The Mistress of Bonaventure

by Harold Bindloss

  CHAPTER XIII

  AN UNFORTUNATE PROMISE

  Haldane could command any man's attention when he chose to exerthimself, and, I fancied, made a special effort on my behalf during hishomeward journey. As a result of this I almost forgot that I was ahomeless and practically ruined man as I listened to his shrewdpredictions concerning the future of that region, or occasionallyventured to point out improbabilities in some of them. The depression,however, returned with double force when we came into sight ofBonaventure soon after dusk, and with it a curious reluctance to facethe young mistress of the homestead.

  Lucille Haldane was my junior by several years. Indeed, on our firstmeeting I had considered her little more than a girl, but since then arespect for her opinions, and a desire to retain her approval, had beengrowing upon me. Perhaps it was because her opinions more or lesscoincided with my own, but this fact would not account for theundeniable thrill of pleasure which had followed her naive announcementthat she believed in me. Hitherto, with one exception, I had figuredbefore her as a successful man, and I positively shrank from appearingas one badly beaten and brought down by his own overconfident folly. Iremembered how she once said: "You must not disappoint us."

  This seemed wholly absurd, but the worst bitterness I had yetexperienced made itself felt when Haldane pulled up his team, and,pointing to a figure on the threshold of his homestead, said: "Lucillemust have been getting impatient. She is watching for us."

  I allowed him to precede me by as long a space as possible, while Ilingered to assist the hired man with a refractory buckle, and then itwas with an effort I braced myself for the interview. Haldane hadvanished into the house, but the slight, graceful figure still waitedupon the threshold, and I wondered, with a strange anxiety, what hisdaughter would say to me.

  The question was promptly answered, for, as I entered the hall, feelinghorribly ashamed and with doubtless a very wooden face, Lucille Haldaneheld out both hands to me. Her manner was half-shy, whollycompassionate, and I stood quite still a while comforted by the touch ofthe little soft fingers which I held fast within my own. Then she saidvery simply: "I am so sorry, but you will have better fortune yet."

  A lamp hung close above us, and it was, perhaps, as well that it did,for the relief which followed the quiet words that vibrated withsincerity was more inimical to rational behavior than the previouscauseless hesitation. Lucille Haldane looked more girlish than ever andmost bewitchingly pretty as, glancing up at me, partly startled by myfervent grasp, she drew her hands away. She seemed the incarnation ofinnocence, freshness, and gentle sympathy, and, perhaps as a result ofthe strain lately undergone, there came upon me an insane desire tostoop and kiss her as, or so at least it seemed, a brother might havedone.

  She may have grown suspicious, for feminine perceptions are keen, and,though the movement was graceful and not precipitate, a distance ofseveral feet divided us next moment, and we stood silent, looking ateach other, while my heart beat at what appeared double its usual rate.

  "You have given me new hope, and those were the kindest words I haveever heard," I said. "I think you meant them."

  Lucille Haldane's manner changed. The change was indefinite, but itexisted, and it was with a smile she answered me. "Of course I did. Onedoes not generally trouble to deceive one's friends; and we are friends,are we not, Mr. Ormesby?"

  "No one could desire a better, and I hope we shall always remain so," Ianswered, with an attempt at a bow; and the girl, turning, preceded meinto the big central hall.

  "What kept you so long, Ormesby? One could almost have fancied you hadbecome possessed of an unusual bashfulness," said Haldane, when we camein; and I glanced apologetically at his daughter before I answered him.

  "Something of the kind happened, and my excuse is that I had very littlecause for self-confidence. Now, however, I am only ashamed of thehesitation."

  "You deserve to be," said Haldane, with a mock severity which veiled acertain pride. "Fortunately, the young mistress of Bonaventure atonesfor her father's shortcomings, and so long as she rules there willalways be a welcome for anybody in adversity here, as well as the bestwe can give to harassed friends. It is a convenient arrangement, forwhile, according to my unsuccessful rivals, I grow rich by paralyzingindustries and unscrupulous gambling upon the markets, Lucille assistsme to run up a counter score by proxy."

