MR. Lanniere evidently had serious intentions, for he cameunfashionably early. He fairly beamed on the young girl when hefound her at home. Indeed, as she stood before him in her radiantyouth, which her evening costume enhanced with a fine taste quicklyrecognized by his practised eyes, he very justly regarded her asbetter than anything which his million had purchased hitherto. Itmight easily be imagined that he had added a little to the couleurde rose of the future by an extra glass of Burgundy, for he positivelyappeared to exude an atmosphere of affluence, complacency, andgracious intention. The quick-witted girl detected at once hisKing-Cophetua air, and she was more amused than embarrassed. Thenthe eager face of Fenton Lane arose in her fancy, and she heardhis words, "I would shoulder a musket and march away to-morrow ifyou bade me!" How insignificant was all that this man could offer,as compared with the boundless, self-sacrificing love of the other,before whom her heart bowed in sincere homage if nothing more! Whatwas this man's offer but an expression of selfishness? And whatcould she ever be but an accessory of his Burgundy? Indeed, as hiseyes, humid from wine, gloated upon her, and he was phrasing hiswell-bred social platitudes and compliments, quite oblivious ofthe fact that HER eyes were taking on the blue of a winter sky,her cheeks began to grow a little hot with indignation and shame.He knew that she did not love him, that naturally she could not,and that there had been nothing in their past relations to inspireeven gratitude and respect towards him. In truth, his only efforthad been to show his preference and to indicate his wishes. Whatthen could his offer mean but the expectation that she would takehim as a good bargain, and, like any well-bred woman of the world,comply with all its conditions? Had she given him the impression thatshe could do this? While the possibility made her self-reproachful,she was conscious of rising resentment towards him who was socomplacently assuming that she was for sale.
"Indeed, Miss Vosburgh," was the conclusion of his rather longpreliminaries, "you must not run away soon again. June days maybe charming under any circumstances, but your absence certainlyinsures dull June evenings."
"You are burdening your conscience without deceiving me," the younggirl replied, demurely, "and should not so wrong yourself. Mammasaid that you were very entertaining, and that last evening was adelightful one. It could scarcely be otherwise. It is natural thatpeople of the same age should be congenial. I will call mamma atonce."
"I beg you will not,--at least not just yet. I have something tosay to which I trust you will listen kindly and favorably. Do youthink me so very old?"
"No older than you have a perfect right to be, Mr. Lanniere," saidthe girl, laughing. "I can think of no reason for your reproachfultone."
"Let me give you one then. Your opinions are of immense importanceto me."
"Truly, Mr. Lanniere, this is strange beyond measure, especiallyas I am too young to have formed many opinions."
"That fact only increases my admiration and regard One must reachmy years in order to appreciate truly the dewy freshness of youth.The world is a terra incognita to you yet, and your opinions oflife are still to be formed. Let me give you a chance to see theworld from lofty, sunny elevations."
"I am too recently from my geography not to remember that whileelevations may be sunny they are very cold," was the reply, witha charming little shiver. "Mont Blanc has too much perspective."
"Do not jest with me or misunderstand me, Miss Vosburgh," he said,impressively. "There is a happy mean in all things."
"Yes, Mr. Lanniere, and the girl who means to be happy should takecare to discover it."
"May it not be discovered for her by one who is better acquaintedwith life? In woman's experience is not happiness more oftenthrust upon her than achieved? I, who know the world and the richpleasures and triumphs it affords to one who, in the military phraseof the day, is well supported, can offer you a great deal,--morethan most men, I assure you."
"Why, Mr. Lanniere," said the young girl, looking at him withdemure surprise, "I am perfectly contented and happy. No ambitionfor triumphs is consuming me. What triumphs? As for pleasure, eachday brings all and more than I deserve. Young as one may be, onecan scarcely act without a motive."
"Then I am personally nothing to you?" he said stiffly, and rising.
"Pardon me, Mr. Lanniere. I hope my simple directness may not appearchildish, but it seems to me that I have met your suggestions withnatural answers; What should you be to me but an agreeable friendof mamma's?"
