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Understanding Accounting
Principles
Seventh edition

Colleen Fisher
MBS (Massey)
Senior Lecturer, Manukau Institute of Technology

Jon Moses
MCom (Hons), CA, FCIS, FFIN, M Ins Directors
Senior Lecturer, Manukau Institute of Technology

LexisNexis NZ Limited
Wellington
2014
 LexisNexis
NEW ZEALAND LexisNexis, PO Box 472, WELLINGTON
AUSTRALIA LexisNexis Butterworths, SYDNEY
ARGENTINA LexisNexis Argentina, BUENOS AIRES
AUSTRIA LexisNexis Verlag ARD Orac GmbH & Co KG,
VIENNA
BRAZIL LexisNexis Latin America, SAO PAULO
CANADA LexisNexis Canada, Markham, ONTARIO
CHILE LexisNexis Chile, SANTIAGO
CHINA LexisNexis China, BEIJING, SHANGHAI
CZECH REPUBLIC Nakladatelství Orac sro, PRAGUE
FRANCE LexisNexis SA, PARIS
GERMANY LexisNexis Germany, FRANKFURT
HONG KONG LexisNexis Hong Kong, HONG KONG
HUNGARY HVG-Orac, BUDAPEST
INDIA LexisNexis, NEW DELHI
ITALY Dott A Giuffrè Editore SpA, MILAN
JAPAN LexisNexis Japan KK, TOKYO
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JAYA, SELANGOR
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 SWITZERLAND Staempfli Verlag AG, BERNE
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USA LexisNexis Group, New York, NEW YORK
LexisNexis, Miamisburg, OHIO

National Library of New Zealand Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

Fisher, Colleen.
Understanding Accounting Principles 7th edition.
Previous ed: 2010.
Includes index.
ISBN 978-1-927248-14-0 (pbk).
978-1-927248-44-7 (ebk).
I. Accounting. II. Moses, Jon. II. Series: Understanding series.
657.044—dc 23

Copyright © 2014 LexisNexis NZ Limited.

All rights reserved.
This book is entitled to the full protection given by the Copyright Act 1994 to the holders of the
copyright, and reproduction of any substantial passage from the book except for the educational
purposes specified in that Act is a breach of the copyright of the author and/or publisher. This
copyright extends to all forms of photocopying and any storing of material in any kind of information
retrieval system. All applications for reproduction in any form should be made to the publishers.
Disclaimer
Understanding Accounting Principles has been written, edited and published and is sold on the basis that
all parties involved in the publication exclude any liability, including negligence or defamation, for all
or any damages or liability in respect of or arising out of use, reliance or otherwise of this book. The
book should not be resorted to as a substitute for professional research or advice for any purpose.
Enquiries should be addressed to the publishers.
Visit LexisNexis NZ at www.lexisnexis.co.nz
 About the authors

Colleen Fisher currently lives in Auckland with her husband and enjoys the
company of her two adult children. She studied for the professional
accounting exams on a part-time basis during the 1970s and ’80s while
teaching at secondary school level. After she joined Manukau Institute of
Technology, she completed her Bachelor of Business (Accounting) degree
there, and obtained her Master of Business Studies from Massey University.
Colleen was involved in running a successful building business with her
husband for twenty-five years, where she was responsible for the
administrative side of the business, including the preparation of the business
accounts. This provided many practical accounting and taxation examples to
use in her teaching. Colleen is currently a senior lecturer at Manukau
Institute of Technology and specialises in teaching all levels of financial
accounting. She has recently stepped down from being the programme leader
for the Bachelor of Business degree at MIT, but still enjoys the challenge of
teaching accounting as well as travelling.
Jon Moses was born in Auckland and obtained his Master of Commerce
(Hons) from Auckland University. He commenced his employment with a
firm of chartered accountants in Auckland and subsequently travelled
extensively. He worked in London in a variety of accounting jobs, including
in the commodity futures industry at its inception in England. After travelling
extensively throughout Asia, he returned to New Zealand and worked as an
accountant in industry and thereafter as a chartered accountant. After
venturing into the corporate banking arena, he returned to the commercial
accounting sector, working as a financial controller and company secretary
for several large listed companies.
After a major accident in 1989, which required a year of recovery, Jon
joined the education sector and has worked as a senior lecturer at Manukau
Institute of Technology since 1990, specialising in financial accounting,
finance, and banking. Jon resides in Auckland with his wife and adult son. He
remains a chartered accountant and holds several other professional
qualifications.
 Preface

This seventh edition of Understanding Accounting Principles introduces a new

author, Jon Moses, in addition to the lead author, Colleen Fisher. Jon is a
senior lecturer at Manukau Institute of Technology and brings a wealth of
experience in the areas of financial accounting, finance, and management
accounting. Before Jon entered the education sector, he was a chartered
secretary and financial controller for several large companies in New Zealand
and worked in the corporate banking sector. He also worked as a chartered
accountant for PriceWaterhouse Coopers and Ernst & Young, and owns and
operates an investment portfolio with his wife.
While accounting principles is a core topic for most business diploma
and degree programmes, not all students will go on to study accounting in
depth. The approach of Understanding Accounting Principles is to cater for
students ranging from those who want to undertake a tourism or
management or marketing option, to those who wish to continue to major in
accounting. Therefore, multiple learning needs must be met. The book
focuses on both the preparer and user of accounting information, with the
link between correct classification and presentation of data, to the ability to
analyse and use the accounting information for decision-making processes,
being crucial.
In Appendix 3, we list the updated standards issued by the New Zealand
Qualifications Authority (NZQA) for accounting and set out where the
various unit standards are covered in this book. A copy of the prescription for
Accounting Principles 500, as prescribed by NZQA for the New Zealand
Diploma in Business, has been included as Appendix 4, the learning
outcomes of which are all encompassed in this book.
This edition includes updates of the current requirements of the NZ
Framework, and provides relevant information on the preparation and
presentation of financial statements. While the examples provided are more
appropriate for students’ first exposure to accounting, they are nonetheless
sufficiently advanced for students continuing further with their accounting
studies. Appendix 2, which details the practical components of the accounting
cycle (journals and ledgers), remains.
We have retained Chapter 6, which was developed for the sixth edition
to focus on cash management, the statement of cash flows, and relevant
internal control processes. This was in response to user comments, and also
recognised the continuing relevance of economic management post the 2007
global financial crisis, which has gradually improved in most parts of the
world, but continues to cause problems for some countries in the OECD. This
increased focus on cash flow reporting also reinforces the changing nature of
accounting practice.
As with previous editions, we have continued to deal with accounting
concepts in a practical way. The concepts are equally useful for business
people seeking a greater understanding of accounting and financial issues, as
for those wanting to continue with the practice of accounting. The aim of this
book is to focus on the skills required to become a business professional
through the use of real or realistic case studies.
Business professionals need a clear conceptual framework within which
to work. Consequently, we work towards developing a sound accounting and
decision-making knowledge base and, in addition, aim to foster a wide variety
of the skills necessary for potential future business professionals.
To achieve this level of skills, we have included a range of tasks and
activities to develop students’ communication skills (written, oral, reading,
and negotiating), critical thinking, and problem solving. Teaching resources
provided with this edition also work towards developing students’
comprehension of accounting principles, particularly within an accounting
and business context.
In each chapter, key words files contain definitions for key concepts and
resource files contain further case studies, articles, reports, and other material
which add depth to the text and breadth to the concepts covered. We have
endeavoured to provide up to date articles to illustrate points. Where we have
referred to older articles, it has been because we feel that the article is still
pertinent and relevant. In reading the resource files, students will come to
appreciate the complexity of the various topics, and start to see the complex
interrelationships between business needs for accounting information; they
will see the practical application of concepts to real business situations.
Students will also appreciate and understand how decisions impact on
peoples’ lives or the life of the business, and get a feel for the ethical
considerations, which have become an important factor in producing and
reporting financial information, and are required to run a successful business.
In order to deal with problems posed, students will need to select
relevant information from the key words and resource files, as well as review
the concepts in the particular chapter. They may also need to search for
information using various sources, such as libraries, online data bases,
internet, journals, or appropriate news articles. We have tried not to
compartmentalise the development of concepts or the tasks set.
Where students have to communicate the results, the audience is defined
so that they can choose the appropriate level or method of communication
for the particular audience. For example, they may be asked to write a letter to
a client or to the newspaper, or to draft notes for a talk to the class or a local
industry group.
We have aimed to provide an accounting text, which challenges both the
demonstrator and the student to reflect on the reality of accounting. We
acknowledge that no text book, whether it be introductory or advanced, can
attempt to cover every detail of a curriculum in the way that an individual
lecturer covers it. What we have intended to do is provide enough variables
and resources to build critical thinking and problem-solving skills, so as to
enable a student to easily transition to the workplace having some vital
understanding of the world of accounting.
On a personal basis, we both wish to thank our families for their support
in allowing us to spend time on producing this latest edition of
Understanding Accounting Principles. We also wish to acknowledge our
Publisher, LexisNexis, and our editors, Alex Wakelin, Jeanette Maree, and
their team.

