Books: My Lady of the North
R >>
Randall Parrish >> My Lady of the North
Pages:
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
16 |
17 |
18 |
19 | 20 |
21 |
22
My cheeks burned, but before I could control myself sufficiently for
answer Moorehouse spoke.
"But, Brennan, see here," he said anxiously, "surely Captain Wayne has
served you well. Is this trouble between you so serious that no amends
are possible?"
"None, short of a personal meeting."
"Captain," and the perplexed Federal commander, turned toward me, "have
you any word of explanation in this unfortunate affair?"
"Very little," I answered. "I am not even aware that I have done injury
to Major Brennan, purposely or otherwise. He has not so much as honored
me with information as to his cause for complaint. However, I care very
little what it may be. As he has seen fit to denounce me before
officers of my own corps, I should be extremely glad to meet him upon
that ground alone; but after what we have just passed through together,
I felt ready to blot out these past differences. Whatever they may have
been, they are not liable to occur again, nor we to meet."
"They have occurred again since you have been in this house!" Brennan
broke forth excitedly. "You are not a coward, but I brand you here and
now as sneak and liar! Now will you fight?"
We stood for a moment in utter silence, eye to eye, and I knew there
was no help for it. These words, publicly spoken, left me no choice.
"I am at your service, Major Brennan," I returned sternly, "now, or at
any time. But I am unfortunate here in having no officer of my army
present, and hence can name no second."
"Doubtless one of these gentlemen will consent to serve," he said, his
face brightening at my rejoinder.
There was a moment of hesitation, natural enough, for they could
scarcely feel like pitting themselves against a brother officer in a
quarrel the merits of which were so obscure. I was about to speak,
volunteering to stand alone, when some one hastily pushed a way to the
front, and Lieutenant Caton, pale but determined, stood at my shoulder.
"It will afford me pleasure to act for Captain Wayne," he said clearly,
"if he will accept my services. Moreover," he added, with a significant
glance at Brennan, "I do this as a friend, and with full confidence
that I am upon the right side in the quarrel."
For a moment no one spoke, Brennan biting his moustache to keep back
words he durst not utter. Then Caton turned to me.
"If you will retire to the library, Wayne, I will arrange this matter
with whoever may represent Major Brennan."
With a slight formal bow to those present I quitted the room.
CHAPTER XXXVI
THE LAST RESORT OF GENTLEMEN
I found the library deserted, and paced the floor for fully half an
hour before Caton appeared. Stung as I had been by Brennan's harsh,
uncalled-for words, I yet shrank from the thought that I must now meet
him in deadly combat. It was no fear of personal injury that troubled
me; indeed I do not recall giving this the slightest consideration, for
my mind was altogether concentrated upon what such a meeting must
necessarily mean to Edith Brennan, and how it would affect all our
future relationship. This was the thought that swayed and mastered me.
I had pledged myself to avoid him, and indeed had used every means
possible to that end. I was even willing to go forth stamped by his
denunciation rather than involve her in such controversy. But the
effort was fruitless, and I must now stand before him, or else forever
forfeit my manhood. Thus the die was already cast, yet in one point I
might still prove true to the spirit of my pledge, and retain her
approbation--I could permit my antagonist to leave the field unscathed.
One who does not realize my feelings toward this man, my fierce
resentment of every indignity he had heaped upon me, my intense
rivalry, and my burning desire to punish him for a hundred mental
wounds, cannot comprehend how difficult a battle I fought in those few
moments in order that I might conquer myself. The time was none too
long, yet my mind once thoroughly settled as to my duty to her, I
became calm again, and confident as to the outcome. When Caton entered,
flushed and visibly excited from what had evidently proven an
acrimonious controversy, I greeted him with a smile.
"You appear to have experienced difficulties in regard to details," I
said curiously.
"There was much unnecessary talk," he admitted, "but matters have been
at last arranged to the satisfaction of all concerned. You are to meet
at once, in the rear of the big tobacco shed, a spot entirely removed
from observation. I have been compelled to accept pistols as the
weapons, as we have nothing else here at all suitable for the purpose--
cavalry sabres being far too cumbersome. Lieutenant Starr chances to
possess two derringers exactly alike which we have mutually agreed
upon. I hope this is satisfactory to you, Wayne?"
"I am not precisely an expert, but that does not greatly matter. Who
acts for Brennan?"
"Captain Moorehouse, rather against his will, I think."
