Page:Keeping the Peace.pdf/301

 his mother might have to say to that. He snatched up his hat from the hall table.

They drove in silence for a long way. Then Mr. Ruggles spoke.

"The doctor thinks that we are going to lose her," he said. "She had a fall . . . I know that you are not to blame, Eddie; but you will have to forgive me if at the moment I can't feel kindly towards any member of your family."

"I don't blame you."

"If I could lay my hands on your brother James, I would strangle him."

"So would I," said Edward.

"Poor little Alice trusted him," said Mr. Ruggles. "She trusted him."

"I know."

"She told you?"

"She told me. But she'll get well and then we can be married . . ."

"Married—you and Alice?"

"When she told me about James—and he married to somebody else—it seemed the only way to make things look right for her. She was to meet me in town tomorrow. I have the license in my pocket."

There was another long silence, during which Mr. Ruggles continually flicked his flagging horse with the whip. He said at last: