The accused

Chapter One

F LORA’S wedding was the one topic of conversation in her set; how she had gone to the little western town to visit her dear friend, Kate West, and after two months spent in one round of pleasure, she had come home the promised wife of Tom West, Kate’s brother.

Judge Gray was much opposed to his only daughter going so far from him, but Flora had always ruled since her mother’s death. She won her father’s consent. When Tom came for a visit to them, the Judge smiled, saying to himself, “ I guess the girl has chosen well.”

Tom talked over his business affairs with the Judge. No young couple ever embarked on life’s sea with fairer prospects. When Tom bade Flora good-bye it was settled that the wedding would be in three months. Kate 3 was to come and spend the last month in New York with Flora.

“ Oh, Tom, what glorious times Kate will have. You must come one week before the wedding.”

As these two stood in the parlour of the Gray home, no handsomer couple could be found. Tom, tall and handsome; Flora, a diminutive blond. It was seen at a glance she was the petted child of fortune.

“ Yes, my darling, I will be here one week with you, and who knows but I may come sooner? I can’t bear to give you up even for three months. How I wish you were going with me this morning, Flora dear. I wonder how I lived at all without you. I know now what it was I was waiting for. Kate has so often been vexed that I could not fall in love with her girl friends. None of them ever interested me until you came, sweet Flora. I knew the moment my hand held yours in welcome, there was something different in you from the rest. Day after day I watched you in our home. I listened for your voice. If I were tired, it soothed me. As the end of your visit drew near I felt I could not live 4

CHAPTER ONE without Flora. For days I was miserable, fearing to tell you how dear you were to me. There were so many who worshipped at your shrine. Then, dear heart, I feared to ask you to come to live in my far western home. Flora dear, will you be happy there, far away from all the big city offers you? Will you grow tired of our unpretentious people? Will you be happy with us? ”

“ Why, Tom, what makes you talk like that? You know I would give up the whole world for you. Like Ruth in the Bible, * your people shall be my people.’ ”

Throwing both arms about him, Flora kissed him many times saying, “We will be so happy, dear, that all the world will envy us. Don’t let thoughts like that come into your head any more. Write me a long letter each day, no matter how busy you are. Know that I am waiting for a message from the dearest sweetheart a girl ever had. I will write to you each night, telling you how my day has been spent. I wish father would consent to a quiet home wedding, but he says we must be married in the church where he and mother made their vows twenty-two years ago, ft and by the same old minister. When Flora Russell, twenty-two years ago, married Walter Gray, it was a great social event; so must he the marriage of their only daughter to Tom West, who comes many miles to claim his bride.”

“ Bless you, my own little sweetheart! You make me the happiest man in all the world. The hour has come for me to say good-bye. Remember me every moment, and know that away out west I am toiling for Flora.”

After many kisses and promises of love eternal, Tom strained her to his breast, and ere she knew he was out the door, fairly flying down the walk.

“ Dear old Tom, how I love him. We shall he so happy. Bless you, Tom, I love you with my whole heart and soul. You shall never he sorry that you chose me to he your wife. I will show you that I can keep house with one servant, help with the preserving and do many things that I noticed Kate and her aunt doing while I visited in Salem.”

Seating herself in a big comfortable chair, Flora began planning the wedding and her trousseau. After an hour spent quietly she 6

Chapter One

spoke aloud. “ Flora Gray, what are you thinking of? You are not marrying a New York millionaire. You are not going to dine at Sherry’s and lunch at Delmonico’s, and have theatre parties with supper after. You are not marrying a man twice your years for money and position who will want you dressed like a doll to show you to his friends and enemies as one of his possessions. You will be a foolish girl to go to live in Salem with the kind of clothes you are planning, so now you must begin all over again. With the exception of my wedding gown and the travelling costume, I will have pretty, simple frocks. I am going to show Tom and Kate that I am one of them. I often felt when I was a visitor in Salem that I would love to have a simpler wardrobe. Now for a dainty trousseau befitting the bride of Tom West, who is working hard to earn honest dollars and fame in his chosen profession. Tom dear, Flora will help you to climb to the top of the ladder, and when we are old you can say, like father, ‘ Flora helped me; she was my inspiration, my own little leader-on.’ ”

ar.