"Very well, Caton; I am perfectly satisfied, and am, indeed, greatly
obliged to you; yet before we go out I desire to speak a word or two
with the utmost frankness." I stood facing him, my hand resting lightly
upon the writing-table, my eyes reading his expressive face. "As my
second I wish you to comprehend fully my actions, and the motives that
inspire them. If they are in any way unsatisfactory to your mind, you
may feel at perfect liberty to withhold your services. I am now, and
always have been, opposed to duelling; I believe it wrong in principle,
and a travesty upon justice; but it is a custom of the South, a
requirement among officers of our army, and after what has just
occurred between Major Brennan and myself I cannot honorably refuse any
longer to go out. Major Brennan has deliberately placed me in a
position where I cannot avoid meeting him without losing all standing
in my corps. I sought to escape, but was prevented by accident; now I
simply yield to the inevitable. I feel confident you will not
misconstrue these words; you surely know me sufficiently well so as not
to attribute them to cowardice. I shall face him exactly in accordance
with your arrangements, asking nothing upon my part, yielding him every
satisfaction he can possibly desire--but I shall fire in the air."
He stared at me incredulously, his face a perfect picture of amazement.
"But, Wayne," he stammered, "are you aware that Major Brennan is an
expert with the pistol? that he holds the Sixth Corps trophy? Do you
realize that he goes out deliberately intending to kill you?"
"I was not posted as to the first fact you mention, but have never
entertained the slightest doubt as to the other. However, they do not
in the least affect my decision."
"But, man, it will be murder! I should never forgive myself if I
sanctioned it."
"That is exactly why I told you," I said calmly; "and I am perfectly
willing to stand alone and absolve you from all responsibility. Yet I
do not desire you to suppose that I am at all quixotic in this--there
is a personal reason why I am perfectly willing to risk my life rather
than injure Major Brennan."
His troubled eyes studied me intently, and then his face suddenly
brightened with a new thought. "Wayne," he asked, placing his hand upon
my arm familiarly, "is it Mrs. Brennan?"
For an instant I hesitated, but his manly, honest countenance reassured
me. "Between us only, it is," I answered gravely; "but not the
slightest blame attaches to her."
"I do not wholly understand," he said at last, "yet I do not doubt you
may be perfectly right in your decision." He extended his hand
impulsively. "I know you to be a good soldier and a true gentleman; I
will stand with you, Wayne, but I pledge this--if he takes advantage
treacherously, and you fall (as God forbid!), I will face him myself;
and when I do, there shall be no firing in the air."
I wrung his hand silently, and my heart went out in unspeakable
gratitude to this noble fellow, who, wearing the uniform of an enemy,
had constantly proven himself my sincere friend. "Your words strengthen
me greatly," I managed to say at last. "Now let us go, and not keep the
others waiting."
I do not remember that we spoke, save once, while we passed out through
the orchard into the field where the big tobacco shed stood. A group of
soldiers were digging a grave behind one of the negro cabins, but other
than these we saw no one. It was as we paused a moment to refasten the
gate that I finally broke the silence between us.
"In the inner pocket of my shirt," I said, "you will find directions
which will enable you to communicate with my people."
His eyes instantly filled with tears.
"Don't say that, Wayne," he protested. "I will not believe it is
destined to end so."
"I certainly trust it is not," I answered, smiling at him, and deeply
touched by his show of genuine feeling, "but I have only you to rely
upon in this matter if by any chance it does."
The deserted field we were compelled to cross had long been neglected,
and was now thickly overgrown with weeds. Not until we turned the
corner of the great ramshackle building, which in other and more
prosperous days had been dedicated to the curing of the leaf, did we
perceive any signs of the presence of our antagonists. They were
standing upon the farther side, directly opposite the door, and both
bowed slightly as we approached. The Captain came toward us slowly.
"It is to be greatly regretted, gentlemen," he said, with ceremonious
politeness, "that we have no surgeon with us. However, neither
contestant has any advantage in this respect. Lieutenant Caton, may I
ask if the arrangements as already completed have proven satisfactory
to your principal?"
"Entirely so."
"Then if you will kindly step this way a moment we will confer as to
certain details."
Brennan was leaning in negligent attitude against the side of the
building, his eyes fastened upon the ground, the blue smoke of a cigar
curling lazily above his head. I glanced toward him, and then sought to
amuse myself watching the queer antics of a gray squirrel on the rail
fence beyond. I felt no desire for further thought, only an intense
anxiety for them to hurry the preliminaries, and have the affair
settled as speedily as possible. I was aroused by Moorehouse's rather
nasal voice.
