Page:Edward Prime-Stevenson - The Intersexes.djvu/512

 of his own creed—a handsome wordly celibate, of brilliant individuality. Two clubs to which young Mr. B— belonged were almost -notoriously sprinkled with an uranian membership, of the local jeunesse dorée. One winter, chance threw Mr. A— into acquaintance with a fellow-townsman considerably his junior, also homosexual, extremely and rich, the heir to a vast fortune also. The two young men were at once violently sympathetic—became inseparable. The relationship took its warmest course. Unluckily, it was remarked by a third party, and then by a fourth—Messrs. C— and D—. These two, although they appeared to have plenty of money at their disposal, really were deeply embarrasedembarrassed [sic] and anxious. Over the head of C— hung an impending financial crash. D— also had got himself into deep water. He was being indirectly bled of cash by an acquintanceacquaintance [sic] of humble rank, who was not likely to be discreet if not kept in good humour by "loans"—continually asked. One night, chance happened to disclose to C— and D—unmistakeably the nature of the relationship between Messrs. A— and B—. Thy decided, in a burst of mutual roguery and confidence, to try to profit by it. They accordingly went to work to collect something like evidence, to use as a leverage—somehow. They secured what would pass very well for such; at least what would greatly disconcert their victims, who were much more hares than lions. Next, they ventured on a bold coup. They won. over to a particular usefulness, a new ally, X—. Fairly organized, they now proceeded to threaten B— (who was the most conspicuously rich target) with anonymous letters, and so on; mentioning circumstances that B— would much dislike to have published, not to mention A—. A large sum was to be ready and surrendered, under certain circumstances—presently; or trouble would be swift for both A— and B— together. But just at the crisis, the newest partner in the game, X— became frightened. He decided to retreat. He went to the ecclesiastical friend of A—,