CHAPTER XIX

Ofcourse,theStirlingshadnotleftthepoormaniacaloneallthistimeorrefrainedfromheroiceffortstorescueherperishingsoulandreputation.UncleJames,whoselawyerhadhelpedhimaslittleashisdoctor,cameonedayand,findingValancyaloneinthekitchen,ashesupposed,gaveheraterribletalking-to—toldhershewasbreakinghermother’sheartanddisgracingherfamily. “Butwhy?”saidValancy,notceasingtoscourherporridgepotdecently.“I’mdoinghonestworkforhonestpay.Whatisthereinthatthatisdisgraceful?” “Don’tquibble,Valancy,”saidUncleJamessolemnly.“Thisisnofitplaceforyoutobe,andyouknowit.Why,I’mtoldthatjail-bird,Snaith,ishangingaroundhereeveryevening.” “Noteveryevening,”saidValancyreflectively.“No,notquiteeveryevening.” “It’s—it’sinsufferable!”saidUncleJamesviolently.“Valancy,youmustcomehome.Wewon’tjudgeyourharshly.Iassureyouwewon’t.Wewilloverlookallthis.” “Thankyou,”saidValancy. “Haveyounosenseofshame?”demandedUncleJames. “Oh,yes.ButthethingsIamashamedofarenotthethingsyouareashamedof.”Valancyproceededtorinseherdishclothmeticulously. StillwasUncleJamespatient.Hegrippedthesidesofhischairandgroundhisteeth. “Weknowyourmindisn’tjustright.We’llmakeallowances.Butyoumustcomehome.Youshallnotstayherewiththatdrunken,blasphemousoldscoundrel——” “Wereyoubyanychancereferringtome,MisterStirling?”demandedRoaringAbel,suddenlyappearinginthedoorwayofthebackverandahwherehehadbeensmokingapeacefulpipeandlisteningto“oldJimStirling’s”tiradewithhugeenjoyment!Hisredbeardfairlybristledwithindignationandhishugeeyebrowsquivered.ButcowardicewasnotamongJamesStirling’sshortcomings. “Iwas.And,furthermore,Iwanttotellyouthatyouhaveactedaniniquitouspartinluringthisweakandunfortunategirlawayfromherhomeandfriends,andIwillhaveyoupunishedyetforit——” JamesStirlinggotnofurther.RoaringAbelcrossedthekitchenatabound,caughthimbyhiscollarandhistrouse