Men are all selfish where their own pleasures are
concerned. And Burke Ranger is no exception to the rule. He has a
villainous temper, too. Everyone knows that."
"Oh, don't tell me that!" said Sylvia gently. "He and I are
partners, you know. Let me put a little _eau-de-cologne_ in that
water! It's so refreshing."
Mrs. Merston scarcely noticed the small service. She was too
intent upon her work of destruction. "You don't know him--yet,"
she said. "But anyone you meet can tell you the same. Why, he had
a young cousin here--such a nice boy--and he sent him straight to
the bad with his harsh treatment,--_sjamboked_ him and turned him
out of the house for some slight offence. Yes, no wonder you look
scandalized; but I assure you it's true. Guy Ranger was none too
steady, I know. But that was absolutely the finishing touch. He
was never the same again."
She paused. Sylvia was very white, but her eyes were quite
resolute, unfailingly steadfast.
"Please don't tell me any more!" she said. "Whatever Burke did
was--was from a good motive. I know that. I know him. And--I
don't want to have any unkind feelings towards him."
"You prefer to remain blind?" said Mrs. Merston with her bitter
smile,
"Yes--yes," Sylvia said.
"Then you are building your house on the sand," said Mrs. Merston,
and turned from her with a shrug.
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