Part 32 (2/2)
Brimbecomb e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed in anger.
”If you will be a fool,” said he, ”it's time your friends took a hand in your affairs. I think Governor Vandecar will have something to say about that!”
”No more than you have,” warned Horace. ”The only regret I have is that Ann has chosen you for her husband. I'm wondering what she would say if I repeated tonight's conversation to her--as to a man lying to a woman.”
”She wouldn't believe you,” replied Everett.
”And you would deny that you so believed?”
”Yes. I told you it was my right to lie to a woman.”
”Then, by G.o.d! you're a greater dog than I thought you! Let me get out of here before I smash your face!”
Everett's haughty countenance flamed red; but he stepped aside, and Horace, shaking with rage, left the house.
”I think I've given him something to think about,” muttered Everett.
”He won't be surprised by anything I do now, and I've protected myself with Ann against him, too.”
It was only when alone with Everett that Ann felt completely at her ease. Then she threw aside the shadow that many times dismayed her and looked forward to her wedding day, which was to come in May. This evening she was sitting with her betrothed under the glow of a red chandelier.
”You know, Ann, I haven't given up the idea of finding my own family,”
said Brimbecomb presently. ”The more I work at law, the more I believe I shall find a way to unearth them. I told Mr. and Mrs. Brimbecomb that I intended to spend part of my next year looking for them. Mrs. Brimbecomb said she didn't know the name under which I was born. I'm convinced that I shall find them.”
”I hope you do, Dear.”
”You don't blame me, do you, Ann, for wanting to know to whom I'm indebted for life?”
”No,” answered Ann slowly; ”although it might not make you any happier.
That is what I most wish for you, Dearest--complete happiness.”
Everett lifted her delicate fingers and kissed them.
”I shall have that when you are my wife,” he said smoothly.
Later he asked, ”Did you speak with Horace of the matter that worried you, Ann?”
Miss Sh.e.l.lington sighed.
”Not in a personal way,” she replied; ”but I really think there is more than either you or I know. Fledra never puts herself in Horace's way any more; in fact, they have both changed very much.”
”Possibly he has told her that he cares for her, and she has--”
Ann s.h.i.+fted from him uneasily. ”If Horace loves her, and has told her so, she could not help but love him in return. She is really growing thin with hard work, poor baby!”
”Does she love Horace?” sounded Everett.
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