Among the fifty-eight regiments of Zouaves and the seven regiments of Lancers enlisted in the service of the United States between 1861 and 1865 it will be useless for the reader to look for any record of the 3d Zouaves or of the 8th Lancers. The red breeches and red fezzes of the Zouaves clothed many a dead man on Southern battle-fields; the scarlet swallow-tailed pennon of the Lancers fluttered from many a lance-tip beyond the Potomac; the histories of these sixty-five regiments are known. But no history of the 3d Zouaves or of the 8th Lancers has ever been written save in this narrative; and historians and veterans would seek in vain for any records of these two regiments—regiments which might have been, but never were.

genre : War & Military

9 hour and 2 minute

Read Ailsa Paige Online

[Feedbooks]

Ailsa Paige

Robert William Chambers

Published: 1910

Categorie(s): Fiction, War & Military

Source: http://gutenberg.org About Chambers:

Robert William Chambers (May 26, 1865 – December 16, 1933) was an American artist and writer. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, to William P. Chambers (1827 - 1911), a famous lawyer, and Caroline Chambers (née Boughton), a direct descendant of Roger Williams, the founder of Providence, Rhode Island. Robert's brother was Walter Boughton Chambers, the world famous architect. Robert was first educated at the the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute,and then entered the Art Students' League at around the age of twenty, where the artist Charles Dana Gibson was his fellow student. Chambers studied at the École des Beaux-Arts, and at Académie Julian, in Paris from 1886 to 1893, and his work was displayed at the Salon as early as 1889. On his return to New York, he succeeded in selling his illustrations to Life, Truth, and Vogue magazines. Then, for reasons unclear, he devoted his time to writing, producing his first novel, In the Quarter (written in 1887 in Munich ) . His most famous, and perhaps most meritorious, effort is The King in Yellow, a collection of weird fiction short stories, connected by the theme of a book (to which the title refers) which drives those who read it insane. Chambers' fictitious drama The King in Yellow features in Karl Edward Wagner's story "The River of Night's Dreaming", while James Blish's story "More Light" purports to include much of the actual text of the play. Chambers later turned to writing romantic fiction to earn a living. According to some estimates, Chambers was one of the most successful literary careers of his period, his later novels selling well and a handful achieving best-seller status. Many of his works were also serialized in magazines. After 1924 he devoted himself solely to writing Historical fiction . On July 12, 1898, he married Elsa Vaughn Moller (1882-1939). They had a son, Robert Edward Stuart Chambers (later calling himself Robert Husted Chambers) who also gained some fame as an author. H. P. Lovecraft said of him in a letter to Clark Ashton Smith, "Chambers is like Rupert Hughes and a few other fallen Titans - equipped with the right brains and education but wholly out of the habit of using them." Frederic Taber Cooper commented, "So much of Chambers's work exasperates, because we feel that he might so easily have made it better." He died in New York on December 16th 1933. A critical essay on Chambers' work appears in S. T. Joshi's book The Evolution of the Weird Tale (2004). Source: Wikipedia

Also available on Feedbooks Chambers:

- The King in Yellow (1895)

- The Hidden Children (1914)

- The Dark Star (1916)

- Between Friends (1914)

- In Search of the Unknown (1904)

- In Secret (1919)

- The Green Mouse (1910)

- The Slayer of Souls (1920)

- Police!!! (1915)

- The Fighting Chance (1906)

Copyright: This work is available for countries where copyright is Life+70 and in the USA.

Note: This book is brought to you by Feedbooks

http://www.feedbooks.com

Strictly for personal use, do not use this file for commercial purposes.

> TO THE CONQUERORS WHO WON IMMORTAL VICTORY

>

> "Arm yourselves and be Valiant Men, and see that ye rise up in readiness against the Dawn, that ye may do Battle with These that are Assembled against us… .

>

> "For it is better to die in Battle than live to behold the Calamities of our own People… ."

>

> "Lord, we took not the Land into Possession by our own Swords; neither was it our own Hands that helped us; but Thy Hand was a Buckler; and Thy right Arm a Shield, and the Light of Thy Countenance hath conquered forever."

>

> AND TO THE VANQUISHED WHO WON IMMORTALITY

>

> "We are the fallen, who, with helpless faces Low in the dust, in stiffening ruin lay, Felt the hoofs beat, and heard the rattling traces As o'er us drove the chariots of the fray.

>

> "We are the fallen, who by ramparts gory, Awaiting death, heard the far shouts begin, And with our last glance glimpsed the victor's glory For which we died, but dying might not win.

>

> "We were but men. Always our eyes were holden, We could not read the dark that walled us round, Nor deem our futile plans with Thine enfolden— We fought, not knowing God was on the ground.

>

> "Aye, grant our ears to bear the foolish praising Of men—old voices of our lost home-land, Or else, the gateways of this dim world, raising, Give us our swords again, and hold Thy hand."

>

> —W. H. WOODS.

Preface

Among the fifty-eight regiments of Zouaves and the seven regiments of Lancers enlisted in the service of the United States between 1861 and 1865 it will be useless for the reader to look for any record of the 3d Zouaves or of the 8th Lancers. The red breeches and red fezzes of the Zouaves clothed many a dead man on Southern battle-fields; the scarlet swallow-tailed pennon of the Lancers fluttered from many a lance-tip beyond the Potomac; the histories of these sixty-five regiments are known. But no history of the 3d Zouaves or of the 8th Lancers has ever been written save in this narrative; and historians and veterans would seek in vain for any records of these two regiments—regiments which might have been, but never were.