Colleen Fisher Jon Moses

September 2014 September
2014
 Contents

Detailed contents
About the authors
Preface

Chapter 1 Accounting and the New Zealand business environment

Chapter 2 Starting up a business
Chapter 3 Determining profit
Chapter 4 Issues in income determination and asset valuation
Chapter 5 Tracking cash and controlling assets
Chapter 6 The internal focus
Chapter 7 Analysing financial reports

Appendix 1 Extracts from Xero Limited’s 2013 Annual Report

Appendix 2 The accounting cycle — journals and ledgers
Appendix 3 NZQA unit standards for accounting
Appendix 4 NZQA prescription for Accounting Principles
Glossary
Index
 Detailed contents

Contents
About the authors
Preface

Chapter 1 Accounting and the New Zealand business environment

1.1 Introduction
1.2 Accounting — a personal view
1.2.1 Xero Limited as a case study
1.2.2 Business history — what is business about?
1.2.3 What is accounting?
1.3 Financial accounting — a professional view
1.3.1 What is financial accounting?
1.3.2 Development of accounting practice — accounting as a
profession
1.3.3 Development of accounting practice — legal impacts
1.3.4 Development of accounting practice — taxation impacts
1.3.5 Development of accounting practice — the New Zealand
Framework
1.3.6 Objectives, assumptions, and qualitative characteristics of
financial statements
1.4 Preliminary look at financial reports
1.4.1 Balance sheet
1.4.2 Statement of changes in equity
1.4.3 Income statement
1.4.4 Statement of cash flows
1.4.5 Notes to the accounts
1.5 Management accounting
1.5.1 Tasks of management accountants
1.5.2 Management accounting failures
1.6 Limitations of accounting
1.7 Conclusion
1.8 Key words 1
1.9 Resource file 1
1.9.1 Accounting scandals
1.9.2 Comparisons
1.9.3 Goods and services tax
1.9.4 Purpose of business
1.10 Mastering accounting — questions
1.10.1 Short answer questions
1.10.2 Paragraph answers
1.10.3 Discussion questions
1.10.4 Writing exercise
1.11 Mastering accounting — solutions
1.11.1 Short answer questions
1.11.2 Paragraph answers

Chapter 2 Starting up a business

2.1 Introduction
2.1.1 Case study — Tearaway Paper Recycling
 2.1.2 Considerations for business start up
2.2 Most common forms of business ownership
2.2.1 Partnerships
2.2.2 Companies
2.2.3 Sole traders
2.2.4 Some questions for discussion in relation to the case
study
2.3 Business professional view
2.3.1 A closer look at the resourcing decision — long-term view
2.3.2 A closer look at the resourcing decision — working capital
2.3.3 The circulation of resources
2.3.4 A closer look at profit
2.4 An information system — the accounting equation
2.4.1 What does the accounting equation tell us?
2.4.2 Changes in the accounting equation
2.4.3 Placing values on assets and liabilities
2.4.4 Purchasing assets
2.5 Detailing what happens in the owner’s equity section
2.6 Conclusion
2.7 Key words 2
2.8 Resource file 2
2.8.1 Case study — Wade Waiwater: A change in the wind …
from crew to skipper
2.8.2 Accounting policies
2.9 Mastering accounting — questions
2.9.1 Short answer questions
2.9.2 Paragraph answers
2.9.3 Discussion questions
 2.9.4 Research assignments
2.9.5 Internet exercise
2.10 Mastering accounting — solutions
2.10.1 Short answer questions
2.10.2 Paragraph answers
2.10.3 Discussion questions

Chapter 3 Determining profit

3.1 Introduction
3.1.1 Case study — Welkom Enterprises expands … so do the
profits
3.1.2 Some questions for discussion
3.2 Transactions affecting owner’s equity — a professional view
3.2.1 Selling a service
3.2.2 Selling a service for cash
3.2.3 Selling services on credit
3.2.4 Bad debts
3.2.5 Providing for doubtful debts
3.2.6 Prudence — a degree of caution
3.2.7 Encouraging prompt payment
3.2.8 Attracting new clients
3.2.9 Paying expenses
3.2.10 Effect of GST on the accounting equation
3.2.11 Analysing a range of transactions
3.3 Preparing an income statement
3.3.1 Making adjustments to revenue and expenses
3.3.2 Accrued expenses
3.3.3 Prepaid expenses
3.3.4 Income received in advance
 3.3.5 Accrued income
3.4 Accounting for inventories
3.4.1 Physical inventory system
3.4.2 Perpetual inventory system
3.5 Capital and revenue expenditure
3.5.1 Capital expenditure
3.5.2 Revenue expenditure
3.5.3 How do we make the right decision?
3.6 Sorting out our accounting system — a chart of accounts
3.6.1 Classification in the income statement and balance sheet
3.6.2 Classification as a means of decision making
3.6.3 Aiming for consistency
3.7 The impact of information technology
3.8 Conclusion
3.9 Key words 3
3.10 Resource file 3
3.10.1 Case study — Jones’s hire services
3.10.2 Case study — NZ Catering Supplies Ltd: An example of
business failure
3.11 Mastering accounting — questions
3.11.1 Short answer questions
3.11.2 Problems
3.11.3 Discussion questions
3.11.4 Research assignments
3.11.5 Integrated case — NZ Catering Supplies Ltd: An example
of business failure
3.12 Mastering accounting — solutions
3.12.1 Short answer questions
3.12.2 Problems
Chapter 4 Issues in income determination and asset valuation
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Making accounting decisions
4.2.1 Introduction
4.2.2 Case study — new tools … new ways of measuring
4.3 Recognition of revenue and expenses
4.4 Depreciation of property, plant, and equipment
4.4.1 Case study — the working life of a photocopier
4.4.2 What happens when you buy an asset — the recording
system
4.4.3 A word or two about estimates
4.4.4 Allocating the depreciable amount
4.4.5 Which method should be used?
4.4.6 How do we disclose depreciation in the accounts?
4.4.7 Taxation law and taxation rates of depreciation
4.4.8 What are the effects of providing for depreciation in the
accounts?
4.4.9 A case study — Taghi Derhamy
4.5 Valuation of inventories
4.5.1 What value should be allocated to inventory?
4.5.2 What if the inventory has deteriorated or become
obsolete?
4.5.3 What if inventory is acquired at different prices?
4.5.4 How do we disclose inventory valuation in the notes?
4.6 Valuation of accounts receivable
4.6.1 Allowance for doubtful debts
4.6.2 How do we arrive at the figure for doubtful debts?
4.6.3 How important is it to take doubtful debts into account?
4.7 The statement of accounting policies
4.8 Conclusion
4.9 Key words 4
4.10 Resource file 4
4.10.1 Extracts from accounting policies
4.10.2 IRD tax tables — computer equipment
4.10.3 Articles discussing the enticement costs of selling
cellphones
4.10.4 Determination of profit — Shoeshine
4.11 Mastering accounting — questions
4.11.1 Short answer questions
4.11.2 Problems
4.11.3 Discussion questions
4.11.4 Research question
4.12 Mastering accounting — solutions
4.12.1 Short answer questions
4.12.2 Problems

