Spring Days

the passage; I know her step so well. And then it begins, the old story that I hav

r serious light, and the havoc they made of Willy's business hours did not perceptibly move him; he was full of his good looks, his clothes, his af

, so glad, would have at once charmed and led any young man not so brutally young as Frank Escott. It would have pleased another to watch her, to wait on her, to listen to her rambling stories all so full of laughter and the sunshine of kindness and homely wit; it would have p

their efforts contributed to render the lives of young people easy and pleasurable. In abrupt and passing impressions he concluded that Aunt Mary was b

. Aunt Mary had few doubts on the subject, and her comments made her sister tremble. She spoke of him as a most desirable husband for M

ds there, and his life appeared to be theirs, and theirs his, and he wished it might flow on for ever in this quiet place. He seemed to understand it all so well, and to love it all so dearly. He accepted it all, even its vulgarest aspects. Even pompous Berkins appeared to him under a tenderer light-the light of orange-flowers and married love. For Aunt Mary had smoothed away all difficulties, hirsute and monetary, and the wedding had been fixed for the autumn. The gaiety of the day he had spent with the girls, its feasting and its flirtation, arose, memorised in a soft halo of imagination-a day of fruit, wine, and light words, and the dear General, wit

ck; and when he entered his rooms their loneliness struck him with a chill. He pictured Maggie sitting in the arm-chair waiting for him, and he imagined how she would lay her book aside

s of the season you were carried far away quite out of my reckoning. However, I hope when you return you will come and see me. I got your address from Mr. --, but you need n

es I envy you your cool sea-side resort. I wonder what the attractio

atre. And as an extra inducement I will tell you that I have two very nice gi

and worth of life. He unpacked his portmanteau, and, dallying with his resolutions, he wondered if he should go to Lady Seveley's: conclusions and determinations were constitutionally abhorrent, self-deception natural to him. Were he asked if he intended to turn to the right or the left, although he were going nowhere and an answer would compromise him in nothing, he would certainly say he did not know; and if he were expostulated with, he would reply rudely, arrogantly. This is worthy of notice, for what was special in his character was the combination it afforded of degenerate weakness and pride, complicated with a towering sense of self-sufficiency. Youth's illusions would not pass from him easily; in his eyes and heart the hawthorn would always be in bloom, young girls would always be beautiful, innocent, true to the lovers they had selected; nor was there of necessity degradation nor forced continuance in any state of vice. Love could raise and purify, love could restore, love could make whole; if one woman were faithless, another would be constant; if to-day were d

, and the gold of the inscriptions over the shops caught the eye. London was tall on the heavens. Regent Street was full of young men as elegant as himself driving to various pleasures, and Fran

timent that he would somehow be disappointed, and he dreaded dinner by himself and his lonely lodgings. Nor was he wholly wrong. The bu

s not at all well, sir. She is, I t

xpect me? I was to hav

, sir; but I'd better ask

he floor, and on their heads, Helen rested her feet, showing her plump legs to her visitors. On the walls there were indifferent water-colours, there were gold screens, the cabinets were full of china, there were three-volume novels on the tea-table-it was the typical rich widow's house, a house where young men lingered. Frank stood examining a portrait on china of Lady Seveley, it was happily hung with blue ribbon from the top of the mirror. It represented a woman inclined to stoutness, about thr

moment, sir," said the maid. A f

it down? I have been suffering terribly to-day-neura

ou are be

agne I shall be quite well. Now

foot was set on a tiger's head. The ankle was too thick, the foot slightly fat, but stocking and

ke Maggie

e is in the City, and the girls give tennis parties, and drink his best wine. There was an awful row there the other day about

"A sort of co

father's death. I have known them all my life. I used

't seen them f

I went to Italy. This was the first time I

beautiful girls and wi

a fascinating girl than a beautiful girl." A sudden remembr

on the tabl

r that you were going to have t

Monday. I am very sorry; had I known for certain that you we

dropped. "You said you were going to the theat

theatre out of my head. I have a box f

d face of the bar girl with the over-coloured woman-his hostess. He had not seen Lizzi

ed me-would you like

on of memories and desires, he said: "I don't know that I ca

nothing like champagne for it. Hardwick,

the walls, and Frank stopped to look at them as he follo

nd of music

g I like more than fi

play so

m, I don't know my notes. I strum on

play the

t playing, I wa

t instrument; I couldn't get on with it at all;

