 | VI The Conflict |  |
6. VI
As Jane drove into the grounds of the house on the hilltop she saw her father and David Hull in an obviously intimate and agitated conversation on the front veranda. She made all haste to join them; nor was she deterred by the reception she got — the reception given to the unwelcome interrupter. Said she:
"You are talking about those indictments, aren't you? Everyone else is. There's a group on every corner down town, and people are calling their views to each other from windows across the streets.''
Davy glanced triumphantly at her father. "I told you so,'' said he.
Old Hastings was rubbing his hand over his large, bony, wizened face in the manner that indicates extreme perplexity.
Davy turned to Jane. "I've been trying to show your father what a stupid, dangerous thing Dick Kelly has done. I want him to help me undo it. It must be undone or Victor Dorn will sweep the town on election day.''
Jane's heart was beating wildly. She continued to say carelessly, "You think so?''
"Davy's got a bad attack of big red eye to-day,'' said her father. "It's a habit young men have.''
"I'm right, Mr. Hastings,'' cried Hull. "And, furthermore, you know I'm right, Jane; you saw that riot the other night. Joe Wetherbe told me so. You said that it was an absolutely unprovoked assault of the gangs of Kelly and House. Everyone in town knows it was. The middle and the upper class people are pretending to believe what the papers printed — what they'd like to believe. But they know better. The working people are apparently silent. They usually are apparently silent. But they know the truth — they are talking it among themselves. And these indictments will make Victor Dorn a hero.''
"What of it? What of it?'' said Hastings impatiently. "The working people don't count.''
"Not as long as we can keep them divided,'' retorted Davy. "But if they unite — ''
And he went on to explain what he had in mind. He gave them an analysis of Remsen City. About fifty thousand inhabitants, of whom about ten thousand were voters. These voters were divided into three classes — upper class, with not more than three or four hundred votes, and therefore politically of no importance at the polls, though overwhelmingly the most influential in any other way; the middle class, the big and little merchants, the lawyers and doctors, the agents and firemen and so on, mustering in all about two thousand votes; finally, the working class with no less than eight thousand votes out of a total of ten thousand.
"By bribery and cajolery and browbeating and appeal to religious prejudice and to fear of losing jobs — by all sorts of chicane,'' said Davy, "about seven of these eight thousand votes are kept divided between the Republican or Kelly party and the Democratic or House party. The other ten or twelve hundred belong to Victor Dorn's League. Now, the seven thousand workingmen voters who follow Kelly and House like Victor Dorn, like his ideas, are with him at heart. But they are afraid of him. They don't trust each other. Workingmen despise the workingman as an ignorant fool.''
"So he is,'' said Hastings.
"So he is,'' agreed Davy. "But Victor Dorn has about got the workingmen in this town persuaded that they'd fare better with Dorn and the League as their leaders than with Kelly and House as their leaders. And if Kelly goes on to persecute Victor Dorn, the workingmen will be frightened for their rights to free speech and free assembly. And they'll unite. I appeal to you, Jane — isn't that common sense?''
"I don't know anything about politics,'' said Jane, looking bored. "You must go in and lie down before dinner, father. You look tired.''
Hastings got ready to rise.
"Just a minute, Mr. Hastings,'' pleaded Hull. "This must be settled now — at once. I must be in a position not only to denounce this thing, but also to
Jane's thoughts were flying — but in circles. Everybody habitually judges everybody else as both more and less acute than he really is. Jane had great respect for Davy as a man of college education. But because he had no sense of humor and because he abounded in lengthy platitudes she had thought poorly indeed of his abilities. She had been realizing her mistake in these last few minutes. The man who had made that analysis of politics — an analysis which suddenly enlighted her as to what political power meant and how it was wielded everywhere on earth as well as in Remsen City — the man was no mere dreamer and theorist. He had seen the point no less clearly than had Victor Dorn. But what concerned her, what set her to fluttering, was that he was about to checkmate Victor Dorn. What should she say and do to help Victor?
She must get her father away. She took him gently by the arm, kissed the top of his head. "Come on, father,'' she cried. "I'll let Davy work his excitement off on me. You must take care of your health.''
But Hastings resisted. "Wait a minute, Jenny,'' said he. "I must think.''
"You can think lying down,'' insisted his daughter Davy was about to interpose again, but she frowned him into silence.
"There's something in what Davy says,'' persisted
Jane abruptly released her father's arm. She had not thought of that — of how much more difficult Victor would be if he won now. She wanted him to win ultimately — yes, she was sure she did. But — now? Wouldn't that put him beyond her reach — beyond need of her?
She said: "Please come, father!'' But it was perfunctory loyalty to Victor. Her father settled back; Davy Hull began afresh, pressing home his point, making his contention so clear that even Martin Hastings' prejudice could not blind him to the truth. And Jane sat on the arm of a big veranda chair and listened and made no further effort to interfere.
