The Golden Butterfly
ed by any sense of false shame as to his ragged appearance, marched beside the two Englishmen. It was characteristic of his nationalit
e wind blew his rags about his long and lean figure as picturesquely as if he were another Autolycus. He was as full of talk as that worthy, and as lightsome of spirit, despite the solemn gravity of his face. I once saw a poem-I think in the Spectator-on Artemus Ward, in which the bard apostrophised the light-hearted merriment of the Western America
sit down and cry, like t
ght you
and everything except my Luck"-here he pulled at
y get a new ri
. "As for them, there's not a dollar
t is you
it's your Luck, too, young boss," he added, thinking of a s
ain round to the front, and looked at it t
g sun was slowly sinking in the west; before them the peaks of the Sierra lifted their heads, coloured purple in the evening li
en Mr. Gilead P. Beck pointed to a township whi
City, I
he architects of doll's houses; that is to say, they were of one story only, had a door in the midd
appearance, and of several stories. These were the
rst saw it, which is two years ago, was only two years old. It is only in our countr
d Captain Ladds; "c
s; there was no smoke from the chimneys; there was neither c
d P. Beck
aid. "Guess the
ad been a path leading to the place, and hurried do
the rough furniture which the late occupants disdained to carry away with them. The two
, their jokes written on the wall, and their names, to show how they passed away the weary hours of garrison duty. So the miners who founded Empire City, and deserted it en masse when the gold gave out, left behind them marks by which future explorers of th
ounger, "we will ha
s, built of wood, with a verandah along the front. The upper story looked as if it had been recently inhabit
reeze blew chilly up its vacant streets;
said Jack, lo
round with remains of pumps. In the heart of the town behind the hotel stretched a
d one of the thorns which ser
re isn't one. I thought we should find a choice hotel, with a little mo
know there a
hose s
ical kind had been performed upon them, for they were jagged and chipped as if they had been fi
Gentlemen, it's a special Providence that you picked me up. I don't altogether admire the way in which that special P
nd shrugged
got my Luck,"
It's a town of dead men. As soon as it is dark the ghosts will
f. "Sleep on floor-sit on
tered t
counter; the very dice on the counter with which the bar-keeper used to "go" the miners for drinks. How things
miner may leave behind him the impedimenta, but the real necessaries of life-rifle, revolver, bowie, and
looked round him a
ir," he said. "These poor Cal
Beck looked ro
, where there wasn't more'n two at once in them; and there used to be suc
holding up his hand
pricked u
nese step; that's an Englishman's. He wears boots, but they are not miner's boots; he walks firm and slow, like all Englishmen; he
ps came dow
t," said the younger man,
of the footst
an Englishman!"
as the quick ear of the American told him, the great boots of the miner; he had on a flannel shirt with a red silk belt; he wore a
ther curly, streaked with here and there a grey hair; square and clear-cut nostrils; and a mouth which, though not much of it was visible, looked as if it wo
erest for them. The two leaders stood together; and Mr. Gilead P. Beck, rolling an empty keg to t
I see," said
ck expected, immediately holding out
robably los
Followed track; accident; got here. Your h
ed the other, with a look o
able to make you comfortable for the night. Your p
led the way up the stairs, he was followed, not only by the two gentlemen he had invited, but also by the
into a sitting-room. It contained a single rocking-chair and a table. There was also a she
rselves. I found the place deserted. I liked the solitude, the scenery, whatev
said Mr. Gil
s a month, to cook my dinners. And there is a half-caste, who does not mind runnin
window, and
ions of humanity at once-ambition, vanity, self respect, humour, satire, avarice, resignation, patience, reven
as you can," s
ed the Celestial. "Wh
you can. H
t cully-powder. Have m
ome; make A
pidgin makee cook chow-chow. Ayah! Achow have go makee
rly visible, manipulating a pack of cards and apparently inviting t
conscience
ve seen. Make remark a
he was a terrible great fool not
s no
nt on. "This is our esteemed friend Mr. Gile
nd," said
n Ladds, of the
s-pure aroma-best breakfast-digester-
te to you the fact that he is the son of the m
s no
ervant, John Boimer, the best servant who ever put his leg across pig-skin; and my na
nt, who coloured with pleasure at Jack's desc
emen, I think I hear the first sounds of dinner. Boimer-you will allow me, Ladds?-you will find claret and champagne behind
good. There was venison, there was a curry, there was some mountain quail, there was c
his rags, was good as a trencherman, but many plates behind the young Englishman. Mr. Lawrence Colquhoun, their host, went on talking almost as if they were in London, only now and then he found himself behind the world. It was his ignorance of the last Derb
e said, "since
l come back
hink
h the wine. "Much better. Robinson Crusoe always wanted
ced cigars. Later o
good deal crowded out of the conversation, insist on having his sh
ever had; and I went around trying to borrow a few dollars. I got no dollars, but I got free drinks-so many free drinks, that at last I lay down i
me by the hand, gentlemen, that aged and affectionate old squaw, to a place not far from the roadside; and there, lying between two rocks, and hidden in the chaparelle, glittering in the light, was this bauble." He tapped his box. "I did not want to be told to tak
There was nothing to be se
m was not more destitute when the garden-gates w
the pattern of a butterfly's wing, and of the exact shape, but twice as large. They were poised at the angle, always the same, at w
en butt
o goldsmith made this butterfly. It cam
butterfly fa
e Luck of G
d J
ake that, sir, if you will allow me, for
ack; "I have
en butterfly
Luck of Gil
ou are going on, gentlemen, to San Fran
mean to stay by yourself? Much bett
aw Colquhoun mechanically take up the paper, read it, and change color. Then he looked straight
ill go with
Selkirk returns to the soun
imself, but he perceived that Colquhoun had, like Hamlet, seen something. There was,
at St. George's Hanover Square, Gabriel Cassilis, of etc., to Vic
Beck being provided with a new ri
ought from his late master, as a parting favour and for the pur
er two years of faithful service. Then Leeching, after loadin
e perfidious Leeching suddenly cocked his pistol, and
or of the little pile of gold which he and the defu
her his little belongings, and started on the ro
a stone slipped and fell as Leeching passed by. The stone by itself, would not have mattered much, as it
oked around, and saw the Chinaman. Illogically connecting him with the fall of the stone, he made
ving no conscience, he did not fear; having no faith, he did not hope; having very little time,
s deserted indeed, for there was
PTE
nd His B
pose. The ladies of such a house would not desire to belong to the world farther west; they would respect the Church, law, and medicine; they would look on the City with favourable eyes when it was represented by a partner in an old firm; they would have sound notions of material comfort; they would read solid books, and would take their pleasure calmly. One always, somehow, in looking at a house wonders first of what sor
ir losing it; the younger was to have the rest, without trustees, because, his father said, "Joseph is a dull boy and will keep it." It was a wise distribution of the money. Cornelius, then nineteen, left Oxford immediately, and went to Heidelberg, where he called himself a poet, studied metaphysics, drank beer, and learned to fence. Humphrey, for his part, deserted Cambridge-their father having chosen that they should not be rivals-and announced his intention of devoting his life to Art. He took up his residence in Rome. Joseph stayed at school, having no oth
t designs of the most correct taste, was in command of the cellar. Cornelius took the best sitting-room for himself, provided it with books, easy-chairs, and an immense study-table with countless drawers. He called it carelessly his Workshop. The room on the first floor overlooking Mulgrave Street, and consequently with a north aspect, was appropriated by Humphrey. He called it his Studio, and furnished it in character, not forgetting the easy-chairs. Joseph had the back room behind the dining-room for himself; it was not called a study or a library, but Mr. Joseph's room. He sat in it alone every evening, at work. There was also a drawing-room, but it was never used. They dined together at half-past six: Cornelius sat at the head, and Humphrey at the foot, Joseph at one side. Art and Intellect, thus happily met together and housed under one roof, talked to each other. Joseph ate his dinner in silence. Art held his glass to the light, and flashed into enthusiasm over the matchless spark
tive sympathies, followed him. Then he patted
me from my work; you think it has been too muc
lius
wn account t
out at once, brother. Ah, why d
ero became Kikero, Virgil was Vergil, and Socrates was spelt, as by the illiterate bargee, with a k. So the French prigs of the ante-Boileau period sought to make their trumpery pedantries pass for current coin. So, too, Chapelain was in labour with the Pucelle for thirty years; and when
ting, he said, the "Birth of the Renaissance." It was a subject which required a great outlay in properties, Venetian glass, Italian jewelry, medi?val furniture, copies
way to the hall. "C?sar! Why, here he is. C?sar
fused to answer to it; so that conversatio
vealed the man of delicate perceptions. Humphrey, the artist, greatly daring, affected a warm brown velvet with a crimson-purple ribbon. Both carried flowers. Cornelius had gloves; Humphrey a cigar. Cornelius was smooth-faced, save for a light fringe on the upper lip. Humphrey wore a heavy moustache and a full long silky beard of a delicately-shaded brown, inclining when the sun shone upon it to a suspicion of auburn. Both were of the same height, rather below the middle; they
his brothers were slight shadowy men. And, to be sure, Joseph had worked all his life, while his br
e epic was for the moment off his mind. The artist looked round with a
man. Did you ever, my dear Cornelius, catch a more bril
t of bursting into flower; sky dotted with swift-flyin
id Humphrey, "try t
arm of the artist and
t march
d round. They were out o
of surprise. "Surely, brother Humphrey,
," said Humphrey
two or three minutes, the poet, as if tired of waiting, followed the a
faintness. Perhaps this spring air
"I almost think-yes, I really
water. Perhaps she had seen the face before. As for the dog, he was lying down with h
ction of the Park, arm-
hour after leaving the Carnarvon Ar
What would you do if you had a sharp an
replied
inside me, I should take a small glass of brand
at his brother
esource!" he murmure
he sagacity of that dog is more remarkable than anythin
time. Not, he added, that he felt any immediate want of the stimu
rhaps even a greater show of confiding affection than had appeared at starting. There was
e artist looke
wo. Corneli
nd, arrived there, drew an easy-chair before th
ers, outside which was emblazoned on parchment, with dainty scroll-
TWENTY-FO
elius J
and then with a sigh, thought being to much for brain, he slipped into his arm-chair, put up his feet, and was a
, Jane?" he asked. "Very si
the same morning drams; they spent the middle of the day in sleep, they woke up for the afternoon tea, and they never failed to call Jane'
," she asked, "that Miss
hough Humphrey was in sole command of the wine-cellar, the servants always called Joseph the master. Great i
Miss Fleming would probably have to co
sir," said Jane, "with a French mai
r dinner. Tell Mr. Humphrey, also, that perhaps Mi
ld the
Cornelius is for ever thinking of others' comfort. To
was his anxiety to give full exp
h pleasure at the prospect of meeting with Joseph's ward, the faces of both were lit with a sunny smile, and their eyes with a radiant light, which looked like the real and genuine enthusiasm of humanity. It was a p
PTE
is my o
ers, Miss
, besides being so nobly endowed with genius, that his pride may be excused. Castor and Pollux the wrong side of fort
k up a position on the hearthrug, one with his hand on the other's shoulder, like the Siamese twins, and smiled plea
lady. Humphrey, the younger, hovered close behind, as if he too was taking his part in th
persons on Miss Fleming's bereaved condition being known. Miss Skimpit, of the Highgate Collegiate Establishment for Young Ladies, proposed by letter to receive her as a parlour-boarder, and hinted at the advantages of a year's discipline, tempered by Christian kindness, for a young lady educated in so extraordinary and godless a manner. The clergyman of the new district church at Finchley called personally upon Mr. Jagenal. He said that he did not know the young lady except by name, but that, feeling the dreadful condition of a girl brought up without any of the gracious influences of Anglican Ritual and Dogma, he was impelled to offer her a home with his Sisterhood. Here she would receive clear dogmatic teaching and learn what the Church meant by sub
great poet; he is engaged on a work-The Upheaving of ?lfred-which will immortalise his name. Humphrey is an artist; he is working at a group the mere conception of
er wish, accompanied by her French ma
consumption or of a broken heart, or any ailment of that kind. He was a jovial fox-hunting ex-captain of cavalry, with a fair income and a carefully cultivated taste for enjoyment. He died from an accident in the field. By his will he left all his money to his one child and appointed as her trustees his father's old friend, Abraham Dyso
to put his views into practice upon little Phillis. That he did so showed a healthy belief in his own judgment. Some men would have hastened into print with a mere theory. Mr. Dyson intended to wait for twelve years or so, and to write his work on woman's education when Phillis's example might be the triumphant proof of his own soundness. The education conducted on Mr. Dyson's principles and rigidly carried out was approaching completion when
fice is now complete,-all but the Coping-ston
nished save for roof and upper courses, would undertake to put on these, with all the ornaments, spires, lanterns
otably those which forbade him to ask any of them to his house. If the nephews, nieces and cousins wept bitterly on learning th
g of cold water on the tenderest affections of the heart, and Mr. Dyson's relations were deeply pained. Some of th
eave any mon
o were to be educated in the same manner as Phillis Fleming, and in acco
ng-stone," in which, it was stated, would be found the whole scheme with complete fulness of detail. But this last chapter could not be found anywhere. If it never was found, what would become of the will? Then each one of Mr. Dys
rching everywhere for it, and all the relations praying-all
has had a finishing year at Brighton may look down upon her. Perhaps, however, as her education has been of a kind quite unkno
of a gir
iest wooer, if he be successful, to hang up his hat on the peg behind the door and sit down for the rest of his years. Fifty thousand pounds is a sum which means possibilities. It was her mother's, and, very luckily for her, it was so tied up that Captain Fleming, her father, could not touch more than the interest, which, at three per cent., amounts, as may be calculated,
den colour lying somewhere in it waiting to be discovered; her eyes, like her hair, are brown-they are also large and lustrous; her lips are full; her features are not straight and regular, like those of women's beauties, for her chin is perhaps a little short, though square and determined; she has a forehead which is broad and rather low; she wears an expression in which good temper, intelligence, and activit
re they are, make us understand something of the warmth which Nature intended to be universal, but has somehow only made special; whom it is a pleasur
s Phillis
TER
s's Ed
he twins were hungry, and partly because they were a little
hings at Mr. Dyson's, that is to say, the furniture of the dining-room was similar, and the dinner was the same. I
rother Cornelius,
y," the poet answered. "Miss Flemin
not understand where the honour
candour. "If you have any Veuve Clicquot, Mr. Jagenal"-
y returned with a bottle of the sweeter wine. Miss Fle
he ladies like their wine sweet. At least I do. So he use
itatively at his glass. Then he filled it again. Then he
Joseph, with a note of interrogation in h
three gentlemen ever came to t
red the poet. "Danae in her towe
hen she was put in the box and sent to sea
ld not at the moment recollect what box the young lady referred to. This no doubt came of much poring over
id Humphrey, "to see the Ac
ook he
I have not once been outside Mr. Dyson's grou
system, like his brother, with
ivine Poetry," said the Maker softly;
that ladies ought not to learn reading till they are of an age when acquir
f superior wisdom, as if there
ho took out his handkerchief as if to wipe away a
ther things, howev
n play pretty well; I play either by ear or by memory. You see
red Books word for word without slip or error, and have never learned to read; there are men at Oxford who can tell you the winners of Events for a fabulous period, and yet get plucked for Greats because, as they will tell you themselves, the
. All the fancies of poets were lost to her; all the records
rumor for his information; he would have to store everything as soon as learned, away in his mind to be lost altogether, unless he knew where to lay his hand upon it; he would hear little of the outer world, and very little would interest him beyond his ow
er dinner, if you will b
ed Humphrey, "that you never w
as a good large field and my pony was cle
ask you how you managed
him till twelve; we always talked 'subjects,' you know, and had a regular course. When we had done talking, he asked me
husiastically. "Cornelius, I saw from the firs
me of my sketches, if you like, to-morrow. They are all heads an
the ev
two gentlemen to dine with him; never any lady. W
and in her way accomplished, who had never seen or talked with a lady,
ty of the wine. Joseph almost immediately joined his ward. When the twins left the dining-room with its empty decanters, and returned arm-in-arm to the drawing-room, they found their younger brother in animated conversation with the girl. Strange that Joseph
I am bewildered-so strange and so wonderful. I used to dream of what it was like; my maid told me some
at of the Mexicans, to make drawings of everything which occurred. She
of my brothers and myself, that you prom
n, forefinger on brow; the Artist with his eyes fixed on the fire, catching the eff
crossed the room and
Corne
; it will repay you well to know that childlike and simple nat
lis, looking at the Artist as hard as a
ame Hu
tivate him, talk to him, learn from him. You will be very glad some day to be able to boast that yo
iano? This is a bachelor's house, but there is
his head, with
place for music? Let us rather se
e Poet sad and reflective, as if music softened his soul; the Artist with an effervescing gaiety delightful to behold. Joseph was thinking. "Can we"-had his thoughts taken form of speech-"can we reconstruct from the girl's own account the old man's scheme anew, provided the chapter on the Coping-stone be never found? Problem given. A girl brought up in seclusion, withou
f to Joseph, and he went to bed in gre
ght he awoke in f
" he thought. "What if the C
ethren, long left alone with t
hird tumbler, and beguiles them with illusory hopes afte
d the Artist, "s
brother
, who have only £200 a year each,
what age
e Artist, striking out with both fists
" said the Bard, smiting his chest ge
uch too
marrying su
and inn
ver girl as Miss
oth intend to mar
PTE
freshness of t
the world where all those things were done of which she had only heard as yet. She had seen the streets of London, or some of them-those streets along which had ridden the knights whose pictures she loved to draw, the princesses and queens whose stories Mr. Dyson had taught her; where the business of the world was carried on, and where there flowed up and down the ceaseless stream of those whom necess
on of precious things; eccentric people with pipes, who trundled carts piled with yellow oranges; gentlemen in blue with helmets, who lounged negligently along the streets; boys
of whom was thoughtful about herself, spoke kindly to her, and asked her about her past life; while the oth
finished it made a pretty picture. The brethren stood with arms intertwined like two children, with eyes gazing fondly into each other's and heads thrown back, in the attitude of poetic
an artist," she murmured. "I wonder
She drew him sitting a little forward, playing with
of the London streets. But this she could not draw. There came no image
thinking over the terms of Mr. Dyson's will and the chapter on the Coping-stone. The twins were taking their
f the day kept her awake. She was like some fair yacht suddenly launched from the dock where she had grown sl
thought it must be the vast, shelterless and unpitying world of which she had so
ibited-the gold and jewelry, the dainty cakes and delicate fruits, the gorgeous dresses in the windows-but she could not. All pushed on, and she with them; there had been no beginning of the rush, and there seemed to be no end. Faces turned round and glared at her-faces which she marked for a moment-they were the same which she had seen in the mornin
led; they distanced, she and her pursuers the crowd behind; they passed beyond the streets and into country fields, where hedges took the place of the brilliant windows; they were somehow back in the old Highgate paddock which had been so long her only outer world. The pursuers were reduced to three or four, among them, by some odd chance, the twin brethren and as one, but who she could not tell, cau
igure, dim and undistinguishable in the twilight, leaning over her; and a little distance off old Abraham Dyson himself, standing, as she best remembered him,
of nineteen. Had she told it to Joseph Jagenal i
e laid her head again upon the pillow, just a little fri
e awoke soon after it was daybreak, bein
house; she had been introduced to two gentlemen, one of whom was said to have a child-like nature all aglow with the flame of geniu
Nebuchadnezzar, she had forgotten her dream.
out to begin. And the April sun was
Perhaps the Thames, the silver Thames, with London Bridge. Perhaps St. Paul's Cathedral, "which Christopher Wren built
her mind, fed only in the pictures supplied by the imagination. She knew the trees that grew in Lord Manfield's park, beyond the paddock; she could catch in fine days a glimpse of the vast city that stretches itself out from the feet of breezy Highgate; she knew the flowers of her own garden; and for the r
things, whose name she did not know or could not make out from the window. The shrubs and trees were green with the first sweet chlorine folia
r any one, even a milk-boy, to be out. The only living person
d in the garden; saddled and rode her pony in the field; and amused herself in a thousand ways before the household rose
not be wrong to go out of the front-door now. Besides," reasoning here l
ho, because no one is looking at them, neglect their personal appearance. On t
a small riding-whip. And thus she opened the door, and slid down the stairs of the great silent house as stealthily and almost as fearfully as the Lady Godiva on a certain memorable day. It was a ghostly feeling which came over her when she ran across the broad hall, and listened to the pattering of her own feet upon the oilcloth. The broad daylight streamed through the réverbère; but yet the place seemed only half lit up. The closed doors on either hand looked as if dreadful things lurked behind them. With something like a shudder she let down the door-chain, unbarred the
by a neck. This result pleased them both, and Phillis discovered that her race had brought her quite to the end of one side of the square. And then, looking about her, she perceived that a gate of the garden was open, and went in, followed by C?sar, now in the seventh heaven. This was better, better, than leading a pair of twins who sometimes tied knots with their legs. The gate was left open by the under-gardener, who
lip, and put the spade
No dogs allowed.
y always answer to the name of William, also that they are exposed to peculiar
s countenance was "unto himself for a betrayal," she wh
ck in the blessed morning when all young ladies as I ever heard of has got their noses in their pillowses-else 'tain'
tting back
tell, nor what she mayn't s
the same end. William's choice of the path of vi
PTE
uce C
'51 port, as full of unmeaning sound as a later poem of Robert Browning's, and as unmelodious as the instrument on which that poet has always played. Quite the contrary. Phillis's whistle was of a curious delicacy and of a bullfinch-like note, only more flexible. She trilled out an old English ditty, "When Love was young," first simply, and then with variations. Presently, forgetti
hat Indian people call a chota hazri, a little breakfast for herself. Now she was not certain whether, supposing the servants were about,
o was also growing hungry after his mornin
two objecti
they were all alike. Second, she did not know the
ocking at every door, and waking up the people to ask if Mr. Jagenal lived there? She knew little of the world, but it did occur to her that it would
ned to
she said, "t
ed off before her at a smart walk, looking round
llis, "that I tho
him to stop at every house. But he did not. Arrived at the corner where Carnarvon Street strikes off the square he turne
lose him would be to lose everything, and she followed. Perhaps he knew of a back
came to a dead stop. It was in front of a tavern, the Carnarvon Arms, the door of which, for it was an early house, was already open, and the potboy was taking down the shutters. The fact that the shutters were only half down made the dog at first suspect that there was something wrong. T
ere?" said Phillis. "
stale beer and stale tobacco hanging about the room smote her senses, and made her sick and faint. She saw the bottles and glasses, the taps and the counters, and she understood-she was in a drinking-place, one of t
the bar, when his eyes fell upon the astonishing sight of a young lady, a real young lady, as he saw at once, standing in the Bottle a
gentlemen. He brings them here regular, you see, every mor
custom of polite life which Mr. Dyson had neglected to teach her
?" asked the polite assistant, tapping t
like--" sa
's never none too early for most, when they've got the coin. Give it a name, miss, and there, the guvno
s. "I should like to have a cup of
ad, a gesture o
way, and no doubt you don't know no better. There's a Early Caufy-'ouse a little way up the street. You must find it for
of the best, but rather of the seediest. It was now nearly seven o'clock, and the signs of life were apparent. The paper-boy was beginning, with the milk-man, his rounds; the postman's foot was preparing for the first turn on his daily treadmill of doorsteps and double knocks. The workmen, paid by time, were strolling to their hours of idleness with bags of tools; windows were thrown open he
ad never seen, but which he promised she should one day see-the sweet life where father and mother and children live together and share their joys and sorrows? She
e family prayers before their breakfast? Not at this house apparently, for the woman suddenly turned from her occupation at the fire and, without any adequate motive that Phillis could discern, began boxing the children's ears all round. Instantly there arose a mighty cry from those alike who had al
on, who greeted the dog, asked him what he was doing so early, and then explained to Miss Fleming that he was accustomed to call at the house every day about noon, accomp
Little glass! What a lot of custom
t second public-house he hesitated, as one struck suddenly with a grievous doubt. Had he been doing right? He took a few steps in advance, then h
Then, after barking twice, C?sar led the way b
y to himself. Perhaps he thought his charge might be tired; perh
pect to a playful custom, of old standing, prevalent among the inhabitants. They keep flower-pots on their first and second floors, and when a policeman passes through the court they drop them over. If no one is hurt, there is no need of
efore wished for none, stayed at home and smoked pipes, leaning against the doorposts. The ideal heaven of these noble Englishmen is for ever to lean against doorpost
tions as could be carried on out of doors and within conversation reach
hose awful flower-pots-in a continuous stream along the central line of the courts. Phillis obse
ack delicacy. The difference most prominent at first was the employment of a single adjective to qualify everything-an observance so universal as to arrest at once the attention of a
ant had they been audible. The children alone took no notice of her. The immunity from insult which belongs to young ladies in English thoroughfares depends, I fear, more upon force of public opinion than upon individual chivalry. Una could trust herself alone with her lion: she can only trust herself among the roughs o
et in advance, right through the middle of the children, who fell back and formed a lane for them to pass. Once Phillis stopped to look at a child-a great-eyed, soft-faced, curly-haired,
ore, but it sounded unmusically on her ear. Then he held out his hand and demanded a copper. The watchful parents
t almost simultaneous in flank and rear; barked angrily at the children, who threatened to close in en masse and make short work
lis began to hope that the Tower of London would presently heave in si
ragged by her three hours' ramble. Quite suddenly C?sar turned a corner, as it seemed, and she found herself once more in Carnarvon Square. The dog,
he housemaid assiduously
thought you was a-bed and asleep. Wh
ves," Phillis replied. "Jane, I am
at you would breakfast with him and Mr. Humphrey-about eleven, he said. And M
st with Mr. Jose
e things for breakfast. A little more experience taught her that any culinary forethought on t
ived his admonitions in good part, and sent him to his office half an hour later than usual. One
Colquhoun. Listen to what he says. He writes from New York; 'I am sorry to hear that my old friend Abraham Dyson is gone. I shall be ready to assume my new responsibilitie
to go back to the old life and talk 'subjects'? Mr. Jagenal, much as I
ven or eight years ago, spent a year or two about London, and then disappeared. I am his lawyer, and from time to time he used to send me his address and draw o
very c
excel in anything, though he hunted, rode, shot, and did, I suppose, all the other things that young men in the army a
shook
e acknowledged their own inferiority to ourselves. Perhaps the reason why Mr. Colquhoun was liked
ccasionally graced her conversation, quoting it as reverently as if
wenty-one I shall be my own mistress. If I do not like
e at Mr. Colquhoun's residence," said J
night t
t on; "you have nothing to be afraid of.
Mr. Dyson said that shyness was a kind of cowardice, or else a kind of vanity. People who are afraid of other people, he said, either mistrust themselves or think they are not rated at their true value. Bu
really creditable for a beginner,-"th
nce, glancing guiltily at each other. Could it be that the passion for drink, divested of its usual trappings of pretence, presented itself suddenly to the brethren in its horrid ugliness? They came out with shame-faced looks, and returned home earlier than usual. They were perfectly sober, and separated without the usual cheery allusions to Work. Perhaps the conscience w
PTE
o no
; no woman's
my glass,
knew, for she had a French maid-imported too young to be mischievous; and there had been a cook at Highgate, with two or three maids. Not one of these virgins possessed the art of reading, or they would never have been engaged by Mr. Dyson. Nor was she encouraged by her guardian to talk with th
os, and where lay all that Joseph Jagenal could ever find to help in
eir sex, and be educated mostly among men. In this way the receptivity of the feminine mind may be turned to best account
possible husband; she had, indeed, no glimmerings, not the faintest streak of dawning twilight in the matter of love; while as for angling, hooking a big fish and landing him, she was no better than a heathen Hottentot. This was the most important loss, but there were others; she knew how to dress, partly by instinct, partly by looking
out what she thought, and even, so far as her dogmatic training permitted, of thinking for herself. She did not understand the mystery with which women enwrap themselves, partly working on the imagination of youth, and partly through their love of secluded talk-a remnant of barbaric times, and a proof o
ance for the first time with a lady-on
ause the first thing she observed was that her visitor was dressed in a style quite beyond her power of conception and imper
" at Melton and Mowbray's, who designed
have prayed-men who have fallen into feminine traps-to be delivered from every species of woman except the cold woman; even King Solomon, who had great opportunities, including long life, of studying the sex, mentions her not; and yet
fore her a girl whose attitude spoke unmistakably of delicacy and culture. Whatever else Miss Fleming might be, she was clearly a lady. That was immediately apparent, and Mrs. Cassilis was not likely to make a mistake on a point of such vital importance. A young lady of graceful figur
Regent Street to produce. Her age was about thirty. Her cold face shone for a moment with t
a little faster, in
d curiously in each other's eyes. Now the first lesson taught by the world is the way to dissemble. Mrs. Cassilis said to herself, "Here is
t is. You are exactly the
n and looked at
Gabriel Cassilis. You have never met him yet; bu
" said Phil
rtly your fault. But when we found that he had left you nothing, of course we felt that we had done you an invo
hillis; "why should poor Mr. Dy
if any one could
to Girton College, or even to finding bread-and-butter, with the Catechism and Contentment, for charity girls in poke
mbly as a West Indian nigger before emancipa
hear you cannot ev
s quite
rite. All the Sunday school childre
rved; "it would very likely be better for the Sunday school children were they tau
I am ten years older than you, and, if you will only trus
norant, because I have already seen so much, that I never suspected before. If you will only tell me of my deficien
ety. Of course you are quite ignorant of things that people talk about. Books are out of
N
t help; the opera and theatres
e rink?" as
on and killing time. Perhaps you can fall ba
is t
tterable horror as a thought struck her
yers every day. Why should peop
o the lower orders. Dear me! It is very shocking! and girls are all expected t
me, which she now placed on the table and opened. It contai
troduction to all education. Let me
d up on
abominably coloured, of a h
e initial letter A is below
ppose it is meant fo
, l, l, bull. The i
chen chopper stands for A, and a cow with her legs out of drawing stands for B. Unl
n draw,
s. "Not so well, of course, as
f I say that sarcasm is not conside
Phillis, means talki
ltless, and it was rising by degrees, so that she wanted t
ess and strength, was without the look which its owner always thought was there-the look which invites sympathy. The real unsympathetic nature, caught in a
gerous accomplishment-even more dangerous than the practice of sarcasm. The girl
tempt to caricature, but trying to ass
of submission, faith and reverence. Men hate-they hate and detest-women who think
uld be one of the few w
he strong-minded crew, the shrieking sisterhood, most of them
silis, that I am so stupid. I say what I
t they think. They assent, or a
l sketch of you, and you t
society. They do not draw likenesses; they copy flowers, and sometime
what they please? And why
of girls with misgiving. Could she be so ig
sk me that question again in
ead; she was clearl
y other acco
le. Mr. Dyson liked my playing; but
do not mind, pla
ng. By dint of much teaching, however, she had learned to execute creditably. The playi
g men from Oxford who 'follow' Art, and pretend to understand good music. You may see them
and her brown eyes brightened. She was accustomed to think that her playing gave pleasure. Then she reproached herself for ingratitude, and sh
hundred times bett
she had said ten minutes
better. Can you
sed to dance with the villagers wh
asily learned.
ive. Now she only asserted a certain power of sticking on, a
. Nothing so useful as clever horsemanship. But how sha
e it," Phillis cried, jealo
he most important question of al
oor Phillis, her spirit quite broken by this time. "Antoinette and I made this
lly critical stage of the catechism. There was something in the simple dress which forced
figure, or your own taste, or material, I do not know; but you are
blushed with pleasure. At all events, she and he
ou will allow me; and then we will go to Melton & Mowbray's. And I will write to
," said Phillis. "But you h
two men who have just come home and published a book, which is said to be clever. One is a brother of Lord Is
kind of you, Mrs. Cassilis, espe
islike her for her fresh and unsophisticated nature, or for her beauty, or for the attractiveness which breathed from every untaught look and gesture of the girl? Sweden
her kind. "My dear, I hope we shall like each other very much. Do not let fanci
he lips, and the lifting of t
s. She took her visitor's hand and kissed it. The
murmured, "if
u Phillis. My na
l me more about g
ty, which is a great deal bette
ies do occasionally have intervals of lunacy in the matter of taste, but if you give them time they come round again. Even crinolines went out at last, after the beauty of a whole generation had been spoiled by them. "Then there were others, who walked like this." She laid her head on one side, an
urite air from the Fille de Madame Angot and that other sweet melody, "Tommy, make room for your Uncle," and was called "Hold
is positive
girl," she cried, "y
rong to
anything morally wrong. But it is far worse,
hillis, "I a
ists, and common people of that sort, of course it does not matter. But for us it is different. And now, Phillis, I must leave you till to-morrow. I have great hopes of you. You hav
her hands, "that will be delightf
d. That a girl of nineteen should be able to say that she has never seen a Shop! My dear, your education has been
TER
se, I will ench
mnity as sometimes results from a too concentrated attention to the Money Market. They were there as friends of Mr. Cassilis, whom they regarded with the reverence justly due to success. They longed to speak to him privately on investments, but did not dare. There were also two lions, newly captured.
