She examined herself in the glass, and saw or fancied that her looks were going--not so that others would note it, but in the subtle ways that give the first alarm to a woman who has beauty worth taking care of and thinks about it intelligently.She thought Mrs.Brindley was beginning to doubt her, suspected a covert uneasiness in Stanley.Her foundations, such as they were, seemed tottering and ready to disintegrate.She saw her own past with clear vision for the first time--saw how futile she had been, and why Keith believed there was no hope for her.She made desperate efforts to stop thinking about past and future, to absorb herself in present comfort and luxury and opportunities for enjoyment.But Keith was always there--and to see him was to lose all capacity for enjoyment.She was curt, almost rude to him--had some vague idea of forcing him to stay away.Yet every time she lost sight of him, she was in terror until she saw him again.
She was alone on the small veranda facing the high-road.She happened to glance toward the station; her gaze became fixed, her body rigid, for, coming leisurely and pompously toward the house, was General Siddall, in the full panoply of his wonderful tailoring and haberdashery.She thought of flight, but instantly knew that flight was useless; the little general was not there by accident.She waited, her rigidity giving her a deceptive seeming of calm and even ease.He entered the little yard, taking off his glossy hat and exposing the rampant toupee.He smiled at her so slightly that the angle of the needle-pointed mustaches and imperial was not changed.The cold, expressionless, fishy eyes simply looked at her.
``A delightful little house,'' said he, with a patronizing glance around.``May I sit down?''
She inclined her head.
``And you are looking well, charming,'' he went on, and he seated himself and carefully planted his neat boots side by side.``For the summer there's nothing equal to the seashore.You are surprised to see me?''
``I thought you were abroad,'' said Mildred.
``So I was--until yesterday.I came back because my men had found you.And I'm here because I venture to hope that you have had enough of this foolish escapade.I hope we can come to an understanding.
I've lost my taste for wandering about.I wish to settle down--to have a home and to stay in it.By that I mean, of course, two or three--or possibly four--houses, according to the season.'' Mildred sent her glance darting about.The little general saw and began to talk more rapidly.``I've given considerable thought to our--our misunderstanding.I feel that Igave too much importance to your--your-- I did not take your youth and inexperience of the world and of married life sufficiently into account.Also the first Mrs.Siddall was not a lady--nor the second.A lady, a young lady, was a new experience to me.I am a generous man.So I say frankly that I ought to have been more patient.''
``You said you would never see me again until I came to you,'' said Mildred.As he was not looking at her, she watched his face.She now saw a change--behind the mask.But he went on in an unchanged voice:
``Were you aware that Mrs.Baird is about to sue her husband for a separation--not for a divorce but for a separation--and name you?''
Mildred dropped limply back in her chair.
``That means scandal,'' continued Siddall, ``scandal touching my name--my honor.I may say, I do not believe what Mrs.Baird charges.My men have had you under observation for several weeks.Also, Mrs.
Brindley is, I learn, a woman of the highest character.
But the thing looks bad--you hiding from your husband, living under an assumed name, receiving the visits of a former admirer.''
``You are mistaken,'' said Mildred.``Mrs.Baird would not bring such a false, wicked charge.''
``You are innocent, my dear,'' said the general.
``You don't realize how your conduct looks.She intends to charge that her husband has been supporting you.''
Mildred, quivering, started up, sank weakly back again.
``But,'' he went on, ``you will easily prove that your money is your inheritance from your father.I assured myself of that before I consented to come here.''
``Consented?'' said Mildred.``At whose request?''
``That of my own generosity,'' replied he.``But my honor had to be reassured.When I was satisfied that you were innocent, and simply flighty and foolish, I came.If there had been any taint upon you, of course I could not have taken you back.As it is, I am willing--I may say, more than willing.Mrs.Baird can be bought off and frightened off.When she finds you have me to protect you, she will move very cautiously, you may be sure.''
As the little man talked, Mildred saw and felt behind the mask the thoughts, the longings of his physical infatuation for her coiling and uncoiling and reaching tremulously out toward her like unclean, horrible tentacles.She was drawn as far as could be back into her chair, and her soul was shrinking within her body.
``I am willing to make you a proper allowance, and to give you all proper freedom,'' he went on.He showed his sharp white teeth in a gracious smile.``Irealize I must concede something of my old-fashioned ideas to the modern spirit.I never thought I would, but I didn't appreciate how fond I was of you, my dear.'' He mumbled his tongue and noiselessly smacked his thin lips.``Yes, you are worth concessions and sacrifices.''
``I am not going back,'' said Mildred.``Nothing you could offer me would make any difference.'' She felt suddenly calm and strong.She stood.``Please consider this final.''
``But, my dear,'' said the general softly, though there was a wicked gleam behind the mask, ``you forget the scandal--''
``I forget nothing,'' interrupted she.``I shall not go back.''
Before he could attempt further to detain her she opened the screen door and entered.It closed on the spring and on the spring lock.