"I don't agree with you, Hull,'' said the old man at last. "Victor Dorn's run up agin the law at last, and he ought to get the consequences good and hard. But — ''
"Mr. Hastings,'' interrupted Davy eagerly — too fond of talking to realize that the old man was agreeing with him, "Your daughter saw — ''
"Fiddle-fiddle,'' cried the old man. "Don't bring sentimental women into this, Davy. As I was saying, Victor ought to be punished for the way he's been stirring up idle, lazy, ignorant people against the men that runs the community and gives 'em jobs and food for their children. But maybe it ain't wise to give
"That's it, Mr. Hastings,'' cried Hull. "Even if I do exaggerate, as you seem to think, still where's the harm in doing it?''
"It looks as if the respectable people were afraid of the lower classes,'' said Hastings doubtfully. "And that's always bad.''
"But it won't look that way,'' replied Davy, "if my plan is followed.''
"And what might be your plan?'' inquired Hastings.
"I'm to be the reform candidate for Mayor. Your son-in-law, Hugo, is to be the reform candidate for judge. The way to handle this is for me to come out in a strong statement denouncing the indictments, and the injunction against the League and the New Day, too. And I'll announce that Hugo Galland is trying to join in the fight against them and that he is indignant and as determined as I am. Then early to-morrow morning we can go before Judge Lansing and can present arguments, and he will denounce the other side for misleading him as to the facts, and will quash the indictments and vacate the injunctions.''
Hastings nodded reflectively. "Pretty good,'' said he with a sly grin. "And Davy Hull and my son-in-law will be popular heroes.''
Davy reddened. "Of course. I want to get all the
Martin grinned more broadly. He who had been representing "honest taxpayers'' and "innocent owners'' of corrupt stock and bonds all his life understood perfectly. "It's hardly human to be as unselfish as you and I are, Davy,'' said he. "Well, I'll go in and do a little telephoning. You go ahead and draw up your statement and get it to the papers — and see Hugo.'' He rose, stood leaning on his cane, all bent and shrivelled and dry. "I reckon Judge Lansing'll be expecting you to-morrow morning.'' He turned to enter the house, halted, crooked his head round for a piercing look at young Hull. "Don't go talking round among your friends about what you're going to do,'' said he sharply. "Don't let nobody know until it's done.''
"Certainly, sir,'' said Davy.
"I could see you hurrying down to that there University Club to sit there and tell it all to those smarties that are always blowing about what they're going to do. You'll be right smart of a man some day, Davy, if you'll learn to keep your mouth shut.''
Davy looked abashed. He did not know which of his many indiscretions of self-glorifying talkativeness Mr. Hastings had immediately in mind. But he could recall several, any one of which was justification for the rather savage rebuke — the more humiliating that Jane was listening. He glanced covertly at her. Perhaps she
"What are you thinking about, Jane?''
Jane startled guiltily. "I? Oh — I don't know — a lot of things.''
"Your look suggested that you were having a — a severe attack of conscience,'' said he, laughingly. He was in soaring good humor now, for he saw his way clear to election.
"I was,'' said Jane, suddenly stern. A pause, then she laughed — rather hollowly. "Davy, I guess I'm almost as big a fraud as you are. What fakirs we human beings are? — always posing as doing for others and always doing for our selfish selves.''
Davy's face took on its finest expression. "Do you think it's altogether selfishness for me to fight for Victor Dorn and give him a chance to get out his paper again — when he has warned me that he is going to print things that may defeat me?''
"You know he'll not print them now,'' retorted Jane.
"Indeed I don't. He's not so forbearing.''
"You know he'll not print them now,'' repeated Jane. "He'd not be so foolish. Every one would forget to ask whether what he said about you was true or false. They'd think only of how ungenerous
"You are too cynical for a woman, Jane,'' said Davy. "It's not attractive.''
"To your vanity?'' retorted Jane. "I should think not.''
"Well — good-by,'' said Davy, taking his hat from the rail. "I've got a hard evening's work before me. No time for dinner.''
"Another terrible sacrifice for public duty,'' mocked Jane.
"You must be frightfully out of humor with yourself, to be girding at me so savagely,'' said Davy.
"Good-by, Mr. Mayor.''
"I shall be — in six weeks.''
Jane's face grew sombre. "Yes — I suppose so,'' said she. "The people would rather have one of us than one of their own kind. They do look up to us, don't they? It's ridiculous of them, but they do. The idea of choosing you, when they might have Victor Dorn.''
"He isn't running for Mayor,'' objected Hull. "The League's candidate is Harbinger, the builder.''
"No, it's Victor Dorn,'' said Jane. "The best man in a party — the strongest man — is always the candidate for all the offices. I don't know much about politics, but I've learned that much. . . . It's Victor Dorn against — Dick Kelly — or Kelly and father.''
Hull reddened. She had cut into quick. "You will see who is Mayor when I'm elected,'' said he with all his dignity.
Jane laughed in the disagreeably mocking way that was the climax of her ability to be nasty when she was thoroughly out of humor. "That's right, Davy. Deceive yourself. It's far more comfortable. So long!''
And she went into the house.