as, and tables of Mr. Dyson's, or the solid splendour of Joseph Jagenal's drawing-room, compared with the glories of decorative a
lled, I think, Indian muslin, which falls in graceful folds. A pale lavender sash relieved the monotony of the white, and set off her shapely figure. Her
essed, she was glad to observe, in the same style as her
ilis introduce
e evening, she had no difficulty in recording the likeness of Mr.
ot allow us to take, the head, bald save for that single ornamental curl and a fringe of gray hair ove
s volumes; its furnishing was a miracle of modern art; his paintings were undoubted; h
ad an office in the City which consisted of three rooms. In the first were four or five clerks, always writing; in
e might as well have tried stroking a statue of Minerva as petting Victoria Pengelley; and he made no secret of his motive in proposing for the young lady. As delicately as possible he urged that, though her family was good, h
ry strangely. She first refused absolutely; then she declared that she would have taken the man, but that it
offer from one of the richest men in London. He is elderly, it is true; but the difference betwee
d, and they
nce of emotion, which he attributed to causes quite remote from any thought in the lady's mind.
between two and three year
the wedding-day on his wife, and that they lived together in that perfect happiness which
heir evenings were a little frigid. A sense of cold splendour fill
g, and well-bred. He understands art, and is a patron; he enjoys the advantages which his wealth affords him; he knows how to bear his riches with di
oung man looked much the same as when we saw him last on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada. His tall figure had no
s instead of his scythe,-"I have never been attracted by the manners and c
erested in the co
good: pre
s men certainly carry the
sation was born when men learned to confide in each other. Mode
never did," said
ner was
o her sat Captain Ladds. Mr. Dunquerque was at the opposit
inner-table cannot be very different from those observed and taught her by Mr. Dyson. Perhaps her manner of adjusting things was a little wanting in finish and delicacy-too downr
She could form no guess what line of talk would be adopted by a young man-one who had a deep bass voice when he spoke, and atta
rgne, lifted furtive glances at the bright and pretty girl at the other end of th
is had learned from them to regard the dreadful future with terror. Every day seemed to make these sages more dismal. Phillis had not yet learned that the older we get the wiser we grow, and the wiser we grow the more we tremble; that those are most light-hearted who know the least.
who were not careful about investments, did not imitate. Phillis observed the difference, and wondered what it meant. Then Mr. Cassilis, as if he had com
hat in your travels among the islanders y
d. Which shows that they have improved upon
ndency to be dishonest. England is the most honest nation, because it is the richest. France is the next. Germany, you see, which is a poo
d Ladds, "took what he o
dinner, and had so far an advantage over the other-"that is just like one of the wicked things, the d
other man,
the lady went on, "ho
sieurs Erckmann and Chatrian themselves to furnish her with a lis
he question was beyo
e answere
e other man ha
e one chapter and your coll
," replied Ladds, as
is came to
ever and witty things in it. Also some wicked things. Of course, if you write wickedness you are sure of an audience. I don
hook h
was the other man. I did wh
r yet, but he had eyes in his head, and he was gradually getting interested in the si
the only sign to show that Phillis wa
ere clear and delicate, that she was looking at himself with a curious pity, as if, which was indeed the case, she believed the statement about his having written t
in the Edinburgh. For everything was new. She was like the blind man who received his sight and saw men, like trees, walking. Every new face was a new world; every fresh speaker was a new revelation. No
was ashamed of the fact, but she felt that it would have pleased Captai
O
Brazilian, or belonging to any country where such things are possible, who boldly confessed that she could not read. This in England; this in
surprise into which the incongruity of the thing startled him. He caught her full face as she leaned a little forward, and his glance rested for
d it and was half
if to make some remark about Mr. Dyson's m
en they looked at each other with the slightest upliftin
d, because she was going to bring forward
he only one
feebly, "must
omission. Perhaps she had a crooked back; could not sit up to a desk, c
he haze
ght and
parkling with the "right Promethean fire." Perhaps
ore questions. I do not know anything more irritat
if the story of the bear-hunt is
story is perfectly true. A
Beck, is in London now, and has been recommended to me. He is extre
come at the last moment. He
Jack, "unless there is more than one
cally an unlimited c
well, like the stage American
nsense. The educated American talks a great deal better than w
better than their b
it may talk as he pleases," s
n young men m
s going to have luck. He carried
the book. "And is that other story true, that you found
te t
o was it? Anybo
have ever met him. His na
suddenly, and then her
ormerly of ours," said
what business it was of hers, and
and addressed her husband: "My dear, it is an old friend
ed to have heard his wife's name in connection with this man. He felt a sudden pang of jealousy, a q
ds. "And you actually know him? Will you
nt to assist and grace his delivery. He had a face so grave that it seemed as if smiles were impossible; he was apparently about forty years of age. Mrs. Cassilis was not listening much. She was considering, as she looked at her visitor, how far he might be useful to her evenings. Phillis was catching every word that fell from the stranger's lips. Here was an experience quite new and startling. She knew of America
strode hastily across the room, and putting aside Mr. Cassilis, s
aid. "You remember that lucky sho
said Jack; "I shal
nd then he went through the
the other
the second time that evening. "How are you,
rking under Providence for my welfare. He slumber
rque's arm, and led him to
d my life. It is owing to Mr. Dunquerque that Gilead P
lady who had read the book,
e been, on that green and grassy spot, but for the crack of Mr. Dunquerque's r
o be clawed," said Jack, laughing. "You could not ha
xcitement and interest she could hardly control-"there air moments when the soul is dead to poetry. One of those moments is when you
ted when he
life?" she asked,
f such admiration and respect as the queen of the tournament bestowed up
disastrou
idents by flo
diversion by introducin
give it you. But I was unfortunate. Sir, I hope that we shall become better acquainted. And I am proud, sir, I am proud of making the ac
sharp-eared Phillis the idea that he thought considerable value ought to be attached
f crossing to England, if you are an American is that you can
. Gilea
long way in this country-esp
ened. The other ladies sh
nterrupted her rapt attention-"let me introduce Mr. Ron
oved them and as if they understood her; she played one or two of the "Songs without Words;" and then, starting a simple melody, she began to sing, without being asked, a simple old ballad. Her tone was low at first, because she did not know the room, not
not read," said the you
ue, Mr. Dunquer
can you pl
nd by memory. That i
ou go on
n low, measured tones
rence Colquhoun. Will you tell me all
n saw his chance, and prom
before all these people. If you will allow me to call
-time," she replied, "and then I
that the Twins were always asleep at two o'clock, so that she would be alone; and it was pleasant to think of a talk, sola
thought Jack, "or is she delic
e discussed the p
ore, for at a touch I yield.' Did you notice her, Tommy? Did you see her sweet eyes-I must say she has the sweetest eyes in all the world-lo
rowled. "Is the heart a
. And her face, 'the silent war of lilies and of roses.
e half-caste Spanis
purity. I have found out her Christian name-it is Phillis-rhymes to
n the smoking-room," said Ladds, as th
"You know what Othel
thou
ly fair, and sm
ense aches
ng, of course, not yo
TER
goes before, all
adds and Jack Dunquerque; "I call this friendly. I asked myself last night, 'Will th
monosyllabic, looking r
re it with an unlighted cigar in his lips. Apparently he had already presented some letters of introduction, for there were a few cards of invitation on the mantelshelf. He was dressed in a black frock-coat, as a gentleman should be, and he wore it buttoned up, so that his tall stature and thin figure were shown off to full advantage. He wore a plain black ribbon by way of necktie, and was modest in the way of studs. Jack Dunquerque noticed that he wore no jewelry of any kind, which he thought unusual in a man of unlimited credit, a new man whose fortune was not two years old. He was an unmistakable American. His chin was now close shaven, and without the traditional tuft; but he had the bright restless eye, the long spare form, the obstinately straight hair, the thin flexible mouth with mobile lips, the delicately shaped chin, and the long neck which seem
uman. The high tides and the low tides keep us fresh. Else we should b
ck, laughing. "I hope that American
ld be curious, gentlemen, to know my history since I left you in San Francisco, I will
Ladds. "I asked you afte
egan t
to tell you that since we came home we have
k, with some natural revere
into it, with an ac
rags and witho
tering likeness,
y shot, is th
"Jack would not have the whole st
say-no boots but moccasins; not a dollar nor a cent; running for bare life before a Grisly. Gentlemen, that book will raise me in
agged personality. An Englishman certainly would. Mr. Beck seemed to think that the con
sted in giving Jack the sole credit of his rescue-perhaps because in his mental confusion he never even heard the second shot which finished t
must show you the critte
vy iron safe. This he unlocked, and brought forth with great care a glass case which exactly fitted the safe. The fr
en Butterfly
Luck of Gil
eck, pointing to the distich with pride.
. Not a fine work of art, perhaps, but a reasonably good rose, as good as that Papal rose they show in the Cluny Hotel. The Butterfly was poised upon the rose by means of thin gold wire, which
hat is the inseck which has made
regarded the young man with something more than friendliness. The man who fired that shot,
, as if expecting some manif
ions, or tell the card you are thinking of? Shall you exh
ts and works for Me. No harm will come to him there, unless an airthquake happens. Sit down, general, and you
fore early for revivers of any sort.
b in the thick of his misfortunes. But if there is any other single thing you prefe
he
ed up and down that line-and I landed in New York. Mr. Colquhoun gave me a rig out
benevolence, naturally blus
he slenderness of Jack's resources. That showed that he was a sensitive and sympathetic man. To offer a small sum of money in repayment of a free gift
, is the city for that gentleman. Fiji, p'r'aps, for one who has a yearning after bananas and black civilisation. But not New York. No, gentlemen; if you go to New York, let it be when you've made your pile, and not before. Then yo
found them dead, and I was sorry. Then I went farther North. P'r'aps I was driven by the yellow toy hanging at my
und a swamp that ever called itself a city. There were a few delooded farmers trying to persuade themselves that things would look up; there were a few down-he
was dead, and I am a handy man; so I took his plac
are ch
without legs; the pump-handle crank; the very bell-rope in the meetin' house was broken. You never
dds, with an eye t
ollar an acre; half a dollar an acre; anything an acre. I've mended a cart-wheel for a five-acre lot of swamp. They laughed at me. The children used to cry out when I passed along, 'There goe
Butterfly doing all t
because he was bound to fulfil the old squaw's prophecy. Without my knowing it, sir, that prodigy of the world, who is as alive as y
metallic insect might open the door, fly forth, and, after hovering round the room, light at Mr. Beck's ear, and begin to whisper words o
ir pipes and ate their pork. But they never saw and they never suspected. Between whiles they praised the Lord for sending them a fool like me, something to talk about, and somebody to laugh at. They wanted to know what was in the little box; they sent children to peep in at my window of an evening and re
see when you
laughed. Yes, they laughed. Beck's Farm, they said. It was the only thing they had to laugh about. Wal, up and down the face of that almighty bog there ran creeks, and after rainy weather the water stood about on the morasses. Plenty of water, but a curious thing, none of it fit to drink. No living thing except man would set his lips to that brackish, bad-smelling water. And that wasn't all; sometimes a thic
found-wha
ter than gold. Mind, I say nothing against gol
ttl
amonds that you have to dig for them, and to dig durned hard, and to dig by yourself mostly. Americans do not love digging. Like the young gentleman in the parable, they cannot dig, and to beg they air ashamed. It is the only occupation that they air ashamed of. Then there's iron, and ther
that
is I
e prayer-book of any Church for the expression of this kind of thankfulness. Yet surely there ought to be somewhere a clause for the rich. No more blissful repose can fall upon the soul than, after long years of labour and failure, to sit down and enjoy the
s Ile
bottle of champagn
le flows, and you become suddenly rich. You make all the loafers around fill your pail
ck. "The word sounds ve
a beautiful place, and London is a beautiful city. You've got many bles
k; "it's libello
gn bonds to take your surplus cash. No, gentlemen; London is not, in some respec
ain the water would be brackish. Then they got tired of watching, and I worked on. Boring a well is not quite the sort of work a man would select for a pleasant and variegated occupation. I reckon it's monotonous; but I worked on. I knew what was coming; I thought o' that Indian squaw, and I always had my Golden Butterfly t
farmhouse, about a hundred yards from my well. And there I
the only perf
" growled Jack;
that township would not sound luxurious. Mine consisted,
k Dunquerque, who h
s. Cold pork was my dinner, with bread. And the watter to wash it down with was brackish. In those days, gentlemen, I said no grace. It didn't seem to me that
ds, "the Golden Butterfly flew down the shaft
summer morning-was reposing in his box round my neck as usual. He did not go down the shaft at all. Nobody went down. But something came u
ed and
nights. We saved what we could. The neighbours brought their pails, their buckets, their basins, their kettles; there was not a utensil of any kind that was not filled with Ile, from the pig's trough to the child's pap-bowl. Not one. It ran and it ran. When the first flow subsided we calculated that seven million bar'ls had been wasted and lost. Seven millions! I
k. "My imagination neve
ent the Jews back; I might have given America fifty ironclads; I might have put Don Carlos on the throne of Spain. But it warn't to be. Providence wants no rivals, meddling and messing.
has continued to yield five hundred bar'ls daily. That is four thou
ncome is nine hundred po
ed with Gilead P. Beck's derricks. The township of Limerick has become the city of Rockoleaville-my name, that was-and a virtuous and industrious population are all engaged morni
r than Cocoa Ni
oil may
. But Ile will not run dry in Rockoleaville. I have been thinking
his world,
promptitude of a Board schoolboy and
s outer rind, what they call the crust. Ge
d Ladds, who was not
may be all sorts of things: gold and iron, lava, diamonds, coals; but the juice, the pie-juice, is Ile. You tap the rind and you get the Ile. This Ile will run, I calculate, for five thousand and fifty-two years, if they don't sinf
quired time for Mr. Beck's hearers to grasp the tru
ddle of the pie, and right through the crust. There's no mistake about
u," said Jack, "on the posse
may,
do you int
ave a man who is not thoroughbred. Your friend Mrs. Cassilis asks me to her house-a first-rater. A New York lady turns up her pretty nose at a man who's struck
t ourselves exclu
leasantly true. "I shall live in London for the present. I've got a big incom
er beauty while she is young, and her goodness all her life. Not like an American gal. Ours are prettier, but they look as if they would
and they took
I told you; what is mine is yours. Remember that. If I can do anything for you, let me know
ghed and
PTE
y mod
my dower, I w
n in the wor
sh youth of his era; but he felt some little qualms as he walked towards Bloomsbu
try, or was
d to see him at luncheon.
brought Miss Fleming to the party; herself a solid person in bla
mfortable quarters; admirable port, most likely, in most of them; claret certainly good, too-n
The maid asked which Mr. Jagenal. Jack replied in the most irritating manner possible-the Socratic-by asking another question. The fact that Socrates went about perpetually asking questions is quite enough to account for the joy
How many are
pick up? The twins' umbrellas were in the hall, and their great-coats. He laughed, and showed an honest front; but who can trust a
enals by name, and not come here showing your ignorance by asking for Mrs. Jagenal.
meekly. "I wish I was. But Miss Fleming expe
s waiting for him in the dining-room, where, he observed, luncheon was la
was set off by the narrow black ribbon round her neck which was her only ornament; for she carried neither watch nor chain, and wore neither ear-rings nor
, with the kindliest welcome in her eyes; "and I wai
pt for dinner or luncheon; so that Phillis na
ained the young hostess; "so that it is
She looked fresh, bright, and animated. The sight of her beauty ev
al's brothers; but they came down late, and were rather cros
ome for the
, bright, spontaneous laugh. Jack laugh
are always home, and it is
low them to lu
ughed
reakfast till
ogged, and waited fo
autiful!" she went on, looking steadily in the young man's face, to his confusion-"how beautiful it must be to meet a
shot a bear which was following Mr.
Phillis, with justice. "And then
And then Gilead Beck would have been clawed, and the Golden Butterfly destroyed, and this history ne
in this great house?" he a
ay. At first he used to send one of his clerks back with me, for fear of my being lost. But I felt sorry for the poor young man having to walk all t
exciting work. All lawyers' clerks are so well paid, and so happy in
the figures of speech which consist of saying one thing and meaning another, and she made a mental note of the fact that
s-Mr. Jagena
s brother, says it will be the greatest work of this century. But I do not think very much is done. Humphrey is a great artist, you know. He is engaged on a splendid picture-at least it will be splendid when it is finished. At present nothing is on the canvas. He says he i
a thought st
ntroduce you to the Poet and the Pa
see if her guest followed. She stopped at a door, the handle of wh
ire burned on the hearth. A portfolio was on the table, with a clean inkstand and an unsullied
"In the portfolio is the
look at manuscr
here isn't. Of course, I may always turn
othing but blank sheets
head a little forward,
Jagenal, Mr. Ronald Dunquerque." Jack bowed to the sleeping bard. "Now you know each other. That is what Mr. Dyson
ves; flasks of a dull rich green; a model in armour; a lay figure, with a shawl thrown over the head and looped up under the arm; a few swords hanging upon the walls; cu
a canvas. This was as blank
Mr. Humphrey Jagenal, Mr. Ronald Du
d low to
able. Pencil and paper lay there. She sat down and drew the sleepi
at lik
ly repress a cr
tist at work.' Thank you. Is that it? We will now pin it on th
ain as softly as
up late. In the morning they are sometimes troublesome, when they won't take their breakfast; b
ver do any
to give the world anything but what they know to be the best. And the best only comes by successive effort. So they wait and
hey were in th
"you are going to tell
ring to bring Mr. Lawrence Colquhoun into the conversation just
e table and opened it. "This morning Mr. Joseph took me to see an exhibition of pain
er than you, Miss Flem
s Jack spoke, turnin
called Miss Fleming. Everyb
" Jack asked, with an imp
ch other by their christian names. Yours seems to be rather s
kinsfolk-the people who pay my debts and therefore love
hat a pretty name Jack i
If you only would! Not when other people are present, but all to our
have begun in a more subtle and artful m
, then, unless when people li
am I to
maid had told her, that some girls have names of endearment, and
nd freely in the face that he took
my only joy?' I ought to call you Miranda, the Princess of the
name which admits of expression. You may lengthen it out if you like; you may sho
great friends,
s. I have never ha
hil, say, 'Jack Dunquerque, I will try
in his face quite earnestly and solemnly, "I will try-that is nonsense, because I do like y
gular and even wrong, but that the girl was altogether lovable, and a maiden to be
et me be your friend always, Phil. Let me"-here he stopped, with a guilty tremor
ttle back, with her face turned up to his, and a bright fearless smile
ting and stammering, "after the manner of the-th
him. Then he suddenly released her. For all in a moment the woman within her, unkn
il, in silence, too, stood opposi
p stealthily
was troubled as
s wrong-I ought not. Only forgive me, and
ng what she said; "I forgive you. B
tting at the table, while she stood
sented her inmost thoughts. She had never shown them all together to a single person, and now s
she were baring her ver
the dear old house at Highgate, where I stayed for thirteen years without once going beyond its walls. Ah,
happy th
as I am now. I did no
and kiss her a thousand times. He tried to sit cal
t it all," he
his one does not belong to this set. It is a likenes
ne of me? Let me have
one now. See, this is Mr. Beck, the American gentle
shed things, but she had seiz
own portrait
me ke
I want that o
mind. Could this girl, after all, be only the most accomplished of all coquettes? He loo
ng at the pencil portrait; "but
ook he
dsome, I think,"
uth, having no regularity of features. And it was a difficult face to dr
il me; and I shall not be half so good a frien
I will draw a better one, if you like, of
mbrandt himself would have loved to paint. It was
draw you in the same style. Poor dear gu
ght struck t
ead make me a drawin
not do it f
uld not even d
t seems worse than no
icture of yo
onsid
ld be nice, too, to think that you had a likeness of me, particularly as y
y. Give me yourself as you are now. Do
Here is Mrs. Cassilis. She di
will draw a portrait of yourself, and I will frame it and hang it up-no, I
d like to think that you are looking at me sometimes. Jack,
friends, are we not? Now
Dyson-the garden and paddock, out of which she never went, even to church; the pony, the quiet house, and the quiet life with
ver go to c
home; and on Sunday e
Jack, with a feeling of gladness. "Doesn't know anything about vestments; isn't learned in schoo
ssilis a relat
Mr. Dyson's fortune is left to found an insti
reading o
, because they have not been able to find the concluding chapters of his book. Mr. Dyson wrote a book on it, and the last chapter was called the 'Coping-stone.
have go
I know I have such a lot somewh
ght. But do you know it is five o'clock? We have bee
e nothing at all yet
ill tell you what I know
and see me
oon. The day after. Phil, make me the likeness, and
ddress on a sh
t to me. Come again, Phil? I should like to come every
ars crowd her eyes? Five o'clock. It wanted an hour of dinner, when she would have to talk to the Twin brethren. She
lly been asleep? A most ex
t Phillis. But she did not laugh at the idea, as she had done
a queer attractive face, who held the hands of a girl in his, and was bending over her. Somehow a look of love, a strange and new expression, which she had never seen before in human eyes, lay in his. She blushed wh
ain soon
so fresh, so unconventional, what would she think when she learned, as she must learn some day, how great was his
t of taking her hands-he trembled and thrilled when he thought of it-he only repente
ession of the whole-"only a Younger Son, with four hundred a year. And she's got fifty tho
nly wear out; figures alter for the worse; the funds remain. I am always thankful for the
nd as artistic as usual. At two o'clock in the morning he discovered it. And at three o'clock the Twi
PTE
e rough words s
ath world doth
est enter
Hotel and slowly walked up the stairs to Mr. Beck's room. He looked older, longer, and thinner in the morning than in the evening. He carried his hands behind him
o you because I was anxious not to miss you. My time is va
he perpendicular line of his body, had that been erect. But
d. "But I am here, Mr. Beck, and re
"because my work is done for me. When I was p
r yearly income. And I observe that you have unlimited credit-un-li
credit really meant. It was a thi
nd you may scheme for it like a Boss in a whisky-ring. But for a steady certain flow there is nothing like Ile. And I, sir
ulate you,
ice. 'Mr. Cassilis,' I was told, 'has the biggest head in all London for knowledge of mone
be a matter of business. It is true that, as a friend only, I might advise y
ng paid as those who get wages. Why, sir, I hear that young barristers do the work of others and get nothing for it; docto
worked for nothing. Nor did he propos
rican's was grave and even stern. But his eyes were soft. The Englishman's was grave also. But his eyes were hard. They were not stealthy, as of one
ke a drink,
altogether, and disturbed the current of hi
te men anxious for peace take drinks, when they were offered, till their back teeth were under whisky. Bu
r. Beck, that you would find it
e sat down and assumed
ourself. But when you get out of yourself, unless you were to buy a park for the people in
ly on the amount
out of my first well, 2,500 dollars, and that's £500 a day, without counting Sundays. And ther
ssilis
t you are drawing a profit, a clear profit, of m
t is the lowest figu
g has this b
pon ten
d a pencil and made
t, allowing for Sundays, at least
elegraph to New York, if you like, to find out.
me to shake hands with you again. I had no idea, not the slightest idea, in asking you to my
th a watchful glance, at the tall and wiry American with the stern face, the grave
ed. Their owners have great houses to keep up; armies of servants to maintain; estates to nurse; dilapidations to make good; farmers to satisfy; younger sons to provide for; poor people to help by hundreds; and local charities to assist. Wh
nd don't run away. When you want stability, you must go to the Airth. Outside there's the fields
hropy; no frittering away of capital. You can't spend a tenth part of it on yourself. And the rest accumulates and grows-grow
k you
marry and found a great family; you may lay yourself out for making a fortune so great that it may prove a sensible infl
elves," said Mr. Beck; "I want
was not the purpose of Mr. Cassilis. To found a family, to become a Rothschild, to contract loans-what were these things to a man who felt strongly tha
n your own simple wants £5,000. Bah! a trifle-not a quarter of the interest. You
-five,
nother quarter of a century. In that time you ought t
," said Mr. Beck. "Hardly worth while to work for five-and-twent
arded. This man made money so easily that he despise
e poor states with vast armies who want to borrow. Why, at the present moment a man with twelve millions at his command could undert
quite unmoved by these
I might meddle and muss till I busted up the whole concern; play, after all, into the han
pose you were to buy up land-to buy all that comes into the market. Suppose you were to hand down to your sons a traditional polic
state," said Mr. Beck
yourself President, carry your own principles, force your
must be the greatest man in the world. I calculate that's a bitter reflection for Prince Bismarck when he goes to bed at night; also for
ld. We slowly amass money-for our sons to dissipate. Save when a title or an ancient name entails a conservative tradition which keeps the property together, the process in this country and in yours is always the same. The strong men climb, and the weak men f
es, sir
your income will alw
t reckoned by one of our most distinguished mathematicians, Professor Hercule
I shall be entirely at your service. I believe," he added modes
nd interested. "Suppose, sir, I was to say to you, 'I have more than enough money.
erstand," sai
your own money? You do not
t to mak
you have
whatever be my success, can never approach the fourth part of your income. However,
me always the same thing-I think it is the voice of my Golden Butterfly: 'What you can't spend, give.' 'What you can't spend, give.' That's my duty, Mr. Cassilis; that's the path mark
saying "the Idiots," but refrained in time. "The people
is like paying a priest to
ir own salaries first; then they pay for the rent, the cler
ant to go right ahead; find out what to do, and then
his money in trust for the London
do all the good and evil he has to do in his lifetime, not leave his work dragging on after he is dead. 'They that go down into the pit cann
ty. It is the custom of certain Englishmen if the Bible is quoted. He knew no more than Adam what part of the Bible it came from. But he bowed
te grave and in
ied out? In a hundred years things will get mixed. My bequests may be worth millions, or they may b
ead Hand tha
and you ought to know what to call it. But no Han
r st
em, and I mean to spend them. 'Spend what you can, and give
travagant rogue in the country about you. You will have to answer hundreds of letters a day. You will be deluged
e nothing to
the governess who is starving, the tradesman who wants a hundred pounds for a fortnight, and will repa
big cities, though they may be crooked, air pretty well known to me. There
ct the part of Universal Philanth
sat in the churchyard listening to the bummin' and the singin' within. Perhaps, sir, that man knew his own business. Perhaps thoughts came over his soul when they gave out the Psalm that he wouldn't have had if he'd gone i
ilis. "There are at any rate plenty of ways
uneasy and distressed. "It's on my mind since I met the young gentleman at your ho
he killed
Beck would have been locked up for ever in that little box where the Golden
peers in the house-that the Honorable Mr. Ronald Dunquerque is worth
uch a position as the Golden Butterfly has brought me into. But the short of it is that I can't say to him:
a young man forward without giving him money.
is so,
please." He rose and took up his gloves. "And now, Mr. Beck, I think I understand you. You wish to do something great with y
I was think
nd to you. You would then be able to-to-give away"-he pronounced the words with manifest re
easonable," s
and looked him full in the face.
Beck's immediate assent, "in my hands for investment. I shall recommend you safe
d his po
Mr. Beck with
an investment. I think, however, I could place immediatel
company?" sa
no philanthropic aims, and financing is my profession. But your affairs shall be treated together with mine, and I shall bring to bear upon
h many expressions of grat
Mr. Cassilis had no intention whatever of devoting his time and experience to the furtherance of Mr. Beck's affairs. Not at all:
silver mine; I ought to have known that he was not likely to jump at such a bait. A quarter of a million of money to dispose of,
urned, and went back hasti
wish to be known as your adviser at all. Perhaps it would
se was readi
his brain like the chimes of St. Clement's.
d an acre or so of paper with calculations. His clerks went away at five; his secretary left him a
yerfully, putting down his pen a
nprofessional adviser had he known that the whole day was devoted to himself. He might ha
ng to him, not with his little fortune of a few thousand pounds, not with the paltry savings of a lifetime, not for an investment f
d as he got into bed. It was hi
PTE
bed, and far bel
with lightening
ld wideni
ed daily; but with riches came discontent, because the range of subjects grew too vast for her pencil to draw, and her groups became every day more difficult and more complicated. Life was a joy beyond all that she had ever hoped fo
d seeking counsel. She had so much to think of: herself, and the new current of thoughts into which her mind had been suddenly diverted; the connection between the world of Mr. Dyson's teachings and the world of reality-this wa
nversation of people, as I do perpetually-in trains especially-you will find that they are always talking about other people. The reason of that I take to be the natural desire to have in your brain a clear idea of every man, what
it was the fault of the lens. But it troubled her, because if she tried to draw them there was always a sense of something wanting. Even
h Jagenal, whom in their souls the Twins despised, was worth them both ten times over; and she found that Joseph rated himself far beneath his brothers. Then she gradually learned that their ?sthetic talk was soon exhausted, but that they loved to enunciate the same old
, "always makes its way. I see Phillis Fle
great, brother Humphrey. At dinner Phi
rl could imagine was variety. She loved to see something new, even a new disposition of London houses, even a minute difference in the aspect of a London square. But of all the pleasures which she had
embling lips the secret history of his downfall; the omnibus full inside and out; the tall Guardsman swaggering down the street; the ladies looking in at the windows; the endless rows of that great and wonderful exhibition which benevolent tradesmen show gratuitously to all; the shopman rubbing his hands at the door; the foreigners and pilgrims in a strange land-he with a cigarette in his mouth, lately from the Army of Don Carlos; he with a bad cigar, a blue-black shaven chin and cheek, and a seedy coat, who once adorned the ranks of Delescluze, Ferrè, Flourens & Company; he with the pale face and hard cynical smile, who hails from free and happy Prussia; the man, our brother, from Sierra Leone, coal-black of hue, with snowy linen
hand, "can you practise looking at people wi
crowded street reminded her of her dream. Should she presently-for it all seemed unreal together-begin to run, while the young men, among whom were the Twins, ran after her? And sh
age drew up in front of a shop which contained greater treasur
ut carelessly things more beautiful than she had ever conceived
ly the delight of a girl of deep and artistic feeling, which has hitherto chiefly found vent in the study of form-such form as she could get from engravings and her own limited powers of observation-in being let loos
silis sat studying the effect through her double eye-glasses. The saleswoman put on and took off the things as if the girl were really a lay-figure, which she was, excepting that she turned herself about, a thing not yet achieved by any lay-figure. A patient face, but it looked pale and tired. The "Duches
nd taking the opera-cloak which th
l try it on myself. P
placed a chair
tled to any consideration at all. She belonged to the establishment; the shop and all that it contained w
her presence of
she said, "to see how it suits
e was not very tired of trying on dresses, and whether she would not like to take a rest, and if she was happy, with o
they ca
ssilis, directly they were in the carria
poor girl looked
cern of ours. You see, my dear, we cannot alter things; and if you once commence to
then what he meant. But I think I do now. It is a dreadful thing, he meant, that one cannot speak or relieve a poor girl who is ready to drop with fatig
ate themselves more and more; the lines of demarcation become deeper and broader; English castes are divided by ditches constantly widening; the circles into which outsiders may enter as guests, but not as members, become more numerous; poor people herd more together; rich people live more apart; the latter become mor
Phillis's first dinner-party, and on th
llis how long she was t
guardian comes home; and th
n, child? But
is Mr. Lawrence Colquhoun-- Wh
aps, a look of terror. It was the second time that Phillis had noted a change in this cold and passionless
now what she was saying. "Lawrence Colquhoun! He is coming home-and
The name, or the intelligence of Lawrence
rdian! I did not know.
e when I am staying-if I
urn, whether you are staying with him or not. Here is Carnarvon Square. No, thank you, I will not get down, even to have a cup of tea
ad always perfect control over herself, said her husband. He knew nothing. A woman who turned pale at the mention of a name, and longed, yet feared, to meet a man, thought Phillis. And she knew something, becausen heiress, young, beautiful, piquante, strange-as an attraction to her house. For Mrs. Cassilis was ambitious. She wished to attract men to her evenings. She pictured herself-it is the dream of so many cultured women-as another Madame Récamier, Madame du Deffand, or Madame de Rambouillet. All the intellect in London was to be gathered in her salon. She caught lions; she got hold of young authors; she made beginnings w
s melancholy way from Pall Mall to Kensington Palace Gardens, in order to stand about a drawing-room for two hours and listen to "general" talk? It wants a Phillis, and a personal, if hopeless, d
e. He was at Mrs. Cassilis's last night. He came at two, to have luncheon and to tell me
uerque a fri
ntion to deceive; but Joseph was deceived. He thought they had been old friends. Som
ask him to dinn
cquaintance. He is the brother of Lord Isleworth," said Joseph, with a litt
o their conversation as if it interested him above all things; and not once called Phillis by her Christian name. This omission made her reflec
Only before he went he asked her if he might call
e, "it does one good, brother Humphrey, to come across a gentleman. Mr. Ron
ally a superior young man. A little modest in your presence, brother. To
Artist,
Miss Fleming had no c
s, and more attracts, men of a maturer age-men no longer perh
l we split this potash, or will
appier, told him what things she had seen and what remarks she had made since l
o see the Tower of London a
then,
uld like to
take you to the Tower of Lond
as yet so incomplete that she
Of course Mr. Jagenal will allow me. I
use the kiss never came off. I can't help it-it's pleasant. What will Colquhoun say when he comes home? Phil is sure to tell
y hat? I bought it with Mr
in the glass, Phil
d. It was not for her
t birds to fall in love with her, because her sheep were too busy fattening themselves for the Corinthian cattle-market to pay any attention to her. They
l, J
ood what they said, but it pleased this little maid. Presently she grew a tall maid, like yourself, Phil. And then she came out into the world. She was ju
u like my face, and are my ways rea
hook h
. Well, she came into the world and looked about her. It was a pleasant world, she
le besides birds love
groaned. "A good many ot
an? Why should not all the world lo
out, Jack being
ntance with a hansom cab. "It is like sitting in a chair, while all the people move past. Look at the faces, Jac
nsense and say that it is the race for gold. As a matter of fact, I believe it is a race for b
was sile
complex, for her brain to take it in. The shops did not interest her now, nor the press of business; it was the never-ending rush of the anxious crowd. She tried to realise, if ever so fa
e women?" she ask
em. They are spending the money which
silent
. Presently they came to an open space, and beyond-oh, joy o
lock attached himself specially to Phillis, thereby showing that good taste has found a home among beef-eaters. Phillis asked him a thousand questions. She was eager to see everything. She begged him to take them slowly down the long line of armoured warriors; she did not care for the arms, except for such as she had heard about, as bows and arrows, pikes, battle-axes, and spears. She lin
ds and suffering ladies. But the palace of her soul was as nothing compared with the grim grey fortress that she saw. The knights of her imagination were poor creatures compared with these solid heroes of steel and iron on their wooden charges; the dungeon in which Raleigh pined was far more gloomy than any sh
r absorbed look, that the girl was happy. She was adjusting, bit by bit, her memories and her fancies with the reality.
