hurstwood

Hurstwood had come out of his own home that morning feeling much of the same old annoyance.

Back at the hotel Hurstwood was anxious and yet fearful to see the morning papers.

He could hardly tell what to do with such a figure, and yet Hurstwood's earnestness made him wish to do something.

Hurstwood gazed wearily, reminded by her both of Carrie in her new world and of the time when he had escorted his own wife in like manner.

In the whole time she had been in New York Hurstwood's modified state had not permitted his bringing her to such a place.

By evening, when Hurstwood reached home, she had brooded herself into a state of sullen desire for explanation and revenge.

"I saw you, " Hurstwood said, genially, the next time Drouet drifted in to his polished resort, from which he could not stay away.

Hurstwood saw the difficulty of this thing, and yet it did not seem so terrible.

She sat down in one of the rocking-chairs, while Hurstwood waited for the boy, who soon knocked.

The porter still gazed, trying to look indifferent. Then, seeing that Hurstwood was about to go on, he said.

Carrie did not forget that there was something to be settled between her and Hurstwood, but the thought was ignored in her agitation.

He was not so sure of Carrie -- did not know whether it was Hurstwood's wife or daughter.

"What's the matter, Carrie? " said Hurstwood after a time, noticing her quiet, almost moody state.

Hurstwood gazed at it a moment, snuffling and hunching one shoulder, as if something were scratching him.

It came out so flat, however, that it was a deathly thing. Drouet fidgeted. Hurstwood moved his toe the least bit.

Hurstwood was asleep, but roused up to look as she passed through to her own bed.

Hurstwood, set down under new conditions, was in a position to see that he was no longer young.

Hurstwood went home feeling as if he should die if he did not find affectionate relief.

Though Hurstwood did not know it, he was dealing with one whose feelings were as tender and as delicate as this.

Hurstwood went into the barn and sought a car step, pulling out his paper-wrapped lunch from his pocket.

"I saw some of the brewery people to-day, " said Hurstwood. "One man told me he'd try to make a place for me in two or three weeks. "

Hurstwood felt some of this in her nature, though he did not actually perceive it.

"It seems to me, " returned Hurstwood, "that she's spending a good deal for dresses of late. "

All the while Hurstwood was endeavouring to formulate his plea in such a way that it would strike home and bring her into sympathy with him.

Hurstwood saw that she was not to be possessed for the asking , and deferred pressing his suit too warmly.

"Did George get off? " asked Jessica of her mother another day, thus revealing something that Hurstwood had heard nothing about.

"It's just as well, " said Hurstwood. "You never know who you're going to get in with. Some of these people are pretty bad company. "

"I think so, " returned Hurstwood. "He said he would. "

the vanity of mrs . hurstwood caused her to keep her person rather showily arrayed , but to hurstwood this was much better than plainness.

Hurstwood put his hands, red from cold, down in his pockets. Tears came into his eyes.

"Oh, I don't know, " returned Hurstwood. "He's got the money, all right, " and a little twinkle passed over his eyes.

It was not the old Hurstwood--only a man arguing with a divided conscience and lured by a phantom.

Hurstwood listened to its progress, wondering when Carrie would come on. He had not long to wait.

Hurstwood went toward the car and stepped nervously on. As he did so there was a pistol shot. Something stung his shoulder.

She had gone willingly to seek him, with sympathy in her heart, when Hurstwood had reported him ill.

Hurstwood, buoyed up slightly by the long line of which he was a part, refrained with an effort from groaning, he was so weak.

In her delight she was almost anxious to tell Hurstwood.

The sight disgusted Hurstwood, but he did not dwell on it, choosing to gaze into the stove and think of something else.

Whatever a man like Hurstwood could be in Chicago, it is very evident that he would be but an inconspicuous drop in an ocean like New York.

One glance at her, and both Hurstwood and Drouet saw plainly that she also was weak-kneed. She came faintly across the stage, saying.

Twice a week there were matinees, and then Hurstwood ate a cold snack, which he prepared himself.

Hurstwood grew serious, and he lapsed into quiet thought. He looked up after a time to say.

Drouet and Hurstwood saw at a glance that Carrie was not among them, and went on talking in a whisper.

"How much have you? " inquired Hurstwood.

Remembering Mrs. Vance's promise to call, Carrie made one other mild protest. It was concerning Hurstwood's appearance.

"Think we're liable to have much trouble? " said another, whom Hurstwood did not see.

In desperation, she made a salesman Drouet's mistress, was done as a greater desire for the mistress of the hotel manager, Hurstwood.

While he was doing so, the youth who had advised him to come here entered, and, seeing Hurstwood, tried to be genial.

"Don't you moralize, " said Hurstwood to Carrie gently, "until you see what becomes of the money. " Drouet smiled.

The sympathy she felt for Hurstwood, at the time he asked her to tide him over, vanished with these newer urgings of decency.

Hurstwood's glance was as effective as the spoken words of a lover , and more.

When Hurstwood returned he was not so elated as when he went away, and now she was obliged to drop practice and get dinner.

