The Lost Girl

nted to be with them. Even Ciccio she regarded as only one of the Nat

previous week had tried him sorely. He had worked himself into a state of nervous apprehension such as nothing would have justified, unless perhaps, if the wooden walls of the Endeavour had burnt to

said in a nervous fever to Mr. May. "Don't make a

May. "Really! Have

"I have written about a new machine, an

then, in that case-" But he was

top on if we are nothing but a picture show!" And he arc

cried

at all. I'm not a film-operator!" And he put his head

, as well,"

wash the dishes in the scullery. Bu

the same?"

Mr. May. "Of cau

e heartlessly, into his

ill you do?

e," said the injured but dauntless litt

ou stay on?

ouldn't think of it." He tur

aconically into his face: "

e-!" But his tone was a little spiteful, a

mentioned the coming c

t aloof, "it's a move in the right direc

said Alv

the place, and I nev

t believe any goo

lvina. "What makes you

d I have from the first. It was wrong fr

nsisted Alvi

s to touch this show business. It isn't like him. It doesn't be

man even in the shop. He always was. Moth

gar was ta

se. "And in that case," she continued tartly, "I think some of the showman has

said Alvina. "I enjoy

u're wrong! There you make a mistake

rise. "What a new idea! But wh

that doesn't alter it." She lapsed into dead silence for a moment. Then suddenly she b

e like a bullet. It made Alvina pause. Was her father

sty film-shop? The strange figures of the artistes passing under her observation had really entertained her, week by week. Some weeks

she banged at the piano to a set of dithering and boring pictures. There would be her father, herself, and Mr. May-or a new operator, a new manager

have fascinated her. Which of them it was, or what it was that had cast the spell over her, she did not kn

sceptical of their keeping their promise-either Madame or Ciccio. Why should they keep thei

inting in the box-office after the performance had begun. What to do? He could not interrupt Alv

m all right. Don't bother." So he sat with his head on his hand in

rrow hole that James could just sit in, and there he found the inv

s, his eyes flaring. "Leave me alone."

aughter entered the ticket place, her

king his shoulder gentl

but was incoherent. S

grey an

m home," she said. "We s

ittle brandy,

he cab, James swallowe

o himself

s fuss. Go on with the performance, there's

home, father,

ne, then another. I won't stand it-I won't stand it-" He looked at Alvina with a look of frenzy a

mance went on without music. At last the cab came. James, unconscious, was driven up to Wood

she announced

id Miss Pinnegar, sta

to meet the cab-man, wh

" cried Alvina,

weigh much,"

, in a rapid tut-tut of distress. "What have I said

rted another vigil. Alvina sat up in the sick room. James started and muttered, but did not regain consciousness. Dawn came, and he was the same. Pneumonia and pleurisy and a touch

rting and looking at James in terror whenever he made a noise. She hurried to him and did what

came up and said that the Italian from last wee

ng, and Mr. Houghton

nnegar

tairs at about four in

carved bone, and a me

ndest greetings and mo

hwé

rved, beast-faced se

ere had been any o

r nursing. The patient was no better, still unconscious. Miss Pinnegar came dow

ht. Alvina went to lie down in her father's little, rather chilly chamber at the end of the corridor. She tried to sleep, but coul

e theatre. He would find some one else for t

florid, church-going draper from Knarborough, well-to-do and very bourgeois. He tried to talk to Alvina in a

to give the interview its proper air of solemnity. She saw Ciccio rearing his yellow bicycle against the

to her cousin, who looked up

ped. She stood on the doorstep above him. He looked

tired, without expression. Only her large eyes looked blue in their

ow is Mr. Houg

this morning,"

alian, a flash of fear and

he kitchen step. He dropped his eyes and looked at his feet. Then he lifted his eyes again, and looked at her. She lo

tral, blanched, with wide, still, neutral eyes. She did not seem to see him. He studied her with alert, yellow-dusky, inscrutable eyes, until she met his look. And then he gave the faintest gesture with his head, as of summons towards him. Her soul started, and died in her. And again he gave the slight, almost imperceptible jerk of the he

down from the step, down to his level, to follow him. He went ducking along the dark yard, nearly to the gate. Near the g

ssion as if she had lost her soul. So she looked up at him, like a vic

aid, in a voice that seemed l

soulless, like a victim. He put his

ly, with a certain finesse of knowledge. She moaned in spirit, in his arms, felt herself dead, dead.