was no longer any possible doubt of that: and she only liked him. What a difference! And to think that the French have only one word for both em
annot understand at all about her. You must take me again. We will get that dear old beef-ea
about what she saw. They passed a printseller's. She wanted to look at a p
rchase. She had only once been in a shop, and then, if I remember rightly, the bill was sent to M
r hundred a year. And then he had the pleasure of seeing the warm glow of pleasure in her eyes as she to
soon, they came bac
efore he knocked at the door.
you," she replied. "Oh, what a good
hour plunged the unhappy young man deeper in the ocean of love, and he grew more than ever c
ssion in which there was no love at all-he saw that clearly-but only free and childlike affection,-"Jack-why
, Ph
ld loved me, you would love
TER
t the Inner
no joy b
toil, the roof an
massive forehead, thick black hair, and a responsible manner. She knew too that there was to be a change in her life, but of what kind she could not tell. The present mode of living was happiness enough for her: a drive with Mrs. Cassilis-odd that Phillis could never remove from herself the
ointed to the evening-dresses, the walking-dresses, the riding habits-was Mademoiselle about to give up taking walks when and where she pleased? was Mademoiselle ready to let the young gentleman, Monsieur Dunquerque, waste his life in regrets-and he so brave, so good? Antoinette, it may be observed, had, in the agreeable society of Jane the housemaid, Clarissa the cook, and Victoria Pamela, assistant in eith
and the lawyer Joseph was kind to her. But Mrs. Cassilis explained that this was impossible; that steps would hav
you will come into possession of your fortune, and you will be
o think and decide for herself, and undertaking all the responsibilities and consequences of her own actions. Then she remembered Abraham Dyson's warning and maxims. They once
bills drawn on the future by
one which had often puzzled her. Now s
ions are what men call fate. The
g any action of her own at all. She forgot how she asked
working life may be
egin in two
ay. The brave are often killed: the talkers are alwa
and be disgraced, thought Phillis. That was
use they are unable to reason. You, Phillis, who have never learned to read, are the mistress o
ning-learning some
s. That must be done by somebody else. When it is finishe
ome time in the next two years would complete the edifice, and she would step out into the world at twenty-one,
ed with herself, an
onsiderate in the morning, and did not ask them to talk. When the little dialogue mentioned in an early chapter was finished, she would herself pi
very sati
iscoursed sublimely on Art in its higher aspects. They took it fo
h. On these occasions the brethren would moodily disappear, and re
cocks, and as jealous as a domestic pet, if attentio
hose of his masters. He never now offered to take the former into a public-house, while he os
it into her head to carry u
weet and childlike smile-he was dreaming of vintage wines. He looked sweetly poetical, and it was a thousand pities that his no
e Divine Bard ligh
yawned, relapsed, and then awoke, f
bled. "Too sweet again, I
all in it, Mr
consciousness
ou find the Laborer asleep. I feel like a sentinel found slumbering at his post. Pray do no
ed about
Poet's horror, turned over the leaves of the stitched book, with Humphrey's o
pic when it is completed. Non omnis moriar. There will be found in that blank
e table and sat down, looking up at the Poet, who rose from
f his Career, and guides him in a vision, step by step, to his crowning triumphs. Episodes are introduced. That of the swineherd and the milkmaid is a
s a neatherd, he took refuge in Athelney, where one day, being set to bake some cakes by the woman of the
neherd and the milkma
e stupid story about the cakes forgotten. Can't you write me some words for music, Mr. Cornelius? Do, and I will sing them to something
ot write a real epi
things. Now I must carry Mr. Humphrey his tea. Goo
ts of the afternoon harmonised with the purple hue of his velvet coat, the soft brown silkiness of his beard, and
akening was
r brother," said Phill
tist. "Always at it. Always with nose to t
e. "I sincerely hope not. Perhaps he is stronger t
e bow stretched too long
is; "you were exh
t on the canvas," for Phillis
, then? Do s
se them. It may be that I shall learn something from
is a compliment, I am sure. Wha
legorical picture. There will be two hundred
Byzantine learning and culture. Italy became the chosen home of these exiles. The almost simultaneous invention of printing, coupled with an outburst of genius in painting and poetry, and a new-born thirst for classi
ok his
be forced,
int me a little group: yourself, Mr. Cornelius, and C?sar, in the morning walk. You may choose for the moment of illustration
hed and
hrough which she fled. Then he looked round h
she learn the phrase? And how does she k
his heart to his brother when they sought th
me," he said; "she mak
sat in a dressing-gown, drew the cord tighter round his w
aughed at
angerous,
ning walk, Cornelius, and makes allusion t
e or twice been obliged to
ised into an aftern
mentioned. I should hope that this young lady would not speak o
verence, broth
ought Mr. Ronald Dunquerque, then a complete stranger, to my room, when
espect! But no, I hardly dare to think that. Then,
always do the same t
ons in undying words. Perhaps we both shall live. It was on the same day that she drew the s
a wonderful gift at catching a likeness. If it were not for the annoyance one might feel pleased. The
cannot be an
ossi
ed, were exactly the same height, and it was five feet four-"she is charming in spite
dred a year; which is about half what Joseph pays i
r-cents. What is money to us? what have we to do with incomes? Art, glorious Art, brother, is our mistress. She pays us, not in sordid g
husiasm. Pity that they were compelled to spend their working hours in subjection to sleep, inste
e to bed; Joseph was in his own room; the fire was bright and the hearth clean. The Twins sat at opposit
rey, "Joseph is greatly
ned forward, with a nod
w you mention it, he
t thoughtful man in general, and quite awak
ther Humphrey, who has thought of
us turn
makes him talk at dinner; Joseph never used to talk with us. He sits in
ing and noble execution of your groups spoiled by the sordid cares of life. If Joseph mar
delicate fancies of your brain shaken up
to me in half an hour in the Work
ed his dressing-gown across his chest, tightened the cord, and strode
mured, lighting his second pi
e of pleasure; his walk to the office was not a solitary one; he looked forward to dinner; and he found the evenings tolerable. Somehow, Joseph Jagenal had never known an
from his work, and laid down
h. We are a hard-working family. You with law-bo
ed and
oor Hu
happy before this
ogies, with our bachelor ways; and she has rous
abour, thinking that there would be no chang
t ch
a garret and on a crust of bread, therefore it matters nothing. It is for Humphrey that I feel. How can that delicately-organised creature, to whom warmth, comfort and
gered him. He actually blushed. Being forty years of age, a bachelor, and a lawyer-on all these grounds presumably acquainted
rry Phillis Fleming as I am to send Humphrey into the cold. Dismiss the thou
to him, but he could not help sometimes feeling the slightest possible annoyance that they were not as o
ink of Humphrey first. I shall not marry-either
You have relieved my mind of
terwards the do
ed around i
d and brushed; on the velvet jacket, in the pockets of which were his hands; and on his soft, large, l
ess than he was wont to display to his brothers. "Ar
"What did Cornelius come to you for? Poor fellow! he is no
't you know wh
ius had not told him. Guesses are not evidence. "And it hardly matters, does it?"
phrey, don't bea
out Miss-
A
h and growth of your passion for this young lady. In some respects I am not surprised. She
the tattoo o
ned, "I know all Co
to think what would become of that-that delici? musurum, were he to be deprived of the little luxur
touched at
saw. Would that all the world were like you! Take my assurance, if that wi
sped his hand,-"this i
ess; that she is intrusted to me; and that it would be an unworthy breach of trust if I were even to think of such a thing. Besides which, I have a letter fro
h," said Humphrey, going up to
to say," said the P
the most unselfish c
ined it-too thoughtful, much too though
eved. Brother, shall we split a
inding in his work occupation which left him no time for either. To-nigh
not he, as well as the rest of mankind, have his share of love and beauty? To be sure, it would be a breach of confidence as he told Humphrey. But C
is ears, and he thrilled in his sleep at the rustle of a woman's dress. He could not see her face,-dr
TER
was foolish t
ng her liberty for a few short weeks, and then ordered back to her whitewashed cell. Phillis's feelings as regards Lawrence Colquhoun's return were coloured by this fear. It seemed as if, argument and probability notwithstanding, she migh
ything. Life without the sublime conceit of being uplifted, by reason of superior inward light and greater outward experience, above other men, would be but a poor thing. Phillis thought she had the Key to Universal Knowledge, and that she was on the high-road to make that part of her life which should begin in two years' time easy, happy, and clear of pi
ght something for her, and sent the bill to Joseph Jagenal. On each occasion, also, she asked particularly for Lawrence Colquhoun. There were the little events with the Twins which we have recorded; and there were walks with C?sar about the square. Once Joseph Jagenal took her to a picture-gallery, where she wanted to stay and copy everything; it was her first introduction to the higher Art, and she was half delighted, half confused. If Art critics were not such humbugs, and did not pretend to feel what they do not, they might help the world to a better understanding of the glories of painters. As it is, they are the only
ur which Humphrey Jagenal affected; and her taste in Art was good enough to overmaster her sympathy with the subject. Some people are ready to weep at a tragical subject, however coarse the daub, just as they w
ht Lawrence Colquhoun at length to London. He went first to Joseph Jagenal's of
place, with no more responsible person than a house-keeper. So, as soon as the arrangement could be made, I brough
oun. "You have removed a great weight o
ith his subject, and delineated a young lady of such pass
such a steady old file I should
will find Phillis Fleming everything that you can desire. Except, of course," he added, "
ow how
r. Dyson's property will go into Chancery, because Phillis Fleming has never
at once. Will you let me dine with you to-night? And will you add to my obli
you think
very different from what I expected, and perhaps I could ask my cousin, Mrs. L'Estrange, to take her into her own house for a time. Poor old Dyson! It is twelve years ago since I saw him last, soon aft
expect it, I thi
except that I felt sorry for the poor child who was to be an experiment. Perhaps I ought to have interfered
in the funds, where he found it. As your legal adviser, Mr. Colquhoun, I strongly recommend you to do the same. She will be entitled to the control and management of it on coming of age, bu
uhoun left the office, and made his wa
a flower; one was shaven; the other wore a long and silky beard. Both had pale faces and red noses. As they looked at the stranger and passed him down the steps, Colquhoun saw that they were not so yo
. Phillis could not read the card, b
e second revolution
e would be no more walks with Jack Dunquerque. Why
up to we
lar features, a brown beard, and a curious look of laziness in his eyes. They were eyes wh
most graceful. Lawrence the lazy felt his pulse quicken a little as this fair creature advanced, with perfect grace and self-possession, to greet him. He noticed that her dress was perfect, that her hands were small and delicate, and that her head was shaped, save for the foreh
acquaintance, and try to like eac
ankly and curiously, let
lve years ago-you were a little
m not quite sure. Are
e one? To be sure, it is my fir
ook he
aid, "that I suppose I grew t
old. Wait twenty years, and you will begin to feel the same perhaps. But though I
l, and she drew aw
t I am afraid that w
I am your guardian, may I not?-did he tre
not, because you are not old?-I did not write, because dear old Mr. Dyson treated me very kind
arned to feel a little sham
Jagenal calls them crotchets-and he never let me go outside the house. Now I am free I do not like to thi
n. We shall find something better than that for you. But it
y; but I am qui
read novels to pa
r. Dyson used to say that the sympathies which could not be quicken
mean, did he neve
ook he
, and he did not wish it to become my master. And then there was something
ise man, Phillis. But
d, Antoinette; I give the
brothers-whom I met on the steps, I supp
nd walk home with him; and I look after my wardrobe. Then I sit and think of what I have seen and heard-put
now no you
adies, you know, of my own age. I want to compare myself with them, a
You see, you might retaliate; and if you once be
ome outward sign or token of the old Adam. But she saw none. "Pe
sked to dine here, and I am going to be at your service all day.
streets, and let me look at the people and the shops. I like
ld age among his old friends, when her guardian had become too infirm to take the head of his own table. There was, it is true, something wanting. Colquhoun's practised eye detected that at once. Phillis was easy, graceful, and natural. But she had not-the man of the world no
his eyes," he said, "and you have his mouth. I should know you for his daughter." He told her how fond this straight rider, this Nimrod of the hunting-field, had been of
certain you were in good hands, and I let things alone. Now that I h
as thoughtful and serious, thinking of the father, whom she lost so early. Somehow she had f
wrence looked at his
, with a smile, because she knew
ht he would have no occasion
d like to give you a little better b
I cannot give up my o
stian name, and hesitated no more over
weler's shop and boug
ou can add those t
e no j
Where are yo
the Bank, locked up. Perh
s was that the money was all in sovereigns
ur jewels out, at any rate. Did Mr.
never went outside the house. Lawrence, give me s
led it with two or three sover
ch, Phillis. Wh
res, I
and beautiful objects there was only one
s buy some p
largest and most expensive. Colquhoun observed that her taste was good, and that she chose the best subjects. When she had all that she liked, together wit
ews?" Colquhoun asked. "Put it up, Phillis, and keep i
o know how to spend money seemed to lazy Lawrence, who had done nothing else all his life, a state of mind really deplorable.
Not to know even t
twenty shillings, and a
us that he is hungry; he will probably add that he has a wife and twelve children, all under the age of
rogue in rags and tatters and bare feet. Though it was a warm day he shivered. In his hand he held a single box of light
xpence a dinner; for ten shillings he could get a suit of working clothes-which he does not want because he has
ign," said Phillis. "Then h
ed the beggar. "I would get w
He is a sturdy rogue. Best give nothing to him at all. C
said Phillis, c
Proverbial Philosophy, who explains that what a beggar most wants, to make him feel ha
oun la
deserves it better. Now let us take a cab and go
There were the pedestrians on either side the road; civilians after office hours; bankers and brokers from the City; men up from Aldershot; busy men hastening home; loungers leaning on the rails; curious colonials gazing at the carriages; Frenchmen trying to think that Hyde Park cannot compare with the Bois de Boulogne; Germans mindful of their m
ated to the girl. "I suppose there will b
dia. Then one whom he had last seen, a war correspondent, inside Metz. He shook hands with one, nodded to ano
are settled, I should like to bring him to see you. That is Macnamara of the London Herald-a man you can't get except in Engl
All these carriages? these pe
he faces I see in th
stly of men who work not at all, or they work for honour. Th
ts and
shipwrecks he had known. "Perhaps it is better to have to work. I do not know. Phillis, who--" He was going to ask her who was bowing to her, when he turned pale, and stopped suddenly. In
ck again. Come as soon as you can and see me. If you can spare an af
e. And Lawrence's face was hard. He took off his hat and drew back, Phillis did
ke to you, Lawrence." It was exactly
ps. Or perhaps she was pleased to see
shopping with her. She does not like me, I know;
trouble on her mind, does she? The smooth brow of a clear conscience-Phillis, i
The Twins dined at their club; so that they
ake charge of you, Phillis. Agatha L'Estrange is the kindest cr
But suppose she
you, Miss Flemi
r often and see you; we will ride together, if you like. And i
nd fidgety dogmatism of an old man-"'Reading breeds a restless curiosity, and engenders an irreverent spirit of carping criticism. Any jackanapes who can
TER
tle mind, and h
such cr
e cool surface of the water; there is a boat-house, where a boat used to lie, but it is empty now-ivy covers it over, dark ivy that contrasts with the lighter greens of the sweet May foliage; the lilacs and laburnums are exulting in the transient glory of foliage and flower; the wisteria hangs its purple clusters like grapes upon the wall; there are greenhouses and vineries; there are flower-beds bright with the glories of modern gardening; and there are old-fashioned round plots of ground innocent of bedding-out, where flourish the good old-fashioned flowers, stocks, pansies, boy's-love, sweet-william, and the rest, which used to be cultivated for their perfume and colour long before bed
ir ears like the breaking of the rough sea upon a shore so far off that the wild dragging of the shingle, with its long-drawn cry, sounds like a distant song. These ladies know nothing of the fiercer joys of life, and nothing of its pains. The miseries of the world they understand not, save that they have been made picturesque in novels. They have no ambition, and take no part in any battles. They have not spent their strength in action, and therefore feel no weariness. Society is understood to mean a few dinners, with an occasional visit to the wilder dissipations of town; and their most loved entertainments are those gatherings known as garden parties. Duty means following up in
pathetic, but blind to his own interests. She was a widow, and childless. She had been a widow so long, her husband had been so much older than herself, her married life had been so short, and the current of her life so little disturbed by it, that she had almost forgotten that she was once a wife. She had an ample income; she lived in the way that she loved; she gathered he
ch was his. She saw the lofty dreams die away; and she hoped for him that he would keep something of the young ideal. He did. Lawrence Colquhoun was a man about town; but he retained his good-nature. It is not usual among the young gentlemen who pursue pleasure as a profession; it is not expected of them, after a few years of idleness, gambling, and the rest, to have any good-nature surviving, or any thought left at all, except for themselves; therefore Lawrence Colquhoun's case was unusual, and popularity proportiona
ring that time he never once wrote to h
t any notice, h
tle touched with the grey hairs which belong to the eighth lustrum; his eyes a little crows-footed; his form a little filled out.
in the intervals of stitching; the morning was bright and sunny, with only a suspicion of east wind, and her windows were open; flowers stood upon her table; flowers in pots and vases stood in her windows; such flowers as bloom in May were bright in her garden, and the glass doors of her conservatory showed
e recognised it. Then she sat up and smiled to
hand without saying a word. Then he sat down, and took a
wrence," said Agatha, as if he
ve been i
a?" She waited for him t
esterday. You are l
very
picture on the wall. W
the Exhibition. Now I think of it, you h
you anything to
me of them were. My dog Pheenie is dead, and I never intend to have another. The cat that you used to tease is well. My aviary has increased; my horses are the s
used to set for me when I was four
not fix yourself! But it is never too late to mend. At one
y changed colour, but Aga
it now. She is a cold and bloodless woman, Lawrence. Besides, s
with a harsh and grating voice. "I
entures. You may have some tea if you like, but I do not invite you, because you will want to go away again directly afterwards. L
think, Agatha, that as we have got to get old and presently to die, we may as well g
en to what other people tell me. But I f
That is one of the reasons why
You always are i
fault; but it is serious
ated, but his cousin caugh
nce; not a wife wi
a wife. That would have been a great
war
who was killed in the hunting
y swains ever so long ago, befor
n twenty years; so long, in fact, that it was become a mere colloca
t child's guardians. The other was a Mr. Dyson, who took her and brought her
arth are you going to do
I cannot have her with
y well,
ester Square, and give evening-par
y well,
; a capital fellow, but his house is ha
ou do? This is a very
er
t of a gi
e. Her eyes are brown, and her hair is brown, with lots of it. Her features are small, and not too re
on; you seem to have studied her app
aivete in manner that you should lik
ong-minded,
s, "she is not. She has excellent
of course, though I
nothing but the society of some a
you always were. You begin by flatter
oman, who would exercise a gradu
Tell me instantly. You say she is beautiful. It must be something else. Are
s are, I should
l. What can be the reserved objection? My dear cousin, yo
uardian brought her up in entire seclusion from the wo
ry rema
l of drawings which she calls her diary. They are the record of her life. She will show them
un anything in her life. Had he been a needy man he would have b
had. The girl is different from any other girl you have ever known. She talks and thinks like a boy. She is as strong
ugh woman at heart. Most of us are. But, Lawrenc
d a littl
r a girl of nine
Lawrence, as soon as you please. I want to see this paragon
informed than most girls of her age. I
ence, think. She
ather a distinction now. At least she will never want to
ead; but will she ev
m weak myself in spelling. Phillis does not
ithmeti
keep such a coil. And it has been about as accessible to poor Phillis as an easy seat to a tombstone cherub. But she can count and multi
g, Lawrence. Think of the
e discipline of Vulgar Fractions or Genteel Decimals. One is appalled at imagining wha
fraid of her
is sweetness itself. Let
a little. "Suppose we don't get on together after all. It
world gets on with you. Was there ever a gi
h Victoria Pengelley-Mrs. Cassilis.
riedly; and went away with scant leave-taking.
atha re
of her still? Why, the woman is as cold as ice and as hard as steel, besides being married. A man wh
rs in his beard. He laughs in the same pleasant way; has the same soft voice; thinks as little seriously about life; and is as perfectly charming as he has always been. He has a ward, a young lady, daughter of an old friend
taught the social tone. No word, you see, of the little deficiencies which time alone could be expected to fill up. Agatha L'Estrange, in her way, was a woman of the world. She expected, in
servation, pleased Phillis mightily; she even preferred it to a hansom cab. She said little on the road, being too busy in the contemplation of men and manners. Also she was yet hardly at home with her new guardian. He
ettier girl, he thought, might be seen in a London ballroom or in the Park
e sure she was perfectly prepared to like her, being still in the stage of credulous curiosity in which every fresh acquaintance seemed to possess all possible virtues. Up to the present she had made one exceptio
dy ever had kissed her at all since the day when she entered Abraham Dyson's house. Jack, she remembered, had proposed to commence their friendship with an imitation of the early Christians, but the proposal, so
e dinner. You may lie about in the garden, if you please, till we
that touch of gloom which our grandfathers always lent to their bedrooms, marked the Highgate apartment. At Carnarvon Square she ha
in green and gold, and white curtains. There was a sofa, an easy-chair, a table at one of th
ight face with a grat
a beauti
my dear. I hope you wi
look at the pic
pictures, and these d
ike the p
before a water-colour. "I like this better," movi
hese pictures, and hoped the fair critic
Phillis came to the open window, and cr
ning grave eyes upon her hostess, as if imploring that no mistake sho
ear, of co
e so longed to see a river, and e
run softly til
-Oh, there
saw two swan
wimming down
rds I never y
ou read poet
Mrs. L'Estrange, can we get close to it, quit
ng nothing. Phillis looked not at the flowers or the spring blossoms; she
where all the ships come up. Jack said he would take me to see the great ships sailing home laden with their precious things. Perhaps he will. But, O Mrs. L'Estrange, how sweet it is! Th
how her the flowers and hothouses. Phillis knew all about these
to the garden again when Lawrence left them. It was still and silent, and as they stood upon the walk, the g
ook at the river
beautiful by night, when the shadows made great blacknesses, and the bright moon
y came in and
nlight; she heard the whisper of the waves. Her thoughts-they were the long thoughts of a child-went up the stream, and wondered through what meadows a
re. The woman had a sweet voice. As they rowed by the house one of the men lit a lantern, and the light fell upon their faces, making them clear and distinct for a moment,
ilence for a space, and then th
ds. "Come, come, come!" sang the bird. "Stay with us here and rest-and rest. This is better than the town.
PTE
that which no
auty of her l
heavenly gifts
would you wonde
irl I have ever learned to know. She is innocent, but then innocence is very easily lost; she is fresh, but freshness is very often a kind of electro-plating, wvery well, because she has always had a French maid; plays and sings by ear; and draws like a Royal Academician. The curious thing, however, is the effect which her knowledge has had upon her mind. She knows what she has been told, and nothing more. Consequently her mind is all light and shade, like a moonlight landscape. She wants atmosphere; there is no haze about her. I did not at all understand, until I knew Phillis, what a very important part haze plays in our everyday life. I thou
nd after she had criticised the words in a manner peculiarly her own, I read them again, and she
oking about the church, and therefore did not notice my performance of this duty. Also I had forgotten to tell her that loud speech is forbidden by custom within the walls of a church. Therefor
little consternation in the place. I think the beadle would have turned us out had he rec
ot betrayed a perfect absence of familiarity with church customs. During the psalms she began by listening with a little pleasure in her face. Then she loo
she should like to take him out of the choir herself, there and then. It was quite true, and I really feared tha
urate, who was in the pulpit-a very nice young man, and a gentleman, but not, I must own, intellectual; and I hear he was plucked repeatedly for his degree-stopped, puzzled and
not help it. Did you notice the young gentleman in the box? He was trying to act, but he spoke the words so bad
it is difficult, because sometimes yo
ation Phillis apologised. Without any
aughed at you yesterday in ch
ion, and stammered somethin
in a church befo
Mrs. L'Estrange, do you not think it is
d again, but wit
church is in his own heart. He never went to church, and he did n
m of Mr. Abraham Dyson's, there
is young man. She listens to his remarks, but they fail to strike her; she answers his questions, but they seem to bore her. In fact, he is much too feeble for her; she has no respect for the cloth at all; and I very much f
favourite Laud. He understood very little of it, but he went away sorrowful. I could read in his face a determination to get up the whole subject, come back, and have it out with
ship-'a beautiful thing for the people to come together every week and pray. And the hymns are sweet, thoug
is refused to go to church without me. She s
really like her less now. She was kind to Phillis, and proposed all sorts of hospitalities, which we escape
u before long. She is cold by nature, but her coldness was assumed here, because she suddenly lost it. I am quite sure, Lawrence, that Victoria Pengelley was once touched,
good deal better than any photograph, because it has caught your disgraceful indolence, and you stand confessed for what you are. How the girl contrives to put the real person into her portraits, I cannot tell. Victoria took it, and her face suddenly softened. I have seen the look on many a woman's face. I look for it when I suspect that one of my young friends has dropped head over ears in love;
and carried it
Will cannot be carried out, in which case Mr. Cassilis will get the money. I sincerely hope he will. I am one of those who dislike, above all things, notoriety for women, and I should not like our Phillis's education and its results made the subject
s say, with such a troublesome acquirement, I cannot understand. We spend two hours a day over the task, and are still in words of one syllable. Needless to t
ying notes as in spelling them out, so that they have to be perpetually practising the art of reading. I now understand why people who teach are so immeasurably conceited. I am already so proud of my superiority to Phillis in being able to read,
my long letter? On
taste and musical powers. Her voice is very sweet, though not strong. She will never be
er colours. He is an elderly artist, with a wife and bairns of his own, not
n she most requires to learn is the Lesson of distrust. She trusts everybody, and when anything is done or said which would arouse distrust in ourselves, she only gets puzzled and thinks of her own ignorance. Why cannot we leave her in the Paradise of the Innocent, and never let her learn that every stranger is a possible villain? Alas, that I must teach her this lesson; and yet one would not leave her to find it out by painful experience! My
yet, and you will find her changed in
Singing to herself? Phillis was quite ot
at the return of the sun-as a matter of fact they had their mouths wide open and were catching flies; a lark was singing in the sky; there were a blackbird and a thrush somewhere in the wood across the river: away up the stream there was a fat old gentleman sitting in a punt; he held an umbrella over his head, because the sun was hot, and he supported a fishing-rod in his other hand. Presently he had a nibble, and in his anxiety he sto
d his cheerful philosophy; the river ran with soft whispers along the bank; and Phillis began to
thing els
the back of the man in it. Then the boat revealed itself in full, and Phillis saw that the crew consisted of J
like a thing of life"-I quote from an author whose name I have forgotten. Quite the contrary; Jack was rather unskilful than otherwise; the ship in which he was embarked was one of those crank craft consisting o
may be imagined, to bring her bows on straight into the bank. In fact, Jack ran the ship ashore, and sat with the bows high on the grass j
dn't come,"
laughed
opes, for convenience of mooring. Phillis noiselessly lifted the cord and tied it fast round the trunk of a small elder-tree besid
hich were blistering under the rough exercise of rowing, and muttered somethi
ew inches, and then, the pain
watching Jack with a l
softly, after three or four
k," Phillis broke in, with he
nk, clapping her hands with delight. He gave a vigorous pul
d bad. Oh, how glad I am to see you! I
I thought it was
ow where I
r to introduce me to Mrs. L'Estrange; and so I thought I would-I thought
hope of seeing me? I am so glad. Will you come in and be introduced to Agatha,-that is,
l, you look even better than when you were at
s in water-colour drawing. I have learned a great deal already, quite enough to show me how igno
o go out again for anoth
ing to the seaside in the autumn. I do not think I shall like the sea so much as I like
But never mind him, Phil; go on telling me about y
cannot tell you how I love her. Lawrence Colquhoun is her first cousin. I like my guardian, too, very much; but I have not yet found out how to talk to h
far,
away from you. I shall learn to write as fast as I can, and then we will send letters to each ot
e for a row w
n the river? Oh, if y
ed the ship's head round, and
to sit perfectly s
move. Are you afr
ere to upset, perhaps you would n
am sure you would bri
t not upset
een weeds sloping gently downwards with the current; she noticed the swans, which looked so tranquil from the bank, and which now followed the boat, gobbling angrily. They passed the old gentleman in the punt. H
it is so much sweeter here. Can there be anything in the world," she murmured half
or half a mile or so, and then turned her head and let her drift gently down with the curr
d Phillis, in a low voice. "It comes from some
ike life
s-but we do not go to be swallowed up in the ocean, and we are not alone. We have those th
so full of unselfish and passionless affection, b
when they reached Agatha's law
ere Agatha was writing the letter we have already read.
he saw Miss Fleming by accident, that he had taken he
e old friends,
n. Jack became more amiable and more sympathetic than any young man Mrs. L'Estrange had ever known. So much di
n joy that ends in sorrow; few are those which begin, as Jack's buck
TER
t femme
i qui s
m he had seen but once or twice should move a tough old heart of forty. Phillis pleased him, but lazy Lawrence wanted girls, if that could be managed, to come to him, and she necessarily stayed at Twickenham. Anyhow, she was in good and safe hands. It was enough to know that Agatha ha
also by other an
call upon her. After a day or two there came a letter from her. Of this he took no notice. It is not usual for a man to ignore the receipt from a lady, but Lawrence Colquhoun did do so.
d style. China he abhorred, like many other persons of sound and healthy taste. Let us leave a loophole of escape; there may be some occult reason, unknown to the uninitiated, for finding beauty, loveliness, and desirability in hideous china monsters and porcelain. After all we are but a flock, and follow
ll sorts of appliances for saving trouble and exertion; the curtains are of the right shade for softening the light; the pictures are of subjects w
ined hotel. But Lawrence was not then at home. He took what comfort he could get, even there; and while he indulged his whim for s
pleasant and the game is abundant. Now, however, he was back in London, where the laziest men live beside the busiest. The sun streamed in at his windows, which were bright with flowers; and he sat in the shade doing nothing. Restless men take cigars; men who
visitor-a woman wh
llow-faced woman. She looked in Lawrence's face with a grim cu
s. Cassi
awrence. "An
er maid
is Jane
three years ago, before
e? Ah, that accounts-I me
"-Lawrence looked up sharply, but there was no change in the woman's impassive face as she
letter, has she?" He did not open it. "Will you tell Mrs. Cassilis
me expressly that if you were in town I was to
ppose I had better
om his chair and began to walk about. The sallow-faced woman watched him all the tim
and altered the position of things on the mantel-shelf, a sign
hat I will call upon
write th
plied fiercely. "Take y
without
's worse than a fool; she's a hard-hearted creature, with no more blood than a stone statue. If there's to be trouble, it won't fall on his he
ssumed a form somethi
portant to tell me. It's a marvellous thing, and great proof of the absence of the inventive faculty in all of them, that when they want to see you they invariably preten
ca; but what would be the good of that? Besides, I have not done anything to be afraid of or ashamed of, unless a
rd for Victoria if she were to offend her, for a more damned unforgiving countenance I never set eyes upon. But Janet was faithful; I am sure J
women. They can't forget; and hang me if I don't think she can't forgive me because she has done me
k and dined at the Club. I might have gone to half-a-dozen places in the evening. I might have gone to Greenwich and renewed my youth at the Ship. I might have gone to Richmond with old Evergreen and his party. But Philli
mplated the approach of inevitable suffering with resignation, but never with happiness. In Colquhoun's mind, Victoria Cassilis was associated with a disagreeable and painful
forgotten. It's ruin for her if the truth comes out, and not pleasant for me, A pretty fool I should look explainin
fore Mrs. Cassilis at her own hou
d D'Artagnan would have sa
vo
the sword-hilt, to make sure that the trusty blade was loose in the scabbard and easy to d
ther held out her hand nor rose to meet him, nor looked him in
l? There are no
er-writing, for interviews with dressmakers, for tea with ladies, for all sorts of things. A
wrence," she murmured. "Ca
Mrs. Cassilis. And I
is Victoria. Have
ng, Mrs. Cassilis. It is b
e!" she looked up in his face
ous gesture, moved the man not one whit. The powe
tranger, a perfect stranger, may I ask why you c
him. "It is ridiculous, when all the world knows that we were once frien
oolish world it was! Suppose we had become
to me,
gone; in deference to your wishes I removed myself from the scene; I went abroad; I transported myself for four years; then I saw the announcement
she r
forgotten the few days of madness and repentance. They are gone. Some ghosts
we cannot
assilis, rouse yourself. Think of wha
k. I think
u have your position in the world.
