give +ample opportunity for settling the question your way. But if it proved +finally that her happiness was dependent upon her marrying Allen, or any +other one of her admirers, you would be the first to urge it--wouldn't +you, dear?" + +"Of course I should," Gorham admitted; "but I can't consider any +alternative. Admiration and respect are all very well as far as they go, +but they are no guarantee when a good-looking, impulsive youngster is +concerned." + +"I know, dear," Eleanor continued, quietly. "A man came into my life +once whom I admired and respected with all my strength, yet I never +loved him." + +Gorham paused abruptly and looked at his wife with the same strange +expression which she occasionally noted upon his face. + +"You never loved him?" he repeated. + +"No, dear. He was a noble character, and he once did me a great service, +but I never loved him. With Alice my one fear is that she may mistake +respect for affection, and with her nature such an error would ruin her +life." + +"Some time you must tell me about him," Gorham insisted, still reverting +to her chance remark. + +Eleanor's face sobered. "Some time I will, but not now. It is all a part +of that memory I am ever trying to forget--a bright lining to that heavy +cloud. Some time, dear, but not now." + +"Suppose I have a little chat with Alice before dinner," Gorham said, +changing the subject abruptly. "The child must not think that I am +neglecting her. I must make her realize how proud I am of her." + +"Do," Eleanor replied. "I will follow you in a few moments." She sank +upon a convenient seat as her husband disappeared indoors. Here, half an +hour later, still communing with the early twilight as it deepened into +dusk, Alice and her father found her, when they came out from the house, +arm in arm. Who shall say what spring the words unconsciously released, +conjuring up before her unwilling mental vision a picture of the years +gone by? Who shall explain the apprehensiveness which came unbidden, +causing known certainties to be forgotten because of the disquieting +questionings which demanded an unanswerable reply. + +"I have dropped my flower!" Alice exclaimed, as she searched up and down +the walk. + +"There are plenty more right beside you," suggested her father, +surprised. + +"I must find this very one," she insisted, with an expression on her +face which Eleanor understood. "Flowers have personalities just as we +have--and perhaps their joy in life is in giving inspiration, too." + + + + +XII + + +Whenever a full realization of the fact that he had actually embarked +upon a business career came to him, Allen was completely overpowered by +his sense of its importance. He blessed books and book agents, since +they had been the indirect means to this much-desired end. His chance +had come to him just when his optimism had begun to waver, with the +hydra's heads multiplying beyond belief; and he proposed to show Alice +especially, and Mr. Gorham incidentally, that he was no mere callow +youth idly waiting by the wayside. There could be no doubt whatever +regarding his intentions, but a captious critic might have suggested +that it would have been the part of wisdom to allow himself ample time +for demonstration. Rome was not built in a day, nor does history record +that youth ever acquired the experience of ripe middle age in a like +space of time; but Allen's instructors at college would have given +testimony that he was not strong in history. So it was that he bruised +his head frequently at first against the stone wall of precedent and +practice, in this particular instance made less yielding by the fact +that the vice-president of the Consolidated Companies distinctly +resented his addition to the office force. + +These first busy weeks were giving Allen ample opportunity to gain +experience. The impetuosity of youth would require time before it became +tempered to the degree which would make it wholly reliable; but his +enthusiasm, his indefatigable energy, and, above all, his absolute +belief in and loyalty to the head of the Companies and the corporation +itself were elements of genuine promise. There were moments which tried +the patience, but Allen's mistakes were so much the result of +over-eagerness and consequent over-reaching that Gorham's annoyance was +always short-lived. Even the errors gave evidence that underneath the +boyish irresponsibility lay excellent material for the elder man to +mould. + +"Once upon a time"--Gorham put the words in the form of a +parable--"there was a boy who was ambitious to jump a very long +distance. On the day of the contest, in order to make sure of +accomplishing his purpose, he took an extra long start, and ran so hard +that when he reached the mark from which he was to jump he had spent his +strength." + +Stephen Sanford had not disappointed Gorham in the attitude he took when +he first learned that Allen had been given a position with the +Consolidated Companies. The letter which he wrote to his old friend +contained accusations of the basest treachery which one man could show +toward another: Gorham had deliberately planned to separate father and +son; he had discovered the boy's rare business qualifications and taken +advantage of them for his own personal ends. The act was in keeping with +the basis upon which his whole company was founded. Gorham's good-nature +was taxed to its utmost, but he fully realized how deeply his old friend +was wounded; and the knowledge that his own interest in Allen was in +reality a genuine service to Sanford himself served to blunt the force +of the attack. + +Allen, oblivious to everything except the present opportunity to prove +himself to Alice and to be near Alice, plunged ahead until Gorham was +forced to change his words of caution into actual commands. + +"You are trying to put the head of the wedge in first, my boy," the +older man told him. "You are using twenty pounds of steam to do the work +of two, and that does no credit to your judgment." + +Covington was negatively antagonistic from the start in that quiet, +skilful way which kept his animosity from any specific expression. Allen +felt it, and reciprocated the feeling with an intensity not lessened by +the knowledge that Covington and Alice were thrown together almost daily +by this business arrangement which seemed to him the height of +absurdity. He did not approve of the business manners which the girl +delighted to assume with him when they chanced to meet, and he watched +for an opportunity to tell her so. + +As the opportunity seemed slow in coming, with characteristic energy he +made one to order. Gorham required some important papers which he had +left at his house the night before, and the boy so arranged his arrival +that he had the pleasure of seeing Covington depart, although he himself +was unobserved. He found Alice deep in the mysterious detail of her +growing responsibility, but not at all disturbed to be discovered at her +work. The desk which had been placed in her father's library was as near +a duplicate of his in reduced size as could be found. A bunch of letters +covered one end of it, while a neatly arranged pile of checks directly +in front of her showed that the contents of her mail had proved +profitable. She told Riley to bring Allen here, and the boy stood +regarding her for a moment before she looked up. + +"Don't let me disturb you, Miss--Manager," he said, loftily, as he +caught her eye. "We magnates become peeved by interruptions--I always do +myself." + +Alice laughed as Allen unlocked the drawer in Gorham's desk and placed +the desired papers in his pocket. + +"Isn't it fun?" she asked, merrily. + +"Isn't what fun?" was the unresponsive reply. "I haven't burst any +buttons off my waistcoat watching you and Mr. Covington do the +turtle-dove act while I drag out a tabloid existence in a two by twice +hall bedroom, and stay tied down to my desk all day. Where does the fun +come in?" + +The girl looked at him in complete surprise. "What in the world--" she +began. + +"Oh, I mean it--every word!" he insisted. Now that he had plunged in +there was no retreating. "I say, are you going to marry him?" + +"I'd be angry with you if you weren't so terribly amusing, Allen," she +replied, smiling again after the first shock of his outburst. "Truly, +you don't know how funny you are when you try to be serious. It doesn't +fit." + +Allen bit his lip. "I'm a joke still, am I?" he asked, without looking +at her. "I thought it was the pater's prerogative to consider me that, +but I see he didn't get it patented." + +"Is it being a 'joke' when you ask questions which you have no right to +ask?" + +"If you knew how I feel inside you'd think I had a right." + +The girl relented a little. "You know as well as I do that Mr. Covington +comes here simply to help me in my business education." + +"Business fiddlesticks!" he interrupted, crossly. "You're not engaged to +him yet, are you?" + +There was so pathetic a tone of entreaty in Allen's voice that Alice +could not deny herself the pleasure of being mischievous. + +"Not to him alone," she answered, demurely. + +"What do you mean?" Allen demanded, now thoroughly alarmed. + +"Don't you think it is better for a girl to make a number of men +comparatively happy by being engaged to them than one man supremely +miserable by marrying him?" + +He looked at her aghast. "Who are some of the others?" he asked, with +despair written on every feature. "Is Joe Whitney one of them?" + +"Joe Whitney!" Alice laughed merrily. "Mercy, no! Joe is entirely +without resources. If it wasn't for his family troubles, I shouldn't +know what in the world to talk to him about." + +Allen began to be suspicious. The girl's manner was far too flippant to +be genuine, but he would not for the world give her the satisfaction of +knowing that she had worried him. + +"If you have so many, why can't you add me to the list?" + +"You? Oh, that would never do! You would be sure to think I meant it, +and the first thing I knew you would try to make me marry you." + +"Of course I should. Don't you want to be married?" + +"Marriage is an institution for the blind," she laughed back at him. + +"Then that's where I want to be confined." + +Alice sat up very straight. "Then you had better run right along and +find your guardian," she urged. "We business women have no time for such +trifles." + +"So you shirk your responsibility, do you?" Allen looked at her so +reproachfully, and spoke with such quiet firmness that she ceased her +bantering. + +"What responsibility am I shirking?" she demanded. + +"Me; I am the greatest responsibility you have, and you are neglecting +me shamefully." + +Alice gave evidence of becoming amused again, but he gravely checked +her. + +"For once I am serious, if you can be made to believe it. When we met so +accidentally in Washington--well, I was a joke then, I admit; but it's +different now. You gave me some new ideas to think about, and the more +I've thought about them the more I've seen things your way. And ever +since then I've tried hard to do what I thought would please you. But +now I'm sick of the whole thing. It may be all my fault; but, anyhow, I +wish I were well out of it." + +"Why, Allen Sanford!" Her voice showed astonishment and reproach. + +"I do," he insisted. "I'd give a whole lot right now if I knew that I +never had to go back to the office again." + +Alice was genuinely shocked. "I can't understand you," she said, +soberly. "If you had felt this way at the beginning, I shouldn't have +been so much surprised; but now, just when you are getting to a point +where you could be useful to father and to yourself, you begin to show +the white feather." + +"You mustn't say that, Alice," the boy replied, quickly, his tone +showing that she hurt him. "It isn't quitting; it's a question of +whether or not I am fitted for business--but you mustn't say that I am +showing the white feather. I shan't let even you say that." + +"Father says you are making a splendid start." She tried to atone in +part for her severity. "That ought to mean a lot to you, for he is a +hard man to satisfy." + +"Did he say that?" Allen replied, temporarily mollified. "That does mean +a whole lot to me; but it's all your doing, and you must take the +responsibility. Good or bad, I'm your business creation, and you must +stand by it." + +"No, Allen; you mustn't put it that way. You settled the matter for +yourself when you took the stand you did with your father. Of course I'm +more than interested to see you make good, but it isn't for me to accept +either the responsibility or the credit." + +"We never should have had that scrap if it hadn't been for you. I +shouldn't have had the nerve." + +"Oh, don't say that," she begged. + +"It was a good thing all right," he hastened to reassure her. "Except +for that, I should still be wearing pinafores, and it's as much better +for the pater as it is for me to have shed them. I'd probably like +business all right if I understood the blamed thing; but it isn't the +whole show, you know." + +"Isn't the business end enough?" she asked, quietly. "It is for me. I +can't tell you how much real pleasure I'm getting out of this little +scheme father has turned over to me. It makes all the other things +which I had tired of seem more interesting." + +"Business is all right, of course," he admitted. "You don't get much +idea of it just going through those letters, but the real thing is the +biggest kind of a game you ever saw. It's a finesse here and a forcing +of the opponent's hand there, but it can never be the whole game with +me." + +"It ought to be. You have your chance right before you now, and you +ought not to need anything else to urge you on. Just think, you've got +to make good to justify your own position and to keep daddy from having +made a mistake." + +The boy rose from the arm of the great chair on which he had been +resting and advanced to the little desk behind which Alice sat. With his +hands on the end, he leaned forward until his face was near hers, +looking straight into her eyes. + +"Perhaps I don't need anything else," he said in a low, firm tone, "but +it wouldn't be honest not to tell you that the same something which I +had in mind before I started in business has been there ever since. The +game is enough in itself, of course, if that's all it can be. But don't +you see what a different proposition it is when a fellow sees a dear +girl's face ahead of him in the distance just beyond each obstacle which +he has to meet? Don't you know how much better you always play a game +when there's something up on it?" + +Alice was plainly disappointed. "But you are playing for high stakes +always, Allen; there's success for the winner and failure for the +loser." + +"With a big side wager in the dear girl's face just ahead," he added. +"I've got to keep that hope in my heart, Alice, to help me to make good +quickly; even though you tell me not to, I can't help it. Why, I have +done it so long that even if I knew this minute you were going to marry +that Covington person, I believe I'd keep right on--hoping to get a +chance to be your second husband." + +This was too much for the girl's equilibrium, and she laughed in spite +of herself. She failed to sense the personal side of Allen's +declaration. He was developing, and this to her was only a phase. + +"You are simply impossible," she replied; "but we might as well +understand each other right now. I have no idea of marrying any one. +Perhaps some day I shall change my mind if the man comes along who is +enough stronger than I am to sweep away all the objections." + +"Does Mr. Covington seem likely to be that man?" Allen asked, +pertinently. + +"I have no more idea of marrying him than he has of marrying me," Alice +stated, flatly. "I admire him extravagantly. He is a self-made man--" + +"The good Lord must be pleased to be relieved of that responsibility," +Allen interrupted, ill-naturedly. + +"You mustn't be so prejudiced against him," she reproved him. "He is one +of the ablest business men in New York--daddy has told me that--yet, out +of respect to my father and kindness to me, he is giving me more of his +time, I know, than he can spare. I am very grateful to him." + +"Well"--Allen started to take his departure--"we don't seem to have made +much progress; but, at any rate, you know where I stand. I shan't buy +any crepe until I receive the wedding cards, and in the mean time"--he +bowed very low--"please don't overlook the fact that yours truly is your +greatest responsibility, and one which you can't shake off." + +Standing in the hall at the foot of the stairs, Allen discovered a +figure militant awaiting his descent. Patricia was indignant and +excited. + +"Hello, Lady Pat!" cried Allen. "What's happened?" + +Patricia stamped her foot. "Alice is a naughty, naughty girl," she +cried, with tears in her eyes. "I don't love her any more." + +"Tut, tut." Allen sat on the lowest step and soothed the child. "Alice +is all right." + +"No, she isn't," Patricia insisted. Then she pulled away from him and +again stood very straight, immaculate in her white frock. "I've been +listening up-stairs." + +"Oh, ho!" Allen shook his finger reproachfully. "Was that a nice thing +to do?" + +"It was my duty," the child responded, impressively. "I always do that, +and I heard what she said; but I will make it up to you." + +"That's awfully good of you, Lady Pat." + +"You may kiss me." She held her face forward, with her hands still +behind her. + +Allen drew her into his lap. "There's one for the lips, and one for each +eye, and one for each cheek," suiting the action to the word. Patricia +worked herself free. + +"Now we're engaged," she announced. "You may marry me as soon as you +like." + +Allen concealed his amusement. "I can't marry you because I've made a +vow to marry Alice, and it would never do to break a vow, would it?" + +"But if the lady won't marry you, then you are released from your vow," +Patricia explained, showing perfect familiarity with the laws of +chivalry. + +"Not until she marries some one else," he corrected. + +"That's all right," the child assented, cheerfully; "until then you can +be my Knight." Then she majestically untied the ribbon in her hair and +held it out to him. + +"What's this for?" he inquired. + +"For you--to wear always. Every knight in my _Round Table_ book has a +token from his lady-love." + +"I shall wear it next my heart," Allen told her. "And now, fair Lady +Pat, good-bye." + +The child made a magnificent courtesy. "Good-bye, Sir Launcelot, 'til +death asunder." + + + + +XIII + + +John Covington's mind had been fully occupied during the few days which +succeeded Harris's call. Inwardly he blamed himself as a bungler not to +have covered his footsteps with greater skill; outwardly he was as +unruffled and self-satisfied as ever. He called on Brady with Harris, as +he promised. He allowed them both to explain their plans with even +greater detail than Harris's previous disclosures. He listened, calmly +and unprotestingly, to their confident statements as to what they +proposed to make him, as a director in the Consolidated Companies, do +for them. Then with equal serenity he flatly declined to yield to the +pressure brought to bear upon him. + +"I suppose you understand what this means to you," Brady snapped, +angered by the unexpected refusal. + +"Better than you do, I feel certain." + +"What will the virtuous Mr. Gorham say when he finds out that you hold +all that stock?" + +"He will give your statement no credence whatever." + +"But we can prove it to him." + +"On the contrary, you will find yourself unable to do this." + +"Didn't Harris show you that list?" + +"Yes; but that was some days ago." + +"You've unloaded, eh? That won't help you any. We'll find out who's got +it." + +"You need not take any trouble about the matter, as I am quite ready to +give you the necessary information. Miss Gorham now holds the shares." + +"Gorham's daughter?" queried Harris. "Does he know it?" + +"I really don't know whether Miss Gorham has advised her father or not; +that is her affair." + +"Well, we'll see that he does know it," stormed Brady; "and will also +see that he knows how you've unloaded it on her." + +"You may find some difficulty," Covington replied, suavely. "The +certificates, you know, never stood in my name. I simply acted as the +young lady's agent. If you can make any capital out of that, you are at +perfect liberty to do so. Was there any other detail in connection with +this matter which you wished to discuss with me? Mr. Harris and you have +been most confidential, and I might possibly feel inclined to +reciprocate." + +"You know too damned much already," retorted Brady, savagely. "I was a +fool not to put the deal through before Gorham got into the game. After +that it was too late--the stockholders would never have stood for our +extra rake-off after he put them wise." + +Harris's face paled. "You don't mean that there's danger of our getting +thrown down, do you?" he queried in a tense voice. "I've put every +dollar I own and some I don't own into this pool with you." + +Brady struck him familiarly on the back and laughed. "You are in hard +when you show the white feather like that. Cheer up. There's no question +of being thrown down. What do you take me for? It's only a question of +whether or not we can get all there is in it--that's what I'm worrying +about. Gorham's been getting next to Littleton and Graham all summer. +I've tried to find out just what he was up to, but he's smarter in +covering his tracks than I am to uncover 'em, even if he ain't quite so +smart in some other directions. He's been in to see me several times, +and there hasn't been a word to make me think that things ain't going +through just as we planned 'em; but if they are, what's he monkeying +round with those other fellows for? That's what I want to know. If our +friend here feels like reciprocating, as he says he does, now's his +chance." + +Covington watched the two men closely. He may have enjoyed the fact that +the course of the conversation had turned, but if so he gave no evidence +of it. + +"You have placed me in possession of certain information which obviously +would not assist in carrying out your plans," he remarked, suggestively. +"Now, this whole transaction, as I informed Mr. Harris, is in Mr. +Gorham's hands. Under certain conditions, I might not feel it incumbent +upon me to interfere." + +"And those are?" asked Harris. + +"That you forget my insignificant part in the purchase of Miss Gorham's +stock," he replied. "It is not of great concern to me, and you are +perfectly free to communicate it to Mr. Gorham if you choose; but in +view of certain things which have occurred since, I should be glad to +have the matter dropped if agreeable to you." + +"That's easy enough," Brady remarked, showing signs of relief. "Is that +all?" + +"Yes," Covington replied; "I am not as avaricious as you are in +exacting my pound of flesh. Now, one other thing in order to give good +measure: it may interest you to know that Mr. Gorham went over the +contract with me yesterday in detail, and he is going to accept it as it +stands, paying you the price you named." + +"You saw what it stipulated, Covington? It covers everything just as we +turn it over. He can find out all in good time what three lines ain't +included, and also the price his precious Companies will have to pay for +them." + +"He appeared to be perfectly satisfied," Covington continued, calmly. "I +should judge that everything was all right." + +"Then he's been wastin' time," growled Brady, "and he can have all the +pink teas he wants with Littleton and Graham. We directors have the +authority, anyhow; nobody could stop us. Who the devil is Gorham to +dictate to me? He thinks he's the whole show, he does. It makes me sick +to see him swellin' around with that girl wife of his. She's a stunner +all right, and I don't blame him; but who the devil is she? Somebody's +divorced wife, ain't she, Covington? Does anybody know anything about +her? He ain't so much." He took out his watch and looked at it +mechanically. "I guess I'm gettin' old to have these nervous spells--it +ain't like me." + +Covington bade them good-morning and returned to his office fairly well +satisfied. The danger of the present situation had been minimized. He +felt sure that Alice would not go out of her way to acquaint her father +with the name of the stock by which her property would be handsomely +increased, and he knew that Gorham's mind was too full of other matters +to press her for the details unless she volunteered them. But he must +be more discreet, this he realized. If the matter could be dropped here, +he would have learned a useful lesson; and then, too, the interview had +not been without a suggestion which was well worth following up. It +occurred to Covington, in view of Brady's remark, that he had been +unpardonably obtuse in neglecting to acquaint himself with the details +of Mrs. Gorham's early life. He knew vaguely that she had been the +victim of unpleasant experiences before her present marriage, but what +they were he had never learned. There might be something in them which +it would be to his advantage to know, and it could surely do no harm to +make a quiet investigation. + +On the following day, Covington found himself in front of an +old-fashioned brick building standing almost significantly in the shadow +of the Tombs. He paused for a moment to wonder at the enormous gaudy +sign, "Levy & Whitcher's Law Offices," running across the front and side +of the edifice, which impressed him with a sense of its vulgarity. The +door creaked as Covington opened it and passed on into the dingy +offices--even dingier than the nature of the business done in them +required, because of the dirt-trodden floors and their unwashed windows. +He pushed his way through the bunch of process-servers, messengers, and +clerks who littered up the outer office, almost tripping over a torn +law-book on the floor, and finally found his way to the waiting-room of +Mr. Levy's private sanctum in the rear. Here he was subjected to a +careful scrutiny by the lawyer's "secretary," whose personal appearance +seemed to indicate greater familiarity with the prize ring than with +clerical labors. There may have been method in his selection, as Mr. +Levy was a gentleman whose professional life had been spent in +undertakings which a conservative insurance company might classify under +"hazardous risks." + +Levy had reached a point in his career when he could afford to keep his +clients waiting. He and his partner, during the twenty-five years they +had been together, had prospered even beyond their early dreams of +avarice. It was their boast that during their partnership it had not +been necessary to open a law-book three times. There was always a way to +beat a case "on the facts," and they had learned the way. They kept no +books, and the pleasantest part of each day's business was the +five-o'clock adjournment to a neighboring saloon, where the partners had +punctiliously divided the millions which came to the firm during the +years of their successful association. + +After a delay which proved more or less aggravating to Covington, he was +ushered into the presence of the "great" man. Levy endeavored to be +courteous in his reception, but Covington showed scant interest in +conventions. He plunged at once into the nature of his business, finding +Levy an interested and sympathetic listener. It was some minutes after +his caller ceased speaking that the silence was broken. + +"Well," Covington said at length, coldly, "does the matter interest +you?" + +"I was deliberating," the lawyer rejoined, almost as if in apology. + +"Do you think you can discover anything of interest?" + +Levy smiled blandly. "How can I say as yet?" he replied, conservatively. +"There are certain elements which might contain interesting and +promising details--a famous man married to a divorced woman twenty-five +years his junior. We might easily find enough so that if you cared to +push it he would prefer to make some concessions rather than suffer any +unpleasant notoriety; and she may have a past which she would do much to +keep forgotten. Yes, there are possibilities. Do you wish me to +investigate?" + +"How long will it take?" + +"It may require a fortnight; it may take six months." + +"By that time you would know whether there was anything in it?" + +"Assuredly." + +"Then you may proceed. Advise me when you are ready to talk and I'll +come in again." + +"There is one other matter," added Levy. "In case the affair develops, +it may be fairly expensive." + +Covington looked at him curiously. "I presume so," he said. "Before we +get into it too far, I shall insist upon some understanding. I am not +your debtor yet, am I?" + +"The investigation will entail some expense and time," Levy continued, +thoughtfully. "You might pay me--say, five thousand as a retainer." + +"This is a business proposition, Mr. Levy," Covington reminded him, +sharply. "Thus far I have looked upon myself as a possible plaintiff in +the affair--not as a defendant. I am not obliged to proceed in the +matter, and will drop it right here if you propose to start in by trying +extortion on me." + +Levy was grieved that any one should so misconstrue his motives. "This +isn't a childish play we're going into, Mr. Covington," he replied, +mildly. "Gorham is big game, and I presume you expect to gain something +out of this little affair." + +"You presume too much," Covington said, shortly. "Comments are neither +asked for nor desired. If you wish to do this work for me, I will pay +you a fair price--yes, a high price--for your services, but no +blood-money. I'll pay you a thousand dollars now as a retainer; I'll pay +all reasonable expenses and four thousand dollars more in case you find +anything of interest to me. Then, if I decide to use the information +later, I'll make a trade with you at that time on the basis of what it +is worth. Do you care to accept the case on these terms?" + +"The conditions are most unusual," Levy wavered. + +"The case itself is an unusual one," Covington replied. "The chances are +a hundred to one that you find nothing, in which case you will have +earned your fee easily. Beyond this the odds are at least as great that +I shall make no use of what you find out, anyway, which means that I +shall have paid a large price to gratify my whim." + +"There is something in what you say," admitted Levy. + +"Then you will undertake it on my terms?" + +"Yes; give me your check for a thousand dollars and I'll start the ball +rolling." + +"My check?" queried Covington. "I have no doubt currency will be equally +acceptable." + +"Thank you very much," Levy replied, genially, placing the bills +carefully within a capacious wallet against the happy hour of five +o'clock in Mulligan's conveniently located saloon. + + + + +XIV + + +The merger of the New York street railways, which occurred three weeks +later, was Gorham's first chance to demonstrate to the public what the +Consolidated Companies could accomplish in handling a great metropolitan +transportation problem. The further he got into it, however, the more +serious the problem became, and he had moved slowly to prevent any +possible mistake. But now he was ready to proceed without further delay +to complete his previous negotiations to secure the traction franchise +for which Collins had bribed the Aldermen, and for a part interest in +which Brady had intimidated Collins. It had been a nauseating piece of +work even to Gorham, who had become only too familiar with the +particular grade of business "morality" permeating those possessed of +opportunity and fortified by responsibility. Covington was never able to +reconcile Gorham's willingness to do business with men of this stamp, +and the apparent personal stand which he took against both their +practices and their methods. + +"It is all perfectly consistent," Gorham assured him on more than one +occasion. "It is often necessary to walk through filth and slime in +order to reach high ground. It is a serious fault in our business system +that these crimes can be committed, but the Consolidated Companies is +not responsible for the system. To accomplish its own high ends, the +Companies must possess itself of certain properties. These properties +are at present in the hands of dishonest stewards, but these same +dishonest stewards are legally authorized to sell them. The Companies +buys, therefore, from those who have to sell, and its moral +responsibility begins only upon its acquisition." + +The transaction, large as it was, proved not a lengthy one. The +franchise was formally made over to the Consolidated Companies, and the +controlling stock in the New York Street Railways Company changed +ownership. Properly certified checks for the franchise and for the stock +were duly delivered into Brady's hands, and the business of the +conference seemed to be completely settled to the satisfaction of all +concerned. Still, Mr. Gorham and those who had come with him showed no +disposition to depart. + +"There ain't anything more, is there?" asked Brady, eager to terminate +the conference, "except to congratulate the Consolidated Companies on +acquirin' a damned valuable property." + +"Only a little more," Gorham replied, quietly. "I have asked my friends, +Mr. Littleton and Mr. Graham, to be present this morning, as I found +that they, like the other and smaller stockholders, had very little +knowledge of how their affairs were being handled for them by their +directors. They have received their dividends regularly and promptly and +were satisfied." + +"What in hell is this a preamble to?" Brady whispered to Harris. "My +nerves ain't quiet yet, even with the cash in my jeans." + +But Gorham was still talking in the same low, quiet voice. + +"These gentlemen," he was saying, "have honored the Consolidated +Companies by becoming stockholders, so I thought it might be +illuminating for them to be present at this conference, which will +serve, I believe, as well as any to demonstrate the methods which the +Consolidated Companies is obliged to meet and those which it proposes to +employ." + +"I don't know that this interests me much," interrupted Brady, +ill-humoredly. "Our business is done, ain't it?" + +"Not quite," Gorham continued, scarcely heeding the break. "On behalf of +the Consolidated Companies, and exercising the rights vested in me by my +Board of Directors, I have just handed to you, Mr. Brady, a certified +check for one hundred thousand dollars. Why it should go to you instead +of to Mr. Collins you probably know better than I--it is enough that you +have his authority to receive it. I happen to be aware that this check +represents fifty thousand dollars more than Mr. Collins paid to get the +franchise through the Board of Aldermen, so it is fair to assume that +the price of twelve city fathers is the same as two private citizens." + +Harris found some difficulty in restraining Brady at this point, but +their joint uncertainty regarding Gorham's ultimate purpose resulted in +preserving silence. + +"In addition to the check for the franchise," he continued, "I have also +handed to Mr. Brady other certified checks for some twenty million +dollars beyond the par value of the stocks of the various companies +included in the merger which has just been consummated." + +"What are you kickin' about?" demanded Brady. "Ain't that the price you +agreed to?" + +"It is; and I consider the properties worth the price or I should not +have agreed to it." + +"The stockholders ought to be satisfied, hadn't they? They're gettin' +good returns." + +"Yes, they ought to be satisfied, and I have no doubt they are." + +"Then what's the point, friend--what's all this palaver?" + +"I was just coming to that. There are three short lines which are not +mentioned in that contract. May I ask if there was any special reason +for their omission?" + +"That's our business," snarled Brady. + +"I know it is," Gorham replied, sharply, "and I'm going to ask you to +attend to it right now." + +"We'll attend to it when we get good and ready." Brady squared himself +for the issue. "If you was as smart as you