to look for her. Ciccio set her down, looked lo

e tomo

p his bicycle like a feather, and, taking no notice of

said Mis

e floor, bowing down her head to her knees in a paroxysm on the floor. In a paroxysm-because she loved him. She doubled herself up in a paroxysm on her knees on the floo

came and knock

Whatever are you doing? Aren't you c

" said

om the bed, she crushe

iously, in her orgasm

he felt it-the terrib

ld she

f sleep in that one second. Then she roused and got up. She went to the mirror, still, evanescent, and tidied

airs, to that horrible

le, remote and virgina

iled to make anything

, but did not talk. Th

n went away, with a p

vi

nd she went about for the rest of the day elusive an

he knew Ciccio would not be able to come-he could not cycle, and it was impossible to get by train and return the same

Tomorrow was Sunday: and the funeral was in the afternoon. Alvina felt a burning inside her, t

e telegram to

ancy those people. And I warrant they'll want to

ery nice of her

uld have wanted such people following, myself. And what does she mea

," said

t, Alvina. Is that his name, Chicho? I never heard such a name. Doesn't

order a

never knew such i

coming. The thought of Ciccio made her shudder. She hung about, waiting. Luckily none of the funeral guests would arrive till after one o'clock. Alvina sat listless, mu

he front door. Madame was in her little black hat and her black spotted

kid hands, one of which held an umbrella: "I am so shocked-I am so shocked

. He took off his hat to Alvina, smiled slightly as he passed her. He looked rath

nd the furniture. She was evidently a little impresse

or girl, how

Alvina, and she gave the brief ac

eil, pushed up, sagged over her brows like a mourning band. "You cannot af

e black hair of his head showed no parting at all-it just grew like a close cap, and was pushed aside

e to a halt. There

to the funera

, we shall

na. "I have arr

ng. But I will come, not Cicc

oked up a

eep flush began to mount her face. She did not know wher

tched her

do," came the v

He sat constrained, with his face av

ked closel

what he says

" said Alvina. "I don't

have agree

a as she sat in her new black dress.

id vaguely. "Have I-?"

for some moments. Th

e to another. "Well, there is a lot t

ed. Madame suddenly ro

her on ei

rotect you

eturned to

?" she said suddenly to Ciccio, tack

th a faint derisive sm

bent her hea

"you have a reason." She

refused to speak, sitting as if he

dame. "I shall be

f-playful threat. Ci

im yet," she said,

ended. Then she added: "Wouldn'

wish me to sta

you hang your coat in the

"He will not stay to eat. H

looked

u rather?

er with sardon

kward, derisive smile curling

an through her. His yellow eyes watched her sardonically. It was the clean modelling

ou to stay,

hand lightly balanced on her hip. Alvina was reminded of Kishwégin. But even in Madame's stony mist

ans le salon," sa

the passage?-and do smoke

ther with tan uppers. Handsome he was-but undeniably in bad taste. The silver ring was still on his finger-and his close, fine, unparted hair went badly with smart En

see the dead James. She looked at his frail, hands

. "Mort en un jour. C'est trop fort, voy

room. Madame glanced round, as s

ina. "The other was mine. He wouldn't

ispered Madame. "Who would have

before the small mirror, into which she had

this Ciccio, hein?" It was ridiculous that she would not ra

f bright black glass. Alvina looked ba

in? Will you marry

I like him," said

de a litt

like him! But you know nothing of him-nothing. How can you like him, not

is he?" s

ugh he has been with me for three years. What is he? He is a man of the

s he?" ask

-a boy only. And y

confesse

! How can you trust him? How can you

know-" sa

down-" And Madame pressed her spread palms downwards. "And so-when they have a chance to come up-" she raised her hand with a spring-"they are very conceite

g ruefully. "He can't rise

ters, such as employ Ciccio and men like him. How will he not rise in the world by you? Yes, he will rise very much. Or he will draw you down, down-Yes, one or another. And