W AS there ever such a beautiful bride, so handsome a groom? How happy they looked! The old church was filled with friends of the Gray family. There was none who stood higher in the state than Judge Gray. He was a descendant of the old family of Grays in Delaware. His father came to New York in the early forties, so Walter Gray was born and reared there. Just twenty-two years ago on the day that his daughter Flora was married he had led Flora Russell, one of the belles of her day, up to the same altar. Now, as the same old wedding march pealed out, and he with his silver hair brushed carelessly back, his face white with sad memories, walked slowly up the aisle, his beautiful daughter on his arm, his heart was heavy indeed. Tom West, waiting at the altar to receive this priceless jewel, felt a thrill of joy never known before as he saw this vision of beauty coming to him, and knew she was 8 so soon to take the vows that made her his “ until death do us part.”

When the venerable priest asked, “ Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” Judge Gray gave one look at his child, then answered in a clear voice, “ I do.” Handing her over to Tom, he stepped back a few steps, standing through the ceremony.

The last words of the benediction, the solemn peals of the monster organ as the bridal party marched out, all necks were craned to get a glimpse of the bride and groom. There were many there who had seen her mother the day she was a bride. Of course the two weddings were freely discussed.

Driving to her home, a reception of her friends lasted for two hours. Stealing away from the crowd, she went to her own room and changed her beautiful wedding gown for a simple dress of brown, with hat, gloves and shoes the same. She seemed a beautiful child ready to start on her way to school. Tom and her father met her in the upstairs sittingroom. Going down the back stairs to a side street, where a carriage waited for 9 them, they were driven to the station and boarded the train that would take them home.

Judge Gray could not keep the tears back. He held his child in his arms, bidding her good-bye and asking God to bless and take care of her in her new home. As the two men clasped hands no word was uttered. Flora followed her father to the platform, saying, “ You promised you would come in the summer. Don’t disappoint me. Good-bye, my good, sweet old dad. Don’t miss me too much.”

The train was moving. She stood and watched him out of sight, and when she turned to enter the door, Tom was standing by her side. As they closed the stateroom door, he said, “ My own little wife, I will try to make up for all you have given up for me. If I fail to make you happy you must tell me, so I can try all over again.”

“ I have no fear, we will be happy.”

The train was fairly flying through the country. They sat hand in hand, discussing all their plans.

“ We are to stop a few days in Chicago so that Kate will get home before we do. Dear old Kate! How she loves New York. What times we had doing the sights. She couldn’t understand how I could give it all up and go west to live. I am afraid if you had heard what I told her you would have a case of big head, so I won’t tell you; but anyway, I love New York, but I love Tom West better than all the world. We will never give a sigh of regret, only wish for father. I know he will miss me more than he thinks.”

“ Listen, Flora dear. Our west is a great country. There is room for all who wish to throw in their lot with ours, so in time the Judge may come to live with us. The plans for our new home are about completed. There is a room for your father. Remember our home is his home whenever he feels that he can leave New York.”

Clapping her hands in delight at the prospect of her father’s coming west to live, Flora was the picture of happiness. After twenty-four hours on the train, Chicago was reached. The wind was blowing a regular gale, cold 11 and dreary the city looked as they stepped off the train at the Dearborn Street station. Going at once to the Auditorium Hotel they were assigned an apartment. Their baggage was brought up, and Flora changed her travelling dress for one more suitable for dinner in a fashionable cafe. Many admiring glances followed the handsome couple as they walked through the cafe to the table at the far end of the room.

They were seated and their order given, when Tom was slapped on the hack by a great big fellow in brown clothes.

“ Bless my soul! If I am not dreaming, this is Tom West of Salem, Indiana. I haven’t seen you for ten years, but you haven’t changed a whit.”

As soon as Tom could get in a word he introduced his wife to his old roommate at college, Larry Lord.

“ Zounds! I didn’t know you were a family man. Hadn’t heard that you were a benedict. Thought the young lady here might be that kid sister, Kate, that used to write such * touching ’ letters to you whenever a pet cat died, or some one killed one of her dogs.

Come, tell me how long you have been married, and all about yourself in general.”

Drawing a chair out he took a seat with them. Flora, covered with blushes at being discovered (all brides delight in hiding the fact), entered into the conversation with a jolly zest that pleased Tom beyond words. He showed how proud he was of his beautiful wife. He could see that Larry was admiring his choice.