Chapter 5 Tracking cash and controlling assets

5.1 Introduction
5.1.1 Outline
5.1.2 Case study — Spacemakers Hardware Ltd
5.2 Tracking cash
5.2.1 Elements of a cash flow forecast
5.2.2 Managing shortfalls
5.3 Internal control
5.3.1 Taking control
5.3.2 Modern tools to help internal control — the use of
technology
5.4 Statement of cash flows
5.4.1 Description of a statement of cash flows
5.4.2 Preparation of a statement of cash flows
5.5 Conclusion
5.6 Key words 5
5.7 Resource file 5
5.7.1 Cash cycle article — money makes the world go round…
5.7.2 Fraud article — fraudsters a simple, sad bunch
5.7.3 More on internal accounting controls — white collar
crime: Cooking the books in corporate us
5.7.4 More on fraud — David Ross gets 10 years, 10 months jail
5.7.5 Internal control — internet resources
5.8 Mastering accounting — questions
5.8.1 Short answer questions
5.8.2 Paragraph answers
5.8.3 Cash flow forecast
5.8.4 Internal control
5.8.5 Statement of cash flows
5.9 Mastering accounting — solutions
5.9.1 Short answer questions
5.9.2 Paragraph answers
5.9.3 Cash flow forecast
5.9.4 Internal control
5.9.5 Statement of cash flows

Chapter 6 The internal focus

6.1 Introduction
6.2 Planning for the future — an owner’s view
6.2.1 Case study — Spacemakers Hardware Ltd
 6.2.2 Questions for discussion
6.3 Planning for the future — a professional’s view
6.3.1 Purpose of budgeting
6.3.2 Approaches to budgeting
6.3.3 Budgeting — behavioural issues
6.3.4 Handling uncertainty
6.3.5 Example — revenue and expenditure budget for
Spacemakers Hardware
6.3.6 So how did we do?
6.4 How costs behave
6.5 Breakeven and beyond
6.6 Allowing flexibility in our budget process
6.6.1 Fixed versus flexible budgets
6.6.2 Preparing a flexible budget
6.7 Conclusion
6.8 Key words 6
6.9 Resource file 6
6.9.1 Formula — target profit after tax
6.9.2 Internet resources
6.10 Mastering accounting — questions
6.10.1 Short answer questions
6.10.2 Problems
6.10.3 Discussion questions
6.11 Mastering accounting — solutions
6.11.1 Short answer questions
6.11.2 Problems

Chapter 7 Analysing financial reports

7.1 Introduction
7.2 Case study — Uniforms Renewed
7.3 Analysing and interpreting — the professional view
7.3.1 Non-monetary facts
7.3.2 Economic events
7.3.3 So what do the financial statements tell us?
7.4 Analysing the balance sheet
7.4.1 Short-term solvency — working capital
7.4.2 Short-term solvency — a closer look
7.5 How do we analyse and interpret financial data?
7.5.1 Working capital ratio
7.5.2 Liquidity ratio
7.6 Analysing the statement of cash flows
7.7 Non-cash current assets — some efficiency measures
7.7.1 Rate of stock turn
7.7.2 Age of debtors
7.7.3 Other factors affecting short-term solvency
7.7.4 Concluding comments
7.8 Creditworthiness — how risky is it to lend to an entity?
7.8.1 Proprietorship and debt/equity ratios
7.8.2 Undercapitalisation and overcapitalisation
7.8.3 Capital gearing
7.8.4 Applying the solvency test
7.8.5 Other considerations for lenders
7.9 Profitability — how well did the business perform?
7.9.1 Return on investment
7.9.2 Return on assets
7.9.3 So what causes profit to change?
7.9.4 Changes in sales
7.9.5 Gross profit percentage
 7.9.6 Expense percentages
7.9.7 Net profit percentage
7.10 Links between ratios
7.11 Valuing a share market investment
7.11.1 Closing quotes
7.11.2 Dividends per share
7.11.3 Earnings per share
7.11.4 Dividend yield
7.11.5 Price/earnings ratio
7.12 Conclusion
7.13 Key words 7
7.14 Resource file 7
7.14.1 Ratio analysis — a quick reference guide
7.14.2 Analysing financial reports — internet resources
7.14.3 Spacemakers Hardware Ltd
7.14.4 Accounting standards’ impact on earnings
7.15 Mastering accounting — questions
7.15.1 Short answer questions
7.15.2 Problems
7.15.3 Research exercise
7.16 Mastering accounting — solutions
7.16.1 Short answer questions
7.16.2 Problems
Appendix 1 Extracts from Xero Limited’s 2013 Annual Report
Appendix 2 The accounting cycle — journals and ledgers
A2.1 The accounting cycle
A2.2 Case study — Welkom Enterprises
A2.3 The accounting system
 A2.3.1 Source documents
A2.3.2 Chart of accounts
A2.3.3 A set of books
A2.4 Journal entries
A2.5 Posting to the ledger
A2.6 Other journals
A2.7 Subsidiary ledgers
A2.8 Internal control — reconciliations
A2.9 Key words A2
A2.10 Resource file A2
A2.10.1 Solution — Welkom Enterprises
A2.10.2 Solution — Crosby & Co
A2.11 Mastering accounting — questions
A2.11.1 Tom Jones trading as Shy Lock
A2.11.2 Broke Ltd
A2.11.3 Aimless Accountancy Services
A2.11.4 A Starter
A2.12 Mastering accounting — solutions
A2.12.1 Tom Jones trading as Shy Lock
A2.12.2 Broke Ltd
A2.12.3 Aimless Accountancy Services
A2.12.4 A Starter

Appendix 3 NZQA unit standards for accounting

Appendix 4 NZQA prescription for Accounting Principles
Glossary
Index
 [page 1]

Accounting and the

CHAPTER
New Zealand business 1
environment

Contents
Learning outcomes
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Accounting — a personal view
1.2.1 Xero Limited as a case study
1.2.2 Business history — what is business about?
1.2.3 What is accounting?
1.3 Financial accounting — a professional view
1.3.1 What is financial accounting?
1.3.2 Development of accounting practice — accounting as a
profession
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reconciliation," said Pendleton. "What is your opinion?"
"On the ground of expediency, it would be better, beyond all
question, for her to accept," said Gladys, "but if it were I—I'd die
first. I fancy Stephanie is of the same mind."
"I fancy she is," Pendleton agreed.
Just then Stephanie herself appeared in the doorway.
She saw Gladys, and smiled and came toward her—not seeing
Pendleton, who had his back toward her and was hidden by the tall
chair in which he was sitting.
"Hello!" said Gladys.—"Come and join me in a cup of tea."
Pendleton slowly arose and turned—and Stephanie stopped short
with a smothered exclamation!
 XVII
DOLITTLE'S TALE