onour? And if all were known! La
you have done knowing well what you were doing, and knowing what you were going to get by it. You have got one of the very best houses in London; you have go
ith passion. "I have the most intolerable husband, the
cruel t
were cruel I should know how
re you not overdoing it? You almost make me remember a scene-call it a dream
nancier living, I am told. In the
is gigantic intellect to a Treatise on the Sinfulness of Little Sins. Perha
uppose you think you have
"do you think I claim any right-the smallest-over you? If I ever
ated, with a hard smile o
leaned against the window, looking into the shrubs an
u would find it difficult to forget? Do what you like, marry if you like, be as happy as you like, or as miser
d rather stab a man in the heart, and so make some impression on him, than to see him cold and ca
nce. "Yes, Mrs. Cassilis, it is foolish to quarre
nothing else to
ng else to say, she mak
nce I left you at that hotel to which you refe
rs. Cassilis, this is foolish. You told me
say this. Whe
ied the man, "why
ned to let him off no single word-"you used bitter words. You told me tha
ad a blazing row; and Janet stood by with her calm
retaliate
et me have it in a very superior st
at you are heartless and
ing me all this without any
en if you have any resentment for my conduct, you w
early a year o
is a
rk wanting in maternal fe
you in the middle, and Mr. Cassilis third. You and I know, and he does not suspect. On the stage, the man who does not suspect always looks a fool. No French novel comes anywhere near this posit
et and I made up something-never mind what. Janet was as secret as the grave. The old life-Oh, how stupid and du
el
e polite to people I detested. I saw a chance for freedom; Mr. Cassilis of
t a thing to
I wanted a man who could fee
e themselves miserable because others do not understand their own ideals. If these people could only label themselves with a few simple descriptive sentences,-such as 'I am good; I am great; I am
s straight out before her in her lap. If you think of it, this is a most effect
e of her remark, "is that you do not at all se
is in her grave. Lawrence Colquhoun, the most selfish an
ed good-
autifully explained by Serjeant Smoothtongue: 'Six years ago, gentlemen of the jury, a man no longer in the bloom of early youth was angled for and hooked by a lady who employed a kind of tackle comparatively rare in Eng
feet from her stood Lawrence Colquhoun; he was performing his imaginary speech with great rhetorical power, but stopped short at sight of
tips of her fingers. "You are early to-day. Let me
olquhoun, to know you.
ion. Mr. Colquhoun, who has just arrived from America, my dear, was giv
admirable actress, and there was not a trace left of the
had been coupled. To be sure, it was a censorious world; but then he was a handsome fellow, and a quarter of a century
himself; not the self-possessed man of clear business mind
imself out of the conversation. This made him uneasy, and less useful when the talk came within his reach. But his wife
y in a mela
And now she has made a fool of herself. It is not my fault. Some day it will all come out. And I am an accessory after the fact. If it were not for
TER
et your fo
e; here's t
in, sir, are th
olomon'
he could not carry out. Take your own case, brother of mine, struggling to realise the modest ambitions common to cultured humanity, and to force them within the bounds of a slender income. Think of the thousand and one things you want; think of the conditions of your life you would wi
?υδρ?υ. Your projects, educational, moral, theatrical, literary, musical, could all together, for they are modest, be launched upon the ocean of public opinion. You could gratify your taste for travel. Like Charles Kingsley, you could stand in the shadow of a tropical forest (it would not be one quarter so beautiful as a hundred glades ten miles from Southampton) and exclaim, "At last!" You are an arch?ologist, and have as yet seen little. You could make that long-desired trip to Naples and see Pompeii; you could visit the cities of the Midi, and explore the Roman remains you have as yet only read of; you could take that journey to Asia Minor, your dream of twenty years, and sketch the temples still
utions-and they save the rest. Happy for this country that Honduras, Turkey, and a few other places exist to plunder the British capitalists, or we should indeed perish
here are a few
housand a year, and telling him to work for the rest of his days with no necessity for doing pot-boilers. Yet no rich man does it. There was a man in Scotland, the ot
a 300 nights' run would be possible, and which should be a school for dramatists as well as actors. A paltry £10,000 a year would pay the annual deficit in
try huge sums in goals, policemen, and the like. Philanthropic people catch a few of these boys and send them to places where they are made excellent
of men's wages. No trade so flourishing as that which is worked by women-witness the prosperity of dress-making masters. The workwomen have longer hours, as well as lower pay, than the men. At the best, they get enough to keep body and soul together; not enough for self-respect; no
ciety agrees to pay Mundie & Smith from three to ten guineas a house. Here is a sum in arithmetic: house-bills, £1,500 a year; wine-bill, £300; horses, £500; rent, £400; travelling, £400; dress-Lord knows what; reading-say £5; also, spent
friend cut off prematurely. The gentleman intrusted with the conduct of the evening's entertainment had
rty dolla
ne doll
y-one doll
he chairman, "made you wast
d never rea
xactly like the proportion of bread obs
or the mental food o
one by the societies; there are plenty of people anxious to be seen on pla
of the earth was flowing for him a continuous stream of wealth that seemed inexhaustible. Not one well, but fifty, were his, and all yielding. When he told Jack Dunquerque that his income was a thousand pounds a day, he was far wit
t it never would give out. Other shafts had been sunk round it, but with varying success; the ground covered with derricks and machinery erected for boring fresh wells and working the old, an ar
way he took the wealth as so much trust-money. He was entitled, he thought, to live upon it according to his inclination; he was to have what his soul craved for he was to use
in a village school, he had been turned upon the world to make his livelihood in it as best he could. He was everything by turns; there was hardly a trade that he did not attempt, not a calling which he did not for a while follow. Ill luck attended him for
ed with the contagion of restless ambition. How many great men-presidents, vice-presidents, judges, orators, merchants-have sprung from the obscure villages of the older States? Gilead Beck started on his career with a vague idea that he was going to be something gr
me the Gold
the table. The sunlight pouring in at the opened window strikes upon the yellow metal, and lights up the delicately chased wings of this freak of Nature. Poised on the wire, the Golden Butterfly seems
a map of his Can
ulting the oracle. After his interview with the Butterfly he rises refreshed and clear o
very whim that ever entered the head of sane man. When I have bought all the luxuries that the
I to do
stop. No; that is impossible. Other wells have stopped, but no well has run like mine, o
help me to spend the money aright? H
e to fall and break, who c
open the door: "
TER
ully it
wimmers that d
ke thei
the American Cr?sus was Jack Dunquerque, and he was unsalaried and therefore careless. Ladds and Colquhoun were less ready to listen, and Gabriel Cassilis showed a want of sympathy with Mr. Beck's Trusteeship which was disheartening. As for Jack, he treated the sacred Voice, which was to Gilead Beck what his demon was to Socrates,
l be a Blessing and a Boon for you; it will make a real hole
nds in his pockets. His face was clouded with the an
g of it, Mr. Dunquerque," he
easy-chair, and chewed th
a man can't say what he wants to say in half a column, that man may go to some other paper. I shall get only live
l be a very
once you get the right man to say it.
expect the pap
l be no cutting up of bad books to show smart writin
selves on the ton
d against all humanity. See, Mr. Dunquerque, last week I read one of your high-toned reviews. There was an article in it on a novel. The novel was a young
it, I suppose
at young lady he would perhaps be requested to take a header through the window. Let things alone, and presently that young lady discovers that she is not likely to get cracked up as a vocaller. I shall conduct my paper on the same polite principles. If a man thinks he can sing and can't sing, let him be for a bit. Perhaps he will find out his mistake. If he does
be your o
this city to get to the core of things, I shall scatt
xtended his long arms, bringing them together in a c
team first. I shall have correspondents all over the world, and I shall have infor
Jack noticed how strong and bony those fingers
enly it changed expression, and that curious smile of h
ences?" he asked. "Let us have some
up and down with his hands in his pockets, and jerking out the sen
wealth of illustration, you might take him for an Englishman of eccentric habits of thought. When he went back to his old experiences he employJohn B. Van Cott, and perhaps he would set me grinding at the locals. We found the Editor. He was a short active man of fifty, and he looked as cute as he was. Because, you see, Mr. Dunquerque, unless you are pretty sharp on a Western paper, you won't earn your mush. He was keeled back, I remember, in a strong chair, with his feet on the front of the table, and a
to show that there was good standing-roo
bacco pouch, while Rayner chanted my praises. W
is Rayner; as white a man as I ever knew; and he has as many old friends as would make a good-sized city. He brings them all here, Mr. Beck, and wants to
s if I wasn't down
out for a place nearer sundown. Once let me get a fair
, fellows that would do a murder right up to the handle. Then he came to business; offered
ere was a kno
tor,' he said. 'Come in, Poulte
looking customer, with a black-dyed moustache, a diamond pin in his shirt front,
hat runs this machine?' he aske
said Mr. Van Cott,
of Tenth Ward. I want to know what in thunder you mean by printing i
r from his pocket, and held
an Cott, quietly edging in the direction
for. There's two remedies. One is that you ret
but he hadn't time to take the pistol from it when the ward politician sprang upon him, and
Cott, you could see at first snap, was grit all through, and as full of fight as a game-rooster.
id, 'to take this contract off your hand
s a coot, 'and send for the coroner, because
ns lies in their powers of bruising, and John Halkett, as I learned afterwards,
. The sub-editors, printers, and reporters came running in. It was a new scene for them, poor fellows, and they enjoyed it accordingly. The Editor they had often watche
ad his flimsy up in a minute, an
minutes. We fought out of the office; we fought
, and nothing else. John Halkett hadn't so much as that. He was bruised and bleedi
, 'will you tell me
,' I replied, 'with the editoria
orning, sir. You have took the starch out of John Halkett in a way that no starch ever w
or's room. He was going on again with his usual occupation of manufacturing sq
you were fond of fighting? I never saw a visitor tackled in a more lovable style. Why, you must have been brought up to it. And j
oo modest to me
s ago on this very floor; there's the mark of his fluid still on the wall. We gave Blevins a first-class fune
fortnight. People used to step in on purpose to wallop Birkett, it was such an easy amusement. The paper was falling into
's in hospital with a bullet in the shoulder, which comes of his own carelessness.
he work now?' I
hutter. Each one does a little, just as it happens to turn up. B
e was much of th
ions come on. We sometimes have a couple a day then. You won't find yourself rusting. And if you want work,
, is how I became con
ou like th
cter, and so the credit of the paper mainly rested on my shoulders. No, sir; I got to like it, except when I had to go into hospital for repairs.
e up the pos
ould scarify some ward ruffian just to bring on a fight. They would hang around there to see that ward ruffian approach the office, and they would struggle who should be the man to point me out as the gentleman he wish
n they'd put their case I used to open the door and point. 'Git,' I would say. 'You bet,' was the general reply; and they would go away quite satisfied wit
ould be a first class funeral, with me taking a prominent part in the p
in the city of Clearville, Illinois, and it seemed to suit. I resol
you will go. You've hoed your row like a square man ever since you
, but he held up his hand
he nicest nest in the plat. And we'd have given you eight lines of poetry-Blevins only got four, and none of the other fellows any. I assure you, Beck, though you may not think it,
sent for Rose Hill Cemetery, and I thought it would be a pity to disturb Blevins. As I had never known hi
hey wouldn't mind it for the sake of the pa
haps you went to Clearville. It is in that part of the State which goes by the name of Egypt, and is so
h buxom widow of thirty-five, with a flow of language that would down a town council or a vestry. I inferred fro
ices of the paper. I inspected the premises, and having found that the books and plant were prett
g I took tea with
eading people. They're a two-cent lot, the best of them. Scrimmy (we always called him Scrimmy for short) never cottoned to them. He used to say they were too
g since her husband ha
r kingdom come two months ag
ng i
ion. 'Scrimmy never was ill in his life. He was q
ed. 'Railway acc
if she thought I really ought to have known be
nt! Not much. Sc
th a nervous sensation, becau
ds for a long while, and each man was waiting to draw a bead on the other. How they did go for one another! As an ink-slinger, Huggins wasn't a patch on my husband; but H
as not altogether the place for peac
ady we
but he spoiled it all by the mean sneaking way he carried it through. Scrimmy, who was wonderful careless and never would take my advice, was writing in his office when Huggins crept in quiet, and dropped a
Mr. Hu
ome; he put the Scalper into deep mourning, and wrote a beautiful send-off notice, saying what a loss the community had suffered in Scrimmy's un
not the only editor who has f
consumption. His was a very sad case. A deputation of leading citizens called to interview him one evening; he took refuge on the roof of the off
this is the place I have
the roof off my head at once, instead of waiting for Huggins or som
gs were chopped up into sausage-meat. I read more, and it seemed as if they might as well have set themselves up as targets at once. I determined on changing the tone of the paper; I would no longer call people midnight assassins and highwa
oldsmith. There was a mutiny among the compositors; they were unaccustomed to such language, and it made them feel small. One man, after swearing till the atmosphere was blue, l
hey looked for it, and they didn't want any elevating. If you think of it, Mr. Dunquerque, people never do. The Clearville roughs liked to be
er of the town, he would not be responsible for the public peace if I persevered in that inflammatory style. I told him I wouldn
Mayor with two
honour began, pointing to my last editorial, 'by bringin
lled i
m what was
ng. Of all the mean an
it misera
s this article in a different way. Which membe
lied; 'but in ordinary cases it's generally und
e presently passed through the window-the fight had no details of interest-and then the town-counci
up for the day, when my foreman, whom the day's proceedings had made young again-such is the effect of joy-informed me that Mr. Huggins of the Scalper was coming down the street. A moment later Mr. Huggins
ly. 'My name is Huggins; but I
as much obl
, looking at the fragments of the chairs. 'Ours, Mr
I though
ind to treat a stranger thus. Now as for me, I wouldn't draw on you for your first article, not
ood, Mr.
eckless, not to say insulting. Take my case. You never saw me before, and you
uggins, if the te
ive. But as this is our first inter
ay as high as it likes. We may fin
must say that your sneaking, snivelling city way of speaking will not g
gins. I shall never again make the
lash, and moved his han
o mean b
upon and seized him by both arm
dn't wriggle. I've been chucking people through the window all day, and you shall end the lo
s an eel and as wicked as a cat. But I got the best holt at last
self in a corner, panting and bleeding, 'You can
entlemanly principle, and I fought half the county. But all to no
rville wasn't agreeing with me, and they were come to remove me. I was removed on a plank, escorted by a torch-light procesh of the local fire brigade. On the platform of the railway station the Mayor delivered a short address. He said,
ypt, Mr. Dunquerque; and that is the whol
TER
o not
ten at the sigh
what we call maidenly reserve. It should not be called reserve at all; it is an atmosphere with which women have learned to surround themselves, so that they show to the outward world like unto the haloed moon. Its presence was manifested in a hundred little ways-she did not answer quite so readily; she did not look into the face of a stranger quite so frankly; she seemed to be putting herself
st young women somehow contrive to become; she dared to have an opinion and to assert it; she did not tremble and hesitate about acting before it had been ascertained that action was correct; she had not the least fear of compromising herself; she hardly knew the meaning of proper and improper; and she who had been a close prisoner all her life was suddenly transformed into a girl as free as any of Diana's nymphs. Her freedom was the result of her ignorance; her courage was the result of
w nothing about, such as dancing-Phillis was learning to dance, but did not yet comprehend its fiercer joys-and sports in which the other sex took an equal part. Their interest was small in painting; they cared for nothing very strongly; their minds seemed for the most part as languid as their bodies. This life at low ebb seemed to the girl whose blood coursed freely, and tingled in
asked one day, after the departure of
trong likings in any direction. After all, Phillis dear, tho
want most things can enjoy the most. Oh, t
cannot understand. Some day they will marry. Then the equable temperament in which the
ent, but she wa
ng ladies did not
ught differently from all other girls. Phil to them, as to all
and Phillis was rapidly becoming ready for the début to w
d another kin
met her in her escape from prison was the kiss which Agatha L'Estrange dropped unthinkingly upon her cheek. It was the first of many kisses, not formal and unmeaning, which were interchanged between these two. It is difficult to explain the great and ra
would not accompany her, heard her voice in the kitchen. She w
ith a sort of rapture; her lips were parted; her long hair was tossin
wonderful thing to a woman w
Ba
an honest pride. Phillis's maid, Antoinette, and Agatha's three servants, surrounded these two, th
e-year-old, who kicked and laughed and pulled at her hair. "Was there ever such a
mpathetic tear. "Dire que ma'amsell n'en a jama
PTE
fortune farthe
hus made illustrious, had suddenly presented himself in a London drawing-room while the book was enjoying his first run, he would have met with much the same success which awaited Lawrence Colquhoun. Harris let his opportunity go, and never showed up; perhaps he is still wandering in the Rocky Mountains and pondering over Paley. But Colquh
ly present, so to speak, in the flesh, and ready to witness if the authors lied. Why, each was an advertisement of the book,
t. But everything wears off; people in a week or two began to talk of something else, and when Colquhoun met a man for the first time after his return he would startle and confuse that man
ctually true that you are the H
ce, thinking it a perfectly original one, never
at I was the Hermit. Now
nd evil hap, had made havoc among his set; but there was still some
eputation, because gratitude is a heavy burden to bear. If you do a man a good turn he generally finds i
crows-feet, his beard as silky, and his face as cheerful as ever. Some men's faces have got no sun in them; they only light up with secret joy at a friend's misfortunes; but this is an artificial fire, so to speak; it burns with a baleful and lurid light.
o make any mention of Phillis Fleming, informed him of the Golden Butterfly's wonderful L
, and speculated on the two Chinamen; had they known the fate
Gilead. "It had never been so rough b
an. He never intruded his personal experiences, being for the most part a humble and ev
t somewhere else, and got up in a hurry. But too late, and his constitution broke up suddenly. But for the rest I never did know what became of them. When I go back with that almighty Pile of mine, they
u do first?"
's a curious and interestin' thing that, ever since that time, when I see the gells snoopin' around with their eyes as soft as velvet, and their sweet cheeks the colour of peach, I say to myself, 'Shoddy. It is shoddy. I've seen you at school, and I know you better than you think.' As the poet says, 'Let gells delight to bark and bite, for 'tis their nature to.' You believe, Mr. Dunquerque, because yo
s. Sometimes it took me half an hour, and sometimes the whole morning, to wallop that boy. When it was done, Pete would take his place among the little gells, for he never could learn anything, and school would begin. To see him after it was over sitting alongside of little Hepzibah and Keziah, as meek as if he'd never heard of a black eye, and never seen the human fist, was one of my few joys. I was fond of Pete, and he was fond of me. Ways like his, gentlemen, kinder creep round the hea
e North?" asked on
ealm of America, which every one of his countrymen love as Queen Elizabeth's yeoman loved the realm of England?
d let the bullets drop into trunks of trees for choice. And when it was over,
joyed a wan
er and watch the water flow; we get tired livin' in the village lookin' in each other's faces while the seasons come round like the hands of a clock. There'
from, the wandering b
Beck bec
w, I take it was rather a good thing to be quit of-and speakin' English, like the rest. What were the tribes? Wanderers, mostly. Father Abraham went drivin' his cows and his camels up and down the country. Isaac went around on the rove, and Jacob couldn't sit still. Very well, then. Didn't their children walk about, tryin' one location after another, f
question generally, but n
milk and the honey, and we tramp off on ramble again. But there's more points of gen'ral resemblance. We like bounce and bunkum; so did those people down in Syria; we like to pile up the dollars; so did the Jews; they liked to set u
ase, indeed,"
d in the United States. I am certain of it from my own case. Do any of you think-I put it to you seriously-that such an inseck as the Golden Butterfly would have been thrown away upon an o
TER
ctura pasc
for investment; and, as practice makes perfect, and twice or thrice makes a habit, he found now no difficulty in making Mr. Beck give him cheques without asking their amount or their object, while the American Fortunatus easily fell into the habit of signing them without question. He was a Fool? No doubt. The race is a common one; especially common is that kind of Fool which is suspicious from long experie
uhoun recomme
d folk, and get much too well paid. But a good picture is generally a good investment. And then you
he figures didn't come out right, somehow. Looked easy to do, too. Seems I didn't know about Perspective, and bes
took root i
erque enco
se. Buy modern pictures; don't buy Old Masters, because you will be cheated. The mode
ny ideas but few convictions, the strongest being that man ought to do what he has
pictures while you are living; whe
precious Art treasures bought in London; he saw his agent ransacking the studios and shops of Florence, Naples, Rome, Dresden-wherever painters congregate and pictures are sold; he imagined rich argosies coming to him across the ocean-the American looks across the
, the number depending on the area, rather than the number, of your clientele. You keep the Artist's receipt, a proof of the genuineness of the picture. The copies, name and all, are so well done that even the painter himself would be puzzled to know his own. You then proceed to place your pictures at good distances from each other, representing each as genuine. It is a simple, beautiful, and lucrative method. Not so profitable, perhaps, as cleaning oil-paintings, which takes half an hour apiece and is charged from ten shillings to ten pounds, according to the
His reading was thus miscellaneous. He had been for a short time an actor, and thus acquired a little information concerning dramatic literature. He had been on a newspaper, one
e and perfect Method of Cleaning Oil Paintings"-and, accompanied by Jack Dunquerque, who knew about as much
scertaining beyond a doubt that it was your own ancestor, and nobody else's-frowned at you in bright steel armour with a Vandyke beard; or he presented a shaven face with full cheeks and a Ramillies wig; or he smirked upon you from a voluminous white scarf and a coat-collar which rose to the top of his head. The ladies of your family-Mr. Burls was very particular, before selling you one, in ascertaining beyond a doubt that she belonged to your own branch of the house, and none other-smiled upon you with half-closed lids, like the consort of Potiphar, the Egyptian, or they frisked as shepherdesses in airy robes, conscious of their charms; or they brandished full-blow
ked his chin, and addressed the
es," he began comprehensi
at he wants to look at your pictures with a
t accustomed to people who wanted to buy pictures generally. He looked astonished, and then, with a circular sw
"pray look round you; and the more y
lder speaker was an American, a
up stairs. I should like you to look at
urls and his assistants never invited any visitors to the second and third floors, because these rooms were sacred to the manufacture of old pictures
een in height. The subject was scriptural-the slaying of Sisera by Jael, Heber the Kenite's wife. The defeated general lay stretched on the couch, occupying a good ten feet of the available space. Beside him stood the woman, a majestic figure, with a tent-peg and a mallet, a
e, sir, to represent George Washington after the news of the surren
Gettysburg,"
like General Ulysses Grant, nor is he like General Sherman. The young female, I s'pose, is Liberty, with a hammer in one hand, and a dagger in the other. Too mu
he Kenite. That is 'Eber, with the 'eavy 'ammer in 'er 'and. The Kenite belonged, as I have always understood-for I don't remember the incident myself-to the opposite faction. That splendid masterpiece, gentlemen, has been valued at five 'undred. For a town'all, or for an a
cture which he thought, he was not yet sufficiently educated in the prices of pictures to offer five h
ars? I will give y
Jack Dunquerque, "i
ty, "it's yours! It's been hangin' there for t
re than threepence a square foot, was the acquisition made by M
spot calling Jack to w
to the hotel to-mo
along the side of my room," said
inly have it fr
all be happy to
arpenter, Mr. Beck. You will have to build the frame for this giga
reasons which will subsequently a
ceeded to show
Nymphs and Satyrs in a Bacchan
dressing; and the gentlemen with the goats' legs may be satires on human nature
le. 'Graces surprised while Bathing in t
te the morals of our gells and boys. It's a pretty thing, too, Mr. Dunquerqu
u say-rayther-What do you think
hat's a real pretty picture; I call that a picture you ain't ashamed
the morals?
ow it rhymes with morals afterwards. There's eyes to look into a m
that he had no more Groozes, and bringing out a Madonna. "Thought to be gen
es in my gallery," said Mr. Beck. "I
em of Teniers. This is a picture now for any gentleman's collection. It came from the gallery of a nobleman lately deceased, and was bought at t
l-known picture, and it required consummate
e seen this somewhere else.
ainted six hundred pictures. There was a good many 'Bagpipe-
and contented himself with selecting, with the option of purchase
s their steps were fairly out of the shop, executed a short dance indi
xcellent at "multiplication." He had worked for Burls for a quarter of a century, save for a few weeks, when one Frank Melliship, a young gentleman then down on his luck, worked in his stead. A
-come down. We've sol
ra and
left of your Groozes, and you had better make a few more, out of hand. Look here, Critchett: it isn't right to drink in hours, and the guv'nor out and all; but this is an occasion. This ain't a common day, because I've sold the Cicero. I won't ask you to torse, nor yet to pay; but I says, 'Cri
y were in Jack Dunquerque's club, in the smoking room. "That'
f it. About five hundred
ck whi
. But I've been thinking it over. It isn't enough to go to shops and buy pictures. We must go in for sculpting too, and a Pat
know just such a man; an artist unknown, without friends, with sle
e. Let me be the means of pushing the young gentleman. Holy
ack by Mr. Beck's determination. "But, however, you can only try. His name is Humphrey Jagenal. I
ook like the pride of patronage asking him to call at the
nage, and I believe he will prefer it. There is no
r fresh obligations upon me. And I c
hem understood him. Yet the man was deeply in earnest. He meant what he said, and more, when he told Gabriel Cassilis that a voice urged him by day and by night not to save his money, but to use for others what he could not use himself. He had been two months in England on purpose to learn a way, but saw no way yet. And every way seemed barred. He would not give money to societies, because they were societies; he wan
ing artists as well as Art. He was in thorough earnest when he raised his grave and now solem
r. Humphrey Jagenal's pictures. Miss Fleming, the young lady whom y
able to speak clearly to him without hurting his feelin's. If I brag about
ame as everybody else. Give him a big commission; let him have time to work it out; and send him a cheque in advan
e together, so that they could talk in low tones,-"Beck, if you talk about artists, there's Phil-I mean Miss Fleming. By Jove! she on
wn eyes that looked as if they could be nothing but tender and true, and a rosebud mouth all sweetness and smiles, and lips that trembled when she t
you were in love with h
camp. But for special Providences; for Ile; for a lucky shot; for a sweet, pure, heavenly, gracious creature like Miss Fleming,-I say, go on your knees and own to it, as a man should. Well, Mr. Dunquerque," he continued, "I wish you success; and if there's anything I can do to promote your success, let me know. Now there's another thing. What I want to do is to unlock the door which keeps me from the society of men of genius. I can get into good houses; they all seem open to me because I've got money. London is the most hospitable city in this wide world for those who have the stamps. Republican? Republican ain't the word for it. Do t
not enter into the earnestness of this man. And an ide
able to get half-a-dozen or so of our greatest w
nner at the Langham. A square meal; the very best dinner that the hotel
ack, "and let you know in a day
TER
ld be made of
is, after all, the breath of life in Art. Let others pander to the vitiated public taste and cater for a gaping crowd round the walls of the Roy
d Cornelius, w
sture of confidence and determination. The light of high resolve flashed from their eyes, which were exactly alike. The half-open
id not enter into Humphrey's head for one moment that he could make that visit unsupported by hi
ld water, for it set his veins tingling and braced his nerves. He felt within him once more the strength felt by every young man at first, which is the strength of Michael Angelo. He saw in imagination his great work, the first of many great works, finished, a glorious canvas glowing with the realization of a painter's dream of colour, crowded with graceful f
Conscience began to whisper-only he refused at first to listen-that the skill of hand and touch was gone. Then Conscience, which gets angry if disregarded, took to whispering more loudly, and presently he heard. He took crayon and paper, and began, feverishly and in haste, to copy one of his old drawings. He worked for a qua
rs of your life; you have become a wind-bag and a shallow humbug; you cannot now paint or draw at all; what little power was in you has departed. Your brother, the Poet, has been steadily working while y
and the Artist groaned
ative young man easily pours forth, reproducing the fashion of the time and the thoughts of others. He began to read these over again with mingled pleasure and pain. For the thoughts seemed strange to him. He felt that they were good and lofty thoughts, but the conviction
of the Epic
isode on paper, though to Philli
mbling fingers and agitated b
o shreds, and, with a groan, threw do
ently his guardian angel, who very seldom got such a chance, began
s have passed away; the poetical eye is dim; you will write no more. Your brother, the Artist, is busy with pencil and bra
lips trembled, his hand shook. H
and forwards, the
s; wasted gifts; your chance
reason why Cornelius rushed out of the Workshop to
ilty person. His face was
neli
brother. You are happy; you are
u, Corn
restless this morning. I
annot work. My pencil re
t I wish. The link between the brain an
w three. We will walk slowly in t
ats Cornelius stopped,
haken with both of us. Can you su
ed Humphrey promptly, "is a glass of champagne. I w
together, Humphrey remarking (in italics) that in such a case it i
they looked around with the furtive eyes of conscious imposture; their hands trembled. After it they raised their heads, laughed, a
welcomed them with a respect almost overwhel
oduced ea
y Jagenal. In his case the world is satisfied with the Christian name
Titian or Correggio he c
, "I am proud indeed to make your acquaintance. I am
nd, "allow me to introduce my brother. Cornelius Jag
id so. But he shook hands with C
ave not read any poetry since I was a boy. Then I
allow some merit to Pope, though
ius Jagenal or your pictures, Mr. Humphrey,
s engaged"-sa
ged"-began Humphrey
fornia, up country, we always begin with a drink. Cal
second time that day, and the
to the effect that they would never advance their own fortunes. He also concluded from their red noses, and from the way in which they
r making these observations, "ma
both
don't care for the almighty dollar; it lets fellows like me heap
ne for his brother, and one for himself. The
rstand him, Mr. Beck speaks
d Cornelius critically, because he was th
e," he added doubtfully, for the years of the Twins seemed uncertain, "'You,
sked Cornelius. "The of
uld the cares of the world interfere with your tho
clapped h
avail for such a patr
tively, let me usher into the world those works of genius which you are bound to
used with a rosy warmth of colour which made h
t it in London, and it shall then go to New York with me. And you, Mr. Corneli
ill be ready for publication about
at his brother would be before the world a month in advance
ound-you, perhaps, Mr. Humphrey Jagenal. It shall be bound in Russian leather; its exterior shall be worthy of its contents. And as for business arrangements, gentlemen, you will please consider them at your leisure, and let
d assent and
d take it as a great distinction. I hope, with the assistance of Mr. Dunquerque, to ha
mphrey, accept Mr.
engagements. As it was, nobody ever asked them
ed a pocket-book
n, Mr.
of Literature and Art who will come too, bring t
terature and Art, not even a print
rnelius asked Humphrey, with a little hesitation, if he reall
If I am not ready, I shall not hesitate to consider the pledg
sent to let a poem of mine go forth unfinished to
think that, considering the way in which we have been treated by Phillis Fleming, and her remar
recover lost ground; we must advance farth
and couple with the toast the name of Ph
toast, smiling u
TER
till Heaven hath
aside, because Colquhoun was not a man given to calculate the future chances, and to disquiet himself about possible events. Also at this time he was taking little interest in Phillis. A pretty piquante girl; he devoted a whole day to her; drove her to Twickenham, and
annot dine with a girl without falling in love with her.
ore, so to speak, in the thick of it. Phillis's eyes were like two quivers filled with darts, and when she turned them innocently upon her friend the enemy, the darts flew straight at hi
, the luncheons in Carnarvon Square, it is possible that even he might have seen
Agatha for a year, and then she would come out. He hoped that she would marry well, bec
he wrote to him on some pretence nearly every day; she sent her maid, the unlovely one, with three-cornered notes all about nothing; she made him meet
o go to the house of Gabriel Cassilis; he ought not to be there, he felt, it was
t financier, and talked with him as if Colquhoun too was interested in stock; called upon him at hi
t it all in his hands, with power-of-attorney to sell out and reinvest for him. But that was nothing. Colquhoun was not the man to trouble about money. He was safe in the hands of this great and successf
ay something bitter, and he something savage. And yet he did not have the courage to refuse the invi
ry possible moment. Freemasons again-how are they kept together; except by the possession of secrets which are said to have been published over and over again? And when two people have a secret which means-all that the secret between Colquhoun and Mrs. Cassilis meant, they can no more help being drawn together than the wate
an and left to Agatha and Jack Dunquer
e mouth of whose City den the footsteps pointed all one way. He congratul
already enough for four bachelors, "w
sign cheques, and he gives you dividends. It
than any other living
nner track, sir
ce, "ready to take in hi
Gilead Beck, with enthusiasm. "That man, sir
TER
ear a brazen ca
el grate on
set my teeth
much as min
which cheerful anticipation and anxiety were curiously blended. He was serious with his lips,
t Wednesday," he said. "And I have bee
emnity which hardly disguised his pride and joy. "That is s
rican gentleman most anxious to make your acquaintance; he has no letters of introduction to you,
the Man of Oil. "Heap it up. Tell
ve me permission to ask them to dinner. 'The honour,' I said, 'is mutual. On the one ha
ld have been scalped and gouged.
