But, good gracious! What do you want to do? and Genevieve giggled. Say I entice the old gentleman over the line then his pardon is canceled and hes a criminal then you agree to ignore the lapse if he meets your wishes is that the idea?
Appleby smiled. A little crude, Miss Lane. And beside, you couldnt get him over the line. Hes too accustomed to his limitations to be caught napping, and not even your charms could decoy him over intentionally.
Think so? Probably youre right. Well, suppose I try to work through Maida. If I could persuade Mr. Wheeler that she suffers from the stigma of her fathers incomplete pardon
Yes, thats it. This thing cant be accomplished by brutal threats, it must be done by subtle suggestion and convincing hints.
Thats my idea, agreed Keefe. If I can talk straight goods to Miss Wheeler and make her see how much better it would be for her father in his latter years to be freed from all touch of the past disgrace, she might coax him to listen to you.
Thats right. Now, you know what youre here for; just do what you can but dont make a mess of things. Id rather you did nothing than to do some fool thing!
Trust us! Genevieve encouraged him, as she rose. Me and Curt may not put over a big deal, but we wont do anything silly.
The two men smiled as the girl, with a pleasant good-night, went away to her own room.
Shes true blue, said Keefe.
Yes, she is, Appleby nodded. All her frivolity is on the surface, like her powder and paint. At heart, that child has only my interests. I quite appreciate it.
I hope you think the same of me, Mr. Appleby.
I do, Keefe. More, I trust you with my most confidential matters. Ill own I want this business here to come out in my favor. I cant push Wheeler too hard so I ask your help. But, as I hinted, Ive one rod yet in pickle. If necessary, Ill use it, but Id rather not.
Of course I hope you wont have to, but, Ill admit I dont see much chance of succeeding with the present outlook.
To-morrow morning will tell. If we cant work the thing through by noon, say Ill spring my last trap. Good-night, Keefe.
Good-night, Mr. Appleby.
Without apparent coercion the morning hours brought about a cozy session on the south veranda with Miss Lane and Daniel Wheeler in attendance, while at the same time, Keefe and Maida wandered over the beautiful park of the estate.
Keefe had gently guided the conversation into confidential channels, and when he ventured to sympathize with the girl in regard to her fathers deprivation he was surprised at her ready acceptance of it.
Oh, you know, dont you, Mr. Keefe! she exclaimed. But you dont know all it means to me. You see she blushed but went steadily on you see, Im engaged to to a man I adore. And
Dont tell me if youd rather not, he murmured.
No, its a relief to tell and, somehow you seem so wise and strong
Go on then please.
The kind voice helped her and Maida resumed: Well, Jeff Mr. Allen, lives in Boston, and so
So it would be very awkward if your father couldnt go there.
Not only that but Ive made a vow never to step foot into Massachusetts until my father can do so, too. Nothing would induce me to break that vow!
Not even your lover? said Keefe, astonished.
No; my father is more to me than any lover.
Then you dont truly love Mr. Allen.
Oh, yes, I do I do! But father is my idol. I dont believe any girl ever adored her father as I do. All my life Ive had only the one object to make him forget as far as possible, his trouble. Now, if I were to marry and leave him why, I simply couldnt do it!
Cant Mr. Allen live in Connecticut?
No; his business interests are all in Boston, and he cant be transplanted. Oh, if father could only do what Mr. Appleby wants him to, then we could all be happy.
Cant you persuade him?
Ive tried my best. Mother has tried, too. But, you see, its a matter of principle, and when principle is involved, we are all in the same boat. Mother and I would scorn any wrongdoing quite as much as father does.
And youll give up your life happiness for a principle?
Of course. Wouldnt you? Wouldnt every decent person? I couldnt live at all, if I were knowingly doing wrong.
But your Keefe stopped abruptly.
I know what you were going to say, Maida spoke sadly; you were going to say my father did wrong. I dont believe he did.
Dont you know?
I know in my own heart. I know he is incapable of the crime he was charged with. Im sure he is shielding some one else, or else some one did it of whom he has no knowledge. But my father commit a crime? Never!