Davy's conduct of the affair was masterly. He showed those rare qualities of judgment and diplomacy that all but insure a man a distinguished career. His statement for the press was a model of dignity, of restrained indignation, of good common sense. The most difficult part of his task was getting Hugo Galland into condition for a creditable appearance in court. In so far as Hugo's meagre intellect, atrophied by education and by luxury, permitted him to be a lawyer at all, he was of that now common type called the corporation lawyer. That is, for him human beings had ceased to exist, and of course human rights, also; the world as viewed from the standpoint of law contained only corporations, only interests. Thus, a man like Victor Dorn was in his view the modern form of the devil — was a combination of knave and lunatic who had no right to live except in the restraint of an asylum or a jail.
Fortunately, while Hugo despised the "hoi polloi'' as only a stupid, miseducated snob can despise, he
Hugo came round. Davy left him at one o'clock in the morning and went gloomily home. He had known what a prejudiced ass Galland was, how unfit he was for the office of judge; but he had up to that time hidden the full truth from himself. Now, to hide it was impossible. Hugo had fully exposed himself in all his unfitness of the man of narrow upper class prejudices, the man of no instinct or enthusiasm for right, justice and liberty. "Really, it's a crime to nominate such a chap as that,'' he muttered. "Yet we've got to do it. How Selma Gordon's eyes would shame me, if she could see me now!''
Davy had the familiar fondness for laying on the
Judge Lansing — you have never seen a man who looked the judge more ideally than did gray haired, gray bearded, open browed Robert Lansing — Judge Lansing was all ready for his part in the farce. He knew Hugo and helped him over the difficult places and cut him short as soon as he had made enough of his speech to give an inkling of what he was demanding. The Judge was persuaded to deliver himself of a high-minded and eloquent denunciation of those who had misled the court and the county prosecutor. He pointed out — in weighty judicial language — that Victor Dorn had by his conduct during several years invited just such a series of calamities as had beset him. But he went on to say that Dorn's reputation and fondness for speech and action bordering on the lawless did not withdraw from him the protection of the law. In spite of himself the law would protect him. The injunctions were dissolved and the indictments were quashed.
The news of the impending application, published in the morning papers, had crowded the court room. When the Judge finished a tremendous cheer went up. The cheer passed on to the throng outside, and when Davy and Hugo appeared in the corridor they were borne upon the shoulders of workingmen and were not released until they had made speeches. Davy's
As Davy was gradually clearing himself of the eager handshakers and back-slappers, Selma suddenly appeared before him. Her eyes were shining and her whole body seemed to be irradiating emotion of admiration and gratitude. "Thank you — oh, thank you!'' she said, pressing his hand. "How I have misjudged you!''
Davy did not wince. He had now quite forgotten the part selfish ambition had played in his gallant rush to the defense of imperilled freedom — had forgotten it as completely as the now ecstatic Hugo had forgotten his prejudices against the "low, smelly working people.'' He looked as exalted as he felt. "I only did my plain duty,'' replied he. "How could any decent American have done less?''
"I haven't seen Victor since yesterday afternoon,'' pursued Selma. "But I know how grateful he'll be — not so much for what you did as that you did it.''
The instinct of the crowd — the universal human intinct — against intruding upon a young man and young woman talking together soon cleared them of neighbors. An awkward silence fell. Said he hesitatingly:
"Are you ready to give your answer? — to that question I asked you the other day.''
"I gave you my answer then,'' replied she, her glance seeking a way of escape.
"No,'' said he. "For you said then that you would
She looked up at him with eyes large and grave and puzzled. "I'm sure you don't want to marry me,'' she said. "I wonder why you keep asking me.''
"I have to be honest with you,'' said Davy. "Somehow you bring out all the good there is in me. So, I can't conceal anything from you. In a way I don't want to marry you. You're not at all the woman I have always pictured as the sort I ought to marry and would marry. But — Selma, I love you. I'd give up anything — even my career — to get you. When I'm away from you I seem to regain control of myself. But just as soon as I see you, I'm as bad as ever again.''
"Then we mustn't see each other,'' said she. Suddenly she nodded, laughed up at him and darted away — and Hugo Galland, long since abandoned by the crowd, had seized him by the arm.
Selma debated whether to take Victor the news or to continue her walk. She decided for the walk. She had been feeling peculiarly toward Victor since the previous afternoon. She had not gone back in the evening, but had sent an excuse by one of the Leaguers. It was plain to her that Jane Hastings was up to mischief, and she had begun to fear — sacrilegious though she felt it to be to harbor such a suspicion — that there was man enough, weak, vain, susceptible man enough, in Victor Dorn to make Jane a danger.