think you are, you'd have +thought of those three lines before you cashed up." + +"I didn't overlook them," Gorham replied. "I can buy them cheaper now." + +Brady was amused and showed his appreciation of the speaker's humor in +his sidelong glance at Harris. + +"You think so, do you?" he calmed himself enough to reply. "I presume +you've settled on the price you're goin' to pay?" + +"I have," answered Gorham; "but I'm not quite ready to quote it. The +stockholders of these small companies understood that you were +purchasing their stock to be merged with the New York Street Railways +Company, didn't they?" + +"It don't make a damned bit of difference what they thought. We paid 'em +their price." + +"And the stockholders of the New York Street Railways Company thought +you were buying this stock to be merged with theirs, didn't they?" + +"We used our own money to buy that stock. You can't find a thing about +it that ain't straight." + +"Very good. Now I'll name my price for the three lines. The Consolidated +Companies will pay you fifty thousand dollars for them." + +"Fifty thousand!" gasped Brady. "Why, we paid two hundred thousand." + +"Thank you. I had wondered what you did pay for them, and this +information is no doubt authentic. The stockholders made a better thing +out of it than you will." + +"But we won't sell at anything like that figure." + +"Oh, yes, you will if you sell at all," Gorham rejoined. "One method by +which the Consolidated Companies has succeeded is that of taking the +public into its confidence whenever there is need of it. To-morrow we +shall announce the birth of the Manhattan Traction Company, explaining +its inception and its intentions. We shall show that, although we have +paid an enormous price for the purchase of the properties, we shall +capitalize at one-half the amount originally planned by those who would +have carried through the merger if our Companies had not stepped in. We +shall announce an increase of transfer privileges and a reduction of +fares. We shall guarantee better equipment and better service. We shall +also carefully explain that one of the reasons we can do this is that +the company will be run in the interests of the public and the +stockholders instead of in the interests of a few individuals; and we +shall quote, in proof of this, that we purchased the three lines +referred to for fifty thousand dollars when it was originally planned +to have them cost the Companies something over two millions." + +"They will still cost the Companies 'something over two millions,'" +shouted Brady, "and the public be damned." + +"Our slogan is, 'The public be pleased,'" smiled Gorham. "The offer of +the Consolidated Companies will hold for twenty-four hours only," he +continued, rising. "The franchise, you will perhaps remember, grants +full privileges for the construction of further subway connections. +Under these circumstances, we do not urge you to accept our offer--we +merely invite your consideration. Now, gentlemen"--Gorham placed a +peculiar emphasis on the word--"I believe our business is completed. The +time limit on our offer will expire at noon to-morrow." + +Covington was an interested spectator throughout the conference, and +Gorham's supreme command of the situation won from him his silent but +profound admiration. He rejoiced that this force was directed against +others rather than himself, and he realized more than ever the +importance of taking no chances of coming into conflict with this man +who swept everything before him. He had enjoyed watching the faces of +Brady and Harris as the game progressed, but his enjoyment encouraged +him to remain too long after the departure of the others. Harris was +cowed and frightened and seemed almost ready to break into tears, but +Brady assumed an attitude which fitted him singularly well. It was not +dismay, it was not chagrin--he was angry to the point of bursting. To +Brady the one sin more flagrant than all others in the category of crime +was failure, and in order to relieve his own conscience from the +pollution of having failed he saw fit to attribute the entire +responsibility to Covington. + +"You damned skunk!" he cried, "you've sold us out after promisin' not +to, that's what you've done! But I'll get back at you if it costs me ten +years in Sing Sing!" + +Covington for a second time went directly from Brady's office to his +own, but the former complacency was replaced by a vague apprehension. A +threat from Brady was worthy of consideration. Among the personal mail +which he found upon his desk was a plain envelope, which, for some +unknown reason, attracted his attention enough to cause him to open it +before the one which lay on top. The signature interested him even more, +particularly at the present moment, with his thoughts filled with what +had recently passed. It is a precaution of the experienced mariner to +inspect his lifeboats with especial care as he passes by a dangerous +reef. The letter read: + +"_The divorce papers prove to be shockingly irregular, and there are +developments in the early life. Please call at your convenience._" + +Covington crushed the paper in his hand and turned toward his desk with +a changed expression. He smiled as he looked forward into space--the +first smile which had lighted up his face for several days. Then he +brought his clenched fist down hard on the desk for no apparent reason +and muttered something to himself. + + + + +XV + + +As evidenced in the message received by Covington, Levy had not been +neglectful of the case which had been intrusted to him by his new +client. Without much difficulty Buckner was located in New Orleans, and +identified as the proprietor of a low dive which had become the +rendezvous for the most vicious outcasts of the city. Drink and +debauchery had long since destroyed the physical advantages he had +possessed over other men at the time of his marriage. The death of his +child, to whom he had given as much affection as his nature possessed, +the stern arraignment of the neighbor who helped him to his ranch and +later brought him the tragic news, and the consciousness of his own +responsibility in the accident, all combined to drive him almost +immediately away from the scenes which reminded him of it; and as time +passed the bitterness turned to resentment against his wife. If she had +not left the ranch that day, he argued to himself, the accident would +never have happened. She had loathed him for months before the final +separation, and he had resented the disgust which she made no effort to +conceal. There had been enough manhood left in him then to feel it and +to resent it. + +When he first heard that she had instituted divorce proceedings his +anger returned, and he determined to hold her to the unwelcome bonds if +for nothing else than to know that she still suffered; but a +consultation with an attorney showed him the futility of any defence, so +he simply held this up against her as another affront to be wiped out if +the time ever came which gave him the opportunity. + +But he had long since given up all hope that this time would ever come. +During the years which had elapsed he had drifted from one city to +another, each time taking a stand a degree lower than the preceding. In +New Orleans he had succeeded in getting a little better living than +heretofore, so he had settled down there with the idea of making it a +permanency. + +It was a welcome break in the monotony for him to receive a call from +Levy's agent, and the fact that the visitor felt inclined to provide +liquid refreshment of a grade considerably higher than he had been able +to indulge himself in for many years did not detract from his welcome. +As the evening wore on he was quite willing--almost eager--to tell the +story of his life to this agreeable and sympathetic listener, so Levy +had been materially assisted in the preliminary investigation of his +case. Nor was the welcome any less cordial when the agent appeared for a +second time, on this occasion offering Buckner five hundred dollars in +exchange for his "time and trouble." He was given no intimation +regarding the nature of his errand; he really had little curiosity. It +was enough that it paid what was now to him a princely sum, and also +guaranteed him an attractive experience at some one else's expense. + +On his arrival Levy gave Buckner a welcome which raised his self-esteem +almost to the bursting-point. A box of costly cigars and a decanter of +fine brandy close at his elbow appeared to him as the height of +hospitality, as one gentleman would extend it to another. And when he +found that his new host manifested even as deep an interest in his +previous life as his earlier friend who had provided the money, he was +prepared to reciprocate in every way that lay in his power. + +With the preliminary acquaintance thus happily and firmly established, +Levy opened up for business. + +"In this suit for divorce which your wife brought," he asked, "the +summons was never served on you, was it?" + +"Why, yes," Buckner replied, slowly refilling his glass from the +decanter; "it was served on me by a man named Murray, at Colorado +Springs." + +"Oh, dear; oh, dear!" groaned Levy, with a mixture of pathos and +incredulity, "what an unfortunate memory you have! There was no one else +in Colorado Springs who knew about it, I presume?" + +"Not there," Buckner answered; "I sent the paper to a lawyer in Denver +named Jennings." + +"But there was no correspondence between you?" + +"Yes; there were two or three letters." + +"Where is Jennings now?" + +"Dead, for all I know," he responded, with a cheerfulness which came +from his comfortable environment rather than from any particular +pleasure from the possible demise of the gentleman in question. "He +moved away from Denver later, and I haven't heard of him since." + +Levy was absorbed in his own thoughts for several moments, which time +was profitably employed by Buckner again to replenish his glass, and to +help himself to a fresh cigar. + +"Look here, Buckner." Levy spoke so suddenly that his companion +guiltily replaced the unlighted cigar in the box. "How difficult would +it be for you to forget that you ever had a summons served on you, +provided there was enough in it to make it worth while?" + +Buckner boldly placed the cigar between his lips and straightened up. + +"What's the game?" he asked. "Tell me what's up, and perhaps we can make +a trade." + +"I have a client who might like to see that divorce decree set aside," +Levy began. + +"Another friend of mine, eh?" Buckner laughed at his own joke. "Never +knew before I was so popular." The brandy was getting in its work. +"Every one is interested in my marriage troubles, and here's one wants +to give me back my wife!" + +"Never mind that," Levy stopped him. "This client of mine isn't +interested in you or in your wife, but he evidently has a private spite +against Gorham, who married her. He may not care to push it, but, if he +does, do you see what the game is?" + +"Sure I do, sure I do," Buckner answered, thickly. "Damned good +game--I'll play it with you. It would hit her hard, too, wouldn't it?" + +"What do you care if it does?" + +"I don't care--glad of it--that's the special reason why I'm willing to +play the game." + +"All right; we'll get down to business. I'm going to draw up an +affidavit that, as far as the divorce proceedings are concerned, you +never retained any lawyer, and never were served with a summons, either +in Colorado Springs or anywhere else; that you never knew of the pending +of the action, nor that this suit was to be brought to trial. And you +are to swear to this, do you understand?" + +Buckner whistled suggestively. "What's the financial proposition?" + +"Five thousand dollars if I use it; five hundred if I don't." + +"Suppose Jennings turns up with those letters. There's a penalty for +that, isn't there?" + +"We'll take good care that Jennings doesn't turn up," Levy assured him, +"and we would be taking all the risk." + +It was Buckner's turn to become absorbed, and this time it was Levy who +refilled his glass. + +"It would be a lot of money," he muttered to himself, as he nervously +gulped the brandy down, "and it would hit her hard. Go ahead, Levy. Draw +up your damned paper and I'll sign it. Never knew I was so popular, +anyhow." + +Levy left him for a few moments while he dictated the affidavit, +returning to his private office while the stenographer was writing out +her notes. + +"I don't suppose you know anything about the personal affairs of Mrs. +Buckner-Gorham which would be of assistance to us in this case, do you?" + +Buckner thought hard. Ideas came slowly to him in his present condition, +but at last he looked up with an expression which interested the lawyer. + +"She thought herself too good for me," he muttered, "but there is +something I should like to have her explain," he said. + +"And what is that?" Levy asked, quickly jumping at a possible clew. + +"After she found me in the trail she disappeared for two weeks before +she returned to her father's ranch, and I should like to know where she +spent that time." + +"Where do you think she spent it?" + +"I don't know for sure, but there are people who say she was with a +prospector in his shack four or five miles from my ranch. I didn't hear +about it until afterward; but, anyhow, there was a man rode back with +her to her father's ranch who got her into the hospital in Denver after +she found her father was dead. She thinks she's better than I am, but, +just the same, I'd like to know who that man was." + +Levy quickly made a few notes. "I think I may be able to assist you in +gratifying that desire," he remarked. + + * * * * * + +The next day after receiving the message, Covington again found himself +within Levy's dingy offices, and this time he experienced no delay in +being conducted to the sanctum in the rear, where he found the lawyer +ready to receive him with a genial smile and a cordiality which +expressed itself in the briskness with which he rubbed his hands +together. + +"I think you will be well pleased with the rapid progress of our +investigations," Levy began. + +"I judged so by your letter." Covington was noncommittal. + +"There will be no difficulty in having the divorce decree granted to +Mrs. Buckner--now Mrs. Gorham--set aside whenever you say the word. Here +is the affidavit of Buckner himself, and the fellow is not only willing +but eager to push the case through." + +Covington took the document in his hand and examined it carefully. +Then: "How would you undertake to do it?" he asked. + +"It is a principle of our firm not to discuss methods with our clients. +Results are what count, and our reputation for securing these is perhaps +a sufficient guarantee that my statement is based on facts." + +"Your position is undoubtedly fully justified," Covington replied, a +slight expression of amusement showing in his face. "We hardly need to +discuss that phase of it, however, as this is probably as far as I shall +ask you to go." + +"Oh, Mr. Covington, you wouldn't drop a nice case like this, would you?" +Levy begged. "There is a lot of money in it for both of us." + +Covington answered him, coldly: "I believe the terms of our business +arrangement were clearly understood at the beginning." + +"Yes, but it is such a nice case," Levy still pleaded. "You need not +appear in it at all if you don't want to. Mr. Buckner can become the +plaintiff, and it need not cost you anything. We can make Mr. Gorham pay +all the bills." + +"That's enough of that," was the sharp reply. "Now, what was it that you +found out about Mrs. Gorham's early history?" + +Levy accepted the inevitable with equanimity, contenting himself with a +gesture which expressed more than words. + +"I have learned that after her child's death Mrs. Gorham, then Mrs. +Buckner, disappeared for a period of two weeks, during which time she is +alleged to have lived in a prospector's shack alone with him. Do you +catch the significance?" + +Covington again held out his hand, taking the second affidavit, which +he scrutinized with the same care he gave the first. + +"This is merely the unconfirmed statement of a prejudiced party," he +remarked; "it is of no value unless you could prove it." + +Levy smiled. "My dear Mr. Covington, we can prove anything--that is our +business." + +"Well"--Covington rose--"you seem to have carried out your end of the +affair." He drew a roll of bills from his pocket. "Here is the balance +due you. If I decide to make use of these documents, I will see you +again and make a trade. Kindly give me an acknowledgment of my payment." + +Levy held up a hand protestingly. "I explained before that we never give +receipts--" + +"Oh, yes; it had slipped my mind," Covington acquiesced. + +"I hope to see you again soon, Mr. Covington," Levy said in parting. "It +is a nice case, such a nice case." + +The departing client gave no evidence that he heard the words, but after +pushing his way to the street he drew a long breath, which might have +indicated relief after sitting in the close office, or satisfaction that +he held in his possession new weapons which could easily be made useful +in case of need. + + + + +XVI + + +The mail-order business came to an abrupt end three months after Alice +Gorham became its head. This in no way reflected upon its management, +but it was too trifling an enterprise for the Consolidated Companies to +retain. Covington was enthusiastic in his reports to Mr. Gorham +regarding Alice's proficiency and natural ability along business lines. +This experience had been an interesting and valuable one to her, he +explained, but would it not accomplish the same purpose and be better +for Miss Gorham--still, of course, under his guidance--to take personal +charge of her own property and thus become thoroughly familiar with the +various investments? + +Gorham heartily approved of Covington's suggestion, and so did Alice. To +the former it seemed to offer a natural vent for his daughter's desires; +to the girl it appeared as a real promotion. It was not necessary for +Covington to explain to his chief that the arrangement actually went +into effect several weeks before it was submitted to him for his +approval, nor did he take any credit to himself for the handsome profit +in certain street railways stock, which netted Alice thirty thousand +dollars as a result of her first investment. In fact, he modestly +cautioned his pupil to say nothing about it, on the ground that the next +investment might show a loss, and her father would be interested only +in final results. + +During the weeks which succeeded the merger of the New York street +railways, Covington was more assiduous than ever in his attentions to +Alice, yet, even with Allen's jealous suggestions, the girl saw in them +nothing more than a continuation of their previous relations. His skill +in manipulating her securities increased her admiration, and the +incredible success filled her with joy. She was bursting with +enthusiasm, and longed for an opportunity to share her happiness at +least with Eleanor; but since the first confidences with her, she had +become convinced that her preceptor's restrictions included Eleanor as +well. + +In spite of the care with which he selected the moment and the words, +when Covington actually declared himself it came to Alice not only as a +surprise, but as a distinct shock. At first she could not believe him +sincere, but he succeeded in convincing her on this point. He +interpreted her long silence and evident surprise as the natural +expression of a young girl face to face with the most vital problem +which ever comes to her. As a matter of fact, had Alice analyzed her +feelings, the compound would have proved to be made up in equal parts of +gratification, astonishment, and a broken idol. She was flattered that +this man should really wish to marry her, she was amazed that his +declaration did not arouse in her all those sentimental emotions which +she had associated with a moment such as this; and she instinctively +felt that he could not possibly be the great man she had considered him, +to desire what he had asked. + +"I thought you and I had decided that I was to be a business woman," +Alice said at last, questioningly. + +"Only for the time being," Covington smiled, well satisfied. "That is +all right as a pastime, and you shall indulge in it as much as you like, +but Mrs. John Covington will have more of a position to live up to even +than Miss Alice Gorham." + +"That's just it," she said, slowly. "It doesn't seem to me that I am +ready to assume any 'position,' as you call it. Until you and daddy gave +me this chance to do something else besides dances and theatre-parties +and all those things we girls fill our time with, I was drifting +hopelessly. This tiny bit of responsibility has been just the anchor I +needed. What I read means so much more to me, what people talk about is +of increased interest because I am just that much more conversant with +what is going on; and the dances and the theatre-parties are lots more +fun too. What you have asked, Mr. Covington, is enough to make any girl +feel proud and happy, but--I don't believe I'm ready yet to give up my +girlhood now when I am enjoying it most." + +"There need be no haste in your decision," he said, graciously. + +"Needn't there? Then you will give me a long time to think it over?" + +"Not too long, I hope," he answered, significantly. + +"But, truly," Alice's pout was exceedingly becoming, "I don't want to be +married at all. Why should I when I am so happy?" + +"Isn't that an unusual position for a young girl to take?" + +"Perhaps it's because I am young," she admitted, smiling. "But I see so +many--what shall I call them?--semi-detached couples, that it makes me +wonder." + +"Semi-detached?" Covington queried. + +"Why, yes," she explained; "you know what I mean: the only way they can +live happily together is to live apart." + +"You are not very complimentary to me." + +"Oh, please!" Alice interrupted quickly. "But you've noticed it, haven't +you?" + +"We notice many things which do not require personal application. In the +present instance I think we possess so many interests in common that our +marriage would be considered an ideal one. It would make me very happy." + +"You have been so kind," Alice said, looking at him gratefully. "You +know that I appreciate it, don't you? But I had no idea--you quite took +my breath away, you are so much older than I am, and--" + +"Am I so terribly old?" + +"Oh, no; I mean it is I who am so terribly young. I never felt quite so +young before. I suppose it is the surprise of it all. But you said I +might have a long time. I must talk with daddy and Eleanor, you know. +And I shall think it all over most carefully, please believe me." Alice +held out her hand cordially. "Will you excuse me now--I really must see +Eleanor." + +Covington watched the girl in amazement as she hastily withdrew her hand +and fled from the room. The self-possessed young woman whom he had met +day after day had vanished, and in her place he saw the youthful +school-girl, frightened into a loss of self-control by the offer of +marriage he had just tendered her. Yet the whole episode amused him +hugely. He smiled as he thought of his wife-to-be--the future Mrs. John +Covington--running like a frightened deer from the first situation which +took her by surprise! It was not as he had pictured it, but youth is a +malady from which one's convalescence is ever speedy, and he could enjoy +it while it lasted. He found his way to the front door unguided, where +he paused for a moment and looked back, as if expecting to see the lithe +form of the girl peering over the banister; but no sound came from the +floor above, and the staircase was vacant. + +"An amusing little minx," he laughed to himself, as he passed out of the +house. + +Alice lost no time in seeking Eleanor, eager to pour into her +sympathetic ears the new problem which had presented itself. Instead, +she found Patricia, curled up in an easy-chair, rereading her _Knights +of the Round Table_ with renewed interest. She bent over to kiss her, +but the child drew away. + +"I don't love you any more," she announced. + +"You don't!" asked Alice, taken by surprise. + +"No; you're so mean to Allen." + +The girl laughed. "Don't be silly, Pat. Why, Allen is only a kid, like +you. Where's mamma Eleanor?" + +"Lying down in her room; but he isn't a kid--he's my Knight." + +"All right; you may have him," Alice answered, lightly, turning toward +the door. + +"Alice!" + +The older girl turned. "Well?" she interrogated. + +"Is Mr. Covington a cat?" + +"What do you mean?" + +"Allen said to me the other day, 'Listen to him purr.'" + +"Allen ought to have his ears boxed." + +"No, he oughtn't"--but the door had slammed, and Patricia was alone with +her Knights. + +Alice tiptoed into Mrs. Gorham's room, then started to withdraw as +Eleanor appeared to be asleep, but the older woman stopped her. + +"Come in, dear," she said; "I am only resting." + +"Are you ill?" the girl asked, anxiously, all thought of her errand +vanishing; "you were looking very tired at breakfast." + +"I did not sleep last night," she replied, rising wearily from the bed, +and pressing her hands against her temples as she sat down. "I am so +perplexed that I don't know which way to turn. I wonder if you could +advise me, Alice?" + +"If only I could be of help to you!" the girl exclaimed, drawing another +chair close to Eleanor's, and taking both her hands in her own. + +Eleanor made no reply for several moments. "I don't know what to do," +she said simply at last. "I want to have my life an open book to your +father, yet in this one instance I can't see my way clear." + +"Why, Eleanor!" cried the girl, surprised, "how can that be possible?" + +"I don't wonder you ask; that is the question I have set myself to +answer. I saw Ralph Buckner yesterday as I was driving up Fifth Avenue, +and the sight of him filled me with apprehension." + +"Your first husband--in New York?" Alice asked, surprised. + +"Yes--what can he be doing here?" + +"You don't know that it has anything to do with you, do you?" + +"No; but I am so apprehensive that I imagine everything." + +"But the past is dead, Eleanor dear. To have it recalled is of course +painful, but why should you dread it?" + +Mrs. Gorham did not answer at once, and the girl was amazed to witness +the conflict of emotion which her face expressed. At last Eleanor raised +her eyes. + +"The past is not wholly dead," she said, in a low voice. "That is the +unfortunate part. There is one event which happened back there in +Colorado, right after Carina was killed, which has never--can never be +explained. It is the only detail of that awful tragedy which I have not +told your father, and I could not even tell you." + +"Can't you tell me enough so I can really help you, Eleanor?" + +"No, not even as much as that. The appearances were all against me. I +know that nothing occurred of which I need feel ashamed, but the +circumstantial evidence is so strong that it would be beyond human +possibility to expect any one, even one as generous as your father, to +accept my unsupported statement." + +"Has this to do with your first husband?" + +"I fear that if he has come in possession of the facts he may intend to +use them against me." + +"Then the only thing for you to do is to see father at once, and to tell +him everything yourself before that horrid man has the opportunity. +There is nothing, Eleanor, which you could tell him which he would not +accept exactly as you stated. Why, of course there isn't." + +"I wish I had your confidence, dear," Eleanor sighed, "but that would be +asking too much." + +"Was Mr. Buckner concerned in it?" + +"No; it was another man--the only other man I ever met except your +father whom I would include among God's noblemen." + +"Some one you loved, Eleanor?" the girl asked, hesitatingly. + +"No, dear, not that!" she cried, hastily. "I was in no condition at that +time to love any one. It was, as I told you, right after Carina's death. +He was the friend who protected me and who helped me at that time--I +told you about it--but who would believe that it was simply an act of +humanity?" + +"Father would believe it, Eleanor," the girl cried, firmly. "You must +tell him, and you must tell him now--now--he is in the library." + +"Oh, I cannot!" cried Eleanor, shrinking; "Robert is so much to me that +I cannot run the risk of having even a doubt disturb the perfect +understanding that has always existed between us." + +"You must, Eleanor," insisted Alice, rising and urging Mrs. Gorham to +her feet. "You must--shall I go with you?" + +"No, dear," Eleanor replied. "I will go"; and with slow footsteps she +left the room. + + * * * * * + +Gorham was well satisfied with the successful formation of the Manhattan +Traction Company, as he was also with the general progress of the +Consolidated Companies. Its expansion and success were phenomenal, and +it was, of a certainty, coming into its own. The volume of business had +quadrupled; its list of stockholders was nearly complete, and already +included a sufficient proportion of those who controlled the world's +pulse to make the acquisition of the others certain; its political +strength, exercised under his firm hand for peace always, even now +exceeded any similarly exerted power the world had known. + +It was natural that Gorham should be filled with a certain sense of +satisfaction that his work was bearing such magnificent fruit. One by +one the necessities of life were being given to the public at a lower +cost; one by one the luxuries, which had previously been denied them, +were being brought within their reach. Wars had been prevented and +taxation reduced. Everywhere the Consolidated Companies was looked upon +as the people's friend, and those connected with it as public +benefactors. And yet--the profits were increasing so rapidly that before +long they bade fair to defy human computation! + +For the first time since he began his work of forming the corporation +Gorham gave himself up to day-dreams. Sitting back in an easy-chair in +his library he watched the smoke curl upward from his cigar, and gave +his mind free rein. With the momentum now acquired, nothing could stem +the triumphal advance. The business scope had extended nearly as far as +he would let it go--he would confine it to public utilities and public +necessities. In the future, it might break beyond the confines he had +set for it, and even become the single employer of all labor, but for +his own time he would keep it within his limitations, so that he might +devote his thought and energy to the development of its political power. +Why should he not eventually succeed even in forcing a disarmament of +nations, relieving the people of their most grievous burden, and +insuring peace by the absolute control the Companies was certain to +acquire of foodstuffs and the munitions of war? Then, indeed, his life +would not have been in vain! + +His day-dreams and his thoughts were interrupted by finding his wife at +his side. She had entered so quietly that he had not heard her footstep, +and he gave a gentle start when he felt her hand upon his forehead. + +"Yes, dear, I am dreaming," he said, in answer to her unspoken question. +"You don't often see me this way, do you? The world never looked so +bright as it does to-day. The Consolidated Companies, the child of your +conception and my creation, has reached the zenith of its power. It may +grow larger, but even now nothing can resist it." + +"The world never looked so bright as it does to-day," Eleanor repeated to +herself, sitting on the arm of his chair, thrilled by the message of +love which this man sent out to her through the pressure of his hand on +hers which he held so closely. Should she be the one to disturb the +supreme serenity of his thoughts at this moment by a suggestion of +something which perhaps was only the figment of an over-anxious brain? +Inside the battle waged, but he could not see her face, so was ignorant +of the conflict. If her hand trembled within his own he did not notice +it. She looked down at the profile so clearly outlined. What strength, +what sweetness, what contentment! To-morrow she would tell him, but not +to-day. This moment was hers, and no past memory had the right to take +it from her! + + + + +XVII + + +The strain under which Gorham had been working for the past five years +was beginning to show itself, and, acting upon his doctor's advice, he +decided to take a brief respite from the cares and responsibilities of +the office. He did not think it necessary to leave New York, as the +reaction was not as yet strong enough to require any radical treatment. +A fortnight spent quietly at his home in the midst of congenial +surroundings would be entirely sufficient. During this time he denied +himself to business callers, simply keeping in touch with affairs by +means of his daily reports, which formed so strong a feature of his +business system. + +"They make the yesterdays into a whip of many lashes to urge to-day on +to still greater speed," Gorham once explained. "They change the +president of the Consolidated Companies from an absentee employer into +an ubiquitous superintendent." + +Because of Mr. Gorham's desire for retirement, the butler endeavored to +explain the impossibility of an interview to a tall, smooth-faced young +man who presented his card one afternoon. The caller's slight figure was +clad in a black whip-cord suit, and over his arm was thrown a neatly +folded tan overcoat. His silk hat carried a broad mourning band, and his +hands were encased in black kid gloves. Gorham's would-be visitor did +not present the most cheerful appearance, but the insistence with which +he emphasized the important nature of his business succeeded in +effecting his entrance to the hallway, where he was left until the +butler could fortify himself behind the faithful Riley's invaluable +advice. + +Riley looked at the printed visiting-card, gave a violent start, and +then quickly closed his hand over it. A penetrating glance disclosed the +fact that the name had conveyed no special information to his companion, +so he hastily assumed the responsibility of handling the situation, and +hurried to the hall. Giving the visitor no opportunity to speak, Riley +placed his hand gently upon his arm, and addressed him beseechingly. + +"Jimmie, me la-ad," the old man said, "is it raly yersel' come ter see +ye'er ol' fa-ather? I can't belave it, indade I can't; but 'tain't this +we must be talkin' about now. I know it's th' great man ye are, but ye +wuddent queer ye'er fa-ather by comin' ter th' front dure, wud ye? Come +now, Misther Robert ain't heard about it yit, so it's all right, +Jimmie--we'll go down-stairs an' have a nice little visit. It's proud I +am ter have ye call on me, but ye mustn't come ter th' front dure, +Jimmie--ye mustn't do that." + +Riley's anxiety to get his son down-stairs and into his own domain +blinded him to the straightness of Jimmie's back and the severe lines in +his face. With all the dignity at his command the visitor assumed a +position which perhaps he had learned during his career as an orator: + +"You are my father, and an old man," he replied, with rare +condescension, "so I will be gentle with you. I didn't call to sec +_you_, Mr. Riley--I have important business with Mr. Gorham." + +Riley drew back, indecision mingled with a father's pride that a son of +his could carry himself with such an air. + +"That's phwat brought ye here, is it?