CHAPTER VII
A DISMISSAL
The far from gentle orchestra at the Gayety was playing with a vivacitywhich set the pulses leaping, while the densely packed audience,scarcely breathing from intensity of awakened interest, were focussingtheir eager eyes upon a slender, scarlet-robed figure, an envelopingcloud of gossamer floating mistily about her, her black hair and eyesvividly contrasting against the clear whiteness of her skin, as sheyielded herself completely to the strange convolutions of her weirddance. The wide stage was a yellow flood of light, and she the verywitch of motion. This was her third encore, but, as wildly grotesqueas ever, her full skirts shimmering in the glare of the foot-lights,her tripping feet barely touching the sanded floor, her young, supplefigure, light as a fairy, weaving in the perfect rhythm of music, thetireless child of Mexico leaped and spun, wheeled and twirled,--attimes apparently floated upon the very air, her bare white armsextended, her wonderful eyes blazing from the exhilaration of thismoment of supreme triumph.
Beth Norvell, neatly gowned for the street, her own more sedateperformance already concluded, had paused for a single curious instantin the shadow of the wings, and remained looking out upon that scarletfigure, flitting here and there like some tropical bird, through thegaudy glare of the stage. Winston, waiting patiently for twentyminutes amid the denser gloom just inside the stage door, watched theyoung girl's unconsciously interested face, wondering alike at bothhimself and her. This entire adventure remained an unsolved problem tohis mystified mind--how it was she yet continued to retain hisinterest; why it was he could never wholly succeed in divorcing herfrom his life. He endeavored now to imagine her a mere ordinary womanof the stage, whom he might idly flirt with to-night, and quite aseasily forget to-morrow. Yet from some cause the mind failed torespond to such suggestion. There was something within the calm,womanly face as revealed beneath the reflection of garish light,something in the very poise of the slender figure bending slightlyforward in aroused enthusiasm, which compelled his respect, aroused hisadmiration. She was not a common woman, and he could not succeed inblinding himself to that fact. Even the garish, cheap environments,the glitter and tinsel, the noise and brutality, had utterly failed totarnish Beth Norvell. She stood forth different, distinct, a perfectlydeveloped flower, rarely beautiful, although blooming in muck that wasovergrown with noxious weeds. Winston remained clearly conscious thatsome peculiar essence of her native character had mysteriously perfumedthe whole place--it glorified her slight bit of stage work, and hadalready indelibly impressed itself upon those rough, boisterous Westernspirits out in front. Before her parting lips uttered a line she hadthoroughly mastered them, the innate purity of her perfected womanhood,the evident innocence of her purpose, shielding her against allindecency and insult. The ribald scoffing, the insolent shuffling offeet, the half-drunken uneasiness, ceased as if by magic; and as hersimple act proceeded, the stillness out in front became positivelysolemn, the startled faces picturing an awakening to higher things. Itwas a triumph far exceeding the noisy outburst that greeted theMexican--a moral victory over unrestrained lawlessness won simply bytrue womanliness, unaided and alone. That earlier scene had brought toWinston a deeper realization of this girl's genius, a fresherappreciation of the true worth of her esteem. No struggle of heart orhead could ever again lower her in his secret thought to the commonlevel.
The swinging strains of the dancer's accompaniment concluded with ablare of noisy triumph, the mad enthusiasts out in front wildlyshouting her name above the frantic din of applause, while, flushed andpanting, the agile Mexican dancer swept into the darkened wings like ascarlet bird.
"Ah, de Americana!" she exclaimed, her eyes yet blazing fromexcitement, poising herself directly in front of her silent watcher."Senorita, it ees not de same as yours--dey like you, si; but dey lofeMercedes."
Miss Norvell smiled gently, her gaze on the other's flushed, childishface, and extended her hand.
"There seems ample room for both of us," she replied, pleasantly, "yetyour dancing is truly wonderful. It is an art, and you must let methank you."
It is difficult to understand why, but the untamed, passionate girl,stung in some mysterious manner by these quietly spoken words ofappreciation, instantly drew her slight form erect.
"You nevar forget you not one of us, do you?" she questioned in suddenbitterness of spirit. "Pah! maybe you tink I care what you like. Idance because I lofe to; because it sets my blood on fire. I no carefor all your airs of fine lady."