She did not wish to see Victor again until she should have decided what course to take. To think at her ease she walked out Monroe Avenue on her way to the country. It was a hot day, but walking along in the beautiful shade Selma felt no discomfort, except a slight burning of the eyes from the fierce glare of the white highway. In the distance she heard the sound of an engine. A few seconds, and past her at high speed swept an automobile. Its heavy flying wheels tore up the roadway, raised an enormous cloud of dust. The charm of the walk was gone; the usefulness of roadway and footpaths was destroyed for everybody for the fifteen or twenty minutes that it would take for the mass of dust to settle — on the foliage, in the grass, on the bodies and clothing of passers-by and in their lungs. Selma halted and gazed after the auto. Who was tearing along at this mad speed? Who was destroying the comfort of all using
The dust had not settled before a second auto, having a young man and young woman apparently on the way to play tennis, rushed by, swirling up even vaster clouds of dust and all but colliding with a baby carriage a woman was trying to push across the street. Selma's blood was boiling! The infamy of it! These worthless idlers! What utter lack of manners, of consideration for their fellow beings. A gentleman and a lady insulting and bullying everyone who happened not to have an automobile. Then — she laughed. The ignorant, stupid masses! They deserved to be treated thus contemptuously, for they could stop it if they would. "Some day we shall learn,'' philosophized she. "Then these brutalities of men toward each other, these brutalities big and little, will cease.'' This matter of the insulting automobiles, with insolent horns and criminal folly of speed and hurling dust at passers-by, worse than if the occupants had spat upon them in passing — this matter was a trifle beside the hideous brutalities of men compelling masses of their fellow beings, children no less than grown people, to toil at things killing soul, mind and body simply in order that fortunes might be made! There was lack of consideration worth thinking about.
Three more autos passed — three more clouds of dust,
Presently she heard an auto coming at a less menacing pace from the opposite direction. It drew up to the edge of the road abreast of her. "Selma,'' called Jane.
Selma paused, bent a frowning and angry countenance upon Jane.
Jane opened the door of the limousine, descended, said to her chauffeur: "Follow us, please.'' She advanced to Selma with a timid and deprecating smile. "You'll let me walk with you?'' she said.
"I am thinking out a very important matter,'' replied Selma, with frank hostility. "I prefer not to be interrupted.''
"Selma!'' pleaded Jane. "What have I done to turn you against me?''
Selma stood, silent, incarnation of freedom and will. She looked steadily at Jane. "You haven't done anything,'' she replied. "On impulse I liked you. On sober second thought I don't. That's all.''
"You gave me your friendship,'' said Jane. "You've no right to withdraw it without telling me why.''
"You are not of my class. You are of the class that is at war with mine — at war upon it. When you talk of friendship to me, you are either false to your own people or false in your professions to me.''
Selma's manner was rudely offensive — as rude as Jane's dust, to which it was perhaps a retort. Jane showed marvelous restraint. She told herself that she felt compassionate toward this attractive, honest, really nice girl. It is possible, however, that an instinct of prudence may have had something to do with her ultra-conciliatory attitude toward the dusty little woman in the cheap linen dress. The enmity of one so near to Victor Dorn was certainly not an advantage. Instead of flaring up, Jane said:
"Now, Selma — do be human — do be your sweet, natural self. It isn't my fault that I am what I am. And you know that I really belong heart and soul with you.''
"Then come with us,'' said Selma. "If you think the life you lead is foolish — why, stop leading it.''
"You know I can't,'' said Jane mournfully.
"I know you could,'' retorted Selma. "Don't be a hypocrite, Jane.''
"Selma — how harsh you are!'' cried Jane.
"Either come with us or keep away from us,'' said the girl inflexibly. "You may deceive yourself — and
"I'm not trying to deceive anybody,'' exclaimed Jane angrily. "Permit me to say, Selma, that your methods won't make many converts to your cause.''
"Who ever gave you the idea that we were seeking converts in your class?'' inquired Selma. "Our whole object is to abolish your class — and end its drain upon us — and its bad example — and make its members useful members of our class, and more contented and happier than they are now.'' She laughed — a free and merry laugh, but not pleasant in Jane's ears. "The idea of us trying to induce young ladies and young gentlemen with polished finger nails to sit round in drawing-rooms talking patronizingly of doing something for the masses! You've got a very queer notion of us, my dear Miss Hastings.''
Jane's eyes were flashing. "Selma, there's a devil in you to-day. What is it?'' she demanded.
"There's a great deal of dust from your automobile in me and on me,'' said Selma. "I congratulate you on your good manners in rushing about spattering and befouling your fellow beings and threatening their lives.''
Jane colored and lowered her head. "I — I never thought of that before,'' she said humbly.
Selma's anger suddenly dissolved. "I'm ashamed of myself,'' she cried. "Forgive me.''
What she had said about the automobile had made
Selma looked at her with a frank, dismayed contrition, like a child that realizes it has done something very foolish. "Oh, I'm so horribly impulsive!'' she cried. "It's always getting me into trouble. You don't know how I try Victor Dorn's patience — though he never makes the least sign.'' She laughed up at Jane. "I wish you'd give me a whipping. I'd feel lots better.''
"It'd take some of my dust off you,'' said Jane. "Let me take you to the house in the auto — you'll never see it going at that speed again, I promise. Come to the house and I'll dust you off — and we'll go for a walk in the woods.''
Selma felt that she owed it to Jane to accept. As they were climbing the hill in the auto, Selma said:
"My, how comfortable this is! No wonder the people that have autos stop exercising and get fat and sick and die. I couldn't trust myself with one.''
"It's a daily fight,'' confessed Jane. "If I were married and didn't have to think about my looks and my figure I'm afraid I'd give up.''
"Victor says the only time one ought ever to ride in a carriage is to his own funeral.''
"He's down on show and luxury of every kind — isn't he?'' said Jane.