, my friend, Mr.
so-that
horoughly appreciated on the other side of the water as you are here.' I am not much of a speechmaker, and I assure you that little effort cost me a good de
ut you load me with obligations. Te
paper. "And you will know most of the names. First of all, you would like
quote him as long as the book lasted. It perished in a fight. And to think that I shall meet the man who wrote that work! An account of the din
d at his l
of Professor Huxl
n to flourish-that is, to be read-in the States
Professor Habukkuk Huckster once down Empire City way in the Moody and Sankey business, with an interest in the organs and a percentage o
fiction. Great in g
r. Dunquerque. And go on, s
y polo and billiards and other frivolous things till he came into fashion with his light and graceful verse, so simple that all may understand it. His last poem, I believe, is now sung about the streets. Ho
said Gilead Beck. "He is the n
ced it in his pocket-book-"that you shall have a dinner of authors as good as any that sat down to the Lord Mayor's spread last year. Authors of all sorts, and the very best. None of your un
shook his head with as much gravity as if he was going to be hanged in
sermons? And the Universal Genius who reels out the historical romances, Mr. Da
you goin
preparation for that evening. I shall go out right away, and I shall buy every darned book those
I advise you to begin
lead Beck. "They shall not find me unacquainted with their poems. Mr. Dunquer
, authors don't like to ta
eal genius," said the Am
tain rashness. Most authors I have myself known
prepared. What I'm bound to make them feel, somehow, is that they have a man before them who
w the names of their own books. Don't you know that Shakespeare, when he went down to Stratford, to live like a retired grocer at Leytonstone, used to pretend not to know what a play meant
at so,
ack, "because I never
, Ruskin, Tennyson, Swinburne, Browning, Buchanan, Huxley, Darwin, and a few more. Then he returned to the Langham, gave orders that he was at home to no one
volumes in all. And only four days to get through them. Seventy-five volumes a day, say, at the rate of fifteen hours' daily work; five an hour, one every twelv
ing and began with more deliberation. Ten minutes clean wasted, and not even half a volume got through. When he had got to tenth page for the second time, he questioned himself once more, and found that he understood less than ever. Were things right? Could it be Browning, or some impostor
y you, sent His blessed Ile, and you've received it with a proud stomach. Now you
ind that he sprang to his feet a
o reassure himself. "Why should there be to-day? Softenin
k two pages first, which he read very slowly. And then he dropp
heartening thing he
id. "I'd rather sit with my finger on a trigger f
ine by line, thinking every no
poet's admirers, to reverence his later works. Their creed is that because a poem is rou
things, all of them, separate. Put them together and where
for a quarter of an hour or so,
ded no more of the poet's meaning, and the rough hard words m
should do if Robert Browning talked as he wrote.
ve been ten volumes got through, and n
d Cotton Nightcap Country, and the title looked promising. No doubt a light and pretty fairy sto
ap Country still in his hand. His eyes were bloodshot, his hair was pushed in disorder about hi
sed Robert Browning. He cursed him eating, drinking, and sleeping. And then he took a
" I think he would have done it, this mild and gentle-hea
of unintelligible sentences; things in familiar garb, which floated before h
querque's club, and found th
and nervous manner. "If you have not yet asked Mr. R
ot, if you w
ave spent eight ho
lau
a secret. Everybody does at first; and then we all fall
g, Mr. Dunquerq
no one dares to say so, and i
ss I don't want to see that
hen. He shall
on. Come with me somewhere, and have dinner as far away fr
eck read diligently. He did not master the three hundred volumes, but
up the Sartor Resartus with the Missing Link, confounded the history of Frederick the Great with that of Queen Elizabeth, and thought that Maud and Atalanta in
TER
cold to all
shell. Very far, indeed, from being in love. Jack looked too for any of those signs of mental agitation which accompany, or are supposed to accompany, the birth of love. There were none. Her face lit up when she saw him; she treated him with the frankness of a girl who tells her brother everything; but she did not blush when she saw him, nor was she ever otherwise than the sweetest and lightest-hearted of sisters. He knew it, and he groaned to think of it. The slightest sign would have encouraged him to speak;
ble; he had his share of craft and subtlety; and yet he was in love,
. It was always necessary, in thinking of this girl, to remember her thirteen years of captivity. Jack, more than any other person, not excepting Agatha L'Estrange, knew what she would say and think on most things. Only in this matter of love he was at fault. Here he did not know because here he was selfish. To all the world except Jack and Agatha she was an
zing on the slopes of the Alps. Around us rise the mountains, with their ever-changing marvels of light and colour; the sunlight flashes from their peaks; the snow-slopes stretch away and upwards to the deep blues beyond in curves as graceful as the line of woman's beauty; at our feet is the belt of pines perfumed and warm
hing. Most men's thoughts are bound by the limits of their club at night, and their chambers or their offices by day; the suns rise and set, and the outward world is unregarded. Jack learned from Phillis to look at these unregarded things. Such si
because he became almost necessary to her life. She looked for his coming; he brought her things he had collected in his "globe trotting;" h
letic young man-he is dreadful indeed, only his time soon goes by; and there is the young man who talks about getting more brain power. To be sure, he generally looks as if he wants it. There is the young man who ought to turn red and hot when the word Prig is used. There is the bad young man who keeps betting-books; and the miserable young man who grovels and flops in a Ritualist church. I know young men who are envious a
truth. Phillis understood it to mean that Jack Dunquerque did not habitually tell fibs, and thoug
all these visits and all this interest in himself were but
s if she cared for me, To
ect a girl to begin
you grow coarser. It's a great pity. That comes o
ew to Jack Dunquerque's buttonhole, and he
lis, again. Always dangling at her heels, I'm told. Got no time to think of Miss Fleming. Great fool, Colquhoun. Always
en are worse than women. At Twickenham one
he girl's worth it, Jack; the more flowers and music you get the b
TER
royal b
s timed for a quarter to eight punctually; the wine was in ice; the waiters were adding the last touches to the artistic decorations of a table which, laid for thirteen only, might have been prepared for the Prince of Wales. In fact, when the bill came up a few days later, even Gilead Beck, man of millions, quailed for a moment before its total. Think
hat the table and the room should be entirely illuminated by wax-candles, save for one central light, in which should be burning, like the sacred flame of Vesta, his own rock-oil. He also stipulated that the flowers on the table should be dispose
e genuine originals, bought of the same famous collector. For the end of the room Gilead Beck had himself designed, and partly erected with his own hands, an allegorical trophy. From a pile of books neatly worked in cork, there sprang a jet of water illuminated on either side by a hidden lamp burning ro
his own, and, retiring to the inner room, read it for the fiftieth time with a pleasure as intense as that of the young author who reads his first proof-sheet. It consisted of a large doub
HAM
20,
of Literature,
VE
D P.
CAN CITIZEN RAIS
IN A MOST SUR
HE H
DEN BUT
ES SHODDY AND
of Literature, A
lyle, Char
yson, Profe
Frederick L
urne, Corneliu
us Sala, Hump
DDS, THE HON. R
LEAD P
pied a whole side of the double
pring season. As a present dignitary of the Church, now a colonial bishop, once a curate, observed to me many years ago, à propos of thirst, univers
e a copy of the green and gold card is framed, and hung in the office so as to catch the eye of poorer men when they
wn funeral. From time to time he drew a paper from his pocket and read it over. Then he replaced it, and with lips and arms went through the action of speaking. It was his speech of the evening, which he had carefully written and
ght hand of the Market as you go in, where the young lady makes it up before your eyes, sticks the wire into it, and pins it at your buttonhole with her own fair hands. Each brother in turn winked at her during the operati
t the first glow of youth was over; nothing but a few streaks of grey in Humphrey's beard and in Cornelius's hair showed that they were nearing the Indian summer of life. Mr. Beck, seeing them enter so fresh, so bright,
ill be a rasper, the talk of to-day. I've read all their works, if I can only remember them, and I bought the History of English Literature yesterday
will be able to lead the conver
said Cornelius. "We shall trust to you to turn
llingness in either Twin to assume the lead on a top
shook h
t honour. Mr. Dunquerque did it all for me. That young gentleman met these great
leworth?" asked Cor
I rather think we have never met
s. I did want to get a special report for my own Gazette, but Mr. Dunquerque thought it better not to have it. P'r'aps 'twould have seemed kind o' shodd
or poets alone," said Humph
sts only," s
minutes to spare, would you like to give an opinio
hateau Iquem: for Burgundy, he took Chambertin; for Claret, Chateau Lafite; for Champagne, Heidsieck; for Sherry, Montilla; a Box Boutel wine for Hock; and for Port the '34.
tisfactory,
, what do
that this princely selection shows Mr. Beck
d I have had the menou printed, as you see it, in gilt and colours, which I am given
r listened, Mr. Beck thought they seemed a good deal older than before. Perhaps that was before their faces were turned
clear, Cornelius. Turtle-fins. Salmon-I tra
" said Cornelius, with a p
c of foie gras-ah, two or three things which I cannot tra
ndeed," said Cornelius.
in Barataria. So good a din
ver with Bombay ducks-really, Mr. Be
," said Corne
ing, grated Parmesan, strawberries, melons, peaches, nectarines, (and only May, Cornelius!), pi
look of appeal which said volumes. One sentence in
nelius de
e earth to find a fitting entertainment for
ou shall sing
presented each a right hand. Gilead Beck had only one right ha
oor opened, and the other guests arrived in a body. They were preceded by Jack Dunquerque, and on entering the room dropped, as
l well-set-up old man, with tangled grey locks, long grey eye-brows, and an immense grey beard. His vigorous
long grey beards; and Mr. Beck remarked at once that so far as could be judged from the brightness of their eyes they had w
rted, right and left, by the Twins, who formed a kind of Court, and above whom he towered grandly with his height of six-feet-two. He held himself
preceded, as soon as they had all filed in, with a glance which might have meant admonition, had that been possible. And, indeed, a broad s
ourts-in which Jack Dunquerque presented the
d awe-struck voice, "before
yes which harboured such splendid thought. Then he said, in softened tones, because his soul was moved; "This is a proud moment,
eading had been so miscellaneous duri
his mouth and spake. His tones
ack. All else belongs to the outlook of him whom men call Beelzebub. The brief Day passes with its poor paper crowns in tinsel gilt; Night is at
dly, feeling that his Work (with a capit
opher step
que brought
ed Tennyson, th
th grey and rather ragged, with a ragged mass of black hair, looking as he did at Oxford when they made him an
I read your Fifine at the Fair, sir-no, that was the other man's-I mean, sir, your Songs before Sunrise; and I congratulate you. We've got some poets on our side
t again in silence, and looking at Jack mournfully
esented
ohn Ru
shaven face. He seized Mr. Beck by the hand and spoke firs
r enlarging shadows. You in America do not seek peace as Menahem sought it, when he gave the King of Assyria a thousand pieces of silver. You fight for your peace and have it. You do not buy what you want; you
ly, and closed hi
version to this utterly unintelligible harangue. They stared s
Browning is musical, sir; but all people allow
an. He stood before his
ook to singin' them softly as I read them, and I seemed to be in a green field, lyin' out among t
d again and made way
introduce Mr. Geor
Mr. Sala, when I say that I am an old and personal f
reminiscence. He only looked rather helplessly at Jack Dunquerque, who turned red, and
essor Huxley, and Mr. Frederick Leighton. Ladds
full height, laid his left hand within his waistcoat, brandished his
literature is your own up to a hundred years ago ["Hear, hear!" from Cornelius], whose language is the same as yours. We say hard things of each other, gentlemen; but the hard things are said on the low level
aiter, throwing open the doors with the grand
ch, and it sounded like a joy bell ringing for the announcement of dinner. Mr. Beck
ou see when a gentleman is on the stump
k irreverently. "Spout
me demur, by the host, who was escorted, one on each side, like a great m
the other. Why should Alfred Tennyson look in the face of Thomas Carlyle and laugh? What secret relationship is there between John Ruskin, Swinburne, and George Augustus Sala, that they should s
settled down. Mr. Carlyle, who, with a modesty worthy of his great name, seized the lowest chair of all-on the left of Jack Dunquerque, who was to occupy the end of the table-was promptly dragge
y seconded by all the rest, but the Professor, greatly confused, blushed, and after a few moments of reflection was fain to own that he knew no Grace. It was a strange confession, Gilead Beck t
himself that the stomach is not to be trifled with. So did the rest. Considering the overwhelming amount of genius at the table, and the number of years represented by the guests collectively, it was really wonderful to contemplate the vigour with which all, including the octogenarian, attacked the courses, sparing none. Could it have been believed by an outsider that the author of Maud was so passionately cri
ere over their plates, and feeling his way feebly to a conversation with Carlyle,-
ed for a moment.
ure. Didn't know you'd got so
ening, and for a
round the table as if he wa
g before him, raised his hand and said solemnly, "Hush!" Co
the T
I know to begin a dinner upon. Some fello
elius to the Poet Laureate, "co
l such a dinner as this mean, I wo
presently rallied and went on a
the sweetest smile, "what was the fa
osopher. "Beg your pa
out from his end. It was remarkable to noti
rlyle. "Well, you see, the fact
the more because everybody began
ed. One thing was that he could not for the life of him remember each man's works, so as to address him in honeyed tones of adulation. And he also rightly judged that the higher a man's position in the world of lett
tempt on the part of Cornelius, at which every
, that is-Sala, Huxley, and the others were conversing freely, but in a low tone. And
f, John Ruskin leaned f
lately, Mr. Beck, the
haps you have got somethi
where Art is followed for Art's own sake, there infallibly ensues a distinction of intellectual and moral principles, while, devoted honestly and self-forget
d saying that over again-slow-I
ached a singular perfection, Art begins to contemplate that perfection and to deduce rules from it. Now all
t, sir," said Gilead B
engaged upon the duckling, and proffered no help at all. They did not even seem to li
Mr. Carlyle murmured acr
the Maker. "Didn't t
at men be jealous o
to have them before me in black and white, so I could tackle them quietly for a
g-time and mark, as you meditate on the words of the printed page, the young leaflets breathing low in the sunshine. Then, as the thoughts grow and glow in the pure ether of your mind-hock, if you please-you will rise above the things of the earth, your wings will exp
aid Mr. Beck, who had just understood the last words;
ll get from a study of my works
with a whole lib
sure of meeting you. What I was going to say was, that I am sorry not to be able to talk with you gentlemen on
urmured Mr. Tennyso
to thaw, and something like
Humphrey, from the depth of his Roman experiences, treated Mr. Ruskin to a brief treatise on his imperfections as a critic, and Mr. Leighton to some remarks on his paintings, which those great men heard with a polite stare. Gilead Beck observed also that Jack Dunquerque was trying hard to keep the talk in literary grooves, though with small measure of success. For as the dinner went
ace in their lives. They talked fast and a little at random, but chiefly to each other, because no one, Mr. Beck observed, took any notice of what they
y. The first, he said, was England and America. Ile, he said briefly, had not yet been found in the ol
oiselle Claribelle sang "Old John Br
ling his own story, but he would only say that until the Golden Butterfly brought him to Limerick City and showed hi
who had adopted an Italian name
begged the indulgence of his friends. He
though it didn't all get in, not one of you has made me feel my own uneducated ignorance. That is kind of you, and I thank you for it. It was true feeling, Mr. Carlyle, which prompted you, sir, to give the conversation such a turn that I might join in without bein' ashamed or makin' myself feel or'nary. Gentlemen, what a man like me has to guard against is shoddy. If I talk Literature, it's shoddy. If I talk Art, it's shoddy. Because I know neither Literature nor Art. If I pretend to be what I am not, it's shoddy. Therefore, gentlemen, I thank you for leavin' the tall talk at home, and tellin' me about your races and your amusements. And I'll not ask you, either, to make any speeches; but if you'll allow me, I will drink your healths. Mr. Carlyle, sir, the English-speaking race is proud of you. Mr. Tennyson, our gells, I'm told, love your poems more than any others in this wide world. What an American gell loves is g
this a burning shame. He's a rattling g
orseful. "I haven't the heart. I thought he would ha
ead Beck began telling about American trottin
lve when Mr. Beck
of his seniority, so
y with me, and we will show you a race worth twenty of your
all its youthful vigour, and strode out
aid Mr. Beck. "Who w
nds in silence, e
ou. It's always the way if a fellow tries to be clever; he overdoes it, and makes himse
Jack Dunquerque, the waiter,
h these gentlemen, s
at them with a
ir elbows in case they're thirsty in the night. Mr. Dunquerque and Capta
while. Then Jack said, wit
ething to tel
e powerful fond of racing; they shoot, they ride, and they hunt; they know how to tackle a dinner; and all of 'em, from Carlyle to young Mr. Swinburne, seem to love the gells alike. That's a healthy sign, sir. It shows that their hearts air in the right place. The world's bound to go on well, somehow, so long as
TER
er hum
ght a glimpse during a certain walk with C?sar of a class whose ways were clearly not her ways, nor their manner of thought hers. She had now to learn-as a step to that wider sympathy first awakene
nrelenting ditch, noisome, green, and putrid. They were slatternly and out at elbows. The people who lived in them were unpleasant to look at or to think of; the men belonged to the rivers
those who were sober envied those who were drunk. Both drunk and sober found scolding wives, squalid homes, and crying children. Both
only dimly seen like a ghost at twilight, stood the hovels where virtue was impossible, and goodness a dream of an unknown land. What notion do they have of the gentle life, these dwellers in
is went there
so golden, and the lilacs so glorious to behold, that the girl's heart was full of all the sweet thoughts which she had learned of others or framed for herself
uty went out of the day-when Mrs. L'Estrange only led her away from the leafy road and took her into her "Row." There the long arms of the green trees were changed into protruding sticks, on which linen was hanging out to dry;
e cheerfully, picking her accustomed way among the cabbage
ey came out again, and stood every one at her door with a clean apron
man. She looked up and scowled at the ladies; then she looked at the
rse crescendo. "Look at him, lying
hea
be a heap of rags. She was right, because she coul
ld woman's introduction to the human pi
ed grandson, ladies. I
ays he's goin' to have the horrors, he does-yah! ye drunken pig; prigs my money for drink-yah!
low unceiled room. And he had a face at sight of which Phillis shuddered-an animal face with no forehead; a cruel, bad, selfish face, all jowl and no
nd should ha' had the 'orrors if I hadn
is, who shrank in al
asked Mrs. L'Estrange in a cheerful voic
nnel. Physic? I want physic. Brandy? I want brandy very bad; I never wante
Agatha, "that I n
'tee be afraid of an old woman as has got no teeth. Come now. Gim
u would not do that any more. You
r. "Never after to-day, my lady. Come, my pret
at the lines. She was a fierce and eager old woman. Life was strong in her yet, despite her fourscore years; her eyes were brigh
py life and happy age, but far away-not here-far away; a lucky lot with him you love; to sleep by his side for fifty years an
ly as she had seized it, and fell ba
me have some port-wine. Tea? Don't forget the tea. And Jack-in-the-Water drinks awful, he does
. Medlicott. Come, Phillis, I hav
stayed beh
on the forehead with her
you happy? D
appy. Suffer? of course I s
come and see you an
urse y
l tell me ab
There, there, you're one of them the Lord loves-wife and mother; happy
the smiling wife, and both do honour to the intellectual curate with the long coat and the lofty brow. Where are they-lofty brow of priest and stalwart form of virtuous peasant? Remark
ortune-teller in her cottage, certain wo
o ninety-nine. Remember in your joy
ely happy, because of the ninet
e, Phillis, be sure that the
ER XX
dentem mul
e be
blind confidence. He spoke slowly, grimly, and with deliberation. He spoke as one who knew. Most men speak as those who
em, not defiantly, but meditatively. He brought Mr. Beck bills, which he made him accept; and he brought pros
nvested in different companies; you must consider now
y shares at onc
mpanies. Consider my undertaking to my
s,
have sold on expectation of an allotment. Now as they have not got an allotment, and we have, they must buy.
himself greatly profited by this tidal in
shares; a panic sets in, and in a few hours the shareholders may lose all. And if you bring this a
d. "It's a hard t
viser
wn profit, and not to spread disaster over a number of o
new light
the shares and secure the dividend
new light for
m? "You can certainly do that, if you please," he said slowly
was that, M
ersant with the way business is done. A company is formed-the A B C let us say. Before any allotment of shares is
s that
ons technically called 'bears' in London or in New
el
y, in fact-a market is established, and our shares figure at a pretty premium. Then begins the game of backing and filling-to and
ee," said Mr.
-small compared with yours, Mr. Beck, but a great fortune-used to say, talking of shares in his rather homely style, 'When they rise, the people buys; when they fa's, they lets 'em goes.' Ha, ha! it's so true. I have but a v
in the lurch? No, si
k, I can advis
ares; and if I sell out, t
left exactly where it was before you joined, to stand or fall upon its merits. But if you will sell your shares
ilead, "in God's name, let u
torney, and I will dispose of all your shares in the best way pos
ed to you for all the t
the management of your great revenues. This is not a thing to be done
aid Gilead, "and I will
t is only a printed form, filled up and s
ou, Mr.
advice, I will, if you please, take them all over one with another at the pr
have remembered had he given the thing a moment's thou
your nature. We, Americans, sir, come next to you English in that respect. The rest of the world are nowhere." He was walking backwards and forwards, with his hands in his pockets, while Mr. Cassilis looked at him through his gold eyeglasses as if he was a little amused at the outburst. "Nowhere, sir. Truth lives only among
very little, confused at all these c
rced smile. "Do not, however, act always upon your belief i
hey are, if you please, or they will be sold, as you
e no more," sa
lighting the town of La Concepcion Immaculata on the Amazon River in Brazil with gas. A concession of
vously round and round, and the muscles of his cheek twitched. Then he looked up an
that you have already shall be disposed of as soon as poss
of all, certain shares my influence enabled me to get allotted to you. You have scruples about selling shares at a
Mr. Beck, "would
ocks. The first, your way, is to buy in and take the interest. The nex
and sell out lower,"
ed by the few who understand it, is one which calls into pla
kwards and forwards, turning occasionally to jerk a word straight in the face of his client, wh
ting of events. It is the pitting of our experience, our sagacity, against what some outsiders call
lachi," said Mr. Beck. "And
on without regardi
the stockade of savages before you can learn it. Trade? It is the lower branch of the game of speculation. In this game those who have cool heads a
nd I learn something new every day. Do you w
not interest you." He resumed his habitually cold manner, and went on: "I propose, however, to give you my assistance in investing your money,
at is ve
me, then,
hich gleamed for a moment
us," he said. "And I will send
tion. Now he had this great fortune entirely in his own control. It was to be the same as his own. And by its means he had the power which every financier wants-that of waiting. He could wait. And G
in his younger days, when he used to accommodate himself to people, moving slowly for the happy, sometimes sitting down for a few weeks in the case of young lovers, and galloping for
n anything he had ever yet tried. For him the glory of the c
letters and telegrams, noting instructions, and r
ind, somehow conveyed the impression of a Particular Baptist who was also in the oil-trade. That was not the case, because Mr. Mowll was a member of the Church of England and a sidesman. He lived at Tulse Hill, and was a highly-respectable man
ilis, his factotum, and the man, according to some, by whose advice
to-wherever his address is-to the man Wylie-the writing man"-newspaper people an
d himself again
York post-mark upon them. He read carefully, and made notes at various points with a stump of a blue crayon pencil. And he
he said himself; he had some kind of name, in virtue of certain good things he had written, in his early manhood, before the rum-and-water period set in.
ee to-day,
Mr. Cas
rt political pamphlet-I think at my suggestion
ll the informa
er office, to which all the world has ac
five-and-twenty pounds in gold on your secreta
secretary had private r
said the author a little roughly. "You
the affairs
Of course, I have no bonds either
assilis. "I think it might pay a clever man to read them. He would probably arrive at the
ash up,
d money, there seems, if this paper is correct-it is published in New York-no doubt that the intern
job, or a job
welve o'clock-the pamphlet should be advertised in to-morrow's papers, in the printer's hand by four, and ready on every counter by ten
and-a
just view of Eldorado and its obligations, there may be do
ped the papers
n its valleys; everywhere roam cattle waiting to be caught and sent to the London market. Palms and giant tree-ferns rise in its woods; creepers of surpassing beauty hang from tree to tree; in its silent recesses stand, covered with inscriptions which no man can read, the ruins of a perished civilization. Among these ruins roam the half-savage Indians who form nine-tenths of the population. And in the hot seaboard towns loll and lie the languid whites and half-castes who form the governing class. They never do govern at all; they never improve; they never work; they are a worthless hopeless race; they hoard their energies for the excitement of a pronunciamiento; their favourite occupation is a game of monte; they consider thought a wicked waste of energy, save for purposes of cheating. They ought all, and without exception, to be rubbed out. And it is most unfortunate, in the interests of humanity, that their only strong feeling is an obj
ing. They got so much of their million as enabled them to raise everybody's salary and the pay of the standing army, also to make the dividend certain for a few years. After this satisfactory transaction, somebody boldly ordered the importation of a few cases of brandy. The descent of Avernus is easy and pleasant. Next year they asked for two millions and a half. They got this small trifle conceded to them on advantageous terms-10 per cent., which is nothing to a Republic with £60,00
the dividends with, and no more lo
ound the house of the importer of European luxuries; but content has not returned to San Mercurio. The empty bottles remain to remind the populace
. There seemed a chance yet to those who had not th
ng pamphlet of thirty-two pages-called "Eldorado and her Resources. A
figures which proved the utter insolvency of the State unless something could be done. And he then proceeded to point out the amazing resources of the country, could only a little energy be introduced into the Council. He drew a lively picture of millions of acres, the fi
Gabriel Cassilis again. He b
e whole well done, and expresses my own view, in part. Bu
give me clearer i
nancier, pushing over a little bag, "you can count that. T
old over in his hands-"I don't know; thirty years ago I should ha
rning, M
thought that a man who could aff
el
to play it by himself. Good-morning again, Mr. Cassilis. You know
It was lucky for Mr. Gabriel Cassilis,
TER
ady! Oh, it
she knew
late," sa
ly-born foliage; she wore one of the pretty hats of last year's fashion, and in her hand she carried the flowers she had just been gathering. Her face was in repose, and in its clear straight lines might have served for a model Diana, chaste and fair. It was habitually rather a
rn for happiness and sunshine; the future was brighter in some dim and misty fashion, far brighter than the present; it was like a picture by Claude, where the untrained eye sees nothing but mist and vapour, rich with gorgeous colour, blurring the outlines which lie behind. But the elder lady saw the present and feared the future. Every man thinks he will succeed till he finds out his own weakness; every woman thinks she is born for the best of this world's gifts-to happiness, to be lapped in warmth and c
late," sa
e must take a little care of our co
in hers, as the girl sat
llis, don't you think a little
n I, Agatha? Is he
ked frankly in Agatha's face. The light of love
in some things, you are only
Tell me why you say so now, dear Agat
hed. What was to be said to this
a great deal-since I came here.
you learned
lish, like the poor curate-are all curates foolish, I wonder?-some seem to say one thing and mean another, like Mr. Cassilis; some do not seem to care for anyth
llis, and t
lk about china as if the thing could be felt, like a picture? What is it they like so much in dan
me out, dear Phil
foolishness. She heard them talk and she could not understand. She was to wait t
late," sa
s of thorn; there are no such generous and luxuriant growths of wisteria, with purple clusters; there are no such woods of horse-chestnuts, with massive pyramids of white blossom; there are no such apple-orchards and snow-clad forests of white blossomed plum-trees as are to be seen around this great city of ours. Colonials returned from exile shed t
new place seen was another revelation-it was also new to the American, who lo
this man who had been at all trades-who had roamed about the world for thirty years; who had habitually consorted with miners and adventurers, whom the comic American books have taught us to regard as a compound of drunkard, gambler, bucc
ingled out and chosen. He had two languages, of one of which he made sparing use, save when he narrated his American experiences. This, as we have seen, was a highly ornamental tongue, a gallery of imagery, a painted chamber of decorated metaphor-the language of wild California, an argot which, on occasions, he handled with astounding
oddy was-the thing which pretends to be what it is not, a branch of the great family which has the Prig
ts are stamped upon his face. The face of Gilead Beck was a record of purity and integrity. Such a man in England would, by the power of circumstances, have been forced into taprooms, and slowly dragged downwards into that beery morass in which, as in another Malebolge, the
w to the good ex-miner, was to this American in itself an education, and none the less useful because it came late in life.