thing about it. I borrowed a violin once, and I taught myself to pla

nd it under the piano behind that music; do

shall

ing yo

oetry. His soul went out in the strain of melody sentimentally; and it leaned him in varying and beautiful attitudes. The sweeping, music-evoking arm was beautiful to behold, and the music seemed to cry for

ff like that for? Was

urch opposite, the painted panes were now full of mitre and alb, and the vague tumult of the service came in contrast with the summer murmur of London and th

uld not care for my conversation any more than

think your playing bad; on the contrary, perhaps I think it too good. How shall I explain? There are times when I cannot bear music; the pleasure it brings is too near,

is so re

there is no other word; no sensuality

ny one saying that Offenbach is sensual, but I

although-but 'La Chanson

to his lips and kiss it; he might lean and loll and kiss her. He wondered if he might dare it; but her air of ladyhood was so ma

xplain my feeling-nerves perhaps. Now I come to think of it I am ashamed. It was the summer evening, the perfume of those flowers; it was-" Helen fixed her eyes on Frank, as if she would like to say, "It was you." With a sigh she said: "It was the music." Then as if she

ou like. I heard that the new

let

weeter here. But it was difficult to draw back now without avowal. Helen had rung for her maid. She put on a whi

nd she leaned back behind the curtain o

been in love; bu

occurre

love with a ballet g

s were arranged about the stage; the low comedians cracked jokes

n do make love to low women; I'm not speaking now of ballet girls, but of cooks and housemaids. A lady, a frie

rd of such things, but I

ove. Tell me all about it. I want to know.

d to wear a Ga

ike those

d on

she was t

he was

ow she would wear a

looked exquisi

ere very much in

gaged, and going

it brok

her was

occasions, and there are generally e

l I have heard is correct, there are

ould answer them in the grossest manner, forgetful that he was making formidable enemies for himself without in the least advancing the welfare of him or her whose defence he had undertaken. With some words and looks the storm was allayed, and they felt that the wind that might have capsized had carried their craft nearer the port where they were steering. Their eye

in love with her the

hink

. When did you see he

age, she sat opposite to me; for some time we were alone, and

s afraid of of

ding to his rudeness, which she declared she had forgiven, and he said:

hat is forgiven; t

e was dressed in white, and her face

r a Gainsborough hat. What will you do now that they ha

ined what it would be like, and so the time went till we got to Kensington. She

h going to th

did she, and we spoke of the river all the afternoon. And when the season was over I went up to Maidenhead too. I had my boat there (I must show you my boat one of these days, one of the prettiest boats on

pose I

your h

croquet at our place. But my parents wouldn't hear of it. I was not at all strong when I was a girl; they said I wouldn't live, so I didn't care what became of m

on't say any m

orrible things about my mother, and

t th

have married him only I thought I was going to die. He neve

"There are two men I know," she said, fixing her glass. "Do you see them? The e

im. His father was a shopkeeper in Gort,

isn't he? I hear he i

with that class, but in Ireland

d than that. If they come up here, wha

ntroduced. I should l

you to Harding and

garette. Is it true what they say about him, that he is irresistible, that no wo

ost lovely ha

s you are in l

rank; he bowed coldly, and addressed Harding. But Lady Seveley said: "O Mr. Hardin

?" Fletcher asked Escott, in a h

o tell you; he hasn't ceased talki

e the same had I b

that it was in one of Harding's novels. He could detect no difference in the loafers that leaned over the counter talking to the barmaids; they were dingy and dull, whereas the young men from the stalls of the theatre were black and white and clean; but the keenest eye could note nothing further, and a closer inspection showed that even a first division rested on no deeper basis than the chance of evening dress. Civilisation has given us all one face and mind. He walked to where Lizzie was serving; soldiers were ordering drinks of her, so he was obliged to apply to the next girl to her for his brandy and soda. He drank slowly, hoping her admire

evening? Come to s

to see

sed back to her place, and continued talking to the sol

e bell rang, and Frank

uisitely funny song; they have encored it; just listen to it, do," and Helen fixed her opera glass on the actress. T

; isn't it deli

it is

e me my cloak. Thank you, and now give me your arm." Frank complied.