“ What have you two planned for the evening? I insist that you put yourselves in my hands. I will try to show you some of the charms of the only Chicago. You see, Tom, old boy, I have had my shingle hanging out here for the past five years, and things have come my way pretty lively. I am now sitting on the shady side of Easy Street. No place like old Chicago. You better come here and start life with your beautiful young wife to aid. There is no telling what you might do.”

“ Oh, thanks awfully, old friend, but I am doing well in Salem. The old town is looking up a bit. I have a romantic idea of fulfilling all the hopes my father and mother 13 had for me. You know I have gone in for politics. My friends assure me that I will be their next mayor, and I will try to make them proud of doing me the honour. Step by step, I will try to reach the top.”

So Flora heard her husband give utterance to his ambition. Little did he think how she could aid him. In her own mind she was vowing allegiance to his political ambition, wondering how she could help him.

The week went quickly. Larry proved himself a prince of good fellows. He was proud to introduce his old friend and his bride into the most exclusive set. Flora was admired beyond words, and men were always in her train. She knew just what to say to flatter their vanity. She knew just how much wine to sip. In fact, she was already beginning to be a politician’s wife. She must be agreeable to all, partial to none. Was there ever a young head filled with so much that was to be done? At night when she slept she dreamed ambitious dreams. Her whole soul was fed on ambition. Tom, in his quiet way, showed his love for her in all things. He little dreamed of the castles Flora built.

The day for leaving Chicago had come. Larry was giving them a dinner at his club. He was regretting to say good-bye to his friends. This week was one of unalloyed happiness. He looked at the wife of his friend, wondering why he could not be as fortunate. He had money, position, everything to offer, but had not yet found a woman that suited him half so well. When the dinner was over, Tom turned to Larry, saying, “ Now, old pal, come to see us in our home. We will show you then what life in a small town means.”

“ Yes,” Flora joined in, “ Mr. Lord, we will look forward to your visit with great pleasure. I can promise you a good time. Kate knows how to make one enjoy every minute. You may do as I did on my visit, make up your mind to call it home. I was not long in Salem before I had a longing in my heart that Tom only could quiet. So here I am on my way back there to live and be happy.”

“ I will tell you one thing, Mrs. West. If you will find some one there who will be as proud of me as you are of Tom, I will do 15 my best to win their consent to live in Chicago.”

Shaking hands and promising visits, Tom and Flora were soon steaming away towards home.

“ What a jolly good fellow Mr. Lord is! I like him. He is a true westerner, so whole-souled.”

“ Yes, Larry is a genuine friend. Many a college chap has known his helping hand. He was one of the fortunate few, always had plenty of money to spend as he pleased. I am so glad he liked you. Flora. I must tell you how proud I was of my beautiful wife. Some day, dear, I shall he a rich man and my little Flora shall indulge all her extravagant fancies.”

“ Tom dear, you know I have always had free access to father’s bank account. You must tell me just what our circumstances are. I must know. I want to live within your means. Folks must not say I am spending more than you are able to allow. So many women get the blame for unpaid bills, when they are unaware of the fact. We must be honest with each other, and you 16 must tell me what I am to have, be it little or much.”

Who would have dreamed that this petted child of a doting father would think of the serious side of life? But she had begun as she wanted to go through life, trying to be a help to the man she loved.

“ Now, little girl, you must not worry your head with business matters. We will get along nicely. I have a good law practice, some real estate, and a snug sum of cash in bank. I am not a poor man, neither am I rich, as wealth is counted in New York, but in Salem I am counted a rich man, and we will have no trouble keeping the wolf from the door. You must do as you please. I trust you implicitly.”

By the time Salem was reached Tom and Flora were perfectly agreed on how they would live. When the train steamed into the little depot, Kate, with a crowd of friends, was waiting to welcome them home.

“ Oh, dear, we thought you would never get here,” Kate exclaimed. Flora was hugged and kissed by the girls, the men were profuse in their welcome.

“ I tell you the bride and groom will have to get used to doing social stunts,” Kate said, “ for I never heard of so many card parties, receptions and even dances, all in your honour. Now, Mr. Tom West, you will find out what it means to have the prettiest wife in town, the women all enjoying her clothes, and the men worshipping her beauty.