"I exceedingly regret you should feel so. I certainly spoke inkindness and appreciation. Would you permit me to pass?"
The angry young Mexican swept back her scarlet skirts as though indisdain, her white shoulders uplifted. She did not know why she feltthus vindictive; to save her soul she could not have told the reason,yet deep down within her passionate heart there existed a hatred forthis white, silent American, whose slightest word sounded to her likerebuke. She stood there still, watching suspiciously, smoulderingdislike burning in her black eyes, when Winston suddenly stepped fromthe concealing shadows with a word of unexpected greeting. She noticedthe sudden flush sweep into Miss Norvell's cheek, the quick upliftingof her eyes, the almost instant drooping again of veiling lashes, and,quickly comprehending it all, stepped promptly forward just far enoughto obtain a clear view of the young man's face. The next moment thetwo had vanished into the night without. Mercedes laughed unpleasantlyto herself, her white teeth gleaming.
"Ah, Merciful Mother! so my ver' fine lady has found herself a loferhere already. _Sapristi_, an' he is well worth lookin' at! I vill askof de stage manager his name."
Outside, beneath the faint glimmer of the stars, Winston offered hisarm, and Miss Norvell accepted it silently. It was no more than ashort stroll to the hotel, and the street at that particular hour wassufficiently deserted, so the young man rather keenly felt the evidentconstraint of his companion. It impressed him as unnatural, and hefelt inclined to attribute her state of mind to the unpleasant scene hehad just beheld.
"Senorita Mercedes does not appear very kindly disposed toward you," heventured. "Have you quarrelled already?"
"You refer to the Mexican dancer?" she questioned, glancing aside athim curiously. "Really, I did not remember having heard the girl'sname mentioned before. Do you know her?"
"Only as she is announced on the bills, and having seen her dance fromthe front of the house. She is certainly a true artist in her line,the most expert I recall ever having seen. What has ever made her yourenemy?"
"I am sure I do not know. Her words were a complete surprise; I wastoo greatly astonished even to resent them. I have never spoken to thegirl until to-night, and then merely uttered a sentence of sincerecongratulation. She is extremely pretty, and it seems quite too badshe should be compelled to lead such a life. She does not appear olderthan seventeen."
He glanced about at her in surprise.
"Such a life," he echoed, recklessly. "So then you actually pityothers while remaining totally unconcerned regarding yourself?"
"Oh, no; you greatly mistake, or else wilfully misconstrue. I am notunconcerned, yet there is a very wide difference, I am sure. This girlis at the Gayety from deliberate choice; she as much as told me so.She is in love with that sort of life. Probably she has never knownanything better, while I am merely fighting out a bit of hard luck,and, within two weeks, at the longest, shall again be free. Surely,you cannot hint that we stand upon the same level."
"God forbid!" fervently. "Yet just as sincerely I wish you did notdeem it necessary to remain for even that brief length of time. It isa shock to me to realize your intimate association with such depravedcharacters. You are surely aware that my purse remains at yourdisposal, if you will only cut the whole thing."
She lifted her eyes reproachfully to his face.
"Yes, I know; and possibly you are justified according to your code forfeeling in that way. But I do not believe I am becoming in the leastcontaminated
by evil associations, nor do I feel any lowering of moralideals. I am doing what I imagine to be right under the circumstances,and have already given you my final decision, as well as my reason forit. You say 'such depraved characters.' Can you refer to thisMercedes? Strange as it may seem, I confess feeling an interest inthis beautiful Mexican girl. What is it you know regarding her?"
The young man impulsively started to speak, but as instantly paused.An instinctive dread of uttering those plain words he would much prefershe should never hear served to soften his language.
"There is not a great deal of reserve about the Gayety," he explainedlightly, "and indiscriminate gossip is a part of its advertisingequipment. As to Senorita Mercedes, my only informant is common rumorout in front. That connects her name quite familiarly with one of theproprietors of the gambling rooms."
"You have no reason to know this?"
"None whatever. As I say, it has come to me in the form of commonrumor. The man referred to is the special faro expert, a fellow namedFarnham."
Miss Norvell started violently, her fingers clutching his arm as if tokeep her body from falling, her face grown suddenly white.
"Farnham, did you say? What--what Farnham?"
"I believe I have heard him familiarly spoken of as 'Biff.'"