"Drouet is a good fellow, " Hurstwood thought to himself as he went back into his office, "but he's no man for Carrie. "

She paused at the sound of the last two words and wrung her hands. The knowledge of Hurstwood's perfidy wounded her like a knife.

"Not at all, " said Hurstwood, "I would want your husband to do as much for me. "

"I've had experience enough, " said Hurstwood blandly, but he felt a little diffident about referring to Fitzgerald and Moy.

Mrs. Hurstwood noticed the lack of colour in it. She turned upon him, animal-like, able to strike an effectual second blow.

her household duties would infringe upon her and Hurstwood sat there, a perfect load to contemplate , her fate seemed dismal and unrelieved.

Hurstwood went back through the barns and out into a large, enclosed lot, where were a series of tracks and loops.

this cut hurstwood like a whip , and made him sullen.

Nothing but sorrow was brought her by thoughts of Hurstwood, which would return.

Hurstwood found, however, that handling a brake and regulating speed were not so instantly mastered as he had imagined.

"I don't know what you are talking about, " said Carrie. Could it be he would refer so rudely to Hurstwood's flight with her?

That night it was that she passed Hurstwood, waiting at the Casino, without observing him.

said shaughnessy one morning to hurstwood , pointing to the real estate column in a copy of the " herald , " which he held.

"Let me have some more chips, " said Hurstwood to the keeper in charge, taking out a bill.

Hurstwood listened to the cash - register ring, and watched the trade for a while.

The latter looked Hurstwood over, and seeing something keen and intellectual in his eyes, said.

The barn at which Hurstwood applied was exceedingly short-handed , and was being operated practically by three men as directors.

Hurstwood did not please him at all.

Hurstwood saw her depart with some faint stirrings of shame, which were the expression of a manhood rapidly becoming stultified.

Hurstwood was greatly abashed. His eyes expressed the difficulty he felt.

Hurstwood entertained them both, and now it was driven into Carrie's mind that here was the superior man.

"Just think of that! " said Mrs. Hurstwood, "and only four years ago they had that basement in Madison Street. "

a well - dressed man came leisurely strolling toward him out of stuyvesant park . hurstwood nerved himself and sidled near.

At both of these two charities, during the severe winter which was now on, Hurstwood was a frequent visitor.

"There, " said Hurstwood, indicating the direction by a cast of his eye, "the man with the silk hat . "

Hurstwood sat and read by his radiator in the corner.

The train was again in rapid motion. Hurstwood changed the subject.

Hurstwood glanced over his paper rather gayly. He seemed to have lost a load.

"It doesn't say what the new man's going to do with it, " remarked Hurstwood, looking back to the paper.

"Never mind, " said Mrs. Hurstwood consolingly, "we'll go one of these days. "

Hurstwood rose and took the money, slipping on his overcoat and getting his hat.

Hurstwood was not inwardly pleased to think that they should have to modify their state, but he argued that he could do nothing.

Hurstwood moved his eyes over the paper slowly, but said nothing.

"You keep it, " said Hurstwood, sadly. "I only want enough to pay the grocer. "

"Good-night, " said Hurstwood at the final moment, in a last effort to be genial.

Both Hurstwood and Drouet noted the rising sentiment as she proceeded.

Hurstwood turned the lever and ran the car out through the door into the street in front of the barn.

In this atmosphere Hurstwood had moved for a number of years, not thinking deeply concerning it.

As yet, Hurstwood had only a thought of pleasure without responsibility .

Now, let me see, " said Hurstwood, looking over Carrie's shoulder very deferentially . "

"Good-morning, " said Hurstwood. "You advertised, I believe, for a salesman? "

Carrie had prepared a good dinner at the flat, but after his ride up, Hurstwood was in a solemn and reflective mood.

"That's a real pretty woman who has moved in next door, " said Carrie to Hurstwood at the breakfast table.

By the time the 16th had arrived Hurstwood's friends had rallied like Romans to a senator's call.

"Nothing much, " returned Hurstwood. "It's quite a resort. There's some pretty scenery about here. "

"It's rather hard to have your husband running about like that, isn't it? " said Hurstwood, addressing Carrie.

"Oh, was he? " said Hurstwood.

"It isn't very difficult, " returned Hurstwood. "You could do very well in a few weeks. "

Before Hurstwood could act, two ladies flounced across the broad walk and disappeared in the stage door.

" The girl really had no idea where she had gone, but not liking Hurstwood, and wishing to cause him trouble, answered: " Yes, Hooley 's.

Hurstwood complied and the car shot away, followed by a rattle of stones and a rain of curses.

The youth raked in his chips, and Hurstwood came away, not without first stopping to count his remaining cash on the stair.

"It must be if you envy her so much, " put in Hurstwood.

Hurstwood laid down his fifteen cents and crept off with weary steps to his allotted room.

Hurstwood was on the third floor, sitting in a rocking-chair reading, and happened to look out at the time.

With the idea thus grounded, rent day approaching, and clothes calling for instant purchase, she soon found excuse in Hurstwood's lassitude.

The two policemen got down and Hurstwood started to follow.