Chapter 1

The butler made an instinctive movement to detain him, but he flung him aside and entered the drawing-room, the servant recovering his equilibrium and following on a run. Light from great crystal chandeliers dazzled him for a moment; the butler again confronted him but hesitated under the wicked glare from his eyes. Then through the brilliant vista, the young fellow caught a glimpse of a dining-room, a table where silver and crystal glimmered, and a great gray man just lowering a glass of wine from his lips to gaze at him with quiet curiosity.

The next moment he traversed the carpeted interval between them and halted at the table's damask edge, gazing intently across at the solitary diner, who sat leaning back in an arm-chair, heavy right hand still resting on the stem of a claret glass, a cigar suspended between the fingers of his left hand.

"Are you Colonel Arran?"

"I am," replied the man at the table coolly. "Who the devil are you?"

"By God," replied the other with an insolent laugh, "that's what I came here to find out!"

The man at the table laid both hands on the edge of the cloth and partly rose from his chair, then fell back solidly, in silence, but his intent gaze never left the other's bloodless face.

"Send away your servants, Colonel Arran!" said the young man in a voice now labouring under restraint. "We'll settle this matter now."

The other made as though to speak twice; then, with an effort, he motioned to the butler.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

What he meant by the gesture perhaps he himself scarcely realised at the moment.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

The butler instantly signalled to Pim, the servant behind Colonel Arran's chair, and started forward with a furtive glance at his master; and the young man turned disdainfully to confront him.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Will you retire peaceably, sir?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"No, but you will retire permanently if you touch me. Be very careful."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Colonel Arran leaned forward, hands still gripping the table's edge:

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Larraway!"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Sir?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"You may go."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

The small gray eyes in the pock-pitted face stole toward young Berkley, then were cautiously lowered.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Very well, sir," he said.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Close the drawing-room doors. No—this way. Go out through the pantry. And take Pim with you."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Very well, sir."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"And, Larraway!"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Sir?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"When I want you I'll ring. Until then I don't want anybody or anything. Is that understood?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Yes, sir."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"That is all."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Thank you, sir."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

The great mahogany folding doors slid smoothly together, closing out the brilliant drawing-room; the door of the butler's pantry clicked.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Colonel Arran slowly wheeled in his place and surveyed his unbidden guest:

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Well, sir," he said, "continue."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I haven't yet begun."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"You are mistaken, Berkley; you have made a very significant beginning. I was told that you are this kind of a young man."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I am this kind of a young man. What else have you been told?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Colonel Arran inspected him through partly closed and heavy eyes; "I am further informed," he said, that at twenty-four you have already managed to attain bankruptcy."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Perfectly correct. What other items have you collected concerning me?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"You can retrace your own peregrinations if you care to. I believe they follow a vicious circle bisecting the semi-fashionable world, and the—other. Shall we say that the expression, unenviable notoriety, summarises the reputation you have acquired?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Exactly," he said; "both kinds of vice, Colonel Arran—respectable and disreputable."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Oh! And am I correct in concluding that, at this hour, you stand there a financially ruined man—at twenty-four years of age——"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I do stand here; but I'm going to sit down."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

He did so, dropped both elbows on the cloth, and balancing his chin on the knuckles of his clasped hands, examined the older man with insolent, unchanging gaze.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Go on," he said coolly, "what else do you conclude me to be?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"What else is there to say to you, Berkley? You have evidently seen my attorneys."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I have; the fat shyster and the bow-legged one." He reached over, poured himself a glass of brandy from a decanter, then, with an unpleasant laugh, set it aside untasted.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I beg your pardon. I've had a hard day of it. I'm not myself," he said with an insolent shrug of excuse. "At eleven o'clock this morning Illinois Central had fallen three more points, and I had no further interest in the market. Then one of your brokers—" He leaned farther forward on the table and stared brightly at the older man, showing an edge of even teeth, under the receding upper lip:

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"How long have your people been watching me?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Long enough to give me what information I required."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Then you really have had me watched?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I have chosen to keep in touch with your—career, Berkley."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Berkley's upper lip again twitched unpleasantly; but, when at length he spoke, he spoke more calmly than before and his mobile features were in pallid repose.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"One of your brokers—Cone—stopped me. I was too confused to understand what he wanted of me. I went with him to your attorneys—" Like lightning the snarl twitched his mouth again; he made as though to rise, and controlled himself in the act.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Where are the originals of those letters?" he managed to say at last.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"In this house."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Am I to have them?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I think so."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"So do I," said the young man with a ghastly smile. "I'm quite sure of it."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Colonel Arran regarded him in surprise.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"There is no occasion for violence in this house, Berkley."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Where are the letters?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Have you any doubts concerning what my attorneys have told you? The originals are at your immediate disposal if you wish."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Then Berkley struck the table fiercely, and stood up, as claret splashed and trembling crystal rang.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"That's all I want of you!" he said. "Do you understand what you've done? You've killed the last shred of self-respect in me! Do you think I'd take anything at your hands? I never cared for anybody in the world except my mother. If what your lawyers tell me is true—" His voice choked; he stood swaying a moment, face covered by his hands,

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Berkley!"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

The young man's hands fell; he faced the other, who had risen to his heavy six-foot height, confronting him across the table.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Berkley, whatever claim you have on me—and I'm ignoring the chance that you have none——"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"By God, I tell you I have none! I want none! What you have done to her you have done to me! What you and your conscience and your cruelty and your attorneys did to her twenty-four years ago, you have done this day to me! As surely as you outlawed her, so have you outlawed me to-day. That is what I now am, an outlaw!"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"It was insulted civilisation that punished, not I, Berkley——"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"It was you! You took your shrinking pound of flesh. I know your sort. Hell is full of them singing psalms!"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Colonel Arran sat silently stern a moment. Then the congested muscles, habituated to control, relaxed again. He said, under perfect self-command:

