Part 43 (2/2)

Jessy laughed.

”Their business interests don't coincide; but it doesn't follow that they should disagree about anything else. My brother did all he could to dissuade Mr. Vane from going on with his search for the timber until the winter is over.”

This was true, inasmuch as Horsfield had spoken to Vane about the subject, though it is possible that he would not have done so had he expected the latter to yield to his reasoning. Vane was one whom opposition usually rendered more determined.

”I think it is rather fine of him to persist in it,” Evelyn declared.

Jessy smiled, though she felt venomous just then.

”Yes,” she agreed; ”one undoubtedly feels that. Besides, the thing's so characteristic of him; the man's impulsively generous and not easily daunted. He possesses many of the rudimentary virtues, as well as some of the corresponding weaknesses, which is very much what one would look for.”

”What do you mean by that?” Evelyn inquired with a trace of asperity.

Though she was not prepared to pose as Vane's advocate, she was conscious of a growing antagonism toward her companion.

”It's difficult to explain, and I don't know that the subject's worth discussing,” answered Jessy. ”However, what I think I meant was this--Mr.

Vane's of a type that's not uncommon in the West, and it's a type one finds interesting. He's forcibly elementary, which is the only way I can express it; the restraints the rest of us submit to don't bind him--he breaks through them.”

This, Evelyn fancied, was more or less correct. Indeed, the man's fearless disregard of hampering customs had pleased her, but she recognized that some restraints are needful. Her companion followed the same train of thought.

”When one breaks down or gets over fences, it's necessary to discriminate,” she went on. ”Men of the Berserker type, however, are more addicted to going straight through the lot. In a way, they're consistent--having smashed one barrier why should they respect the next?”

Jessy, as she was quite aware, was playing a dangerous game; one that might afterward be exposed. The latter possibility, however, was of less account, for detection would come too late if she were successful. She was acquainted with the salient points of Evelyn's character.

”They're consistent, if not always very logical,” she concluded after a pause. ”One endeavors to make allowances for men of that description.”

Something in her tone roused Evelyn to sudden imperious anger. It was intolerable that this woman should offer excuses for Vane.

”What particular allowances do you feel it needful to make in Mr. Vane's case?” she asked haughtily.

Now that she was faced by the direct question, Jessy hesitated. As a rule, she was subtle, but she could be ruthlessly frank, and she was possessed by a pa.s.sionate hatred of the girl beside her.

”You have forced me to an explanation,” she smiled. ”The fact is that while he has a room at the hotel he has an--establishment--in a different neighborhood. Unfortunately such places are a feature of some western towns.”

It was a shock to Evelyn; one that she found hard to face; though she was not convinced. The last piece of information agreed with something Mrs.

Nairn had told her; but, although she had on one occasion had the testimony of her eyes in support of it, Jessy's first statement seemed incredible.

”It's impossible!”

Jessy smiled in a bitter manner.

”It's unpleasant, but it can't be denied. He undoubtedly pays the rent of a shack in the neighborhood I mentioned.”

Evelyn sat tensely still for a moment or two. She dare not give rein to her feelings, for she would not betray herself; but composure was extremely difficult.

”If that is true,” she demanded, ”how is it that he is received everywhere--at your house and by Mrs. Nairn? He is coming here to-night.”

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