“ Just think, Flora dear, you and I have to smile at all the men in town, young and old, dance with good, bad and indifferent. You know Tom is running for mayor. I might as well tell you right now you must begin to count votes.”

“ Why, I went horseback riding with that cross-eyed Ben Thomas, just because he controls more votes in his ward than all the others put together. And think of it! he has sent me flowers every day since, and I am booked for the church festival with him Wednesday night.”

“ Flora, you may be sorry you got into this political family yet.”

“ Oh, no I won’t. I like it. You just watch me. I will get many votes for Tom, you see if I don’t.”

Chapter Three

T OM WEST was elected mayor by an overwhelming majority, the biggest victory a Democratic candidate had ever known. Many old gossips drank tea and discussed the election with knowing looks and raised eyebrows, in insinuating tones exclaiming, “Well! the men can’t resist that city wife of his. You know men are men the world over.”

“ * They say ’ she just got out and asked men to vote for Tom, and those who were kinder on the fence promised. You know she dances, plays cards and believes that women should do anything they please.”

“ Oh, men like to be with women that can keep pace with them, but when their own wives begin they soon call a halt. How can you ever imagine Tom West with a high and lofty city wife? ”

“ Well, ‘ they say ’ she is the ruler. Poor Tom. And him always such a good plain man. Did you know he and Kate both go to the Episcopal Church now? ”

So poor Flora already was beginning to have thrusts that she would feel later. How little she dreamed of the construction Salem women were putting on her treatment of Tom’s friends. Her Tom, whose ambitions she adored. There was nothing she wouldn’t do to help him. He seemed so pleased when his friends admired his wife. How she studied the political questions of the day, so that she could talk intelligently on all that interested him.

Their home was soon the rendezvous for the politicians and learned men who came that way. Tom was growing in favour with all. Already there was a current of influence toward his nomination for Governor.

Living in Salem was a man of vast wealth and influence, with an exalted place among his townsmen. Somehow he had felt that Tom West stood in his way. He too coveted the Governor’s chair, and now more than ever since he saw that Tom West had friends who were beginning to talk quietly for him.

Daniel Lane sat in his luxurious office thinking how to deal the blow that would turn the people to him.

Chapter Three

“ God ! He has the only woman I could ever love for his wife, and to walk off with this office! I will balk him if I lose my future. Think how that little dimpled wife of his repulses me. She is a shrewd one. While I talked to her, all looking on thought she was pleased with my attention, and she was giving me the devil for squeezing her hand at every opportunity. I told her that I would yet hold her in my arms and have all the kisses I craved. Didn’t her eyes flash! I will win that woman from Tom West or my name is not Dan Lane. My best card will be not to come out as his political opponent. I must lay low. I must see her often, above all I must be invited to his home. Ye gods! I will gain favour in her sight, in two years I will have her at my feet begging for mercy. She has said things to me no woman ever dared to say, and she shall pay me well for her insolence.”

Dan Lane’s train of thought was interrupted by the entrance of the rector of his church, who smiled on Mr. Lane with his beaming countenance. Dan always headed the charity funds, and his name was used in all mission and church work.

“ Good-morning, Mr. Black, glad to see you. Take a chair. How are Mrs. Black and the boys?”

“ Quite well, quite well, thank you, Mr. Lane. Just thought I would drop in and chat with you a few moments if you were at leisure. I am so much encouraged in my church work. I had the first meeting of my confirmation class last night. Now whom do you think was there? I couldn’t go by without telling you. Tom West and his sister Kate. I feel this is the work of Tom’s wife; a wonderful little woman, she is. She is always up and doing. Somehow everything seems to have taken on new life. She is always in her place at church. Her Sundayschool class is the banner class. I wonder more women don’t use their influence for good. Tom West is a lucky man. Lane, what do you think of the talk going around about Tom for the next governor? ”

Striving to hide the look of annoyance he knew was on his face, he remarked, “ Well, I think West would make a fine governor.

Chapter Three

He is of the people, and for the people, and there never breathed a truer Democrat.”

“ Well, Mr. Lane, I am glad to hear you come out so straight for West. I heard a gentleman say to-day with your influence that we could send Tom West to Indianapolis two years from now.”

Getting up, he held his hand out to Dan Lane saying, “ Mr. Lane, you must come out to service Sunday, and Mrs. Black wants you to come in for tea this afternoon. West and his wife will be stopping in.”