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"You'd better know the truth. It is too late now to discuss whose fault it was that the trouble arose between your mother and me. We lived together only a few weeks. She was in love with her cousin; she didn't realise it until she'd married me. I have nothing more to say on that score; she tried to be faithful, I believe she was; but he was a scoundrel. And she ended by thinking me one.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Even before I married her I was made painfully aware that our dispositions and temperaments were not entirely compatible. I think," he added grimly, "that in the letters read to you this afternoon she used the expression, 'ice and fire,' in referring to herself and me."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Berkley only looked at him.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"There is now nothing to be gained in reviewing that unhappy affair," continued the other. "Your mother's family are headlong, impulsive, fiery, unstable, emotional. There was a last shameful and degrading scene. I offered her a separation; but she was unwisely persuaded to sue for divorce."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Colonel Arran bent his head and touched his long gray moustache with bony fingers.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"The proceeding was farcical; the decree a fraud. I warned her; but she snapped her fingers at me and married her cousin the next day… . And then I did my duty by civilisation."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Still Berkley never stirred. The older man looked down at the wine-soiled cloth, traced the outline of the crimson stain with unsteady finger. Then, lifting his head:

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I had that infamous decree set aside," he said grimly. "It was a matter of duty and of conscience, and I did it without remorse… . They were on what they supposed to be a wedding trip. But I had warned her." He shrugged his massive shoulders. "If they were not over-particular they were probably happy. Then he broke his neck hunting—before you were born."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Was he my father?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I am taking the chance that he was not."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"You had reason to believe——"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I thought so. But—your mother remained silent. And her answer to my letters was to have you christened under the name you bear to-day, Philip Ormond Berkley. And then, to force matters, I made her status clear to her. Maybe—I don't know—but my punishment of her may have driven her to a hatred of me—a desperation that accepted everything—even you!"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Berkley lifted a countenance from which every vestige of colour had fled.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Why did you tell me this?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Because I believe that there is every chance—that you may be legally entitled to my name. Since I have known who you are, I—I have had you watched. I have hesitated—a long while. My brokers have watched you for a year, now; my attorneys for much longer. To-day you stand in need of me, if ever you have stood in need of anybody. I take the chance that you have that claim on me; I offer to receive you, provide for you. That is all, Berkley. Now you know everything."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Who else—knows?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Knows what?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Knows what you did to my mother?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Some people among the families immediately concerned," replied Colonel Arran coolly.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Who are they?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Your mother's relatives, the Paiges, the Berkleys—my family, the Arrans, the Lents——"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"What Lents?" interrupted the young man looking up sharply.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"They live in Brooklyn. There's a brother and a sister, orphans; and an uncle. Captain Josiah Lent."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Oh… . Who else?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"A Mrs. Craig who lives in Brooklyn. She was Celia Paige, your mother's maid of honour."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Who else?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"A sister-in-law of Mrs. Craig, formerly my ward. She is now a widow, a Mrs. Paige, living on London Terrace. She, however, has no knowledge of the matter in question; nor have the Lents, nor any one in the Craig family except Mrs. Craig."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Who else?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Nobody."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I see… . And, as I understand it, you are now stepping forward to offer me—on the chance of—of——"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I offer you a place in this house as my son. I offer to deal with you as a father—accepting that belief and every responsibility, and every duty, and every sacrifice that such a belief entails,"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

For a long time the young fellow stood there without stirring, pallid, his dark, expressionless eyes, fixed on space. And after a while he spoke.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Colonel Arran, I had rather than all the happiness on earth, that you had left me the memory of my mother. You have chosen not to do so. And now, do you think I am likely to exchange what she and I really are, for anything more respectable that you believe you can offer?

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"How, under God, you could have punished her as you did—how you could have reconciled your conscience to the invocation of a brutal law which rehabilitated you at the expense of the woman who had been your wife—how you could have done this in the name of duty and of conscience, I can not comprehend.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I do not believe that one drop of your blood runs in my veins."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

He bent forward, laying his hands flat on the cloth, then gripping it fiercely in clenched fists:

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"All I want of you is what was my mother's. I bear the name she gave me; it pleased her to bestow it; it is good enough for me to wear. If it be hers only, or if it was also my father's, I do not know; but that name, legitimate or otherwise, is not for exchange! I will keep it, Colonel Arran. I am what I am."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

He hesitated, rigid, clenching and unclenching his hands—then drew a deep, agonised breath:

