The Black Moth

"What of it? Pray think a moment, Lavinia!"

"'Tis not likely that _I_ shall be the one to disgrace the name, Tracy!"

"I sincerely hope not. I give you my word I should do all in my power toprevent any foolhardy action on your part. Pray do not forget it."

She sat silent, biting her lips.

"It is, my child, unwise to play with fire. Sooner or later one getsburnt. And remember that your gallant captain has not one half ofRichard's wealth."

Up she sprang, kicking her skirts as she always did when angered.

"Money! money!--always money!" she cried. "I do not care one rap for it!And Richard is not wealthy!"

"Richard is heir to wealth," replied his Grace calmly. "And even an youare so impervious to its charms, I, my dear, am not. Richard isextremely useful to me. I beg you will not leave him for any such madrake as Lovelace, who would be faithful to you for perhaps three months,certainly not longer."

"Tracy, I will not have you speak to me like this! How dare you insultme so? I have given you no cause! I did not say I had any desire to runaway with him--and he _would_ be faithful to me! He has been faithfulall these years!"

His Grace smiled provokingly.

"My dear--!"

"Oh, I know there have been episodes--indiscretions. Do you think Icount him the worse for that?"

"Evidently not."

"There has never been another serious love with him! I hate you!"

"You are overfree with your emotions, my dear. So you do indeedcontemplate an elopement?"

"No, no, no! I do not! I am _fond_ of Dicky!"

"Dear me!"

"Of course I shall not leave him!"

"Why then, I am satisfied," he answered, and rose to his feet. "I shalllook to see Captain Lovelace more o

ut of your company." He picked up hishat and cane and stood directly in front of her. One dead white hand, onwhich blazed a great ruby seal ring, took her little pointed chin in afirm clasp and tilted her head up until she was forced to meet his eyes.They held hers inexorably, scorchingly.

"You understand me?" he asked harshly.

Lavinia's eyes filled with tears and her soft underlip trembled.

"Yes," she fluttered, and gave a tiny sob. "Oh, yes, Tracy!"

The eyes lost something of their menacing gleam, and he smiled, for oncewithout a sneer, and releasing her chin, patted her cheek indulgently.

"Bear in mind, child, that I am fifteen years your senior, and I havemore worldly wisdom in my little finger than you have in the whole ofyour composition. I do not wish to witness your ruin."

The tears brimmed over, and she caught his handkerchief from him,dabbing at her eyes with one heavily-laced corner.

"You do love me, Tracy?"

"In the recesses of my mind I believe I cherish some affection for you,"he replied coolly, rescuing his handkerchief. "I used to class you withyour deplorable brothers, but I think perhaps I was wrong."

She gave an hysterical laugh.

"Tracy, how can you be so disagreeable? Lud! but I pity Diana an shemarries you!"