"I'm sure there won't be any mon

Oh poor Miss Houghton! Well-and wi

f it matters," s

He saves, saves, saves, as they all do, to go back to Italy and buy a piece of land. And if he has you,

in time," said Alvi

you live in England as the wife of a labouring man, a dirty Eyetalian, as they all say? It is serious. It is not pleasant for you, who have not known

te being a labourer's wife in a

e many together in one house. It would be two rooms, or even one

shook h

and that," she

t know the English home-never. They don't like it. Nor do they know the Swiss clean and proper hou

n Italy?" s

se there it is s

house," said Alvina.

ou would be alone with people like animals. And if

him," sa

e in Italy, nobody will help you. You are his property, when you marry by Italian law. It

t me?" said Alvina. "W

d then they go into their ungover

provoked," said Alvi

vokes him. Who can say when he will

in Madame's bright black eyes. Alvina

now," she said, in

true," whispered Madame vindictiv

itchen," she said.

Madame. She was too much upset, and she had a

ce stained carmine by

ngs with t

ying, or only one?

herself with the gravy, to hi

to bring him for? I'm sure I don't know what your father would

as she tried the potatoes. Alvina set the

dinner?" she said

as a faint, watery sunshine: but at least it was out of doors. He felt hims

his hand on his hat. The stupid,

o now,"

e table for you

ped for so long," said Madame,

looking stupid. Madame lifte

ehaviour!" she sa

stood a

he funeral?" sai

ok his

e ready to g

id Madame, "when the

be in time f

stupidly, opened t

-" Madame could not express herself

this is Madame

gar, a little distant and condes

don't know his name

said Alvina. "What i

co. Francesco Ma

!" echoe

, bad sign," said Madame. "Ma-rà-sca!" She

. "Do you think there is a meaning

are for life, for creating, and some sounds are bad, they

adness? What does i

ends life down-down-in

ays go up? Why should

vi

ame, cutting her meat qu

upted Miss Pinnegar, a little lofty.

her knife in her hand. She looked a

d against: that is, against the neighbour, against humanity. But

ounced Huff-ton,"

" said

know," said M

look at the unhap

tive of the fam

But I've been here

neg

frightfully affronted. The meal, with th

a rose to wipe the dishes, hastily, because the funeral guests would all

ttle extinguished, all in black. He never wore black, and was very unhappy in it, being almos

but sat black-eyed and watchfu

heatre?-will it g

don't know Miss Hought

as a little s

rs?" sai

ar as I un

e wants to

hands, and looked d

company, and carr

odd fashion, so that he looked as if he were trussed. But M

ton out-" said

May. "Miss Houghton

You-are y

es

wife

e is in

child

augh

p and down, as if she put thous

be much to come to Mis

? I really can't say.

u have a go

raid I

It won't be

ow. I should say, n

th her black eyes. "Do you think

eried Mr. May, with

slightly towar

iss-Miss Pin-Pinny

he work-girls? Really, I don't know

quietly. Then she asked: "W

work-room upstairs, extorting all the details she desired to

she said. "Is

beli

Debts perhaps-eh? Mortgage-"

g to his feet. "Do you mind if

Madame, and Mr. May s

gan to arrive. And then she had the satisfaction of sizing them up. Several arrived with wreaths. The coffin had been carried down and laid in the s

d out-Alvina followed, on the arm of her father's cousin, whom she dislike

vived its ancient respect for the house of Houghton. A posse of minor tradesmen follo

