Page:The unhallowed harvest (1917).djvu/287

282 was absolutely faithful, honorable and simple-minded. So, together, they went out and walked up the street in the mild sunlight of the January day, paying little heed to the glances cast at them, ignorant of the comments that their appearance in each other's company aroused; comments wise and foolish, grave and gay, scandalous and laudatory, according to the cleanness of heart and clearness of vision of those who made them.

Some one, mischievously inclined, entering a department store, saw Jane Chichester sitting at a counter, and said: "Jane, the king of comedy and the queen of fallacy are passing by."

"What's that?" asked Miss Chichester.

"Oh, Barry Malleson and Mrs. Bradley just went up the sidewalk together."

"The idea!" exclaimed Miss Chichester. And with nervous fingers she thrust her change into her purse and her purchases into her shopping-bag, and hurried to the street. Sure enough, just turning the next corner, she saw them—and she followed after them. When she too reached the corner they were half-way down the block on the side street, and at the next crossing they turned and went over toward the rectory of Christ Church. Miss Chichester saw them pass up the walk, mount the steps, and enter the house. A wave of mad jealousy swept into her heart; an unreasoning fear settled down upon her. What did it mean? Why did they appear to be so absorbed in each other? Why were they seeking the rector of Christ Church? Had there been some sudden resolve upon matrimony? some sudden decision to have the marriage service performed before any restraining influence or actual force could be exerted by Barry's family?

So Miss Chichester, too, crossed the street, went up the rectory steps, rang the bell and was admitted to the house.

Barry and Mrs. Bradley were in the study with the