He understood her fence perfectly, and was aware that the absenceof a mercenary spirit on her part made his suit appear almostridiculous. If her clear young eyes would not see him through agolden halo, but only as a man and a possible mate, what could hebe to her? Even gold-fed egotism could not blind him to the truththat she was looking at HIM, and that the thought of barteringherself for a little more of what she had to her heart's contentalready was not even considered. There was distressing keenness inthe suggestion that, not wanting the extraneous things he offered,no motive was left. He was scarcely capable of suspecting herindignation that he should deem her capable of sacrificing her fairyoung girlhood for greater wealth and luxury, even had she covetedthem,--an indignation enhanced by her new impulses. The triumphs,happiness, and power which she now was bent on achieving couldnever be won under the dense shade of his opulent selfishness. Heembodied all that was inimical to her hopes and plans, all that wasopposed to the motives and inspiration received from her father,and she looked at him with unamiable eyes.
While he saw this to some extent, he was unaccustomed to denial byothers or by himself. She was alluringly beautiful, as she stoodbefore him,--all the more valued because she valued herself sohighly, all the more coveted because superior to the sordid motivesupon which even he had counted as the chief allies in his suit.In the intense longing of a self-indulgent nature he broke out,seizing her hand as he spoke: "O Miss Marian, do not deny me.I know I could make you happy. I would give you everything. Yourslightest wish should be law. I would be your slave."
"I do not wish a slave," she replied, freezingly, withdrawing herhand. "I am content, as I told you; but were I compelled to makea choice it should be in favor of a man to whom I could look up,and whom I could aid in manly work. I shall not make a choice untilcompelled to by my heart."
"If your heart is still your own, give me a chance to win it,"resumed the suitor, seeking vainly to take her hand again. "I amin my prime, and can do more than most men. I will put my wealthat your disposal, engage in noble charities, patriotic--"
This interview had been so absorbing as to make them oblivious ofthe fact that another visitor had been admitted to the hall. Hearingvoices in the drawing-room, Mr. Strahan entered, and now stood justbehind Mr. Lanniere, with an expression in which dismay, amusement,and embarrassment were so comically blended that Marian, who firstsaw him, had to cover her face with her handkerchief to hide hersense of the ludicrous.
"Pardon me," said the inopportune new-comer, "I--I--"
"Maledictions on you!" exclaimed the goaded millionnaire, nowenraged beyond self-control, and confronting the young fellow withglaring, bloodshot eyes.
This greeting put Strahan entirely at his ease, and a glimpse ofMarian's mirth had its influence also. She had turned instantlyaway, and gone to the farther side of the apartment.
"Come now, Mr. Lanniere," he said, with an assumption of muchdignity; "there is scant courtesy in your greeting, and withoutreason. I have the honor of Miss Vosburgh's acquaintance as trulyas yourself. This is her parlor, and she alone has the right toindicate that I am unwelcome. I shall demand no apologies here andnow, but I shall demand them. I may appear very young--"
"Yes, you do; very young. I should think that ears like yours mighthave--" And then the older man paused, conscious that the violenceof his anger was carrying him too far.
Strahan struck a nonchalant attitude, as he coolly remarked: "Myvenerable friend, your passion is unbecoming to your years. MissVosburgh, I humbly ask your pardon that my ears were not long enoughto catch the purport o
f this interview. I am not in the habit oflistening at a lady's door before I enter. My arrival at a momentso awkward for me was my misfortune. I discovered nothing to yourdiscredit, Mr. Lanniere. Indeed, your appreciation of Miss Vosburghis the most creditable thing I know about you,--far more so thanyour insults because I merely entered the door to which I was shownby the maid who admitted me. Miss Vosburgh, with your permissionI will now depart, in the hope that you will forgive the annoyance--"
"I cannot give you my permission under the circumstances, Mr.Strahan. You have committed no offence against me, or Mr. Lanniere,either, as he will admit after a little thought. Let us regard thewhole matter as one of those awkward little affairs over which goodbreeding can speedily triumph. Sit down, and I will call mamma."
"Pardon me, Miss Vosburgh," said Mr. Lanniere, in a choking voice,for he could not fail to note the merriment which the mercurialStrahan strove in vain to suppress; "I will leave you to morecongenial society. I have paid you the highest compliment in mypower, and have been ill-requited."
As if stung, the young girl took a step towards him, and said,indignantly: "What was the nature of your compliment? What have youasked but that I should sell myself for money? I may have appearedto you a mere society girl, but I was never capable of that.Good-evening, sir."
Mr. Lanniere departed with tingling ears, and a dawning consciousnessthat he had over-rated his million, and that he had made a fool ofhimself generally.
All trace of mirth passed from Strahan's expression, as he lookedat the young girl's stern, flushed face and the angry sheen of hereyes.