ry I can't; I must get

you surely can ge

id-the fact is I am

st as y

shall be able to get your carriage yet awhile; in a few minutes this crowd will disperse. No us

ore you came. There is Mr. Harding. Ho

onscientious illiterateness. Nellie Farren has caught something of the jangle of modern life;

ls? I have always hear

rable to popularity. The t

ey. His gaze troubled her, and when he withdrew his eyes she looked at him, anticipant and fearing. He spoke to her until Frank, feeling that he was receding out of all i

ce and get rested, and come and see me one of these days; don't f

tinent brute Fletcher daring to come up to speak to us! I

e, nearly upsetting the fat porter. The bar wa

xed. Has any one

not

u have to put

on't care about another brandy and soda, a

half

oon overpowered him. "I call it bad form, when you are wi

of Iris

dn't he

right to come up and enter into a long conversatio

ave knocked

of bitt

e don't seem to me to mind whom they speak to-a low-bred Iris

a rage w

lt the folly of these confidences. "I don't care a hang. It

, don't yo

must admit that if you go out with a fellow it would

never d

care a hang for the lady I was with, but I don't intend to allow

rs. Besides, in our business we

down from my box on purpose to speak to you, and I

ke it if you were talking to me, and I we

, he would like it in a thin glass, too-wouldn't you, Ted? and if he could have a go at that prett

mained talking with them for some little time, and she

you are," she said,

me, and you go away t

ghty man. You can't have me all to y

ould come out with me. I wis

nt to the theatre with to-night, and we

inence of the fellow to come intruding his conversation when it wasn't wanted; but as for the woman I don't

y hours every day; but we m

have got

unday in

l your tu

ng out ne

me; I would take you up th

know even w

ever been up the river, not

N

ld. Last year I spent nearly three months at Marlow and Maidenhead-we positively lived in a boat. I

't been in a boat s

manage to catch the nine o'clock express that takes us down in a little over the hour. I'd have the hampe

ensely; I don't know

y you will

her lip. A girl entered the bar and w

away now, I

ou wil

yet; I shall

letcher. He did not see that they had been watching hi

you have?"

I could not drin

a ciga

oke this beastly cigar. I do

t d

rst pause in the conversation, Harding said: "Pret

he is one of the prettiest

ooking than L

hink so; Lady Seve

nice test of a young

rning, or are you going to

told me which,

in a hurry to bri

hesitate between a lady of rank and a barmaid? She might be a pretty girl, but what of that? There are hundreds as pretty. He had never been the lover of a lady,

nd he at length succeeded in persuadi

terrible!" He felt the boat alive beneath his oars, the river placid and gentle, and all the charm of the rushes, the cedars, the locks, and the blonde beautiful girl in the ste

n at ten, but if they missed the ten to nine the day would be spoilt, lost. Supposing she did not come, what would he do?-drive back through dingy London and eat a lonely breakfast in that horr

Perhaps she won't come at all; will she come?-she promised me. By Jove, twenty minutes to nine. If she isn't here in five minutes we shall miss the train." His passion grew in intensity, and hope was dead, when he heard sounds of running footste

ere you

minutes. I'll run and get the ticke

missed t

t tr

etropo

hat nonsense! Why di

she followed him along the platform. "No, not in there; I don't like travelling alone with gentlemen

I wouldn't come,

disappointed. I don't kno

we are going to do. I had such difficulty in getting away. It is against the rules; and the manageress (the fat woman who stands at the end of t

toned. Harding the novelist-the fellow I was sitting with the other night, said such a good thing-he said he was a sort of a

wouldn't have refused another if he could have found any one to stand it. Oh, look at the country! How pretty it is!-the cows, the corn growing, the birds and all the light clouds; we are

is there-such a beauty! We'll row up to the-and that reminds me, I ordered the luncheon basket at the best place in London, you know; it was to have been at my place last night at eight o'clock, and they never sent i

and speed of the broad gaugeline, an hou

ading?" said Lizzie, spr

ox looking buildings scattered over a flat piece of ground. We shan'

we deal

hile I get the tickets ou

's w

ts and the rowing, Lizzie all white in the sunlight, a little dumbfounded and astonished. The

elegram? My b

got her out

wanted to have her, they

y gentlemen asked if

aused so many to be disappointed. "Well

-hook, but Frank's boat could not be found. He shouted to his man who was sculling towards an

he use of my sending you telegra

be here in a

ir yourself, I don't want t

river-that party just gone away-must have had the boat. He didn't know anything

you do this? I never heard of such a

ou just as goo

like it. How do I know you don't l

l give you another boat, one t

be back till nine o'clock to-night, perhaps

lady in the stern

utrigger?" Assuring Lizzie that he would be back

down some one," muttered the boa

t paused, surprised at such furious rowing. Lizzie wat

e a row, I expect. He's going round the bend; if he doesn't run into something, he'll catch them,"