"No, indeed,'' replied Selma. "Victor isn't `down on' anything. He thinks show and luxury are silly. He could be rich if he wished, for he has wonderful talent for managing things and for making money. He has refused some of the most wonderful offers — wonderful in that way. But he thinks money-making a waste of time. He has all he wants, and he says he'd as soon think of eating a second dinner when he'd just had one as of exchanging time that could be lived for a lot of foolish dollars.''
"And he meant it, too,'' said Jane. "In some men that would sound like pretense. But not in him. What a mind he has — and what a character!''
Selma was abruptly overcast and ominously silent. She wished she had not been turned so far by her impulse of penitence — wished she had held to the calm and deliberate part of her resolve about Jane — the part that involved keeping aloof from her. However, Jane, the tactful — hastened to shift the conversation to generalities of the softest kinds — talked about her college life — about the inane and useless education they had given her — drew Selma out to talk about her own education —
"Victor Dorn is really almost well, you think?''
After a significant pause Selma said in a tone that was certainly not encouraging, "Obviously.''
"I was altogether wrong about Doctor Charlton,'' said Jane. "I'm convinced now that he's the only really intelligent doctor in town. I'm trying to persuade father to change to him.''
"Well, good-by,'' said Selma. She was eager to get away, for she suddenly felt that Jane was determined to talk about Victor before letting her go.
"You altered toward me when I made that confession — the night of the riot,'' said Jane abruptly. "Are you in love with him, too?''
"No,'' said Selma.
"I don't see how you could help being,'' cried Jane.
"That's because you don't know what it is to be busy,'' retorted Selma. "Love — what you call love — is one of the pastimes with your sort of people. It's a lazy, easy way of occupying the thoughts.''
"You don't know me as well as you think you do,''
Impulsively Selma took Jane by the arm. "Keep away from us,'' she said. "You will do no good. You can only cause unhappiness — perhaps most of all to yourself.''
"Don't I know that!'' exclaimed Jane. "I'm fighting it as hard as I can. But how little control one has over oneself when one has always been indulged and self-indulgent.''
"The man for you is David Hull,'' said Selma.
"You could help him — could make a great deal of a person out of him.''
"I know it,'' replied Jane. "But I don't want him, and he — perhaps you didn't know that he is in love with you?''
"No more than you are with Victor Dorn,'' said Selma. "I'm different from the women he has known, just as Victor is different from the men you meet in your class. But this is a waste of time.''
"You don't believe in me at all,'' cried Jane. "In some ways you are very unjust and narrow, Selma.''
Selma looked at her in that grave way which seemed to compel frankness. "Do you believe in yourself?'' she asked.
Jane's glance shifted.
"You know you do not,'' proceeded Selma. "The women of your class rarely have sincere emotions because they do not lead sincere lives. Part of your
"And what is that?'' said Jane.
"Your own complete surrender,'' said Selma.
"How wise you are!'' laughed Jane. "Who would have suspected you of knowing so much!''
"How could I — a woman — and not unattractive to men — grow up to be twenty-one years old, in the free life of a working woman, without learning all there is to know about sex relations?''
Jane looked at her with a new interest.
"And,'' she went on, "I've learned — not by experience, I'm glad to say, but by observation — that my mother's proverb is true. I shall not think about love until I am compelled to. That is a peril a sensible person does not seek.''
"I did not seek it,'' cried Jane — and then she halted and flushed.
"Good-by, Jane,'' said Selma, waving her hand and moving away rapidly. She called back — "On ne badine pas avec l'amour!''
She went straight to Colman's cottage — to Victor, lying very pale with his eyes shut, and big Tom Colman sitting by his bed. There was a stillness in the room that Selma felt was ominous. Victor's hand — strong, well-shaped, useful-looking, used-looking — not abused-looking, but used-looking-was outside the covers upon the white counterpane. The fingers were drumming softly; Selma knew that gesture — a certain sign that Victor was troubled in mind.
"You've told him,'' said Selma to Colman as she paused in the doorway.
Victor turned his head quickly, opened his eyes, gave her a look of welcome that made her thrill with pride. "Oh — there you are!'' he exclaimed. "I was hoping you'd come.''
"I saw David Hull just after it was done,'' said Selma. "And I thanked him for you.''
Victor's eyes had a look of amusement, of mockery. "Thank you,'' he said.
She, the sensitive, was on the alert at once. "Didn't you want me to thank him?''
Victor did not answer. In the same amused way he went on: "So they carried him on their shoulders — him and that other defender of the rights of the people, Hugo Galland? I should like to have seen. It was a memorable spectacle.''
"You are laughing at it,'' exclaimed the girl. "Why?''
"You certainly are taking the news very queer,
"Well — joy never kills,'' said Victor mockingly. "I don't want to keep you, Tom — Selma'll sit with me.''
When they were alone, Victor again closed his eyes and resumed that silent drumming upon the counterpane. Selma watched the restless fingers as if she hoped they would disclose to her the puzzling secret of Victor's thoughts. But she did not interrupt. That was one lesson in restraint that Victor had succeeded in teaching her — never to interrupt. At last he heaved a great sigh and said:
"Well, Selma, old girl — we've probably lost again. I was glad you came because I wanted to talk — and I can't say what's in my mind before dear old Tom — or any of them but my sister and you.''