She recovered herself instantly—and took Pendleton's outstretched

hand.
It was a lifeless hand she gave him, however. It said plainly to him
that it was offered out of respect to the conventionalities and
nothing more. And her smile was as purely formal as the handshake.
There was no warmth in either.
"I did not mean to intrude," she remarked.
"Intrude!" marvelled Gladys.—"Why what an idea, Stephanie!
Montague and I are not—now if I were someone else, it might be
apropos. This tea is cold—let me order another pot."
Pendleton went over and pushed the bell.
"I don't care for any tea, thank you," said Stephanie.—"I'm going to
town in a moment."
"I'll ride with you, if you wait a few minutes until I telephone,"
offered Gladys. "I may be able to hasten it if I call up at once.
Excuse me a moment!" and she hurried into the house.
Pendleton repressed a smile and bowed.
"Won't you sit down, Mrs. Lorraine?" he suggested.
She shrugged her shoulders ever so slightly, and took the chair he
offered her.
"This is an awkward situation, Mr. Pendleton," she observed, "but it
will last but a moment—and if you will bear with me, I'll see that it
doesn't happen again."
"Suppose I want it to happen again—many times," he said, leaning
forward.
Another shrug of the shapely shoulders.
"You're asking me to believe impossibilities," she returned.
"I'll make them very real, if you will promise to try to believe them."
A third time the shoulders did duty.
"I suppose Miss Chamberlain has been made aware of the state of
affairs and is trying to give you a chance to apologize," she
remarked.
"And I take the chance.—I apologize, Stephanie! most sincerely and
humbly apologize."
"For what?"
"For anything I did or said that I shouldn't."
"That you shouldn't," she repeated.—"Who is to be the judge of
what you shouldn't have done or said? That was just the point on
which we split—you thought you should and I thought you
shouldn't."
"I am willing to let you be the judge," he replied.
"Then you confess that you went beyond all bounds?"
"I will."
"And were arbitrary and dictatorial?"
"I will."
"And unkind in your inferences and conclusions?"
"Even that I will confess.—You know that I had no intention of being
either unkind, nor arbitrary, nor dictatorial."
"I know only what you said at the time, Mr. Pendleton; from it there
was no other conclusion to draw. However, it won't profit us to
discuss it now—you've apologized; I accept the apology on the
condition that you don't offend again."
"But I'm going to offend again. At least, I'm going to speak frankly
about a matter, in the hope that you'll not be offended—but that if
you are offended you'll be warned nevertheless—and heed the
warning. Shall I proceed?"
"You may use your own judgment," she returned.
"First, I want to ask if you received my letter, written from Boston
the day after our—quarrel?"
"I did not."
The servant came with the tea and toast, and placed them on the
table.
"How many lumps, Mrs. Lorraine?" the man asked, sugar tongs
poised.
"I'll serve it—you may go!" said Stephanie. Then she looked at
Pendleton. "Did you write me a letter?"
"I most assuredly did!" he replied.
"Do you care to tell me what was in it?"
"It was mainly an apology for what had occurred the previous
evening."
"What else was in it?"
He smiled—"Nothing much—just a word or two of—regard."
She poured the tea, and broke off a bit of toast.
"I think," she remarked, examining the toast critically, yet watching
Pendleton the while furtively from under the long lashes, "I think
that letter alters the proposition somewhat. You did the decent thing
promptly—and I'm sorry I didn't know it. I too said things that I
didn't mean—and if you'll forgive me, Montague," holding out her
hand to him, with a bewitching smile, "we will start afresh."
"If I'll forgive you, sweetheart!" he exclaimed.
She withdrew her hand and held up a warning finger—though the
smile still lingered undimmed—then she nodded ever so slightly.
"My dear Stephanie, I'll forgive you anything when you look at me
like that!" he breathed.
"I'm always ready to look at you like that, if you won't find fault with
me when I've been abominable," she whispered.—"No, stay where
you are—you forget we're on the Club-house piazza."
He made a motion of resignation and sank back in his chair.
"I should not have said it if we hadn't been there—and broad day
besides," she observed.
He smiled his answer.
"Moreover, Montague, you know that all such little demonstrations
are strictly forbidden," she warned.
"When will they be permitted?" he demanded, leaning close to her.
"Who knows?" she answered. "Who can read the future—such a
future as mine, my friend."
"I will essay it," he replied.
She laughed softly.
"You, Montague!" she said.
"Yes—may I try it?"
She shook her head. "It wouldn't be wise. It might raise false hopes;
and a football of fate hasn't any right to hopes—they are too
expensive of disappointment."
"How do you know what I shall read?" he asked.
"You wouldn't venture to read anything that wasn't nice."
"I'll read what I see," said he;—"and the first thing I see is far from
nice."
She regarded him a moment thoughtfully—and he waited.
"What is it?" she asked finally.
"It is—Porshinger!" he answered—and braced himself for the
explosion.
And it came—though not in the way he had anticipated.
"Porshinger! Porshinger!" she cried tensely—her sensitive nostrils
aquiver, her eyes flashing, her cheeks suddenly aflame. "I hate him!
—I hate him! He's a beast, Montague, a beast!"
"There isn't a doubt of it, sweetheart," he said soothingly. "I rejoice
that you have found him out at last."
"I always knew it—but I didn't think he would dare try his ways with
me."
"What did he do, dear?" Pendleton asked—"was it at the Croydens'
last night?"
"Yes—in the conservatory.—He—kissed me by force—and repeated it
at least half a dozen times before he released me.—I did nothing to
tempt him, Montague—absolutely nothing!"
"Except to be nice to him," Pendleton added quietly—"which he isn't
able to understand."
"Isn't able to understand in Stephanie Lorraine—with her past!" she
said bitterly.
"That is the bounder in him," he explained.
"He thought, because I went wrong with Amherst, that every man
could be an Amherst—if he only had the opportunity!" she
exclaimed.
"Did he say that?"
"He laughed and said: 'Why struggle so—no one sees us?'"
"He is a beast!" Pendleton gritted.
"And when I did break from him, he caught me back again, saying:
'You didn't struggle so the other night with Pendleton,' and kissed
me again and again, whispering:—'aren't mine just as sweet and
worth as much as his?'"
"My God!" cried Pendleton.—"Did he see me that night at Criss-
Cross?"
"I think so—at least the day after, when he came there to dine, he
let me infer from what he said that he had seen—I never told you,
because I might have been wrong—and I didn't want to worry you."
For a brief space Pendleton did not trust himself to answer, if indeed
he had the power, so overcome was he by shame and anger, and the
rush of hatred that well nigh choked him. Then it passed, and he
was cool and calm—preternaturally so, indeed—though the intensity
of his feelings was betrayed by the flashing of his eyes. His first
words were a confession of his own atrocious error.
"My poor Stephanie! I am shamed beyond words—to have brought
this thing upon you by my folly."
"You are not responsible—it's myself," she said evenly. "Do you think
that he would have dared it but for the Amherst affair?"
"I gave him courage—I am guilty too," he objected.
"You don't know the man. He thinks everything must bow before
him—thinks he can buy anyone if he but have a chance—thinks
every woman has her price—and that I am openly for sale. He can't