"Gentlemen, will you please take your positions. Major Brennan, you
will stand three paces to the right of that sapling, facing directly
south. Captain Wayne, kindly walk straight west from the shed door
until you come opposite the Major's position."
I noted Brennan throw away the stump of his cigar, and then I walked
slowly forward until I reached the point assigned me. My heart was
beating fast now, for I fully realized the probabilities of the next
few minutes, and felt little doubt that serious injury, if not death,
was to be my portion. Yet my trained nerves did not fail me, and
outwardly I appeared fully as cool and deliberate as my opponent. Years
of constant exposure to peril in every form had yielded me a grim
philosophy of fatalism that now stood me in most excellent stead.
Indeed, I doubt not, had I chosen to put it to the test, my hand would
have proven the steadier of the two, for Brennan's face was flushed,
and he plainly exhibited the intense animosity with which he confronted
me.
How peculiarly the mind often operates in such moments of exciting
suspense! I recall remarking a very slight stoop in Brennan's shoulders
which I had never perceived before, I remember wondering where
Moorehouse had ever discovered a tailor to give so shocking a fit to
his coat, and finally I grew almost interested in two birds perched
upon the limb of a tree opposite where I stood. I even smiled to myself
over a jest one of the young officers had made an hour before. Yet with
it all I remained keenly observant, and fully aware of each movement
made by the others on the field. I saw Caton accept the derringer
handed him and test it carefully, the long, slim, blue barrel looking
deadly enough as he held it up between me and the sky. Then Moorehouse
approached Brennan with its fellow in his grasp, and the Lieutenant
crossed over, and stood beside me.
"Here is the gun, Wayne," he said, "and I sincerely hope you have
changed your decision. There is no mercy in Brennan's eyes."
"So I notice," I answered, taking the derringer from him, and examining
it with some curiosity, "but I shall do as I said, nevertheless. It is
not any sentiment of mercy I feel which spares him, but a duty that
appeals to me even more strongly than hate."
"By Heaven, I wish it were otherwise."
I remained silent, for I could not say in my heart that I echoed his
wish, and I cared not to go down in another minute with a lie upon my
lips. The love of Edith Brennan, which I now felt assured was mine, was
sweeter far to me than life.
"Who gives the word?" I questioned.
"I do; are you ready?"
"Perfectly."
I held out my hand, and his fingers closed upon it with warm, friendly
grip. The next moment Brennan and I stood, seemingly alone, facing each
other, as motionless as two statues. His coat was buttoned to the
throat, his cap-visor pulled low over his eyes, his pistol hand hanging
straight down at his side, his gaze never wavering from me. I knew he
was coolly, deliberately measuring the distance between us with as
deadly a purpose as any murderer. The almost painful stillness was
broken by Caton, and I marked the tremor in his voice.
"Are you both ready, gentlemen?"
"I am," said Brennan.
"Ready," I replied.
"The word will be one, two, three--fire; with a slight pause after the
three. A report from either pistol before the final word is spoken I
shall take personally. Be prepared now."
There was a moment's pause; so still was it I heard the chirping of
birds overhead, and the flutter of a leaf as it fell swirling at my
feet. I saw Brennan as through a mist, and in its undulations there
seemed to be pictures of the face of his wife, as if her spirit hovered
there between us. To have shot then would have been like piercing her
before reaching him.
"Ready!" said the voice once more; and as I saw Brennan's arm slowly
rise, I lifted mine also, and covered him, noting, as I did so, almost
in wonder, with what steadiness of nerve and wrist I held the slender
gauge just beneath the visor of his cap. Deliberately, as though he
dreaded the necessity, Caton counted:
"One; two; three--_fire_!"
My pistol exploded, the charge striking the limb above him, and I
staggered backward, my hat torn from my head, a white line cut through
my hair, and a thin trickle of blood upon my temple. I saw Caton
rushing toward me, his face filled with anxiety, and then Brennan
hurled his yet smoking derringer into the dirt at his feet with an
oath.
"Damn it, Moorehouse," he roared, fairly beside himself, "the charge
was too heavy; it overshot."
"Are you much hurt?" panted Caton.
"Merely pricked the skin."
Then Brennan's angry voice rang out once more.
