Part 10 (1/2)

It is a more convincing argument against it than all the statistics of the divorce court--”

”For the Lord's sake, Carrie, beware of woman's rights,” protested Miss Oliver. ”That is exactly what Mrs. Simpson said in her lecture on 'Our Tyrant, Man.' Why, those dear old aunts of yours in Alabama have inserted an additional clause in their Litany: 'From intemperance, evil desires, and woman's suffrage, good Lord deliver us!' They are grounded in the belief that the new woman is an _edition de luxe_ of the devil.”

Mariana rose and shook out her skirts. ”I must go,” she said, ”and you haven't done a bit of work.”

”So we haven't,” replied Miss Hill, picking up her needle. ”But take some caramels--do.”

Mariana took a caramel and went out into the hall. Algarcife's door was open, and he was standing upon the threshold talking to Claude Nevins.

As Mariana pa.s.sed, Nevins smiled and called to her:

”I say, Miss Musin, here is a vandal who complains that you make night hideous.”

Algarcife scowled.

”Nevins is a fool,” he retorted, ”and if he doesn't know it, he ought to be told so.”

”Thanks,” returned Nevins, amiably, ”but I have long since learned not to believe anything I hear.”

Anthony's irritation increased. ”I should have thought the presumptive evidence sufficient to overcome any personal bias,” he replied.

Nevins spread out his hands with an imperturbable shrug.

”My dear fellow, I never found my conclusions upon presumptive evidence.

Had I done so, I should hold life to be a hollow mockery--whereas I am convinced that it is a deuced solid one.”

”You are so bad-tempered--both of you,” said Mariana; ”but, Mr.

Algarcife, do you really object to my singing? I can't keep silent, you know.”

Algarcife smiled.

”I never supposed that you could,” he answered. ”And as for music, I had as soon listen to you as to--to Patti.”

”Not that he values your accomplishments more, but Patti's less,”

observed Nevins, placidly.

”On the other hand, I should say that Miss Musin would make decidedly the less noise,” said Anthony.

”He's a brute, isn't he, Mariana?” asked Nevins--and added, ”Now I never said you made anything hideous, did I?”

Mariana laughed, looking a little vexed. ”If you wouldn't always repeat everything you hear other people say, it would be wiser,” she responded, tartly.

”Such is the reward of virtue,” sighed Nevins. ”All my life I have been held as responsible for other people's speeches as for my own. And all from a conscientious endeavor to let my neighbors see themselves as others see them--”

Algarcife smiled good-humoredly. ”Whatever bad qualities Nevins may possess,” he said, ”he has at least the courage of his convictions--”

Nevins shrugged his shoulders.

”I don't know about the convictions,” he rejoined, ”but I've got the courage all right.” Then he looked at Mariana. ”Is that an implement of housewifery that I see?” he demanded.