"Here? Here in San Juan? 'Biff' Farnham here?" The startled wordsappeared to stick in the swelling white throat, and she stood staringat him, her slender figure swaying as though he had struck her aphysical blow. "Oh, I never knew that!"
Winston, shocked and surprised by this unexpected outburst, did notspeak, his face slowly hardening to the dim suspicion thus suddenlyaroused by her agitation and her impetuous exclamation. She must havetaken instant warning from the expression of his eyes, for, with aneffort, she faced him in regained calmness, a slight tremor in her lowvoice alone betraying the lack of complete self-control.
"Your information certainly startled me greatly," she exclaimed slowly."It was so unexpected, and so much has happened of late to affect mynerves."
They walked on in silence, and as he ventured to glance aside at her,uncertain regarding his future course, her eyes were lowered and hiddenbehind the drooping lashes.
"And is that all?" he asked.
"All? Why, what more is there?"
He compressed his lips, striving not to exhibit openly his impatience.
"Nothing, of course," he acquiesced quietly, "if the lady preferskeeping silent. Only, as matters now stand, the result may prove anunpleasant misunderstanding."
They were now at the bottom of the few steps leading up toward thehotel entrance, and Miss Norvell, removing her hand from the support ofhis arm, stood before him outwardly calm.
"Beyond doubt, you refer to my apparent surprise at first hearing Mr.Farnham's name mentioned?"
He bowed quietly, again fascinated and disarmed by the revelation inthose dark eyes.
"The explanation is quite simple," and the voice exhibited a touch ofcoolness easily perceptible. "I chanced to be somewhat acquainted withthis man in the East before--well, before he became a gambler. Ofcourse, I do not know him now, have not the slightest desire to do so,but the sudden information that he was actually here, and--and all therest--came to me with a shock. Is that sufficient?"
The young man was unsatisfied, and, without doubt, his face quiteclearly exhibited his true feeling. Yet there was that about herconstrained manner which held him to respectful silence, so that for amoment the hesitation between them grew almost painful. Miss Norvell,realizing this new danger, struggled weakly against sudden temptationto throw herself unreservedly upon the mercy of this new friend,confide wholly in him, accept his proffered aid, and flee from possiblecoming trouble. But pride proved even stronger than fear, and her lipsclosed in firm resolution.
"Mr. Winston," she said, and now her eyes were uplifted unfaltering tohis own. "I find myself obliged to speak with a frankness I have hopedto avoid. It was never my desire that you should call for me at thetheatre to-night."
"Indeed?" His surprised tone clearly exhibited the sudden hurt of thewound.
"Yes; yet, pray do not misunderstand me. I find it exceedinglydifficult to say this, and I confess I have even prayed that you wouldbe led to go away voluntarily, and without its being necessary for meto appear discourteous. I appreciate your kindness, your gentlemanlyconduct. I--I greatly value your friendship, prize it more highly,possibly, than you will ever be able to realize; yet, believe me, thereare reasons why I cannot permit you to--to be with me any longer inthis way. It is for your sake, as well as my own, that I am driven tospeak thus frankly, and I am certain you will not add to my pain, myembarrassment, by asking more definite explanation."
His heart beating like a trip-hammer, Winston stood motionless, staringinto the girl's appealing face, suddenly aroused to her full meaning,and as thoroughly awakened to a conception of what she really hadbecome to him. The thought of losing her, losing her perhaps toanother, seemed to chill his very soul.
"Assuredly, I will respect your secret," he answered, mastering hisvoice with an effort. "I understand when I am bowled out. What is ityou desire me to do?"
He could not perceive in that dim light the sudden mist of tearsclouding her eyes, but she lifted her gloved hand and swept them aside.
"It is not easy to say such things, yet I must. I wish you to go away;go back to Denver," she exclaimed; then, all at once, her strainedvoice broke into a little sob. "I cannot stand your presence here!"
That last impetuous sentence burst through his armor of constraint, andfor the instant he forgot everything but that thoughtless confession.She read it in his face, and as quickly flung forth her hand inwarning, but he only grasped it tightly within his own.
"You cannot stand it!" he cried in passionate eagerness. "Then youmust care for me? You must love me, Beth?"
"No, no!" Her eyes were full of agony, and she sought to free herimprisoned hand. "Oh, hush! I beg of you, hush! You--you hurt me so.I will not permit you to speak such words. Please release my hand."