"You didn't want those injunctions and indictments out of the way?'' said Selma.
"If they had stood, we'd have won — in a walk,'' replied Victor. "As the cards lie now, David Hull will win. And he'll make a pretty good show mayor, probably — good enough to fool a large majority of our fellow citizens, who are politically as shallow and credulous as nursery children. And so — our work of educating them will be the harder and slower. Oh, these David Hulls! — these good men who keep their mantles spotless in order to make them the more useful as covers for the dirty work of others!'' Suddenly his
"Then you don't think Hull's motives were honorable?'' inquired Selma, perplexed and anxious.
"How could I know his motives? — any man's motives?'' replied Victor. "No one can read men's hearts. All I ever consider is actions. And the result of his actions is probably the defeat of the League and the election of Dick Kelly.''
"I begin to understand,'' said Selma thoughtfully. "But — I do believe his motive was altogether good.''
"My dear girl,'' said Victor, "the primer lesson in the life of action is: `Never — never look at motives. Action — only actions — always actions.' The chief reason the human race is led patiently round by the nose is its fondness for fussing about motives. We are interested only in men's actions and the results to our cause. Davy Hull's motives concern only himself — and those who care for him.'' Victor's eyes, twinkling mischievously, shot a shrewd glance at Selma. "You're not by any chance in love with Davy?''
Selma colored high. "Certainly not!'' she exclaimed indignantly.
"Why not? Why not?'' teased Victor. "He's tall and handsome — and superbly solemn — and women always fancy a solemn man has intellect and character. Not that Davy is a fool — by no means. I'd be the last man to say that — I whom he has just cleverly checkmated in one move.''
"You intended not to give bail! You intended to go to jail!'' exclaimed Selma abruptly. "I see it all! How stupid I was! Oh, I could cry, Victor! What a chance.''
"Spilt milk,'' said Victor. "We must forget it, and plan to meet the new conditions. We'll start the paper at once. We can't attack him. Very clever of him — very clever! If he were as brave as he is shrewd, I'd almost give up hope of winning this town while he was in politics here. But he lacks courage. And he daren't think and speak honestly. How that does cripple a man!''
"He'll be one of us before very long,'' said Selma. "You misjudge him, Victor.''
Dorn smiled. "Not so long as his own class gratifies his ambitions,'' replied Victor. "If he came with us it'd be because his own class had failed him and he hoped to rise through and upon — ours.''
Selma did not agree with him. But as she always felt presumptuous and even foolish in disagreeing with Victor, she kept silent. And presently Victor began to lay out her share in the task of starting up the New Day. "I shall be all right within a week,'' said he, "and we must get the first number out the week following.'' She was realizing now that Hull's move had completely upset an elaborate plan of campaign into which Victor had put all his intelligence and upon which he had staked all his hopes. She marvelled as he talked, unfolding rapidly an entirely
And then she remembered how they all, his associates, were like him, proof against the evil effects of set-back and defeat. And why were they so? Because Victor Dorn had trained them to fight for the cause, and not for victory. "Our cause is the right, and in the end right is bound to win because the right is only another name for the sensible'' — that had been his teaching. And a hardy army he had trained. The armies trained by victory are strong; but the armies schooled by defeat — they are invincible.
When he had explained his new campaign — as much of it as he deemed it wise at that time to withdraw from the security of his own brain — she said:
"But it seems to me we've got a good chance to win, anyhow.''
"A chance, perhaps,'' replied he. "But we'll not bother about that. All we've got to do is to keep on strengthening ourselves.''
"Yes, that's it!'' she cried. "One added here — five there — ten yonder. Every new stone fitted solidly against the ones already in place.''
"We must never forget that we aren't merely building a new party,'' said Dorn. "We're building a new civilization — one to fit the new conditions of life. Let
It was into the presence of a Victor Dorn restored in mind as well as in body that Jane Hastings was shown by his sister, Mrs. Sherrill, one afternoon a week or so later.
All that time Jane had been searching for an excuse for going to see him. She had haunted the roads and the woods where he and Selma habitually walked. She had seen neither of them. When the pretext for a call finally came to her, as usual, the most obvious thing in the world. He must be suspecting her of having betrayed his confidence and brought about the vacating of those injunctions and the quashing of the indictments. She must go to him and clear herself of suspicion.
She felt that the question of how she should dress for this crucial interview, this attempt to establish some sort of friendly relations with him, was of the very highest importance. Should she wear something plain, something that would make her look as nearly as might be like one of his own class? His class! No — no, indeed. The class in which he was accidentally born and bred, but to which he did not belong. Or,
She drove down to a point in Monroe Avenue not far from the house where Victor and his family lived. The day was hot; boss-ridden Remsen City had dusty and ragged streets and sidewalks. It, therefore, would not do to endanger the freshness of the toilet. But she would arrive as if she had come all the way on foot. Arrival in a motor at so humble a house would look like ostentation; also, if she were seen going through that street afoot, people would think she was merely strolling a little out of her way to view the ruins of the buildings set on fire by the mob. She did pause to look at these ruins; the air of the neighborhood still had a taint of burnt wood and paper. Presently, when she was sure the street was clear of people of the sort who might talk — she hastily entered the tiny front yard of Victor's house, and was pleased to find herself immediately screened from the street by the luxuriant bushes and creepers.