" he said, "is more than what the old squaw thought
k Dunquerque and Phillis were watering flowers, or gathering them,
, "I am very glad of it. Dollars, as you call money, may
een reason to abandon the old-fashioned rules invented
lead Beck. "Poor men have no friends; they have m
illis, laughing. "Jack, do
d Jack, "because
ke the fruit to the tree, or-or-the flow
to the wheel
e-I mean, to vanish away," Gilead Beck went on
llis promptly, "and Agatha
ers in his big rough hand the bones of which seemed to stick out all over it, so rugged and hard it was, and
verge of madness. Indeed, the ardour of his passion and the necessit
k and Mrs. L'Estrange as they were to Phillis and the American. Jack knew Greenwich, where he had dined; and Richmond, where he had dined; and
, but this simple party found their own unsophisticat
Agatha, half apologising to herself for enjoyi
rvations on the ruins and on the flight of time, insomuch that it wa
e of the Palace, marked by few. Gilead Beck said that if he was the Queen and had such a place he should sometimes live in it, if only for the sake of giving a dinner in the great Hall. But Phillis liked best the
; he speculated on the probable cost of erecting such a fortress on the banks of the Hudson Ri
ixed up cardinals, and tried, by the recovery of old as
Cromwell spurted ink in his face. It was rough on the poor king. Seems to me, kings very often do have a rough time. And perhaps, too, that Cardinal
you learn English hi
don, which she had once narrated to Jack Dunquerque; but it has a picturesque story of its own, which the girl somehow made out from the bare facts of English history-all
cumstances, the mixture of motives, the general muddle of good and bad together, are lost in the summing-up; and history, which after al
cture, looked round the p
ght," he said humbly. "But I am
as she thought, one other person in the world as ignor
nce upon one of his books with a pretty title, such as Red Cotton Nightcap Country, or Fifine at the Fair, don't read it, don't try it. It isn't a fairy story, nor a love story. It's a story without an en
"The difficulty is to keep the volumes separate in your head. Anybody can write a book. I've wr
ough the first reading-book. 'The cat has drunk up all the milk.' I suppose I must go on with it, but I t
a clerk to read for you, and pay out the information in s
k my own life is more interesting than hers. She belongs to a part of the country where the common
was not listening, "would read to you all the d
rdinary signs of apprehension with which most young ladies would have received t
ad Beck went on, "that belongs, I reckon, to yo
oung man? Why
nquerque is five-and-twenty. Our men of five-and-twenty are grave and full of
I should not like
t and principal friend. She could talk to him as she could talk to no one el
not all mad for dollars; they can laugh and be happy; and the land is one great garden. Mis
im, but she looked in his
s like getting back the youth I never had: youth that isn't always thinkin' about the next day; youth that isn't always plannin' for the future; you
after-thought, and as if he was
ropping from her now like the shell of the chrysalis. She thought how, somewhere in the world, there were people born to be unhappy, and she felt humiliate
re not unhappy, to Phillis, nor hungry, nor deservi
he said he hadn't been to meetin' for more than thirty years; also, that he had not yet "got religion"-and wh
white-robed clergy-men; the roll of the organ; the sunlight through the painted glass; even the young subaltern who came clanking into the chapel as the service began,-there was nothing, he said, in America which could be reckoned a patch upon it. Chur
ce intoxicated her. She listened with soft eyes and parted lips. All was artistic and beautiful. The chapel was peopled again with mailed knights; the voices of the anthem sang the greatness and the glory of
the beauty of the world and its splendours. She was to see the things she h
ne for which Joseph Jagenal was vainly searching. She laughed when she thought
not long
unquerque passionately, on the evening of
to speak to you before, but I did not like to. I am afraid I h
trange, you who have known so many, was there ever a girl
l that you say," A
? I am going to see him to-morrow about i
a way. And-Oh, Mr. Dunquerque, why are you in such
wenty, and Phill
is is so in
epeated. "And if experience comes,
oy, if Phillis were to love you first, do you t
kes me; she does not know what love means. That is ba
ore is
e poorest peer in the kingdom, and I am about the poorest younger
"to think that, should you marry Phillis, she has some money to help you with. Go and see Lawrence
ir," said Mr. Gilead Beck p
plot! And perhaps after all-
e the best man in the world because he is poor? No, Mrs. L'Estrange, there'
s it, M
other! Look at him now, Mrs. L'Estrange, leanin' towards her, with a look half respectful and half hungry. And look at her, with her sweet innocent eyes; she doesn't understand it, she doesn't know what he's beatin' down with all his might: the strong honest love of a man-the best thing he's got to give. Wait till you give the word, and she feels his arms about
TER
bus atqu
di semper fuit
an of multitude, signifying many, and as if one commission was a tho
bout to be published in the Grand Style, brother Corn
te should be atte
an, bro
regard
d to Philli
een them; it was past twelve o'clock; already two or three soda-water bot
s mentioned. He removed the pipe from his mouth, threw back hi
naturally and with freedom; her flesh-tints remarkably pure and sweet; her draperies falling in artistic folds; her atmosphere softened as by the perfumed mists of morning; her hair tied in the simple knot which is the admiration and despair of
a few weeks. In that clear bubbling fount of modern English undefiled, the Art criticisms are done with such entire freedom from cant and affectation that they are a pleasure to read; and from its pag
a moment by the eloquence and fidelity of his brother's word-picture, but stimulated to rivalry. He made answer, gazing into the bl
hey ripple on make music in your soul. You are rapt with their beauty; you are saddened with the unapproachable magic of their charm; you feel the deepest emotions of the heart awakened and beating in responsive harmony. And when, after long and patient watching, the Searcher after the Truth o
y, cutting short his brother's freest fl
us say a
superiority. "Now that we have both described her-and I am sure, brother," he added out of the kindness of his heart, "no description could be more p
ny men of genius as to render the accession of two more to her circle anything but a pleasure and an honour. And as for our next steps, they m
ure to be commended from an artistic point of view,
n also winked, chuckled,
ch other, Humphre
y," said the Artist thoughtfully
ely. Together w
fresh to-morrow. Have you-did you-can you give me
shook h
us are always run after. But as I am a bachelo
he wind was a little taken out of his sails. This often happens w
went on kindly. "It is the simplest thing in the world,
hrey said, casting his thou
aid Cornelius, in the same moo
odel-a young a
a little co
p blue-black, the kind of colour one seem
light-brown hair which caught the sunshine in a way that on
ted and looked at e
hat Phillis would not like these remin
with a sigh, "We must. Yet the
e the other the least hint of a separate and individual preference for Phillis. They were running together, as usual, in double
thout taking their customary walk, sat each in his own room ti
ne could conceive possible at the age of fifty. Their step was elastic; their eyes were bright; Humphrey's beard was as brown and silky, Cornelius's cheek as smooth, as twenty y
ther?" asked Cornelius w
urdily, "not at all. Still, to
; "you are quite righ
rds. The reader knows a
nd a pint of champagne. With this modest pick-me-up, which no
y, putting himself outside the last dro
est, stamped lustily with his right foot, a
y degrees, and as they grow old, some faint intelligence of the divine order sinks into their souls, or whether they become slowly enwrapped in the beauty of the world, or whether their thoughts, always turned in the bacon-and-cabbage direction, are wholly gross and earthly, I cannot tell. Phillis's thoughts were still as the thoughts of a child, but as those of a child passing into womanhood: partly selfish, inasmuch as she consciously placed her own individuality, as every child does, in the centre of the universe, and made the sun, the moon, the planets, and all the mino
uerque were here,
Agatha. "Why did we n
were sil
k would call,"
But here is somebody-two young g
they are
t, and ran to meet them wit
and Cornelius perked up his head and tried to look unconscious of his fame. "And this is Mr. Humphrey, the Artist." And then she laughed again,
ct any Poet or Artist named Jagenal. The men and their work were alike unknown to h
e to face with Phillis, they became suddenly and painfully aware that they had come on a delicate errand. Cornelius looked furtively at Humphrey, and the Artist
onscious, so unused to anything beyond their daily experience, that they were as awkward as a pair of fantoccini. People who live alo
under her own protection before a stranger. And why did she laugh? The task which they discussed with such an airy confidence over the brandy-and-soda assumed, in
; Mrs. L'Estrange talked timidly about the weather, and tried them on the Opera, on the Academy, and on the last volume of Browning. It was odd in so great an Artist as Humphrey that he had not yet seen the Academy, and in
, the girl was staring at them, and wondering to feel how differently she regarded men and manners since that
vanished; how she found them to be mere shallow wind-bags and humbugs, and regarded them wit
other for admiration; they were so childishly vain; they were so full of themselves; and their daily life o
ong the flowers, flattering them, asking how Work got on, congratulating
nding before Mrs. L'Estrange, and occasionally glancing over his shoulder. And she noticed, then, a curiously nervous motion of her companion's hand; also that his cheek was twit
fort, and opened his mouth to s
ng to say, Mr
u sit down, M
ving of ?lfred" thought Phillis. "And h
is to be brought out, you will be glad to learn, with all the luxury of
em itself," said Phillis, with
lone is wanting, and that advances with mighty strides. My b
ed and
ways hard at work?" She laugh
g-may I call you Phillis?" He spoke ve
e quite old friends. But I am sorry to h
other," pursued the Poet-"yesterday I discovered th
ore a look of mute suffering, as if the Artist was getting altogether too much
brother Humphrey adores you with all the simp
ood he his! I am glad to hear it, Mr. Cornelius
" (O Cornelius! and the model with the blue black hair!) "an unsullied
not understa
"I am sure I would li
lius, nodding with a sunny smile. "You have m
ing more and more nervous as he reflected on the uncertainty of the wedded life, actually came to a sudd
," he said. "You will allow me to
the Poet was gone distraught wi
od lady with a dissertation on colour à propos of a flower which he held in his hand. Agatha could not understand this strange pair, who looked so youthful until you came to see them closely, and then they seemed
untenance wreathed with smiles, and sat on the other side. Nor did there appear any reason why the one with the beard should suddenly break off his oration,
the same characteristics of nervousness as in his brother. Twice he at
me that Cornelius ado
and in the presence of the enemy, so to speak, lost all its charms. Humphrey thought of the pleasant life in Carnarvon Square, and determine
appy here, Miss Fleming
e are old friends, you know
heavily-"I am very gla
Why do you look so gloomy? And how
g rapidly-rapidly," he said. "It will occup
the frame, and the purchaser, a
iding, I am happy, dear Miss Fleming, dear Phillis, since I may call you by your pretty C
he matter
t trust herself to look in his face. So that h
hard work. No one works so conscientiously as Cornelius. Now, at length the prosp
I am gl
ot happy. There is a se
do let me know it, and at once. Was ther
erted for the moment
no one has gue
." She laughed and
e is that my brother Cornelius is attached to yo
at I thought you
he response of a passionate nature? He shall be your Petrarch. You shall read his very soul. But Cornelius brings yo
we have had quite enough of devotion and secre
, laughing. For a moment the thought crossed the A
the other two, "let us ha
-me-up. So they departed, taking leave with a multitudinous smile and many tender hand-pressures. As they left the garden together arm-in-arm they straightened their backs,
ff his hat, with a whole wreath of sm
the same, with a light in his eyes whi
tha, "they really are the mo
wake up they pretend to have been working. And they sit up all night. And, O Aga
s that,
one adored me, a
ond a joke. And actually h
n, who never do anything but pretend to be exhausted with work, were only to hope for anything at all it might wa
a lau
argued extreme insensibility. Such an offering is desirable at five-and-twenty, but very, very rare, my dear at any age. And at their tim
one of the things to be understood when the
he house, turned into the refreshment-room by common consent and without consultation. They had, as u
neli
mph
at the attendant damsel might not hear-"shall
," replied the Poe
selves alone in the carriage they dug each
grin worthy of Mephistopheles, "t
nelius, and the little Gretchen a
ontadina, the black-eyed model, and the
ge, because it was long past their regular hour for the afterno
TER
's of exceed
s all qu
s. These lay strewn like unto the bodies on a battle-field-they lay in rows, they lay singly; they were protected from the night-dews by canvas tents, or they were exposed to the moon-light and the wind. All day long these people had plied the weary trade of amusing a mob; the Derby, when most hearts are open, is the harvest-day of those who play instruments, those who dance, those who tumble, those who tell fortunes. Among these honest artists sleeps the 'prentice who is going to rob the till to pay his debt of honour; the s
other made him mindful of John Ruskin. And the owner of that voice, too, laughed and changed the subject. They were all cheerful, these friends of Jack Dunquerque; they partook with affability of the luncheon and drank freely of the champagne. Also there was a good deal of quiet betting. Jack Dunquerque, Gilead Beck observed, was the least adventurous. Betting and g
the smoking-room, where half a dozen lingered. L
-race, where the sweet little winner goes his measured mile in two minutes and a half. That seems to me better sport. But the Derby is a fine race, and I admit it. When I go back to America," he went on, "I shall instit
om Spain; your fencing from France; your racin
uess. They don't seem to
Rus
the Italian sports. Imitation murder will represent Turkish Delights, and the performers shall camp in Central Park. It wouldn't be bad fun to go out at night and hunt them. Say,
round the card-tables
y Jack r
ing stranger. And I should think, from the way Tommy is
her men in the room. "Don't know who brought him; not a
, and reflected a moment.
o now to Captain Ladds, and if you were to bring him up to this same identical room w
ese words. Jack immediately understood that there was going to be a row, and
Ruggles?" asked
ay that I know Major Ruggle
look in which, as in a mask, he always played; the other, who had a limp in one leg and a heavy
eck, Major Ruggle
adds," he said. "I find I hav
ut, Jack, the awkw
king out of your p
is, so
ng-room seemed to draw their chairs and to close in t
ever had so grave a face as Gilead
o days ago, that I didn't remember you. I found out aft
ords, Mr. B
lemen here, and this is a happy meeting for both of us. What will you drink?-I beg your pardon, Mr. Dunquerque, but
andy and a cigarette. Then he looked furtively at Gilead Beck. He un
e well. Met you last at Delmonico's, in with Boss Calderon.' Now, gentlemen, you'll hardly believe me when I tell you I answered this politeness by askin' the Major if he had ever heard of a Banco Steerer, and if he knew the meanin' of a Roper. He did not reply, doubtless because he was wounded in his feelin's-
is chair, and put his righ
And it's no use, no manner o' use, feelin' in that breast-pocket of yours, because the shootin' irons in this co
"you would explain what a Ba
most surprising, considerin' you never set eyes on his face before-how you have dined together in Cincinnati, or it may be Orleans, or perhaps Francisco, because he finds out where you came from last. And he will shake hands with you: and he will propose a drink; and he will pay for that drink. And presently
ggles preser
y takes me after I've made a durned fool of myself. All of a sudden I recollected the face of Major Ruggles, and where I'd seen him last. Yes, Major, you did know me-you were
jected the Major, trying t
you shall have; and if you are not satisfied when I have done with you, ask these gentlemen around what an American
Boss Calderon that you met me, because I do not know Boss Calderon; nor
tated a
duced by members. I was introduced by my friend Mr. Dunquerque, and I hope I
sed in with an acquaintance pick
aid. "Captain Ladds, do you wish me to be insulted? If you
myself in that army," he added, by way of explanation. "Now, Major Ruggles, I am going to invite you to remain while I tell these gentlemen a little story-a very
ry," said Jack. "Not
d the little cir
s victim showed every sign of bodily discomfort and mental agitation. First he fidgeted in the chair; then he
me go. Captain Ladds, you have my address. And a
e his chair with a sweet smile. "Sit down. The nigh
Had enough. Go to bed.
g and his manner suddenly changing, "I will
, not an invitation, and the stra
ck went on. "Captain Ladds' revenge is
on the table, placed one foot on a chair w
uggles, I was a great fool not to remember that at once. But I always am weak over faces, eve
k began his
s saloon in a Cunard steamer. No, gentlemen, I was on board those cars in an official capacity. I was conductor. It is not a proud position, not an office which you care to magnify; it doesn't lift your chin in the air and stick out your toes like the proud title of Major does for our friend squirmin' in the chair before us. Squirm on, Major; but listen, because this is interestin'. On those cars and on that railway there is a deal of time to be got through. I
ould travel all the way from New York to San Francisco, stay there a day, and then travel all the way back again. And the most remarkable thing was, that when they got to New York again they would take a through ticket all the way back to San Fran. This attachment to the line pleased the company at
Sir,' you said, with tears in your eyes, 'you represent the advance of civilisation. We air now, indeed, ahead of the hull creation. You have united the Pacific and the Atlantic. And, sir, by the iron road the West and the East may
, at all events, like
ds were marked; they played on the square, but behind every man's hand was a confederate, and he gave signs, so that the honest sportsman knew how to play. And by these simple contrivances, gentlemen, they always won. So much did they win, that I have conducted a through train in which, when we got to Chicago, there wasn't a five-dollar piece left among th
ssociate. There was none. Only Ladds, his adversary, moved quietly around the room and sat near to Gilead Beck, on the table, but ne
that. And another general order was-an imperative order, Major, so that I am sure you will not
mpanion for a long railway journey, but you had that little weakness-that you would play. I warned you at the time. I said, 'Cap'en, this must stop.' You were only a Cap'en then. But you would go on. 'Cap'en,' I said, 'if you will not stop, you will be chucked out.
oin' twenty miles an hour, and we hadn't time to stop to see if he was likely to get along somehow. And the last I saw of Captain Ruggles-I beg your pardon, Major-was his two heels in th
turned on the Major,
that you would hardly believe. I don't think there has been a single sportsman chucked out since. Major Ruggles, sir, you were th
satisfied? Because if there is any other satisfaction in my power yo
en la
ord with me,
h this contract, if you have no objection-Major
ble man ma
, and turn them insi
r moved n
calmly, "you will be kind
edible to the bystanders that a man should be so strong, so active, and so skilled. He tossed, rather than laid, his victim on the table, and then, holding both his hands in one grip of his own enormo
things which he had
dds; "Try them; if they are not loa
were
playing with, when you thought you had a new pack of club-cards. If
were
Captain Ladds what he has lost, and i
a murmur
and gold," said Ladds. "And I
own. The paper was solemnly torn up, but the coin restored to the Major, who no
much in the prophetic line, but I think I see a crowd of men in a minin' city, and I see a thick branch with a rope over it. And at the end of that rope is Major Ruggles's neck, tightened in a most unpleasant and ungentlemanly manner.-It's inhospitable, but what can you expect, Major? We like play, but we like playin' on the square. Now, Major, you may go. And you may thank the Lord on your knees before you go to sle
hat revenge, and t
TER
est in qua non fem
sturbed countenance his previous occupation of reading the letters and telegrams he
ain. "The third, and all in the same handwriting. 'I have written you two letters, and you have taken no notice. This is the third. Beware! Your wife was with Mr. Colquhoun yesterday; she will be w
her marriage-their names were mentioned-I remember hearing that there had been flirtation-flirtation! As if Victoria could ever flirt! She was
his stiff and formal wooing. He remembered how he said, sitting opposite to her in her cousin's drawing-ro
poetical way of telling her that he was nearly forty years older than herself: "
ning life; and it was quite true that he had nev
quite free; and the disparity of age is only a dis
ore her marriage? This Juno among young matrons cau
d when he had quite done that, he folded up the anonymous document, docketed it, and placed it in one of the numerous pige
winge of uneasiness, like the first throb which presages the coming gout,
did not know. There was no reason, none in the world, why things should not remain as they were, only that the lady would not let sleeping dangers sleep, and Lawrence was too indolent to resist. In other words,
h
artening, because it makes the cynic and the worldly-minded man to chuckle and chortle with an open joy. St. Paul, who was versed in the ways of the world, knew this perfectly when he proclaimed the insufficiency of good works. It is at all times best to accept the deed, and never ask the motive. And, after all, good deeds are something practical. And a
invitations; went where she told him to go; and all the time half laughed at himself and was half angry to think that he was thus enthralled by a siren who charmed him not. To have once loved a woman; to love her no longer; to go about the town behaving as if you did: this, it was evident to him, was not a position to be envied or desired. Few false positions are. Perhaps he did not know that Mrs. Grundy talked; perhaps he was only amused when he heard of remarks that had been made by Sir Be
he Baronet, but passion for this old friend of her youth? Why, it was only four years since he had followed her, after a London season, down to Scotland, and everybody
grace; these may vanish, but the old attractiveness remains, she thinks, if only as a tradition. When she is no longer beautiful she loves to believe that her lovers are faithful still. Now Victoria Cassilis remembered this man as a lover and a slave; his was the only pleading she had ever heard which could make her understand the meaning of man's passion; he was the only suitor whom a word could make wretched or a look happy. For he had once loved her with all his power and all his might. Between them there was the know
foolish girls, who knew no better, envied her. Presently the foolish girls, who had soft faces and eyes, which could melt in love or sorrow, envied her no longer, because they got engaged and married. And of all the men who came and went, there was but one who l
e buried in the ashes of the past. The man was impassable, and the woman, madly ki
r a woman to feel that she is loved as women are loved in novels-men's novels, not the pseudo-passionate school-girls' novels, or the calmly respectable feminine tales where the young gentlemen and the young ladies are superior to the instincts of common humanity. Victoria played with this giant as an engineer will play with the wh
nted it as an irrefragable truth for the universal use of humanity. One may sometimes, however, guess what a woman does not want. Victoria Cassilis, one may be sure, did not want to sacrifice her honour, her social standing, or her future. She was not intending to go off, for instance, with her old lover, even if he should propose the step, which
to lose and nothing to gain. She cannot hope even for the love of the man for whom she is incurring the suspicions of the world, and exciting the jealousy of her husband. Yet it is true, i
ly take a sombre view of things because it is so constantly raining. We proclaim our impotence, the lack of national spirit, and our poverty, until
d harsh language to any woman-"you may sneer at me, and laugh in your cold and cr
will show your husband that the surface of the ocean may be stormy sometime
ng to have a vulgar qua
very five years or so. What a pity that vulgar qua
t worth losing y
sky which has the sun in it, but only the semblance of warmth. I got a good sou'-wester. But take care, take care, Mrs. Cassilis! You have wantonly thrown away once what most women would have kept-kept, Mrs. Cassilis! I re
t you regret the past, and something
and laughe
roics. What I mean is, that I am well out of it; and that you, Vi
right to insult me as he p
ting on a chair before him. She was agitated and excited. He, save for t
u know it. Let us finish. Mrs. Cassili
ave! What
the ablest man in the City. An income which gives you all that a woman can ask for.
He is insufferable sometimes
. Then he gives it wholly. To take it back would be a greater blow, a far g
only suffers whe
ke another great mistake. Success isn't on the
ith success? Let
. "It is in this house. It is the commonest
understand me," sh
king about yourself. Go and look after
ct makes women who cannot write or talk fine language about the domestic affections, take to the tiny creatures with a passion of devotion which is the loveliest thing to look
my oldest-once my dearest-friend, for a little-only a little-interest and pity, and you send me to my
. After all, he
, if you please. I do take a certain amount of interest in you-that is, I am always curious to see what line you will take next. And if you are at all concerned to have my opinion and counsel, it is this: that you've got
ng in his leisurely, careless way down the road. It made her mad to think that she could not make him unhappy, and made her jealous to t
little garden-parties. Jack Dunquerque was there with Gilead Beck. Also Captain Ladds. But Lawrence Colquhoun was not. She stayed an hour; she ascertain
er superior's angry lips. But when respite came with the dinner-bell, and her mistress was safely downstairs, the maid sat down to the table and wrote a letter very carefully. This she read and re-read, and, being finally satisfied with i
agements, but she came home early, and was even sharper with the unfortunate Tomlinson than be
s another in the same handwriting as that of the thr
t open wi
wickenham. Mr. Colquhoun has got his ward there, Miss Fleming. So that doubtless she went to meet him again. In the evening she came home in a very bad temper, because she had failed to meet him. She had hoped to see him three times at least this very day. Surely, surely even your blind confidence cannot stand a continuation of this kind of thing. All the world knows it except yourself. You may be rich and generous to her, but she doesn't love you. And she does
pace. He spoke to him but received no answer. Then he touched him gently on the arm. Mr. Cassilis
was thinking-I was thinking. I
ing too hard, sir,"
Now, then, let us look
d the eye of a hawk. They were two hours of good work, and the secretary's notes were voluminous. Suddenly the
will stop for to-day. Put all these matters
ever done before
gether, and drove out in the afternoon. Her calm and stately pride drove the je
ER XX
cellen
worthy of that enormous income of which he found himself the trustee. The most sympathetic man of his acquaintance, although it w
he groaned. "I can
waited for further light, lik
ere's enough now to build the White Hous
ve you go
eans makin' the widow weep and the minister swear; an' I don't know which spectacle of those two is the more melancholy for a Christian
you let it
d Inseck in the box there, night and day in my ears. And it sa
ought a few
finished, I guess there'll be no collection on this airth to show a candle t
l may be chucked over a yacht. That is, a good
il her over here and race you people at Cowes-all the
o hard enough, you may knock up a pony every game. But I suppose that would not be expensi
ot the platform of the Golden Butterfly. I should like to ride two ponies at once, b
can be got through on the Turf. Nothing, of course, compared with your p
something of the greatness of soul which belongs even to the most unworthy emperors; he felt himself bound to do something for the good of mankind while life and strength were in him. And it was not unpleasant to know that others recognised the vastness of his Luck. Therefore, when Jack Dunquerque spoke as if the Turf were a gulf which might be filled up with his fortune, while it swallowed, without growing sensibly more shallow, all the smaller fortunes yearly shot into it like the rubbish on the future site of a suburban vi
hen I go home I shall rear horses and improve the breed.
s, and charities of all kinds. He asked what they did, and why they did it. He made remarks which were generally unpleasant to
Bible had got nothin' but the story of the Prodigal Son, and that every other Englishman was that misbehaved boy. I reckon if the young man had lived in London, he'd have gone home very slow-most as slow as ever he could travel. There'd be the hospitals, comfortable and warm, when his constitootion had broke down with too many drinks: there'd have been the convalescent home for him to enjoy six months of happy meditation by the seaside when he was pickin' up again; and when he got well, would he take to the swine-herdin', or would he tramp it home to the old man? Not he, sir
s a refuge before her now, and kind women to take her by the hand and cry over her. She isn't in any hurry for the cryin' to begin, but it's comfortable to look forward to; and so she go
-bound to fall. There's only two classes of people in this world-those who are goin' up, and those who are goin' down. It's no use tryin' to stop those who are on their way down. Let
ow. He walked up and down, talking with his hands in his pockets, and silencing Jack Dunquerque, who had never thought seriously about these or any other things, by his earnestness. Every now an
corn to be reaped. I read the other day, when I was studying for the great dinner, that formerly, if a man took refuge in a town, he might stay there for a year and a day. If then he could not keep himself, they op
ake him a machine; tell him to copy, that is all. Why, sir, the rustic who feeds the pigs is a Solomon beside that poor critter. Make your poor helpless paupe
had run himself down, and t
lected, his own level might be somewhere on the stage where the manufacture by hand, say, of upper leathers, represents the proper occupation of the class. A good many other fellows, he thought, among his own acquaint
petuity with the proceeds of his perennial oil-fountains. But there were things about these ancient seats of learning which did not commend themselves to him. In his unscholastic ignorance he asked what was the good of pitting yo
inisters, as he called them, ought not to be grocers; and of the boys he said that he thought it unwholesome for them that some should have unlimited pocket-money, a
n can't pay their professors they do without them and educate themselves. A
Lyceum that Gilead Beck hit u
ike an inspiration, and for the moment stunned him. He was
leep here. That means, Mr. Dunquerque, that we
d. He alway
ilege," he said, "a
See that pile of letters. Every one a begging-letter, except that blue one on the top, which is from a clergyman
ld the great idea which had spr
nry Irving, "is a grand actor. And t
the Forest. I was the demon with the keg to Mr. Jefferson's Rip Van Winkle. Once I played Horatio. That was when the Mayor of Constantinople City inaugurated his year of office by playin' Hamlet. He'd always been fond of the stage, that Mayor, but through bein' in the soft-goods line never could find time to go on. So when he got the chance, bein' then a matter of four-and-fifty, of course he took it. And he elected to play Hamlet, ju
t corporation laughed. They laughed at the sentinels, and they laughed at the moon. The
Presently he rose to that height that he went to the footlights, a
ople, Mr. Dunquerque, I am told, and the sight of those town councillors all laugh
a speech that wa
out of this. I've got the say about this house, and I arn't a goin' to h
hesi
ted to the back
he sai
wn councillors
egan, 'or Hamlet,
Mayor, 'didn't Nero pl
on that we were paying for our places, and bound to laugh if we were amused
'what you dam please. But git. Git
to the front with the hose
fore he had time to play on them
completely spoiled. And I
once. I thought of it to-night, while I saw a man actin who has the real stuff in him, and only wants rest. I mean to try an e
will y
want to give time for rehearsals and for alteration; we want to bring up the level of the second-rate actor
nnot
st give up expecting that Theatre to pay its expenses; you must find a
took the Royal Hem
ree compan
o bring out a new actress, and no one went to see her.
. My Theatre will cost me a good deal more than a hundred pounds a week, I expect. But I am bound to run it. The idea's in my head strong.
and pen, and b
e been to every theatre in London, and I'm ready with my li
re's any better or worse, but beca
ry Neville, Mr. William Farren, Mr. Toole, Mr
winter in the States-Mr. Hare, Mr. Kendal, Mr. Lionel Brough,
Mr. W. J. Hill, Mr. Arthur Cecil, Mr. Kelly, Mr. and Mrs.
a stage-manager and general director,
The principal parts shall not always be played by the best actors.
hink your teams w
hey would be well paid. They will run together just for the very
ve at last hit upon a plan for getti
s; every actor doing his darn best, and taking time for study and rehearsal; people comin' down to a quiet evening, with the best artists to entertain them, and the best pieces to play. The Stage would revive, sir.
w your scheme will
not old jokes; put your own situations in it, not old ones. Give me somethin' better.' Then I should say to Mr. Gilbert: 'Your pieces have got the real grit, young gentleman; but you write too fast. Go away too for six
ll the other
than a certain number. I shall only take a small house to begin with, such a house as the Lyceum, and we shall gradually get along. But no profit can be made by such
a burst of
st known, Mr. Dunquerque, because he will be the first man to take the Stage out of the mud of commercial enterprise, and raise it to be the great educato
TER
e who would not
s at suc
ten letter. And though in fervid sentences it shows the danger to your immortal soul if you refuse the pleading, most men have the courage to resist. The fact is that the letter is not a nuisance at all, because it is never read. On the other hand, a new and very tangible nuisance is springing up. It is that of the people who go round and call. Sir Roger de Coverly in his secluded village is free from the women who give you the altern
were sent to him, of which he perhaps made a note. Telegrams were even delivered to him-people somehow must read telegrams-asking him for money. Those wonderful people who address the Affluent in the Times and ask for £300 on the security of an honest man's word; those unhappy ladies whose father was a gentleman and an officer, on the strength of which fact they ask the Benevolent to help them in their undeserved distress, poor things; those disinterested advertisers who want a few hundreds, and who will give fifteen per cent. on the security of a splendid piano,
omen do it. They do it not only for themselves, but also for their cause. From Ritualism down to Atheism, from the fashionable enthusiasm to the nihilism which the British workman is being taught to regard as the hidden knowledge, there are women who will brave anything, dare anything, say anything, and end
seeking profitable investments, not asking for ten and twenty per cent.; but anxious to use his money for the best purposes; a man who was a philanthropis
ish a daily paper; at least a dozen who would like a weekly; fifty who see a way, by the formation of a new society, to check immorality, kill infidelity once for all, make men sober and women clean, prevent strikes and destroy Republicanism. There is one man who would "save" the Church of England by establishing the preaching
ces; there are others who are prepared on encouragement to reform the whole conduct of life by new inventions. There are men by thousands brooding over experiments which they have no money to carry out; there are men longing to carry on experiments whose previous failure they can now account for. All these men are looking for a capitalist as for a Messiah. Had they known-had they b
Golden Butterfly is not to be squandered among the well-dressed beggars of Great Britain. Three-and-twenty, counting one little boy, who came by himself. His mother was a widow, he said, and he sat on the chair and sniffed. And they all wanted money
here was a gentl
See me through with it. Come in, come in! Good Lord!" he whispered,
careless of her dress, which was of black silk a little rusty. With her was a girl of about eighteen, perhaps her daughter, perhaps her niece; a gir
ck, sir?" the e
P. Beck, mada
hands thrust into his pocket, one foot on an adjacen
me, Mr. Beck, written by my own ha
" said t
ur answer, Mr. Beck. We will sit down, if y
which stood at his feet, and tossed
d to-day," he said. "What was yours, m
wa
oney. To-day there are only fifty-two. May I ask, madam
unmarried
o the pile, and too
r, and encloses her carte-de-visite? No; that won't do. Is it possible you
lly,
from another letter-"who was once a governess, and
ir
hering scorn on
for myself. My cause is the sacred one of Womanh
eck b
y restored to her proper
had far-off eyes and a sweet voice. "The
good work goes on. Here we are only beginni
thing and
sist on equality in following the professions and in enjoying the endowments of Education. We sh
who shove up, and I guess the
him, and went on with
fair fame of manhood. What is there in man's physical strength that he should use it
Beck gravely. "It has prod
s stag
if you pleas
no answe
e the right to ask for a reply. I expect one. You will be kind enough sir, to give categorically your answer to the several heads.
t," said th
h folded han
et. Then he took his hands out of his pockets and st
the background, and ren
ch was allowed. He kept a bar where the whisky was straight and the language was free, and where Paul would tell stories, once you set him on, calcula
my dear," said the elde
ok to preachin.' Paul just did nothing. You couldn't tell from Paul's face that he even knew of the forty women around him prayin' all together. If he stepped ou
appointment, I fear," t
n' and pleasant. Said, too, that he liked music to his drink. Then they asked him if he heard the prayers. He said he did; said, too, that it was cool work sittin' in the shade and listenin'; also that it kinder seemed as if it was bound to d
sly: "You are unworthy, sir, to represent y
k represents my
ociated with a great Cause. We
as less dignified
ved. It was a tall and handsome man, with
voice and a co
u yesterday, Mr. Beck. And I am come i
interested in the orphan ch
m not. Nothin
o say that unless I sent him a ten-pound note b
ir, on behalf of the Grand National Move
that move
Beck. America and England, have ancestors in co
ors myself, having been born too late, and therefore I
Mr. Beck, you
idea, Colo
I am proud to s
earned to go down to posterity. His name, sir, was Hiram Turtle. First of all, he ambitioned military greatness. We went into Bull's Run together. And we came out of it together. We came away from
ton interpos
ear or two he wrote poetry. But the papers in America, he found, were in a league against genius. So he gave up that lay. Politics was his next move; and he went for stump-orating with the Presidency in his eye. Stumpin' offers amusement as well as gentle exercise, but it doesn't pay unless you get more than one brace of niggers and a
jor Borington, "to imply tha
d you a little story. Hiram Turtle's was a re
age is insu
here tar and feathers are cheap, you would really be astonished at the consideration you would receive. No, sir, I shall not subscribe to your Grand National
lapping on his hat, st
first and only occasion on which Phillis went to the theatre. Gilead Beck took the box, and they went-Jack Dunque
make superhuman efforts to understand him we have lost the power of criticism. To her, George III.'s remark that there was a great
he waited with patience for the first scene. She was going to see a representation of life don
o do, with a beating heart and trembling lip. When Hamlet with that wild cry threw himself upon his uncle's throne, she gasped and caught Agatha by the hand. When the play upon the stage showed the King how much of the truth was known, she trembled, and looked to see him immediately confess his crime and go out to
had too much to think of; she had to fit all these new surroundings in her mind with the stories of the past. As for the actors, she had no power whatever of distinguishing between them and the parts they
, was part of
TER
her eyes
in patien
houn before you go an
reminiscence, to that half hour spent in a confidential talk with dear papa? How calmly critical, how severely judicial, was his summing up! With what a determined air did he follow up the trail, elicited in cross-examination, of fo
e. In that brief peroration he tore the veil from the last cherished morsel of self-illusion; he showed you that the furnishing of a house was a costly business, that he was not going to do it for you, that servants
you for life. Or perhaps he said "No." In that case you went away sadly and meditated suicide. And whether you got over the fit, or whether you didn't-though of course you did-the chances were that Annabella nev
d old fashion by which such interviews, together with wedding-
g to Phillis, and I am not at all certain that he would ever have made her understand either the necessity or the romance
th of irregularity-which leads to repentance-than he had hitherto done. He had
illusion, this part had, as he acknowledged with groans,
ition of a confidential friend; he took her about for walks and drives, a thing which might have compromised her seriously; he allowed Joseph Jagenal, without, it is true, stating it in so many words, to believe him an old friend of Phillis's; he follow
it was poor consolation to think that
willows by the shore, or sat with her in the garden, or rode along the leafy roads by her side, the sincerity of her nature, as clear and cloudless as the blue depths of heaven; its purity, like the bright water that leaps and bubbles and flows beneath the shade of Lebanon; its perfect truthfulness, like the midday sunshine in June; the innocence with which, even as another Eve, she bared her very soul for him to read-these things, when he thought of them, brought the unaccustomed tears to his eyes, and made his spirit rise and bound within him as to unheard of heights. For love, to a
uence. And it was in a penitent and humble mood that he sought Lawrence Colquhoun, in the hope of "squaring it" with him as Ladds advised. Good fellow, Tommy; none better; but wanting in the higher delicacy. Somehow the common words
lls of life that one can never get, even for five minutes, a Monopoly of Complaint. But he listened p
r thought what it would come to. I drop
spoon," said Lawrence. "In other words
light Dr. Morris, such as Pish! Phaw! Alas! Humph! and the rest which are in everybody's mouth, there is none which blo
ck. When one is really worried, nothing like a perfec
look well,"
ne by blinking facts. Here we are. Young lady of eighteen or so-just released from a convent; ignorant of the world; pretty; attractive ways; rich, as girls go-on the one han
Colquhoun; it'
quhoun
te safe. So you go on calling. My cousin Agatha writes me word that she has been looking for the light of love, as she calls it, in Phillis's eyes; and
d her yesterday that
sing at once? Come, Jack, look at the thing sensibly. The
be!" echoed
father, who did not forget that he was grandson of a Peer, wanted his daughter to make a good match, and always spoke of the fortune he was to leave her as a guarantee that she would marry
not Lord I
rother, with one or two between you and the title.
