Stanton was glad to escape from the house after the interview described in the previous chapter;and observing that Van Berg was reclining under a tree at some little distance from the hotel,stolled thither and threw himself down on the grass beside him.
But his perturbation was so evident that his friend remarked:
"You are out of sorts,Ik.What's the matter?""I've been settling this Sibley business with my aunt and cousin,"snarled Stanton;"and some women always make such blasted fools of themselves.But they won't have anything more to do with him;at least,I'm sure my aunt won't.As for Ida--but the less said the better.I'm so out of patience with her folly that I can't trust myself to speak of her.""Stanton,"said Van Berg,gloomily,"you have no idea of the regret and disquiet which that girl has caused me as an artist.I have seen her features now for weeks,and I cannot help looking at them,for they almost realize my idea of perfection.But the associations of this beauty are beginning to irritate me beyond endurance.""It was a motley crowd that I was the means of bringing to your table,"said Stanton,with an oath;"and I've no doubt you have wished us all away many times."Van Berg laid his hand on his friend's arm,and looked into his eyes.
"Ik,"he said slowly,"I was your friend when I came here--I am your friend still.If I cannot love you better than I do myself,you must forgive me.But I shall never take one unfair advantage of you,and I recognize the fact that you have equal rights with myself.Ik,let us be frank with each other this once more,and then the future must settle all questions.The woman we both love is too pure and good for either of us to do a mean thing to win her.
Do your best,old fellow.If you succeed,I will congratulate you with an honest heart even thought it be a heavy one.I shall not detract from you in the slightest degree,or cease to show for you the thorough liking and respect that I feel.It shall simply be a maiden's choice between us two;and you know it is said that the heart makes this choice for reasons inexplicable even to itself.""Van,you are a noble,generous fellow,"said the impulsive Stanton,grasping his friend's hand."I must admit that you have been a fair and considerate rival.Even my jealousy could find no fault."Then he added,in deep despondency:"But it is of no use.You have virtually won her already.""No,"said Van Berg,thoughtfully,"I wish you were not mistaken,but you are.There is something in her manner towards me at times which I cannot understand;but I have a conviction that I have not touched her heart.""She does not avoid you as she does me,"said Stanton,moodily.
"No,she accepts my society much too frankly and composedly,"answered Van Berg with a shrug."I fear that I can join her anywhere and at any time without quickening her pulse or deepening the color in her cheeks.Now,Ik,we understand each other.Happy the man who wins,and if you are the fortunate one,I'll dance at your wedding,and no one shall see that I carry a thousand pounds weight,more or less,in my heart.""I can't promise to do as much for you,Van,"said Stanton,trying to smile."I could not come to your wedding.In fact,Van,I--Ihardly know what I would do--what I will do.A few weeks since and the world was abundantly satisfactory.Now it is becoming a vacuum.I fear I haven't a ghost of a chance,and I--I--don't like to think of the future.Ye gods!What a change one little woman can make in a man's life!I used to laugh at these things,and for the past few years thought myself invulnerable.And yet,Van,"he added with sudden energy,"I think the better of myself that Ican love and honor that woman.Did I regard her now as I supposed I would when you first uttered your half-jesting prophecy,what a base,soulless anatomy I would be---""SACRE!here comes Sibley and others of the same ilk,gabbling like the unmitigated fools that they are."Van Berg turned his back upon the advancing party in an unmistakable manner,and Stanton smoked with a stolid,impassive face that had anything but welcome in it.Sibley was just sufficiently excited by wine to act out recklessly his evil self.
"What's the matter,Stanton?"he exclaimed."Your phiz is as long as if the world looked black and blue as a prize-fighter's eye.Is Sunday an off day in your flirtation?Does the little school-ma'am take after her Puritan daddies,and say 'Hold thy hand till Monday?'
Get her out of the crowd,and you'll find it all a pretence."Stanton rose to his feet,but was so quiet that Sibley did not realize the storm he was raising.Van Berg remained on the ground with his back to the party,but was smoking furiously.
By an effort at self-control that made his voice harsh and constrained,Stanton said,briefly:
"Mr.Sibley,I request that you never mention that lady's name to me again in any circumstances.I request that you never mention her name to any one else except in tones and words of the utmost respect.I make these requests politely,as is befitting the day and my own self-respect;but if you disregard them the consequences to you will be very serious.""Good Lord,Stanton!has she treated you so badly!But don't take it to heart.It's all Yankee thrift,designed to enhance her value.
We are all men of the world here,and know what women are.If it is true every man has his price,every woman has a smaller---"Before he could utter another word a blow in his face from Stanton sent him sprawling to the earth.He sprang up and was about to draw a concealed weapon,when his companions interfered and held him.
"I shall settle with you for this,"he half shouted,grinding his teeth.
