The Keepers of the People

765The crowd filed slowly down the gangway on to the tender, shaking hands with Ralph Falcon as they passed; and last of all Ruth bade him farewell. The tender cast off her hawsers, and as she swung clear, the engines of the steamer clanked, its screw slashed through the water once or twice, as though trying its muscles, then settled down to its level beat; the bow began to churn up the foam. For a while Ralph Falcon stood, a statue, staring at Ruth across the widening gap. Then he shook himself, swung round on his heel with a muttered fierce exclamation, and went forward.

766Ruth watched the lessening steamer with a dazed air; knowing now for certain the cause of her restlessness, that the fading hull was bearing away her heart’s peace. She was silent at dinner, eating little; and she would not go out after it. Lord Lisdor let her be; he had more than an inkling of how it was with her; and his knowledge of women was rarely at fault.

767As they were dining the next evening, a tart letter came to Lord Lisdor from Lady Hammersmith, bidding them send Althea home at once.

768“Now, what on earth does Amelia mean?” he said, handing it to Ruth.

769“I suppose Althea has gone out by herself for some fresh air: she tells me it is her custom: and Amelia thinks she has come to us,” said Ruth.

770“I see,” said Lord Lisdor, and bade the butler tell the messenger that Miss Flodden had not been to see them at all that day.

771Half an hour later Lady Hammersmith herself burst into the dining-room, all flurry, and cried, “Althea hasn’t been at home all last night, and all to-day! I thought she was here!”

772“The devil!” said Lord Lisdor.

773Ruth looked startled for a moment; then her eyes brightened to understanding; she opened her mouth to speak, and shut it.

774“Alone in this modern Babylon what will become of her?” cried Lady Hammersmith. “I think Althea will get along somehow; but all the same this is a tight place,” said Lord Lisdor very grave.

775Lady Hammersmith plumped down into a chair, and burst into tears, crying, “My enemies have done this. It is their revenge for my efforts to purify London of their vileness!” she cried.

776“Don’t be so foolish, Amelia,” said Lady Lisdor. “The people with whom you are always interfering, never go beyond laughing at you.”