"I demand another shot," he insisted loudly. "I demand it, I tell you,
Moorehouse. This settles nothing, and I will not be balked just because
you don't know enough to load a gun."
Caton wheeled upon him, his blue eyes blazing dangerously.
"You demand a second shot?" he cried indignantly.
"Are you not aware, sir, that Captain Wayne fired in the air? It would
be murder."
"Fired in the air!" he laughed, as if it was a most excellent joke. "Of
course he did, but it was because my ball disconcerted his aim. I fired
a second the first, but his derringer was covering me."
Caton strode toward him, his face white with passion.
"Let him have it his way," I called after him, for now my own blood was
up, "I shall not be guilty of such neglect again."
He did not heed me, perhaps he did not hear.
"Major Brennan," he said, facing him, his voice trembling with feeling,
"I tell you Captain Wayne purposely shot in the air. He informed me
before coming upon the field that he should do so. I positively refuse
to permit him to face your fire again."
Brennan's face blazed; chagrin, anger, disappointment fairly infuriated
him, and he seemed to lose all self-control. "This is some cowardly
trick!" he roared, glaring about him as if seeking some one upon whom
he could vent his wrath. "Damn it, I believe my pistol was fixed to
overshoot in order to save that fellow. I never missed such a shot
before."
Moorehouse broke in upon his raving, so astounded at these intemperate
words as to stutter in his speech.
"D-do you d-dare to in-insinuate, Major Brennan" he began, "that I
have--" he paused, his mouth wide open, staring toward the shed.
Involuntarily we glanced in that direction also, wondering what he saw.
There, in the open doorway, as in a frame, dressed almost entirely in
white, her graceful figure and fair young face clearly defined against
the dark background, stood Edith Brennan.
CHAPTER XXXVII
THE LAST GOOD-BYE
She exhibited no outward sign of agitation as she left her position and
slowly advanced toward us. However fiercely her heart may have beaten
she remained apparently calm and composed. Never before had I felt so
completely dominated by her womanly spirit, while her very presence
upon the field hushed in an instant the breathings of dispute. She
never so much as glanced at either Brennan or myself, but ignored us
totally as she drew near. Daintily lifting her skirts to keep them from
contact with the weeds under foot, her head poised proudly, her eyes a
bit disdainful of it all, she paused before Caton.
"Lieutenant," she questioned in a clear tone which seemed to command an
answer, "I have always found you an impartial friend. Will you kindly
inform me as to the true meaning of all this?"
He hesitated, hardly knowing what to reply, but her imperious eyes were
upon him--they insisted, and he stammered lamely:
"Two of the gentlemen, madam, were about to settle a slight
disagreement by means of the code."
"Were about?" she echoed, scornful of all deceit. "Surely I heard shots
as I came through the orchard?" "One fire has been exchanged," he
reluctantly admitted. "And Captain Wayne has been wounded?"
I was not aware until that moment that she had even so much as noticed
my presence.
"Very slightly, madam."
"His opponent escaped uninjured?"
Caton bowed, glanced uneasily toward me, and then blurted forth
impulsively: "Captain Wayne fired in the air, madam."
She never glanced toward where I stood, yet I instantly marked the
quick droop of her eyes, the faint pink that overspread her cheek. This
slight confusion, unnoted save by eyes of love, was but momentary,
still it was sufficient to apprise me that she both understood and
approved my action.
"A most delightful situation, surely," she said clearly and
sarcastically. "One would almost suppose we had wholly reverted to
barbarism, and that our boasted civilization was but mockery. Think of
it," and the proud disdain in her face held us silent, "not six hours
ago that house yonder was the scene of a desperate battle. Within its
blood-stained rooms men fought and died, cheering in their agony like
heroes of romance. I saw there two men battling shoulder to shoulder
against a host of infuriated ruffians, seeking to protect helpless
women. They wore different uniforms, they followed different flags, by
the fortune of war they were enemies, yet they could fight and die in
defence of the weak. I thanked God upon my knees that I had been
privileged to know such men and could call them friends. No nobler,
truer, manlier deed at arms was ever done! Yet, mark you, no sooner is
that duty over--scarcely are their dead comrades buried--when they
forget every natural instinct of gratitude, of true manliness, and
spring at each other's throat like two maddened beasts. I care not what
the cause may be--the act is shameful, and an insult to every woman of
this household. Even as I came upon the field voices were clamoring for
another shot, in spite of the fact that one man stood already wounded.
