The Scarlet Feather

compromised between his own burning desire to aid in the cleansing of the city's slums and the social aspirations of his wife. The house stood on a corner, within grounds of its own, at

ing. The man stepped 10 warily, closing the gate behind him with stealthy care, and crept forward on tiptoe to lessen the sound of the crunching gravel beneath his heavy shoes. It was an undignified entry for an officer of the law who carried his authorization in his hand; but courage was not this man's strong point. His f

ome woman resplendent in jewels and wearing a low-cut, white evening gown-Mary Swinton, the rector's wife. The room was paneled, and the shadows were deep, relieved by the glint of gilt on the bindings of the books that filled the shelves on the three sides. The fireplace was surmounted by a carved mantel, upon which s

aying the arm of a girl and a figure slim and youthful, it was difficult to believe that this woman could be the mother of a grown son and daughter. Her brown hair, which had a glint of gold in it, was carefully dressed, and crowned with a thin cir

a woman. The pet name for Netty was, "The Persian," because she somewhat resembled a Persian cat in her ways, always choosing the warmest and most comfort

by the rector's ruffled hair and shabby smoking-jacket, that he would be s

en now struggling

e bewitched. She adored the young preacher, whom later she married secretly; and the red flame of their passionate love had never died down. The wealthy father of the bride had only forgiven them to the extent of presenting his daughter with the property on Riverside Drive, where they had since made their home, to the considerable inconvenience of the rector 13 himself. Soon after the marriage, John Swinton had taken the rectorship of St. Botolph's, that great church planned for the betterment of the most hopeless slums. The clergyman's admirers bel

ed to differ, and to be satisfied with love. After their son was born, the wife drifted back to her old life, and was a most welcome figure in the gayest society. Yet, no scandal was ever associated with her name, and none 14 sneered at her love for her husband. The rector, when he yielded to her persuasions and accompanied her on social excursions, was as welcome as she; and everybody proclaimed Mrs. Swinton a clever woman to

d, the young man's position was even more awkward than his father's. As grandson and heir of Richard Herresford much was expected of him. Everybody did not know that the rich old man was such a miser that, aft

leaves of the account-boo

muddle. I know, though, that I can't raise a thousand cents, much less a thousan

rmured, languidly raising her

other threats of suits. I already have judgments against me, that they may try to satisfy at any moment. Why, even our furniture may be seized! And this man declares that he

gray hair from his forehead in an agitated fashion,

r cigarette. Then, glancing at the clock, she added: "What a time they are getting the carr

d the disturbed husband, striding over

itchingly, and he melted

ing lazily and facing him-as tall as he, and wonde

meful! He absolutely promised you a thousand dollars for

s why I became responsible. But

then take it away with the other. He allowed you to compromise yourself in the expectation of this

ng! He is a

k what father would say, if you were to be made bankrupt. Can't you hear his delighted, malevolent chuckles? Oh, it is too terrible, too outrage

He rested his elbows on his knees, and his throbbing head in his hands. "They'll have to find another rector for St. Botolph's. I've tried hard to satisfy everybody. I

e does. He has nobody to leave it to but us-in fact, it is as much ours as his. Yet, h

ll, they'd better make me bankrupt, and have done with it. At least, I shall have the satisfaction of knowing that, if I have robbed t

arments of his beautiful wife, who wanted for nothing, who spent her days in a roun

you the bishop's wife, and said that you would never regret having married a parson. Well, I really thought in those

ul, avaricious, spiteful, everything that's wicked. He is ruining you, and he will ruin Dick, too. He threatens that, when he dies, we may find all his wealth left to charities.

t on that topic to-night. We never agre

I shall see father to-morrow. You must write to that wretched 19 builder man, and

the rector objected, "that your jewels do not really

gh they belonged to my mother. At an

ly, and he rose, and walked with bowed head tow

is before, but never had the situation

Mrs. Swinton thereupon threw away her cigarette, and gathered up her train. For one

red. "What's a thousand dollars! Why, I

n't!" the husband g

h's knew it; it was a whispered scandal. Yet, her touch thrilled him, and he was as wax in her fingers. She spent her life in an exotic atmosphere, but he knew that t

He remained within the shadow until the yellow lights of the carriage had disappeared throug

gain?" gaspe

ight, I suppose?

red, with a grin. "No. And it'

" came the

answered,

manded, with a truculent air. "He'll want