in the face she seemed much more attractive.  He really pined for a word, and looked out upon her with his mind’s eye in the most wistful manner.  He did not propose to lose her, whatever she might think.  Come what might, he would adjust this matter, and soon.  He would go to her and tell her all his family complications.  He would explain to her just where he stood and how much he needed her.  Surely she couldn’t go back on him now?  It wasn’t possible.  He would plead until her anger would melt-until she would forgive him.

Suddenly he thought:  “Supposing she isn’t out there—­suppose she has gone?”

He was forced to take his feet.  It was too much to think of and sit still.

Nevertheless, his rousing availed him nothing.

On Tuesday it was the same way.  He did manage to bring himself into the mood to go out to Carrie, but when he got in Ogden Place he thought he saw a man watching him and went away.  He did not go within a block of the house.

One of the galling incidents of this visit was that he came back on a Randolph Street car, and without noticing arrived almost opposite the building of the concern with which his son was connected.  This sent a pang through his heart.  He had called on his boy there several times.  Now the lad had not sent him a word.  His absence did not seem to be noticed by either of his children.  Well, well, fortune plays a man queer tricks.  He got back to his office and joined in a conversation with friends.  It was as if idle chatter deadened the sense of misery.

That night he dined at Rector’s and returned at once to his office.  In the bustle and show of the latter was his only relief.  He troubled over many little details and talked perfunctorily to everybody.  He stayed at his desk long after all others had gone, and only quitted it when the night watchman on his round pulled at the front door to see if it was safely locked.

On Wednesday he received another polite note from McGregor, James and Hay.  It read: 

“Dear Sir:  We beg to inform you that we are instructed to wait until to-morrow (Thursday) at one o’clock, before filing suit against you, on behalf of Mrs. Julia Hurstwood, for divorce and alimony.  If we do not hear from you before that time we shall consider that you do not wish to compromise the matter in any way and act accordingly.  “Very truly yours, etc.”

 “Compromise!” exclaimed Hurstwood bitterly.  “Compromise!”

Again he shook his head.

So here it was spread out clear before him, and now he knew what to expect.  If he didn’t go and see them they would sue him promptly.  If he did, he would be offered terms that would make his blood boil.  He folded the letter and put it with the other one.  Then he put on his hat and went for a turn about the block.

Chapter XXVI THE AMBASSADOR FALLEN—­A SEARCH FOR THE GATE