--business wid Misther Robert--ye!" +he repeated. "Ah, Jimmie, I can't belave it, me la-ad. Are ye shure?" + +"Is it his father who doubts the word of James Riley?" the younger man +replied, and Riley thought he discerned a touch of sorrow in the +unnatural tone of voice. + +"But Misther Robert ain't doin' no business these days, Jimmie. It's th' +vacation he's havin'." + +"This is personal business, Mr. Riley, and it's to his own interest to +see me. I can be of service to Mr. Gorham." + +"Ye can be iv service ter Misther Robert, Jimmie?" The old man's face +beamed with pride. "Ah, Jimmie, it's proud I am iv ye! Me own la-ad iv +service ter Misther Robert! I'll spake ter him at wance." + +As Riley drew back to admire his son, his eye fell upon the silk hat and +the black gloves. + +"Who's dead, Jimmie?" he asked, with real concern "--why do ye wear th' +sorry rag on ye'er hat an' th' ravens on ye'er hands?" + +"No one you know," James replied, carelessly flicking a speck from his +overcoat sleeve. "The city supplied them for the committee what went to +Moriarty's funeral last month." + +"Oh!" Riley wavered between his relief and his sense of duty to +acquaint his son with the proper usage of the articles in question. +Discretion finally prevailed, and he went up-stairs to impress Mr. +Gorham with the importance of Jimmie's errand. + +James Riley had acted upon a sudden impulse in making his call upon Mr. +Gorham. He had unexpectedly gained possession of certain information +which he felt might be of commercial value to himself, and beyond this +it offered him an opportunity to come in close contact with a famous +man. With his eye always open to the main chance, James felt that this +first meeting with Mr. Gorham, since he himself had come into his own, +might lead to something worth while. + +Even Gorham was conscious of the satisfaction expressed in the old man's +voice as he opened the library door for his famous offspring and +announced "Misther James Riley," dwelling noticeably upon the prefix. + +"I am glad to see you, James," Gorham greeted him cordially. "Your +father has kept me posted from time to time of your successes, and I +congratulate you both." + +Praise from the president of the Consolidated Companies was nectar to +James Riley, and with an effort to appear indifferent he suffered +himself to sit down. + +"Your father tells me you have personal business with me," Gorham +continued, noting the difficulty James experienced in getting under way. + +The caller would not have admitted it, even to himself, but the effect +of being actually in the presence of this man of world-wide fame, and in +the midst of such palatial surroundings, was to deprive him of his usual +easy flow of words. Gorham's remark, however, as was intended, served to +relieve him, but the oratorical prelude which he had carefully rehearsed +coming up on the electric 'bus had vanished from his mind, and he +plunged, as had still another "gentleman" before him, _in medias res_. + +"There's a feller in town what means to make trouble for you," he +announced, bluntly, looking up from his study of the pattern in the rug +to note the effect of his announcement upon his host. + +Gorham laughed. "I have an idea that there is more than one 'feller' in +town who would be glad to do that if he found the chance." + +"That may be, sir," James assented, "but this feller has come a long bit +out of his way to do it, and I don't think it's on the level, sir." + +"It is very good of you to come and tell me this, James," Gorham said, +lightly; "but I presume our secret service force already have the +gentleman on their list." + +"Oh, he ain't no gentleman," James corrected him, "and it ain't got +nothin' to do with business, sir, so I thought I'd call on you as a +friend and tell you what I know." + +"What else can it have to do with?" queried Gorham, incredulously, yet +humoring James for his father's sake. + +"With Mrs. Gorham, sir--leastwise, that's what he says." + +Gorham's apathy disappeared, but his visitor observed no change in the +calmness of his expression or in the quiet tone in which he spoke. + +"You surprise me, James. What sort of man is he?" + +"He's a blackguard, sir, and a liar. I'd have told him so, only he was +drunk, and I thought he might leak something what would be of interest +to you. He says he used to be Mrs. Gorham's husband." + +The lines deepened a little in Gorham's face. "What is his name?" he +asked. + +"Buckner, sir--Ralph Buckner." + +"H'm! And why do you think he intends to try to make trouble for me?" + +"Well, sir, you see it's this way. This feller come to the same +boardin'-house where I live, but I didn't pay no attention to him 'til I +see him playin' pool in the saloon opposite. I'm a Tammany man, sir, and +I has to mix with all the new ones what come into my ward. I got +acquainted with him over there, and he drank awful heavy. He's quiet +enough when he's sober, but he talks free and easy like when he gets +tanked. One night he says to me, 'I'm goin' to make a lot o' money.' + +"'Good!' says I, more to be agreeable than because I had any 'special +interest--'how're you goin' to do it?' + +"Then he laughed, silly-like, and winked at me. I didn't say no more, +but the next night he talked again. + +"'What do you think,' he says; 'I see my wife to-day ridin' up Fifth +Avenue behind the swellest pair o' horses in New York City. No wonder +she shook me for that.' + +"'What do you mean?' says I, surprised at his line o' talk. + +"'She's Mrs. Robert Gorham now,' says he, 'but perhaps she won't be +long.' + +"Then I laughed at him, and that made him mad. + +"'That's right,' says he. 'There're people here in this town who tell me +that her divorce from me warn't reg'lar, and I may be takin' the lady +back to New Orleans with me, and a heap o' money besides.' + +"0' course, all this don't mean nothin' to me, but I thought it might to +you, sir." + +Mr. Gorham did not reply for so long a time that James became anxious. + +"I hope I done right, sir, to come to you with this." + +"Yes, James; quite right. You are evidently influenced by your loyalty +to my family," Gorham answered. "It is right that you should be, but it +shall not be forgotten. There probably is nothing in all this, but, +since Mrs. Gorham's name was mentioned, I should like to get to the +bottom of it. I shall depend upon you to keep me posted." + +"I will, sir," James responded, eagerly. "I'll do that as long as he +stays in New York, but he says they're trying to get him to go back to +New Orleans." + +"Who are 'they'?" + +"I don't know, sir." + +"That is the first thing to discover, James. I shall trust you to do +it." + +Gorham rose, and James, vastly satisfied with himself, followed the +suggestion. + +"I'll do it for you, sir," he said at the door. "You can depend on me +for that." + +"Thank you, James; and in the mean time it will be prudent for you to +keep your information to yourself." + +"Yes, sir; I'll do that, sir. Any one with a Tammany Hall education +knows how to do that, sir." + +Riley was anxiously awaiting the close of the interview, and eagerly +accompanied his son to the front door. Before he opened it, the old man +turned inquiringly. + +"Ain't ye goin' ter tell me phwat it's all about, Jimmie?" + +"It's too delicate a situation to discuss with the servants," James +replied, freezingly. "Me and Mr. Gorham understands each other, that's +all." + +Riley gazed with still greater admiration at the straight figure which +passed by him, out of the house, and up the gravel walk to the street. + +"Jimmie's th' great man," he muttered to himself as he closed the +door--"he's th' great man, mixin' wid men like Misther Robert; but he +hadn't oughter wear that sorry rag an' th' ravens, wid me, his only +livin' relation, still livin'." + +The bell rang almost immediately, and Riley, certain that James had +returned, hastened to throw the door open. As he did so, he discovered +Allen Sanford. + +"Who's that undertaker person?" Allen demanded. + +Riley straightened perceptibly. "'Tis me son James, Misther Sanford, an' +it's th' great man he is, an' no undertaker." + +"I beg your pardon, Riley," Allen laughed, noting the old man's injured +dignity. "Of course I should have known; but I may want to employ an +undertaker soon, so I suppose I had it on my mind." + +"Ain't ye falin' well, Misther Allen?" Riley asked, anxiously. + +"Oh, I don't want him for myself," Allen laughed again. "Is Miss Alice +in?" + +"How do I know 'til she tells me, sor?" + +"All right; you'll have to ask her then, won't you? If she is in, tell +her that I've called to have tea with her." + +Alice was in particularly high spirits. She had digested Covington's +proposal, and found that she enjoyed it. She was still waiting for a +chance to discuss it with Eleanor and her father, but she experienced an +unexpected amount of pleasure in thinking it over by herself. She had +already decided that she would take plenty of time before she gave her +answer. The sensation was so exhilarating that she was unwilling to +shorten its duration. It was all so incredible that she--little +she--should have attracted a man of Mr. Covington's calibre to the +extent that he should actually want to marry her! And now Allen had +called, giving her an outlet for this unusual buoyancy. + +Her caller was not blind to the excitement which showed in Alice's face, +and the formalities were scarcely over before he asked the question +which brought a violent color to the girl's cheeks. + +"So it's come, has it--just as I said it would?" + +"What has come?" Alice busied herself with the teacups which the butler +had already placed on the little table in front of her, and appeared to +be mystified, though she knew well what he meant. + +"That doesn't surprise me any," Allen continued, "but I really didn't +think it would set you up so much when it did strike." + +"I suppose you are enjoying this monologue," she replied. "Don't mind me +if it gives you any pleasure." + +"Look here, Alice"--he became desperate--"why can't we talk it over +without having to jump all these high hurdles? I know you don't care +anything about me, and you know that I can't see anything in life worth +while except you, so the situation is clear on both sides. But I can't +let that four-flusher pull the wool over your eyes without saying, +'Beware of the dog.' I shouldn't be a man if I did." + +"You take advantage of our friendship," she said, severely; "but there +are limits beyond which even an old friend cannot go, and you've reached +them. Mr. Covington is a friend too; I don't admit that he is more than +this, but I shan't let you say unfair things about him any more than I +should listen to similar things about you. Come now, let's drop the +subject. How many lumps will you have?" + +"Two lumps, and--no lemon, please." + +"You say you wouldn't be a man if you didn't warn me," the girl went on; +"but it is because you are not that you talk as you do. You find me +agreeable, and, boy-like, think you want to marry me. Pat thinks she +wants to marry you--you are both children, and both behave the same." + +Allen put his cup down on the table untasted. "Is there no way I can +convince you that I've grown up?" he demanded. + +"Yes; drop all this nonsense about me, and make yourself a place in the +world as Mr. Covington has done." + +"Never!" he almost shouted. "You don't know how he's made his place, or +you wouldn't say that. Do you want me to climb up by stepping all over +those who have helped me, to play double with every one I meet, to +crisscross even on the man who trusts me most, and finally try to cinch +my position by marrying his daughter? If that's your idea of being a +man, I'll tell you right now, not for mine." + +Alice rose, with flaming face. "I told you that you had reached the +limit, Allen--now you have passed it. Oh! why did I let you go on! I +like you so much, and I want to see you succeed. I've tried to help you +all I could, and this is the result. Now we can't even be friends any +more, and this insane jealousy of yours will spoil your chances in the +Companies. Oh, Allen, Allen--why can't you grow up and be sensible!" + +"Don't worry about me," the boy said, dejectedly. "You're probably +right, just as the pater was probably right. I'm no good anyhow. I +didn't want to go into diplomacy because there seemed to be so much in +it which was double-dealing. Now I'm in business, and I see the same +things there. It's all my fault--it must be; but I'm in wrong somehow. I +wouldn't say a word, Alice, if it were some one else, but +Covington--well, you've told me to cut that out, so I will. But don't +say we can't be friends--I couldn't stand that. You'll need me some +time, little girl, and when you do, I want to be Johnny on the spot." + +Alice never found it possible to be angry with him for any extended +period. Always after his impulsive outbreaks he became so contrite that +the early displeasure was abated by his unspoken but evident desire for +forgiveness. + +"Will you take back what you said about Mr. Covington?" she asked. + +"I can't do that," he replied, firmly; "but I'll do my best to let you +find him out from some one else." + +And the girl let him leave it there, remaining in the same position +several minutes after he had gone, wondering that she had been willing +to permit so gross a slander to stand unchallenged. When at last she +turned slowly toward the door, she started violently as something began +to untangle itself from the portieres. + +"It's only me," announced Patricia, ungrammatically, but none the less +undauntedly. + +"What have you been doing there?" the elder sister demanded, her +momentary fright making her indignation even greater. + +"Listenin'," replied the culprit, shamelessly. + +"Patricia Gorham!" For Alice to use the child's full name conveyed the +absolute limit of reproach, but Patricia stood her ground fearlessly. + +"I'm not ashamed--I've simply _got_ to know my future. You'll stick to +what you said, won't you, Alice?" + +"You ought to be punished!" + +"But you won't marry Allen, will you?" Pat pleaded, unblushingly. "You +can have Mr. Covington and I will have Allen, and we all will be happy +ever afterward." + +"Oh, you--kids, that's what you both are!" Alice cried in sheer +desperation. "Between you, I can't get a moment's peace." + +"He would make a lovely Knight." Patricia's face assumed an enraptured +expression. "Oh, I wish I was a damosel, with a vessel of gold between +my hands, and Allen was Sir Launcelot, and I would say, 'Wit ye well,' +and he would kneel and say his prayers to me, and--Alice, what does 'Wit +ye well' mean, anyhow?" + +But Alice had fled, leaving Patricia the victrix of her bloodless +battle-field. + + + + +XVIII + + +James Riley's information, while causing Gorham some concern, was not +the matter which gave him the greatest anxiety during the days he passed +away from his office. The fact that Buckner was in town was not +altogether surprising, and his maudlin comments need not necessarily be +seriously considered. In addition to the commission he intrusted to +young Riley, Gorham also set in motion the wheels of his own +secret-service department, feeling confident that he would soon learn +all the facts. The conduct of the current business of the Companies, +complex as it had now become, appeared to be advancing steadily along +the lines which he himself had laid down for it, and he saw no reason to +think that his temporary absence was causing the slightest +disarrangement of the delicately adjusted machine upon which depended +the continued momentum of the business. This interested him +particularly, as he considered that the crowning point of his successful +formation of the Consolidated Companies would not be attained until his +actual contact with the business was not required. + +But great enterprises do not expand themselves without the jealous +watchfulness of other competing or interested organizations, and +Gorham's daily reports contained an increasing number of references to +the efforts being made by these to harass the Consolidated Companies +with governmental interference. Senator Kenmore had by this time become +the chief spokesman of the Companies in Washington. Since his first +exhaustive examination into its affairs, his doubts as to the +possibility of conducting so mammoth a consolidation along conscientious +lines had been dissipated by the absolute straightness of the course +which Gorham steered. His influence had been exerted frequently in +behalf of the Companies, and each time the success which thus came to +the corporation carried in its wake advantages to the people, just as +Gorham had promised. The Senator had become one of Gorham's stanchest +admirers and supporters, and the president of the Consolidated Companies +in turn relied fully upon him. For several weeks Kenmore's +correspondence had suggested certain unrest in the Senate concerning +trusts and consolidations, so when Gorham received from him an urgent +summons to come to Washington at once, it left no room for doubt as to +the necessity which prompted its sending, and obliged him for the +present to abandon his idea of rest. + +Gorham found Kenmore awaiting him in his office, and the Senator, with +characteristic directness, came to the point at once. + +"Some one is starting up another scare on monopolies and combinations, +and is making the Consolidated Companies the target. Do you know +anything about it?" + +"Does it come from New York State?" Gorham asked. + +"Yes; the junior senator is at the head of it." + +"He is a Tammany man." + +"Yes." + +"Brady made him, and now he is collecting his fee. The Consolidated +Companies hit Brady hard in the Manhattan Traction deal, you remember. +How much headway has it gained?" + +"Enough to be dangerous; that's why I wrote as I did." + +"It can't be dangerous while we have the people so strongly with us, but +it might become troublesome. Whom do you want me to see?" + +"The President. I have made an appointment with him half an hour from +now. The Senator from New York has touched him a bit by demanding why he +is haling the other great corporations into court, and leaving the +Consolidated Companies to grow larger and stronger without opposition." + +"Have you discussed the matter with the President?" + +"No; I thought it best to let you present it as a whole. Come--we shall +find him ready for us." + +The President received his callers in his office. He was a great +President, and as such realized, as some of his predecessors had not, +that the country of which he was the chief executive was constantly +outgrowing the legislation which had been wise at the time of its +enactment. He realized that as expansion comes conditions change, and +these changed conditions necessitate the exercise of a far-seeing and a +far-reaching judgment in administering the law in its spirit rather than +always in its letter; but the experience he had gained in the White +House had taught him the difficulties which beset his path in living up +to his convictions. Gorham had been frequently called to his councils +for advice upon various subjects, and the President was familiar with +the Consolidated Companies in conception and operation. + +"We are accused of discrimination, Mr. Gorham," the President +explained, after the first greetings. "You and I have discussed the +Consolidated Companies upon various occasions; I have watched its +operations carefully, and I am free to say that my early apprehensions +have thus far proved groundless. I believe that I have acted +conscientiously in pushing the investigations and prosecutions against +those combinations which are really a menace to the country; but there +are some who disagree with me, and flaunt the Consolidated Companies in +my face as an evidence of insincerity on my part. I have asked you and +Senator Kenmore to meet me here this afternoon, to talk over the +question quite informally with the senator from New York and with the +Attorney-General." + +"I appreciate the opportunity, Mr. President," Gorham replied, quietly. + +"Then we are all ready for the discussion," said the President, touching +a button. "They are waiting--I will send for them." + +Upon the arrival of the others, he repeated to them what he had said to +Gorham, and then, settling back in his chair, became an interested +listener, leaving Gorham and the senator from New York as the principal +disputants, with Kenmore and the Attorney-General joining in the +argument from time to time. + +"Do I understand that Mr. Gorham speaks for the Administration in this +matter?" asked Senator Hunt, with some asperity. + +"I speak for the Consolidated Companies, and for that alone," Gorham +replied, promptly. + +"Then you will perhaps explain why your corporation, the largest trust +in existence to-day, is immune, while other trusts are being persecuted +to the extent of the Government's power." + +"I am not authorized to answer any question which has to do with the +Government," Gorham continued; "but it may be that it is due to the same +reason that some of the 'other trusts' you mention are not as yet +incorporated as a part of the Consolidated Companies." + +"Then they have been approached?" the Senator asked, quickly. + +"Several of them have approached us; but they have thus far been +unwilling to accept the principles upon which the Consolidated Companies +is founded." + +"You refer to its alleged benevolent aspect?" + +"Yes, if you choose to call it that," Gorham replied, smiling. "We +prefer to call it reciprocity. If we receive favors in the form of +concessions from the people, we believe it to be not only fair, but also +sound business, to use these concessions not to bleed them, but for +their benefit." + +"In other words, the Consolidated Companies is a good trust, and the +others are bad trusts?" + +"Exactly." + +"The Sherman Act, if I read it correctly, makes no distinction." + +"But the Government does." + +"And to that extent unlawfully discriminates," the Senator said, +emphatically. + +"What would be the effect upon the country if the Sherman Act were +enforced literally?" Gorham asked. + +"That is not for me to say." + +"Perhaps the Attorney-General will give us his opinion," Gorham +persisted. + +The Attorney-General had been listening to the discussion with much +interest. + +"There can be but one answer to that question," he replied; "it would +produce an industrial reign of terror, and yet I am frank to say that, +from a legal standpoint, I believe Senator Hunt is correct in his +statement that the Government unlawfully discriminates in drawing any +distinction between good and bad trusts; but let me say further, that it +is my definite opinion that the Sherman Act, as it now stands, is a +menace to the country. That Act, literally interpreted, would break up +every trust into smaller corporations. It is based on a hasty inference +that great consolidations are of necessity monopolies. Even if we +disintegrated a great corporation like the Consolidated Companies, for +instance, into a large number of smaller corporations, we should not +have solved the problem. There would always be methods by which a common +understanding could be reached, and, in the disintegration, producing +concerns would lose much of the efficiency in serving the public which +has already been demonstrated by the Consolidated Companies. I have +answered your question frankly, giving you my opinion from a legal and +also from a personal standpoint." + +"Was there not a time," Kenmore asked, "when the public in England was +as much afraid of the formation of business partnerships as our public +has been afraid of trusts?" + +"Yes," the Attorney-General replied; "our own trust legislation is +nothing more than a modern repetition of certain laws which centuries +ago were in force in England, and were designed to prevent the formation +of co-partnerships in business." + +"Yet partnerships were formed in spite of the law, were they not?" +insisted Kenmore, "and it was discovered that the prices of goods did +not go up." + +"We are digressing," the senator from New York interrupted. "As I +understand it, we are concerned with the present rather than the past." + +"I am glad you realize that," Gorham responded, "for it has a +considerable bearing upon the situation. In the past, the public has +been opposed to the organization of industry, and properly so, since it +has meant the secret rebates, the limiting of output, the 'fake' +independent companies, and the stealing of competitors' secrets; but +to-day there is a changed public sentiment, and perhaps I may be +pardoned if I say that I believe the Consolidated Companies has played +its part in bringing this about. The magazines have turned from +muckraking to articles instructing their readers in finance; the +anti-trust orator is speaking to empty seats; and intelligent lawmakers, +who once considered 'corporation' as a synonym for 'crime,' now +carefully distinguish between the honest and the dishonest organization. +The Administration is elected by the people to exercise the will of the +people, and it is the will of the people to-day that honest combinations +be permitted, in order to reduce the cost of the necessities of life." + +"It is a conflict between a literal interpretation of the law and +industrial progress," added Senator Kenmore, "and the law as it stands +does not appeal to justice nor does it express American public +sentiment. Bigness, in commerce and industry, has now come to be +associated with progress. Production on a large scale is justified by +its economy and efficiency when brought about through the free play of +economic forces. It would be just as ridiculous to oppose the +ever-increasing demand for machinery." + +"To what point is all this leading us?" asked Senator Hunt, impatiently. +"These one-sided arguments may be interesting to those who agree with +them, but my question still remains unanswered: why does not the +Government enforce the law equally against one offender as against +another, since by that law both are offenders?" + +"Senator Kenmore, the Attorney-General, and I have endeavored to answer +your question to the best of our ability," Gorham replied, "and I, for +one, regret to have failed in my endeavor. We all agree, I am sure, that +the Government has a plain duty to perform, but we do not understand +that duty to be the prevention of honest and beneficial combination. The +Consolidated Companies has led the way in seeking publicity and +preserving equality, and in insuring public participation in the +benefits accruing from the combinations which it effects. If other +trusts do likewise, I have no doubt that they will be as 'immune' as you +have been pleased to call the Consolidated Companies." + +"Are you prepared to deny that, in spite of this 'benevolent' aspect of +which you boast, the profits of your corporation are greater than those +of any trust in the world?" + +"I have never made the comparative analysis which would be required to +answer your question," Gorham replied; "but I do say without fear of +contradiction that no organization ever gave back to the people so large +a percentage of its earnings. It may interest Senator Hunt if I outline +the principles upon which the Consolidated Companies was conceived." + +Gorham's voice was a strong asset. Its low, clear tones carried without +apparent effort, and there was a firmness and sincerity in every spoken +word which always secured attentive hearing. + +"The public," he said, "has long since become accustomed to mergers and +consolidations, and has naturally associated with them the strangling of +competition and the creation and enjoyment, on the part of a few, of the +conditions of monopoly. But business exploits such as these are, in a +measure, things of the past, and cannot be repeated. Great industries +can no longer hem in their rivals, or stifle and cripple them to the +extent that fields, which by natural law are free to all, become the +field of one. The people have at last risen against this, and +consolidations will only be tolerated when confidence is established +that the masses will be benefited. When the scheme of the Consolidated +Companies first became known, it was bitterly opposed by the public, who +saw in it nothing other than a new and more gigantic octopus, to feed +upon its very life-blood. + +"From the very beginning, both from principle and from what I consider +to be sound business sense, I have endeavored by word and act to +convince the public that the Consolidated Companies intended to serve +its best interests, and our unprecedented success is the best evidence I +could offer that I have, at least in part, succeeded. Our stockholders +are men in high positions of trust, and they cannot continue to deliver +contracts to us unless we make good our promises to execute those +concessions to the advantage of the people. To-day, wherever the +Consolidated Companies is known, the public looks with approval upon +favors shown us by its officials, and this in itself is an asset to our +corporation of untold value. Bread, coffee, and other daily necessities +are now obtainable cheaper than ever before in the history of the world, +because the Consolidated Companies has made them so. Transportation +charges, wherever we have obtained the franchises, have been reduced +twenty per cent.; lighting costs, both gas and electric, are fifteen per +cent. cheaper in those cities which we control; government loans placed +through us are from one to two per cent. lower, thus substantially +reducing the rate of taxation. We have prevented war in at least two +instances, and thus demonstrated the possibilities of our power in +preserving universal peace. For the Government to interfere with our +work because of a technicality would result in an international +calamity." + +"Are you now speaking for the Administration, Mr. Gorham?" + +"Now, I am speaking as a private citizen." + +"If the Attorney-General agrees with me," added the President, joining +in the discussion for the first time, "I think I may say that Mr. +Gorham's views as a private citizen are shared by the Administration; on +the other hand, I agree with the Attorney-General in the position which +he takes regarding the conflict between the legal and practical bearing +of the Sherman Act. There is only one way to solve the problem, and that +is to modify that Act so that a distinction can be made between those +consolidations which advance the country's prosperity, and those which +are operated solely for personal gain to the detriment of all except the +few directly interested. You may report back to your constituents, +Senator Hunt, that the Administration will refrain from further action +in this matter for the present, and will direct its efforts toward +securing amendments to the Sherman Act which shall make it possible to +draw a distinction between good and bad trusts, as you call them, +without discrimination." + +The President rose, signifying that the conference was ended, and Gorham +left the White House in company with Senator Kenmore and the +Attorney-General. The latter wore a serious expression upon his face. + +"The President took the only logical position," he remarked to his +companions; "but I tell you, gentlemen, that there is not the slightest +possibility of passing any bill through either house which can +accomplish the results we all desire." + +"In another twelve months," observed Gorham, "granting that the +Companies continues to make history as it has, the people themselves +will prevent their representatives from interfering." + +"Provided nothing occurs to raise a doubt as to the integrity of the +Companies' motives," added the Attorney-General, suggestively. + +"How could such a doubt be raised?" Gorham was incredulous. + +"By having some official in your corporation act in defiance of the +principles which you have upheld." + +"We have a five-years' record to fall back upon." + +"Yes; but as the Companies grows larger the risk increases." + +"And the careful surveillance increases in like ratio." + +"There are human limitations, Mr. Gorham," laughed the Attorney-General. + + + + +XIX + + +Allen Sanford, during the next few weeks, found much to think about +besides himself. His advance had been more rapid than Gorham had +expected. His position with the Companies was still the same, but his +value in his position had steadily increased. The impetuosity and +intensity which, previously uncontrolled, had made him heedless, were +now directed through a smaller vent, and gained in power. Gorham's early +belief that the boy possessed in no small degree, though undeveloped, +the business genius which had accomplished his father's great success, +was being definitely confirmed, and he rejoiced in it. + +Allen had studied the business problem with which he came daily in +contact as closely as he could with the little experience which had as +yet come to him. What man of affairs does not recall how intangible was +that turning-point, in his own early business career, before which he +felt hopelessly submerged in that sea of infinite detail, vainly +struggling to gauge its currents and to escape its undertow; after which +he found himself advancing with steady strides, short at first, but +gaining in power as the lesser responsibilities merged into greater +ones! + +Gorham's business training, previous to the inception of the +Consolidated Companies, had been in accord with the universal business +code, quite at variance with the idealistic basis which he himself had +now established. Allen's training had all been along Gorham's idealistic +thread. It was perhaps natural, therefore, that Allen, under these +circumstances, should look upon the transactions of the Consolidated +Companies from a different viewpoint from that which Mr. Gorham took. At +all events, some of these business acts did not seem to the boy to be in +full accord with the altruism which he had learned from his preceptor. +Allen had come to know most of the directors and some of the +stockholders, and he was convinced that the prevailing instinct which +controlled their relations to the Consolidated Companies and to its +transactions was self-interest pure and simple. There was no question +that the Companies had accomplished important reductions in the +necessities of life and in the cost of public utilities, as a result of +which the people were radically benefited; but to Allen's untrained mind +even this seemed to be a clever business policy from the exercise of +which the corporation gained more than it gave. Already there had come +to him a sense of apprehension as to what might happen if Mr. Gorham's +restraining hand should lose its present power, and the control should +fall into the hands of men such as he conceived Covington and his +sympathizers to be; and lately the boy had regarded this chance as not +altogether remote. + +Gorham never allowed Allen to discuss with him the personalities of any +of the directors or stockholders with whom he came in contact. This was +partly due to his feeling that Allen was not as yet competent to form +opinions of any value, and partly to his general principle that he must +hold his own mind unprejudiced in his duty toward his associates. For +this reason, and for another which lay closer to his heart, the boy had +never expressed to him his distrust of Covington, though he had been +tempted to do so on more than one occasion. Now, however, during the +absence of his chief from the offices, Allen felt sure that a crisis was +near at hand. He knew that Covington was in constant communication with +certain of the directors, and the nature of these conferences could +perhaps be divined by the growing discontent which he saw developing +among those upon whom he knew Gorham depended as his most valued +lieutenants. He had been brooding over matters so long that this new and +tenser situation, as he saw it, made him feel it to be his duty to talk +it over with Gorham. He was none too sure that his doubts would be +shared or even accepted, and this uncertainty added to his +apprehensiveness in breaking over what he knew to be his chief's implied +commands. This was his first experience in a business office, and it +might be that what caused him anxiety was only a part of the day's work, +to be found in any similar establishment. Still, he determined to free +his mind of its ever-present burden, and he selected the time shortly +after Gorham's return from Washington. + +Gorham listened to Allen's reports well into the night. The boy did most +of the talking, and Gorham absorbed with little comment the story which +he had to tell. Allen was surprised and relieved to find that he +listened to him without criticism, and it strengthened him in his own +confidence to find that