Samuel Appleby had a short but straightforward conversation with Mrs. Wheeler.
Now, Sara, he said, remember Im your old friend as well as your relative.
I dont call you a relative, she returned, calmly.
A family connection, then; I dont care what you call it. And Im going to speak right out, for I know better than to try sophistries. If you can get Dan to play my game regarding my sons campaign, Ill see that Dan gets full pardon, and at once. Then Maida can marry young Allen and you can all go to Boston to live.
Sam Appleby, Id rather never see Boston again, never have Dan see it, than to have him agree to endorse principles that he does not believe! And Dan feels the same way about it.
But dont you consider your daughter? Will you condemn Maida to a broken-hearted life ?
Maida must decide for herself. I think Jeffrey Allen will yet persuade her to leave her father. She is devoted to Dan, but she is deeply in love with Jeff and its only natural she should go with him. Any other girl would do so without a second thought. Maida is unusual, but I doubt if she can hold out much longer against her lovers pleading.
I think she will. Maida has your own unbreakable will.
So be it, then. The child must choose for herself. But it doesnt alter the stand Dan and I have taken.
Nothing can alter that?
Nothing, Samuel Appleby.
That remains to be seen. Have I your permission to talk to Maida, alone?
Certainly. Why not? If you can persuade her to marry Jeff, Ill be only too glad. If you find her determined to stand by her father, then the case remains as it is at present.
And so, as Maida returned from her walk with Keefe, she was asked to go for another stroll with Samuel Appleby.
She assented, though with no show of pleasure at the prospect.
But as they started off, she said: Im glad to have a talk with you, Mr. Appleby. I want to appeal to your better nature.
Good! Thats just what I want to appeal to yours. Suppose you word your appeal first.
Mine is simple to understand. It is only that having had your way and having spoiled my fathers life for fifteen years, I ask you, in the name of humanity and justice, to arrange matters so that his latter years of life shall be free from the curse you put upon him.
I didnt put it upon him he brought it on himself.
He never committed that crime and you know it!
What do you mean by that? Appleby gave her a startled glance.
Had Maida seen this glance, she might have been enlightened. But her eyes were cast down, and she went on: I dont know it surely, but I am positive in my own heart father never did it. However, thats past history. All I ask now is his full pardon which, I know, you can bring about if you want to.
And I will, willingly and gladly, if your father will grant my request.
To put your son in as governor with the same political views that prevented my father from voting for you! You know he cant do that!
And yet you expect me to favor him!
But dont you see the difference? Your pardon will mean everything to father
And to you!
Yes, but thats a secondary consideration. Id ask this for father just the same, if it meant disaster for me!
I believe you would! and Appleby gazed admiringly at the sweet, forceful face, and the earnest eyes.
Of course I should! As I say, it means lifes happiness to him.
And his consent means just as much to me.
No, it doesnt. Thats just it. Even though father doesnt definitely help you in your sons election, he will do nothing to hinder. And thats much the same.
Its far from being the same. His positive and definite help is a very different matter from his negative lack of interference. Its the help I want. And I do want it! Do you suppose Id come here and urge it beg for it if I didnt think it absolutely necessary?
No; I suppose not. But I know he never will grant it, so you may as well give up hope.
You know that, do you, Maida? Applebys voice was almost wistful.
I most certainly do, and the girl nodded her head positively.
Then listen to me. I have one argument yet unused. Im going to use it now. And with you.
Maida looked up in alarm. Applebys face was stern, his tone betokened a final, even desperate decision.
Oh, not with me, she cried; I Im only a girl I dont know about these things lets go where father is.
No; you are the one. In your hands must rest your fathers fate your fathers future. Sit here, beneath the old sycamore you know about the tree?
Yes, of course.
Never mind that now; Ive only a few moments, but thats time enough. You know, Maida, how your mother holds this estate?
Yes she must live in Massachusetts. Well, we do. The lawyers said
That isnt the point; this is it. There is another heir.
Weve always thought it possible. Maida spoke coolly, though a dull fear clutched her heart.
Its more than a possibility, its a fact. I know it and I know the heir.
Who is it?
Never mind for the moment. Suffice it to say that he doesnt know it himself that no one knows it but me. Now, you and I know. No one else does. Do you understand?
His keen gaze at her made her understand.
I she faltered.
You do understand, he asserted. You sense my proposition before I make it. And you have it right youre a smart girl, Maida. Yes, I suggest that you and I keep our secret, and that in return for my silence you persuade your father to meet my wishes. Then, he shall be fully pardoned, and all will be well.
You criminal! You dishonest and dishonorable man! she cried, her eyes blazing, her cheeks reddening with her righteous indignation.
There, there, my girl, have a care. You havent thought it all out yet. Doubtless youre going to say that neither your father nor mother want to remain here, if my statement is true.
Of course I say that! They wont want to stay a minute! Who is the heir? Tell me!
And have you thought what it will mean to them to leave this place? Have you realized that your father has no business interests nor can he find any at his age? Do you remember that your mother has no funds outside the estate she inherited? Do you want to plunge them into penury, into pauperism, in their declining years?
Yes if honesty requires it but the sweet voice trembled at the thought.
Honesty is a good thing a fine policy but you are a devoted daughter, and I remind you that to tell this thing I have told you, means disaster ruin for you and your parents. Young Allen cant support them they are unaccustomed to deprivation and, he lowered his voice, this heir I speak of has no knowledge of the truth. He misses nothing, since he hopes for nothing.
Maida looked at him helplessly.
I must think, she said, brokenly. Oh, you are cruel, to put this responsibility on me.
You know why I do it. I am not disinterested.
CHAPTER IV
THE BIG SYCAMORE TREE
At the south door the Appleby car stood waiting.
Genevieve was saying good-bye to Maida, with the affection of an old friend.
Were coming back, you know, she reminded, in two or three days, and please say youll be glad to see me!