. I wonder if he will leave much. I'm sure he won't. Everything he's got's mortgaged up to the hilt. He'll leave debts, you see if he doesn't. What is she going to do then? She'll have to go out of Manchester House-her and Miss Pinnegar. Wonder what she'll do. Perhaps she'll take up that nursing. She never made much of that, did she-and spent a sight of money on her training, they say. She's a bit like her father in the business line-all flukes. Pity some nice young man doesn't turn up and marry her. I don't know, she doesn't seem to hook on, does she? Why she's never had a proper boy. They make out she was engaged once. Ay, but nobody ever saw him, and it was off as soon as it was on. Can you remember she went with Albert Witham for a bit. Did she? No, I never knew. When was that? Why, when he was at Oxford, you know, learning for his head master's place. Why didn't she marry him then? Perhaps he never asked her. Ay, there's that to it. She'd have looked down her nose at him, times gone by. Ay, but that's all over, my boy. She'd snap at anybody now. Look how she carries on with that manager. Why, that's something awful. Haven't you ever watched her in the Cinema? She never lets him alone. And it's anybody ali

o familiar, so familiar, familiar as her own face. And now she seemed to see them from a grea

seemed so empty. Bitterly she cried, when she bent down during the prayer. And her crying started Miss Pi

had watched them for her mother-and for Miss Frost. She felt a sudden clinging to Miss Pinnegar. Yet they would have to part. Miss Pinnegar had been so fond of her father, in a quaint, reserved way. Poor Miss Pinnegar, that was all life had offered her. Well, after all, it had been a home and a home life. To which home and home life Alvina now clung

Marasca! Maraschino! What was maraschino? Where had she heard it. Cudgelling her brains, she remembered the doctors, and the suppers after the theatre. And maraschino-why, that was the favourite white liqueur of the innocent Dr. Young. She could remember even now the way he seemed to smack his lips,

hillside. She and he were in some way allied. But these others, how alien and uncouth he felt them. Impressed by their fine clothes, the English working-classes were none the less barbarians to him, uncivilized: just as he was to them an uncivilized animal. Uncouth, they seemed to him, all raw angles and harshness, like their own weather. Not that he thought about them. But he felt it in his flesh, the harshness and discomfort of them. And Alvina was one

urners turned away to go back to the c

n. We must go to the station for the tr

vina look

I see him. We must

t you ask Ciccio to drive wit

his black hat cocked a little on one side. He was watch

the station," she said. "She

round at

and he picked his wa

followin

in the cab," said

s Houghton. Perhaps we

s with you, my dear."

a little theatrically

loof. Cicci

Ciccio," s

ll come again, won't you?" She looked

ng her hand loosely. It sou

e repeated, staring at him wit

said, ducking

te lost. Then she went on with her cous

ed handkerchief. But Ciccio, most uncomf

its baked meats and

o an end, as everythi

vina were left alone

ester

r, I should be quite by myself," s

without you," said M

other. And that nigh

t of sheer terror

innegar's. But the question was, how much did "everything" amount to? There was something less than a hundred pounds in the bank. There was a mortgage on Manchester House. There were substa

gar came. And they all had schemes, and they all had advice. The chief plan was that the theatre should be sold up: and that Manchester House should be sold, reserving a lease on the top floor, where Miss Pi

hey were all so benevolent, and all so sure that they were proposing the very best thing she could do. And they were all nettled, even indignant that she did not jump at their proposals. She listened to them all. She even invited their advice. Continually she said: "Well, what do you think of it?" And she repeated the chapel plan to the theatre group, the theatre plan to the chapel party, the nursing to the pianoforte proposers, the haberdashery shop to the private school advocates. "Tell me what you think," she said repeatedly. And they all told her they thought their plan was best. And bit by bit she told every advocate the proposal of every other advocate "Well, Lawyer Beeby thinks-" and "Well now, Mr. Clay, the minister, advises-" and so on and so on, till it was all buzzing throug

count of James's property; Mr. May went on with the Endeavour, though Alvina did not go dow

tematically frustrated. All this scheming for selling out and making reservations and hanging on and fixing prices and getting private bids for Manchester House and for the Endeavour, the excitement of forming a Limited Company to run the Endeavour, of seeing a lawyer about the sale of Manchester House and the auctioneer about the sale of the furniture, of receiving men who wanted to pick up the machines upstairs cheap, and of keeping everything dangling, deciding nothing, putting everything off till she had seen somebody else, this for the moment fascinated her, went to her head. It was not until the second