understand that what a woman may do once, she would burn at the
stake rather than do again. He's a beast! Montague, a beast!"
"A human beast unfortunately—whom one can't kill with impunity,"
Pendleton reflected. "Moreover, I doubt if it would be wise to kill
him."
"Good Heavens! No!" she cried.
"Neither do I know just how the matter ought to be handled. Of
course, you will ignore him in the future——"
"I shall never see him!" she declared.
"But if he sees you—forces himself upon you——"
"He would not dare."
"He would dare! He is vile enough to dare anything—to do anything.
He has no notion of decency nor of right when it crosses his
purposes. He has neither conscience nor shame. He is what you
styled him: a beast—a vicious beast, I should add."
"What would you do with a vicious beast of his kind who forces
himself upon you?" she asked.
"I should take care to have some one always with me," he replied
slowly—"and I should appeal instantly for protection, if he made the
slightest attempt to intrude."
"And suffer him to circulate some horrible tale about me?"
"You have to chance that," Pendleton answered. "If he does, your
friends will then be in a position to make such a protest as he will be
apt to remember."
"Meanwhile, the harm will be done," she replied.
"If he can harm you," he observed. "You're a trifle too sensitive of
your position, dear. It is not what it was—when you returned. Surely
your word is equal to Porshinger's."
"Many will be glad to believe his story—whatever it is," she
protested. "You see, I was friendly with him—and my past is—not in
my favor."
"Those who believe it, you won't any longer want to know; nor need
you care for them—you will be well rid of them. And your past is
past; don't let it worry you, sweetheart. You're obsessed by it."
"I'm afraid I don't know just what obsessed means, Montague," she
said, with a wan little smile.
"You attach undue importance to it; you've—got it on the brain, so
to speak," he explained.
"I see," she said slowly. "Maybe I have it on the brain—but it's very
natural under all the circumstances—and when I'm trying to live
down my past. It's dreadfully hard, Montague, dreadfully hard for a
woman to live down her past. You men can never know how hard it
is—you have no past."
"You make it harder than it is, Stephanie," he said, "though I think
that no one knows it except me—you conceal your feelings
marvellously well."
"Thank you, Montague—I have tried to hide them from this cold and
heartless world we call Society. And I have been indiscreet, I know.
Striving to appear indifferent, I overdid the part. It was foolish of me
to encourage Porshinger, even a little. I ought to have realized what
a dangerous man he is—I ought to have been warned by you,
instead of showing anger at your well meant and entirely justifiable
protest. I have only myself to blame—which makes it all the harder."
"Nonsense! dear.—You did what you thought was right, and because
you thought it was right—and because you feared lest Porshinger
would injure me. Now we are going to stand together—and let
Lorraine help you, if he will—without any obligation on your part," he
added, as she made a vehement gesture of protest. "We shall see
whether he has sufficient manhood to defend his wife if Porshinger
starts his slanderous tales."
"Suppose his first tale is of—us—and what he saw on the Criss-Cross
piazza?" she remarked.
"I will deny it."
"And what—shall I do?"
"You need do nothing—except preserve the dignity of silence."
"But if my husband hearkens to the story, and demands an
explanation from us both?"
"Still the same course for us," Pendleton replied:—"You indignant
silence—me denial."
"And have Society in general laugh knowingly and believe—and even
our friends accept the denial hesitatingly."
"What other course can you suggest?" he asked.
"There is but one other course—tell the truth," she said.
"And raise a greater scandal—and put you in Porshinger's power?"
he objected. "If you admit his tale as to me, won't you practically
admit whatever he may choose to say regarding his own experience
with you?"
"You may be right!" she said wearily. "I do not know—whatever you
think best I shall do."
"I've got you into this miserable difficulty and I shall——"
"My dear Montague, dismiss that idea. I got myself in it by my own
insane actions with Amherst."
"And I gave Porshinger the occasion he needed by the fight here
and the kiss at Criss-Cross. I tell you I'm more to blame than are
you." He leaned over close. "If Lorraine would only divorce you, dear
—and you would marry me you wouldn't need care for Porshinger's
tales. They would have lost their point, and no one worth while
would ever give them a thought."
"My dear friend," she exclaimed, looking at him with a serious smile,
"it is not for such as I to think of marriage. I have made too fearful a
mess of the one that still binds me."
"That it still binds you is the material point—nothing else matters to
me."
She sighed and leaned back.
"What if Lorraine does not believe your denial?" she suggested.
"I think he will believe it," Pendleton replied. "He asked me at the
Hospital—it was the day I returned from Criss-Cross—to look out for
you—to protect you from yourself."
"You never told me," she interrupted.
"No—I never told you—and I proceeded almost immediately to
quarrel with you like a little boy."
"Because of his request?" she smiled.
"Forgetful of his request," he said contritely. "I've been a poor sort of
friend to you, Stephanie. I never was Lorraine's friend and I think he
knew it; I fancy that was why he asked me to look out for you—but
I've done it atrociously. I'm a miserable——"
"You are the best friend I have, Montague!" she exclaimed, leaning
forward and putting her hand on his arm,—"the best friend a woman
ever had—you believe in me still, after I've done everything to forfeit
your trust."
"I do—I'm only too glad to believe in you, sweetheart."
"You mustn't call me sweetheart, dear—I mean," with a rush of color
to her cheeks, "I mean, you must not now.—It is unwise—and some
one may overhear."
"And when we're where no one can overhear?" he whispered.
The entrancing smile flashed for an instant across her face.
"Wait until then," she answered. "We have more serious matters
confronting us. What shall we do in event of Porshinger effecting
anything against me, directly or by his tales? I'm fearfully afraid,
Montague, fearfully afraid!"
"Don't be afraid, Stephanie, don't be afraid!" he counselled. "Let us
do as I suggested—it is the best plan.—Here comes Gladys; does
she know about Porshinger?"
"No—I've not told her yet," she said hastily.—"Yes, it was a very
gorgeous affair—we're discussing the Croyden Ball, my dear"—as
Miss Chamberlain came up, "but then all their affairs are gorgeous
and in exquisite taste."
"They are, indeed," assented Gladys; "but I thought that last night
they surpassed themselves. I never saw anything so charming as the
conservatory. You know how huge it is, and there wasn't a light
visible, yet the illumination was so subtly subdued that you seemed
to see all about you, and yet you didn't—you know what I mean,
Montague. I'm a bit vague——"
"Precisely!" said Pendleton. "You couldn't trust yourself to believe
anything that you thought you saw"—and he shot a glance at
Stephanie.
"You have it exactly, just the idea I intended to convey!" she
laughed. "You are a very satisfactory man—isn't he, Stephanie?"
"I'm not committing myself by any rash admissions," Stephanie
smiled—and Gladys knew that the quarrel was ended.
Just then a motor car, driven at reckless speed, dashed over the hill
and up to the Club-house—and Harry Lorraine sprang out.