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I suppose you have meant to be just to me, I wish you might have dealt more mercifully with my mother. As for what you have done to me—well—if she was illegally my mother, I had rather be her illegitimate son than the son of any woman who ever lived within the law. Now may I have her letters?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Is that your decision, Berkley?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"It is. I want only her letters from you—and any little keepsakes—relics—if there be any——"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I offer to recognise you as my son."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I decline—believing that you mean to be just—and perhaps kind—God knows what you do mean by disinterring the dead for a son to look back upon——"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Could I have offered you what I offer, otherwise?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Man! Man! You have nothing to offer me! Your silence was the only kindness you could have done me! You have killed something in me. I don't know what, yet—but I think it was the best part of me."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Berkley, do you suppose that I have entered upon this matter lightly?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Berkley laughed, showing his teeth. "No. It was your damned conscience; and I suppose you couldn't strangle it. I am sorry you couldn't. Sometimes a strangled conscience makes men kinder."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Colonel Arran rang. A dark flush had overspread his forehead; he turned to the butler.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Bring me the despatch box which stands on: my study table."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Berkley, hands behind his back, was pacing the dining-room carpet.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Would you accept a glass of wine?" asked Colonel Arran in a low voice.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Berkley wheeled on him with a terrible smile.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Shall a man drink wine with the slayer of souls?" Then, pallid face horribly distorted, he stretched out a shaking arm. "Not that you ever could succeed in getting near enough to murder hers! But you've killed mine. I know now what died in me. It was that! … And I know now, as I stand here excommunicated by you from all who have been born within the law, that there is not left alive in me one ideal, one noble impulse, one spiritual conviction. I am what your righteousness has made me—a man without hope; a man with nothing alive in him except the physical brute… . Better not arouse that."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"You do not know what you are saying, Berkley"—Colonel Arran choked; turned gray; then a spasm twitched his features and he grasped the arms of his chair, staring at Berkley with burning eyes.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Neither spoke again until Larraway entered, carrying an inlaid box.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Thank you, Larraway. You need not wait."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Thank you, sir."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

When they were again alone Colonel Arran unlocked and opened the box, and, behind the raised lid, remained invisibly busy for some little time, apparently sorting and re-sorting the hidden contents. He was so very long about it that Berkley stirred at last in his chair; and at the same moment the older man seemed to arrive at an abrupt decision, for he closed the lid and laid two packages on the cloth between them.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Are these mine?" asked Berkley.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"They are mine," corrected the other quietly, "but I choose to yield them to you."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Thank you," said Berkley. There was a hint of ferocity in his voice. He took the letters, turned around to look for his hat, found it, and straightened up with a long, deep intake of breath.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I think there is nothing more to be said between us, Colonel Arran?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"That lies with you."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Berkley passed a steady hand across his eyes. "Then, sir, there remain the ceremonies of my leave taking—" he stepped closer, level-eyed—"and my very bitter hatred."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

There was a pause. Colonel Arran waited a moment, then struck the bell:

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Larraway, Mr. Berkley has decided to go."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Yes, sir."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"You will accompany Mr. Berkley to the door."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Yes, sir."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"And hand to Mr. Berkley the outer key of this house."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Yes, sir."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"And in case Mr. Berkley ever again desires to enter this house, he is to be admitted, and his orders are to be obeyed by every servant in it."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Yes, sir."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Colonel Arran rose trembling. He and Berkley looked at each other; then both bowed; and the butler ushered out the younger man.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Pardon—the latch-key, sir."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Berkley took it, examined it, handed it back.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Return it to Colonel Arran with Mr. Berkley's undying—compliments," he said, and went blindly out into the April night, but his senses were swimming as though he were drunk.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Behind him the door of the house of Arran clanged.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Larraway stood stealthily peering through the side-lights; then tiptoed toward the hallway and entered the dining-room with velvet tread.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Port or brandy, sir?" he whispered at Colonel Arran's elbow.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

The Colonel shook his head.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Nothing more. Take that box to my study."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Later, seated at his study table before the open box, he heard Larraway knock; and he quietly laid away the miniature of Berkley's mother which had been lying in his steady palm for hours.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Well?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Pardon. Mr. Berkley's key, with Mr. Berkley's compliments, sir." And he laid it upon the table by the box.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Thank you. That will be all."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Thank you, sir. Good night, sir."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Good night."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

The Colonel picked up the evening paper and opened it mechanically:

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"By telegraph!" he read, "War inevitable. Postscript! Fort Sumter! It is now certain that the Government has decided to reinforce Major Andersen's command at all hazards——"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

The lines in the Evening Post blurred under his eyes; he passed one broad, bony hand across them, straightened his shoulders, and, setting the unlighted cigar firmly between his teeth, composed himself to read. But after a few minutes he had read enough. He dropped deeper into his arm-chair, groping for the miniature of Berkley's mother.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

As for Berkley, he was at last alone with his letters and his keepsakes, in the lodgings which he inhabited—and now would inhabit no more. The letters lay still unopened before him on his writing table; he stood looking at the miniatures and photographs, all portraits of his mother, from girlhood onward.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

One by one he took them up, examined them—touched them to his lips, laid each away. The letters he also laid away unopened; he could not bear to read them now.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

The French clock in his bedroom struck eight. He closed and locked his desk, stood looking at it blankly for a moment; then he squared his shoulders. An envelope lay open on the desk beside him.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Oh—yes," he said aloud, but scarcely heard his own voice.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

The envelope enclosed an invitation from one, Camilla Lent, to a theatre party for that evening, and a dance afterward.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

He had a vague idea that he had accepted.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

The play was "The Seven Sisters" at Laura, Keene's Theatre. The dance was somewhere—probably at Delmonico's. If he were going, it was time he was afoot.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

His eyes wandered from one familiar object to another; he moved restlessly, and began to roam through the richly furnished rooms. But to Berkley nothing in the world seemed familiar any longer; and the strangeness of it, and the solitude were stupefying him.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

When he became tired trying to think, he made the tour again in a stupid sort of way, then rang for his servant, Burgess, and started mechanically about his dressing.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Nothing any longer seemed real, not even pain.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

He rang for Burgess again, but the fellow did not appear. So he dressed without aid. And at last he was ready; and went out, drunk with fatigue and the reaction from pain.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