cha-Kee-Tawaras: she followed them to Stockport: and back to Chinley: and there she was stuck for the night. Next day she dashed back almost to Woodhouse, and swerved round to Sheffield. There, in that bla

ement and pleasure. Sh

almost annoyed,

away from you, Ma

ly," sai

ful mother for them, sewed for them, cooked for them, looked

ind?" sai

r some moments w

ything at Woodho

bear it. So I collected all the money I cou

posite. Alvina had a certain strangeness and brightness, which Madame did no

ess, the will and

ill fussing

re is so

. "What there will be when everything is settled,

ou think? A th

know. But it's just as likely

, as always when she

thing, what do you

w," said Alv

here is s

u, I could keep myself for some time with my own money. You said per

the bright black folds of her hair. Then she loo

't come to s

lvina. "Yet

e smiled sa

. "You are easy to be satisfied with

red and

re i

tion-in notes. And I'

e, and took out some l

Madame, smiling grimly. "The

t's quite safe

nd. And you think a hundred

at

tisfy

nking of him,

propose it to him. Wait one moment."

oking not very

ticket, have you?" Alvina handed the luggage ticket to Madame. "Midland Railway," said Madame. "And, Ciccio, you are lis

I have," s

e will is proved, it is all the cas

ht," sai

of a bag, Miss Hou

Madame listened for his final departu

hink, let him think what he likes. So much money is certain, perhaps there will be more.

make a difference t

. We are not in Paradise. If it were a thousand pounds, then he would want very badly

ul, though-!

e others-why, you see, they are men, and they know which side to butter their bread. Men are like

th the darning

toes-you see?" Madame poked two fingers through the hole in the to

which sock I d

give you another. But if yo

say?" ask

to have more. And that you like him-Yes? Am I

what?" s

e should like to marry you a

a. "Don't say an

t. All right, not ye

ere was Madame spinning her web like a plump prolific black spider. There was Ciccio, the unrestful fly. And there was herself, who didn't know in the least what she was doing. Th

nded the cooking and the preparation of meals for her young men, scrupul

at your money is

r bag and counted th

le bank, yes, where it will be safe. And I shall gi

to tea, in the st

say? Shall Miss Houghton join the Natch

ing the responsible party, looked business-like. Louis was

ut can the Natcha-Kee-Tawaras affor

will come for one month, to prove, and in that time

her expenses

ything for myself, for a month. I s

ischievous, half beseeching at the e

all all be hon

Louis, bowing also

nd Ciccio lowered his eyelash

eed. Tonight we will have a bottle of wine on it

owed above

professional name, eh? Because w

Alvina," s

r, I don't like it. I don't like this '

e in the house. But two doors away was another decent lodgin

e very well her

hideous little room, and remembering her ot

he mourning-ring of black enamel and diamond, which had been always on Miss Frost's finger. Now she left off this, and took four diamond rings, and one good sapphire

tween the plump, pale partridge of a Frenchwoman, whose black hair is so glossy and tidy, whose black eyes are so acute, whose black d

h-then-" Madame made a slight click with her tongue. "What a good br

are real rubies. It was

it? Real? A

I'm qui

zed the jewels

ow whether she was sceptical, or jeal

al?" said Madame, making

understood so

d slowly nodded her he

, really a li

d francs there," she

!" said

t's enough-i

silence betwee

in the pork-pie, she set the table with its ugly knives and forks and glasses. All the time her rings sparkled, her red brooch sent out beams, she laughed and was gay, she was quick, and she flattered Madame by being very deferential to her. Whether she was herself or not, in the hideous, common, stuffy sitting-room of the lodging-house she did not know or care. But she felt excit

ame: Alvina played f

Madame had the

mpathy in music. Music goes straight to the heart." And she kissed

," said the

tirred uneasily, an

le, Alvina at the other. Madame had Max and Louis by her side, Alvina ha

e, but was not allowed to insult the sacred liquid. There was a spirit of great liveliness and convivia

ll. A new swallow, a new Huron from the tents of the pale-face, from the lodges of the north, from the tribe of the Yenghees." Madame's black eyes glared with a kind of wild triumph down the table at Alvina. "Nameless,