the elder man treated him with a consideration +beyond that which he had previously received. + +"You are quite right to come to me with this," Gorham said at length; +"but I feel that, as far as the business is concerned, you are unduly +apprehensive. I shall satisfy myself on this point on my return to the +office. Now, as to Mr. Covington: I have been aware for weeks of your +personal dislike for each other, but it is unworthy of you, Allen, to +allow this to influence you to the extent of doing him so great an +injustice." + +Allen colored deeply at the criticism. "I have waited until I am certain +that it is no injustice before bringing the matter to you," he said. + +"I have also been aware of another fact," Gorham continued, "which is in +itself an explanation of your present attitude. When I tell you that it +is my fondest hope that Alice shall marry Mr. Covington, you will +understand. This in itself is the strongest evidence I could give of my +confidence in him." + +This was a blow far greater than any Alice had dealt him. Allen had +never lost hope that sooner or later he could convince her that he had +attained man's estate, and this he considered the only real barrier +between them. But if Mr. Gorham had set his heart upon her marriage to +Covington, he knew the case was hopeless. The older man watched him as +he struggled with himself. + +"You should have no thought at present of marrying any one," he said, +kindly. "You are not mature enough yet to know your own mind. You have +done well, and I have great hopes for your future, but for the present +you must be content to solve one day's problems before taking up the +next." + +"I wouldn't mind so much about Alice," the boy finally managed to blurt +out, "if it was any one except Mr. Covington." + +"Have you any actual evidence that he is other than an upright, able +man, whose character entitles him to the fullest confidence and esteem?" + +"No actual evidence; but I know I'm right. Please don't let him have +Alice without making sure." + +Gorham placed his hand kindly upon the boy's shoulder. "Your interest in +my little girl's happiness, though prejudiced, makes me overlook this +boyish jealousy toward a man whom I respect. But you can't think that my +carefulness in so important a matter as this would be any less than your +own. Come, now, let us forget all this. Go back to your duties, my boy, +with a confidence that my judgment is better than yours." + +As Allen made no reply and showed no inclination to leave, Gorham +wondered if he had still anything further to say. The boy moved +uncomfortably in his chair as the question was asked. + +"Not regarding the business detail, Mr. Gorham," he replied at length. +"Oh, I am all at sea!" he burst out suddenly, his voice trembling with +emotion. "I guess business isn't in my line anyhow." + +"What do you mean, Allen?" Gorham asked, completely surprised by the +boy's intensity. + +"If I tell you what I really mean you will think I am ungrateful for the +chance you have given me, and, truly, that isn't it. I know you feel +that the Consolidated Companies is accomplishing a great work, and +you're right; but there's another side which I don't like at all. With +the single exception of yourself, I don't believe there is a man +connected with it who isn't in it for what he can get out of it. The +public is being benefited by certain reductions which the Companies +accomplishes, but before long I'm sure they will have to pay up for all +they have saved, with a bitter interest. Of course, my feeling this way +is simply an evidence that I don't understand things at all." + +Allen had touched upon Gorham's most sensitive point. "It is a deep +disappointment to me that you feel as you do," he replied. "As you say, +it is an evidence that you don't understand things at all. The +Consolidated Companies has almost reached a point where individual +personality is merely incidental; where, in my opinion, my own services +even will not long be essential. I like to believe that my continued +connection strengthens and guides it, but no one man can now affect its +progress to any serious degree; but, my boy, loyalty to the Companies on +the part of its employees is absolutely imperative. That I must demand +of you." + +Allen winced under the criticism, but he could not withdraw from his +position. + +"Could not a man like Mr. Covington change the entire policy of the +Companies if he came into control?" he asked, significantly. + +"No," Gorham replied, firmly. "In the first place, if he gained control, +he would have no desire to change it; in the second, my Executive +Committee is made up of men of too high principle to permit him or any +other man to operate the Companies upon other than a proper basis." + +"You may not feel so sure of this after you have investigated," Allen +insisted. + +"I shall never alter my opinion." Gorham was annoyed by the boy's +persistence. "It is too late to-night to discuss this phase of the +subject with you as thoroughly as we must if you are to continue with +the corporation, but in the mean time remember that the Consolidated +Companies is in the hands of men whose self-interest is coupled with a +personal gratification in the altruistic basis whose nature you have +learned from me. You are not competent to pass upon their motives, and +until you are you should not venture to criticise." + +"I admitted that it is all due to my inexperience, Mr. Gorham, and I am +sorry that you are angry. I believe in you as I could never believe in +any other man, and I know that, as far as you can control it, you will +keep the Consolidated Companies within the lines you have laid down; but +I can't make myself believe that the others have the same honorable +intentions." + +"Stop!" cried Gorham, seriously aroused by the boy's words. "I shall +listen to you no further. It is only my friendship for your father and +my affection for you which, keeps me from speaking harshly to you; but +be warned! You are attempting to interfere in a matter which is too +heavy for your strength. Leave it to those who understand it." + +After Allen left the house Gorham sat for a long time in his library, +smoking and meditating. Yet it was not the possible internal business +complications, as suggested by the boy, which occupied his thoughts; it +was not some new gigantic transaction about to be launched on behalf of +the Companies which filled his mind, nor was it the suggested danger to +Eleanor's peace of mind. He was thinking of Allen, half blaming himself +for the forlorn expression the boy's face had worn as he left the room. +It was a courageous thing for this youngster to rush in where older and +more experienced men would not have dared, to face Robert Gorham and to +tell him that the monument he had erected rested upon a base of shifting +sand. His absurd statements regarding Covington were easily explained, +but what he had said of the business was an honest expression, even +though groundless in fact and resulting from an inexperienced +interpretation of matters far beyond his present knowledge. + +Gorham contrasted in his mind the changes which these few months had +wrought in him. He remembered how lightly the boy had taken his father's +tirade which had thrown him upon his own resources, and compared this +with the depressing effect which his own criticism had produced. + +"Poor boy, I'm really sorry for him," he said to himself. "With old +Stephen on one side and with me on the other, and with his fancied +devotion to Alice on top of it all, he must feel that the world is +against him." Then Gorham's face became stern again. "But he must take +on ballast," he said, firmly; "he must get over these snap-judgments and +learn to recognize that he is playing with tools too heavy for him to +handle. It will do him good--but I love the boy for his courage. It will +land him somewhere if he keeps his head." + + + + +XX + + +The days passed by with nothing to justify Eleanor's apprehensions +resulting from Ralph Buckner's presence in New York, so her fears +vanished, and with them the necessity of disturbing her husband's +tranquillity with this confidence which already had been so long +postponed. Gorham's sudden trip to Washington made this even more +natural. Alice had told her of Covington's proposal, and was eager to +discuss the situation from every possible standpoint. To the older woman +the girl's attitude toward Allen seemed heartless, yet, knowing her +husband's feeling in the matter, she decided that it was wiser to leave +the young people to solve their own problem. Youth is ever heartless in +its attitude toward others, and it is only by its own suffering that it +learns the lesson of consideration. Eleanor sought to impress Alice with +the importance of being sure of her own heart before making her final +decision, and encouraged her to take plenty of time. She would have +hesitated to do this, on her husband's account, except that with Allen +so hopelessly out of the running the delay could do no harm. Alice must +make no error, Eleanor kept repeating to herself, recalling with painful +vividness the result of her own mistaken act of duty. + +Covington became a constant visitor at the Gorham home, assuming more +and more the prerogatives of an accepted suitor. His attentions were +assiduous and his companionship was so agreeable that Alice considered +the arrangement ideal. Each time he urged her to give him a definite +reply she begged off in such a playful, girlish fashion that Covington +mildly acquiesced, feeling that each day's association made the +situation that much more favorable to him. And this courtship, curious +as it was, proved not unpleasant to him. Much to his own surprise, he +began to find himself really fond of this young girl, who kept him +constantly on the _qui vive_ to follow her from the absurdity of girlish +conceits to the opposite extreme of mature discussion of subjects +ordinarily far beyond the grasp of her years. It whetted his interest +and possessed a decided fascination for him, he admitted to himself more +than once as he left the house to return to his own apartment, wearing a +satisfied smile of patronizing indulgence. Had it not been for the +business necessities, and the importance of actually becoming her +husband before anything occurred to disturb his relations with Gorham, +he would have preferred to have things run on indefinitely as they were. + +During this time Allen found Covington's attitude toward him completely +changed. It would have hurt the older man's self-respect to admit that +the boy could in any way be looked upon as a rival; but young girls are +uncertain quantities, and it had been necessary for Alice to prove that +she was beyond this danger-point before Covington decided that Allen was +a promising youngster, after all, and, as Stephen Sanford's son, +entitled at least to being noticed. + +Allen, during the same period, and perhaps because of the same +conditions, had grown to regard Covington with even more cordial +aversion. The only positive grievance he had against him was the +success he had gained with Alice; but, in an undefined way, he felt +instinctively that this man possessed every Machiavellian attribute in +the calendar of dishonor. With an effort to be just, Allen mentally made +a generous discount to offset any possible prejudice, but even then +Covington measured up shockingly bad. If Alice had insisted on a proof +of the statements he made against him to her, he would have found +himself lacking ammunition; when Gorham had asked him point-blank what +evidence he had to substantiate his accusations, he had been unable to +give any, and this, he realized, had hurt him in the eyes of his chief. + +So now the boy proposed to collect evidence, with the self-acknowledged +purpose of helping Gorham and of saving Alice, entirely overlooking any +personal interest in the undertaking. Covington's first overtures came +just at this time and were coldly received; but as Allen considered the +matter, he concluded that he would learn to "purr" too, taking lessons +in this gentle art from the one man whom he acknowledged to be its past +master. + +Gorham was surprised by the change in their relations as he saw it, and +the boy at once rose in his estimation. Allen had evidently taken to +heart the advice given him during their last interview, and had proved +himself big enough to rise above his jealousies and his disappointment. +Gorham, guided by Eleanor's judgment, had refrained even from expressing +to Alice his strong desire that she should marry Covington, but with +Allen already self-effaced and with Alice accepting Covington's +attentions, even though as yet uncommitted, all was progressing to his +satisfaction. + +Allen's duties still took him frequently to the Gorham house, but he +saw Alice only casually, as he made no effort to force himself upon her. +She was too much engrossed with the new element which had entered her +life to concern herself particularly, but she was negatively grateful to +him for not making the present condition unpleasant. She wanted to keep +him as a friend, and told him so frankly, but that could only be so long +as he accepted things as he found them. + +But any lack of enthusiasm on the part of Alice was more than made up +for by Patricia. She was living on the seventh floor of her seventh +heaven. As she saw it, Alice had acted in the friendliest way possible +in giving her a clear field with her Sir Launcelot. Allen humored her, +finding a real relief in this childish game which his little friend took +so seriously. The one drawback was the amount of intimate information +which she conveyed through the medium of her innocent prattle. Allen +could not know what was coming next, and so was powerless to head off +conversation upon subjects into which he knew he had no right to enter, +for Patricia possessed the faculty of keeping herself well informed as +to family matters. It was through this that he secured the first clew +upon which to start a real investigation, so he considered the +information Heaven-sent, and blessed the child accordingly. + +The staircase, as usual, formed the trysting-place. Here Patricia +waylaid her Knight on his way down from the library, taking her position +on an upper step, which made their difference in height less apparent. +The same ceremony was enacted each time in accord with the ritual she +had taught him. After he passed her, she suddenly sprang up to her full +stature, holding her arm high above her with the palm of her hand +extended. + +"Wit ye well, Sir Knight!" she cried, impressively. + +Then Allen turned--he was forbidden, under pain of death, to recognize +her until he heard these mystic words--knelt on the step below her and +kissed her other hand, while the one upraised descended upon his head in +benediction. + +"The Lord be with thee, Fair Lady," he replied, following his lesson. + +"And with thee--I accept thy troth. Now we can have a visit." + +The Arthurian lady had vanished, and Patricia was herself again, curled +up close beside him. + +"Look here, Lady Pat," he said, shaking his finger at her warningly, "I +think we ought to put a stop to this--you're taking it all too +seriously." + +"Of course," she admitted, smiling up at him. "Why don't we get married +right away--then it needn't be serious any longer." + +"Well"--Allen would not have wounded the devoted little heart for +worlds--"one reason is that I haven't money enough." + +"Did Knights have to have money?" Patricia inquired. "I never saw a suit +of armor with a money-pocket in it." + +"Neither did I," he admitted. "There wasn't any money then, like ours, +and when they wanted anything they didn't have, they fought for it." + +"Well, then, why don't you fight for it?" + +"I'm going to--I am fighting now. I mean, Lady Pat, they don't let you +fight the way they used to." + +"Is it only because you haven't money enough that we don't marry, Sir +Launcelot?" + +"That is--one of the principal reasons." + +"Swear that you don't love any other fair lady." + +"Except Alice," Allen insisted. + +"Shall you always love her?" Patricia asked, wistfully. + +Allen sighed. "I'm afraid so, Lady Pat." + +"Well, I don't care--I'll love you enough for both of us, so that's all +settled. Now promise that you'll sit on this very step and not move 'til +I come back." + +"What for? I must run along." + +"You promised," she cried, and disappeared up-stairs as fast as her +little white legs could carry her. There was nothing to do but wait, yet +Allen was not long kept in suspense. Patricia returned with equal speed, +carrying her bank in both hands. + +"There!" she exclaimed, jingling the contents. "You take that and make a +lot more with it, and we shall have all the money we want." + +"But I can't do that," he protested. + +"Aren't you as smart as Mr. Covington?" + +"What has he to do with it, Lady Pat?" + +"He took Alice's money and made a whole lot more with it, and I'm going +to tell you how to do it, too." + +Patricia danced before him on the hall rug, clapping her hands together +with joy and excitement. Suddenly she paused in her gyrations, and, +placing her mouth close to his ear, she whispered: + +"Buy some storks from the New York Railroad." + +Allen jumped to his feet as if he had been struck. "What did you say?" +he demanded, seizing the child almost roughly by the wrist; but Patricia +attributed his action to excitement and joy equal to her own, so +accepted it cheerfully. + +"That is it," she repeated, firmly. "I'm sure, for I wrote it down just +as soon as I heard it. I knew I should need it some time. Storks must be +very valuable birds, because Mr. Covington told Alice not to tell; and +he made thirty--thousand--dollars for her. Now, you're smarter than Mr. +Covington, and you can make a hundred thousand. Will you?" + +"I'll start right out and see what I can do." Allen tried to keep the +child from seeing his excitement. "I haven't time to stop to tell you +how naughty it is to listen. If I don't go right now the storks may all +be gone, and then of course we couldn't make any money. Good-bye, Lady +Pat--I'll try hard, but don't be disappointed if there aren't any +left--good-bye." + +Allen rushed from the house and, hailing a passing taxi, ordered the +chauffeur to drive to the office, although it was now nearly six +o'clock. + + + + +XXI + + +With characteristic energy Gorham made good the promise given to Allen +to investigate matters at the office, and not many days after his return +to his desk he issued a call for a special meeting of the Executive +Committee. He looked upon it almost as a weakness to have permitted this +boy's unsupported statements to influence him even to this extent, but +he justified himself by the knowledge that a confirmation of the loyalty +of his associates would give him renewed strength. + +The day of the meeting found every member of the committee present--a +fact which interested Gorham as an evidence of the devotion of these men +to the responsibilities which rested upon them. But the routine business +had no sooner been completed than the president became aware that the +harmony which had existed from the beginning was in danger of being +disturbed. Inquiries were made which were too significant to be +overlooked, and veiled criticism came from quarters where previously he +had believed existed absolute confidence in himself and full approval of +his methods. + +"It is well to have this come to a head," Gorham remarked after several +had expressed their views. "This corporation is so gigantic that it must +fall of its own weight unless every part of its structure be sound and +effective in bearing its share of the load. There is no stability where +there is lack of harmony, and what you gentlemen have said to-day shows +beyond question that radical and immediate action is imperative to +preserve to our stockholders what we have already gained for them, and +to secure the future benefits which are assured, provided the Companies +itself can act as a unit. Now, in order that we may clearly understand +the situation, will not Mr. Litchfield state specifically the criticism +implied in his remarks?" + +Litchfield rose deliberately from his seat. He was the head of certain +large gas-works which the corporation had acquired in connection with +its consolidation of the lighting interests in Philadelphia. + +"Before complying with Mr. Gorham's request," he began, "I wish to say +that nothing is further from my intentions than to cast aspersions +either upon our president or his motives. During the time I have served +on this committee I have been amazed by the increasing realization which +has come to me of the marvellous success he has achieved in developing +the Consolidated Companies to the point it has reached to-day. Many of +us have contributed in a smaller or greater degree to its success, but +it has been his master mind which has anticipated the conditions and +provided the means to make the most of them. But it is also true that in +doing this Mr. Gorham has, in my opinion, deliberately neglected to +secure for the Companies as large returns as might have been gained. In +the Philadelphia Lighting Company, for example, with which I am +naturally more familiar than with any of the other ramifications of the +Consolidated Companies, Mr. Gorham has voluntarily reduced the rates +when the consumers had expressed no general discontent with the former +prices. It is true that the consolidation effected great economies in +the production, but it is entirely obvious that the profits to the +company would be greater if we were receiving the full advantage of the +economies by still selling our product at the old rates. And this case +which I have cited is, I understand, a fair sample of Mr. Gorham's +policy in all other directions. I can appreciate the desirability in the +past of giving the people the advantage in a few transactions in order +to create public confidence; but to continue to make a practice of so +doing appears to me to be unnecessary and, I may say, unbusinesslike." + +After Litchfield sat down Gorham called upon several others, some of +whom expressed themselves, with more or less frankness, along the same +line. + +"Then it all sums itself up in this," he said at length, after having +invited remarks from those who cared to take part in the discussion: +"Your president has been guilty of not making the most of the +opportunities which he himself has created." + +This seemed to be the sense of the meeting. + +"Then let me ask a few questions," continued Gorham. "Mr. Litchfield has +told us of the reduced cost of production in his plants as a result of +our consolidation. Will he not further state how great that economy is?" + +"Thirty-three and one-third per cent.," was the prompt reply. + +"And we have reduced the rate how much?" + +"Fifteen per cent." + +"How much has the business increased during the past year?" + +"About twenty per cent." + +"And the balance-sheet shows what as to profits?" + +"About twenty-five per cent. larger than any previous year." + +"In spite of the reduced rates," Gorham added, significantly. + +"But they would have been larger still if the old rates had prevailed," +Litchfield insisted. + +"I cannot agree with you," Gorham said, firmly. "Your concern had been +standing still for six years when we took hold of it--the business had +even gone backward the last year--yet in two years' time, under our +administration, it shows a gross gain of thirty-three and one-third per +cent. and a net gain of twenty-five. I am enlarging on Mr. Litchfield's +case because, in a measure, it is an answer to you all, and a full +justification of the basis upon which I have rested and shall continue +to rest the operations of the Companies. It has been my pride that it +was possible to administer the affairs of this corporation in such a way +that not only could we boast that during the five years of our business +existence we had lived up to the principles on which we originally +built, but also that we have proved it a sound financial proposition. +Never before in the history of the world has any body of men associated +themselves in business with the avowed purpose of making their +organization an advantage to the people, without either failing signally +in their undertaking or proving themselves false to their +responsibilities. We have reached a point where failure is impossible; +we find ourselves receiving greater returns upon our investment than is +yielded by any other organization in existence. Can it be possible that +there is one man among us who wishes to take away from the Companies the +unique position which it has now gained?" + +It was evident that Litchfield had been appointed the spokesman for the +committee, as he immediately assumed the responsibility of replying to +Gorham's remarks. + +"May I not ask our president if he does not overestimate the importance +of standing up so straight that there is danger of falling over +backward? There is no difference of opinion as to the commercial value +of the great asset which he has established for the Companies, in so +completely winning the confidence of the people at large as well as +those who hold high positions of trust. We should stultify ourselves +were we to take any such stand, for the profits of the Companies are an +irrefutable argument. The question before us, then, is not one of fact, +but rather of degree. Why should we spend these further millions to gain +that which we have already secured? We should still so administer the +affairs of the Companies as to hold this great advantage, but I maintain +that we should pay no more to hold it than is absolutely necessary." + +Gorham glanced around to see if any one else was disposed to add to what +Litchfield had said, but the silence which prevailed indicated more +clearly than words that the speaker had expressed the consensus of +opinion. + +"I am waiting for some one to remind Mr. Litchfield that he has +overlooked, in his statement, a fact which possesses vital +significance," Gorham said at length. "The Consolidated Companies has +received from the people concessions which it has succeeded in making +immensely valuable. It has accepted these concessions in trust upon the +distinct understanding that those who gave them should receive equal +benefit. So far, this trust has been religiously observed. Every dollar +of profit which the stockholders have divided represents a like amount +paid back to those to whom it belongs. To pay them less would be not +only a breach of faith, but would be to retain that which does not +belong to us. It is not for Mr. Litchfield or for me to determine the +amount--the proportion has already been settled by our original +covenant." + +Litchfield moved uneasily in his chair as Gorham ceased speaking. + +"You put it in rather a disagreeable form, Mr. Gorham. Perhaps the fact +that you have been talking this side of the enterprise for so long has +made you assimilate more of your own theories than is ordinarily the +case. Of course, in the beginning, it was necessary to make the +statements strong in order to be convincing, but there was no +'covenant,' as you call it, and the people are not in a position to +exact an equal division unless we choose to give it to them." + +"Can it be that I understand you correctly?" Gorham demanded, with +mingled indignation and amazement. "Do you mean to imply that I have not +been sincere in stating to the public the original basis upon which we +incorporated? Do you suggest that when one party to the agreement has +lived fairly up to his end of it we, the other party, should neglect to +do the same, simply because he has no access to our books and no power +to demand an accounting?" + +"You are far too literal in your interpretation of my remarks," +Litchfield protested, with some warmth. "This parallel you have drawn is +absurd on the face of it. There has been no legal agreement that we +should treat the dear public as if it were in actual partnership with +us. You have held out certain inducements which have secured for us the +concessions, and we have made good the promise you gave that our success +meant advantage to the people. But all this was a means to an end. For +five years the public has shared equally with those of us who have put +money and brains into the Consolidated Companies. No one suggests that +the people should not still continue to receive benefits, but those of +us here present are unanimous in our conviction that the time has now +come to conduct the Companies upon a strictly business basis. This is +not the age for quixotic sentimentality, and the Consolidated Companies +not only possesses the right, but the power to maintain its position +upon the same basis as other smaller and less powerful organizations. +Speaking for myself alone, I am amazed that Robert Gorham, with his +exceptional and acknowledged business acumen, should take a position +with his Executive Committee which is as disadvantageous to his own +interests as it is to the stockholders'." + +No one but Gorham himself saw the mist which momentarily rose before his +eyes, yet, when it passed, his vision was clearer than it had ever been. +The men sitting around him represented the flower of the business world, +each one of whom stood before his fellow-men as a tangible expression of +honor and integrity. Yet not one was able to comprehend Gorham's +viewpoint, not one could be anything but incredulous that he stood +sincere in the position he had taken. This was what hurt him most. The +applause which his associates had awarded him had been as that won by a +clever actor rather than, as he had believed, the responsive echo forced +from their souls by the battle notes of a new cause. Their acceptance of +his doctrines had been because his arguments had persuaded them of the +material side of the enterprise. The very magnetism which they had felt +exercised by him upon themselves they had capitalized as an asset to be +assayed when once the ore was stopped. All the high-sounding claims were +turned at this moment into empty platitudes. All his promises were +valueless beyond his personal strength to make them good. To this extent +Allen had been right, but it was not too late to recognize the danger +and to meet it. His associates saw the Robert Gorham they thought they +had known for five years sitting in repose before them while this +realization of the situation surged through his brain--they saw the real +Robert Gorham when he rose to his feet, and faced them with a force they +felt before a word was spoken. + +"I could not have believed it possible," he said, "for a moment such as +this ever to arrive. I have lived in this business Utopia for five +years, blind to the fact that those who labored with me failed utterly +to comprehend or to appreciate the sincerity of my motives or the +integrity of my purpose. I admit that I question my ability to make +clear to you by words what my acts have not conveyed. During these +years, and until to-day, you have accepted my judgment as supreme, and +for the first time I realize that this was not because you believed in +it, but because you saw in it advantage to yourselves. The gratification +which I have enjoyed from this supposed tribute has vanished, like the +empty bubble that it was. It has been said that the Consolidated +Companies was a one-man corporation, which I have denied, believing that +my labors were rather those of the pioneer, showing the way to those +associated with me who would naturally follow my footsteps. Again, I was +wrong: this has been a one-man corporation, and it is so to-day. Not +only has the creation of it been mine and mine alone, but also the +successful putting into execution of those principles which I alone +devised. The credit for this, which I have until now proudly conceded to +you, I assume wholly for myself, and I also give myself the further +credit of having, unknown to myself, been the single force which has +compelled you to live up to the high standard I established. + +"Now, as the parent of this child which I have seen develop to this +point under my guidance and protection, I stand here prepared to fight +for its honor against you who threaten its destruction--and I warn you +that the parent love dares much. As the Roman Virginius stood with his +sword pricking the flesh over the heart of his beloved daughter, so do I +stand ready to destroy my offspring rather than suffer its dishonor at +the hands of any Appius Claudius. Gentlemen, the Consolidated Companies +has been a one-man corporation in the past through your sufferance; from +to-day, if it exist at all, it shall be a one-man corporation because of +my will. You know that these are no idle words. You know what would be +the result of a single statement from me that the Companies repudiates +its assumed responsibilities. I do not ask--I demand that you gentlemen, +as the Executive Committee of the corporation, pass such resolutions as +will place the authority absolutely in my hands. I ask Mr. Litchfield to +take the chair, while I retire to give you ample opportunity for +discussion. However hard it may be for your personal pride, you will +have to do this--you have too much at stake to gratify your resentment +of my autocracy. But if you can gain any consolation in the knowledge +that you have dealt your president a blow from which it will take long +for him to recover, I beg of you to make the most of it. I believed +that power was the supreme lever with which to move the world, and that +money was but the fulcrum upon which that lever should rest. You +gentlemen have shattered this belief, and have shown me that sordid gold +is the controlling object of man's life. Still, I prefer to remain in my +Utopia, alone if need be, but with your unwilling company so long as my +present strength shall last." + +Gorham closed his eyes involuntarily as he ceased speaking, still +standing before his associates. A single tremor passed over his face, +and then it was as impassive as before. With a bow as courteous as it +was impressive, he left the room. + + + + +XXII + + +When Covington entered Gorham's office an hour later he found his chief +bowed forward on his desk, his head resting upon his hands. As the door +closed the older man raised his eyes, and the change in his face caused +Covington to stop in surprise. The usual color was replaced by a dull, +ashen gray, the lines had deepened, and the general aspect was that of a +man ten years older. + +"Everything is all right, Mr. Gorham," Covington remarked, +encouragingly. "They passed the resolutions you demanded." + +"John." + +It was the first time Gorham had ever addressed him by his Christian +name, and this fact, together with the tone in which it was spoken, +aroused a novel sensation in the younger man. He took the outstretched +hand, and accepted the friendly pressure, conscious of a feeling not +altogether pleasant. + +"John," Gorham repeated, "you and I are the only ones who can save the +Companies to its stockholders. We have a tremendous responsibility +thrust upon us." + +"But you won out," Covington exclaimed, amazed that Gorham seemed not to +have comprehended his words. "Everything is all right." + +"Everything is all wrong," the older man corrected, his eyes flashing +with a fire at variance with his general bearing. "Of course I won out, +but that is the least of my concern. My life-work bids fair to be a +failure, unless you and I together can build this structure over, using +material which this time will prove strong enough to withstand the +unholy strain of money, money, money. Of course I won out, because they +dare not risk my antagonism; but I have failed--miserably failed--in my +efforts to instil into those associated with me the basic principles of +a successful altruistic business. Oh, the pity of it! The greater the +returns the greater the greed, and their blindness in killing the goose +which lays the golden egg! But in you, John, at least, I have a tower of +strength." + +Covington found himself being rapidly forced into an equivocal position. +No one knew so well as he that the present conditions were the direct +result of his