War may be excusable, but this is not war. Gentlemen, you have fired
your last shot on this field, unless you choose to make me your
target."
I would that I possessed a picture of that scene--a picture which would
show the varied expressions of countenance as those scornful words
lashed us. She stood there as a queen might, and commanded an obedience
no man among us durst refuse. Brennan's flushed face paled, and his
lips trembled as he sought to make excuse.
"But, Edith," he protested, "you do not know, you do not understand.
There are wrongs which can be righted in no other way."
"I do not care to know," she answered coldly, "nor do I ever expect to
learn that murder can right a wrong."
"Murder! You use strong terms. The code has been recognized for
centuries as the last resort of gentlemen."
"The code! Has it, indeed? What gentlemen? Those of the South
exclusively of late. That might possibly pardon your opponent, but not
you, for you know very well that in the North no man of any standing
would ever venture to resort to it. Moreover, even the code presupposes
that men shall stand equal at its bar--I am informed that Captain Wayne
fired in the air."
He hesitated, feeling doubtless the uselessness of further protest, yet
she permitted him small opportunity for consideration. "Major," she
said quietly but firmly, "I should be pleased to have you escort me to
the house."
These words, gently as they were spoken, still constituted a command.
Her eyes were upon his face, and I doubt not he read within them that
he would forfeit all her respect if he failed to obey. Yet he yielded
with exceeding poor grace.
"As it seems impossible to continue," he admitted bitterly, "I suppose
I may as well go." He turned and fronted me, his eyes glowing. "But
understand, sir, this is merely a cessation, not an ending."
I bowed gravely, not daring to trust my voice in speech, lest I should
yield to the temptation of my own temper.
"Captain Wayne," she said, glancing back across his broad blue
shoulder, and I thought there was a new quality in her voice, the sting
had someway gone out of it, "I shall esteem it a kindness if you will
call upon me before you depart."
"With pleasure," I hastened to reply, my surprise at the request almost
robbing me of speech, "but I shall be compelled to leave at once, as my
troop is already under orders."
"I shall detain you for only a moment, but after what you have passed
through on our behalf I am unwilling you should depart without
realizing our gratitude. You will find me in the library. Come, Frank,
I am ready now."
We remained motionless, watching them until they disappeared around the
corner of the shed. Brennan walked with stern face, his step heavy, she
with averted eyes, a slight smile of triumph curling her lip. Then
Moorehouse stooped and picked up the derringer the Major had thrown
away.
"By thunder, but she's right!" he exclaimed emphatically. "I tell you
that's a mighty fine woman. Blame me, if she didn't face us like a
queen."
No one answered, and without exchanging another word we walked together
to the house. There I found the remnant of my troop standing beside
their horses, chaffing with a dozen idle Yankee cavalrymen who were
lounging on the wide steps.
The time had come when I must say a final farewell and depart. Not the
slightest excuse remained for further delay. I dreaded the ordeal, but
no escape was possible, and I entered the house for what I well knew
was to be the last time. My mind was gravely troubled; I knew not what
to expect, how far I might venture to hope. Why had she desired to see
me again? Surely the public reason she offered could not be the real
one. Was it to confess that I had won her heart, or to show me by
scornful words her indignation at my folly? What should I say, how
could I act in her presence? These and a hundred other queries arose to
perplex me.
Had she only been free, a maid whose hand remained her own to surrender
as she pleased, I should never have hesitated, never have doubted her
purpose; but now that could not be. I felt that every word and look
between us already bordered upon sin, that danger to both alike lurked
in each stolen glance and meeting. Better far we should have parted
without further speech. I knew this, yet love constrained me, as it has
constrained many another, and I lingered at her wish--a foolish moth
fluttering to the flame.
As I knocked almost timidly at the closed library door a gentle voice
said, "Come," and I entered, my heart throbbing like a frightened
girl's. She stood waiting me nearly in the centre of that spacious
apartment, dressed in the same light raiment she had worn without, and
her greeting was calm and friendly, yet tinged by a proud dignity I
cannot describe. I believed for an instant that we were alone, and my
blood raced through my veins in sudden expectancy; then my eyes fell
upon Mrs. Minor comfortably seated in an armchair before the fire, and
I realized that she was present to restrain me from forgetfulness. But
in very truth my lady hardly needed such protection--her speech, her
manner, her proud constraint told me at once most plainly that no
existing tie between us had caused our meeting.
Pages:
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
16 |
17 |
18 |
19 | 20 |
21 |
22