He did not afterward remember how he came to the theatre. Presently he found himself in a lower tier box, talking to a Mrs. Paige who, curiously, miraculously, resembled the girlish portraits of his mother—or he imagined so—until he noticed that her hair was yellow and her eyes blue. And he laughed crazily to himself, inwardly convulsed; and then his own voice sounded again, low, humorous, caressingly modulated; and he listened to it, amused that he was able to speak at all.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"And so you are the wonderful Ailsa Paige," he heard himself repeating. "Camilla wrote me that I must beware of my peace of mind the moment I first set eyes on you——"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Camilla Lent is supremely silly, Mr. Berkley——"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Camilla is a sibyl. This night my peace of mind departed for ever."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"May I offer you a little of mine?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I may ask more than that of you?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"You mean a dance?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"More than one."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"How many?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"All of them. How many will you give me?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"One. Please look at the stage. Isn't Laura Keene bewitching?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Your voice is."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Such nonsense. Besides, I'd rather hear what Laura Keene is saying than listen to you."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Do you mean it?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Incredible as it may sound, Mr. Berkley, I really do."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

He dropped back in the box. Camilla laid her painted fan across his arm.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Isn't Ailsa Paige the most enchanting creature you ever saw? I told you so! Isn't she?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Except one. I was looking at some pictures of her a half an hour ago."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"She must be very beautiful," sighed Camilla.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"She was."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Oh… . Is she dead?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Murdered."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Camilla looked at the stage in horrified silence. Later she touched him again on the arm, timidly.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Are you not well, Mr. Berkley?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Perfectly. Why?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"You are so pale. Do look at Ailsa Paige. I am completely enamoured of her. Did you ever see such a lovely creature in all your life? And she is very young but very wise. She knows useful and charitable things—like nursing the sick, and dressing injuries, and her own hats. And she actually served a whole year in the horrible city hospital! Wasn't it brave of her!"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Berkley swayed forward to look at Ailsa Paige. He began to be tormented again by the feverish idea that she resembled the girl pictures of his mother. Nor could he rid himself of the fantastic impression. In the growing unreality of it all, in the distorted outlines of a world gone topsy-turvy, amid the deadly blurr of things material and mental, Ailsa Paige's face alone remained strangely clear. And, scarcely knowing what he was saying, he leaned forward to her shoulder again.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"There was only one other like you," he said. Mrs. Paige turned slowly and looked at him, but the quiet rebuke in her eyes remained unuttered.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Be more genuine with me," she said gently. "I am worth it, Mr. Berkley."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Then, suddenly there seemed to run a pale flash through his brain,

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Yes," he said in an altered voice, "you are worth it… . Don't drive me away from you just yet."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Drive you away?" in soft concern. "I did not mean——"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"You will, some day. But don't do it to-night." Then the quick, feverish smile broke out.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Do you need a servant? I'm out of a place. I can either cook, clean silver, open the door, wash sidewalks, or wait on the table; so you see I have every qualification."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Smilingly perplexed, she let her eyes rest on his pallid face for a moment, then turned toward the stage again.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

The "Seven Sisters" pursued its spectacular course; Ione Burke, Polly Marshall, and Mrs. Vining were in the cast; tableau succeeded tableau; "I wish I were in Dixie," was sung, and the popular burlesque ended in the celebrated scene, "The Birth of the Butterfly in the Bower of Ferns," with the entire company kissing their finger-tips to a vociferous and satiated audience.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Then it was supper at Delmonico's, and a dance—and at last the waltz promised him by Ailsa Paige.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Through the fixed unreality of things he saw her clearly, standing, awaiting him, saw her sensitive face as she quietly laid her hand on his—saw it suddenly alter as the light contact startled both.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Flushed, she looked up at him like a hurt child, conscious yet only of the surprise.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Dazed, he stared back. Neither spoke; his arm encircled her; both seemed aware of that; then only of the swaying rhythm of the dance, and of joined hands, and her waist imprisoned. Only the fragrance of her hair seemed real to him; and the long lashes resting on curved cheeks, and the youth of her yielding to his embrace.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Neither spoke when it had ended. She turned aside and stood motionless a moment, resting against the stair rail as though to steady herself. Her small head was lowered.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

He managed to say: "You will give me the next?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"No."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Then the next——"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"No," she said, not moving.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

A young fellow came up eagerly, cocksure of her, but she shook her head—and shook her head to all—and Berkley remained standing beside her. And at last her reluctant head turned slowly, and, slowly, her gaze searched his.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Shall we rest?" he said.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Yes. I am—tired."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Her dainty avalanche of skirts filled the stairs as she settled there in silence; he at her feet, turned sideways so that he could look up into the brooding, absent eyes.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

And over them again—over the small space just then allotted them in the world—was settling once more the intangible, indefinable spell awakened by their first light contact. Through its silence hurried their pulses; through its significance her dazed young eyes looked out into a haze where nothing stirred except a phantom heart, beating, beating the reveille. And the spell lay heavy on them both.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I shall bear your image always. You know it."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

She seemed scarcely to have heard him.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"There is no reason in what I say. I know it. Yet—I am destined never to forget you."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

She made no sign.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Ailsa Paige," he said mechanically.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

And after a long while, slowly, she looked down at him where he sat at her feet, his dark eyes fixed on space.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Chapter 2