ifted he

men thrust their glasses up towards Alvina, in a cluster. She could see their mouths all

her hand to protect herself. He took her hand, and looked at her along the glass as he drank

n his throat. Then

Chemin! Comment? Me

at burst of laug

Madame! Viale, it is Italian for the l

nto a high and

!" he said, and sh

atter," cried Madame in French,

ith a strange determined flourish he

id, and then he tilted up his chin

y!" cried Madame. "T

ou art not a g

a plus d'une voi

e knew it was something improper, on her account. Her eyes had a bright, slightly-bewildered look as she turned from one

talienne," said Madame. "Courage

lle voix rauque," said

ly pulled her

name. They will call

it good? W

" said

ff into a shout of laughter. She kept looking round with bright, puzzled eye

the tribe of Natcha-Kee-Taw

said

ct rules of the tr

es

ened herself like a black pigeon, and

tribe, one n

e, one nation,"

," cried

nation-" they shouted

And no nation do we kn

ndel

Hirondelles," came the ragged chant of stron

les, means swall

now," sai

hen! We know no nation

AW BUT HU

law!" sang the response,

AWGIVER EXCEP

r except Kishwégin,

ME BUT THE TEN

me but the ten

BUT THE GOOD OF

but the good of

THE HIRO

the Hiro

E KISH

e Kish

E MOND

e Mond

E ATON

e Aton

E PACO

e Paco

E WALG

e Walg

RE AL

re Al

ca!" cried Madame, starting to

ly and took his man

dance a slight but intense dance. Then she waved for a partner, and set up a tarantella wail. Louis threw off his coat an

e other, they kissed her fingers, whilst she laid her left hand languidly on the head of one man after another, as she sa

adame, with an imper

me

mandoline and went

so went forward. Mad

dame laid her hand o

is the daughter of Kishwégin,"

upholds the daughter of Kishwégin, which of the Swallow

la!" sai

uila! Pacohuila!"

, Pacohuila," said Kishwégin, and Ciccio, in

e, beneath the wings

y pressing Alvina

rouched under the ri

chanted Kishwégin, to one o

home-" chan

warm?" chan

est is

e he-bir

stoo

akes A

ohui

oped and raised A

hildren, unless the Sheffield policeman will knoc

e him a secret, imperative gesture tha

ur key, Alla

e a key?"

btly as she prod

with a slight flourish, she presented the key to Ciccio. "I gi

ly, and keeping his he

ly, as if bewildered

She noticed how he dropped his head forward from his straight, strong shoulders, how beautiful that was, the strong, forwa

ille des Tawara." Madame kissed her, and

profound salute. Then the men shook ha

followed, flashing on the light. So she climbed weakly up the dusty, drab stairs, he following. When she came to her door, she turned and l

coming?" s

tly. Then he nodded again, laughing at her boldly, carelessly, triumphantly, like the dark Sout

n like some force. If for one moment she could have escaped from that black spell of his beauty, she would have been free. But she could not. He was awful to her, shameless so that she died under his shamelessness, his smiling, progressive shamelessness. Yet she could not see him ugly. If only she could, for on

d she began to get hysterical. But he only kissed her, his smiling deepening to a heavy laughter, silent and invisible, but sensible, as he carried her away once more. He intended her to be his slave, she knew.

whether she were still alive. And she looked back at him, heavy-eyed and half subjected. He smiled slightly at her, rose, and left her. And she turned her face to the wall, feeling beat

e found them waiting for her. She was rather frail and tender

to her. "We have been waiting for you. Good-morning, a

and a pair of fine doeskin gloves delicately decorated with feather-work on the cuffs. The slippers were from Kishwégin, the gloves from Mon

said Madame, smiling. "The brother

h one laid the back of her fingers

rother Monda

rother Atonq

er with large, almost solemn eyes of affection. Alvina smiled a little wanly, wondering where s

e addressed himself to Gigi, with the throaty, rich, plangent quality in his voice, that Alvina could not bear, it seemed terrible to her: and he spoke in French: and the two men seemed to be exchanging unspeakable communications. So that Alvina, for all her wistfulness and subjectedness, was at last seriously offe

