[Illustration: "Margaret"] THE EAGLE'S SHADOW By JAMES BRANCH CABELL 1904 To Martha Louise Branch _In trust that the enterprise may be judged less by the merits of its factor than by those of its patron_ CONTENTS CHAPTER I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. XI. XII. XIII. XIV. XV. XVI. XVII. XVIII. XIX. XX. XXI. XXII. XXIII. XXIV. XXV. XXVI. XXVII. XXVIII. XXIX. XXX. XXXI. XXXII. XXXIII. THE CHARACTERS Colonel Thomas Hugonin, formerly in the service of Her Majesty the Empress of India, Margaret Hugonin's father. Frederick R. Woods, the founder of Selwoode, Margaret's uncle by marriage. Billy Woods, his nephew, Margaret's quondam fiancé. Hugh Van Orden, a rather young young man, Margaret's adorer. Martin Jeal, M.D., of Fairhaven, Margaret's family physician. Cock-Eye Flinks, a gentleman of leisure, Margaret's chance acquaintance. Petheridge Jukesbury, president of the Society for the Suppression of Nicotine and the Nude, Margaret's almoner in furthering the cause of education and temperance. Felix Kennaston, a minor poet, Margaret's almoner in furthering the cause of literature and art. Sarah Ellen Haggage, Madame President of the Ladies' League for the Edification of the Impecunious, Margaret's almoner in furthering the cause of charity and philanthropy. Kathleen Eppes Saumarez, a lecturer before women's clubs, Margaret's almoner in furthering the cause of theosophy, nature study, and rational dress. Adèle Haggage, Mrs. Haggage's daughter, Margaret's rival with Hugh Van Orden. And Margaret Hugonin. The other participants in the story are Wilkins, Célestine, The Spring Moon and The Eagle. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS "Margaret" "'Altogether,' says Colonel Hugonin, 'they strike me as being the most ungodly menagerie ever gotten together under one roof since Noah landed on Ararat'" "Then, for no apparent reason, Margaret flushed, and Billy ... thought it vastly becoming" "Billy Woods" "Billy unfolded it slowly, with a puzzled look growing in his countenance" "'My lady,' he asked, very softly, 'haven't you any good news for me on this wonderful morning?'" "Miss Hugonin pouted. 'You needn't, be such a grandfather,' she suggested helpfully." "Regarded them with alert eyes" THE EAGLE'S SHADOW I This is the story of Margaret Hugonin and of the Eagle. And with your permission, we will for the present defer all consideration of the bird, and devote our unqualified attention to Margaret. I have always esteemed Margaret the obvious, sensible, most appropriate name that can be bestowed upon a girl-child, for it is a name that fits a woman--any woman--as neatly as her proper size in gloves.