  The girl's face flushed a little, and it was pleasant to see the quickindignation sparkle in her eyes. "You never did anything unscrupulous;and I do not think we are very rich," she said.

  One might have fancied that Haldane was gratified, though he smiledwhimsically and turned in my direction as he answered: "The lastassertion, at least, is true if it proves anything, for it is tolerablyhard to acquire even a competence nowadays by strictly honest means,isn't it, Ormesby? You, however, do not know the inconvenience of havingan uncomfortably elevated standard fixed for one to live up to, and I amseriously contemplating a reckless attack on some national industry toprove its impossibility."

  The girl's confidence in her father was supreme, for, though this timeshe laughed, it was evident she did not believe a word of this. "It iswell you are known by your actions and not your speeches," she said."There are commercial combinations which deserve to be attacked.Why"--and her tone grew serious enough--"do you not crush the man ormen who are doing so much mischief in our vicinity?"

  Haldane looked at his daughter, and then across at me, and, whileslightly ironical good-humor was stamped on his face, it was a mask.There was more than one side to his character, and, when it pleased himto be so, there was nobody more inscrutable. "It is a rather extensiveorder, and men of that stamp are generally hard to crush," he said."Still, if those mistaken doctors should conspire to forbid me moreprofitable employment, I might, perhaps, make the attempt some day."

  This was vague enough, but I felt that Haldane had intended the hint forme. There was no further reference to anything financial, forhenceforward both my host and his daughter laid themselves out to helpme to forget my troubles, and were so successful in this that I evenwondered at myself. The troubles were certainly not far away, but thefinancier's anecdotes and his daughter's comments proved so entertainingthat they diminished and melted into a somber background.

  When Lucille left us Haldane sat chatting with me over his cigar, and atlast he said abruptly: "I dare say you wondered at my half-heartedaction to-day?"

  "I did, sir," I answered; and the financier nodded good-humoredly.

  "There is nothing to equal plain speaking, Ormesby. When a man knowsjust what he wants and asks for it he stands the best chance ofobtaining it, though I don't always act in accordance with the maximmyself. Well, I made a few bids somewhat against my better judgmentbecause I had promised to, and then ceased because it seemed best to methat, since you could not hold it, Lane should acquire the property."

  "I don't quite see the reason, sir. On the other hand, a stiff advancein prices would have meant a good deal to me," I said.

  Haldane answered oracularly: "That gentleman's funds are notinexhaustible, and he already holds what one might call foreclosureoptions on a good deal of property. I should not be sorry to see himtake hold of further land so long as it did not lie west of Gaspard'sTrail. It is possible that he has, as we say in the vernacular, bittenoff more than he can chew--considering the present scarcity of money. Ishould take heart if I were you, and hold on to Crane Valley whatever itcosts you."

  "Can't you speak a little more directly?" I asked.

  Haldane shook his head. "I am not in a position to do so yet; but, ifsurmises turn into certainties, I will some day. Meanwhile, are you opento train some of the Bonaventure colts, and look after my surplus stockon a profit-division basis? I have more than my staff can handle."

  "I should be very glad to do so," I answered, seeing that while theoffer was prompted by kindness it had also its commercial aspect. "But,if there is anything going on, say, some plan for the exploitation ofthis district in opposition to Lane, can
I not take my part in it?"

  "I have heard of no such scheme; and, if I had, you could help it mostby driving new straight furrows and raising further cattle," saidHaldane, with an enigmatical smile. "There are games which require alifelong experience from the men who would succeed in them; and, becauseRome was not built in a day, perhaps you were wiser to stick to yourplowing, Ormesby. One gets used to the excitement of the other life, butthe strain remains, and that is one reason why you see me at Bonaventureagain."

  My host's words encouraged me. It was true he had said very little, butthat was always Haldane's way; and, seeing that he now desired to changethe subject, I followed his lead. "I hope your health is not failing youagain, sir?" I said.

