Part 47 (1/2)
Pratt appeared at the head of the stairs. ”What is it now, Jenkins?”
”The gentleman insists on seeing you, sir; it's Mr. Lambert.”
”Stay where you are,” commanded Pratt, ”I'll come down and see what's wanted.”
Lambert, with quiet, upturned face, watched the master of the house descend slowly step by step, and Morton, contrasting the two men, awaited the collision with rising apprehension. The Western man seemed so small, so inoffensive in manner, in contrast with the grizzled, insolent face of the sullen old man approaching with heavy jaw set at a bull-dog angle. ”Well, sir, what is it?” he contemptuously inquired.
Lambert waited so long that his questioner began to wonder, and then remarked, quietly: ”So you're Pratt!”
”I am.”
”Well, I'm Joe Lambert, of Fremont, and I've come to relieve you of the keep of my wife and daughter.” Nothing could have been more telling, more admirable, than his tone. Every word told, and as Pratt stood in a daze of surprise Lambert turned to the servant. ”Now, George, you try again. You tell Mrs. Lambert her husband wants to see her, and you may ask Clarke to come along. I want a word or two with him.”
”Wait!” called Pratt. ”I want to know--”
Lambert pointed a finger like a pistol. ”You _go_!” and the man went.
The Westerner then turned to the owner of the house and said: ”Out where I live a husband has some rights which he can enforce if he is minded to do so. I haven't looked after my family as closely as I might, but I'm going to do better hereafter. I believe my wife and daughter are in this house, and I intend to see them, and your wishes don't count in the matter. I'd advise you not to interfere.”
Pratt began to retreat. ”I didn't know--”
”But suppose you didn't--what right have you to supervise my wife's affairs? Why didn't you send Professor Serviss's card to her? What business had you to say she was out?”
Pratt came down from his lofty pose. ”So many strangers insist on seeing the psychic--”
”But Professor Serviss is not a stranger, and, furthermore, unless my wife's mind has weakened, she's quite competent to turn down any one she don't want to see. I can't understand why she is here, but I intend to find out. So long as she bears my name I don't want her to be under any obligation to a man of your stamp.”
There was power and a quiet dignity in the little man, and Pratt began to plead his case. ”I've tried to make it comfortable for them, and help on their work--”
Lambert looked up and down the splendid hall, and in a softer tone replied: ”So far I'm in your debt, but I don't like it. I am able to provide for my family and I don't intend to share their supervision with you nor any other man. So far as I know, my wife still considers me the head of the family--anyhow, that's what I'm here to find out.”
Mrs. Lambert appeared at the head of the stairs and called, in a tremulous voice: ”Is that you, Joe?”
”It is, Julia. Come down.”
Viola, with a cry of joy, left her mother's side and running down the steps, flung herself into Lambert's arms like a frightened child. ”Oh, Papa-Joe--I'm so glad to see you!”
Lambert was astonished by the warmth of her greeting, and while she hid her face on his shoulder patted her awkwardly with soothing words of endearment until at last she lifted her pale and tear-wet face and whispered:
”Oh, it's been a terrible day--take me away, quick!”
Lambert looked up at his wife. ”Julia, what's been going on here? You both look like the dead.”
Mrs. Lambert's face was wrinkled and haggard and wan like that of one grown suddenly old, and Morton was aware that her serenity was utterly gone before she spoke. Her voice was weak and piteous. ”I thought it was all for the best, Joe. I followed the 'guides'--”
”Follow them a little longer and you'll all land in the mad-house,” he replied. Then to Viola he tenderly said: ”Don't you worry any more, girlie. Old Papa-Joe's going to take you home.”
Serviss spoke. ”You're to come to us to-night. Kate expects you both.”
At the sound of his voice Viola turned with an impulsive reaching of the hands. ”Oh, Dr. Serviss, that would be heavenly! I love your sister and her beautiful home.”
Lambert issued his command. ”Get your outfits together. I don't understand how you got here, but you're going to get out with me within the next half-hour.”
Viola's spirit rose like flame. ”We're all ready--this moment. I sent our trunks away this morning. They went to the West Park. I'll be down instantly,” and she turned to run up the stairs, just as Clarke appeared at their head. His face was white and wild and his voice hoa.r.s.e with fear and reproach as he intercepted her.