"I remembered the little girl out there, " said Hurstwood, "and called once. Thought you wouldn't want her left quite alone. "

Hurstwood swallowed something that rose to his throat.

Coming down Sixth Avenue this evening, Hurstwood chanced to cross east through Twenty-sixth Street toward Third Avenue.

Dr. Beale, coming east on the same drive, had recognised Hurstwood, but not before he was quite past him.

you take the cake . i bet you were knocking around with hurstwood or you wouldn tact like that.

Hurstwood climbed up on the platform in the gloomy barn and waited for a signal.

"Haven't seen much of you this trip, " said Hurstwood.

"I thought I'd drop in, " said Hurstwood, with dignity. "I've had some experience in that line myself. "

"Well, you never can tell, " returned Hurstwood gently. "He probably thought he was right. "

There was a tenseness in Hurstwood's voice and manner which could but have some effect.

thereupon , her companions , duly encouraged , jumped on the car and pulled hurstwood over.

"What's become of Caryoe? " remarked Hurstwood. "I haven't seen him around here in two weeks. "

It was a sitting place for Hurstwood.

"A little of the same for me, " put in Hurstwood.

"No, " said Hurstwood, "just keeping an appointment. "

"That's right, " agreed Hurstwood, shamefacedly.

Now the stones were off, and Hurstwood took his place again amid a continued chorus of epithets .

"You ought to have a piano here, Drouet, " said Hurstwood, smiling at Carrie, on the evening in question, "so that your wife could play. "

Hurstwood was charmed by the development of the fact that the girl had capabilities.

"And you don't know when he'll go away? " asked Hurstwood, quietly.

"Why, Hurstwood, " said Drouet, noting the effect and feeling that he was delivering a telling blow.

Feeling well! Mrs. Hurstwood could have echoed the words after him open-mouthed.

He approached Hurstwood, who handed out the tickets.

Hurstwood, warmed and excited, gazed steadily ahead.

"Yes, " said Hurstwood, "I have a place down in Warren Street. "

"Here we are, " said Hurstwood, turning to one from a group with whom he was talking.

"It's a trick, " said Hurstwood. "That's all. They'll start another place there all right. "

Hurstwood, who could not get in the centre, stood with head lowered to the weather and bent his form.

said Hurstwood. ' You never know who you're going to get in with.

suggested Hurstwood, after a light round of conversation.

Why did he bring Hurstwood out -- Hurstwood, a married man, and never say a word to her?

"Half'll be enough, " volunteered Hurstwood.

Hurstwood examined his watch and urged the man to hurry.

Hurstwood quit reading his paper and changed his clothes.

cried a young irishman , jumping up on the car and aiming a blow at hurstwood.

"Is that so? " exclaimed Hurstwood, otherwise concealing his astonishment. "Alone? " he added.

By the evening of the 16th the subtle hand of Hurstwood had made itself apparent.

"Oh, I'm here now, " answered Hurstwood, anxious to get away.

Hurstwood suffered a qualm of body as the car rolled up.

She quite forgot Hurstwood 's presenceattimes, andlookedaway to homely farmhouses and cosey cottages in villages with wondering eyes.

"Was anybody here just now? " she asked of Hurstwood.

"Is Mr. Drouet in? " said Hurstwood blandly.

"George! " exclaimed Hurstwood, weakly, "this is too much for me. "

"What's going on up there? " queried Mrs. Hurstwood.

"That's my affair, " said Hurstwood grimly.

When she reached the flat Hurstwood was not there.

"I can guess, " said Hurstwood softly.

The housemaid who had welcomed Hurstwood had her opinion also.

"Not so very, " said Hurstwood.

Hurstwood looked at his lovely prize.

"Like to have you both come down and go to the show with me Wednesday, " concluded Hurstwood at parting.

"No; I'm not anything, " said Hurstwood.

"Much obliged, " said Hurstwood, softly, but the other paid no more attention to him.

"You don't say so? " said Hurstwood.

"I will, " said Hurstwood, moving away.

"Just one boy, hasn't he? " asked Hurstwood.

"I can't wait any longer, " urged Hurstwood. "If that is too soon, come Saturday. "

"Don't show any more interest in me than you ever have, " Hurstwood counselled concerning the evening at the theatre.

Hurstwood smiled in an indulgent way as he read this letter.

"I think I am, " returned Hurstwood.

On the way Hurstwood thought what to do.

"Why, how do you do, Mr. Hurstwood? " came from the first individual recognised.

"Do you really look for anything when you go out? " she asked Hurstwood one morning as a climax to some painful thoughts of her own.

"When do you leave? " said Hurstwood to Drouet.

"How have you been? " asked Hurstwood gently, for he now breathed easier.

"It isn't as lively as Chicago, " said Hurstwood. "Don't you like it? "

"Oh, that much? " said Carrie. "Is this right? " she asked, turning to Hurstwood.

"How long are you in town this time? " inquired Hurstwood.

"Who is he, my dear? " inquired Mrs. Hurstwood.

" i ll go over and see about it , " said hurstwood

when hurstwood came , larrie was moody