Do you care to tell me the details?
I dont know why I shouldnt. It was long ago, you know, and dad was accused of forgery. It was proved on him or the jury thought it was and he was convicted
And sentenced?
Yes; to a long prison term. But Governor Appleby pardoned him with that mean old proviso, that he never should step into Massachusetts!
Was your mother then the heir to the Massachusetts property?
No; but Mr. Appleby knew she would be. So, when she did inherit, and had to live in Massachusetts to hold the estate, Mr. Appleby thought he had dad where he wanted him.
Were they foes?
Politically, yes. Because dad did all he could to keep Mr. Appleby from being governor.
But didnt succeed?
No; but almost. So, then, Mr. Appleby did this pardon trick to get even with father, and I think it turned out more serious than he anticipated. For mother took up the feud, and she got lawyers and all that and arranged to have the house built on the line between the states!
Was the estate she inherited on both sides of the line?
Oh, no; but it was near the southern border of Massachusetts, and she bought enough adjoining land to make the arrangement possible.
Then the house isnt on the ground she inherited?
Not quite, but the lawyers decided it so that she really complies with the terms of the will, so its all right.
Was your mother the only heir?
So far as we can find out. I believe there was another branch of the family, but we havent been able to trace it, so as the years go by, we feel more and more confident theres no other heir. Of course, should one turn up, his claim would be recognized.
Further talk quickly convinced Keefe that there was no hope of persuading Maida Wheeler to influence or advise her father in any direction other than his idea of right. No amount of urging or arguing would make Wheeler see his duty other than he now saw it, or make Maida endeavor to change his views. With a sigh over his failure, Keefe deftly turned the talk in other channels, and then they strolled back to the house.
As was to be expected, Genevieve had made no progress with her part of the plan. Her talk with Mr. Wheeler had availed nothing. He was courteous and kind; he was amused at her gay, merry little ways; he politely answered her questions, both serious and flippant, but absolutely nothing came of it all.
Samuel Appleby had a short but straightforward conversation with Mrs. Wheeler.
Now, Sara, he said, remember Im your old friend as well as your relative.
Samuel Appleby had a short but straightforward conversation with Mrs. Wheeler.
Now, Sara, he said, remember Im your old friend as well as your relative.
I dont call you a relative, she returned, calmly.
A family connection, then; I dont care what you call it. And Im going to speak right out, for I know better than to try sophistries. If you can get Dan to play my game regarding my sons campaign, Ill see that Dan gets full pardon, and at once. Then Maida can marry young Allen and you can all go to Boston to live.
Sam Appleby, Id rather never see Boston again, never have Dan see it, than to have him agree to endorse principles that he does not believe! And Dan feels the same way about it.
But dont you consider your daughter? Will you condemn Maida to a broken-hearted life ?
Maida must decide for herself. I think Jeffrey Allen will yet persuade her to leave her father. She is devoted to Dan, but she is deeply in love with Jeff and its only natural she should go with him. Any other girl would do so without a second thought. Maida is unusual, but I doubt if she can hold out much longer against her lovers pleading.
I think she will. Maida has your own unbreakable will.
So be it, then. The child must choose for herself. But it doesnt alter the stand Dan and I have taken.
Nothing can alter that?
Nothing, Samuel Appleby.
That remains to be seen. Have I your permission to talk to Maida, alone?
Certainly. Why not? If you can persuade her to marry Jeff, Ill be only too glad. If you find her determined to stand by her father, then the case remains as it is at present.
And so, as Maida returned from her walk with Keefe, she was asked to go for another stroll with Samuel Appleby.
She assented, though with no show of pleasure at the prospect.
But as they started off, she said: Im glad to have a talk with you, Mr. Appleby. I want to appeal to your better nature.
Good! Thats just what I want to appeal to yours. Suppose you word your appeal first.
Mine is simple to understand. It is only that having had your way and having spoiled my fathers life for fifteen years, I ask you, in the name of humanity and justice, to arrange matters so that his latter years of life shall be free from the curse you put upon him.