skilful and persistent manipulation, yet the result of +this first issue had not been what he had foreseen. In fact, it had +turned out better than he had expected, in that Gorham now leaned on him +as his sole support. Yet it was dangerous, Covington realized, to be +placed where he could be accused of carrying water on both shoulders, so +he hastened to put himself on record, midway between the two factions. + +"They had no idea that you laid so much stress on the moral side, in +your own mind--" he began. + +"How could they have known me at all and thought otherwise?" + +"The whole scheme of the Consolidated Companies is so unusual that +perhaps it isn't to be wondered at. What you consider to be unwarranted +is a recognized business method in other corporations." + +"Why do you tell me this?" Gorham demanded, suddenly. + +"Because I feared that you had overlooked it, in the heat of the +argument, and some sort of a compromise is of course necessary." + +"Compromise?" repeated Gorham, questioningly. "I don't follow you." + +"Why, you've carried your point, and proved your strength, but you have +divided the Companies into two camps. Of course something must be done +to conciliate. By Jove! that was an arraignment you gave them!" + +"There can be no conciliation, Covington," was the firm response; "there +can be no compromise. The Consolidated Companies either is what it is, +or it is nothing. The pledges which I have made from the beginning shall +be lived up to in spirit and in letter, or the final exercise of the +strength which they all are forced to admit shall be again to separate +it into its integral parts, and prevent it from undoing that which I +have already accomplished through its agency." + +"That is a large contract for any one man to undertake," Covington +remarked. "No individual has yet been able to disintegrate a successful +going corporation when the stockholders and the directors were opposed +to it." + +"We are talking of unusual things," Gorham replied. "No individual +before has been able to found so mammoth or so successful a corporation +as the Consolidated Companies. No individual before this has found +himself strong enough to force the immediate capitulation, against their +wills, of so powerful an Executive Committee. With these precedents +before me, I state my determination not as a threat, or as a boast, but +as a fact." + +"Are you counting on the stockholders for support?" + +"Absolutely." + +"You will find them as unanimously against you as you have just found +the committee." + +"Do you know this?" + +"They all know it; they would not have taken their position otherwise. +Next time, the stockholders will be put in evidence." + +Gorham again became silent. This second shock, following so soon after +the first, for a moment paralyzed his power to think, but he quickly +recovered his optimism. + +"I do not believe it--I will not believe it. But why do you tell me +this?" he again asked. "There must be some purpose behind it all." + +"There is. It is necessary for you to realize the exact position we are +in. Your work has been with those about to become stockholders, or with +the consolidations; I have been brought in personal contact with the +stockholders and the directors. You have met the ideals, while I have +come face to face with the actualities. For this reason I tell you that +you are undertaking a more serious campaign than you realize, and I also +tell you that, strong as you are, compromise and conciliation will +eventually be required." + +"Do I, then, stand alone?" + +Covington resented the suggestion. + +"There should be no question in your mind as to where I stand," he said. +"My personal relations with you, and my hope of an even closer +relationship, make any discussion unnecessary. But I see the situation +from a viewpoint which you cannot, and my duty clearly demands that I +express myself to you with complete frankness. I do not suggest that you +give up your ideals--I simply urge you to compromise with them in order +to win greater victories in the future." + +"Covington," replied Gorham, with decision, "you know how much I value +your judgment, how firmly I rely upon your loyalty. Because of this, I +shall move with even greater care than so serious a crisis as this +inevitably demands. Yet it is only fair to say to you now that I can see +but one outcome. There are many conflicts which arise in life which +admit of compromise--but you cannot compromise with truth, with virtue, +or with honor. These attributes either exist, or they do not--there are +no half-ways. Suppose you do a little thinking, too, along my line. Then +we'll join together, taking advantage of this new knowledge which has +come to us, and force the issue where we see the necessity. We are both +trying to accomplish the same results, but are considering different +routes. Think it over, my friend, and I feel sure that you will see that +I am right." + +His interview with Gorham left Covington with certain well-defined +conclusions: Gorham would never yield one iota from his position, and +his associates would not rest until they had wiped out this affront they +had received. It would be necessary for him to take sides openly with +Gorham or else make definite sacrifices. Yet he must hold the position +he now had with the directors so as to be Gorham's successor in case the +affair turned in that direction; and, most important of all, he must +fortify himself still further against the breaking of the storm, which +he knew would sooner or later come upon him. + +In military conflicts there are various methods of winning a victory. +When the adversary appears too strong for a direct battle, a skilful +tactician will sometimes weaken the enemy's strength by a rear attack. +Covington was a skilful tactician, and in the present crisis the +affidavits he had stored away in his safe-deposit drawer tempted him +sorely. He had never expected to use them, he told himself. He had never +expected to be placed in opposition to Mr. Gorham. With the family +alliance he contemplated, there would seem to be no occasion for +conflicting interests to exist between them. But if Gorham insisted on +making a fool of himself, there was really no good reason why Covington +should allow himself to be dragged down with him. It was infinitely +wiser to be in the position of "heads I win, tails you lose." Surely he +could not be accused of selfishness in the matter, when, if Mr. Gorham +were eventually dethroned by the directors, and he, Covington, crowned +in his place, it would simply result in keeping the Consolidated +Companies still in the family. And as for Gorham's silly threat to +disintegrate the corporation--that was too absurd to be considered +seriously. + +So Covington again inspected the papers which Levy had secured for him. +The one which related to Mrs. Buckner and the prospector he laid aside +at once as too contemptible to be considered, but the other interested +him. Gorham was setting himself above other men who held enviable +positions in the business and social world. If this affidavit was +true--and Covington saw no reason to doubt its authenticity--this +demigod might hesitate to emphasize his superiority. With the legality +of his marriage questioned, his Czarship might be weakened; and this, +as Covington saw it, meant advantage to himself in the Consolidated +Companies, and an insurance against any attitude Gorham might take +against him. With Brady vowing vengeance, his part in unloading the +railways stock on Alice might at any time be uncovered. With the present +strained relations between Gorham and the Executive Committee, his +confidential relations with both sides might prove disagreeable. But +with Gorham himself entangled in a domestic complication, serious +consequences to himself from such a catastrophe might be averted, or, at +least, mitigated. And, best of all, Levy was quite ready to proceed in +the matter with Buckner as his client. Surely Opportunity never offered +herself with more brazen coquetry to any one than she did to John +Covington. + +All this resulted in a busy afternoon for Lawyer Levy. Covington +returned the affidavit to him and left him free to proceed or not, as he +saw fit. Levy's delight was unbounded--"it was such a nice case." +Buckner was quickly summoned to the lawyer's office and a new agreement +drawn between them, which gave special joy to Buckner, as it meant an +increased supply of money and a renewed lease of life in New York City, +which he had learned to "love." Besides the agreement, he was asked to +sign a letter to Mrs. Gorham, which had been carefully worded by Levy +and was filled with lurid descriptions of his affection and loneliness. +He had accidentally become aware of the fact that their separation was +not legal, and the unexpected knowledge had served to revive in him all +the fondness of the early days. He had mastered the curse of drink which +had brought about their estrangement, and needed her companionship and +care. He regretted the inconvenience which it might occasion, but Mr. +Gorham had everything while he had nothing but the affection which he +felt for her--and that as she was now, and always had been his wife, he +demanded his rights. + +Levy had known men to change their minds, and in order to prevent any +such misfortune he despatched the letter by special messenger early in +the evening. Gorham had returned late and betook himself to the library +immediately after dinner to consider the new business complications with +great care before grappling with the situation on the following day. He +was still meditating when he was surprised to see Eleanor enter the +room, with an expression on her face which at once made him forget his +own perplexities. + +"Why, Eleanor!" he cried, "what has gone wrong with you?" + +Mrs. Gorham took her favorite seat on the arm of her husband's chair, +and he drew her to him. + +"I saw Ralph Buckner while out driving a few weeks ago," she said in +response to his question. "It unnerved me at the time, and I have been +apprehensive ever since. I did not tell you about it, as there seemed +nothing on which to base my fears, and you were so occupied. I hesitate +even now to add to your burdens, but this letter has just come, and you +should see it." + +As she spoke she placed the open letter in his hand, and he read it +carefully. + +"There can be nothing to this--can there?" she asked, her lip trembling +and her whole expression showing how eagerly she awaited his answer. + +"Eleanor," he said, softly, drawing her onto his lap, and soothing her +with the tenderness a mother would have shown an anxious child. He held +her pressed closely to him for so long a time in silence that at last +she became frightened She sat upright and, placing a hand on either +shoulder, regarded him searchingly. + +"Robert," she cried, aghast, "you don't believe--" + +Then he told her the news which James Riley had brought him, and of his +efforts to learn more. + +"No, dear, I don't believe it," Gorham finally answered her unfinished +question. "No power on earth could make me believe it until they proved +it; and even then no power could take you from me." + +"But it must be proved one way or the other." + +"There will be no need," Gorham replied, with a lightness he did not +feel; "I will find this man and will settle it for all time." + +"How will you settle it, Robert?" + +"He is doing this for money. Now that he has come out into the open, I +can take care of him." + +"But that won't do, dear. If there is any question about the divorce, +your buying him off won't settle it, will it?" + +"It must," was Gorham's decisive answer. + +"It can't." Eleanor rose and regarded him with an infinite tenderness. +"It can't, Robert; you know it can't, dear. If the divorce is not legal, +then there was no marriage between us, and what Ralph Buckner says or +does cannot affect that. We must know the facts now, dear." + +"In all probability the divorce was perfectly regular. It is questioned +now purely for blackmailing purposes; but I will submit to that, if +necessary, rather than have the matter go any further. Don't be quixotic +and play into the hands of these scoundrels who have gotten hold of +Buckner, and are trying to reach me through you, knowing well that this +is my vulnerable point." + +Mrs. Gorham was so long silent that her husband felt his argument had +won. + +"Eleanor," he said more calmly, "can you ever fully realize what you are +to me? All these gigantic transactions which have fallen to my lot mean +only so many contests with the world that I may bring my victories back +to you. The struggle is inspiring, the strife is intoxicating while it +is on, but how hollow the successes except for you! My life and all its +activities are centred about this one inmost shrine in which I mean to +keep you, unsullied by even the implied contamination which these +blackmailers would bring upon you. I will fight them with their own +weapons, and, thank God, I can ward off the blow." + +"Robert--my Robert!" Mrs. Gorham's voice was low but masterful in the +force which lay behind the words. "Nothing can ever come to me so bitter +as to make me forget that this has caused you to say what you have just +said. You mean every word, and to have won such devotion from such a man +is enough to make any woman's life complete. But it is your heart which +speaks, and our sober judgment must acknowledge without a question the +necessity of settling beyond the reach of doubt the validity of the +legal tie which binds us. We need no court to settle the question of our +love, my Robert--that is the real marriage which I know God only +recognizes; but there can be no happiness for us if we disregard even +for a moment those conventions which are necessary to our every-day +life. You know it, dear, just as I do." + +"It is unnecessary, Eleanor--it is unwise. We are so certain that there +is no real basis for doubt." + +"Would you feel the same if Alice were involved?" she asked, quietly. + +"Alice?" he repeated. + +"Yes; suppose this same question came up with her, would you not be the +first to insist that the facts be proven?" + +"What can I say?" he asked, brokenly. "This means a public trial and all +the scandal that goes with it. It means a rehearsing of all that past +which I have tried to help you to forget. It means pain and sorrow and +suffering to you, dear--to you whom I would shield with my life from +just what now threatens you." + +"A trial, Robert?" Mrs. Gorham asked, looking at him with a startled +expression. "Do you mean that there has to be a trial?" + +"Of course," Gorham replied, wondering at the unexpected change in her +attitude. + +Suddenly she buried her face against his shoulder and burst into tears. +"Oh, I couldn't stand that!" she cried. + +Gorham gently held her face from him and looked into it kindly but +questioningly. "Why not?" he asked. + +"It would kill me," she replied, not meeting his look. + +"Is there anything which the trial could bring out which you have not +already told me, Eleanor?" he asked, quietly. + +"Don't you know enough already to understand why I could never live +through it?" + +Gorham urged no further and caressed her gently, yet there was an +expression of distinct disappointment in his face. + +"There must be no trial," he said, firmly. "You shall be shielded from +that and from everything else which threatens to bring you sorrow. You +must leave it all in my hands." + + + + +XXIII + + +Allen went over the list of names lying on the desk before him for a +third time, carefully running down the column with his finger. Then he +leaned back in his chair and reflected. The single light flooded the +desk and cast its shadows out into the great office, but the boy's eyes +never left the papers before him. + +"That's mighty strange," he said aloud. "I'll bet Lady Pat got it +straight, but if she did that list ought to show it." + +He leaned forward again and turned to the early pages. "Courtney, +Cousens, Covell, Coveney--Covington ought to come in right there." Then +he turned the pages over rapidly--"Goodrich, Goodspeed, Goodwin, Gordon, +Gore--there isn't any Gorham there, either." + +For several moments he sat there deep in thought. Suddenly he rose and +struck the top of the desk a resounding blow with his fist. + +"Chump!" he cried. "Of course he didn't. Oh, I'm a great business man, I +am, thinking he'd buy those shares in his own name or in Alice's. It's +back to the dear old farm for me. Chump!" + +He restored the papers to their proper places, picked up Patricia's +bank, which he still had with him, turned out the light, and then +tramped down the long flights of stairs to work off his excitement. He +was disappointed not to have succeeded in this first attempt to prove +his suspicions, but he found some consolation in the certainty which +came to him, even in the face of this defeat, that he was on the right +track. + +For the next few days more immediate matters kept him completely +occupied. Gorham told him enough of what had happened at the meeting to +make him feel at once elated and concerned. + +"You were right to a degree, my boy, and I give you credit for it; but +don't think for a moment that there is going to be any change in the +administration of the Consolidated Companies." + +"You'll have a hard fight on your hands, Mr. Gorham. They aren't the +kind of men to let you force them any longer than they have to." + +"That will be as long as we remain associated in the corporation," +Gorham said, with conviction. "It does mean a greater burden for me and +for Covington and for you, as for all those who remain loyal, but the +game is worth the struggle. This is what makes life worth living, boy. +Struggles are nothing--I've had them always; it's only the lost faith +which slips in under one's guard and stings." + +Allen longed to ask just where Covington claimed to stand, but he +dreaded further imputations as to the motives underlying his question. +Then, later, it occurred to him that he might take advantage of the new +relations created by Covington himself. Watching his opportunity, he +opened up the subject with a proper air of mystery. + +"I wish you would advise me, Mr. Covington." + +The words may have caused surprise, but Covington turned to the boy as +though his remark were perfectly natural. + +"I shall be glad to if I can," he said. + +"You see, I don't quite know where I stand just now. There's evidently +going to be a struggle between the chief and the committee, and I'd like +to be put in right. How do you think it's going to turn out?" + +Covington did not doubt the sincerity which Allen's words and tone +apparently expressed. + +"There is only one possible outcome," he replied, frankly. "Mr. Gorham +will have to compromise or they will find a way to take his power away +from him." + +"But you don't think he will, do you?" + +"He's bound to. No man except a fool is going to let his ideals rob him +of his power, and Robert Gorham is no fool." + +"No, but those ideals are pretty well developed." + +"Of course they are, and he will hold to them as long as he can; but +when Litchfield and the others begin to take real action, as they will +soon, he will see things differently." + +"Then you advise me to stick to him?" + +Covington looked at him critically. "If I were you," he said, carefully, +"I would stick to the Companies. I am with him, of course, but the +clerks have no special obligation to any one. You have been closer to +him than the others, but I don't suppose that is any reason why you +shouldn't look out for yourself if a break comes. But personally, I'm +not expecting any break." + +"I never saw any one cotton so to anything as Mr. Gorham does to those +ideals of his," Allen continued. "I believe he talks them all day and +dreams them all night. It would break his heart to be obliged to take +back water." + +Covington laughed at the boy's simplicity. "Mr. Gorham was in business +long before the Consolidated Companies was born, and from what they tell +me he was a clever one even back there. His ideals didn't trouble him +any then, yet he succeeded. He figures that it is necessary for him to +test his strength against the committee at this point, and he has +accomplished all he wants. He will play with them for a time, and +eventually make a compromise which will fool them into thinking that +they have carried their point, but which in reality will give him a +still stronger grip on the Companies. Mr. Gorham has taught me a good +many lessons, not the least of which is how to turn ideals into business +assets. I would suggest that you don't give yourself a great deal of +anxiety over his 'broken heart.'" + +Covington's conversation with Allen was as frank and cordial as the boy +could have asked, yet between the two there was a barrier beyond which +Allen could not venture to pass. But the ice was broken, and this first +conversation which approached even a semblance of friendliness might +open the way for more important conferences in the future. + +Gorham, during these days, was working hard to discover the real crux in +Buckner's affairs. His secret-service men supplied him with a detailed +record of the man's history, and reported frequent interviews between +him and Levy or Levy's agents. Gorham had even seen the lawyer himself, +but gained only a deeper conviction that it was a case of blackmail for +revenue only. Levy laid before him all the papers in the case with +praiseworthy frankness. He would even have extended his sympathy, +except that his first efforts in this direction had not been received in +the spirit he thought they should have been. If Buckner's statement was +correct, there had been a cruel blunder on the part of Eleanor's +counsel; yet unless he was certain of his ground, Gorham could not +comprehend his daring to place himself in so dangerous a position. +Already the machinery was in motion to settle this point, but so far the +telegrams from the Colorado lawyers threw no light on the situation. +James Riley made frequent reports, drawing liberal expense accounts each +time he called, but as yet no single fact had been unearthed which gave +any promise of relief. Gorham relished an open fight, but this guerilla +warfare, threatening Eleanor's happiness and peace of mind, caused him +real anxiety. + +Eleanor's attitude throughout this period puzzled him not a little. The +more he thought the matter over, the more convinced he was that she was +right in her position that the question of the legality of the divorce +must be settled once and for all and at whatever cost. There must be +some way to arrive at this point without the necessity of a public +trial, but even if it came to that the facts must be established. Yet as +Gorham gradually came squarely over to his wife's viewpoint, Eleanor +seemed to be coming nearer to accepting the one which he had originally +advanced. This was what mystified him. He recognized that what she had +told him, when they first talked the matter over, was the natural +expression of the woman's self which he knew so well; her later attitude +showed the influence of some factor in her life unknown to him. She had +repeatedly been on the point of confiding to him, yet the confidence had +never been given, and Gorham was not a man who could urge beyond what +it was her voluntary desire to speak. + +It never had occurred to him to take offence or to criticise Eleanor's +attitude. He wished that she would come to him with the burden which lay +so heavily upon her heart, but he wished it only because he felt that he +could lighten it. Ever since the cloud had become apparent, his +tenderness toward her had increased to such an extent that she felt +herself weakened by his sympathy and swept along relentlessly by the +flood of events which crowded one on top of another. He had told her +that there should be no trial, and she showed him by every word and act +that she depended blindly upon his ability to make good his promise. + +The calm which existed at the offices of the Consolidated Companies +during the fortnight succeeding the stormy session of the committee, +while unexpected, did not lull Gorham into any false sense of security. +Now that his vision had been cleared, he knew that it was their strength +pitted against his own. He had his own plans for meeting this, but with +supreme confidence in himself he preferred to let them make the first +move. Covington had not retreated from his position that a compromise of +some sort was desirable, but he succeeded in convincing Gorham that this +was simply a difference in viewpoint, and that his chief's judgment +would, of course, be final. Acting upon the definite authority which +Gorham had forced from the committee to replace the tacit understanding +which had existed from the first, he plunged ahead with renewed energy +to perfect the organizations which the Companies had in hand. But while +conscious that his associates were undoubtedly concentrating their +energies upon some plan which might be used effectively against him, he +was grateful for the postponement of the issue, in that it gave him time +to work upon his present domestic problem. + +Covington congratulated himself upon the happy solution of the most +dangerous horn of his dilemma. He did not wish Gorham to yield, and he +found that the more he urged him to compromise, the more firmly set he +was against doing it. Thus he could accomplish his purpose, and at the +same time put himself on record without risk of being called disloyal, +while advising him for his own best good. The others were working hard, +and Covington could have posted his chief upon many interesting points +had he chosen to do so. Instead, he preferred to bring added pressure +upon Alice to name an early date for their wedding. He seemed to have +overlooked the fact that as yet she had not given him her formal +consent, but as the event was apparently accepted by her father and +Eleanor and Covington himself as a foregone conclusion, the girl took no +definite exceptions to his attitude. He was, of course, aware of the +family complications, and, in expressing his sympathy, explained that he +could be of much greater assistance in helping to straighten matters out +if he were actually included in the family circle. + +But Covington, with all his astuteness, was frankly surprised by a piece +of information which one of the committee confided to him; and this was +nothing less than that unquestionable evidence had been secured that +Gorham himself had, at least in one instance, taken advantage of his +position for personal gain. What this instance was his informant could +not at that moment say--the facts were being carefully compiled, but the +evidence was beyond dispute. This autocrat, who talked of principle and +honor, had been caught red-handed in the very act against which he +pretended to stand; and, of course, this instance was but one of many. +Doctor Jekyll could take it upon himself to deliver platitudes upon +moral rectitude, while Mr. Hyde gathered in the shekels on the side! + +The members of the Executive Committee were hugely pleased, and +Covington no less so. All was playing into his hands with surprising +directness, and he even began to feel that his approaching marriage into +Mr. Gorham's family was an act of supreme sacrifice on his part. Still, +it were better to safeguard both exits to the house, and Alice was an +amusing little minx, after all. + + + + +XXIV + + +The elder Riley felt the tenseness in the atmosphere of the Gorham +family, and his inability to discover the occasion for it proved trying +to his soul. The mysterious visits of his son James, and the apparent +confidences between him and his employer, made the old man feel strongly +that, if James were not a part of the new condition, at least he was +acquainted with the cause. Patience with Riley had ceased to be a +virtue, and he so contrived it that he passed an evening with his son at +the latter's lodgings. + +Much to his relief, he found James in an unusually agreeable mood; and, +although the younger man made no effort to move from the comfortable +position he had assumed with the assistance of an extra chair for his +feet, the welcome extended was far more cordial than that to which the +elder Riley was accustomed. + +"Well, well, well," the old man ejaculated, as he closed the door and +stood for a moment contemplating the scene before him. James smiled +complacently at the look of mingled surprise and admiration his father +so plainly showed, as his eye roved from the new pieces of gaudy +furniture to the box of cigars upon the table, particularly noting the +attitude which the son assumed as the nearest he could imagine to that +of a gentleman in repose. + +"Well, well, well," Riley repeated, coming down to earth again, and +seating himself upon a near-by chair not required for James's feet, +which the host had been too preoccupied to think of offering. "Things is +comin' good f'r ye, ain't they, Jimmie?" + +The old man had discovered a fact which James had no desire to dispute, +so he admitted it graciously, at the same time blowing clouds of smoke +from his over-fragrant cigar. + +"They is," he replied, sententiously; "and soon they'll be comin' better +still." + +"Ah, Jimmie"--the old man lowered his voice--"are ye goin' ter run f'r +mayor?" + +"Not--yet," James replied, dwelling upon his words in such a way as to +convince his hearer that the delay was wholly a matter of his own +convenience. "Politics is movin' some, father, but 'tis in my private +capacity that I'm makin' my present strides." + +"So," murmured Riley; "an' phwat may ye'er private capacity be, Jimmie?" + +"'Tis of a confidential nature," he replied, loftily. + +"Has it ter do wid Misther Robert?" + +"Him--and others." + +"Who is th' others?" the old man persisted. + +"That's my affair. 'Tis confidential, I tell you." + +"Not wid me, Jimmie," Riley begged; "not when I've watched over Misther +Robert iver sence he was a little la-ad, not wid me when I've brought ye +up fr'm a howlin' little brat. There can't be nothin' confidential, I +tell ye, when it's affectin' thim I loves best in all th' whole wide +world. Shure ye'll tell me about it, Jimmie, shure ye will." + +In James's present mood, it was easier to talk than to keep silent. If +his father really knew the importance of the part he felt himself to be +playing in Mr. Gorham's family complication, the old man's appreciation +of his son's true position in the community could not fail to be +enhanced. James Riley's most vulnerable point was his vanity, and the +present opportunity to gratify it was more than he could well resist. +The elder Riley, without having analyzed his son's characteristics to +this extent, was intuitively conscious of a yielding to his appeal, and +he was not slow to follow it up. + +"That's th' good la-ad, Jimmie," he said, coaxingly. "Ye knows how tight +I keeps me mouth shut; an' phwat hits ye or Misther Robert hits me." + +"Well," James replied, indulgently, blowing another cloud of +smoke--"'tis his wife that it's all about." + +"His wife!" the old man repeated, surprised and excited--"about Mrs. +Gorham, d'ye say?" + +"That is--provided she is his wife. There is them that says she ain't." + +"Who says she ain't?" Riley almost shouted the words as he rose +excitedly to his feet. "Who says she ain't? By God, I'll kill th' man +phwat says that!" + +"Slowly, slowly," James answered, soothingly, thoroughly enjoying his +father's amazement and excitement. "That's for them to settle as knows +how, but it's to me Mr. Gorham must look to help him out. Now, do you +understand where I come in?" + +"Ah, Jimmie, ye're killin' me wid yer slowness. Out wid it, la-ad! What +do they say, an' who done phwat? Out wid it!" + +"The divorce was crooked, so they say; and now her first husband is here +in New York and wants her back." + +"But it ain't true, Jimmie--it ain't true; tell me that." + +"I don't know yet myself," James admitted; "but there's a few things I +do know what ought to be worth the coin to Mr. Gorham." + +"An' ye're goin' ter give 'em ter him?" + +"Perhaps," James replied, indifferently--"if he thinks they're worth +what I do." + +"But Misther Robert has paid ye already, hasn't he? Hasn't these new +prosperity things come out iv Misther Robert's pay?" + +"He's got what he's paid for," James asserted. "These new tips come to +me while I was workin' on my own account. They're worth the coin to +either side." + +"That's phwat ye meant when ye said there was more prosperity comin'?" + +"Sure." + +"An' if Misther Robert don't pay ye ye'er price, ye'll sell 'em ter th' +other feller who says his wife ain't his wife?" + +"Business is business," James replied, sagely. + +The elder Riley's lips came close together as he rose quietly yet +quickly from his chair. In a moment more he had seized James by the +collar, and with a sudden, violent action, made easier by the recumbent +attitude, deposited the younger man in a heap on the floor. Too +surprised by the unexpectedness of the attack, James made no defence, +and before he could even attempt to rise from his humiliating position +the old man stood over him, shaking his fist in his face. + +"Ye damn dirty spalpeen, lie there f'r a time, will ye? I'll break ivery +bone in ye'er body if ye even make a move ter git up. Do ye think I've +spint me life f'r nothin' better than ter rear up a blackmailer an' th' +like iv ye? Do ye think me an' th' ol' woman, God rist her soul, slaved +th' flesh off our bones f'r nothin' better than ter raise a brat who'd +sell th' man whose hand was always out f'r me an' mine? It's ye'er +fa-ather talkin' ter ye now, James Riley, an' it's ye'er fa-ather who's +goin' ter scrape off some iv thim fine airs thim Tammany thieves an' +blacklegs has learned ye. It's manny th' time I've licked ye good, +Jimmie, when ye was a la-ad, an' it's agin I'll do it if I has ter, ter +learn ye honesty. Now git up an' set in that chair an' do phwat I tell +ye, if ye know phwat's best f'r ye." + +James Riley rose from the floor and sat obediently in the chair his +father indicated. Had he chosen to assert his strength, the elder man +would have been but a child in opposition; but the fire which flashed +from those angry eyes, and the tone in which his father's scathing +castigation was administered, took him back twenty years when the same +angry flash and the same convincing tones were backed up by a physical +force which made them worthy of respect. James Riley was again the +offending boy, and his father--stern, severe, unrelenting in his own +ideas of right and wrong--held him in a grip he could not break. + +"Set there, damn ye," the elder Riley repeated, breathing hard from +excitement and from the unusual exertion. "Now tell me phwat ye found +out when ye was workin' on ye'er own account." + +James tried desperately to summon courage enough to oppose his father's +will, but to no avail. + +"I've mixed a bit with Buckner--the first husband--that's all." + +"An' phwat did ye find out?" Riley demanded, sternly. + +James hesitated. + +"Out wid it!" the old man shouted. + +"He's been married again since." + +"Ah, ha! th' feller phwat says me Misther Robert's wife ain't his wife, +'cause th' divorce warn't reg'lar, has been married agin, has he?" +Riley's good-humor began to return with this cheerful bit of +information. "Then that makes him a liar or a Mormon--take ye'er choice. +Which do ye think it is, Jimmie?" + +"Liar," James replied, sententiously. + +"Right ye are, Jimmie! Right ye are! Liar it is, tho' 'twud serve him +right ter be th' other. An' where's his second wife?" + +"That's what's a-worryin' him; he don't know." + +"Ah, ha!" Riley chuckled, "why shouldn't it? It's bad enough when th' +wife don't know where ye are, but when ye don't know where th' wife is +an' her apt ter turn up anny minnit! Ah, let him worry; it's good f'r +him. What else did ye find out by ye'er mixin's?" + +"That's all, so far, but I can get more. Buckner likes me." + +The old man's passing amusement was gone, and his indignation returned +with full force. + +"P'r'aps ye can git th' likin's iv a man who says me Misther Robert's +wife ain't his