Hugo: A Fantasia on Modern Themes

Hugo emerged at the head of the stairs, and saw no living thing; but at the sound of his

andonment to what he considered the humour of the situation. He thought of Albert Shawn's account of the meeting between Francis Tudor and his visitor in Tudo

o, Lo

the reply in a tone which might

y young

t of the beautiful summer morning itself, which at that unspoilt hour seemed always to sojourn for a space in the belvedere. The sun glinted joyously on the golden orna

aw, the extremely long upper lip, the flat nose, and the very small blue-gray eyes. He looked sixty, and was scarcely fifty. He looked one moment like a Nonconformist

n a quarrel of the most vivid, satanic, and incurable sort known to anthropological science-the family quarrel-and the existence of this feud was a proof of the

me a great favourite with his step-father. This roused Louis to a fury which was the more dangerous in that Owen had begun to overtake him in strength, and the fury could, therefore, find no outlet. Then Owen's mother died, and Ravengar, senior, married again-a girl this time, who soon discovered that the household in which she had planted herself was far too bellicose to be comfortable. She abandoned her husband, and sought consolation and sympathy with another widower, who also was blessed with offspring. Such is the foolishness of women. You cannot cure a woman of being one. But it must be said in favour of the third Mrs. Ravengar and her consoler that they conduc

l. Testators, like politic

by the terms of the indiscreet testament, and on the day of the funeral he parted from the son of his step-mother, swearing, in a somewhat melod

nd each had a reason for humouring the other, for each w

tly, 'to bring me to my knees about the trans

, man?' asked Ravengar, wh

olycarp's vis

Ravengar slowly, looking ac

e, Louis? Is your rev

nd glanced round as if for uns

our men were interested in the proceedings at Tudor's flat. I ran here, meaning to see you. There was no one in the big circular room downstairs, and no one at the entrance. Then I saw your servant coming, and I retreated through the door. I wished my presence to be k

nod

st tell me what happened in the flat last night after Miss Payne

Tudor who drew a revolver and fired. Had I had my own-But

sked Hugo, producin

nodded,

, and returned it to his

ered me to. And I saw I had no chance. I came out by the principal do

ut in. 'Tudor knew you

e something out of the sky. It cost me some trouble t

heart

avens!' h

at's the

d to get into the flat for at all. W

n Ravengar's voice as he uttered these words. 'He's taken her from me! Sh

ously. It seemed too monstrous and absurd that Camilla should have b

erhaps you aren't aware tha

ou we wer

ccepte

meant well b

she disa

with a cert

w?' Ravengar de

ly gu

shop, and in the arms of that scoundrel, Tudor.' He hesitated, and then, as he proceeded, his tones softened

ry, and he perceived the difficulty of his

Payne thought herself in some

de from you that it was she herself who informed me definitely th

ry him!' cried Rav

hall not. I have yet to be convinc

ations for several years before I disc

aid Hugo, 'if he is

the son of the man who dishonoured my father's name by pretending to marry that woman in Minneapolis

whi

was so much money the

to twenty thousand two years ago,

he rate of five thous

Ravengar snorted.

' Hugo said queerly. 'Ever

obbing me of m

t you of her

ou must bring your influence to bear,' Raven

what are you dreaming of? I have no influe

was a

gar murmured, half sadly. 'I trusted

asked Hugo, stru

s, of course. What

as thinking of other sorts of secrets, and of that curious principle of English law that

rness to marry Camilla Payne is in ord

insinuate nothing. C

avengar. 'Not that

f humour was never

made Ravengar spring forwar

beg you to help me. Help me, and I'll promise never

after all, that in

ve an affir

suffered-in the old days.... You see I'm frank with you. Help me. We're

consulted his toes. This semi-step-brot

,' he said

hat

a b

too old to marry

friend: I have every intention

Ah!...

when I decide, the thi

I may as well inform you, Owen, that if Camilla Payne marries any

ry for the gray and desperate man, driven by the inten

e against us two. It ruined our youth, and now it's embroiling us once more.

kind of d--d nonsense, you did! Unless you can arrange to

id Hugo, 'I'll

s all,

te a

me pass? You'll not exercise you

Shawn boldly. He is terrib

ank

promoter! And this is life!' Hugo me

e gallery, and watched his legio