the creation of the tragedy of affection in Hurstwood as anything
in his peculiar and involved career. For Carrie had resolved to
make something of this scene, and, now that the cue had come, it
began to take a feeling hold upon her. Both Hurstwood and Drouet
noted the rising sentiment as she proceeded.

"I thought you had gone with Pearl," she said to her lover.

"I did go part of the way, but I left the Party a mile down the
road."

"You and Pearl had no disagreement?"

"No--yes; that is, we always have. Our social barometers always
stand at 'cloudy' and 'overcast.'"

"And whose fault is that?" she said, easily.

"Not mine," he answered, pettishly. "I know I do all I can--I
say all I can--but she----"

This was rather awkwardly put by Patton, but Carrie redeemed it
with a grace which was inspiring.

"But she is your wife," she said, fixing her whole attention upon
the stilled actor, and softening the quality of her voice until
it was again low and musical. "Ray, my friend, courtship is the
text from which the whole sermon of married life takes its theme.
Do not let yours be discontented and unhappy."