There was nothing in the least pretentious about the appearance of the little house. It was simply a well built cottage — but of brick, instead of the usual wood, and the slate roof descended at attractive angles. The door she was facing was superior to the usual flimsy-looking door. Indeed, she at once became conscious of a highly attractive and most unexpected air of substantiality and good taste. The people who lived here seemed to be permanent people — long resident,
The door opened, and a handsome, extremely intelligent looking woman, obviously Victor's sister, was looking pleasantly at her. Said she: "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. But I was busy in the kitchen. This is Miss Hastings, isn't it?''
"Yes,'' said Jane, smiling friendlily.
"I've heard my brother and Selma talk of you.'' (Jane wondered what they had said.) "You wish to see Victor?''
"If I'd not be interrupting,'' said Jane.
"Come right in. He's used to being interrupted. They don't give him five minutes to himself all day long — especially now that the campaign's on. He always does his serious work very early in the morning.''
They went through a hall, pleasantly odorous of baking in which good flour and good butter and good eggs were being manufactured into something probably appetizing, certainly wholesome. Jane caught a glimpse through open doors on either side of a neat and reposeful little library-sitting room, a plain delightfully simple little bedroom, a kitchen where everything shone. She arrived at the rear door somehow depressed, bereft of the feeling of upper-class superiority which had, perhaps unconsciously, possessed her as she came toward the house. At the far
Never had she seen his face and head so fine. He was writing rapidly, his body easily erect, his head and neck in a poise of grace and strength. Jane grew pale and trembled — so much so that she was afraid the keen, friendly eyes of Alice Sherrill were seeing. Said Mrs. Sherrill, raising her voice:
"Victor — here's Miss Hastings come to see you.'' Then to Jane: "Excuse me, please. I don't dare leave that kitchen long.''
She departed. Jane waited while Victor, his pencil reluctantly slackening and his glance lingeringly rising from the paper, came back to sense of his surroundings. He stared at her blankly, then colored a little. He rose — stiff, for him formal. Said he:
"How d'you do, Miss Hastings?''
She came down the arbor, recovering her assurance as she again became conscious of herself, so charmingly dressed and no doubt beautiful in his eyes. "I know you're not glad to see me,'' said she. "But I'm only stopping a very little minute.''
His eyes had softened — softened under the influence
She seated herself, resting one gloved hand on the prettily carved end of her white-sunshade. She was wearing a big hat of rough black straw, with a few very gorgeous white plumes. "What a delightful place to work,'' exclaimed she, looking round, admiring the flowers, the slow ripening grapes, the delicious shade. "And you — how well you look!''
"I've forgotten I was ever anything but well,'' said he.
"You're impatient for me to go,'' she cried laughing. "It's very rude to show it so plainly.''
"No,'' replied he. "I am not impatient for you to go. But I ought to be, for I'm very busy.''
"Well, I shall be gone in a moment. I came only to tell you that you are suspecting me wrongly.''
"Suspecting you? — of what?''
"Of having broken my word. I know you must think I got father to set Davy Hull on to upsetting your plans.''
"The idea never entered my head,'' said he. "You had promised — and I know you are honest.''
Jane colored violently and lowered her eyes. "I'm not — not up to what you say,'' she protested. "But at least I didn't break my promise. Davy thought of that himself.''
"I have been assuming so.''
"And you didn't suspect me?''
"Not for an instant,'' Victor assured her. "Davy simply made the move that was obviously best for him.''
"And now he will be elected,'' said Jane regretfully.
"It looks that way,'' replied Victor. And he had the air of one who has nothing more to say.
Suddenly Jane looked at him with eyes shining and full of appeal. "Don't send me away so quickly,'' she pleaded. "I've not been telling the exact truth. I came only partly because I feared you were suspecting me. The real reason was that — that I couldn't stay away any longer. I know you're not in the least interested in me — ''
She was watching him narrowly for signs of contradiction. She hoped she had not watched in vain.
"Why should you be?'' she went on. "But ever since you opened my eyes and set me to thinking, I can do nothing but think about the things you have said to me, and long to come to you and ask you questions and hear more.''
Victor was staring hard into the wall of foliage. His face was set. She thought she had never seen anything so resolute, so repelling as the curve of his long jaw bone.
"I'll go now,'' she said, making a pretended move toward rising. "I've no right to annoy you.''
He stood up abruptly, without looking at her. "Yes, you'd better go,'' he said curtly.
She quivered — and it was with a pang of genuine pain.
His gaze was not so far from her as it seemed. For he must have noted her expression, since he said hurriedly: "I beg your pardon. It isn't that I mean to be rude. I — I — it is best that I do not see you.''
She sank back in the chair with a sigh. "And I — I know that I ought to keep away from you. But — I can't. It's too strong for me.''
He looked at her slowly. "I have made up my mind to put you out of my head,'' he said. "And I shall.''