and, elated at his success, Frank handed Lizzie into the truant boat and paddled out into the stream. When he ha

out of sight r

a lot of red parasols up higher, and I had to look

ch them if you didn'

object; he didn't want to come back, if you please. He said he had hired the boat, that he d

n to regret that I ha

rt to catch them; they had such a start, and they were going along a pretty fair pace, too. It has made me feel a bit peckish, a pull

cheon basket. I ought to have reminded you to

ial than sandwiches. I'll paddle on; we aren't more than a tenminute

mething to eat witho

f the best hotels on the river; splendid gardens and tennis grounds, a great room

k I am well d

n dress and a parasol is al

d of me, then; you'

eemed to him that all the world was happiness. The spirit of the river, the fields and sky, leaped to his eyes. He assisted her to ascend the steps cut in the hill

et's wait. I must see

come along the broad gauge at t

not an

N

he waiters carved at a sideboard covered with pies, sirloins, hams, tongues. Only one table was occupied, and the waiters were lavishing all attention upon it. Lady Seveley leaned back smoking a cigarette. Fletcher sat next to her, alternately affecting indifference and fixing her with his e

at lady yo

you about, who I went to the

ike that smokin

"We had better not have anything hot, we

cellent, sir; pigeon pie is

e? Get me the wine list. Ta

my hair wil

, so much t

, and the bright hair hung loose about her white plump face.

es pick one up! not h

those at the far corner table; nor did they suspect, as they descended the hill and

l. He seems very fond of her. I ho

ght in the bar. He was paying her a great deal o

young man, for somehow, I cannot explain, it is a thing you must feel; she epitomises as it were the beauty of the English girl; she is the typical pretty English girl; all that

but from what you tell me of it, it is the

eyes, but she is May nevertheless. I say that the lover of the young girl cannot love the woman of thirty. Her charms touch him not at all; but there are others who may love only the woman of thirty, and, strange to say, they are o

end Frank Escott belon

speaking generally, every second woman will run after him-ladies of rank, prostitutes, maid-servants-when he may pick and choose his mistresses, and change his mind as often as he pleases; there are other times when he finds himself womanless, when non

e are men who look in

king of rings, because the lady of fashion begged of the old gentleman who had taken up his hat to go to stay a little while longer, because the chamber-maid did not look lusciously round the corner when he passed her in the passage. He looks in the glass and imagines all kinds of monstrous changes in his person. His fears have no foundation in fact-or should I say in the flesh? A year aft

nothing to do with the faculty of m

ur most eager investigation; when we have tra

bug you are, Mr. Harding; one never knows when you are serious. But what

e of success. It will never quite come to him; he will be one of those muddled, dissatisfied creatures who rail against luck and bad treatment. I cannot see him really successful in anything; yes I can, though, I believe he would make an excellent husband. I have spoken a great deal to him. He has told me a lot about himself, and I can s

k he will marr

ntervenes-she may die, she may run away with some one to-morrow,

r; he will have twenty thousa

d match. I know Mount Rorke," said Lady

a li

ul views and prospects. The locks, the sensation of the boat sinking among the slimy piles with Frank erect holding her off with the boat-hook, or the slow rising till the banks were overflowed, and the wonderful wooden gates opened, disclosing a placid stream with overhanging boughs and a barge. And the charming discoveries they made in this water world, the moorhen's indolence, and the watchful rat swimming for its hole; each bend was a new picture. How beautifully expressive of the work of the field were the c

e thought, too, of seeing her daily, hourly, of her presence in his daily life; he saw her amid his painting and poetry, and

perfect specimen of Elizabethan architecture; and he treated Lizzie to all he could pretend to know on the subject, and he condemned the owner for the glaringly modern garden benches with which the swards were interspers

ng a kettle. He spoke to them; he instructed them in the life of camping out, and he invited them to tea. Lizzie went into the t

ked at ease into the green solitudes of the wood. It seemed endless, so soft and so still. He spoke to Lizzie, whom he now called Liz, of h

nd. He wrote a little too, in the papers, and he might do something to help her brother-a paragraph in Fashion, he could get one in. For fear of wounding her he did not ask if her brother wa

e had; but it was all over now. The last words

ts. In the dell below there stood a small green painted table, and the young people leaning on the protecting railing wondered at this mysterious piece of furniture. T

ce and the foliage of June, and the songs of t

charm unbroken in the rattle of London; and happy with love and tired with th