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

All the morning she had been busy in the Craig's backyard garden, clipping, training, loosening the earth around lilac, honeysuckle, and Rose of Sharon. The little German florist on the corner had sent in two loads of richly fertilised soil and a barrel of forest mould. These she sweetened with lime, mixed in her small pan, and applied judiciously to the peach-tree by the grape-arbour, to the thickets of pearl-gray iris, to the beloved roses, prairie climber, Baltimore bell, and General Jacqueminot. A neighbour's cat, war-scarred and bold, traversing the fences in search of single combat, halted to watch her; an early bee, with no blossoms yet to rummage, passed and repassed, buzzing distractedly.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

The Craig's next-door neighbour, Camilla Lent, came out on her back veranda and looked down with a sleepy nod of recognition and good-morning, stretching her pretty arms luxuriously in the sunshine.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"You look very sweet down there, Ailsa, in your pink gingham apron and garden gloves."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"And you look very sweet up there, Camilla, in your muslin frock and satin skin! And every time you yawn you resemble a plump, white magnolia bud opening just enough to show the pink inside!"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"It's mean to call me plump!" returned Camilla reproachfully. "Anyway, anybody would yawn with the Captain keeping the entire household awake all night. I vow, I haven't slept one wink since that wretched news from Charleston. He thinks he's a battery of horse artillery now; that's the very latest development; and I shed tears and the chandeliers shed prisms every time he manoeuvres."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"The dear old thing," said Mrs. Paige, smiling as she moved among the shrubs. For a full minute her sensitive lips remained tenderly curved as she stood considering the agricultural problems before her. Then she settled down again, naively—like a child on its haunches—and continued to mix nourishment for the roses.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Camilla, lounging sideways on her own veranda window sill, rested her head against the frame, alternately blinking down at the pretty widow through sleepy eyes, and patting her lips to control the persistent yawns that tormented her.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I had a horrid dream, too," she said, "about the 'Seven Sisters.' I was Pluto to your Diavoline, and Philip Berkley was a phantom that grinned at everybody and rattled the bones; and I waked in a dreadful fright to hear uncle's spurred boots overhead, and that horrid noisy old sabre of his banging the best furniture.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Then this morning just before sunrise he came into my bedroom, hair and moustache on end, and in full uniform, and attempted to read the Declaration of Independence to me—or maybe it was the Constitution—I don't remember—but I began to cry, and that always sends him off."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Ailsa's quick laugh and the tenderness of her expression were her only comments upon the doings of Josiah Lent, lately captain, United States dragoons.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Camilla yawned again, rose, and, arranging her spreading white skirts, seated herself on her veranda steps in full sunshine.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"We did have a nice party, didn't we, Ailsa?" she said, leaning a little sideways so that she could see over the fence and down into the Craig's backyard garden.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I had such a good time," responded Ailsa, looking up radiantly.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"So did I. Billy Cortlandt is the most divine dancer. Isn't Evelyn Estcourt pretty?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"She is growing up to be very beautiful some day. Stephen paid her a great deal of attention. Did you notice it?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Really? I didn't notice it," replied Camilla without enthusiasm. "But," she added, "I did notice you and Phil Berkley on the stairs. It didn't take you long, did it?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Ailsa's colour rose a trifle.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"We exchanged scarcely a dozen words," she observed sedately.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Camilla laughed.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"It didn't take you long," she repeated, "either of you. It was the swiftest case of fascination that I ever saw."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"You are absurd, Camilla."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"But isn't he perfectly fascinating? I think he is the most romantic-looking creature I ever saw. However," she added, folding her slender hands in resignation, "there is nothing else to him. He's accustomed to being adored; there's no heart left in him. I think it's dead."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Mrs. Paige stood looking up at her, trowel hanging loosely in her gloved hand.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Did anything—kill it?" she asked carelessly.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I don't think it ever lived very long. Anyway there is something missing in the man; something blank in him. A girl's time is wasted in wondering what is going on behind those adorable eyes of his. Because there is nothing going on—it's all on the surface—the charm, the man's engaging ways and manners—all surface… . I thought I'd better tell you, Ailsa."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"There was no necessity," said Ailsa calmly. "We scarcely exchanged a dozen words."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

As she spoke she became aware of a shape behind the veranda windows, a man's upright figure passing and repassing. And now, at the open window, it suddenly emerged into full sunlight, a spare, sinewy, active gentleman of fifty, hair and moustache thickly white, a deep seam furrowing his forehead from the left ear to the roots of the hair above the right temple.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

The most engaging of smiles parted the young widow's lips.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Good morning, Captain Lent," she cried gaily. "You have neglected me dreadfully of late."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

The Captain came to a rigid salute.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"April eleventh, eighteen-sixty-one!" he said with clean-cut precision. "Good morning, Mrs. Paige! How does your garden blow? Blow—blow ye wintry winds! Ahem! How have the roses wintered—the rose of yesterday?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Oh, I don't know, sir. I am afraid my sister's roses have not wintered very well. I'm really a little worried about them."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I am worried about nothing in Heaven, on Earth, or in Hell," said the Captain briskly. "God's will is doing night and day, Mrs. Paige. Has your brother-in-law gone to business?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Oh, yes. He and Stephen went at eight this morning."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Is your sister-in-law well. God bless her!" shouted the Captain.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Uncle, you mustn't shout," remonstrated Camilla gently.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I'm only exercising my voice,"—and to Ailsa:

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I neglect nothing, mental, physical, spiritual, that may be of the slightest advantage to my country in the hour when every respiration, every pulse beat, every waking thought shall belong to the Government which I again shall have the honour of serving."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