"Don't!'' she cried. "Victor — don't!''
He sat again, rested his forearms upon the table, leaned toward her. "Look at me,'' he said.
She slowly lifted her gaze to his, met it steadily. "I thought so, Victor,'' she said tenderly. "I knew I couldn't care so much unless you cared at least a little .''
"Do I?'' said he. "I don't know. I doubt if either of us is in love with the other. Certainly, you are not the sort of woman I could love — deeply love. What I feel for you is the sort of thing that passes. It is violent while it lasts, but it passes.''
"I don't care!'' cried she recklessly. "Whatever it is I want it!''
He shook his head resolutely. "No,'' he said. "You don't want it, and I don't want it. I know the kind of life you've mapped out for yourself — as far as women of your class map out anything. It's the only
"Why do you say that?'' protested she. "You could make of me what you pleased.''
"No,'' said he. "I couldn't make a suit of overalls out of a length of silk. Anyhow, I have made up my life with love and marriage left out. They are excellent things for some people, for most people. But not for me. I must be free, absolutely free. Free to think only of the cause I've enlisted in, free to do what it commands.''
"And I?'' she said with tremendous life. "What is to become of me, Victor?''
He laughed quietly. "You are going to keep away from me — find some one else to amuse your leisure. That's what's going to become of you, Jane Hastings.''
She winced and quivered again. "That — hurts,'' she said.
"Your vanity? Yes. I suppose it does. But those wounds are healthful — when the person is as sensible as you are.''
"You think I am not capable of caring! You think I am vain and shallow and idle. You refuse me all right to live, simply because I happen to live in surroundings you don't approve of.''
"I'm not such an egotistical ass as to imagine a woman of your sort could be genuinely in love with a man of my sort,'' replied he. "So, I'll see to it that we
She looked at him inquiringly.
But he did not explain. He said: "And you are going now. And we shall not meet again except by accident.''
She gave a sigh of hopelessness. "I suppose I have lowered myself in your eyes by being so frank — by showing and speaking what I felt,'' she said mournfully.
"Not in the least,'' rejoined he. "A man who is anybody or has anything soon gets used to frankness in women. I could hardly have gotten past thirty, in a more or less conspicuous position, without having had some experience. . . . and without learning not to attach too much importance to — to frankness in women.''
She winced again. "You wouldn't say those things if you knew how they hurt,'' she said. "If I didn't care for you, could I sit here and let you laugh at me?''
"Yes, you could,'' answered he. "Hoping somehow or other to turn the laugh upon me later on. But really I was not laughing at you. And you can spare yourself the effort of convincing me that you're sincere.'' He was frankly laughing at her now. "You don't understand the situation — not at all. You fancy that I am hanging back because I am overwhelmed or shy or timid. I assure you I've never been shy or
She caught her breath and shrank. Looking at him as he said that, calmly and confidently, she, for the first time, was in love — and was afraid. Back to her came Selma's warnings: "One may not trifle with love. A woman conquers only by surrender.''
"But, as I said to you a while ago,'' he went on, "I don't want you — or any woman. I've no time for marriage — no time for a flirtation. And though you tempt me strongly, I like you too well to — to treat you as you invite.''
Jane sat motionless, stunned by the sudden turning of the tables. She who had come to conquer — to amuse herself, to evoke a strong, hopeless passion that would give her a delightful sense of warmth as she stood safely by its bright flames — she had been conquered. She belonged to this man; all he had to do was to claim her.
In a low voice, sweet and sincere beyond any that had ever come from her lips before, she said:
"Anything, Victor — anything — but don't send me away.''
And he, seeing and hearing, lost his boasted self-control. "Go — go,'' he cried harshly. "If you don't go — '' He came round the table, seizing her as she rose, kissed her upon the lips, upon the eyes. "You are lovely — lovely!'' he murmured. "And I who can't have flowers on my table or in sight when I've got anything
He pushed her away. "Now — will you go?'' he cried.
His eyes were flashing. And she was trembling from head to foot. She was gazing at him with a fascinated expression. "I understand what you meant when you warned me to go,'' she said. "I didn't believe it, but it was so.''
"Go — I tell you!'' he ordered.
"It's too late,'' said she. "You can't send me away now — for you have kissed me. If I'm in your power, you're in my power, too.''
Moved by the same impulse both looked up the arbor toward the rear door of the house. There stood Selma Gordon, regarding them with an expression of anger as wild as the blood of the steppes that flowed in her veins. Victor, with what composure he could master, put out his hand in farewell to Jane. He had been too absorbed in the emotions raging between him and her to note Selma's expression. But Jane, the woman, had seen. As she shook hands with Victor, she said neither high nor low:
"Selma knows that I care. I told her the night of the riot.''
"Good-by,'' said Victor in a tone she thought it wise not to dispute.
"I'll be in the woods above the park at ten to-morrow,'' she said in an undertone. Then to Selma,
She lingered at the gate, opening and closing it in a most leisurely fashion — a significantly different exit from her furtive and ashamed entrance. Love and revolt were running high and hot in her veins. She longed openly to defy the world — her world.
| VI The Conflict | |