wife, but 'twill be healthier f'r ye if ye gits th' +likin's iv Misther Robert himself. Now, ye'll go ter him to-morrer +mornin'--d'ye mind--an' ye'll tell him all ye've tol' me, an' there +won't be no price asked, an' ye'll keep on findin' out all ye can f'r +Misther Robert, an' ye'll play fair, an' ye'll take phwat pay he chooses +ter give ye, an' if ye thry anny more thricks like th' dirty wan I've +just catched ye wid I'll be back ter see ye, James Riley, an' I'll break +ivery damn bone in ye'er body, James Riley. Now, good-night ter ye an' +ye'er prosperities. I'll tell Misther Robert ye'll be up ter see him at +nine o'clock to-morrer mornin'." + +The old man drew himself up majestically, cast one more withering glance +on the completely humiliated James, and took his departure. + +The next morning nine had not ceased striking on the clock standing on +the mantelpiece in Mr. Gorham's study when James Riley was formally and +seriously ushered by his father into these, the sacred precincts, where +none entered except by its owner's invitation; but it was a far +different James from the man who had called upon Mr. Gorham some weeks +earlier. The younger Riley's self-assurance was missing, his jaunty air +was replaced by a bearing almost timid in its gentleness, his voice had +become halty; and when Mr. Gorham first spoke to him he started +suddenly, turning his face toward his questioner, and showing +apprehension in every feature. + +Gorham noticed the change, and, being ignorant of the tragic events of +the evening before, was frankly surprised. + +"Have you been ill, James?" he inquired, quietly. + +"Oh, no, sir--I'm feeling very well, I thank you, sir," James answered +in a quick, frightened voice. + +"I am glad to hear it," Gorham answered, but his tone suggested +incredulity. + +"I have been some worrited lately," James added, by way of explanation. +"I s'pose you knows how that tells on a feller, sir." + +"Yes, James," Gorham agreed. "It comes to all of us sooner or later. +Now tell me what is the important information which your father promised +me you would bring with you ?" + +"Hasn't he told you, sir?" + +"Not a word, James. Has it to do with the matter you have been working +on for me, or is it some trouble of your own which has caused the worry +you speak of?" + +James was seated on the edge of his chair with his thin hands folded and +resting on his knees. His eyes roved about the room, looking anywhere +except into Mr. Gorham's face. As a matter of fact, he had in reality +passed through some "worrited" times since his father's call, and his +humiliation was complete. It was a relief to him to know that his father +had not discussed the matter with Mr. Gorham, but even that consolation +was not equal to the task of restoring him to his former equinimity. + +"Well," interrogated Mr. Gorham, helpfully, striving to assist him in +what was evidently a serious undertaking. + +"You see, sir," James began, "there's another Mrs. Buckner." + +"What!" cried Gorham, genuinely surprised and rising from his chair. +"Buckner has been married again, you say?" + +"That's what I understand, sir; leastwise that's what he told me. He was +drunk when he said it, and perhaps that's why he did say it; but I +believe it's true." + +James had the satisfaction of witnessing a sight which few men had seen +during Mr. Gorham's lifetime--he was visibly excited, and, what was +stranger still, he made no effort to conceal his emotion. + +"If there is anything in what you say, James, this information is the +most cheering piece of news which I have heard for many a day. Now tell +me all you know about it." + +In another half-hour James Riley was painfully making his way to the +nearest subway station, giving no indication, either in his face or in +his movements, as to whether the result of his mission had turned out +more or less favorably, in its financial probabilities, than would have +been the case had he followed his original intentions. He had found his +father waiting for him in the front hall after he came down-stairs from +Mr. Gorham's library, but the only remark the old man vouchsafed was, +"Have ye done phwat I told ye, Jimmie?" Then the door swung upon its +hinges while the younger man went out, leaving his father chuckling +softly. + +"Jimmie's th' fine la-ad, afther all," Riley muttered quietly to +himself. "He has th' temptations same as we all has, but he seen his +duty when his fa-ather shown it ter him." Then the old man became +reflective. "It's sorry I'd 'a' been ter have had ter mess Jimmie all +up," he continued--"but I'd 'a' done it. It's lucky f'r him he didn't +show fight; it's lucky f'r him, I'm tellin' ye." + +In the mean time Gorham had sought Eleanor and Alice, and told them the +news which had come to him so unexpectedly. The problem now was to find +the second Mrs. Buckner, and as quickly as possible. James had explained +to Mr. Gorham that even Buckner himself did not know where the woman +was. He had lived in several cities during the last few years. His wife +might have died or moved away; but as Gorham pointed out in answer to +the doubts Eleanor and his daughter expressed, if it was a fact, there +must be a way to find conclusive evidence. + +"I cannot delay a moment," Gorham at length declared. "It will take some +time at best to run this matter down, and with the certainty so near at +hand to prove our fears groundless, I am all impatience to take steps +toward securing the actual evidence itself. It is imperative that I +leave for Chicago to-morrow, and I must get this investigation under way +before then." + +Eleanor and Alice sat for some moments in silence after Gorham left the +house. The girl watched the older woman, waiting for her to speak. The +anxious lines were still in Eleanor's face; her pallor remained, and +Alice wondered that she gave no evidence of relief from the +nerve-racking strain which she had endured, in the face of so hopeful a +turn in the whole situation. Still more, to the girl's surprise, Eleanor +rose abruptly from beside her, and walked irresolutely to the window. + +"I cannot, I cannot," she cried at last, all the pent-up feeling of the +last few moments finding expression in these brief words. Alice was +quickly beside her. + +"You cannot do what, dear?" she asked, sympathetically. + +"I cannot tell him." + +"Haven't you told him yet?" Alice asked, a shade of reproach showing in +her voice. + +Eleanor turned from the window and passed her arm around Alice's waist. + +"I have tried a hundred times. The few opportunities when I might have +done so naturally found me too weak; at other times it has been +impossible. Robert is so sweet and tender with me these days that the +mere possibility of having him blame me is the most terrifying thought +which I can have." + +"It ought not to be so hard now, dear. Everything is going to be +straightened out. Already the burden is a good deal lighter than before +because now we have something tangible to work upon. This leaves you +simply the one thing to think about, and of course father will believe +everything you tell him." + +Eleanor looked at Alice irresolutely. "It isn't in the nature of man to +be so credulous--I doubt if I would believe the story myself if I heard +any one else tell it. Under these circumstances, how can I expect more +from your father?" + +"Because it is--father," the girl replied, feelingly "--because he's the +grandest, noblest, truest man who ever lived; because he loves you, +Eleanor; and because he believes in you as he believes in himself." + +"If I did not know of this belief in me, Alice dear, and was not so +jealous of it, perhaps I should not fear to bring the matter to the +test. But, of course, you are right. He must know the whole story, and +he must know it from me. I only hope that the opportunity may offer +itself naturally for me to tell him, under such conditions as will make +it appear less incredible than it does just now." + +"It doesn't seem to me that that ought to enter into it at all," Alice +continued, quietly. "Even if you knew that it would destroy this belief, +you could do nothing else than tell him, could you, Eleanor? There could +be nothing good come from anything kept from father." + +Eleanor felt reproached by the faith which the girl exhibited. "I have +done it to spare him," she urged. "If there had been anything in the +experience of which I need feel ashamed, I should have felt it +necessary to let him know it before we were married. I thought it all +over then, and decided it was wiser not to bring the matter up. It was +weak and cowardly not to do it, I can see that now, but at the time I +thought I was acting for the best." + +"If father were to tell you something about his life which seemed +incredible, and which might be misinterpreted into something +dishonorable to him, would you believe his version of it?" + +"Implicitly," Eleanor replied, with much feeling. + +"Then do you think he is less loving or less tender or has less faith +than you, Eleanor?" + +"Not that, dear," Eleanor replied; "but he is a man, and a man's +standpoint is essentially different from a woman's." + +"I never think of him as a man," the girl replied, simply. "He is so far +above and beyond any man I have ever known that I have never thought of +him as only that." + + + + +XXV + + +A week later the Gorhams' dinner-table received two unexpected +additions. Gorham had returned from Chicago earlier in the day, and +found a telegram awaiting him which announced that Senator Kenmore would +call at his house at five o'clock that afternoon. As he was unable to +complete his work upon the accumulated matters which demanded immediate +attention, he put the papers into his bag, and took Allen with him to +the house in time to keep his appointment with the Senator, intending to +continue his day's labors after his caller had departed. + +During the weeks which had elapsed since Gorham's conversation with +Allen, the boy's attitude toward him manifested a respect so marked that +the older man saw in it an effort to atone for his momentary disloyalty; +in his work he was devoted and exact to a degree beyond anything he had +previously demonstrated; inwardly he was the investigator. Never had he +put himself through so merciless a self-examination. He felt keenly +Alice's misunderstanding of his dislike of business; he blamed himself +for having spoken so freely to Mr. Gorham before he had fully satisfied +himself that the doubts he expressed at that time were based on anything +beyond inexperience and a lack of knowledge. He knew that he had +committed an error in accusing Covington before he could substantiate +his statements. He was glad, therefore, to be able to work this all out +in his own mind during the absence of his chief, yet when Mr. Gorham +returned, the boy was still further embarrassed by his special +kindliness toward him. + +Kenmore's face wore a worried expression as he entered the hall soon +after Gorham and Allen arrived. He was shown at once to the library, +where he and Gorham passed the next two hours in close conference. +Indeed, the discussion was sufficiently important to hold Kenmore longer +than he expected, and to cause Gorham to break over a rule which he had +never before violated, in discussing business matters at the +dinner-table and in the presence of his family. + +The thought had come to Gorham, as he was rushing along toward New York +on the limited express, of the rapidity with which events had shaped +themselves since that moment, only a few weeks earlier, when he had sat +in his library indulging in day-dreams. James Riley had come first, with +his news of Buckner's presence in New York; then Allen called, bringing +his suspicions concerning the attitude of those trusted in the affairs +of the corporation, adding his own unexpected and unwarranted doubts as +to the integrity of Covington and the morality of this company, which to +its creator had seemed to embody every idealistic and altruistic +principle; then Litchfield, at the meeting of the committee, +substantiated to a considerable extent Allen's deep-seated conviction +that the men who made up the fibre of the corporation were actuated by +selfish motives in their relations to it and to its transactions, thus +making the situation even more acute. James Riley later had brought him +the first definite ray of hope in what promised a solution of his +domestic tangle; but as the burden lightened on the one hand, it seemed +to bear him down with added weight on the other. Senator Hunt, urged on +by Brady and other powerful interests, was working against the +Consolidated Companies with an energy which would have done him credit +had it owed its origin to his appreciation of the responsibilities of +his public duties. Now, Kenmore's description of the situation at +Washington left no room for doubt that for the first time Gorham must +admit the assailability of the Companies. After the two hours' +interview, Gorham could not fail to recognize that the one thing which +showed above all else in Kenmore's attitude, was his anxiety lest the +threatened adverse position on the part of the Government toward the +Companies should result in a loss of his own future profits. Could it be +possible, Gorham asked, inwardly, that Allen was right in saying that he +himself was the only man in the corporation who lived up to the ideals +he expressed! + +"Next Tuesday is the critical day," the Senator repeated at the table, +all other conversation giving way to the matter which he had so strongly +upon his mind. "The Attorney-General was not far wrong when he told us +in Washington that there was not the slightest possibility of passing +any bill through either House which could accomplish the results which +the President desires, and yet I cannot believe that the position which +the Administration has taken will be overridden." + +"If we can get the bill through the Senate, do you think there will be +the same difficulty in the House?" asked Gorham. + +"No," Kenmore responded; "the Congressmen are more eager to serve their +constituents. The people are still with us, and Congress knows it. In +the Senate, however, they are playing for bigger game. The great +interests there hope to divert attention from themselves to the +Consolidated Companies, and if they can secure legislation which will +operate against us they think that the people will so resent it that it +will probably put a stop, for the present at least, to all agitation +against consolidations, good or bad. It is a clever game, and they are +playing it well." + +"We must not let them play it better than ourselves," Gorham replied, +decisively. + +"We are working hard, Gorham," the Senator replied. "That was a great +move of yours, having each stockholder invest in the Consolidated +Companies to such an extent that it made the welfare of the corporation +a matter of personal concern. Those of us who are stockholders are +fighting for our lives, and the Companies is getting the benefit of it." + +"So is the public," Gorham replied, quickly, regretting particularly the +turn the conversation had taken owing to Allen's presence, and noting +the expression on the boy's face. "You and our other colleagues in the +Senate are fighting for the people, and the right is bound to win." + +Kenmore laughed nervously. "I don't know that it makes much difference +what you call it," he replied. "We are fighting all right, and the +result is bound to be the same whether it is for the people or for +ourselves. You won't fail us next Tuesday, Gorham? If you can turn the +tide in our favor, you will accomplish the greatest stroke in your +career." + +"I shall be there," Gorham replied, and with deliberate intent turned +the conversation into general channels. + +Kenmore took his departure shortly after dinner, and Eleanor and Alice +remained with Mr. Gorham and Allen, who lingered a few moments over +their cigars before taking up their evening's labors. Eleanor, in an +effort to relieve her own mind from its oppressing thoughts, quite +unconsciously called attention to Allen's quiet bearing, which Mr. +Gorham had hoped would pass by without attracting attention, knowing as +he did what lay beneath. + +"How sober you are to-night, Allen," she said. + +The boy looked up quickly. "Forgive me for being such poor company," he +replied, simply. "I was thinking over what the Senator has been telling +us." + +"You must leave all that worry to me," Gorham said, kindly. "Great +burdens are not meant for young shoulders. The Consolidated Companies is +too strong a force to be vanquished without a hard struggle, even when +attacked by so mighty an organization as the United States Senate." + +"I was not worrying about that, Mr. Gorham," Allen replied, and he +regretted the words as soon as they had left his lips. + +"What is it, then?" asked Alice. + +The boy passed his hand across his forehead and rose to his feet. "I +don't know what it is," he answered, irresolutely. "I am all upset +to-night--do you mind if I go up to the library now, Mr. Gorham, and +wait for you there?" + +Gorham held out his hand and Allen grasped it firmly, yet turned his +face away. + +"Have you lost faith in me, too, my boy? Has it really come to that?" + +"I beg of you, let me go now," Allen replied, controlling himself with +difficulty. "You know I shall never lose faith in you." + +"You are in no condition for work to-night," Gorham remarked, quietly. +"Draw your chair up here beside me, and let us talk it all out right +now." + +Allen looked hesitatingly at Eleanor and Alice and then at Gorham. "Not +now?" he said. + +"Why not now, Allen?" Alice asked, curious to know what so affected him. +"You told me once that you were my business creation, and that I must +accept the responsibility whether I wished it or not. Surely I am +entitled to be present." + +"Affairs have changed since then. If I don't hold my tongue now, I shall +say things for which you and your father will never forgive me." + +"I want to hear them, Allen," she insisted; "I have a right to hear +them." + +Gorham was impressed by the girl's attitude. "She is right," he added. +"Now, out with it, boy, and let us get to the bottom of things." + +Then the pent-up thoughts which had been collecting during the past few +months burst forth. + +"You have made me do it, Mr. Gorham," the boy cried, passionately. "You +would never have heard it from my lips except for that, but I can't +stand it any longer. I have tried hard since we talked that last time to +convince myself that I was wrong, but I can't do it. I know it's because +I can't see things the right way, but, whatever the cause, the trouble +is there. To me the Companies seems based on interests which are wholly +selfish, and to be accomplishing good only because doing business on +this basis brings extra dividends to its stockholders. It is growing +bigger and more powerful and more irresistible, but with this +increasing power there is also increasing danger; and I feel sure, Mr. +Gorham, as I told you before, that some day the public will have to pay +the price. When the dike breaks the flood is going to wipe out all the +advantages which the people have received, and more too." + +The boy paused for breath and waited, expecting to hear Gorham's stern +reproaches, but none came. The amazed expression both on Eleanor's and +Alice's faces, however, evidenced the heresy of his words. + +"I suppose I am forfeiting all which this family means to me by my +seeming disloyalty to you, Mr. Gorham; but I honestly feel that I am +more loyal than if I played the hypocrite. I see you carrying on the +business of this corporation surrounded by men whose only thought is of +themselves, who accept your judgment simply because it puts dollars into +their pockets, who permit you to exercise your ideals only because they +know that it means profit to them. Yet you have been consistent, you +have been straightforward, you have lived up to the standards which you +have taught me to expect. But can't you see, Mr. Gorham"--the boy held +out both arms supplicatingly--"can't you see that there isn't a single +man in that great organization who feels as you do? Can't you see that +even Senator Kenmore is thinking only of himself?" + +"You forget Mr. Covington and--yourself," Gorham answered. + +"I don't cut any ice, one way or the other," Allen protested, "but I +haven't forgotten Mr. Covington. I tell you, Mr. Gorham--forgive me, +Alice--Mr. Covington is the worst of all. He's the one who has +influenced the committee to take their stand against you; he's helping +them plan things out now so as to throw you down, hoping to become +president himself; he's trying to marry Alice so that you can't expose +him when you begin to unravel his double cross. I tell you, he's the +slickest Johnnie outside of State's Prison." + +"Of course you have unquestionable proof to support all this, Allen?" +Gorham demanded, sternly. + +"No, I haven't, and I shouldn't speak; but I know I'm right," was the +dogged reply. + +"Do you realize what it means to make such unsubstantiated statements?" + +"But I have everything except the actual proofs," he pleaded. + +"What else can you have?" + +"I know how he's been investing Alice's money for her, for instance." + +"What of that; it was done with my consent." + +"With your consent?" Allen repeated, bewildered. "Then you knew--with +your principles--" + +Gorham was thoroughly angry now, but he delayed replying until he could +choose his words in the presence of his wife and daughter. + +"I have borne with this long enough," he interrupted. "I have been +patient with you because I sympathized with your disappointment +regarding Alice--but my patience is at an end. Your jealousy has so +warped your sense of right and wrong that you are willing to attack the +reputation of a man of honor and integrity, trying to injure him in the +eyes of those who respect him. I warned you against this, and you have +failed to heed my warning. Much as I regret it, on many accounts, there +is no alternative--your usefulness to the Companies is at an end." + +Allen rose and looked searchingly into Gorham's face. He could read in +the lines which he saw there a real suffering which touched him deeply. +No man, not even his father, had come so closely into his life as Mr. +Gorham, and the boy's heart was wrung with pain that he should be the +cause of adding to his burdens. But his gaze into those expressive eyes +seemed to bewilder him still further, for he passed his hand in a dazed +manner across his forehead. + +"You must be right," he said at length. "I should have known that I'd be +no good in business. Why, I haven't even brains enough to comprehend. I +know that you, sir, are the soul of honor, and yet you tell me that you +knew of that investment. I'm a failure--I'm just no good, that's all. +I'll go back to Pittsburgh and tell the pater what a chance you gave me, +and what a mess I made of it. Then I'll ask him to let me strip down as +his other workmen do, and go into the furnaces where I belong. +Good-night and--good-bye." + +As the conversation developed into so serious a situation, Alice and +Eleanor watched the two men, astonished at the nature of the +disagreement, and filled with apprehension. Mrs. Gorham had grown more +fond of the boy than she realized until this moment, and she actually +suffered for him. Alice was running the gamut of her emotions, her +sensations changing every moment, affected by each sentence which she +heard torn from the very soul of each speaker. As Allen rose after his +final acceptance of his dismissal, she rose with him, a curious mixture +of uncertainty and lack of understanding combining in her expression. + +"I don't believe you do know about that stock, daddy," she said, +quietly. "Before Allen goes perhaps--" + +"I know all about it, Alice," her father replied, impatiently. "Allen +has no right to meddle in my personal affairs, and I resent it. Don't +interfere, little girl--leave this to me." + +The color left her face, and she seemed to grow to mature years in the +instant. Allen started to leave, but was held spellbound by the force +exercised by the quiet, firm dignity which became at once the dominating +factor. + +"You are wrong, daddy," she said, with a new note in her voice which all +recognized instinctively. "For the first time in my life, I tell you, +you are wrong." + +"Leave this to me, Alice," Gorham repeated, sternly, but the girl did +not heed him. + +"Since I have been sitting here I have learned a lot, and I know that +Allen is right. There are things which I have kept from you, and now I +know that I should have told you all about them. Now I know that the +advice I received was wrong--and it is all reacting upon Allen and upon +you." + +"Is there no way--" Gorham began, thoroughly exasperated. + +"Be patient, Robert," begged Eleanor. + +"Don't, Alice," Allen protested; "it's mighty white of you, but it only +makes matters worse. I'm going now--" + +"Not until I tell you that I've been unfair to you too," she cried. +"I've made fun of you and been horrid to you, but I believe I've loved +you all the time." + +"Alice!" the boy exclaimed. + +"You are forgetting your duty to Mr. Covington, as you have already +forgotten your duty to me," her father expostulated, severely. + +"She doesn't mean it, Mr. Gorham--please don't blame her; it's all my +fault." + +"I do mean it, Allen. I haven't known my own heart till now." + +"It's pity for me--it isn't love," the boy replied, bitterly. "I'm a +failure and you're sorry for me. I wanted you when I thought I could +make good. Now that I know I can't, it's different. But I'll never +forget it, Alice, never. Don't blame her, Mr. Gorham. Good-bye." + +He rushed out, not trusting himself to speak further, and a moment later +those left behind heard the door close quietly as he went out into the +darkness. + + + + +XXVI + + +The Executive Committee were ready to make their first move; and at a +meeting at which Gorham was not present, they had voted to ask the +president to call a special meeting of the Board of Directors. The call +for the meeting was supplemented by a letter to the Directors, signed by +each member of the committee, setting forth that the business to be +considered included the rescinding of a resolution passed at a previous +meeting, placing plenipotentiary powers in the hands of the president, +and also to consider the desirability of so dividing his present duties +that the responsibilities might rest on several shoulders instead of +upon his alone. It further recited that various criticisms of the +president would be considered at that time,--specifically, that Mr. +Gorham was using the Consolidated Companies for his own private ends; +that he prevented his associates from being recognized in their full +relation to the work, the credit for which he himself monopolized; that +he was devoting a large part of his time at the expense of the Companies +in straightening out certain domestic complications, as a result of +which the corporation was losing ground, and was even being threatened +by adverse legislation in Washington, against which it was his duty to +protect it. And finally, it was claimed that the president had at least +on one occasion taken advantage of his official position to make +certain investments for his own personal advantage. + +A copy of this letter accidentally fell into Gorham's hands, and his +indignation at its needlessly antagonistic wording was tempered by +several elements of surprise. The frankness with which the grievances +were stated was an evidence that his associates were prepared to force +the break with him, and to dispense with whatever value his connection +with the corporation might have. The reference to his domestic +complications surprised him not a little, showing as it did a +familiarity with this subject which he had not supposed to have become +common property. The suggestion that he had been false to the ideals +which he himself had imposed could only be construed as a gratuitous +affront; yet these men who constituted the Executive Committee were not +those who would lightly do this. He could quite understand their +resentment of both his attitude and his words at the last meeting--he +had expected them to make an effort to wrest from him, but in such a way +as not to jeopardize their own interests, the supreme authority which he +had forced from them; yet they all knew him too well even to suggest any +transaction on his part so at variance with the standards which he had +established. + +After thinking it all over, he sent for Covington, and as the younger +man entered he handed him the communication. + +"Have you seen this before?" Gorham asked. + +"Yes; Litchfield just showed it to me." + +"What does it mean?" + +"Compromise, I hope," Covington replied. "Nothing else can prevent a +great calamity to the Companies. I am even more certain of this now than +before." + +"How do they know anything about my personal affairs?" + +"I can't imagine, unless through some one of the secret-service men." + +"You, of course, have made no reference to it?" + +"Certainly not." Covington resented the suggestion. + +"Now, about this last statement--what does that mean?" + +"It is a complete mystery to me. Of course, there's nothing in it?" + +Gorham looked at him with a flash in his eye which he had learned to +respect. "Do I need to answer that question?" + +Covington's watchful mind noted the evasion. Gorham had not actually +denied it. + +"Of course not," he responded; "but they claim to have indisputable +evidence. I tried to find out what it was, but knowing how close I am to +you, they are holding that back until the meeting." + +"Indisputable evidence, have they? I should like to see it! Please have +a call signed by the secretary and sent out at once for a special +meeting of the Board to be held to-morrow afternoon at four o'clock. +Send with it a waiver of the usual five days' notice. More than a +majority of the Board are in the city, and they will be as eager as I am +to dispose of this matter." + +The formalities in opening the meeting were brief, and the business in +hand was taken up with a promptness which showed the strong desire +dominating both sides to have the issue met squarely and settled once +for all. It was an interesting study to watch the expressions on the +various faces. Men who seldom allowed their bearing to reflect the +emotions influencing them, gave every evidence of their full +appreciation that a crisis was upon them. With the possible exception of +Covington, Gorham showed less than any of them the effect of the tense +strain which the situation developed. At the last meeting, the committee +had witnessed an exhibition of the latent reserve force which lay +beneath the impassive exterior, so they needed no further warning that +the quiet yet flashing eyes, the firm setting of the mouth, the head +bent forward, the general bearing--alert and decisive--all attested a +foeman worthy of their steel. It was his business life now against +theirs, but they believed themselves strong enough to force the +struggle. + +Litchfield was again spokesman. "Nothing can be more painful," he said, +"to me personally or to the other members of the Board of Directors than +to have circumstances arise such as these which have made this meeting +necessary. It was a surprise to us, on the occasion of the last session, +to have our president take such exceptions to the suggestions which we +advanced in good faith. We tried to make it clear to him that we all +recognized and appreciated the extraordinary services which he has +rendered to the Consolidated Companies, yet we cannot admit that he +possesses all the wisdom, or that his policies are the only ones which +can be considered. He made it quite evident to us at that time that our +judgment was desired only to the extent that it coincided with his own. +He has seemed to overlook the fact that the Consolidated Companies is +not a private corporation, but rather one in which several of the +Directors are even more heavily interested, in a financial way, than he +is himself. + +"There is no question in the minds of any of us that the services of +our president are still absolutely essential to the success of the +corporation, and we have no wish or intention of having him separate +himself from it; but we have become aware, through the unprecedented +position which has been taken, that if those interests which we +represent are to be safeguarded, immediate action must be taken to +convince him that the Consolidated Companies is not his personal +property, that the Executive Committee are not mere puppets, and that +even the president of a great and successful corporation is, after all, +an employee of that corporation, and subject to its control. The +gentlemen who have the honor to serve on the Executive Committee resent +the imputation made by him that this code of business morals, which he +has originated, is necessarily the only moral code, or that he himself +possesses the right or the power to establish the standard by which to +measure them as individuals or as officials. + +"My colleagues have asked me to state the situation at this length in +order that our president may understand that our present attitude is +inspired not by any personal antagonism, but rather by what appears to +us to be a necessary and simple business precaution. What the Board of +Directors propose now is to rescind the resolution, passed upon our +president's insistence at the last meeting, which gave him unlimited +power in the conduct of the corporation, to divide the responsibilities +in such a way that the fortunes of the Consolidated Companies will no +longer remain dependent upon the life or services of any one officer, +and to insist that the employees of the corporation be used only in the +execution of the corporation's business. Our president will still be +given a free scope in the conduct of the important matters which will be +intrusted to him, but from now on the Board of Directors insist that the +corporation shall be dominated by their joint policies, in the +establishment of which our president will still have great weight." + +Gorham listened to Litchfield's remarks with marked patience. He was +relieved that they were free from the personalities and vituperations +which the wording of the call had led him to fear, for to his nature it +was impossible to work in such close relationship with such a body of +able men without acquiring a regard beyond that inspired by mere +commercial intercourse. They were wrong in their whole understanding of +his position, but he could convince them of that now that there had been +nothing said to cause an open rupture. + +"My friends," he said, "I can take no exception to the position which +you assume, knowing as I do the viewpoint from which you speak. The +arbitrary attitude which I have assumed has been one which you +yourselves have forced upon me rather than one taken of my own +volition--but I shall later refer to this more at length. I agree with +you that the employees of this or any other corporation should be used +only in the exercise of the corporation's business; but would not the +success of any blackmailing attempt, such as the one I am fighting, +react upon the Companies fully as much as upon me? As to the gentlemen +who form our Executive Committee, even though I have differed from them +on a point which I conceive to be absolutely vital to the success of the +Consolidated Companies, I consider them the ablest body of business men +ever gathered together upon any committee. I am proud of them for the +reputation they have given to the Companies, I respect them personally +for their own sterling worth. I can conceive no personal calamity +greater than to have any necessity arise to make it necessary for us to +sever our relations--and I cannot, even now, see that any such occasion +exists. + +"As to the matter of dividing the responsibilities, I again agree with +you. It is not the act of wisdom to have the destinies of any +corporation so large as this rest as heavily upon any one man's +shoulders as your attitude has convinced me that this rests upon mine. I +not only assent to this proposition also, but I will do all which lies +in my power to accomplish it. I will even reserve my 'code of morals,' +as you are pleased to call it, wholly for myself, considering that it is +a point upon which we fail to agree. + +"All that remains, then, is for you gentlemen to give me your assurances +upon one point: namely, that the present basis of profit-sharing with +the public shall not be disturbed. I will no longer put it upon a moral +basis--I insist upon it solely as a business policy. With this one point +established, I will work with you to the extent of such strength and +ability as I have within me, to further the interests of the great +Consolidated Companies as it advances triumphantly along its appointed +path." + +"But this is the main contention upon which our split has come," +protested Litchfield. + +"You objected to the stand I took that the public is morally entitled to +an equal division. Personally, I still maintain that this obligation +exists, but now I am endeavoring to convince you that to continue this +is an act of supreme business wisdom. Mr. Litchfield made reference, in +the course of his remarks, to the adverse legislation with which the +Companies is threatened. I am, and have always been, in the closest +touch with the situation, and I tell you, gentlemen, this danger is a +real one. I have seen Senator Kenmore within a few days, and his +information is most alarming. Next week I expect to be in Washington +again to fight the battle not only for the future of the Consolidated +Companies, but for its very life. We have powerful allies, and I believe +that we can win, but, in the words of the Attorney-General himself, only +provided that we can show our hands to be clean in our future intentions +as well as in our present practices." + +"Suppose we postpone any action whatever until after the present crisis +in Washington has passed," suggested one of the Directors. + +"The action must be taken at once," insisted Gorham. "I told you, +gentlemen, that I had awakened from my Utopian dream. I shall make no +more promises until I am absolutely certain that they will be made good +to the letter." + +"How far do you carry this 'Utopian' policy of yours, Mr. Gorham?" asked +Litchfield. "Would you even go so far as to deny the right of any +officer of the corporation to make profit for himself as a result of +inside information gained in his official capacity?" + +"Most assuredly." + +Covington watched his chief critically as the blow began to fall. What a +crash this idol would make when it fell from its self-created pedestal! + +"Would you criticise an officer of this corporation who invested in +stock about to be acquired by the Companies, thus taking advantage of +the certain rise in value which he knew would come to it?" + +"I should consider such an official as absolutely false to his trust. Is +there one of us present who would feel otherwise?" + +Litchfield smiled. "There is no one present who does not regret the lack +of friendliness which prevented our president from giving him an equal +chance with himself in the purchase of stock in the New York Street +Railways Company." + +Gorham seemed not to comprehend the charge against him. "You will have +to enlighten me further," he said, coldly. + +Litchfield drew some papers from his pocket and handed them to Gorham. +"We don't undertake to criticise you for making the most of this +opportunity," he said, "but out of respect to your ridiculous 'code,' we +have ourselves refrained. Next time we shall expect you to give us a +chance too; and, incidentally, don't you think we can now come to a +mutual understanding regarding the morality basis of the Consolidated +Companies?" + +"Where did you get these papers?" Gorham demanded. + +"From Mr. Brady, who was interested enough to supply us with the sworn +statements which you see here." + +"Do you really believe that I invested a penny of my money in that +stock?" + +"Come, Gorham, admit that the joke's on you," Litchfield laughed. "Of +course, it was your daughter who did it, and, of course, you knew +nothing about it!