He bowed stiffly from the waist, to Ailsa, to his niece, turned right about, and marched off into the house, his white moustache bristling, his hair on end.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Oh, dear," sighed Camilla patiently, "isn't it disheartening?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"He is a dear," said Ailsa. "I adore him."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Yes—if he'd only sleep at night. I am very selfish I suppose to complain; he is so happy and so interested these days—only—I am wondering—if there ever should be a war—would it break his poor old heart if he couldn't go? They'll never let him, you know."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Ailsa looked up, troubled:

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"You mean—because!" she said in a low voice.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Well I don't consider him anything more than delightfully eccentric."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Neither do I. But all this is worrying me ill. His heart is so entirely wrapped up in it; he writes a letter to Washington every day, and nobody ever replies. Ailsa, it almost terrifies me to think what might happen—and he be left out!"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Nothing will happen. The world is too civilised, dear."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"But the papers talk about nothing else! And uncle takes every paper in New York and Brooklyn, and he wants to have the editor of the Herald arrested, and he is very anxious to hang the entire staff of the Daily News. It's all well enough to stand there laughing, but I believe there'll be a war, and then my troubles will begin!"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Ailsa, down on her knees again, dabbled thoughtfully in the soil, exploring the masses of matted spider-wort for new shoots.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Camilla looked on, resignedly, her fingers playing with the loosened masses of her glossy black hair. Each was following in silence the idle drift of thought which led Camilla back to her birthday party.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Twenty!" she said still more resignedly—"four years younger than you are, Ailsa Paige! Oh dear—and here I am, absolutely unmarried. That is not a very maidenly thought, I suppose, is it Ailsa?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"You always were a romantic child," observed Ailsa, digging vigorously in the track of a vanishing May beetle. But when she disinterred him her heart failed her and she let him scramble away.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"There! He'll probably chew up everything," she said. "What a sentimental goose I am!"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"The first trace of real sentiment I ever saw you display," began Camilla reflectively, "was the night of my party."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Ailsa dug with energy. "That is absurd! And not even funny."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"You were sentimental!"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I—well there is no use in answering you," concluded Ailsa.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"No, there isn't. I've seen women look at men, and men look back again—the way he did!"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Dear, please don't say such things!"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I'm going to say 'em," insisted Camilla with malicious satisfaction. "You've jeered at me because I'm tender-hearted about men. Now my chance has come!"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Ailsa began patiently: "There were scarcely a dozen words spoken——"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Camilla, delighted, shook her dark curls.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"You've said that before," she laughed. "Oh, you pretty minx!—you and your dozen words!"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Ailsa Paige arose in wrath and stretched out a warning arm among her leafless roses; but Camilla placed both hands on the fence top and leaned swiftly down from the veranda steps,

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Forgive me, dear," she said penitently. "I was only trying to torment you. Kiss me and make up. I know you too well to believe that you could care for a man of that kind."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Ailsa's face was very serious, but she lifted herself on tiptoe and they exchanged an amicable salute across the fence.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

After a moment she said: "What did you mean by 'a man of that kind'?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Camilla's shrug was expressive. "There are stories about him."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Ailsa looked thoughtfully into space. "Well you won't say such things to me again, about any man—will you, dear?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"You never minded them before. You used to laugh."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"But this time," said Ailsa Paige, "it is not the least bit funny. We scarcely exchanged——"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

She checked herself, flushing with annoyance. Camilla, leaning on the garden fence, had suddenly buried her face in both arms. In feminine plumpness, when young, there is usually something left of the schoolgirl giggler.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

The pretty girl below remained disdainfully indifferent. She dug, she clipped, she explored, inhaling, with little thrills, the faint mounting odour of forest loam and sappy stems.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I really must go back to New York and start my own garden," she said, not noticing Camilla's mischief. "London Terrace will be green in another week."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"How long do you stay with the Craigs, Ailsa?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Until the workmen finish painting my house and installing the new plumbing. Colonel Arran is good enough to look after it."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Camilla, her light head always ringing with gossip, watched Ailsa curiously.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"It's odd," she observed, "that Colonel Arran and the Craigs never exchange civilities."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Mrs. Craig doesn't like him," said Ailsa simply.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"You do, don't you?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Naturally. He was my guardian."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"My uncle likes him. To me he has a hard face."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"He has a sad face," said Ailsa Paige.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Chapter 3

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Ailsa and her sister-in-law, Mrs. Craig, had been unusually reticent over their embroidery that early afternoon, seated together in the front room, which was now flooded with sunshine—an attractive, intimate room, restful and pretty in spite of the unlovely Victorian walnut furniture.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Through a sunny passageway they could look into Ailsa's bedroom—formerly the children's nursery—where her maid sat sewing.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Outside the open windows, seen between breezy curtains, new buds already clothed the great twisted ropes of pendant wistaria with a silvery-green down.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

The street was quiet under its leafless double row of trees, maple, ailanthus, and catalpa; the old man who trudged his rounds regularly every week was passing now with his muffled shout:

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Any old hats Old coats Old boots! Any old mats Old suits, Old flutes! Ca-ash!

