THROUGH THE EYES OF LOVE
Norman's break with his father created a sensation. The flag episode,
coming on the Fourth of July and at the very hour when the guns of the
forts were thundering their celebration of the fleet's victory at
Santiago, presented the dramatic contrast which stirred the
indignation of the public to unusual depths. The morning papers
devoted from four to five columns to the story. The remarkable speech
of Barbara Bozenta was reported in full, with a sketch of her life,
interspersed with portraits of the Wolfs, of Norman, Elena, his
father, the palatial home on Nob Hill, and the country estate where
the stirring little drama had been played.
The Socialist cause received a tremendous impetus. The very violence
of the editorial assaults on their programme reacted in their favour.
Thousands of men who did not know the meaning of the word Socialism
began to read and think and discuss its principles. Their meetings
were crowded, and the fame of the little brown-eyed Joan of Arc
became so great it was no longer possible for her to pass through the
streets without an escort.
All sorts of stories about the relations of the famous millionaire and
his son filled the air. Some were printed, others were vague rumours.
A sensational paper published the story that they had actually come to
blows, and had fought a duel in the big library which might have ended
fatally for one or both but for the timely interference of Colonel
Worth's ward, Elena Stockton.
Norman became at once the hero of the Socialist's cause. His
appearance at a meeting was the signal for pandemonium to break loose.
He secured employment on a sensational daily paper, and his signed
articles were made a feature.
Colonel Worth was so enraged over the vulgar notoriety with which the
incident had overwhelmed him that he denied himself to all callers,
refused to speak to a reporter or to allow a word to be uttered in
confirmation or denial of any stories printed or rumoured.
He issued orders that Norman's name should never again be spoken in
his house.
When he made this announcement to Elena her full, red lips, quivered
and she looked at him reproachfully.
"I mean it, Elena," he said, sternly.
The girl spoke in tenderness.
"I don't believe you, Guardie. It isn't like you at all. I'll not
mention his name to a servant, but I will to you."
"I don't want to hear it!"
"That's because you know you've done a great wrong."
"I accept the responsibility. It's done, and that's the end of it."
"Nothing ends until it ends right, Guardie," spoke the soft, even
voice.
"I know it's hard on you, dear," the Colonel responded, with feeling.
"It was for your sake I made the issue. If he has turned from you for
a loud-mouthed vulgar agitator, he's not worth a thought. Forget that
he lives. I'm going to leave my fortune to you."
"I don't want it at the price, Guardie," she replied, slipping her arm
around his neck and resting her head on his shoulder. "I couldn't be
happy with such a fortune. What you've done hurts me more than it
hurts Norman."
"Yes, yes. I know that you love him, child, but your happiness could
not be found among a crowd of criminals and revolutionists."
"I'm not thinking of myself," was the low response as she withdrew
from his arms, "I was thinking of you."
"Of me?"
"Yes. You've broken my idol. To me you were the one perfect man in the
world. I didn't know you. I didn't know that you were hard and cold
and cruel and selfish and proud."
"I'm not, Elena."
"You allowed Norman to drift into any crazy theory that might strike
his fancy. And the moment he fails to agree with your views you turn
like a madman and drive him into the streets."
"He went of his own accord. I gave him his choice."
"And I admire his pluck. It was a manly thing to do."
"It was the act of a fool."
"Yet, you know, Guardie, in your heart of hearts you admire him for
it. He showed you that he was made of the same stuff as his father."
The Colonel scowled, and the girl took courage.
"I'm going to meet him this evening----"
"I forbid it!"
"You can't help it," she cried, as the tears slowly gathered. "I'm
going to tell him you wish to see and talk with him again."
"On one condition only--his absolute obedience to my wishes."
"I love him all the more for defying you--love him better than I ever
did in my life. And--and, Guardie--I don't love you any more. You are
cruel and unjust."
With a sob she turned and left the room.