Gladys glanced swiftly at Stephanie and around to Pendleton.
"I see him," said Stephanie quietly.
"He seems to be in a bit of a hurry," Pendleton remarked, as
Lorraine hastily crossed the piazza and said a word to the doorman.
The latter saluted and replied.
Lorraine turned quickly in their direction—then hurried over.
"He is coming here!" said Gladys wonderingly; while Stephanie
frowned slightly, and Pendleton began to drum lightly on one knee.
"I hope you will pardon me if I'm intruding," Lorraine apologized as
he came up, "but I've a matter that won't bear delay—at least it
won't bear delay according to my view.—May I sit down?"
He looked at Stephanie, and she, with a glance at the others,
answered indifferently.
"If you wish."
"I telephoned to your house, Stephanie," Lorraine went on, "and
they said you were here, so I came straight back—and I'm fortunate
to find Gladys and Pendleton with you, for they are your friends and
they will stand by you, I know."
He was greatly agitated; his tones were high-pitched, his words
bitten off short, and his hands trembled with nervousness or with
the tension of his feelings.
"We will stand by Stephanie you may be sure," said Pendleton—"as
we have stood by her in the past."
"And as I haven't!" Lorraine exclaimed. "You're right, I haven't—but
I'm trying to stand by her now. Do you know what I overheard Billy
Dolittle telling old Baringdale this morning?—It was this—he said
that in the conservatory at the Croydens' last night he saw my wife
in that cad Porshinger's arms. I knocked him down with my stick—
drove the end of it straight into his stomach—it is an old fencing
trick, you know, Pendleton. When he got up I gave him another in
the same place. It put him out. Then I went on the hunt of
Stephanie—to know how she's going to meet the slander. It can't be
the truth—at least, not the way he told it—Porshinger must have
used violence. Didn't he?" he demanded.
"He did," Stephanie answered instantly. "He kissed me by force."
"I knew it!—I knew it!" Lorraine cried. "Well, I'll fix him—Porshinger,
I mean. There is only one way to handle such as he—I'll prosecute
him."
"You will what!" Stephanie exclaimed.
"I'll prosecute him—for assault and battery on my wife. I'll show the
dirty scoundrel something he wasn't looking for."
"You're wild, Lorraine!" interposed Pendleton quietly. "You won't help
Stephanie by any such proceeding—making her testify in a
magistrate's office and then in court before a gaping crowd—
subjecting her to all the shame of publicity. Why don't you—" he
leaned a bit forward and spoke persuasively, "why don't you try the
end of your cane on Porshinger also?—It would be a lot more
satisfaction to you—and so much quicker."
"It wouldn't accomplish the same result—it wouldn't put him in jail,"
Lorraine objected.
"It will put him in a hospital if you thrust hard enough," said
Pendleton. "That ought to satisfy you."
"And put me in jail, if he prosecute."
"He will not prosecute, never fear."
Lorraine shook his head.
"It won't do!" he declared. "Stephanie has nothing to lose and
everything to gain by my prosecuting him. The tale is going—what
Dolittle knows will be public property in a day. The way to meet it is
to have Porshinger arrested at once. Show that Stephanie is not
afraid to face the issue. If she remain quiet under the story she
tacitly admits its truth."
"But my dear Lorraine,"—Pendleton began.
"I'm not to be deterred, Montague—I didn't protect my wife from
Amherst, but I will protect her this time." He arose. "You'll hear of
Porshinger's arrest before night.—It will take him a little by surprise,
I imagine," he flung over his shoulder as he strode away.
Pendleton sprang up and overtook him.
"Look here, Lorraine!" he said, curtly. "Don't be a fool—you think
that Porshinger will bear the brunt of this, but you're grievously in
error—it will be Stephanie who catches all the recoil. Be sensible,"
he urged, his hands itching to shake Lorraine. "Think of the defence
that Porshinger will make if he is disposed to fight—and if you arrest
him he is sure to fight—that is the cad in him."
"What will he say?" Lorraine demanded.
"That what he did was with Stephanie's permission."
Lorraine laughed shortly. "Just so—and a jury won't hesitate long
when it's a question of veracity between a pretty woman and a mere
man. Silence might be the wiser course, if no one knew, but that is
not the case—everyone knows it now, or will by night. You know
Dolittle quite as well as I—don't you believe Stephanie?" he suddenly
demanded.
"Of course I believe her," Pendleton answered impatiently. "She told
me about Porshinger's conduct just before you came up, and we
were discussing what to do——"
"But you didn't know that it had been overseen?" Lorraine
interrupted.
"No—we——"
"Exactly!—And Dolittle's story puts another aspect on it. We've got to
fight, and fight at once." He signalled his motor with his stick, and it
rolled up to the doorway. "I'll telephone you as soon as the warrant
is issued," he said, and flashed away.
Pendleton looked thoughtfully after the receding car, then he came
slowly back to his place.
"I don't know that the fool isn't right," he muttered.—"But why the
devil didn't he act as promptly in the Amherst affair?... I couldn't
stop him," he said, in answer to Stephanie's inquiring look. "He has
gone to have Porshinger arrested."
"It doesn't much signify!" Stephanie shrugged. "Since Billy Dolittle
saw it, the tale will be spread broadcast. He doesn't like me, you
know, so that will be an additional animus—and Harry's stick didn't
make him feel any the more lenient!" She laughed shortly. "I think I
should like to have seen those thrusts—they're about all the
satisfaction I can get out of the miserable affair. However, I'm pretty
well hardened by this time—one more nasty story won't matter."
"And it all comes back to me," said Gladys.—"If I had not invited
Porshinger to Criss-Cross, this wouldn't have happened."
"Nonsense!" Stephanie interrupted—"you're not to blame."
"No—I'm the guilty party," interrupted Pendleton. "I started the
trouble when I had the dispute with Porshinger over the cut of his
coat."
"But you wouldn't have had that dispute if Porshinger hadn't spoken
slightingly of Stephanie," Gladys remarked.
"And Porshinger would not have had occasion to speak slightingly of
me if I hadn't gone off with Amherst," Stephanie concluded. "So the
primary guilt is mine—together with the further humiliation of having
misjudged Porshinger. On the whole, I've succeeded in making about
as complete a muddle of things as can well be imagined."
"I confess that I'm puzzled what to do," Pendleton reflected
—"whether to block Lorraine or to let him go on—and we must act
quickly if we're to block him. It resolves itself, of course, into which
will occasion the less talk—and I'm free to admit I don't know. It
looks to me like a case of 'you'll be damned if you do and you'll be
damned if you don't.' What do you think, Gladys?"
"I think there isn't much choice. We're in a split stick. One way we
face Porshinger's story and meet it with a passive denial, the other
way we take the bull by the horns—that is, Lorraine forces us to—
and tell the truth in court. As there can't be any question of
blackmail, the latter may be the better—it has the merit of sincerity,
of faith in the facts. On the whole, I think that it will damn less than
the passive denial of Dolittle's story."
"I agree with Gladys:—we haven't much choice in the matter,"
remarked Stephanie hopelessly. "Lorraine is forcing the issue.—We
simply have to meet it. I'm smirched anyway, but I shall be smirched
less, it seems to me, by assuming the offensive."
 XVIII
THE TRUTH BY PERSUASION