for herself. You are not going to make her marry a man because
on marrying you-she is a downright young lady-why, she must do it; but after she has had her run among the ball-rooms, not before. Let her take a look round first; there will be ot
n, I give you my honour," said Jack hotly, "I
d of that
ing in his throat, "that she will regret me at first and for a day or two. But she will get
t told her all the effect that her beaux yeux have produced upon yo
nce we went to the T
s it? Jack Dunquerq
the river a good ma
is pleasant at thi
ogether a good deal. Phil
at you have been having rather a high time in consequence. Surely you ca
complain, if
e who hopes nothing gets everything. Come out o
r any one to be with her without falling in love with her. She is--" Here he stopped, because he could not go any
rundale, now Lady Newladegge, when she came out, of course. You were getting ready for Eton about that time. Well, she and I carried on for a whole season. People talked. Then she got engaged to her present husband, after seeing him twice. She wanted a Title, you see. I was very bad, that journey; and I remember that Agatha, who was in my confidence, had
e. Boyhood's ear-aches are awful things to remember; but those of manhood, when they do come, which is seldom, are the Devil. To him in agony came a friend, who sat down beside him, like Eliphaz the Temanite, and sighed. This the harmless being who had the ear-ache put up with, though it was irritating. Presently the friend began to relate how he once had the ear-ache himself. Then the h
od at Colquhoun. He only looked
y, she's five-and-th
contrary, when she was twenty, and I was in love with her, she was
s outraged. "Good Heavens! to think of compar
Colquhoun
ve a fair chance with the rest; and you must remember that you have had a much better chance than anybody else, because you have had the first running. L
ore freely. The house, t
e, Jack, but I am bound to give her the chance. As soon as she really understands a little more of
d some such result of this endeavour to "square
will step in between you and the young lady till she comes out. You are not told to discontinu
you see, you don't know Phil. Let me call her Phil to you, old man. There's not another ma
away; and I'll giv
; so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel." The Wise Man
after Jack went away, remembered that he had not onc
said Conscience
pleaded. "I have been dangling abou
l!" echoed
as easily persuaded to stay
t Agatha observed him w
er she got
ble. Phillis presently grew tired of sitting under the shade, and strolled dow
ou think,
ching her
it, Agatha. What h
Are you
u must have a familiar somewhe
ousin, I declare to you that I think her faultless. At least, her very faults are attractive. She is impetuous and
be more perfect than an
onsciousness. She is like a chil
t read? Why should we not prohibit t
to read fast. I put her this morning into the Third Lesson Book-two syllabl
why
rls to school, and-and-well, Lawrence, we cannot all be angels, any more than men. If girls learn about love, and establishment
" asked Lawrence abruptly. "
ettily as any self-c
said; "but Phillis only
han little Red Riding Hood.
a most honourable
wolf. You are a matchmaker, you bad, bad woman. I belie
id you tell
. Must let Phillis have her run. Mustn't come here perpetually trying
marry into a
ve, at the Deluge. But then Jack is not Lord Isleworth; and
ming to see you in a new cha
as any man I ever saw. But Phillis shall not be snapped up in this hast
sun made a glory of her hair, lit up the splendour of her eyes, and m
u that I am a worthless youth of forty, who neglects all his duties. You are so much improve
ave done you much good. I am in words of two syllables; and Agatha thinks I am getting on very nicely. I am in despair about my painting sinc
iked your
't they put all the portraits in one room toge
id you
ade me feel as if War was a little thing. Mr. Dyson used to say that women take the grandeur and strength out of Art. Then there was a brown man with a sling on a platform. The platform rested on stalks of corn; and if th
did yo
me to see a moor, Lawrence-with a windy sky, and a wooden fence, and a light upon. Oh, I liked
ther, and you shall teach me what to like. Your opinion worth? Why, ch
TER
t that has
he first time he had what he called a considerable sum in his hands. That is to say, there was his own money-he was reported to be worth three hundred thousand pounds-Gilead Beck's little pile, with his unlimited credit, and smaller sums placed in his hands for investment by private friends, such as Colquhoun, Ladds, and others. A total which enabled him to wait. And the share-market oscillating. And telegrams in ci
ns, and calm judgment against greed, panic, enthusiasm, and ignorance. It was his business to be prepared against any turn of the tide. He would have stood calmly in the Rue Quincampoix, buying in and selling out up to an hour before the smash. And that
Thanks to Mr. Wylie's pamphlet they went down, and Gabriel Cassilis bought in-bou
to Mr. Wylie's pamphlet. He called attention to the rapid-the enormous-advance made in the State. As no one had seen the place, it was quite safe to speak of buildings, banks
few hundreds in the bank wanted to put them in Eldorado
under fresh torture of suspicion; every day to go home and dine with the calm cold creature w
ected. He found himself saying wrong words, or not being able to hit upon the right word at all. So he grew silent. When he returned home, which was now early, he hovered about th
rs grew m
at them. Some of the sentences
ly man she ever loved. Ask her for t
ild-your child? Ask Tomli
omes to your house. When you come home, he g
et. Then ask her, and
elley were going to be married. Everybody said so. S
s your money, not you; she despises you because
reading these wretched things, in misery
he said. "I will talk to him, a
e put on his hat and took a
the sultry and thunderous days when Conscience has it all her own disagreeable way-that he was and had been an enormous Ass.
I only went there at her own special req
thing; a thing for whose sake he should have fled from her presence and avoided her; a thing which he was guilty in hiding. No possible danger to himself? Well, in some sense none; in every other sense all dangers. He had known of this thing, and yet h
hat, considering the past and with an eye to the future, he was going to put it out of her power to compromise herself by seeing her no more. He reminded her that
y was, seemed a wretched mockery to the write
on him the weight of impending misfortune. He dined, and tried to drown care in claret, but with p
light and airy, and being furnished as medi?val bachelorhood with plenty of money alone understands furniture. But he was nervous to-night, and grim stories came into his mind of spectres and strange visitors to lonely men
but to-night he forgot them, so that, except for the light cast upwards by the gas in the court and an opposite window illuminated, and for the half-darkness of the June evening, the room was dark. It was very quiet, too. There was no footsteps in the court below, and no voices or steps in the room near him. His nearest neighbour, young Lord Orlebar, would certainly not be home, much before one or
is inferior to the novel of Colquhoun's youth, or whether he was a bad reader
ested him le
o Victoria. What was the devil which possessed the woman that she c
ved her; cold when she engaged herself to me; cold in her crime; and yet she fol
was the spret? injuria form?, the jeal
h to heaven I had gone on living in the Empire City with my pair of villainous Chinamen. At least I was free f
pection, because he hear
a light step a
o early for one of young Orlebar's
pped at his doorway, and se
d was drawn completely over her face, so that you could see n
lood run cold, because he knew by her figure
almost theatrical, and stood before h
ce Colquhoun could tackle a woman in a rage. That is indeed elementary, and nothing at all to be proud of. The real
sh as of the liberated whirlwind. "W
, is it customary for married ladies to visit s
single-gentlemen, Lawrence. Do not ask foolis
ll be discontinued. In other words, Mrs. Cassilis, the thing has gone too far,
alk? Lawrence, if you think that I am going
awrence quietly. It was not the best way to qui
e in my life, and you are mistaken. You shall not. Years ago
thing, because now I know that you a
llowed you once more to visit me. What othe
awrence. "How else could she
rned to look to you, for the second time, for the appreciation denied to me b
ry time we met. Now, Mrs. Cassilis, you have my resolution. What you please,
l know the
you want. Do you want me to run away with you? I am a lazy man, I know, and I gen
cried, sinking into a chair
your house like a ridiculous tame
ted to h
But I know why-Oh, I know why!-you make up this lame excuse
out it yourself," he re
you could have her completely under your own influence. You let Jack Dunquerque hang about her at first, just to show the ignorant
mortal man hear of such a thing? Jealo
ay deceive and insult me in any way except one. B
ing Phillis Fleming, but it occurred to him that there was
. My cab is at the Burlington Gardens end of the court now. Before I go you shall make me a promise
mise nothing
ve to stop it by proclaiming my own disgrace-you shall not marry that girl,
on the stairs," sai
had better not be seen. Best g
on the opposite side; that the outer oak was wide open; that the step upon the stairs was al
me light-coloured stuff. She drew them closely round her and cowered down, covering her head with the hood, l
ing form. Colquhoun noticed that he stooped more than usual, and that his grave face bore an anxious look-such a look as one sees sometimes in the face
ning, Colquhoun. Ar
ng form. He adjusted the shade, and turned the lamp a little lower. The gas in the chambers on the other side of the narrow court
a chair standing near the corner in which his wife was crouching; and he pushed it back until he migh
peak about some money matters? I have an engagement
ps." This with a forced laugh, be
Yes-yes
ilis. "Well, I will not keep you. I came
ce. "I beg your pardon
d business. You have kno
ssilis; for nea
and once, I believ
t tell you what I thought Victoria Pengelley
s were steady in danger. His two listeners t
d Gabriel Cassilis. "There
on, Mr. Cassilis," Lawrence replied evasively. "Perha
ckle. The situation would have pleased hi
Colquhoun, that I come here. Foolish gossip has been at work, connecting your names. I
ect," echoe
mny, Colquhoun. C?sar's wife, you know; and-and-I think that, perh
erely-I wish Mrs. Cassilis were here to listen-that I am deeply sorry for having innocently p
the dark corner where t
is good of you to take this most unusual request so kindly. With such a wife as mine j
ght, Mr.
d round
in lodgings always myself. I thought I h
down stairs, perhaps. His nurses, I sup
r bedroom is th
ly furnished room, with a little camp-bedstead, and nothing el
at made Gabriel Cassilis
ry glad I came. One word, Colquhoun, is better than a thous
ce, taking his hat.
said Gabriel Cassilis,
ainly
ut a desir
perfectly,"
teps on the stairs behind them. The
g up I heard a woman's voice. Now it
quhoun. The steps above the
Nerves-ah,
e's head stood a woman's figure which Lawrence thought he knew. As they passed her this woman, whoever she was, covered her face with a handkerchief. And at the same moment the cab drove
I forgot to ask about the Secret. But of c
there came an
there. She came down the stairs after you; she passed through the gate, almost touching you, and she drove past you in a
o settling-day. Telegrams and letters poured in, and they lay unopened on the desk at
ER XX
the Master
years of w
he Flag, and c
of the Cop
cion. But he was not to haunt the house; he was to make less frequent voyages up the silver Thames; he was not to ride in leafy lanes side by side with Phillis-without having Phi
ir business for good, particularly needy young men like himself. All that Colquhoun extorted of him was that he should "slack off." He felt, in a manner, grateful, although had he been a you
was to have his chance with the rest. But he was warned that no chance was
has lived out on the Prairies for weeks has found that there are other pleasures besides the gas-light joys of Town. But his life had been without thought and purposeless-a very chaos of a life. And now he felt vaguely that his whole being was changed. To be with Phillis day after day, to listen to the outpourings of her freshness and innocence, brought to him the same sort of refreshment as sitting under the little cataract of a mountain
pon him. He was so sympathetic; he seemed to know so much; he decided so quickly; he was i
trength, and so her hero approaches daily to her ideal. What is the highest love worth if it have not the power of lif
admired so much, and which was wont to be wreathed with a multitudinous smile, was now doleful. To the world of mankind-
leful Jack," said Ladds. "
orrowfully wagging his head. "I've seen Colqu
nd thirty, and we're both pretty jolly. Come,
five and twenty," said Jack. "No
hirty one feels so young, that it comes upon the possessor of so many years
t; partly because he was an easy-going man, with a notion in his head that he had nothing to do with the work of Duennas and Keepers of the Gyn?ceum.
charges like a man. He pleaded that, criminal as he had been, nefarious and inexcusable as his action was, this action had given him a very high time; and that, if it was all to do over again, he should probably alter his c
ough to keep apart two young people of the opposite sex and like age, after they have once become attracted towards each other. Prudence and prudery, jealousy and interest,
y might be anxiously waiting to snap her up. Jack was the great-hearted lion who was to bear her safely through the wistful growls of the meaner beasts. The lion is not clever like the fox or the beaver, but one always conceives of him as a gentleman, and therefore fit to be entrusted with such a beautiful
ter Me," she says to herself, with pride. They snatch a few moments to sit together in a conservatory. He offers no remark worthy of repetition, nor does she; yet she thinks to herself, "He is going to ask me
t that she had given him already all that she knew of love; in that her thoughts, which on her first emancipation leaped forth, bounding and running in all directions with a wild yearning to behold the Great Unknown, were now returning to herself, and mostl
illing the contents into the river-lay moored off Agatha's lawn, or rolled slowly up and down the river, Jack rowing, while Phillis steered, sang, talked, and laughed. This was pleasant in the morning; but
nd one of Euclid's definitions, and the deer collect in herds among great ferns half as high as themselves. There they would let the horses walk, while Phillis, with the slender curving lines of her figure, her dainty dress whic
horse with a rein as firm as Jack Dunquerque, and sat him as steadily; she clinched her little fingers and set her lips hard when she heard a tale of wrong; her eyes lit up and her bosom heaved when she heard of heroic gest; she was strong to endure and to do. Not every girl would, as Phillis did, rise in the mor
Phillis passed through the stages of curiosity and knowledge before she arrived
on the same level as the Frenchman who keeps his daughter out of mischief by locking her up in a convent. It is not the knowledge of evil that hurts, any more than the knowledge of black-beetles, earwigs, slugs, and other crawling things; the pure in spirit cast it off, just as the gardener who digs and delves among his plants washes his hands and is clean. The thi
iastically madly, in love with Phillis; there would be occasionally Ladds, who, in his heavy, kindly way, pleased this young May Queen. Besides, Ladds was fond of Jack. There would be Gilead Beck in the straightest of frock coats, and on th
am going to say a rude thing. Did you pick out
s Christian name. "The girls are very nice-not so pretty as Phillis, but good-looking, all of t
u see they are all alike,
est about everything, quietly in earnest; not openly bent on enjoyment, like the young ladies who run down Greenwich Hill, for instance, but in her way making others feel something of what she felt herself. Her intensity was visible in the eager fa
hat Phillis was far more attractive; they said to each other that she was strange
lumniator did not understand the adjective; but farouche she
pithet applied on one occas
illis, without fear
chools. And so poor Phillis remained ticketed with
ed into summer; a time to remember all his life afterwards with the saddened joy wh
ime passes, and the
elf and Phillis, as simply in bad taste; but the meaning was pl
was a cloudy and windy day; drops of rain fell from time to time; the river was swept by sudden gusts which came driving down the stream, marked by broad blac
of the law? It was clearly against the spirit. And-another consideration-it was no use writing unless he wrote in printed characters, and in words of not more than two syllables. He thought of such a love-letter, and of Phillis gravely spelling it out word by word to Mrs. L'Estrange. For poor Phillis had not as yet accustomed herself to look on the printed page as a vehicle for th
k of some kind before him, just for a pretence, would pass the leaden hours in thinking of Phillis
ce very well when to stop, and grounded herself without
had once tied him. Then he strode across the lawns and flower-beds, a
ometimes favors lovers. It was
cess of that particular picture; beside her, tossed contemptuously aside, lay the much-despised Lesson-Book in Readi
ke a small armoury of deadly weapons; and for colour she had a crimson ribbon about her neck. To show that the ribbon was not entirely meant for vanity, but had its uses, Phillis had slung upon it a cross of Maltese silver-work, which I fear Jack had given her himself. And
self, a little French ballad which Mrs. L'Estrang
in a certain kind of photograph, while her hair and figure lay in shadow. The hangings were of some light-rose hue, which tinted the whole room, and threw a warm colouring over the old-fashioned furniture, the pictures, the books, th
its priestess-or even its goddess. Outside the skies were grey; the wind swept down the rive
what would it have been had his Cleopatra welcomed him in all the splendour of her white Greek beauty at sweet seventeen? There was no world to be lost for this obscure cadet of a noble house, but all the
and looked out upon the gardens. The rain drove against the windows, and the wind beat about
re here," she s
, Phil," Ja
rted across the room, ca
me. Agatha has gone up to town, and I am qu
back to Richmond. This, however, was not what he did propose. On the contrary, he kept Phillis's hands in his,
to you? Shall I draw you a pi
hink-perhaps-we
ce struck her; she l
ed, Jack? You do
e expected." But he looked so dismal that i
me,
ok his
eing friends if you won't te
tell you, Phil. I don
od in front of him, and looked in his face with compassionate eyes. The sight of those deep-brown orbs, so f
is head, a
ill. You see, I am n
you look
dismal. No. Phil-no. I am really
se? But, J
, yesterday. It was all about you. And he wants me-n
What does La
not explain to you. You
ve you
upon you as I did in Carnarvon Square; I ought not to have let you call me Jack, nor
ilent for
ual. Other girls haven't got a Jack Dunquerque, have t
don't know-you can't understand-No; it
asked me if I was not thinking too much about you. And the curate made me laugh because he said, quite by himself in a corner, you know, that Mr. Dunquerque wa
Jack cried hotly, "for
day Laura
o said you were far
why, and she replied quite sharply that if I did not know, no one could know. Then she got up and went awa
her neck wrung, too, as we
n the floor. "What does it all mean? Jack, tell me
; a thousand t
imply. "Do you know, Jack, it seems to me as if we never ought
o have done wro
ng ladies. I saw him yesterday taking Miss Herries's opinion on Holman Hunt's picture. She said it was 'sweetly pretty.' He said, 'Do you really think so?' in such a solemn voice, as if he wasn't quite sure that the phrase summed up the whole picture, b
es, but only for a moment,
, it may be wrong to say it, but Oh, so small! What compliment could you have paid me better than to single me out for your friend-you who have seen so
to look her in the face. Every word that she said stabbed him like a knife, because it
laid her litt
ay? What does it matter Jack? We can go on always
. He says that I am to come here less frequently; that I must not do you-he is quite right, Phil-any
ha. It is you who have been my real guardia
looked up in his eyes with her face full of trouble and emotion-"child, must I tell you? Could not Agatha L'Estrange tell you
red the l
know all ab
It isn't the love that you
for you, Jack?" she a
tell me. I love you so much that I cannot sleep for thinking of you; and I think of you all day long. It seems as if my life
ot offer to withdraw her hands, but let
help loving you? And even to be with you, to have you clo
Jack, Jack!
, but before she could change her position he bent down, threw his arms ab
nd come out into the other world-the world of love. My dear, my dear! can you love me a little, only a little, in return? We are all so different from what you thoug
m him and sprang to her feet, burying h
e me!" It was all
r, with hands outstretched as one who feels in the darkness; her cheeks were white and
hi
he put out trembling hands before her, like one who wakes suddenly in a dream, and spoke with short
thed and caressed her like a ch
resently. "Tell me, am I the s
full of tears, like the skies in April; and your cheeks are pale
d she stood unresist
lips touched mine. O Jack, Jack! it was as if something snapped; as if a veil fell
? And can you
n I am able to talk again. Let
the sofa and murmured low
so, holding my hands? A
always loved you-without knowing it a
so happy. What have you said to me
one-and the birds are singing-all the sweet birds-they ar
she hid her face upon her love
piest man in all the world; that he loved her more than any girl ever had been loved in the history of mankind; that sh
ren and grandchildren stand around their trembling feet? Ah, moments that live for ever in the memory of a life! They die, but are immortal. They peris
presently. "I want to think it all over
as wet, and placed her tenderly in the boat. A
ight; the strong wind was dropped for a light cool breeze; the swans were cruising about wit
ce, looking with full soft eyes on the wet and dri
hom Phillis saw one morning-now so long ago-when he had that little misfortune we have na
omething cruel to her. Wish I could break his head for him. The pretty creature! He'll come
ish old gen
y began. "And it is so difficult." Her eyes were still bright with tea
ifficult. Only tell me now,
ft blush of a woman who is wooed. "Yes, Jack, I know now that I do love you, as you love me, becau
eserve it. I don
make me feel humble when yo
they find it out?-want every one for herself this great happiness, too. I have heard them talk
had no wor
out with your secret so lo
day I saw you in Car
at day-not the first day of all, Jack
know you so well, my Phillis-mine-but
n love with a girl be
, and they love her more every day when she
boat was drifting slowly down the current. It was now clo
," he said. "That's r
e gone out of her eyes, and a sweet softness l
leman. "That young fellow ought to be banished from the State for maki
inking of each other while the boat drifte
up guiltily. The old gentleman w
is right. Give you joy, sir, give you joy. Wish you both happine
setting sun under his big straw hat
have thought the old angler an extremely
's head, and rowed his
said, with a faint reminiscence of classical tra
Phil; "Medea was
your lover bringing home the sweetest girl th
y the arm, and his hand closed over hers. Mrs. L'Estrange gasped. And in Phillis's tear-bright eyes, she saw at last the lig
ren!" she said,
ead to her from a certain Book, but which she never underst
's, and his desi
some unexpressed thought. It will never come back to her again, that old mirth and light heart of childhood. She felt while she played as if she was in some great cathedral; the fancies of her brain built over her head a pile more mystic and wonderful than any she had seen. Its arches towered to the sky; its aisles led far away into dim
woman is a priestess; it is a sacrament which you have learned of Jack this day. Go on with him in faith and hope. L
at is it? You look as i
Dyson," she said solemnly. "He is s
owed, for presently there occ
d drawing materials a portfolio. Jack turned it over carelessly. There was nothing at all in it except a
relessly. "I have torn out all the leaves to make ro
p and read the
"Have you really destroy
he la
hem all out, drawn rough things on t
important?" aske
as destroyed the whole of Mr. Dyson's lost chapter on the Coping
s will was so much waste paper, this young lady was contentedly cutting out the sheets one by one and using them up for her first unfinished groups. Of course she could not
t of the peroration, the last words of the fina
ation is finally completed. She will have much afterwards to learn. But self-denial, sympathy, and faith come best through Love. Woman is born to be loved; that woman only approaches the higher state who has been wooed and who has loved. When Phillis loves, she will give herself without distrust and wholly to the man who wins her. It is my prayer, my last prayer for her, that he may be worthy of her." Here Jack's voice faltered
id Agatha
g to her feet and
ve nothing more to learn. O Jack, Jack!" she fell into his arms, and lay there as if it was her
ER XX
be off with
ever get on
ity; they dined at the club every day, and drank champagne at all hours; they took half-guinea stalls at theatres: they went down to Greenwich and had fish-dinners; they appeared with new chains and rings; they even changed their regular hours of sleep, and sometimes passed the whole day b
ng gentlemen found it so pleasant to spend money, that they quickly overcame scruples about asking for more; perhaps they would have gone on getting more,
rom Mr. Gilead Beck," sa
aid Humphrey
note from me,"
letter of mine,
elius remarked with a little temper, "that our inclination
e then, Cornelius, that
as the Patron advanced you a
vance any more until the Picture is completed. Some enemy,
re. I have already drawn four or five cheques of fifty each, on account of the Epic. He says, this mercenary and mechanical pat
f the Poem
f the Pictu
imultaneously, but no answ
r a few moments
nning of October. June-July-only four months. My painting is designed
f about five hun
five hundred i
lapsed into
n rudely disturbed from the artistic life of contemplation and patient work into which we had gr
his brother's hand
ave engaged yourse
d. "Pardon me, Humphrey; it is you
e other returned sharply. "I am astonishe
ey hope,' she said. Those were her very words. I do think, brother, that it is a little ungenerous, a lit
ed his hands into his silky beard, and w
ciated it, Cornelius. I even went so far as to say that you offered her a virgin heart-perilling my own soul by those ve
ike in so many things, differed in this, that, when roused
ards and forwards with agitated strides. "I told her that you brought her a heart which had never beat for ano
denly stopping and bringing his
s brother, exactly i
ssing-gown, his shaven cheeks purple with passion; Humphrey in his loose velvet ja
ed in all their lives. And like a tempest on Lake Wi
d then drew back and renewed their quick and angr
ld German business
h the Roman girl
nt like a gentleman, and mar
our, and go to the Altar with Ph
elius. "Nothing shall i
ey. "I will see myself dr
"go and break it to her
ak her heart, when I tell her, if I must, that
uched. He relent
that she lo
table, near the chairs, whic
be so, C
they turned, by force of habit, lovingly t
anaged this affair. It will be a wrench to the poor girl, bu
ught y
e. And the poor girl loves us both. Good
n so startling. To be sure, t
an't marry
rtainly not. Heaven forbid! A
his head in a
will
nterfered with while at work-Phillis drew me once, and pinned the portrait on my easel; to be restricted in the matter of port; to have to go to bed
"And, Humphrey"-here he chuckled, and his face quite returned to its brot
odiously. "And no carrying milk-pail
up again. "We will preserve our independence, H
ed Bard? It is sad to relate tha
Vive la liberté!" He snapped
on est
it a s
reponse,
'en
s hands like a school-boy. "We wil
n get any more money. And no
rs. L'Estrange
olquh
Jose
was all a mistake. Let us go to-mor
l, Corn
and they drank a whole potash-and-brandy each be
he Artist, filling his pipe.
oet; and then he forgot what Ar
n, and men are made to break their hearts. Law of nature, dear Cornelius-law of Nature. Perha
ou are quite right. And w
uestion, and the Arti
we to do,
know, H
Poem be
ll the
a cha
ring all the circumstances, make up o
how much of your Poe
here is not much
it to me-what t
head, Humphrey. N
he confession. But the Artist me
present I have not actually drawn any of t
other credit for working during that part of the day. But they were too much ac
slightest use in leading Mr. Beck to believe that the works will be finished by
king his beard, as if he was calculating how long each figure
" said the s
y n
sk for the
meanness, or he would have given us that ch
use shall
excuse need be invented. We will tell our
oyed grasp of language, as a slavish time-engagement. Now, he went on to explain, he felt free; already his mind, like a garden in May, was blossoming in a thousand sweet flowers. Now he was at peace with mankind. Before this relief he had bee
evening parliament till late, and it was one o'clock when they took breakfast But t
ed as when they called a week before. So shaky were their hands that Phillis began by
rds of serious explan
llis. "Will Mrs
it is with you tha
she replied.
king as grave as a pair of owls. There was some
hem. So, to prevent laughing in their very faces,
" she
gravest face in th
he said. "Miss Fleming, you doubtless remember a c
n heart. I remember perfectly. I did not understand your meaning then. But I do now. I understand it now." S
be placed in! But Cornelius lifted his hand, with a gesture which
t, in the abstract, for womanhood, which is the incarnation and embodiment of all tha
xture of shame and terror. They were not brave men, these Twins, and t
oth, because in their vanity they thought it the first symptoms of hysterical grief. The
oing to shake him, and hi
you offered me a virgin heart? Is this your gratitude to me for drawing your likeness when you wer
ason to bring Joseph into the business at all. He must not be told of this unfortu
s gasping a
lated, "I do-Oh,
t him and turned
shop, where Jack Dunquerque and I found you rapt in so poetic a dream that your eyes were closed and your mou
n, brother Humphrey. Miss Fleming, we-no, y
ow and appealed
f his courage and spoke. But his voice was faltering. "I, too," he said, "mistook the resp
man, Mr. Cornelius? Oh, and
his crisis, because he continued in broken words, "Wedded-long ago-object of his life's love-with milk-pails o
egarded the wife of the Count de Sade. Will you f
ing eyes, "you come to say that you would rather
h cried together.
appy man, Humphre
u, brot
now, with a possible bride standing before them, appa
ou. And if I send you a sketch of yourselves just as you look now, so ashamed and so foolish, perhaps you will h
was the most cruel speech that Phillis had ever made; but she w
Colquhoun, because I do not know what he might say or do. And I shall not tell Mrs. L'Estrange; that is, I shall not tell her the whole of it, f
ey thought of the possible co
went on; "Jack will not call to se
she felt angry at what most girls would have regarded as a deliberate insult, but t
I forgive you. But never again dare to
illis suddenly felt sorry for them as they crept out of the doo
rnelius. Shake hands, Humphrey. Come back and take another glas
each hand, and poured out
ughing, "because I am going to marry Jack. There-forgiv
od in their eyes. When they left her Phillis observed that they did not t
TER
is it
-a creeping snak
d out upon the table before him. He compared one with another; he held them up to the light; he looked for chance indications which a careless moment might leave b
signedly ill-formed; it appeared to be the writing
ence to a secret between Colquhoun
certainly no one concealed, because concealment was impossible. And in the sitting-room-then he remembered that the room was dimly lighted; curtains kept out the gas-light of the court; Colq
nce with the question, but it would not be evaded; he tried to persuade himself that suspicions resting on an anony
t as well try to transport his thoughts to boyhood's games upon a village green; a man at the stake might as well try to think of
xty-five years mostly spent among men trying to make money, was his wife's fidelity. It was like the Gospel-a thing to be accepte
like a Moor of Venice; his jealousy was a smouldering fire; a flame which burned with a dull fierce
capable of thought and action. Telegrams and letters lay
, and would attend to nothing. He signed mechanically such papers as we
he lives of himself, of Gilead Beck, and of Lawrence Colquhoun. For the f
ling him that his wife had been in Colquhoun's chambe
his hands al
said the officer. "H
ll watch Mr. Colquhoun. Get every movement watched, and report to me every
e afternoon, dined at his club, and gone home to his chambers at eleven. Mrs. Cass
tter from the anony
t find out the Scotch secret. She was in his room while
e was nothing in her manner to show that she was other than she had always been. He tried in her presence to realise the fact, if it was a fact. "This woman," he said to
whose life from her cradle might have been exposed to the whole worl
he gave full swing to the bitterness of his thoughts. In the hours when he should have been sleeping he paced his room, wrapped in his dressing-gown-a long lean figure, with eyes aflame, and thou
his age was to be dishonoured. Success was his; the respect which men give to success was his; no one inquired very curiously into the means by which success was commanded; he was a name
f an open court; to hear his wrongs set forth t
have to alt
which seemed about to fall on him, no
news on the next day. But h
m villa. Mr. Colquhoun will be there, and she is going, too, to meet him. If you dared, if you had the heart of a mouse, you would be there too. You would arrive late; you
his document his secre
per. "Have you decided what to do? Settling day
orado stock? I never forget anything. Leave me. I shall se
formation that he keeps to himself? Has he got a deeper game on than I
me. They were sent in to the inner
eaten nothing all day. He was faint and weak; he took something at
man, the tall woman with
Cassilis's m
m, s
with
at down. Now he had the woman with
she said. "Do you wa
you been with
Janet, died, sir. Janet was with he
net-a Sco
th my mistres
Scotland-yes. And-and-Jane
m each other, sir. Jan
s there
r. What shou
s idle
them send me up something-a cup
his dreary walk up
d riot in his brain, he could not find the right words in which to clothe his thoughts. He struggled against the feeling. He tried to talk. But the wrong words c
ing was less agitated. He breakfasted in hi
off the gloomy fit. And then he thought of the coming coup, and tried to bring his thoughts back to their usual channel
a stake so large that when he thought of
imself erect, and looking brighter than he had done for day
t letter was from the a
ned to tell the secret right out; she will have an explanation with him to-morrow at Mrs.
before him. Was it, then, all true? Would that very day give him a ch
last of a long series, every one of which had
down and bur
of a sorrow which cannot be put aside. The deaths of those who are dear to the old man fall on him as so
Cassilis. "I loved her, and I
was all the hand of Fate. It was hard upon him, harde
ill and quiet
pencils before him, just as one who is restless and uncertain in his mind. Then he looked at his watch-it was past three; the garden party was for four
as upon him again, and he had lost the power of speech. It was strange, and he laughed. Then the power of speech as suddenly returned to him. He called a cab and told the driver where to go. It is a long drive to Twickenham. He was
e, where he alighted and dismissed his cab. The cabman touched his hat an
anically. "A fine day, and seasonab
trees he found himself saying over aga
sonable weather for
PTE
ou and fresh in
en party Joseph Jagenal ca
to say," he began, "if you
id Lawrence.