“ Thank you kindly, and tell Mrs. Black her invitations alv/ays come at the right time. If there is anything I do enjoy it is a cup of Mrs. Black’s tea.”

“ Good-day, sir, I will see you then this afternoon about five.”

Closing the door Mr. Black disappeared down the street. Dan Lane lighted his cigar, and took a few puffs.

“ It beats hell how the mention of that woman’s name thrills me. I must be careful not to let this community know how I hate

Tom and what a d fool I am about his

wife. Two years is a long time to wait, but 23 step by step I will work until she shall be mine, the little vixen. I will feed her on her husband’s ambition. She knows what I can do, and ye gods ! she shall feel what I will do.”

U

E RE many days went by, Dan Lane was the constant companion and trusted friend of Tom West. They were seen together day after day, and West was now confidential advisor and counsel for Lane, the wealthiest man in that section of the country. Lane was a frequent visitor in the West home. Kate West had gone abroad with some friends to spend a year, so Flora found she had to entertain her husband’s friends without his lively sister. As Tom was putting on his overcoat with Flora’s help, he said to her, “You must look your very best to-night, dear. Lane and his friend Burns are coming to dinner with us. You know Burns is our congressman. I don’t know what I would do without my ‘ political partner.’ That’s what you are, Flora. It seems to me you always know how to make things right. You have won over some of those who were most opposed to me.”

“ Oh, Tom dear, am I indeed a help? I do want to be. I am as anxious as you are for the people to vote you into their highest seat of honour.”

As he kissed her good-bye the postman’s ring sounded long and loud.

“Wait, dear, just one minute; I know I must have a line from father.” Hanging to the door she took the letters, glancing over them quickly. “ No, none from New York; but Tom, here is a great big fat one from Chicago; I think it must be from that dear fellow, Larry Lord.”

Tom tore the envelope and read quickly:

“ Tom, old boy, I expect to be in Salem Wednesday, on my way to Indianapolis. Big deal in sight. Make your plans so I can have you to myself. Think I have something under my hat that you may see fit to go in. At any rate will give you the chance to get rich quick. Best regards to your beautiful wife. I hope she has not ceased to call me friend. Good-bye until Wednesday, 2 P.M.

“ Yours,

“ Larry Lord.”

“Well! That is good news. We will be more than happy to have Larry with us. I am sure my little Flora can make our welcome all he would have it. Good-bye again, dear, I am a little late. Lane always excuses me, says if you were his wife he would give up business and stay with you, or take you around with him to make his friends envy him. Funny fellow, Dan. So long, I will be at home near five.”

Flora watched her husband board the car. Why was it she could not tell her husband not to trust Dan Lane? Why was she compelled to entertain him? She knew what he was, but would it ruin Tom’s career if she complained? Was Dan Lane sincere in his professions of friendship for Tom? How could he say the things to her he did if he was really loyal? What was it Dan Lane held over her head? She felt in his presence that something terrible was about to happen. Whenever she was alone with him he assumed such a confidential attitude. Once he even kissed her bare neck as they were passing through a dark hall, leaving the conservatory. When she remonstrated with him 27 he seemed to feel so sorry that he had offended her. He now called her “ Flora ” when talking to her alone. As her thoughts flew over the past few months, she could see so many things that she knew in her own heart were not what they should be, yet she knew an open rupture between Tom West and Dan Lane meant defeat for Tom. At last she walked into the library, gazing into the flames. She spoke aloud:

“ Now, it will be game for game. I will play your game, Dan Lane, for everything there is in it. I will never be the cause of my husband losing in this race. I know this is a dangerous game I am playing, but Tom dealt me the cards, and I shall play them with a clear head. From now on it is a woman against Dan Lane. He has ruled the people for years, he shall support my husband in this fight. Last night he told me that the man who was thinking of running against Tom had been his bosom friend for years, a man of his own age, a smart man, and one who had held offices of trust. That every day friends were trying to get him to come to his support. Can I ever forget how 28 he looked when he said in his low, insinuating way, ‘ But you know, Flora, you can always count on me.’ Oh, the horrors of it! Why can’t a man be a man, come out for or against a man, declare his principles, stand for what he believes to be right, and vote for the man he knows would best serve the people? Why must some selfish or fiendish motive control their influence? ”