"By Jove!" he exclaimed, "that's magnificent. I've seen a girl nowto whom I can take off my hat, not as a mere form. Half the girlsin our set would have given their eyes for the chance of capturingsuch a man. Think what a vista of new bonnets he suggests!"
"You are probably mistaken. One girl has proved how she regardedthe vista, and I don't believe you had any better opinion of methan of the others. Come now, own up. Be honest. Didn't you regardme as one of the girls 'in our set' as you phrase it, that wouldjump at the chance?"
"Oh, nonsense, Miss Marian. The idea--"
She checked him by a gesture. "I wish downright sincerity, and Ishall detect the least false note in your words."
Strahan looked into her resolute, earnest eyes a moment, andthen revealed a new trait. He discarded the slight affectationthat characterized his manner, stood erect, and returned her gazesteadily. "You ask for downright sincerity?" he said.
"Yes; I will take nothing less."
"You have no right to ask it unless you will be equally sincerewith me."
"Oh, indeed; you are in a mood for bargains, as well as Mr.Lanniere."
"Not at all. You have stepped out of the role of the mere societygirl. In that guise I shall be all deference and compliments. Onthe basis of downright sincerity I have my rights, and you haveno right to compel me to give an honest opinion so personal in itsnature without giving one in return."
"I agree," she said, after a moment's thought.
"Well, then, while I was by no means sure, I thought it was possible,even probable, that you would accept a man like Lanniere. I haveknown society girls to do such things, haven't you?"
"And I tell you, Mr. Strahan, that you misjudge a great many societygirls."
"Oh, you must tell me a great deal more than that. Have I not justdiscovered that I misjudged one? Now pitch into Arthur Strahan."
"I am inclined to think that I have misjudged you, also; butI will keep my compact, and give you the impression you made, andyou won't like it."
"I don't expect to; but I shall expect downright sincerity."
"Very well. I'll test you. You are not simple and manly, even inyour dress and manner; you are an anomaly in the country; you areinclined to gossip; and it's my belief that a young man should domore in life than amuse himself."
Strahan flushed, but burst out laughing as he exclaimed, "Myphotograph, by Jupiter!"
"Photographs give mere surface. Come, what's beneath it?"
"In one respect, at least, I think I am on a par with yourself. Ihave enough honest good-nature to listen to the truth with thanks."
"Is that all?"
"Come, Miss Marian, what is the use of words when I have had suchan example of deeds? I have caught you, red-handed, in the act ofgiving a millionnaire his conge. In the face of this stern factdo you suppose I am going to try to fish up some germs of manhoodfor your inspection? As you have suggested, I must do something,or I'm out of the race with you. I honestly believe, though, I amnot such a fool as I have seemed. I shall always be something ofa rattle-brain, I suppose, and if I were dying I could not helpseeing the comical side of things." He hesitated a moment, and thenasked, abruptly, "Miss Marian, have you read to-day's paper?"
"Yes, I have," with a tinge of sadness in her tone.
"Well, so have I. Think of thousands of fine young fellows lyingstiff and stark in those accursed swamps!"
"Yes," she cried, with a rush of tears, "I WILL think of them.I will try to see them, horrible as the sight is, even in fancy.When they died so heroically, shame on me if I turn away in weak,dainty disgust! Oh, the burning shame that Northern girls don'tthink more of such men and their self-sacrifice!"
"You're a trump, Miss Marian; that's evident. Well, one little bitof gossip about myself, and then I must go. I have another engagementthis evening. Old Lanniere was right. I'm young, and I've beenvery young. Of late I've made deliberate effort to remain a fool;but a man has got to be a fool or a coward down to the very hard-panof his soul if the logic of recent events has no effect on him. Idon't think I am exactly a coward, but the restraint of army-life,and especially roughing it, is very distasteful. I kept thinkingit would all soon be over, that more men were in now than wereneeded, and that it was a confounded disagreeable business, andall that. But my mind wasn't at rest; I wasn't satisfied with theambitions of my callow youth; and, as usual when one is in troubleand in doubt about a step, I exaggerated my old folly to disguisemy feelings. But this Richmond campaign, and the way StonewallJackson has been whacking our fellows in the Shenandoah, made mefeel that I was standing back too long, and the battle describedin to-day's paper brought me to a decision. I'm in for it, MissMarian. You may think I'm not worth the powder required to blow meup, but I'm going to Virginia as soon as I can learn enough not tobe more dangerous to those around me than to the enemy."