  "Save for one weakness, my general health is good enough," was the quietanswer. "Still, the weakness is there, and for the second time this yearphysicians have ordered an interval of quietness and leisure. One has topay the penalty for even partial success, you know, and I am not soyoung or vigorous as I used to be."

  "Then, if I may ask the question, why not abandon altogether anoccupation which tries you, sir?"

  Haldane smiled over his cigar, but a shadow crossed his face. "We arewhat the Almighty made us, Ormesby, and I suppose the restless gaminginstinct was born in me. Even in my enforced leisure down here it isalmost too strong for me, and I indulge in it on a minor scale by way ofrecreation. I can't sit down and quietly rust into useless inactivity.Further, while handling a good deal of money, my private share issmaller than many folks suppose it, and I have my daughters' future toensure. Both have been brought up to consider a certain amount of luxuryas necessary."

  I do not think the last words were intended as a hint, for had Haldaneconsidered the latter necessary it is hardly likely I should have beenwelcomed so often at Bonaventure. In any case it would have beensuperfluous, for I had already faced the worst, and decided thatBeatrice Haldane must remain what she had always been to me--an ideal tobe worshiped in the abstract and at a distance. Strangest of all, oncethe knowledge was forced on me, I found it possible to accept theposition with some degree of resignation. All this flashed through mymind as I looked into the wreaths of smoke, and then Haldane spoke:

  "Have you come across that photographer fellow lately?"

  "Not for some time. Do you wish to see him?" I answered, with a slightlypuzzled air.

  "I think I should like to"--and Haldane's voice changed from itsreflective tone. "Do you know who he is, Ormesby?"

  "I should hardly care to say without consulting him, sir," I answered;and Haldane laughed.

  "You need not trouble, because I do. If you chance upon him tell himwhat I said. Getting late, isn't it? Good-night to you!"

  He left me equally relieved and mystified, and that I should feel anyrelief at all formed part of the mystery. Whatever was the cause of it,I was neither utterly cast down nor desperate when I sought my couch,and I managed to sleep soundly.

  That was the first of several visits to Bonaventure. The acreage ofCrane Valley was ample, but the house a mere elongated sod hovel, ofwhich Miss Steel monopolized the greater portion, although I reflectedgrimly that in existing circumstances it was quite good enough for me.Our life there was dreary enough, and, at times, I grew tired of Sally'salternate blandishments and railleries; so, when the frost bound fastthe sod and but little could be done for land and cattle, it was verypleasant to spend a few days amid the refinement and comfort which ruledat Bonaventure. During one of my journeys there I met Cotton, and rodesome distance with him across the prairie. I could see there wassomething he wished to say, but his usually ample confidence seemed tofail him, and finally he bade me farewell with visible hesitation whereour ways parted. I had, however, scarcely resumed my journey before hehailed me, and when I checked my horse he rode back in my direction withresolve and irresolution mingled in his face.

  "You are in a great hurry. There was something I wanted to ask," hecommenced. "Do you think this frost will hold, Ormesby?"

  "You have a barometer in the station, haven't you?" I answered,regarding him ironically. "Cotton, you have something on your mindto-day, and it is not the frost. Out with it, man. I'm in no waydangerous."

  "I have," he answered, with a slight darkening of the bronze in hisface. "It is not a great thing, but your paternal advice and cheapwitticisms pall on me now and then. Curious way to ask a favor, isn'tit? But that is just what I'm going to do."

  "We'll omit the compliments. Come to the point," I said; and the troopermade the plunge he had so much hesitated over.

  "I want you to ride out on Wednesday night and meet Freighter Walkercoming in from the rail. As you know, he generally travels all night bythe Bitter Lakes trail. Ask him for a packet with my name on the label,then tear that label off and give Mail-carrier Steve the packetaddressed to Miss Haldane. Those confounded people at the rail postoffice chatter so about every trifle, and Steve is too thick in the headto notice anything. My rounds make it quite impossible for me to gomyself, and that fool of a freighter would certainly lose or smash thething before he passed our way on his return journey. It is not askingtoo much, is it?"

