V
Grace was correct in her assumption that Ward Trenton had written her in a fit of loneliness but she did not know that in the same hour he had written also to his wife. After a few sentences explaining his presence in St. Louis, the letter to Mrs. Trenton ran:
“It’s almost ridiculous,—the distinctly separate lives we lead. I was just studying the calendar and find that we haven’t met for exactly six months. When I’m at home—if I may so refer to the house in Pittsburgh that fixes my voting place and—pardon me!—doesn’t fix much of anything else—I occasionally find traces of your visits. I must say the servants do pretty well considering that they go their own gait. You’re a wonderful housekeeper at long range! But I’m not kicking. The gods must have their will with us.
“I read of you in the newspapers frequently and judge that you’re living the life that suits you best. I found a copy of your ‘Clues to a New Social Order’ on the new book table here in the club library and reread parts of it. It never ceases to tickle me that a woman of your upbringing, with your line of blue-nosed New England ancestors, should want to pull down the pillars of society. I marvel at you!...
“You’ve asked me now and then not to be afraid to tell you if ever I ran into a woman who interested me particularly. I haven’t had anything to report till now. But the other night I met a girl,—she’s probably just crossing the line into the twenties,—an interesting, provocative young person. She represents in a mild degree the new order of things you’re so mad about; going to live her own life; marriage not in the sketch. She’s a salesgirl in a big shop, but her people have known better days and she went half-way through college. She’s standing with reluctant feet where the brook and river meet, but I’m afraid won’t be satisfied to play in the brook; she’s keen for the deeper waters. She’s as handsome as a goddess. She kissed me very prettily—her own idea I assure you! The remembrance of this incident is not wholly displeasing to me; it was quite spontaneous; filial perhaps....
“Those bonds you have in the Ashawana Water Power Company are all right. I had a look at the plant recently and the dividends are sure....”
Having sealed and addressed the envelopes Trenton laid them side by side on the blotter before him, lighted a cigarette, and then drew out and opened the locket that Grace had noted at The Shack, studying the woman’s face within a little wistfully. Then with a sigh he thrust it into his pocket and went out into the night and tramped the streets, coming at last to the post office where he mailed both letters.