She darted to his side, and took his hand, exclaiming, "Mr. Strahan!forgive me; I've done you a hundred-fold more injustice than youhave me!"
He was visibly embarrassed, a thing unusual with him, and hesaid, brusquely: "Oh, come now, don't let us have any pro patriaexaltation. I don't resemble a hero any more than I do a doctor ofdivinity. I'm just like lots of other young fellows who have gone,only I have been slower in going, and my ardor won't set the riveron fire. But the times are waking up all who have any wake-up inthem, and the exhibition of the latest English cut in coats andtrousers is taking on a rather inglorious aspect. How ridiculousit all seems in the light of the last battle! Jove! but I HAVE beenyoung!"
He did look young indeed, with his blond mustache and flushed face,that was almost as fair as a girl's. She regarded him wonderingly,thinking how strangely events were applying the touchstone to oneand another. But the purpose of this boyish-appearing exquisitewas the most unexpected thing in the era of change that had begun.She could scarcely believe it, and exclaimed, "You face a cannon?"
"I don't look like it, do I? I fancy I would. I should be toobig a coward to run away, for then I should have to come back toface you, which would be worse, you know. I'm not going to do anybragging, however. Deeds, deeds. Not till I have laid out a Johnny,or he has laid me out, can I take rank with you after your rout ofthe man of millions. I don't ask you to believe in me yet."
"Well, I do believe in you. You are making an odd yet vividimpression on me. I believe you will face danger just as you didMr. Lanniere, in a half-nonchalant and a half-satirical m
ood, whileall the time there will be an undercurrent of downright earnestnessand heroism in you, which you will hide as if you were ashamed ofit."
He flushed with pleasure, but only laughed, "We'll see." Then aftera moment he added, "Since we are down to the bed-rock in our talkI'll say out the rest of my say, then follow Lanniere, and givehim something more to digest before he sleeps."
"Halt, sir--military jargon already--how can you continue yourquarrel with Mr. Lanniere without involving my name?"
Strahan looked blank for a second, then exclaimed: "Another evidence,of extreme youth! Lanniere may go to thunder before I risk annoyingyou."
"Yes, thank you; please let him go to thunder. He won't talk ofthe affair, and so can do you no harm."
"Supposing he could, that would be no excuse for annoying you."
"I think you punished him sufficiently before he went, and withoutceasing to be a gentleman, too. If you carry out your brave purposeyou need not fear for your reputation."
"Well, Miss Marian, I shall carry it out. Society girl as I believedyou to be, I like you better than the others. Don't imagine I'mgoing to be sentimental. I should stand as good a chance of winninga major-general's stars as you. I've seen better fellows raisingthe siege and disappearing, you know. Well, the story I thoughtwould be short is becoming long. I wanted to tell you first whatI proposed; for, hang it all! I've read it in your eyes that youthought I was little better than a popinjay, and I wished to proveto you that I could be a man after my fashion."
"I like your fashion, and am grateful for your confidence. What'smore, you won't be able to deceive me a bit hereafter. I shallpersist in admiring you as a brave man, and shall stand up for youthrough thick and thin."
"You always had a kind of loyalty to us fellows that we recognizedand appreciated."
"I feel now as if I had not been very loyal to any one, not evenmyself. As with you, however, I must let the future tell a differentstory."
"If I make good my words, will you be my friend?"
"Yes, yes indeed, and a proud one. But oh!"--she clasped her handover her eyes,--"what is all this tending to? When I think of thedanger and suffering to which you may--"
"Oh, come now," he interrupted, laughing, but with a littlesuspicious moisture in eyes as blue as her own; "it will be harderfor you to stay and think of absent friends than for them to go.I foresee how it will turn out. You will be imagining high tragedyon stormy nights when we shall be having a jolly game of poker.Good-night. I shall be absent for a time,--going to West Point tobe coached a little by my friend Captain Varrum."
He drew himself up, saluted her a la militaire, right-about-facedwith the stiffness of a ramrod, and was departing, when a lighthand touched his arm, and Marian said, with a look so kind andsympathetic that his eyes fell before it: "Report to me occasionally,Captain Strahan. There are my colors;" and she gave him a whiterose from her belt.
His mouth quivered slightly, but with a rather faltering laughhe replied, as he put the rose to his lips, "Never let the colorsuggest that I will show the white feather;" and then he began hismilitary career with a precipitate retreat.
CHAPTER VIII.
CHARMED BY A CRITIC.
An Original Belle Page 9