The Keepers of the People

1766Then one night he was sitting with the old Prince, who had been watching him carefully for some days.

1767“You don’t seem to be on the best terms with Ruth,” said the old Prince suddenly.

1768“No,” said Lord Lisdor: “we are tired of one another.”

1769“It is a pity,” said the old Prince; “she is a very beautiful creature.”

1770“Yes; she is. But one cannot go on loving the same woman for ever,” said Lord Lisdor.

1771“Of course not,” said the old Prince.

1772“Then there is no child to hold us together,” said Lord Lisdor.

1773“A child is the strong bond,” said the old Prince.

1774“It is hard lines,” said Lord Lisdor. “I wanted an heir.”

1775For a while they were silent; then the old Prince said, “What are you going to do?”

1776“Nothing,” said Lord Lisdor. “What is there to do?”

1777“You might be divorced from her,” said the old Prince.

1778“Impossible. Ruth is as straight as a die; and I have a gentle heart,” said Lord Lisdor.

1779At this moment Vashti entered, and went silently to her father, seating herself a little behind him so that, unseen by him, her eyes could meet her lover’s.

1780“What has that to do with it?” said the old Prince.

1781“The English law only allows divorce when the wife is unfaithful, or the husband cruel,” said Lord Lisdor.

1782“Indeed?” said the old Prince. “But we are in Varandaleel. I have the power to dissolve your marriage.”

1783“By Jove!” said Lord Lisdor.

1784“If you both desired it, I would do it,” said the old Prince slowly.

1785“It wouldn’t hold good in England,” said Lord Lisdor.

1786“We are in Varandaleel,” said the old Prince. “Besides, I thought you desired freedom.”

1787“Yes;” said Lord Lisdor, thoughtfully. “And then Ralph would marry Ruth.”

1788“Yes; I wish it,” said the old Prince.

1789Lord Lisdor thought a while; he saw a chance; then he said, “I should be free, but alone; and that is not fair. I will give you Ruth, if you will give me Vashti.”

1790“What!” cried the old Prince loudly, taken aback.

1791“I will give you, or rather Ralph, Ruth, if you will give me Vashti,” said Lord Lisdor coolly.

1792The old Prince stared at him with knitted brow, and a gathering anger in his eyes: “Do you not know that I could have you put out of the way of the welfare of the Varandals before dawn; and that now that I see plainly that you are in it, I would do it without a thought,” he said sternly.