Part 32 (2/2)
”Beatrix and Lorimer.”
”What for?”
”Safety; taking to the woods, and all that.”
”What do you mean, Dane?” Thayer asked sternly. ”This is no time for joking. Do speak out.”
”I beg your pardon, Thayer. The fact is, I am utterly reckless, this morning, and I don't know nor care what I am saying. If you loved Beatrix as I do--”
”Yes,” Thayer returned quietly. ”I understand.”
”No; you don't. You can't. We've been such chums. What hurts her, hurts me; and, to my dying day, I shall never forget her as we found her in the dining-room, last night. She knew then it was all over.” Bobby's voice broke upon the last words; then he pulled himself up sharply.
”This morning, we had a council of war, Mrs. Dane and Beatrix and the doctor and I. The doctor says that Beatrix isn't well, and that another such scene would kill her, or worse. I was for shutting Lorimer up in an inebriate asylum; but Beatrix opposed the idea. She was so excited about it that the doctor finally took sides with her, and said that she and Lorimer would better not be separated, at least, not until something else comes up. Do you grasp the pleasant state of things? Lorimer is to be left with her till something does come up; when the something does come, it may kill her. That's what they call an alternative, I suppose.”
”But the Adirondacks?” Thayer reminded him. It was unlike Bobby Dane to go off like this into conversational blind alleys. Thayer, as he listened and looked at his friend's haggard face, realized suddenly that Bobby was far less superficial than was generally supposed.
”The doctor ordered them both out of town. It is the only way to keep Lorimer out of mischief, get him into the wilderness to live on venison and bromides. We chose the Adirondacks because it was near and safe, and because we could tell people that Beatrix needed the air. Of course, they'll know we are lying; but we may as well lie valiantly and plausibly, while we are about it.”
”When do they go?”
”Monday.”
”Who goes?”
”They hire a cottage, and take enough servants to run it. Then there will be a man for Lorimer. The doctor insisted upon that.”
”Who else?”
”Beatrix and Lorimer.”
”And Mrs. Dane?”
”No; no one else.”
”You don't mean that Mrs. Lorimer is going up into that wilderness alone?”
”Alone with her liege lord,” Bobby said bitterly.
”But she mustn't. It's not safe.”
”Who can go? Mrs. Dane is not strong; she would only be an extra care for Beatrix.”
”Mr. Dane, then.”
”He's no use. I would go, myself; but I can't well get off. Besides, Lorimer hates me, and my being there would only make it harder for Beatrix. Do you really think she ought to have someone?” Bobby's voice was anxious.
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