Just then Porshinger drove up in his car. The hour was early and the
east piazza was as yet occupied only by Mrs. Lorraine, Miss
Chamberlain and Pendleton. He sighted them at once—stood a
moment as though undecided, then came slowly toward them.
"Can it be possible he will dare to join us!" Gladys exclaimed.
"Anything is possible with him," Stephanie answered contemptuously
—and turned her back.
"Surely he won't have the effrontery!" Gladys insisted and looked
away.
"I can't think that even he is cad enough for that," Pendleton
remarked, busying himself with his cigarette.
That no one glanced up at Porshinger's approach did not faze him an
instant. It was one of the secrets of his success in life that, having
come to a decision, he always saw it through. He knew his own mind
—which is more than the average man does.
"How-de-do, everybody!" he greeted. "May I sit down?" suiting the
action to the word. "Miss Chamberlain, I salute you! also Mrs.
Lorraine—and Mr. Pendleton. Bully day for golf—what do you say to
a foursome?"
Stephanie arose, looked straight at Porshinger with a deliberately
ignoring stare, and turned to Miss Chamberlain.
"Will you come into the house with me, Gladys?" she asked. "Excuse
me, Montague, please."
Pendleton had instantly found his feet—Porshinger was a trifle
slower. Gladys bowed perfunctorily to the latter, and followed
Stephanie. Pendleton resumed his seat and slowly lit another
cigarette.
Porshinger laughed, a chuckling sort of laugh.
"I'm squelched, did you notice it?" he remarked.
"I noticed the intention, but not the desired result," Pendleton
answered very coldly.
Porshinger's small eyes flashed a keen look at him—had Stephanie
been telling them the truth—or only part of it? He had felt certain
she would tell nothing—simply let it be inferred that they had had a
disagreement; but there was something in the atmosphere that
suggested——
"A slight disagreement last night at the Croydens' over a trifling
matter," he laughed easily. "It's funny how a woman can make a
man pay up for a little thing. You might imagine from the way she
acted that I had done Mrs. Lorraine a grievous wrong."
Pendleton smoked and was silent.
In truth, he could not quite determine just how to meet the matter,
knowing the facts and of Lorraine's contemplated action—whether to
show he was aware of anything more than the actual incident of the
moment, or to tell Porshinger his opinion of him. The latter, however,
would entail the possibility of violence if Porshinger elected to
become offensive in his statements as to Stephanie. He wanted to
smash Porshinger's face into a nothingness—yet that would be only
a temporary personal satisfaction, and would complicate the matter
still more without accomplishing anything.
Porshinger, on his part, had sunk his desire for vengeance into his
desire for Stephanie. He could not understand a woman with her
flagrant past except on one hypothesis—and he was willing to forget
Pendleton's recent attack if he could supplant him in her affections.
He had no possible doubt that Pendleton had taken Amherst's place
—and he aimed to displace Pendleton. That a woman could make
one bad step and then right herself beyond even the possibility of
making another was, to his mind, utterly absurd. And the last few
weeks had but confirmed him—she was playing him, to be sure, but
coming closer every day, until he had only to put out his hand and
take her. He had put out his hand last night at Croydens', but
something had gone wrong. He had been a trifle premature—
possibly because he did not quite understand these society women's
ways. However, it was only a question of a little time. He would
pluck the fruit eventually, of that he had no doubt. Stephanie was
not really angry—only piqued at his awkwardness and want of
appreciation of the proper situation. He would show her that he did
not mind a temporary rebuff, would, in fact, disregard it entirely. If
she was inclined to punish him a trifle, she should have her way.
Money was king in the end —and money would win. Her present
conduct—this leaving him without a word, but with an ignoring look,
was somewhat disconcerting and altogether unexpected. However,
he assumed it was simply another exhibition of a society woman's
seeming reluctance to yield, and the desire to make her conquest
worth while. Yes, it was a trifle disconcerting. He was at a loss what
to say, because he did not know how much, if anything, Stephanie
had told of their quarrel.
He glanced covertly at Pendleton—Pendleton was smoking and
looking dreamily up at the sky.
"My idea of a foursome didn't seem to take well with the ladies," he
adventured.
"No, didn't seem to," Pendleton answered dryly.
"Do you think Mrs. Lorraine and Miss Chamberlain are coming back?"
Pendleton's patience was fast slipping its moorings.
"Judging from Mrs. Lorraine's manner, I should say she was not——
so long as you are here," he replied.
Porshinger refused to take offence.
"I thought so myself!" he chuckled. "Have a drink, Pendleton?"
"No, thank you!" Pendleton declined sharply.
"Do you mind if I have one?"
"Not in the least."
"Do you mind if I stay here?"
Pendleton blew smoke rings and made no reply.
"From which I might infer—a number of things," Porshinger laughed.
"But I won't. I had one quarrel with a pretty woman over nothing
last evening; I'm not going to have another quarrel with a good
fellow this afternoon."
It was evident to Pendleton that Porshinger never suspected that
Stephanie had told more than the simple fact of their quarrel, or else
he was trying to draw him out so as to know what story he had to
meet and overcome.
Just then Dolittle's voice came around the corner.
"Have you heard the latest scandal?" it enquired.
"No—what is it?" said another voice, which Pendleton recognized as
Emerson's.
There was a moving of chairs and the two men sat down.
Pendleton took a long draw on his cigarette. He saw what was
coming. Porshinger, however, did not see, and like the majority of his
class, he craned his ears to overhear.
"It's pretty hot stuff!" laughed Dolittle. "Were you at the Croydens'
last night?"
Pendleton glanced at Porshinger. The latter's face was suddenly
creased by a frown.
"No—but Marcia was," Emerson answered, with the parvenu parent's
pride in the daughter who has been included.
"She didn't tell you, I fancy?"
"I've not seen her.—She takes her breakfast in bed, you know."
"No—I didn't know," said Dolittle airily—then hastened to add:—"but
most women do so, I understand."
"I don't know about most women," Emerson returned bluntly.
"Of course, you don't," Dolittle interjected pleasantly. "An old
married man isn't supposed to know about such things. Hey!" and
he laughed. "But to return—have you ever been in Croyden's
country-house? It's down the valley."
"Sure, I have," said Emerson.
"Then you know how spacious it is, particularly the conservatory,
and how the lights are arranged so that you seem to see all about
you but you don't—the palms and the other big plants are
concealers."
Porshinger stirred uneasily and whipped a glance at Pendleton—who
had gone back to surveying the clouds and pushing smoke rings
toward them.
"Yes," said Emerson; "I remember the conservatory perfectly. It's a
beautiful room, a beautiful room!"
"Well be that as it may," Dolittle went on: "it was just before the
Cotillon, and I was in the conservatory with—never mind her name—
when Stephanie Lorraine came in with the fellow Porshinger——"
Porshinger half arose; then sank back and his eyes sought Pendleton
—who was still occupied with the clouds and the smoke and his
reverie.
"It's amazing how such an infernal bounder can get intimate with a
woman like Mrs. Lorraine, even if he has more money than brains—
and even if she has a bit unsavory past," Dolittle continued. "There
are plenty in her own circle who have sufficient money to occupy her
attention. However, as I was saying, she and Porshinger entered and
took a sheltered little nook, which apparently was concealed by the
verdure——"
"Where were you?" asked Emerson.
"I was just a little way off, and could see through the leaves.
Presently I happened to glance over and saw—what do you think I
saw?"
"Give it up," said matter-of-fact Emerson.
"I saw—Mrs. Lorraine in Porshinger's arms!"
"You don't say!" exclaimed Emerson.
"Yes—and he was kissing her well, I can tell you."
"Hum!" reflected Emerson. "Did your—companion see it, too?"
"Sure, she did."
And Pendleton knew from his tones that Dolittle lied.
"Hum!" muttered Emerson again. "Is she discreet?"
"Do you mean, will she tell? Certainly she'll tell. Do you fancy a