--Don't try to hide behind her skirts." + +Gorham looked across to where Covington was sitting, pale and unnerved +by the unexpected development. He might have suspected this, but the +remoteness of the chance had as a matter of fact precluded any thought +of the possibility. Gorham started to speak, but checked himself. He +could not bring his daughter's name into this discussion without more +time to consider the situation. Then he turned again to his associates. + +"Gentlemen," he said, quietly, "it seems hardly necessary for me to make +this statement, but I wish to put myself on record: I have never +invested one cent of my own money, or any one else's, in any stock whose +value was likely to be affected by the action of the Consolidated +Companies. No one else has ever done so with my knowledge or consent. I +shall have more to say upon this matter when I have had sufficient time +to acquaint myself with all the facts. Until then, I ask that this +meeting be adjourned, subject to an early call." + +Litchfield, puzzled, as were the others, by Gorham's flat denial in the +face of the overwhelming evidence, put the motion for adjournment which +the president requested. + + + + +XXVII + + +The bachelor apartment-house which Allen Sanford called his home in New +York, though constantly referred to by him as his "two by twice hall +bedroom," was considerably more pretentious and expensive than a young +man receiving his modest income would ordinarily have selected; yet when +he decided upon it, the chief point in question was whether or not it +suited his tastes. The fact that the rent alone exceeded the salary +assured him by his position in the Consolidated Companies did not strike +him as of any particular significance. He had sold his motor before +leaving Washington, and with this nest-egg and what remained of his last +allowance to draw upon, the necessity of economy had not occurred to +him. "I've eaten up the tires, and now I'm beginning on the chassis," he +had once remarked in conversation; but with characteristic confidence in +the future, he made no provision for the time when he should have +thoroughly fletcherized the entire machine. + +Now that he had joined the army of the unemployed, and had decided to +return to Pittsburgh, it was incumbent upon him to pack up his +belongings. This was a project which failed to appeal to him. He had +formally terminated his connection with the Consolidated Companies on +the day before, and this Sunday morning had been set apart by him for +his tremendous undertaking. His trunks were in the middle of the floor, +and his clothes deposited in various stages of disorder upon every chair +in the room, preparatory to making the start toward packing which +appalled him. The empty drawers of the dresser and the chiffonnier, and +the bare hooks of the closet bore silent tribute to the thoroughness of +his work thus far. + +He was sitting upon the edge of a trunk, regarding in dismay the +confusion around him and wondering where to make a start, when the bell +rang vigorously. He opened the door in surprise, and was relieved to +find no more formidable a visitor than the elevator boy. + +"A young lady down-stairs to see you, sir." + +"A--what?" demanded Allen. + +"She wouldn't give her name, sir." + +"I'll be right down," he cried, slamming the door unceremoniously in the +boy's face, and rushing into his coat and waistcoat. Could it be that +Alice had really meant what she said that night, and had come to +convince him of it! There was a girl for you! He would never accept the +sacrifice, he told himself resolutely, still he fairly danced as he +straightened his necktie, tripped over his evening clothes, which he had +knocked onto the floor, and almost stumbled over a little figure in the +hallway, as he threw open the door and started to rush to the elevator. + +"They wouldn't let me come up in the elevator, so I walked," announced +Patricia, looking up at him with a beaming smile. + +"What are you doing here? Is Alice down-stairs?" Allen demanded, +completely bewildered by the unexpected apparition. + +"I've come to go away with you, and Alice is at home," the child +answered, simply. "Papa said you were going back to Pittsburgh. Aren't +you glad to see me? I've got all my things packed up in this bag, except +my _Knights of the Round Table_, which wouldn't go in, so I carried it +under my arm." + +He looked at her, speechless with astonishment as she proudly held up +the diminutive satchel and displayed her precious volume. + +"Of course I'm glad to see you, Lady Pat," he said at length; "but you +ought not to come here alone, you know." + +"I'm not alone," she insisted. "Riley is down-stairs in my pony cart. +Phillips didn't know where you lived, but he's only a groom, so I +brought Riley. Now, how shall we get rid of him, and have you made a +hundred thousand dollars with my money?" + +"I'm ashamed to say I haven't--I was too late. The storks had all gone +South for the winter, but I must give you back your bank." + +Allen turned into his room, closely followed by Patricia. + +"Then you haven't money enough to get married?" she asked in a pathetic +little voice. Suddenly her face brightened. "But I don't mind; I'll keep +house for you without any money; and storks always come to newly married +people, I've heard them say so." + +"We couldn't do that, Lady Pat; we'd starve to death unless we ate the +storks. Come, let's go and find Riley." + +But Riley's anxiety had resulted in his anticipating them, and the +familiar face at that moment showed above the stairway, as the old man +approached them, out of breath. + +"Ah, there ye are, praise be ter th' Virgin Mary," he panted. "Ah, sich +a mess as ye're gettin' poor old Riley in. I cudn't hilp it, Misther +Allen, I cudn't nohow," heading off any criticism from that +quarter--"she wud have it, and that's th' ind iv it. I'm thinkin' that's +why they named her Miss Pat--'tis th' Irish persistency iv her name that +crops out, an' th' cajolery. I cudn't hilp it, nohow." + +"Of course he couldn't help it." Patricia assented. "I had to see you, +and some one had to show me where you lived. But you may go now if you +want to, Riley." + +"We had better come inside and talk it over--if we can get in," Allen +suggested, opening the door again, and pushing the things one side. + +"Ah, Misther Allen--all ye'er clothes will be spiled, kickin' 'round +like this. Shall I fold 'em up an' put 'em in th' thrunks fer ye, sor?" + +Riley was in his element again, and Allen grasped at the old man's offer +with an eagerness not assumed. + +"That's just the thing," he said. "You pack the trunk, Riley, while Lady +Pat and I sit on the window-seat and have a little visit." + +"Here are my things, too, Riley." Patricia handed the old man her +satchel and book. "Perhaps you'd better pack those on top." + +"Why should I pack thim in Misther Allen's thrunk?" he demanded. + +"Because we're going away to be married," she announced, grandly. "You +are the first one in the family to know it, and you mustn't tell." + +Riley started to speak, but a signal from Allen silenced him; so he +continued his work, bringing order out of chaos so quickly that he won +instant admiration. + +"Now, look here, Lady Pat," said Allen, kindly, as the child sat on her +heels in front of him on the window-seat, "we must talk this matter over +very carefully." + +"Yes, Sir Launcelot," Patricia assented, expectantly. + +"In the first place, I have made your father very angry with me." + +"Were you a naughty boy?" + +"He thinks so, and he must be right; but it wouldn't do to make him any +more angry by taking you away without his permission. You see that, +don't you?" + +"But they wouldn't blame you--they'd blame me," the child persisted. +"Alice would frown at me and say 'Pa-tri-ci-a.' Papa would be severe and +say, 'I shall have to ask mamma Eleanor to punish you,' and mamma +Eleanor would look sad and say, 'Oh, my darling,' But she'd forget all +about it as soon as I kissed her." + +"No; they would blame me, because I'm older--and, besides, a true knight +could never stand by and see his Lady Fair blamed, could he? The only +thing is for me to go away, and for you to go back home with Riley, and +then, later, for me to storm the castle and carry you off." + +"But if you did that, you might carry off Alice instead of me," she +objected. + +"That's so," Allen assented, laughing, "unless she hurries up and gets +married. That was our agreement, Lady Pat--as long as Alice is free, we +can't make any plans for ourselves." + +"Wouldn't it be grand to have you storm the castle and carry me off!" +Patricia was quite taken by the idea. "Anyhow, next to Alice, you love +me best, don't you, Sir Launcelot?" + +"I certainly do," Allen said, truthfully. "Now, you'll go home with +Riley and wait to see what happens, won't you?" + +"All right," the child said, entirely satisfied. "Gee, but I wish Mr. +Covington would hurry up!" + +Patricia rose obediently and took Riley's hand, as they left the room. + +"Wit ye well," she said as she bade Allen good-bye at the elevator. "I +shall wait at the window with a silken ladder every night until you +come." + +Allen turned slowly back into his room, closed the door, and sat down +alone on the window-seat which had so recently also sustained his +animated little companion. Not until now had the full force of the +wrench come upon him, and he was conscious of a lump in his throat as he +thought of Alice, first always, then of Mr. Gorham, and last of the city +itself. During the months since he had accidentally met Alice in +Washington, there had never been a wavering of his purpose. She was the +one girl to him among the many he met during the social rounds into +which he had plunged while living in New York. He had been undaunted by +her attitude, undismayed by the seeming hopelessness of it all--but now +her very sympathy proved to him the necessity of at last giving up the +one great hope upon which he had set his heart. The pain at separating +from his chief, while of a different nature, was no less keen. Mr. +Gorham still stood to Allen as the epitome of the best that a man could +express. The shock which had come to him when Gorham admitted a +knowledge of Covington's investment of Alice's money, did not weaken his +respect for the man, but rather was the final event to convince him that +his own conception of business must be entirely wrong. If Mr. Gorham +sanctioned it, then it was right, it could be nothing else; but all his +efforts, conscientious as he knew them to have been, to master the +intricacies of the code his preceptor had tried to teach him, had +accomplished nothing. + +And the great city, which contained so many of his classmates and +friends, who had made him welcome in their homes, must in the future +receive him only as a stranger. He loved the individuality of the great +towering buildings, the wonderful harbor with its kaleidoscopic +shipping, the surging masses of the striving people in the streets, the +blinding glare of Broadway at night, and the tense, eager business +competition keeping each man, irrespective of position, constantly on +his taps to hold his own or to forge ahead against the incoming tide of +growing prosperity. Everything he craved seemed centred here, yet he had +been a part of it all, and had failed to keep his grip. His opportunity +had been given him, and he had not taken advantage of it. The city +contained no room for failures--only those who could force success from +its grinding turmoil belonged within its ever-grasping arms. He must +turn his back upon it all, and go to some place less critical, less +overpowering, taking with him as memories, in place of triumphs, the +thoughts of what might have been. + +Amid the gloom which surrounded him, a childish face forced its sweet +features upon him, and it relieved the tension of the moment. Dear +little Patricia, at least, had faith in him. Alice's attitude was that +of sympathy and pity, but little Pat saw in him, the failure, those +attributes which belong to the Knight Courageous, undaunted by the +hostile flings of Fortune. As she grew older, she too would discover +that the gold was paint and the silver, tinsel; but until then, he knew +her faith was in him. He pressed his hands against his aching +temples--"God bless her for that," he said, softly, "God bless her for +that." + + + + +XXVIII + + +The first train which left Pittsburgh after the arrival of Mr. Gorham's +letter bore Stephen Sanford to New York. Gorham had found time, even +with the pressure of the conflicting details, to write his old friend at +length regarding the situation which made it necessary for Allen to +terminate his connection with the Consolidated Companies. There was no +word of censure against the boy--he even took pains to express in full +his admiration for certain sterling qualities which this, Allen's first +business experience, had brought out. + +"_The time has come_," he wrote, "_when Allen needs the sympathy and +assistance of his father more than he ever has, or ever will need it +again. I believe I know you well enough, Stephen, to feel certain that +you won't refuse it to him simply because he has not asked for it. What +I have tried to do for him has been more for your sake than for his own, +though you have misunderstood my motive. The boy has developed rapidly, +and possesses an ability for business naturally inherited from you; but +when his mind is once made up it seems impossible to change him. I hope +you will set him a good example by showing him your own strength of +character in going to him now. As for our relations, Stephen, in spite +of the last stormy interview, and your attitude since, I know that I +have no firmer friend than you, and you know well that my affection for +you has not lessened because of anything so trivial as what has passed. +Old friends are like old wine in more than one respect--the explosion +made by the blowing out of the cork does not affect the quality. Come to +me first, and let me tell you the whole story_." + +"I'll do nothing of the sort," Sanford fumed as he finished the letter; +yet the first train leaving Pittsburgh which he could catch carried him +to New York. + +The months which had intervened had left their impress upon him, and his +friends had noticed it, though ignorant of the cause. Allen had been +away from home so much during the past few years, that his failure to +appear beneath the parental roof after his return from Europe was no +occasion for comment. Yet it was not the fact that he was separated from +the boy that wore on Stephen Sanford, but rather the knowledge that a +barrier had arisen between them. He had honestly expected that Allen +would refuse to take him seriously when he cast him adrift. They had +quarrelled before and nothing had come of it, so he had no reason to +think that this would be any exception. He knew the boy's tastes, and +while blaming him for his extravagances, he was proud to have him "live +like a gentleman." Even with the income assured from the position given +him by Mr. Gorham, Sanford knew how small it must be compared with the +allowance which Allen had previously received; and he suffered over +again the privations of his own youth while thinking of the self-denials +which his son must be obliged to practise. Picturing him living in a +hall bedroom of meagre proportions, taking his meals at cheap +restaurants and generally resorting to those economies common to +ambitious youth fighting its battle against the world, the father would +many times have sent him a substantial check if he could have made sure +that the source would remain unknown. + +Yet he insisted to himself that Allen must come to him. He would respond +to Gorham's letter to the extent of going to New York and discussing the +matter, but he refused to admit any possibility of a reconciliation +unless the overtures came from the boy himself. As he hastened to +arrange matters for his departure, he muttered imprecations against him +with the same breath that drew an unquestioned joy from the thought that +a sight of him was near at hand; and no idea entered his mind other than +to reach New York at the earliest possible moment. + + +Covington was surprised that the blow did not fall upon him immediately +after the meeting of the committee adjourned. He was ignorant of the +exact contents of the papers handed to Gorham by Litchfield, but they +could scarcely fail to give his chief all the information necessary to +show his connection with the transaction, and he knew well how great +would be Gorham's resentment. Yet no mention was made of the matter +during the few minutes which remained of the business day after the +others had taken their departure. There were two or three routine +matters which Gorham turned over to him, with a few words of comment, +then he said good-night and left the office. Could it be that something +still intervened to keep the real facts covered up? + +All doubts were removed the following morning. Gorham sent for him to +come to his office, and when he appeared he found that Brady was also +present. Covington seemed not to recognize him, but Brady's face assumed +a significant and satisfied expression. + +"Mr. Brady has been good enough to respond to my request," Gorham began, +"and is here to supply me with fuller details concerning the matter +which was brought up at the meeting of the committee yesterday. As it +interests you even more than it does me, I have asked you to be present +during our interview." + +Covington seated himself in silence. + +"Now, Mr. Brady," Gorham continued, "I understand that you made a +statement to Mr. Litchfield to the effect that I had personally secured +some of the stock in the New York Street Railways Company, with a view +to profiting by the advance in price made inevitable by its proposed +merger into the Manhattan Traction Company, of which I was cognizant at +the time." + +"No, I didn't say all that," Brady protested; "I simply said that a big +block of the stock was bought for you. It wasn't necessary to say why." + +"But you don't really believe that this stock was purchased for me, or +with my knowledge, do you?" + +Few men could resist the frank appeal of Gorham's eyes when he chose to +exert it, and Brady was not one of these. He moved uncomfortably in his +chair, and laughed consciously. + +"Why, no, guv'nor, since you put it that way, man to man, I don't." + +"Then why did you say what you did? I can't blame you for harboring some +resentment against me because I interfered with your plans in that +railway deal, but this statement is so easily refuted that I wonder why +you made it. It was to discover this that I asked you to come here this +morning." + +Brady looked over at Covington meaningly. "That was just why I did do +it," he said. "I knew it would bring out certain facts that I wanted to +have known. I ain't harborin' any resentment against you. You licked me, +an' I took my medicine. P'raps I've worried you a bit in Washington +since,--that's another matter. I'm a sport all right, an' I know when to +take my hat off to any man. But there is other slick Alecks, who think +they're so all-fired smart, that I like to get even with when they try +to be funny with me,--an' there's one of 'em sittin' in that chair over +there now." + +"Well--go on." Gorham encouraged him as he paused, at the same time +studying the unexpressive face of Covington as the man progressed. + +"Just before that railway deal was put through, an' Harris an' me was +feelin' nervous about you gettin' so close to the big stockholders, I +found out that this Covington here was saltin' away some good blocks of +stock of the New York Street Railways Company. He wasn't buyin' them +direct, you understand, an' the stool-pigeon he was usin' happened to be +one of my own men. Then I sent Harris to see Covington, to get his +influence with you to let our personal scheme go through, usin' the +little information we had gained to act as an argument to help him make +up his mind. He see the game was up, of course, an' then he tried to be +smart. He had it all figured out that if he could unload that stock on +your daughter, it would make things run easier for him when the facts +come out. I wouldn't have held this up against him, for it was nothin' +but a cheap trick, but then he come to us of his own accord, an' told +us that you an' him had gone all over the matter, an' you was goin' to +let the thing go through all right. Well, you remember what happened. He +evidently went right back to you an' told you what we had up our sleeve. +I swore then I'd get even with him, an' this is the way I chose to do +it." + +"That's the whole story, is it?" Gorham asked. + +"Yes; unless friend Covington here can add a few details." + +"I don't think he can,--but you do him an injustice in thinking that he +spoke to me of your plans. His failure to do so is noteworthy, but it +affects others rather than yourself. I am exceedingly obliged to you for +your time and frankness. I will not detain you further unless Mr. +Covington would like to make any comments." + +"I have nothing to say," Covington replied. + +Gorham waited until Brady had made his departure before he turned to the +man sitting in silence before him. + +"This is all that is needed to make the blow complete, is it not?" he +asked, in a voice which betrayed the feeling beneath by its quiet +restraint. "Even the awakening which came to me when the committee +showed their real selves was not enough. I still believed that I could +carry through my purpose, and I relied on you to help make this +possible. I, who felt myself strong enough to undertake the +revolutionizing of the business world because of my magnificent support, +find myself, like Samson, shorn of my strength, and face to face with a +realization that man is by nature the cringing slave of the almighty +dollar. He may, for a time, or for a purpose, disguise it even from +himself, but when the real test comes, he dare not disregard the +compelling voice of his master. This is enough of an awakening, but +think of the pain which accompanies it when one finds that the friend in +whom he trusted, that the one man whom he was most proud to honor, fails +even to measure up to the simple test of honesty! Oh, Covington, I find +it hard to bring myself to believe it!" + +"What do you propose to do?" Covington asked. + +"First of all, I shall place the facts before the Directors. They at +least shall know that I have not been false to them or to myself." + +"When will you do this?" + +"As soon as possible,--this afternoon if I can get them together." + +"Would you mind postponing it until to-morrow?" + +"What is to be gained by that?" + +"May I have an interview with you at your house to-night? It is for this +that I ask the postponement." + +"Certainly," Gorham replied, wonderingly. "I will see you at nine +o'clock." + +"I thank you," said Covington, rising and leaving the office without +further comment. + + + + +XXIX + + +Gorham received two callers on that Saturday night. Sanford came first, +and the heartiness of the welcome extended him thawed out the blustering +exterior which made it so difficult for the warm heart underneath to +assert itself. + +"I never was so proud of any one," cried Gorham, with more enthusiasm +than he often manifested. "Now it is the old Stephen I used to know and +love, acting his own self once more! But you are going to have your +chance to crow over me. Stephen, I've been a more obstinate old fool +than you ever thought of being, and I'm going to make you my +father-confessor." + +Then he told him of Allen's development, from the first day he entered +the offices of the Consolidated Companies down to the time when he had +himself sent the boy away from him in anger. He even told him of the +crisis in the corporation, knowing that their conversation was sacred to +his old friend. Then he dwelt on Allen's courage in the face of his own +blindness, and his admiration for the boy's attitude throughout. + +"He is planning to go back to you, Stephen, but I shan't let him if I +can help it. I have made him think that his work has been a failure, +when in reality his vision has been clearer than mine. But don't tell +him this. Let your talk be of yourselves. Then bring him to me +to-morrow for dinner, and let me show him what he really is." + +"I told you he'd make a fine business man," Stephen could not resist +saying. "You remember that." + +"I do," laughed Gorham. "That is why I gave him the chance. You remember +asking me to do it, don't you?" + +"There's another thing I told you, Robert,--that you never could do +business on the basis you planned unless you had angels all the way up +from the office boy to the Board of Directors." + +"It has been my fault in not being able to distinguish between angels +and mortals," Gorham replied seriously, his mind reverting to the great +problem which still lay unsolved before him. "I am not willing yet to +admit that the basis is wrong,--the error must rest in the building. +Good-night, Stephen. Be sure to bring Allen with you to-morrow." + + * * * * * + +Covington entered the library, walking with short, quick steps quite +unlike his usual deliberate gait, and sat down in the chair just vacated +by Mr. Sanford. Gorham noted at once the change which had come over his +features, even during the few hours which had elapsed since morning. For +the first time his eyes showed a nervous unrest, the lines about his +mouth had settled into a hard, disagreeable expression, and his whole +manner evidenced the strain he was enduring. Gorham noted all this, and +in a measure it surprised him. If Covington was so constituted that he +could play the hypocrite, he would not have supposed his sensibilities +acute enough to overwhelm him in the unmasking. + +"You are wondering why I desired this interview," Covington began. "You +cannot understand what there is left for me to say to you in view of +what has happened. I could have bluffed this out for a time, but it was +no use. There are other developments which will follow on the heels of +this which make it useless to temporize. I have played the game my way, +letting you make the rules, believing that when it came to the showdown +my cards would be strong enough to win. They would be under normal +circumstances, but you've called my hand too soon. You see before you a +desperate man, Mr. Gorham, upon whom you have forced the necessity of +taking a gambler's chance. That is why I am here to-night." + +"You must be implicated in matters far deeper than I have knowledge to +talk like this, Covington. You have been false to me and false to the +Companies, but after all there is nothing criminal in what you have +done. To me, the greatest crime a man can commit is so to forget the +manhood with which his Maker endowed him, as to prostitute it for +temporary personal advantage, but the law looks upon other lesser crimes +as deserving of greater punishment. I cannot tell how much of a lesson +this may be to you. It will, of course, be necessary for you to leave +New York, as the committee, however much they may criticise my code, +have one of their own which you have transgressed. As far as I am +concerned, you may have no anxiety. I have too many important matters in +hand to wish to divert myself from them simply to make you pay the +penalty you owe me." + +"I am implicated deeper than you know, but I am here to make terms +rather than accept them," Covington replied. "I do not choose to begin +life over again, and I require your definite assurances that whatever +you know or may learn against me be kept from the knowledge of the +committee. At present I hold their confidence, and I am not willing to +relinquish it. What I have done in this stock transaction will not +strike them as so serious a matter as you make of it. I venture to say +that I am not the only one of them to do it." + +Gorham looked at him keenly. "This is the talk of a man bereft of his +senses." + +"I told you I was desperate, and so I am. I have been working all my +life to gain the position of wealth and power which is now within my +grasp, and you shall not keep me from it." + +"You yourself have made its attainment impossible." + +"Next to you, I am the one man most competent to conduct the affairs of +the Consolidated Companies. You yourself have trained me to be your +successor. The committee know this, and they also know that with me at +the head, the Companies will be run as they wish it. They are eager to +have the change, and only fear your influence against the corporation if +they force you out." + +"All that may have been true, Covington, in the past. Not one of them +would trust you now." + +"They know nothing which reflects upon my character, and they must not +know. You and they can never continue together,--it is hopeless to +expect a compromise. I am the only man who can hold these forces +together, and you must give me this chance." + +Gorham could only believe that the excitement which controlled Covington +had affected him to the extent of irresponsibility, and his unusual +manner heightened the impression. + +"I see no reason to continue this interview," he said shortly. "You +speak of what must and shall happen when the shaping of events has +already passed from your control." + +"You think it has, Mr. Gorham; but that is where the gambler's chance +comes in. It is a desperate chance, and it is one which I could never +have believed myself capable of taking. It simply shows how far a man +will go when forced against the wall." + +"I am tiring of this play-acting," protested Gorham. "If you have +anything to say, say it, or else leave me to devote my time to matters +which require it." + +Covington hesitated even then. The weapon was an ugly one to handle, and +there were elements in him which rebelled. Slowly he drew the bulky +paper from his pocket, not meeting Gorham's steady gaze. + +"More affidavits?" asked Gorham. "What is the nature of them this time?" + +"I am more keenly aware of how despicable this is than you will give me +credit," he said. "I have lived among gentlemen long enough to recognize +that to those who know of this, my act separates me from the society of +which I have been a part. But I have chosen. With the wealth and power +which this will bring me, I can buy back what now I seem to forfeit." + +He placed the papers in Mr. Gorham's hands, turning his pale face away, +and drumming nervously on the arm of his chair with his fingers. The +minutes seemed hours, and when he turned, he found Gorham's penetrating +eye fixed firmly upon him. He had counted on the strength of the +statements contained in the affidavits to protect him from personal +violence, yet he half suspected Gorham's purpose when he rose. His host, +however, walked quietly to the wall and pressed the button, then +noiselessly resumed his seat. The awful silence was in itself a strain +on Covington. He wished Gorham would speak, even though he thought he +knew the nature of what those first words would be. Presently Riley +opened the door. + +"Ask Mrs. Gorham and Miss Alice to come here, Riley." + +"Not Alice!" Covington cried. + +Again silence pervaded the room, Gorham rereading the papers, and +Covington still drumming on the arm of his chair. As Eleanor and Alice +entered they greeted Covington cordially, but he drew back without +accepting the outstretched hands. + +"We have a matter to discuss which affects us all," Gorham said, handing +Eleanor one of the papers. "Please read this, but make no comment until +later." + +The first few words conveyed its nature to her, and she swayed for a +moment as if she might fall. Alice sprang to her side. + +"What is it, Eleanor,--let me read it with you. Shall I, daddy?" + +Gorham nodded. When they had finished, Eleanor started to speak, but her +husband checked her. The momentary faintness had passed, and she stood +erect, eager for the word from Gorham which would permit her to break +the silence. + +"Where did this come from?" Alice demanded. + +"Mr. Covington