Full Text Archive

Full Text Archive
https://www.fulltextarchive.com
Mamie burst in upon her mother with: "Oh, mama, isn't it lovely? Aileen's coming to stay with us
for a while. She doesn't want any one to know, and she's coming right away." Mrs. Calligan,
who was holding a sugarbowl in her hand, turned to survey her with a surprised but smiling
face. She was immediately curious as to why Aileen should want to come--why leave home. On
the other hand, her feeling for Aileen was so deep that she was greatly and joyously intrigued
by the idea. And why not? Was not the celebrated Edward Butler's daughter a woman grown,
capable of regulating her own affairs, and welcome, of course, as the honored member of so
important a family. It was very flattering to the Calligans to think that she would want to come
under any circumstances.
"I don't see how your parents can let you go, Aileen; but you're certainly welcome here as long
as you want to stay, and that's forever, if you want to." And Mrs. Calligan beamed on her
welcomingly. The idea of Aileen Butler asking to be permitted to come here! And the hearty,
comprehending manner in which she said this, and Mamie's enthusiasm, caused Aileen to
breathe a sigh of relief. The matter of the expense of her presence to the Calligans came into
her mind.
"I want to pay you, of course," she said to Mrs. Calligan, "if I come."
"The very idea, Aileen Butler!" exclaimed Mamie. "You'll do nothing of the sort. You'll come here
and live with me as my guest."
"No, I won't! If I can't pay I won't come," replied Aileen. "You'll have to let me do that." She knew
that the Calligans could not afford to keep her.
"Well, we'll not talk about that now, anyhow," replied Mrs. Calligan. "You can come when you
like and stay as long as you like. Reach me some clean napkins, Mamie." Aileen remained for
luncheon, and left soon afterward to keep her suggested appointment with Cowperwood, feeling
satisfied that her main problem had been solved. Now her way was clear. She could come here
if she wanted to. It was simply a matter of collecting a few necessary things or coming without
bringing anything. Perhaps Frank would have something to suggest.
In the meantime Cowperwood made no effort to communicate with Aileen since the unfortunate
discovery of their meeting place, but had awaited a letter from her, which was not long in
coming. And, as usual, it was a long, optimistic, affectionate, and defiant screed in which she
related all that had occurred to her and her present plan of leaving home. This last puzzled and
troubled him not a little.
Aileen in the bosom of her family, smart and well-cared for, was one thing. Aileen out in the
world dependent on him was another. He had never imagined that she would be compelled to
leave before he was prepared to take her; and if she did now, it might stir up complications
which would be anything but pleasant to contemplate. Still he was fond of her, very, and would
do anything to make her happy. He could support her in a very respectable way even now, if he
did not eventually go to prison, and even there he might manage to make some shift for her. It
would be so much better, though, if he could persuade her to remain at home until he knew
exactly what his fate was to be. He never doubted but that some day, whatever happened,
within a reasonable length of time, he would be rid of all these complications and well-to-do
again, in which case, if he could get a divorce, he wanted to marry Aileen. If not, he would take
her with him anyhow, and from this point of view it might be just as well as if she broke away
197 / 312

---