"Got rid of her
ladyship?"
"Lady Ruth has just gone," Aynesworth answered.
"Have you promised to steal the letters yet?" he inquired.
"Not yet!"
"Her dainty ladyship has not bid high enough, I suppose," he
continued. "Don't be afraid to open your mouth. There's another woman
there besides the Lady Ruth Barrington, who opens bazaars, and
patronizes charity, and entertains Royalty. Ask what you want and
she'll pay!"
"What a brute you are!" Aynesworth exclaimed involuntarily.
"Of course I am," he admitted. "I know that. But whose fault is it? It
isn't mine. I've lived the life of a brute creature for ten years. You
don't abuse a one-legged man, poor devil. I've had other things
amputated. I was like you once. It seemed all right to me to go under
to save a woman's honor. You never have. Therefore, I say you've no
right to call me a brute. Personally, I don't object. It is simply a
matter of equity."
"I admit it," Aynesworth declared. "You are acting like a brute."
"Precisely. I didn't make myself what I am. Prison did it. Go and try
ten years yourself, and you'll find you will have to grope about for
your fine emotions. Are you coming to America with me?"
"I suppose so," Aynesworth answered. "When do we start?"
"Saturday week."
"Sport west, or civilization east?"
"Both," Wingrave answered. "Here is a list of the kit which we shall
require. Add yourself the things which I have forgotten.
Pages:
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75