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

And, leaning near to the sill, Ailsa saw him shuffling along, green-baize bag bulging, a pyramid of stove-pipe hats crammed down over his ears.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

At intervals from somewhere in the neighbourhood sounded the pleasant bell of the scissors grinder, and the not unmusical call of "Glass put in!" But it was really very tranquil there in the sunshine of Fort Greene Place, stiller even for the fluted call of an oriole aloft in the silver maple in front of the stoop.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

He was a shy bird even though there were no imported sparrows to drive this lovely native from the trees of a sleepy city; and he sat very still in the top branches, clad in his gorgeous livery of orange and black, and scarcely stirred save to slant his head and peer doubtfully at last year's cocoons, which clung to the bark like shreds of frosted cotton.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Very far away, from somewhere in the harbour, a deep sound jarred the silence. Ailsa raised her head, needle suspended, listened for a moment, then resumed her embroidery with an unconscious sigh.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Her sister-in-law glanced sideways at her.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I was thinking of Major Anderson, Celia," she said absently.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"So was I, dear. And of those who must answer for his gove'nment's madness,—God fo'give them."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

There was no more said about the Major or his government. After a few moments Ailsa leaned back dreamily, her gaze wandering around the sunny walls of the room. In Ailsa Paige's eyes there was always a gentle caress for homely things. Just now they caressed the pictures of "Night" and "Morning," hanging there in their round gilt frames; the window boxes where hyacinths blossomed; the English ivy festooned to frame the window beside her sister-in-law's writing-desk; the melancholy engraving over the fireplace—"The Motherless Bairn"—a commonplace picture which harrowed her, but which nobody thought of discarding in a day when even the commonplace was uncommon.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

She smiled in amused reminiscence of the secret tears she had wept over absurd things—of the funerals held for birds found dead—of the "Three Grains of Corn" poem which, when a child, elicited from her howls of anguish.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Little golden flashes of recollection lighted the idle path as her thoughts wandered along hazy ways which led back to her own nursery days; and she rested there, in memory, dreaming through the stillness of the afternoon.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

She missed the rattle and noise of New York. It was a little too tranquil in Fort Greene Place; yet, when she listened intently, through the city's old-fashioned hush, very far away the voices of the great seaport were always audible—a ceaseless harmony of river whistles, ferry-boats signalling on the East River, ferry-boats on the North River, perhaps some mellow, resonant blast from the bay, where an ocean liner was heading for the Narrows. Always the street's stillness held that singing murmur, vibrant with deep undertones from dock and river and the outer sea.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Strange spicy odours, too, sometimes floated inland from the sugar wharves, miles away under the Heights, to mingle with the scent of lilac and iris in quiet, sunny backyards where whitewashed fences reflected the mid-day glare, and cats dozed in strategical positions on grape trellis and tin roofs of extensions, prepared for war or peace, as are all cats always, at all times.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Celia!"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Celia Craig looked up tranquilly.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Has anybody darned Paige's stockings?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"No, she hasn't, Honey-bell. Paige and Marye must keep their stockings da'ned. I never could do anything fo' myse'f, and I won't have my daughters brought up he'pless."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Ailsa glanced humorously across at her sister-in-law.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"You sweet thing," she said, "you can do anything, and you know it!"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"But I don't like to do anything any mo' than I did befo' I had to," laughed Celia Craig; and suddenly checked her mirth, listening with her pretty close-set ears.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"That is the do'-bell," she remarked, "and I am not dressed."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"It's almost too early for anybody to call," said Ailsa tranquilly.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

But she was wrong, and when, a moment later, the servant came to announce Mr. Berkley, Ailsa regarded her sister-in-law in pink consternation.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I did not ask him," she said. "We scarcely exchanged a dozen words. He merely said he'd like to call—on you—and now he's done it, Celia!"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Mrs. Craig calmly instructed the servant to say that they were at home, and the servant withdrew.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Do you approve his coming—this way—without anybody inviting him?" asked Ailsa uneasily.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Of co'se, Honey-bell. He is a Berkley. He should have paid his respects to us long ago."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"It was for him to mention the relationship when I met him. He did not speak of it, Celia."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"No, it was fo' you to speak of it first," said Celia Craig gently. "But you did not know that."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Why?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"There are reasons, Honey-bud."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"What reasons?"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"They are not yo' business, dear," said her sister-in-law quietly.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Ailsa had already risen to examine herself in the mirror. Now she looked back over her shoulder and down into Celia's pretty eyes—eyes as unspoiled as her own.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

In Celia Craig remained that gracious and confident faith in kinship which her Northern marriage had neither extinguished nor chilled. The young man who waited below was a Berkley, a kinsman. Name and quality were keys to her hospitality. There was also another key which this man possessed, and it fitted a little locked compartment in Celia Craig's heart. But Ailsa had no knowledge of this. And now Mrs. Craig was considering the advisability of telling her—not all, perhaps,—but something of how matters stood between the House of Craig and the House of Berkley. But not how matters stood with the House of Arran.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"Honey-bud," she said, "you must be ve'y polite to this young man."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I expect to be. Only I don't quite understand why he came so unceremoniously——"

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"It would have been ruder to neglect us, little Puritan! I want to see Connie Berkley's boy. I'm glad he came."

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Celia Craig, once Celia Marye Ormond Paige, stood watching her taller sister-in-law twisting up her hair and winding the thick braid around the crown of her head a la coronal. Little wonder that these two were so often mistaken for own sisters—the matron not quite as tall as the young widow, but as slender, and fair, and cast in the same girlish mould.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Both inherited from their Ormond ancestry slightly arched and dainty noses and brows, delicate hands and feet, and the same splendid dull-gold hair—features apparently characteristic of the line, all the women of which had been toasts of a hundred years ago, before Harry Lee hunted men and the Shadow of the Swamp Fox flitted through the cypress to a great king's undoing.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

Ailsa laid a pink bow against her hair and glanced at her sister-in-law for approval.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir

"I declare. Honey-bud, you are all rose colour to-day," said Celia Craig, smiling; and, on impulse, unpinned the pink-and-white cameo from her own throat and fastened it to Ailsa's breast.

دنیای رمان مرجع رمان های ایرانی و خارجی. https://novelonline.ir