landlady knocked and entered. She was a rough and r

e yer bed the

vina. "I've do

han. Yo'n

did not

n' yersen a bi

ina didn'

ng it i' th

ll dry here,

. Yo'll 'appen be wantin' it. I can dry it off for yer

lvina. "I do

, which on 'em is it? I catched sight on 'im goin' out, but I didna ma'e out then which on 'em it wor. He-e

lvina. "The

ve to make a bit out of it. I'm partikler as a rule. I don't like 'em comin' in an' goin' out, you know. Things get said. You look so quiet, you do. Com

in the doorway. Alvina quie

split it. Five shillin's is oceans, ma wench. I'm not down on you-not me. On'y

five shilling

it'll keep. God bless you for a good wench. A' open 'eart 's worth all your bum-righte

bleary woman we

of her thoughts, all she minded was that Ciccio did not pay her some attention. She really expecte

pavement, her dirty apron thrown discreetly over what was most obviously a quart jug. She followed the squat, intent figure with her eye,

was expecting her. But she felt inert, weak, incommunicative.

the door to

've come. We were w

passed into the dirty hall w

n the kitche

white apron, busy rubbing a yellow-fles

ping, and already begun to prepare the dinner. Yes, you may help me. C

direction, it was in the direction of food. She loved a good table. And hence the Tawaras saved less money than they might. She was an exacting, tormenting, bullying cook. Alvina, who knew well enough how

rticular enough," she said. "Ca

e for me. But for the young men-y

in leather trousers fringed with hair, belonging to one of the braves.

u must fetch more clothes, not spoil this beautiful gown of voile. Where have you left your diamonds? What? In your room? Are they locked? Oh my dear-!" Madame turned pale and darted looks of fire at Alvina. "I

really stam

-every thing that is valuable.

tely nothing was gone. She brought all to Mada

nt you must ask

iosity Madame exami

t if you like, Ma

mean-

that brooch if yo

hen she changed into a sort of wheedling. "No-no. I shan't take

d Alvina. "Do take

g it is, really. It would be worth over a thousa

" said Alvina. "Do have

an't! I

s d

tique gems, antique gems-! An

should l

a noble heart-" Madam

issed her. Alvina fe

e jewels quickly, a

id, "which must n

lking as young men do, not very interestingly. After the meal, Ciccio sat a

look at the to

go with you?"

id Alvina, "unless yo

I can't come. Will

to the women's sh

then! And you will com

, emerging from a draper's shop in Rotherhampton Broadway, found them loitering on the pavement outside. And they strolled along with her. So she went into a shop t

would be gone

over one eye, and she wished there wasn't quite so much waist-line in the cut of his coat, and that he didn't smoke cigarettes against the

ing his hand restrainingly on Gigi's hand, when Gigi's hand sought pence in his trouser pocket, and throwing his arm o

so the tea-time passed, and the time after tea. The performance went rather mechanically, at the theatre, and the supper at home

ll go early to my

e are all tired

y-"why is it that two merry evening

a farceur of a fine

na r

others. "I have my key and can see qu

But Ciccio, with an obstinate and ugly

street door. But obstinately he lounged into t

sh-light?" she said. "

and slipped inside, shutting it sharply in his face. He stood for some moments lookin

a little bit put out by her. She was a spoke in their wheel, a scotch to their facility. She made them irritable. And that

omewhat of an outsider in the troupe. The tribe had assembled in its old unison. She was the intruder, the interloper. And

adame asked her, rather coolly. They n

some things, hadn'

ou think you wil

y slap in the f

to," s

come to Mansfield on Monday morning? Like that s

ning without me." Her pride mounted obstinately. She very nearly

lly staying with them in common, sordid lodgings. After all, she had been bred up differently from that. They had horribly low standards-such low standards-not only of morality, but of life altogether.

ortification, partly, alas, with undeniable and unsatisfied love. Let her bridle as she might, her heart burned, and she wanted to look at him, she wanted him to notice her.