I didnt put it upon him he brought it on himself.
He never committed that crime and you know it!
What do you mean by that? Appleby gave her a startled glance.
Had Maida seen this glance, she might have been enlightened. But her eyes were cast down, and she went on: I dont know it surely, but I am positive in my own heart father never did it. However, thats past history. All I ask now is his full pardon which, I know, you can bring about if you want to.
And I will, willingly and gladly, if your father will grant my request.
To put your son in as governor with the same political views that prevented my father from voting for you! You know he cant do that!
And yet you expect me to favor him!
But dont you see the difference? Your pardon will mean everything to father
And to you!
Yes, but thats a secondary consideration. Id ask this for father just the same, if it meant disaster for me!
I believe you would! and Appleby gazed admiringly at the sweet, forceful face, and the earnest eyes.
Of course I should! As I say, it means lifes happiness to him.
And his consent means just as much to me.
No, it doesnt. Thats just it. Even though father doesnt definitely help you in your sons election, he will do nothing to hinder. And thats much the same.
Its far from being the same. His positive and definite help is a very different matter from his negative lack of interference. Its the help I want. And I do want it! Do you suppose Id come here and urge it beg for it if I didnt think it absolutely necessary?
No; I suppose not. But I know he never will grant it, so you may as well give up hope.
You know that, do you, Maida? Applebys voice was almost wistful.
I most certainly do, and the girl nodded her head positively.
Then listen to me. I have one argument yet unused. Im going to use it now. And with you.
Maida looked up in alarm. Applebys face was stern, his tone betokened a final, even desperate decision.
Oh, not with me, she cried; I Im only a girl I dont know about these things lets go where father is.
No; you are the one. In your hands must rest your fathers fate your fathers future. Sit here, beneath the old sycamore you know about the tree?
Yes, of course.
Never mind that now; Ive only a few moments, but thats time enough. You know, Maida, how your mother holds this estate?
Yes she must live in Massachusetts. Well, we do. The lawyers said
That isnt the point; this is it. There is another heir.
Weve always thought it possible. Maida spoke coolly, though a dull fear clutched her heart.
Its more than a possibility, its a fact. I know it and I know the heir.
Who is it?
Never mind for the moment. Suffice it to say that he doesnt know it himself that no one knows it but me. Now, you and I know. No one else does. Do you understand?
His keen gaze at her made her understand.
I she faltered.
You do understand, he asserted. You sense my proposition before I make it. And you have it right youre a smart girl, Maida. Yes, I suggest that you and I keep our secret, and that in return for my silence you persuade your father to meet my wishes. Then, he shall be fully pardoned, and all will be well.
You criminal! You dishonest and dishonorable man! she cried, her eyes blazing, her cheeks reddening with her righteous indignation.
There, there, my girl, have a care. You havent thought it all out yet. Doubtless youre going to say that neither your father nor mother want to remain here, if my statement is true.
Of course I say that! They wont want to stay a minute! Who is the heir? Tell me!
And have you thought what it will mean to them to leave this place? Have you realized that your father has no business interests nor can he find any at his age? Do you remember that your mother has no funds outside the estate she inherited? Do you want to plunge them into penury, into pauperism, in their declining years?
Yes if honesty requires it but the sweet voice trembled at the thought.
Honesty is a good thing a fine policy but you are a devoted daughter, and I remind you that to tell this thing I have told you, means disaster ruin for you and your parents. Young Allen cant support them they are unaccustomed to deprivation and, he lowered his voice, this heir I speak of has no knowledge of the truth. He misses nothing, since he hopes for nothing.
Maida looked at him helplessly.
I must think, she said, brokenly. Oh, you are cruel, to put this responsibility on me.
You know why I do it. I am not disinterested.
CHAPTER IV
THE BIG SYCAMORE TREE
At the south door the Appleby car stood waiting.
Genevieve was saying good-bye to Maida, with the affection of an old friend.
Were coming back, you know, she reminded, in two or three days, and please say youll be glad to see me!