woman would let such an opportunity slip?"
"Or some men either!" Emerson remarked quietly.
"What do you intend to imply by that?" Dolittle bristled.
"It's not particularly hard to understand," the other answered.
"You mean you question my telling it?"
"I think it would have been kinder to Mrs. Lorraine if you had
cautioned your companion not to tell—and followed your advice
yourself."
"Well, I'm damned!" Dolittle sneered. "Learning propriety from a bar-
tender."
"It doesn't make a heap of difference where you learn it, so long as
you do learn it," said Emerson good-naturedly. "The only trouble
with you is you never can learn it—you're too all-fired conceited and
satisfied with yourself, my young friend."
Pendleton came suddenly to life.
"Do you hear what they are saying, Porshinger?" he demanded
curtly.
His tone angered Porshinger, who had been at loss what he should
do.
"Your conversation wasn't likely to drown it!" he retorted.
"And do you propose to sit calmly by and hear a woman maligned,
with you named as the guilty party?"
"What if she wasn't maligned?" sneered Porshinger.—"What if it's
true?"
"You miserable cur!" said Pendleton.
"Oh, you needn't think that you're the only one!" Porshinger
laughed.
The next instant, Pendleton had him by the throat—then he released
him and flung him in the chair.
"You're too contemptible for a man to touch, even in fight," said he.
It was no use for Porshinger to struggle physically against Pendleton,
and he was well aware of it, one experience had already proved it
beyond the possibility of doubt. So he sat back and carefully
straightened his tie.
"The Board of Governors shall have a report of this affair," said he. "I
overlooked your previous assault; but you'll have to pardon me if I
decline to overlook this one."
"Report and be damned!" Pendleton exclaimed. "I'll be delighted if
you do."
"And meanwhile, there are other ways of reaching you, my friend,"
Porshinger added. "I've already reached you through the lady we
both admire, so you may have my leavings if you wish them. They're
not so bad—as you doubtless can vouch for."
Again Pendleton sprang forward; Porshinger instantly cringed deeper
into his chair.
With his cane raised to strike, Pendleton recovered himself.
"You are not worth even a broken stick," he declared—and turned
away.
The noise of the scuffle had distracted Dolittle and Emerson from
their own quarrel, and they had come around the corner and were
staring in amazement at the other two.
"I'll break you, you snob," Porshinger sputtered. "I'll take every
dollar you have, if it costs me a million to do it."
Pendleton shrugged his shoulders indifferently and continued
straight over to the other two men.
"Mr. Emerson," he said, "I want to compliment you on what you
have said to this cad Dolittle. Yours was the conduct of a
gentleman." Then he turned to Dolittle. "As for you, you miserable
retailer of scurrilous gossip, I'm going to give you an opportunity to
finish your tale."
His right hand shot out and seized Dolittle by the top of the
waistcoat; at the same time his left hand grasped the other's left
wrist. In a twinkle Dolittle's arm lay extended palm upwards across
Pendleton's right arm, and Pendleton was standing close beside him.
It was all done in an instant—and before Dolittle realized what was
happening he was absolutely helpless. Pendleton had but to press
down and the arm would snap like a pipe-stem.
Dolittle's first struggle was also his last. His right arm was free, and
with it he swung heavily at Pendleton's head—only to be lifted off his
feet by a slight downward pressure on his left wrist. The pain was so
excruciating he cried out.—The blow was wasted on the air.
"It's no use, Dolittle," said Pendleton. "You can't touch me and you
can't break my hold—though I can break your arm as readily as I
can break a commandment—and what is more, I'll do it unless you
finish your tale!"
"It was finished," Dolittle answered, balanced uncomfortably on one
foot and perfectly helpless.
"Not at all!" said Pendleton easily. "You have forgotten the most
important part—please listen, Mr. Emerson—the most important part,
I say. Let me remind you what it is."
"It isn't anything, I tell you!" Dolittle exclaimed.
"Think again!" Pendleton admonished, accompanied by the faintest
pressure—which instantly brought a spasm of pain to the other's
face. "You will, I'm sure.—Now this is what you omitted to relate.
You told Mr. Emerson that you saw Mrs. Lorraine being kissed by
Porshinger last evening in the Croyden conservatory, but you forgot
to add that he kissed her by force and despite her struggles.—
Repeat it, please."
Dolittle was sullenly silent.
"Do you hear?" asked Pendleton, beginning to apply the pressure.
Dolittle stood the agony for an instant—then he wilted.
"I neglected to add, Mr. Emerson," he gasped, "that Porshinger
kissed Mrs. Lorraine by force and despite her struggles."
"I thought you could be depended upon to tell the whole truth,"
Pendleton remarked, easing up a trifle on his grip so that the other
stood at ease.
"Then if you want the whole truth, why was it that the lady went
back to the ballroom with Porshinger?" Dolittle sneered.
"I'm coming to that," said Pendleton, tightening his hold again.
"Repeat, please—and immediately Mrs. Lorraine was free and out of
Porshinger's grasp, she ordered him to take her back to the
ballroom, so as to avoid the comment that might be provoked by her
returning alone."
With a scowl of fury, Dolittle repeated the words.
"Thank you," said Pendleton. "And one thing more—if I hear of your
telling this story any other way than with these truthful additions—
and if you don't amend, before this day is over, the tales you've
already told, I shall cane you within an inch of your life—understand.
I don't think the woman with you saw—but if she did, better warn
her also—though I don't doubt, if she did see it, she will tell the
truth. Now, go!"—and he flung him away in contempt.
"You damn bully!" Dolittle choked.
"As you wish!" Pendleton laughed. "I've found my muscular
development of much use for such abominations as you.—Mr.
Emerson, will you do me the honor of joining me in a drink?"
"That I will, sir!" exclaimed Emerson. "With pleasure, sir, with
pleasure! Where shall it be, Mr. Pendleton?"
"Here, if it please you. This is preferable to indoors on such a fine
day." He touched a bell. "Take Mr. Emerson's order," he said to the
boy.
"My dear sir, it was great—great!" Emerson exploded. "You deserve a
vote of thanks from every man who has a wife or daughter. You're a
credit, sir, a credit to your class and to the Club—by God, sir, you
are!"
"It was a difficult situation to handle," said Pendleton—"and I'm not
so sure I handled it properly; however, it was the best I could think
of on the spur of the moment. Moreover, it was the simple truth that
I forced Dolittle to tell."
"I haven't a doubt of it," Emerson declared. "And what is more,
Dolittle knows that it is the truth, if he actually didn't see it. He's a
pup, sure enough."
"You slander the pup, Mr. Emerson!" smiled Pendleton.
"I do, indeed. I beg the pup's pardon. He's a—what is he?"
"He is the same as Porshinger—an abomination."
"That expresses it exactly—an abomination," Emerson agreed. He
glanced quietly around. "He has joined Porshinger—they are
scheming trouble for you, I'm afraid."
Pendleton smiled indifferently, and lit a cigarette.
"I wish I had your nerve," said Emerson admiringly. "To flout both
Porshinger and Dolittle—make them both your vindictive enemies,
and not to seem to care a damn. That's what you fellows call
noblesse oblige, isn't it?"
"Most people would call it rank idiocy, I fear!" Pendleton laughed.
"Then me for the rank idiots. Here's to more of them, Mr. Pendleton,
here's to more of them!" He put down his glass. "Who's this burning
up the speed regulations? Gee! he certainly is hitting it up some."
"It looks like Mr. Lorraine's machine," Pendleton replied.
The car dashed up and made a spectacular stop—to the injury of the
tires and the machinery—and Lorraine jumped out, followed by a
man in a shabby uniform with a shield on the front of his waistcoat.
"What's this?" said Emerson—"a plain clothes man in disguise—or,"
as Lorraine and the man drew near, "a constable in regalia?"
Pendleton smiled slightly but did not reply.
Lorraine, his eyes on Porshinger, made his way directly across to him
—giving Pendleton a preoccupied nod as he passed.
"There is Porshinger—the man with his back to the railing!" said
Lorraine. "Serve your warrant, Officer Burke."
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