just brought it to me." + +"What did you do to the man who dared to draw it up?" she asked +indignantly of Covington. + +"Mr. Covington is the man who had it drawn up," her father answered. +"Now we will listen to what he has to say about it." + +The man squared himself for the issue. + +"You have read it," he said huskily, "and you value your wife's +reputation?" + +"Yes, beyond anything and everything else." + +"Beyond the Consolidated Companies and the gratification of injuring me +with the committee?" + +"Yes." + +Covington gained confidence from the ease with which all was moving. A +few minutes more of this as against a lifetime of wealth and power! It +was worth the degradation. "It is sometimes necessary to walk through +filth and slime to attain high places," he remembered Gorham had once +told him. + +"Would you agree to stand one side and give me this chance, rather than +have a blemish on your wife's name made public?" + +"Yes," was the firm reply. + +Eleanor had lived a century during the conversation. Sitting now in the +shadow of the room, she turned her eyes first toward one speaker and +then the other, wondering all the while how it was to end. If only she +had told Robert herself before this moment! She could not understand her +husband's passive attitude. She knew him to be slow to anger, yet she +also knew well the strength of the passion which lay controlled beneath +his calm exterior. What Covington had said and the manner in which he +had said it would, under ordinary circumstances, have aroused Gorham to +stern indignation. She could only attribute his present patience to an +uncertainty which lay in his own mind as to the truth of the story +which he had read; but when he answered Covington's questions, +indicating which choice he would make, she could endure it no longer. +Rising quickly, she stood between the two men, her face turned toward +Gorham. + +"Robert," she said, "what do you mean? This man is asking you to give up +the Consolidated Companies." + +"I understand it, Eleanor," Gorham replied. "I would prefer to do so +rather than have a single breath of scandal or even suspicion attach +itself to you." + +Eleanor drew herself up very straight, and, paying no attention to +Covington, she addressed herself passionately to her husband. + +"Look at me, Robert, look into my eyes, and tell me if you see there +anything of which I need to feel ashamed. You have read this story, now +you shall hear mine. It is one which you should have heard long ago, +Robert, but I hesitated to speak, not because I was ashamed of anything +which happened, but because I feared just the interpretation which has +now been put upon it. You know all about my marriage to Ralph Buckner; +you know all about Carina's death, and you shall know all which I am +able to tell any one, or which I myself know, of what happened during +the awful days which followed." + +Eleanor's voice trembled, but the excitement of the moment kept her from +breaking down. + +"When I lifted that little form from the trail and pressed it to my +heart I knew that she was dead. My one thought in the face of the awful +blow which had come to me was to get away from the man who had inflicted +it. Somehow, with Carina in my arms, I got upon the mare, and again I +strained the little body to my heart and forgot all else except my +overpowering grief. The mare walked on unguided, uncontrolled,--I knew +not where,--I cared not where. I believe I never should have stopped her +myself, but suddenly a man appeared by the side of the trail who saw +that something was wrong, and he asked if he could be of help. At these +first words of sympathy I lost control of myself, and made some +incoherent reply. From that time on I was a child myself, and he a kind, +loving, guiding father. Walking beside me and helping to support me, we +soon reached the shack in which he lived. He took the dead child from my +arms, and carried it tenderly into the house; then he came back and +helped me to dismount. He asked no further questions, but led me inside, +too, soothing my outburst of grief as the reaction came in full force. +Of what happened afterward I have no memory. For the time, I lost my +reason, and he, day by day, night by night, watched over me, bathing my +hot forehead, moistening my parched lips, trying to give me courage to +pass through the awful ordeal. + +"It was all of two weeks that I was there, so he told me afterward. As +my reason returned, his first thought was to get me back to my father's +ranch, having learned who I was and enough of what had happened to +understand the situation. Before we left, he took me to the little mound +back of the shack, where I said 'good-bye' to the one ray of sunshine +which had entered my life during those awful years. Then he helped me on +my mare and mounted his own horse. Together we rode silently back over +the seven or eight miles, only to learn that my father had suddenly +died, partly from the shock and partly from my unexplained absence. The +old man's strength could not endure the double blow. + +"In dismay I turned to my protector, and he at once answered the query +which he read in my eyes. He made arrangements, and accompanied me to +Denver, leaving me in a hospital there, where for two months I hovered +between life and death, owing to a relapse. I saw him only once again, +when he came to the hospital and told me that he had placed my affairs +in the hands of a certain lawyer, who would look after what property my +father left, and would advise me after I was able to leave the hospital. +Then he passed out of my life, though I was told later that he stayed in +Denver until I was out of danger, before he returned East. In my +condition and because of the excitement, his name was a blank to me from +the moment I left the hospital, and I have striven ever since to recall +it. The lawyer to whom he referred me professed not to know it, and +simply said that the man had described himself as a prospector from the +East." + +As Eleanor paused from weakness, Covington glanced across to Gorham. + +"Her story doesn't differ much from that contained in the affidavit," he +remarked. + +"No," Gorham answered, shortly; "it is the same story with a different +interpretation." + +"What do you think of it now?" + +"Just as I have from the beginning." + +"You don't believe me!" Eleanor cried, half-beseechingly, +half-reproachfully. "I don't wonder,--it is past belief." + +"You must believe her, daddy," Alice insisted, ready to burst into +tears; "she has tried so many times to tell you." + +"I do believe you, Eleanor," Gorham replied. "And what is more, I know +that you speak the truth." + +"The public may not be so generous," suggested Covington. + +"You forget that I have great faith in that same public," Gorham +answered, strangely calm in the face of such great provocation. + +"You know it, Robert?" Eleanor asked, scarcely believing what she heard. +"How can you know it? You mean that your faith in me is strong enough to +make you believe it." + +"You may tell them that story, Covington," Gorham said, rising; "but it +will make it even more interesting if you add the finale which you are +going to witness now." + +Then he turned to his wife and took her hand in his. + +"Would you know that prospector if you saw him again?" he asked. + +"I am sure I should," she replied, wonderingly. + +"Must he still wear his full beard and his old corduroy clothes, with a +blue handkerchief knotted around his throat, to recall himself to you? +Must I tell you that he called himself 'Roberts'?" + +"Roberts!" she gasped, gazing at him spellbound, "--how could you know?" + +"Look at me again, Eleanor," he urged with infinite tenderness, but with +an eager expectancy manifest in every feature,--"look hard." + +She drew back speechless as the truth came to her. + +"Oh, my Robert," she cried at last, with a joy in her voice which +thrilled her hearers, "you--you were that man!" + + +It seemed a sacrilege to the two spectators of the unexpected climax of +this intimate personal drama to remain, so instinctively they both +withdrew silently to the drawing-room, leaving Eleanor closely enfolded +in her husband's arms. For the first time since Covington had disclosed +himself, Alice was alone with him. Wrought up as the girl had been by +the conflicting emotions which had consumed her strength during the past +moments, and relieved beyond measure by the final outcome of what had +promised only a tragedy, yet her eyes filled with tears as she looked at +him. + +"Why did you do this?" she asked. "Why did you come into my life to +teach me that this beautiful world of ours can contain so much that is +bad?--you, whom I respected and admired, and whom I was beginning to +believe I loved? How could you do it?" + +Covington made no answer to the impelling voice which spoke. The girl, +with her varying moods and changing conceits, who had so amused him, had +vanished, and in her place he saw the woman, supreme in the strength of +asserting that which is ever woman's creed,--justice and right. He could +sense, in her attitude, as in her words, that her resentment was not +because of the indignity which he had forced upon herself, but rather +because of the wrong he had done to those she loved. What a woman to +have called his wife,--what a woman to have lived up to as a husband! + +"I must see your father again," he said when he spoke at last. "Let us +go back to them." + +Covington stood in the doorway of the library as Alice slipped quietly +into the room and took her place beside Eleanor and her father. As he +looked upon the three, forming a group into which he had almost entered, +he realized the infinite distance which now separated them. Their total +disregard of his presence, Gorham's lack of open resentment, Alice's +indifference,--all told him that in their eyes he was only the pariah, +beneath their contempt, suffered to remain there until he saw fit to rid +them of his presence. Yet he could not leave them thus. Somewhere within +him a something, until now quiescent, demanded recognition and insisted +upon expression. Why had it waited until now! It was a changed John +Covington who spoke from that doorway, when at last silence became +unendurable. The hard lines in the face had softened, and the previously +insistent voice now betrayed realization of the present, and +hopelessness for the future. The fires of truth and love and faith and +honor, which burned so brightly before him, at least touched him with +their heat. God pity him! + +"It is all over, Mr. Gorham," he forced himself to say. "It is not you +who have defeated me, it is I who have defeated myself. I offer no +defence. I despised myself before I did this, I despise myself still +further for having done it. I could not believe you sincere,--I could +not believe any man capable of living the creed you preached. I accept +the penalty which you or other men may impose upon me." + +"You have imposed your own penalty, Covington," Gorham replied. "You, +who have destroyed the way-marks to misguide others, now find yourself +adrift because of your own act. You are a young man. If you are honest +in what you now say, there is still hope for you. Fight those +overpowering ambitions which have brought you to the brink until you +have them properly controlled, then guide your undoubted abilities along +lines which men recognize as true." + +Covington bowed his head, and without a word disappeared. As the outer +door closed Alice turned to her father, but her thought was not of the +man who had passed from their lives. + +"You were that prospector, daddy? Why did you never tell Eleanor?" + +"I have tried to make her recognize me ever since we were married, dear. +I have tried to make her tell me the story, hoping that the repetition +might recall in her heart some association which would link me with that +past, sad as it was to her. You never knew, Alice, of that experience +when I went West in search of health, but now you know why I hurried +back to Denver; why I kept myself constantly informed regarding the +recovery and later life of this little woman who came into my heart +during those days when she was passing through her agony. I loved her +then, but she was another man's wife. I knew when the court gave her +back her freedom, and I lost no time in winning her at the first +opportunity which offered." + +"How could I have recognized you, ill as I was then,--and without your +old prospector's clothes and your full beard? You should have told me." + +"I wanted your love, dear heart, not your gratitude." + +She tenderly pushed back the gray hair from the high forehead, and +pressed her lips against it reverently. + +"You have both, Robert,--you have always had them." + + + + +XXX + + +Sanford located Allen's apartment from the address Gorham had given him. +He stood before the entrance for several moments, regarding its +pretentious appearance and the aristocratic neighborhood. + +"Gorham must have made a mistake," he muttered; "this can't be the +place." + +But the handsome Gothic figures over the doorway corresponded with those +written upon the slip of paper, so he approached the elevator boy, +resplendent in his brass buttons. + +"Does Mr. Allen Sanford live here?" he demanded. + +"Yes, sir; eighth floor. What name shall I say, sir?" + +"You needn't say any name,--I'll say it myself. I'm his father. Rents +must be cheaper than they used to be," he remarked to himself in the +elevator. "I guess the boy hasn't suffered much." + +Allen had just risen from the window-seat after the painful revelry he +had indulged in since Patricia and Riley left him. The ringing of the +bell annoyed him. He was in no mood to see any one, and he resented the +intrusion. Then he threw the door open and saw his father standing +there. For a long moment he stood speechless with amazement, when his +face broke into a smile of welcome which touched the old man's heart. + +"The pater!" he cried, and in another moment he had him grasped in his +arms with a grip which almost crushed him. + +"What do you mean, you young reprobate," Sanford gasped, struggling to +escape. "I'm not a football dummy. Let me get my breath." + +Allen dragged him into the room, unwilling to release him. + +"The dear old pater," he cried again, depositing him in the great Morris +chair, and drawing back to regard him joyfully. "You've come just in +time. There are my trunks packed all ready to go to you. You said I'd +come back, and you were right. Oh, pater, I've made an awful mess of +things. You knew that I was no good, but I've had to find it out for +myself." + +"Nothing of the sort," blubbered the old man, striving earnestly to +conceal the emotion which almost overcame him as a result of the boy's +welcome. "Any one who says you're no good will have to settle with me. +You're my son, that's what you are, and no Sanford was ever a failure +yet." + +"Then you must keep me from being the first." + +"Nothing of the sort;--why do you try to make me lose my temper? Gorham +says--" + +"You've seen Mr. Gorham?" Allen interrupted, his heart leaping at the +sound of the name. "What did he say?" + +"Never mind what he said," Sanford replied, remembering the injunction +laid upon him. Then he looked about him. "Gorham must have paid you a +good deal more than you were worth," he remarked significantly. + +"He did," admitted Allen, and then divining what was in his father's +mind; "but not enough for this." + +"You've run in debt, have you?" Allen noticed that the question did not +contain the usual sting. The old man would have rejoiced at this +opportunity to express his sympathy in the only way he knew how. + +"Not yet. I sold my motor and some other things." + +"Had to live like a gentleman, whatever your salary, didn't you?" + +"I ought not to have done it," the boy admitted. + +"Nothing of the sort," Sanford sputtered, again resorting to his +favorite phrase. "My son has to live like a gentleman,--that's what I +educated him for. Now help me off with my coat, and tell me all the damn +fool things you've been doing." + +Their conference lasted well into the afternoon,--an afternoon filled +with surprises for them both. For the first time Allen found his father +an interested, sympathetic listener; for the first time Stephen Sanford +came to know his son. The boy made no effort to spare himself, though +eager for his father to realize that he had been earnest and +industrious, albeit the net results of this had been but failure. Mr. +Gorham had done so much for him, and he had tried to assimilate the +lessons both from his deeds and from his words; but instead he had seen +chimeras breathing fire at every turn, and had charged them quixote-like +to find them but windmills, harmful only to himself. He enlarged upon +the personal characteristics of the directors and the other business men +with whom he came in contact,--many of them well known to his +listener,--and Sanford marvelled at the accuracy of the boy's insight, +and the integrity of the portraits. Gorham was right,--Allen had +developed, and far beyond what he himself realized. He was now a man to +be reckoned with rather than a boy to be disciplined. + +The old man's keen business sense also for the first time grasped the +tremendous scope of Gorham's gigantic project. There was no room left to +doubt the strength of the appeal of the absolute honesty of purpose +after listening to Allen's unconsciously irresistible testimony. In +words made pregnant by the simplicity of their utterance, he described +Gorham the man and Gorham the Colossus of the business world; he +pictured the waves of avarice and intrigue and discontent which he +thought he saw beating against the feet of this towering figure, +unheeded and unrecognized because so far beneath it; he told of his own +puny efforts to warn this giant of the storm which he thought he saw +approaching, but in doing this he had betrayed his own ignorance, and +had prepared the pit into which he himself had fallen. + +"And the worst of it all is," Allen concluded, "that I can't see even +now where I was wrong; but if Mr. Gorham told me that Napoleon Bonaparte +discovered America I would know that, all previous statements to the +contrary, he was right." + +"H'm!" ejaculated Sanford, eager to break over the injunction Gorham had +placed upon him. "I don't believe there's anything in what you've said +yet that you can't live down. Now I suppose if Gorham had told you that +we'd had our lunch, the fact that your father was starving to death +wouldn't be accepted as evidence worthy of consideration." + +Allen laughed as he pulled out his watch, his mind easier and his heart +lighter than it had been for months. + +"I had forgotten all about that, and it's after four o'clock. Come on +out with me, and I'll give you a revised version of the 'fatted calf' +story." + +"You think it is the return of the prodigal father, do you?" + +"I hope we are both prodigals, you dear old pater," Allen replied, +seriously; "I hope we both need each other so much that we never can +exist alone again." + +"All right; but we'd better go easy with the calf, for I've accepted a +dinner invitation for us both to-night." + +"You have?" Allen asked, disappointed that their visit was to be +interrupted. "Where?" + +"At Gorham's." + +"I couldn't go there again, pater," he protested quickly. "He's just +asking me because he wants you." + +"No; he wants to talk with you, especially." + +"With me?" Allen's face sobered. "He thinks he was harsh the other +night. I would rather not open up the whole subject again. There are +special reasons. Please go without me." + +"You don't want to do anything which will make him think worse of you +than he does now, do you?" + +"No," was the frank reply, into which a genuine note of sorrow entered. + +"Then we'll dine with him, as he asks us to. Now lead on to that calf, +but make it a little one." + + * * * * * + +Allen found himself the only one at the dinner-table who seemed to be +laboring under any restraint. Eleanor and Alice were in better spirits +than he had seen them for months, Gorham was an ideal host, conversing +with Sanford and with Allen upon lighter topics in a way which seemed to +show entire forgetfulness of what had gone before. It seemed almost +heartless to the boy to find these friends, so dear to him, able to +conduct themselves in so matter-of-fact a manner while he was in the +grip of his own life tragedy. But he could not blame them. He had +assumed much which they had never granted. This last dinner together, +made possible by his father's presence in New York, was intended as a +lesson to him, and as Mr. Gorham had planned it, then it must be for his +good. He would play his part, and, concealing the pain it cost him, he +entered into the conversation with an abandon which surprised them all. + +It was not until they had gathered in the library, whither Gorham had +especially invited them after the dinner was over, that the atmosphere +changed. Allen saw the expression on Gorham's face deepen into that +serious aspect which always signified matters of important moment. + +"I find myself face to face with certain duties and responsibilities," +Gorham began, "which appall me with their far-reaching significance, and +I have asked you, who are the nearest and dearest to me, to be witnesses +of my faithful performance of them, to the extent of my understanding." + +Gorham paused, and seemed to deliberate before making his next +statement, unconscious of the tenseness of the silence which his words +had produced. + +"First of all, it is my immediate intention to take such steps as are +necessary to bring about the disintegration of the Consolidated +Companies." + +"But you can't do it," Sanford declared. "The corporation is solvent, +the directors and the stockholders will of course be against it, and you +will be powerless." "I have considered all that," Gorham replied, +quietly. + +"What you say might be true six months from now, if the Executive +Committee succeed in wrenching my control from me; but to-day I have the +strength. The stockholders have invested because of their faith in me; +because of this same faith they will accept my statement that the +Companies' future is imperilled,--and the Government itself will help +me to accomplish my purpose." + +"You are convinced, then, that the principles you built on are wrong?" +asked Sanford, unable to keep from showing some satisfaction in his +voice. + +"No," Gorham replied, firmly. "The principles are right,--the wrong lies +in that human instinct which finds itself incapable of living up to its +best standard. I believed that my success had been due to a recognition +of my principle, when in reality it came from the simplest possible +expression of self-interest. If we go on, the Companies' continued +success means a growth beyond my control,--recent events show that it +has almost reached that point already,--and when once in the hands of +others, it can be nothing but a menace to the people. + +"And now for the most humiliating confession of all: I myself have been +guilty of an exercise of my own self-interest as flagrant as any of my +associates, though in a different way. Their lust has been for gold, +while mine has been for a justification of an idea. My self-interest has +been less malignant in its possible effects, but it has been my +controlling influence none the less. With due humility, I confess that I +have attempted to assume a role which belongs to Providence, and that no +man has a right to do. I have been guilty of violating certain laws of +life, just as my associates have violated other laws which to me demand +observance; but I have recognized the tendency of things to gravitate +back to their natural positions before it is too late for me not to make +certain that they do so. In order to prevent this corporation from +becoming a great power for evil, and as a final evidence of the strength +which I still possess, I propose to force its dissolution." + +"You have a big contract on your hands, Gorham," Sanford replied; "I +don't believe even you can do it." + +"On Tuesday next," Gorham continued, "the Senate Committee will consider +a bill which is in reality an amendment to the Sherman Act, and is +intended to give the Government the power to discriminate between good +and bad trusts. The Consolidated Companies is to be cited as a case in +point, and they are depending upon me to advance the principal arguments +for the passage of the bill. All the other big interests are naturally +against it, and they are forcing the issue, hoping to compel the +Government to act against the Consolidated Companies, and thus call down +the wrath of the people upon trust legislation as a whole. If the masses +find that the one agency which has reduced their cost of living is +prevented from continuing its co-operative work, they will effectually +put a stop to further interference, and the other interests will be the +gainers." + +"A clever game," Sanford exclaimed. + +"But now I am convinced there are no 'good' trusts, as I have been +pleased to call them. Those combinations, like the Consolidated +Companies, which are really a benefit to the people to-day, may, as +again in the case of the Consolidated Companies, become their greatest +enemy to-morrow. I am prepared to say that all this talk--much of which +I have made myself--to the effect that combination effects economies of +which the public receives the benefit, is true only for a time. Just so +soon as the combinations become monopolies, amounts saved by the +economies simply go to swell the profits for the stockholders. +Competition must not be eliminated--it is the vital spark which keeps +alive the welfare of the country." + +"You are going to say all this before the Senate Committee?" + +"Yes, and more. I am going to use the Consolidated Companies as an +example, and urge immediate active enforcement of the Sherman Act +against all consolidations which aim at monopolies or the restraint of +trade. The Attorney-General said that this would mean an industrial +reign of terror. So be it. Even that is better than this gradual +strangling of the people's rights, which is now being carried on with +legislative approval. I shall at least have the satisfaction of +performing this one act in the interests of the people, even though I +must forego the continued administration of a corporation honestly +devoted to their welfare. This statement from me, and the position I +take regarding my own corporation, will go far toward defeating those +other malign interests which hope to gain by their attack upon me." + +Allen's face had been a study while Mr. Gorham was speaking, and Alice +had particularly noted the varying emotions it expressed. She saw there +first the astonished incredulity at her father's determination to +dissolve the Companies; then the wonder as he heard Gorham state +conclusions which coincided with those he had arrived at earlier; and +finally the radiant joy as the realization came, not fully but in part, +that his own understanding of the situation had not been all at fault. +It needed only the words which Gorham added to make the world look +bright again. But it was to his father rather than to Allen that Gorham +addressed himself. + +"And now, Stephen, as to this boy. You and I have done our best to make +him think the world is wrong side up; but I am more to blame because I +had the better opportunity to study his development, beneath my own +eyes. I taught him that imagination was an essential ingredient of a +successful business man, to enable him to grasp each situation as a +whole, and to conceive its dangers and its possibilities. Yet, when he +exercised that very quality, and came to me frankly with the results of +his efforts, I refused to recognize my own handiwork. I taught him my +altruistic creed, and then blamed him when he used it as his standard, +and was unhappy that those around him failed to measure up to it. Never +has a man been more blind than I. Never has a man settled back, so +self-satisfied, with so determined a conviction that because he willed +things to be so, then they were so. I have merged the white thread of my +new creed with the black one of the old business morals I first learned; +his pattern has been wholly woven from the white. + +"My boy," he added, turning to Allen, "for the first time in my life I +ask a man's forgiveness. In the face of the greatest discouragements, +you have shown yourself true, and I congratulate you and your father +upon the future which you have before you. I want you to stay with me +until the Consolidated Companies has been placed in a position of safety +to itself and to its stockholders, then you may choose your own +career." + +"No Sanford ever made a failure yet," Stephen proudly repeated. + +"But, Mr. Gorham--" Allen began, surprised into confusion by the +unstinted praise; but Alice interrupted him. + +"So this is my business creation!" she exclaimed, with satisfaction. +Allen looked first at her and then at Mr. Gorham. Then he smiled +consciously. + +"While you are about it, Mr. Gorham," he said, impulsively, "I wish you +would disintegrate Alice and Mr. Covington." + +A momentary shadow passed over the faces of all who knew what had +occurred. + +"That dissolution took place last night," Mr. Gorham replied, quietly. + +Alice's cheeks were flaming, but her smile was irresistible as she +spoke. + +"I'll tell you all about it, Allen, if you'll come into the +conservatory." + + + + +XXXI + + +A great event requires retrospective consideration. Unlike the laws of +perspective, distance gives it greater size. So it was with Gorham's +supreme and final demonstration of his strength. To Covington, who, true +to his promise of the night before, was present at this crucial meeting +of the Board of Directors, and marvelled that his chief demanded of him +only a statement regarding the real purchaser of the stock, this +dissolution of the Consolidated Companies appeared as an act of +sacrilege; to his associates, aghast at the knowledge that they were +powerless to prevent him, it seemed the epitome of treachery; to his +family it meant a sublime exhibit of self-sacrifice;--to himself it was +the crowning point of his career, and a justification of his life-work. + +"You know what this means?" Litchfield had demanded of him. "You realize +that your action to-morrow will deprive us of millions, and will plunge +the country into a panic which will cost that dear public which you +profess to love, more than we should have kept from them in a decade?" + +"Yes," replied Gorham, resolutely; "I realize it all. It is a simple +case of surgery--it may be necessary to sacrifice the limb to save the +life. You, gentlemen, have had it in your power to place the standard of +the business world so high that no longer would other nations gaze at +our marvellous machine, appalled by its pace--politically, socially, +financially--wondering whether they or we read correctly the +danger-signals ahead. You have had it in your power, and you refused to +embrace the opportunity; and if men of your intelligence and high +standing in the world are not ready for it, then the world itself is not +ready. The people have trusted themselves to me, and have placed in my +hands power beyond that which has ever yet been given; now that I have +learned how that power may be misused against them, I will prevent their +betrayal." + +From his office, Gorham returned to his home before leaving for +Washington. It was from Riley's hand, as he entered, that he received +the telegram from his Denver attorneys, announcing that the lawyer, +Jennings, was already on his way East, bringing with him absolute +evidence that the divorce papers had been properly served on Buckner. +Strengthened for the ordeal before him by the removal of this burden, he +sought Eleanor; but she met him in the hallway before he reached her +room. + +"Robert," she said, impulsively, after looking for a moment searchingly +into his face--"something has happened, and the light in your eyes tells +me that all is well. You have decided not to take that awful step." + +"All is well, dear heart," he repeated, handing her the telegram; "but +it would not be so except that the 'awful step' has already been taken." + +"Then there is no doubt regarding the divorce?" she cried, joyfully, +after reading the telegram. + +"There never has been," he replied, as he pressed her to him. + +"May I tell the children?" she asked, happily, a moment later, and Alice +and Allen responded quickly. + +The Consolidated Companies was forgotten in the joy of the new +knowledge, and it was Allen who first made reference to it. + +"Are you really going to put things through as you said, Mr. Gorham?" + +"The die is cast, my boy; I leave for Washington to-night." + +"Then monopolies are doomed?" + +"Monopolies can never be prevented," Gorham answered, seriously, "but I +hope that my action to-morrow will go far toward forcing their control. +You and I have seen the impossibility of trying to make them change +their spots. I thought I had solved the problem, but I was wrong. Far +ahead in the future, beyond the point which our present vision reaches, +perhaps the solution lies. Until it is found, the Government must +protect itself and the people it represents." + +"Please fix it so as to make one exception," the boy pleaded. As Gorham +looked at him for explanation, he drew Alice closely to him. "Please let +this monopoly be exempt from governmental interference." + +A stifled sob, entirely out of place in the presence of such general +rejoicing, came from a little human ball rolled up on the steps below +them. Eleanor and Allen quickly sprang toward her, but the boy better +understood Patricia's tears. He sat beside her, and wrapped his great +arms around her. + +"Don't cry, Lady Pat," he entreated. + +"I can't help it," she moaned. "I haven't any Sir Launcelot, and you +haven't stormed the castle, and I've lost my silken ladder, and I want +to die so that I can go up to heaven and be mean to the angels." + +"Oh, no, no!" he begged. "I've tried to think it all out, and the only +thing I can do is to cut myself in two pieces the way King Solomon +decided to do with the baby. Do you remember?" + +"But he didn't do it," replied Patricia, showing surprising knowledge of +the Scriptures. + +"Well, I haven't done it yet--but I will if you say so." + +"Will you really?" The child's mind was already diverted from its +tragedy. "But then you couldn't wear armor or ride a horse, or storm a +castle, or do any of those things." + +"Not without messing everything all up," Allen admitted, sorrowfully; +"but that's the best thing I can think of." + +Patricia was seized with an inspiration. "Will you swear to be my Knight +every time Alice is mean and horrid to you?" + +"I swear," Allen responded in a sepulchral voice, his eyes laughing at +the older girl above him. + +"Then I'll get you most of the time," Patricia announced, joyfully; and +she suffered herself to join the group in the hallway. + +"So you have decided to abandon your business career?" Gorham asked, +turning to Alice. + +"No, daddy," she replied, slyly. "I'm just changing my company from a +private corporation into a partnership." + +Gorham drew her to him and kissed her tenderly. Then he held out his +disengaged hand to Allen. + +"The world is before you. From the time it was created, man has striven +to force from it the secret of unlimited power. Events have sometimes +seemed to give encouragement, but ever at the end of each seeming +success has come the unmistakable warning of a wisely jealous God. +Omnipotence is not for mortals. The only lever which really moves the +world is love, and it rests on a fulcrum of honor." + + + + +THE END + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Lever, by William Dana Orcutt + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LEVER *** + +***** This file should be named 15430.txt or 15430.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/5/4/3/15430/ + +Produced by Audrey Longhurst, Mary Meehan, and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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