Part 12 (1/2)
Norman's break with his father created a sensation. The flag episode, coming on the Fourth of July and at the very hour when the guns of the forts were thundering their celebration of the fleet's victory at Santiago, presented the dramatic contrast which stirred the indignation of the public to unusual depths. The morning papers devoted from four to five columns to the story. The remarkable speech of Barbara Bozenta was reported in full, with a sketch of her life, interspersed with portraits of the Wolfs, of Norman, Elena, his father, the palatial home on n.o.b Hill, and the country estate where the stirring little drama had been played.
The Socialist cause received a tremendous impetus. The very violence of the editorial a.s.saults on their programme reacted in their favour.
Thousands of men who did not know the meaning of the word Socialism began to read and think and discuss its principles. Their meetings were crowded, and the fame of the little brown-eyed Joan of Arc became so great it was no longer possible for her to pa.s.s through the streets without an escort.
All sorts of stories about the relations of the famous millionaire and his son filled the air. Some were printed, others were vague rumours.
A sensational paper published the story that they had actually come to blows, and had fought a duel in the big library which might have ended fatally for one or both but for the timely interference of Colonel Worth's ward, Elena Stockton.
Norman became at once the hero of the Socialist's cause. His appearance at a meeting was the signal for pandemonium to break loose.
He secured employment on a sensational daily paper, and his signed articles were made a feature.
Colonel Worth was so enraged over the vulgar notoriety with which the incident had overwhelmed him that he denied himself to all callers, refused to speak to a reporter or to allow a word to be uttered in confirmation or denial of any stories printed or rumoured.
He issued orders that Norman's name should never again be spoken in his house.
When he made this announcement to Elena her full, red lips, quivered and she looked at him reproachfully.
”I mean it, Elena,” he said, sternly.
The girl spoke in tenderness.
”I don't believe you, Guardie. It isn't like you at all. I'll not mention his name to a servant, but I will to you.”
”I don't want to hear it!”
”That's because you know you've done a great wrong.”
”I accept the responsibility. It's done, and that's the end of it.”
”Nothing ends until it ends right, Guardie,” spoke the soft, even voice.
”I know it's hard on you, dear,” the Colonel responded, with feeling.
”It was for your sake I made the issue. If he has turned from you for a loud-mouthed vulgar agitator, he's not worth a thought. Forget that he lives. I'm going to leave my fortune to you.”
”I don't want it at the price, Guardie,” she replied, slipping her arm around his neck and resting her head on his shoulder. ”I couldn't be happy with such a fortune. What you've done hurts me more than it hurts Norman.”
”Yes, yes. I know that you love him, child, but your happiness could not be found among a crowd of criminals and revolutionists.”
”I'm not thinking of myself,” was the low response as she withdrew from his arms, ”I was thinking of you.”
”Of me?”
”Yes. You've broken my idol. To me you were the one perfect man in the world. I didn't know you. I didn't know that you were hard and cold and cruel and selfish and proud.”
”I'm not, Elena.”