Page:The Breath of Scandal (1922).djvu/122

 to be torn up about such things? But do not imagine too much; our friend undoubtedly fell far short of expectation of the shooting. There was to be a scene, undoubtedly; that should have been all; that should have been enough. Now, though what has happened has unquestionably exceeded expectations in certain respects, in others it has brought about embarrassments. Russell is not at hand; the rôle of the accuser is therefore vacant. It is never an over-agreeable rôle. The law may have commanded that the sinner be stoned, but when it was suggested that he who was without sin cast the first stone, the crowd melted away, you may remember. Stanway will do nothing openly or directly, however much he knows; he will call, I feel quite sure, upon your mother."

Marjorie stood up because she could sit still no longer. "Now, I know why you sent for me."

Rinderfeld glanced up at her and inclined his head slightly. "Obviously I can not prevent that call; as obviously I can not be at your home to meet him when he comes. You can and you can render him harmless simply and easily, if you will."

"How can I?"

"He will arrive with the idea that he is the bearer of news; you will meet him and when he starts to hem and haw over his story take it up for him and finish it—and him." Rinderfeld suddenly indulged himself in a laugh. "I would like to see him when he finds that he has no news; when he finds that you know, he will not imagine anything but that your mother must also know—and that she is complacent. Then, what can he do?"

Marjorie stared and, in a moment, nodded and Rinderfeld arose. "He has one more barrel to fire,"