He loosened his grasp, feeling bewildered, ashamed, dimly consciousthat he had been guilty of an ungentlemanly action, yet deep within hisown heart assured that he felt no regret.
"Do you mean that?" he questioned vaguely.
"Yes," and all the previous tremor had left her clear voice. "I didnot suppose you would ever say such a thing to me. I gave you no rightto speak those words."
"My own heart gave me the right."
Possibly the woman in her conquered; perhaps there was a namelesshunger within her soul which made her long to hear the forbidden wordsjust once from his lips.
"The right, you say? What right?"
"To tell you that I love you."
She drew a quick, quivering breath, the rich color surging into hercheeks, her gloved hands clasped across her heaving bosom as though tostill the fierce throbbing of her heart. An instant she stood as ifpalsied, trembling, from head to foot, although he could perceivenothing. Her lips smiled.
"Oh, indeed," she said archly, "and how very prettily you said it! Theonly son of Colonel Winston, the wealthy banker of Denver, honors MissNorvell, actress, and she, of course, feels highly grateful!"
"Beth, stop!" His voice was indignantly earnest. "It is not that; youmust know it is not that!"
"I only know it is supremely ridiculous," she returned, more coldly;"yet if I did not believe you spoke with some degree of honesty Ishould deem your words a deliberate insult, and treat them accordingly.As it is, I prefer regarding your speech merely as an evidence oftemporary insanity. Ned Winston making love to Beth Norvell! Why, youdo not even know my true name, the story of my life, or that I am inany way worthy of your mere friendship. Love! You love me, an actressin a fly-by-night company, a variety artist at the Gayety! What wouldthey say at home?"
"I know you."
"Ah, but you do not in the least," her voice grown steady and serious."That is the whole trouble. You do
not in the least know me. I am noteven what you imagine me to be. I am a fraud, a cheat, a masquerader.Know me! Why, if you did, instead of speaking words of love you woulddespise; instead of seeking, you would run away. Oh, let us end thisfarce forever; it is as painful to myself as to you. Promise me, NedWinston, that you will return to Denver."
She tantalized, tempted him even while she thus openly renounced. Hestruggled madly with an almost overmastering desire to burst forth instrenuous denial, to lay his whole life unreservedly at her feet. Yetsomething within the girl's resolute face steadied him, made him feelher decision as unchangeable.
"Beth--you--you will not listen?"
"No--not to another word."
"You do not believe me?"
He marked the quick restraining pressure of her lips, the tumultuousrise and fall of her breast.
"Yes, I believe you," she admitted, almost wearily. "You mean it--now;but--but it is impossible. I wish you to go."
An instant Winston stood looking straight into those dark, glowingeyes, and all his inherited strength of manhood came trooping back toaid him. He comprehended in that moment of intense resolution thatthis woman had become the whole world to him. That one fact neverwould change. It came over him as a distinct revelation untinged byeither despair or hope. It was merely an unalterable truth, which hemust henceforth face as fate willed. He was of fighting blood, and theseeming obstacles in the way of success did not dismay; they merelyserved to inspire him to greater efforts.
"Unfortunately, I am not at present free to go," he replied, morequietly, "for the reason that I have already accepted some professionalwork here. However, I agree not to trouble you again with my presenceuntil--"
He paused in uncertainty as to his next word.
"What?"
"You give me welcome."
She extended her hand.
"You certainly speak with sufficient confidence."
"'Fools rush in where angels fear to tread,'" he quoted lightly; "and Iherewith announce myself a firm believer in miracles."
"Then your faith is about to be put to a most severe test."
"I welcome that. Yet, if parting is insisted upon, we can, at least,remain friends. You certainly do not hold my words against me?"
The flush, although fainter, again crept into the clear cheeks, and hereyes fell before this questioning.
"No true woman ever remains wholly indifferent," she acknowledged withswift frankness, "or neglects to think kindly in her secret heart ofany one who has told her that story; and I am a woman."
For a brief moment her hand rested warm and throbbing within his own,and there passed an electric flash of the eyes between them. Then shewithdrew her fingers and opened the door.
"Good-bye," she whispered, the word lingering like perfume, andvanished, even as he took a step toward her.
Beth Norvell: A Romance of the West Page 7