  "No," I said readily, seeing the eagerness in the trooper's eyes, thoughthat statement implied a long, cold night's ride. "Miss Haldane is,however, in Ottawa."

  "I don't care where she is," said Cotton. "Confound--of course, I meanit's very good of you; but there's no use in assuming stupidity. It isMiss Lucille Haldane I mean, you know."

  "I might certainly have guessed it," I said dryly. "It is no business ofmine, Cotton, but in return for your compliments I can't help asking, doyou think Haldane would appreciate it?"

  Cotton straightened himself in his saddle, and I was sorry for him. Helooked very young with that light in his eyes and the hot blood showingthrough his tan; also, I fancied, very chivalrous.

  "Don't be under any misapprehension, Ormesby," he said quietly. "Thatpacket merely contains an article I heard Miss Haldane lamenting thatshe could not obtain. It is of no value, only useful; but Thursday isher birthday, and I think she would be pleased to have it. Being TrooperCotton, I should never have presumed to send a costly present, and youdo not for a moment suppose Miss Lucille would appreciate the trifle foranything beyond its intrinsic utility. This is the second time you haveforced me to point out the absurdity of your conclusions."

  I was angry with him both for his infatuation and obtuseness, for itstruck me that in the circumstances the simple gift was made in adangerously graceful fashion, and calculated to appeal to a youngwoman's sympathies. "I can't offer you advice?" I said.

  "No," was the answer. "One might surmise that you needed all yourabilities in that direction for yourself. Still, to prevent your drawingany unwarranted inference, I may repeat that it would be quiteunnecessary."

  "I understand," I said somberly, feeling that there were two of us inthe same position. "Very glad to oblige you. The times are out of jointfor all of us just now, Cotton. Good-night--and, on consideration, Ithink the frost will hold."

  We rode in different directions, and because I had made that unfortunatepromise it was late on Wednesday night when I prepared to leaveBonaventure quietly. Haldane had journeyed to the railroad and could notreturn before midnight at earliest. Lucille informed me that she wouldbe busy with some household affairs, and, as I could be back by morning,it seemed possible that neither would miss me. Having promised thetrooper secrecy, I did not wish to answer questions or name excuses.

  As ill-luck would have it, the last person I desired to meet chancedupon me, as, well wrapped in furs, I was slipping towards the door, andI must have looked confused when Lucille Haldane said: "Where are yougoing, Mr. Ormesby?"

  "A little ride," I answered. "I have--I have some business to do, andafter two idle days begin to long for exercise."

  The girl looked hard at me, and I saw she recognized that the excuse wasvery lame. "There is nobody living within reach of a short ride. Willyou return to-night?" she asked.

  It was most unfo
rtunate, for I did not wish to anticipate the trooper'sgift. "I hardly think so," I answered. "Now, I will make a bargain withyou. If you will keep my departure a secret, you will discover what myerrand is very shortly."

  "Very well," said Lucille Haldane; though she still seemed curious. "Asafe journey to you, but I don't envy you the exercise."

  I afterwards had cause to abuse Trooper Cotton and his errand, but Iswung myself into the saddle, and, when I reached the Bitter Lakestrail, I patrolled it for two long hours under the nipping frost. Nolumbering ox-team, however, crawled up out of the white prairie, thoughas yet the moon was in the sky; and I decided that the freighter had, ashe sometimes did, taken another trail. It then, fortunately, occurred tome that I had promised to inspect some horses with a small rancherliving four or five leagues away, and so determined to do so in themorning. A deserted sod-house stood at no great distance, which thescattered settlers kept supplied with fuel. It served as a convenienthalf-way shelter for those who must break their long journey to therailroad settlement, and I set out for it at a canter. As I did so themoon dipped, and darkness settled on the prairie.