in his easiest chair a
mes," Joseph said. "And I heard a good de
, "he surely has not been tel
d after a pause. "Don't tell me what you mean, but what I me
n what
people; does not open letters; and is evid
es
Cassilis is in mental distress
ly. Not
that you invested any of y
s's too. Mr. Cassilis has the investment of
awyer loo
ts. What has a pigeon like you to do among the City hawks? And Miss Fleming's money, too. Let i
or me, and go back to the old three per cents. and railway shares-which is what I have been brought up to. On the other hand, you are quite wrong about his mental distress. That is-I happen to know-you a
t don't let him keep it,"
get eight and nine p
ey than you have got? However, I have told you what men say. There is another thing. I am sorr
disagreeable,
ise. In fact, they have lived so much out of the world that they do not understand t
them? And did
ought one of them was accepted, which explains a great deal of innuendo and reference to some unknown subject of mirth which I have observed lately. I say one of them, because I find it impossible
Phi
fear; she wasn't in the least annoyed. I
-looking pair, and inwardly hoped that
g, Colquhoun. Do you want
k Dunqu
es
t of the nursery, and he wants to marry her off-hand-it's cruel. Let her see the world
aid Joseph,
se that is why I told Jack Dunquerque not to go there any more. But he has gone there again, and he has proposed
you said to M
sent. I shall see how Phillis takes it, and give in, of course, if she makes a fuss. Then Be
," said t
You and I may shake a leg at it if we like. As f
only remarked that I had fallen in love, as y
f the reason that prevents my marrying; to put Jack Dunquerque into the water-butt and sit on the lid; and then for Phillis to fall in love with me. After
the Coping-stone ch
g, in a disjointed way.
h lau
taught to read this would not have happened. Now, I suspect the will must be set aside, a
TER
leur epee, et elles ne l
cs, separated the place from the road. But before reaching the gate-in fact, at the corner of the kitchen-garden-he could, himself, unseen, look through the trees and observe the party. They were all there. He saw Mrs. L'Estrange, Phillis, his own wife-Heavens! how calm and cold she looked, and how beautiful he thought her!-with half a dozen other ladies. The men were few. There was the curate. He was dangling round Phillis, and wore an expression of holiness-out-for-a-holiday, which is always so charming in these young men. Gabriel Cassilis also noticed that he was casting eyes of
e as well dressed, but they were nowhere compared with Phillis. The lines of their figures, perhaps, were not so fine; the shape of their heads more commonplace; their features not so delicate; their pose l
he fair guest
they se
er friend. "She seems to m
nued to be. If there is anything that Phillis never was, it is that quality of fierce shy wildness which requires the adjective farouche. But the word stuck, beca
ty men who have long remained bachelors, Gabriel Cassilis was careful of his personal appearance. He considered a garden-party as an occasion demanding something special. Now he not only wore his habitual pepper-and-salt suit, but the coat in which he wrote at his office-a comfortable easy old frock, a little baggy at the elbows. His mind was strung to s
that girl, stately and statuesque, at the head of the table. There would be no pettings and caressings from her, that was quite certain. On the other hand, there would be a woman of whom he would be proud-one who would wear his wealth properly. And a woman of good family, well connected all round. There were no care
icion like a knife cutting at his heart; his brain clouded; and
the shade by the river's edge had they known who he was. Presently he roused himself, and looked at his watch. It was past seven. Perhaps the party would be over by this time; he could go home with his wife; it would be something, at least, to be with h
him enter the place; and he felt something like a burglar as he walked, wi
ces within. Another way was by the conservatory, the door of which was also open. He looked in. Among the flowers and vines there stood a figure he knew-his wife's. But she was alone. And she was listening. On her face was an
m the right, in fact, from the morning room,-Phillis's room,-which opened by its single window
the door and step in. He was so abject in his jealousy that he actually did not feel the disgrace and degradation of the act. He was so keen and eager to lose no word
woman; and they were talking together. One was Law
sofa, nor sitting in the easiest of the chairs. He
d forgot all about you-almost forgot your very existence, Phillis,-till the news of Mr. Dyson's death m
d you, Lawrence?
for the party,-which was over now, and the guests departed,-in a simple muslin costume, light and airy, which became her well. And in her hair she had place
re, Phillis!" ans
heek with his fi
ian," he said, a
things?" she persisted. "Agatha s
knows nothing, she is wrong. Tell me, Phillis, is there
laughing. "And what you will not give m
mea
k Dunquerqu
thout change of voice or face. Now she blushed, and her voice trembled as she uttered his name. That is on
world; you know no other men. All I ask you is to wait. Do not give your promise to this
ook he
y given my pro
to your word when he feels that he ought not to have taken it from you. Phillis, you do not know your
for me, Lawrence," she sa
quite low, so that the
d all night. I pray for him in the morning and in the evening. When he comes near me I tremble; I feel that
ther opposition. See, my dear"-he took her hand in his in a tender and kindly way-"if I write to Jack Dunquerque to-day, and t
hand-Lawrence still holding the right-upon
d; and I-forgive me!-I did not believe it, I could not understand it. O Jack, Ja
hall craned their necks, but they could
an understand? Why, child, you do not know what love means. Perhaps women never do quite realise what i
, Lawrence! and
in the atmosphere of the place-a face violently distorted by passion, a face in which every evil feeling was at work, a face dark with rage. Phill
st as much as Jack. But I am too old for you; and besides, besides--" He cleared his throat, and spoke m
ment and a rustl
saw her look before, and listening. What did it all mean? what thing was coming over him? He pressed his hand to his forehead, trying to make out what it all meant, for he seemed to be in
re resting in the kitchen, the mistress of the house was resting in her room,
ou in my arms for once, because you are so sweet, and-
d. She did not know how the touch of her hand, the light in her eyes, the sound of her voice, were stirring in the man before
s, he held her two hands tight, when the crash of a falling f
ve of her hand which was grand because it was natural and worthy of Rachel-because you may see it any day among the untutored beauties of Whitechapel, among the gips
he word came
ry of terror, clung tigh
he angry woman. "Do
Phillis," sa
steady gaze, which had neither terror nor surprise in it-a gaze such as a mad doctor might practise upon his patients, a
ent from her feet; "she shall not go until she has heard me first. You dare to make love to
not understand what you are saying. Our
was going to find the truth; he was going-- And here a sudden thought struck him that he had neglected his affairs of late, and that, this busine
he boring of a hole in a dam or dyke, because very soon, instead of a trickling rivulet of water, you get a gigantic inundation. Nothing is easier than to have your revenge; only it is so v
s might. But Victoria, his wife Victoria, spoke out
l," repeat
red and scoffed at me; you have insulted me; you have refused alm
brewing. "This man takes you in his arms and kisses you. He says he loves you; he dares to tell you he loves you. No doubt you are flattered. You have had the men round you all day long, a
still time to stop,"
n is my
thing. The man stood quietly stroking his great beard
ere married in Scotland, privately; but he is my husband,
the reason of my departure. If you think it w
on. He used cruel and bitter lang
d that things should go on as if the marriage, which was no marriage, had never taken place. Janet, the maid, was to be trusted. She stayed with her mistress; I went abroad. And then I heard by accident that my wi
as if she did not hear
claim him now. I say, Lawrence, so long as I live you shall marr
ovable, suddenly seemed to terrify
me! Take me away. I never lov
answer or
let us go away together, we two. I have never lov
er, his hands spread out helplessly, his form quivering, his lips trying to utter something; but no sound came through them. Be
legal husband. For two years and more my life has b
ing had happened to the man. He expected an outburst of wrath, but no wrath came. Gabriel
asonable weather fo
wrence, "you have de
shook his head,
y, and sea
the nearest chair, and bu
TER
bled of gre
ocent girl who only perceived that something dreadful-something beyond the ordinary run of dreadful events-had happened, and that Victoria Cassilis looked out of her sense
. His voice was harsh, an
toria. "There is no more
away, restored, to outward seeming, to all her calm and stately coldness. The coachman and the footman noticed nothing.
en to think that he should do the same. And she did despise her husband, the man of shares, companies, and stocks. But could she love Colquhoun? Such a woman may feel the passion of jealousy; she may rejoice in the admiration which gratifies her
horror, such a piteous gaze of questioning reproach at Colquhoun, that the man's heart melted within him. He seemed to have grown old
His voice was low and gentle;
knows I would have spared you
touched his mouth with his fingers like a dumb man. He was worse than a dumb man, who cannot speak at all, because his tongue, if he allowed it, uttered words which had n
r. Cassilis? Do you comp
ded hi
with a pencil. Mr. Cassilis grasped the pencil eagerly, and began to write. From
asonable weather fo
sorrowful heart, and showed it
ried Colquhoun, "
uched him on the ar
; "but he cannot explain himself. Something
s nodded gratef
people. A few days passed. She would not, for some whim of her own, allow the marriage to be disclosed. We quarrelled for that, and other reasons-my fault, possibly. Good God! what a honeymoon! To meet the woman you love-your bride-in society; if for half an hour alone, then in the solitude of open observation; to quarrel like people who have been married for forty years-- Well, perhaps it was my fault. On the fifth day we agreed to let things be as if they had never been. I left my bride, who was not my wife, in anger. We used bitter words-perhaps I the bitterest. And when we parted, I bade her go back to her old life as if nothing had been promised on either side. I said she
erstand? Not entirely, I think. Yet the words which he had heard fell upon his heart softly, and soothed him in his troubl
l. "If you cannot speak, will you make some
ctionary. She put that into his hand, and asked him
e leaves, and presently, finding the page he wanted, ra
g it out in her pretty l
nce-silence. Is that what yo
nod
is, tell no one what you have heard; not even Agatha; not even Jack Dunquerque. Or, i
Jack; and I shall ask him first if he thinks
e promises a thing; you may trust me, for my own sake; you may, I hope, trust that other person. And as fo
ion. Clearly the one thing in his mind at the moment-the one possible thin
take you home, si
none in his feeble confiding manner when he took Lawrence'
d her. When he had kissed her, he laid his finger on her lips.
Lawrence. "Forget, if you can.
nce made no further explanations. What was there to explain? The one who s
s was too weak to step out of the carriage. They helped him-Lawrence Colquhoun and a footman-in
the wrong person, for up-stairs sat her mistress, calm, cold and collected. She came home looking pale and a little worn; fatigued, perhaps, with the constant round of engagements, though the season was l
lquhoun
never my wife, as you know, and never will be, though the Law may make you take my name. Cr
he cried, almost as i
Learn, now, that your jealousy was without foundation. Phillis w
of the last words. Indeed, Phillis was quite ou
, at present, att
ked again. "What can they do? I did not mea
u in the prisoner's box and me in the witness box. What he wan
cry his wrongs all over the town,
was lucky that Agatha heard nothing; she was upstair
l. What else is t
ur husband; for the
ake, Lawrence," she
ented to a secret marriage, which was no marriage, when there was no reason for any secrecy; it was the worst day of all when I answered your letter, and came here to see you. Every day w
s not met him since, nor do I think n
n of thousands upon the young leaves of the trees, and darkening the shadows a deeper black by way of contrast. They brough
You need not wait up; I shal
adam. Mr. Cassilis
. See to that, Tomlinson; and
thing. What mischief had been done, and how far was it her own doing? To persons who wan
point of view likely to be taken by Mr. Plush and Miss Hairpin, was a comfortable one. The mistress of the house was unpopular. Her temper at times was intolerable, her treatment of servants showed no consideration; and the women-folk regarded the neglect of her own child with the horror of such neglect in which the Englis
have been irresistible had there been one gleam, just one gleam of womanly tenderness; she saw one man after the other first attracted and then repelled; and then she came to the one man who was not repelled. There was once an unfortunate creature who dared to make love to Diana. His fate is recorded in Lempriére's Dictionary; also in Dr. Smith's later and more expensive work. Lawrence Colquhoun resembled that swain, and his fate was not unlike the classical punishment. She went through the form of marriage with him, and then she drove him from her by the cold wind of her own intense selfishness-a very Mistral. When he was gone she began to regret a slave of such uncomplaining slavishness. Well, no one knew except Janet. Janet did not talk. It was
ed, "it is as well. Lawrence and I should never ha
hings in Latin on a paper, which he gave to a servant. Then he went away, and said he would come in the morning again. He
to do with any possible wish or thought. He rambled at large and at length; and then he grew angry, and then he became suddenly sorrowful, and sighed; t
at his secretary called, si
chief was lying. The eyes of the sick man opened languidly and fell upo
ce of a sympathy which has but little t
cretary out of the room. "Hush! he understands what is sai
etary. "Where was he yesterday? Why did he not s
? I gathered from Mr. Colquhoun that it was of a
Cassilis worrying himself about family matters? No, sir; when
at Mr. Gabriel C
ht in the papers. If he were well, and able to face things, there might be-no, even the
d. You may return in three or four hours, if you like, and then pe
happened
es of stock without affecting the price-Stock Exchange transactions are not secret-and Eldorado Stock went up. This was what Gabriel Cassilis naturally desired. Also the letter of El Se?or Don Bellaco de la Carambola to the Times, showing the admirable way in which Eldorado loans were received and administer
o any kind of business-there arrived for him telegram after telegram, in his own cipher, from America. These lay unopened. It was di
and should have known all along what a miserable country Eldorado is. The British public were warned too late not to trust in Eldorado promises any more; and the unfortunates who held Eldorado Stock were actuated by one common imp
other, in trusting Eldorado, and his brain could not stand the blow. When the secretary, who understood the cipher, came to open the letters and telegrams, he left off talking about the fatal shock of the news. It must have
afraid to speak because he would only babble incoherently. All was gone from him-money, re
TER
airy visions
e to angels.
before the explosion, found Jack Dunquerque wai
looking!" he cried. "
ke an angel, and she talked like a-like a woman, with pretty blushes; and yet she wasn't ashamed
uhoun say
esitated-"fact is, I want you to look at things just exactly as I do. I'm rich. I have struck Ile; that Ile is the mightiest Special
o
ho fired that shot? Who de
s did as m
shook h
isn't for him that the Golden Butterfly fills me with yearnin's. No sir. I owe it all to you. You've saved my life; you've sought me out, and gone about this city with me; you've put me up to rop
ed for
as if he never wants to get anything. He laughed and lay back on the grass. And then he said, 'My dear fellow, let Jack come back if he likes; there's no fighting against fate; only let him have the decency not to announce his engagement till Ph
"I can't do this thing;
erque, say you won't go against Providence. There's a sweet y
shook h
d. "I shall never forget your gene
ng," said Gilead. "What Miss Fl
ed by the arriva
ceived money from him on account of work which he thought would never be done. He enclosed a cheque for t
e amount which the Twins had borrowed dur
be finished in the time; that it was rapidly advancing; but that he could not pledge himself to completing the work by October. Also, that h
eck l
e dinner, and you shall talk about Miss Fleming. And the day after to-morrow-you note that down-I've asked Mrs. L'Estrange and Miss Phillis to breakfast. Captain Ladds is coming, and Mr. Colquhoun. And you shall sit next to her. Mrs. Cassilis is coming too. When I
he spoke. The Twins were just taking their first glass of port. He had been quite sil
ctively they knew what was
t my brothers have not
rother Humphrey,
rother Cornelius,
They made a disingenuous attempt to engage the affec
ved the girl--"
oted to Phillis Flemi
aid Cornelius. "No such
" said Humphrey. "I al
s undig
nt down to her again, under the belief that she was engaged
spoke th
de a contract for certain work with Mr. Gilead Beck, and hav
ter on quite another footing, "you must excuse us. We know what is r
s murmur
reat with dignity. We say, 'We will not be
"That is very well; b
er an
learned to my sorrow that all this promise has been for years a pretence. You sleep all day-you call it work. You habitually drink too much at night. You, Cornelius"-the Poet started-"have not put pen to paper for years. You, Humphrey"-the Artist hung his head-"have neither drawn nor painted anything since you ca
ey were trembl
g. Wine will disappear from my table; brandy-and-soda will have to be bought at your
the return of the years of fatness; they have exhausted their own little income in purchasing th
up bravely the prete
TER
ruins he him
ft of all his
understan
d dressed as usual. Then he took his seat in his customary chair at his table. Before him lay papers, but he did not read them. He s
away. They gave him the Times, and he laid it mechanically at his elbow. But he did not speak,
understan
was still any hope. Somehow or other it was whispered already in the City that G
eans victory; in a scholar, clearness of purpose; in a priest, knowledge of human nature and ability to use that knowledge in a financier, the power and the intuiti
at the iron grey hair should become white; that a steady hand should shake, and straight shoulders be bent.
his head gently. H
k and more!" cried the impatient clerk. "W
was no
I could have acted. The news came yesterday morning. It was all o
mild inquiry. No anxie
ew York telegraphed this a week ago. He's been confirming the secret every day since. O Lord! O
s silence was t
e served you faithfully for twenty years. But never mind that. You bought in at 64. Then the Eldorado minister wrote to the paper. Stock went up to 75. You stood to win, only the day before yesterday, £
tient man in the Windsor chair. Only that gentl
-the whole work of your life-O sir! can't you feel even that? Can't you feel the
lerk with the polite impatience of one who listens to a wearisome sermon, was trying to understand what was the m
that; I know so much; but it's best to let people think so. If you haven't a
ado Stock. But my employment is gone, I suppose. You will recommend me, I
ully posed as one burdened with the weight of affairs, laden with responsibility, and at all times oppressed by the importance of his thoughts. He carried a pocket-book which shut with a clasp; in the midst of a conversation he would stop, become abstracted
erally. He had a fair salary, but no confidence, no advice, and not much more real knowledge of what his chief was doing than any outsider. And in t
ns are not so large, but perhaps his personal emoluments g
he said, 'I've never known you wrong yet. But for once I fancy my own opinion. We've worked together for twenty years,' he said, 'and you've the clearest head of any man I ever saw,' he said. 'But here I think you're wrong. And I shall hold on for another day or two,'
furniture, its carriages, plate, library, and pictures. Mr. Cassilis signed whatever documents were brought for signatu
sorrow. The past was, and is still, dead to him; all
, regarded bankruptcy as the one thing to be dreaded, or at least to be looked upon, because it was absurd to dread it, as a thing bringing with it the
in comparison with the other disaster. The honour of his wife and the legitimacy of his child
. That rare and wonderful disease which seems to attack none but the strongest, which separates the brain from the tongue, takes away the knowledge and the sense of language,
ords with his lips nor write them with his hand. He is a prisoner who has free use of his limbs. He is separated from the world by a greater
him. Patients are not often found suffering from aphasi
understood all that was said to him, and by degree
aid told her that Mr. Cassilis was ill; she made no reply; she did not ask to see him; sh
enal asked if h
hat he proposed to stay in the house t
He would bring her a message o
ard, but her eyes were wistful. He saw that she was afraid. When a
Mrs. Cassilis; and I am sorry to
t you made a remarkable statement in the presence o
correctly, I have no do
Joseph, knowing that no record ever was more
part of
quhoun, partly; partly
ou please, M
ould not give this advice, I recommend to all parties concerned-silence.
, who had heard as yet not
cy. Mr. Cassi
! Mr. C
artled out
ns. Ruined! That Colossus of wealth-the man whom she married for his
ccused you-pardon me, Mrs. Cassilis-accused you of-infidelity. The letters state that there is a secret of some kind connected with your former acquaintance with Mr. Colquhoun; that you have been lately in the habit of receiving him or meetin
de no
your husband's mind been untroubled, this would neve
rs. Cassilis, clenching he
l wh
t was a woman. No man could have done
m going now into the City to find out if I can. Your wild words, Mrs. Cassilis, and your unguarded con
ed coldly-"a paid servant of his. What you say has no import
t what was the good of feeling resentment with
. It will drive you out of society, and brand you as a criminal; it will lock you up for two years in prison; it will leave a stigma never to be forgotten or obliterated; it means ruin far, far worse than what you have brought on Mr. Cassilis. On the other
interposed. "What
olquhoun will leav
hissed out, "that I will do anything and suffer anything
eason only known to himself, he will never marry during the life of a certain pe
n, for there was none to hide, but to think. Presently s
is capable of. At the same time, he acknowledges to himself that the speech made by Victoria Cassilis to he
arms was his infant son, a child of a year old, for whose amusemen
Mrs. Cassilis motioned the nurse to leave them, and Victoria said what she had come to say. She stood at the table, in the attitude of one who commands respect rather than one who entreats pardon. Her accentuation was pr
ons of mine have given you reason for jealousy. The exact truth is that Lawrence Colquhoun and I were once engaged. The breaking off of that engagement caused me at the time the greatest unhappiness. I resolved then that he should never be engaged to any other girl if I could prevent it by any means in my power. My whole action of late, which appeared to you as if I was running after an old lover,
; always her o
sume, Mr. Cassilis, resum
his child, and Joseph Jagenal saw the tears running d
Cassilis," the lawyer pleaded,
de no
mething for you in the
nod
shall be as little intercourse as possible. Your husband will breakfast and dine by himself, and occupy his own apartments. You are free, pro
dictionary, and hunted for a word. It was th
ham, here or elsewhere. Should that silence not be observed, the adviser
up at his wife since that first gaze, in which he conc
ctoria Cassilis. "Or ha
id Joseph, opening the d
misery; not his ruin; not the sight of her child. One thing only pleased her. Lawrence Colquhoun woul
n room wa
most, and she felt that she must speak to some one-"Tomlinson, if a woman wrote anonymous lett
," said Tomlinson, wh
man out. I will devote my life to it, and I will have no mercy on her when I have found her. I will kill her-someh
. She tottered from the ro
have seen him tied to a stake, as is the pleasant wont of the Red Indian, and stick arrows, knives, and red-hot things into him. These hurt so much that he is glad to die. But he is dead, and you can do no more to him. And it seems a pity, because
the loss of her great wealth. And what had her husband done to Tomlinson that he should
s and wages, with a letter in somebody else's writing, for a reason, to her mistress, and then went to America, where she had relations. She lives now in a city of the Western States, where her brother keeps a
mple will be laid to heart, and pondered by other ladie
TER
to all my
was ruined. But he had a rooted dislike to newspapers, and never looked at them. He classed the editor of the Times with Mr. Huggins of Clearville or Mr. Van Cott of Chicago, but supposed that he had a larger influence. Politi
, the arrangements for seating his guests. Mr. and Mrs. Cassilis, Mrs. L'Estrange and Phillis, Lawrence Colquhoun, Ladds, and Jack Dunquerque-all his most intimate friends were com
savour of ostentation. Also for fruit: strawberries, apricots, cherries and grapes in early June are not things quite beyond precedent, and his conscience acquitted him of display which might seem shoddy. And when
ould be independent of commercial success; have no advertisements; boil down the news; do without long leaders; and always speak the truth, without evasion, equivocation, suppression, or exaggeration. A miracle in journalism. He would r
ck was, after all, only human. Think what an inflation of dignity, brother De Pauper-et
othing, but they courted his society, and this pleased him more than any other part of his grand Luck. There was no great merit in their liking the man. Rude as his life had been, he was gifted with the tenderest and kindest heart; lowly born and roughly bred, he was yet a man of boundless sympathies. And because he had kept his self-respect throughout, and was ashamed of nothing, he slipt easily and naturally into the new circle, picking up without difficulty what was lacking of external things. Yet he was just the same as when he landed in England; with the same earnest, almost solemn, way of looking at things; the same gravity; the s
this intolerably selfish young man how many British speculators lost their money by the Eldorado smash when he was going to meet Phillis. After all, the round world and all that is therein do really rotate about a pole-of course invisible-which goes through every man's own centre of gravity, and sticks out in a manner which may be felt by him. And
agile spring-a good-half hour before the time. Per
im what it was. He bore his heavy inscrutable look, such as that with which he had been won
ssilis. Her husband was ill, an
un. He had most important business in th
ttle disconcerted by the defection of so many guests; but he had a le
ush of conscious womanhood, the modest light of maidenly joy with which she met her lover. Jack rushed, so to speak, at her hand, and held it with a ridiculous shamelessness only excusable on the ground that they were almost in a family circle. T
Lucky beggar, Jack!
eplied, in her fearless fashion. "I a
to offer some slight token of regard-found I couldn't-no more money-Eldorado s
It was one of those old-fashioned rings set in pearls and brilliants. She was no
d,-"go away-do somethin
nderstand--" s
after breakfast. Tel
hey went t
o had lost his all, disposed to taciturnity. Jack and Phillis were too happy to
ead Beck replied that of late years he had been accustomed to call a chunk of cold pork with a piec
hat you may divide men into two classes-those who've got a future, and those who haven't. I belonged to the class who had a future. Sometimes we miss it. And I feel like to cry whenever I think of the boys with a bright future before them, who fell in
ure as well as men, Mr
lookin' forward for my future, and I knew it was bound to come in some form or other. I looked
ittle rococo in her morality, "it is well that this gr
time the Luck comes; at the right time the Luck will go. Yes,"-he looked solemnly round the table,-"some day the Luck is bound to go. When it goes, I hope I shall be prepared for the change. But if it goes to-morrow, it cannot take away, Mrs. L'Estrange, the memory of these few months, your friends
he poor among us,"
you make them poor. There's folks goin' up and folks goin' down. You in England hel
a telegram was
m had been presented, but that his balance was already overdrawn; and that the
understand it. The cheque was for h
and Ladds was absorbed in thoughts of his own-that when he arrived in London he was possessed with the idea that all he had to do, in order to protect, benefit, and advance humanity, was to found
s homes for the repentant in every other street. All around they are protected by charity and the State. Even if they get knocked down in the street, they need not fight, because there's a policeman within easy h
achin' well and livin' well; else we want to know the reason why. You give your subalterns as much as other nations give their colonels; you set them down to a grand mess every day as if they were all born lords. You keep four times as many naval officers as you want, and ten times as many generals. It's all waste and lavishin' from end to end.
telegram wa
gible terms that his wells had all run dry, that his credi
ce and unfaltering eye. Then he lo
a little sooner than I expec
he remembered someth
s. That's close upon half a million of English money. We can
ied Ladds
ilis, the great E
s failed for two millions sterling
believe, was in
has sunk to nothing. Gabriel Cassilis has lost all my mo
ll gone, Tomm
-no use now-business sold twenty years ago. Proceeds
her's face with mute bewilderment, a
s. That, further, Gabriel Cassilis, always, it appeared, acting on the wishes of Mr. Beck, had invested the whole sum in Eldorado Stock. That, &c. He threw the letter on the table half unread. Then, after a moment's hesitation, he rose solemnly, and sought the corner of the room in
d and looked helplessly round,-"
e floor of the box; the white quartz which formed its body had slipped fr
gold key and took out the fragme
he said.
en Butterfly f
Luck of Gil
o little bits it is. The Ile run dry, the c
ne s
hoped, with the assistance of Miss Fleming, to divide that Pile with you
. When I am gone back to America-I suppose the odds and ends here will
ble, that no one present had a word to
roceeded with
emen. There's Amer'can ladies and Amer'can gentlemen, but I can't speak of them, because I never went into their society You don't find ladies and gentlemen in Empire City. And in all the trades I've turned
lled himself toge
eam. Is it real? Is the story of the Golden Butterfly
ove so much, there is you in it, and I am in it-and-and the Twins. Why, if people saw us all in a book they would say it was impossible. I am the only girl in al
sorry indeed we are that it is over. But perhaps it is not all over.
o the three pieces which were
cept the solid gold that made his cage.
his quiet lady, this woman of even and uneventfu
ld out h
of us," he said. "We
not with the same light heart as before-you've spoiled me. I must strike out something new-away from Empire City and Ile and gold. I'm spoiled. It's not the cold chunk of pork that I am afraid
" said Phillis. "Don't g
id Jack. "We will
range. (Women can blush, although they may b
nd something like a tear glittered
of a wing, marked and veined by Nature as if, for once she was determined to show that she too
st hours of my life. They have made me dream of power as if I was Autocrat of All the Russians. Say, Mrs. L'Est
hite quartz were the little holes where the wings had fitted. He put them back in their old place-t
golden flower. Singular to relate, the wire fitted like the wings j
e Luck I've given away. It's gone to you, Mis
ack, Mr. Beck,"
t was shown when the Butterfly fell off the wires. It is
k there's a Luck in the world which I never dreamed of, a better L
ck, I know,"
Jack's shoulder, while his
rl. "Yes; that is the best Luck in
ation. In the presence of that guileless heart all earthly thoughts dropped from his soul, and he was, like the girl before him, pure in h
all, Miss Fleming
endid case with its thick plat
en he ran from the Bear on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada. And Phillis laid her new treasure in
the door opened, and Lawrenc
k was gone; a troubled look was in its place. Worse than a troubled look-a look of mis
cried Mrs.
rt of way, his hands shaking before hi
id, in hoarse vo
I to forgiv
uerque, it is for you to speak-for all of you-you all love Phillis.
e guess,"
le it. I thought to double my own. I put all your money, child, every farthing of your money,
lasped Phillis ti
nly l
if you have lost all my money?
he moment-such was the infatuation of
ce, don't trouble too much. Captain Ladds has lost all his fortune,
g at Mrs. L'Estrange. "Gabriel Cassilis is a wond
ee ruined men sat toge
uhoun?" asked Ladds,
t 10 percent. It is now anything you like-4, 6, 8
me. But to think, only to think, that such an almighty Pile should be fooled away on a darned half-caste S
ential lift as the Golden Butterfly. Gentlemen, my opinions are changed since this morning. I believe we're nothing better, not a single cent better, th
ER TH
ove, ye br
ntent, soft
brighter
brighter da
t improving the human race. His gratitude to that prodigy of Nature has so far cooled that he now considers it more in the light of a capricious sprite, a sort of Robin Good-fellow, than as a benefactor. He has also changed his views as to the construction of the round earth, and all that is t
und to climb? Let them climb. And what's the good of tryin' to save those that
ager of the hotel bribed the owner of a certain Regent Street restaurant to take it away; and I have heard that it now hangs, having been greatly cut down, on the wall of that establishment, getting its tones mellowed day by day with the steam of roast and boiled. As for the other pictures, Mr. Burls expressed his extreme sorrow that temporary embarrassment prevented him purchasing them back at the price given for
destroyed that. There was not a cent left; not one single co
ly-born air of sweetness and trust; but, as we have seen, he could no longe
single cheque which Joseph Jagenal had placed in his hands, and w
begin the world again. After all, the majority of manki
ut of it than into it. It stands there now, more lonely than Empire City-its derricks and machinery rusting and dropping to pieces,
later when, his mind at rest and his conscience clear of bills and doubts, because now ther
e was troubled in look, and the
e," Gilead said sympathetical
Beck," Agatha sobbed
me, and when they give it a twist we're bound to cry out.
a week. Poor Lawrence has literally not a penny left, except what he gets from the sale of his horses, pictures and things.
s Mr. Dunquerque you
thousand pounds altogether; and they have made up their minds to emig
asked Gilead
Ladds will go away together somew
, and looked round the room. "It must not be, Mrs. L'Estrange. You know me partly-that is you know the manner of man I wish to see
n to tremble. Could it be possib
w
nk it presumptuous in a rough American-not an American gentleman by birth and raising-to offer you such protection and care as he can give to the best of women? We, too, will go to Virginia with Mr. D
I am forty
m five a
om. They did not look at all like being ruin
e?" said Gilead. "I am thinking of going, too
a! come
me," correc
s, to see so much?-and half laughing, but more in serio
ood man, and he loves you; and we will
cenes to conc
than Phillis-laid her hand in Gilead's, with the confession, half sobbed out, "And it isn't a mistake
ikes upon the peaks and ridges of the great Sierra, lights up the broad belt of wood making shadows blacker than night, and lies along the grass
houn," says one; "mor
tly the foremost, Ladds,
it?" asks
its knees, but now only the bones are left. They are clothed in the garb o
chow," said Colquhoun calml
night Ladds awa
stairs. Says the ghost of Achow to the shade Leeching, 'No you
onviction that he had heard and seen a Chinaman's ghost, an
town they made
out of sobriety of speech. "It rains
was raised, with finger as of
of human bones clad in Chinese dress. By its
e pistol I gave to Leeching. How
ad a ghost story of his own-an original one in pigeon English-he did not intend ever to read another. Therefore Colquhoun must excuse him if he gave up the story of Leeching's skeleton entirely to his own reading. He then went on to say that he never had liked skeletons, and that h
grass to see if there was anything more. There was something more. It was a bag of coarse yellow canva
ck, Tommy. L
together by the two Chinamen, which had
it-there must be a hundred and fifty ounces, I should think.
d away their thousands, the luck of picking
uld call your little pile and my little pile. And we'll go and buy a little farm in Virginia, too; and
eing wheeled about he plays with his child, to whom he talks; that is, pours out a stream of meaningless words, because he will never again talk coherently. Victoria is exactly the same as ever-cold, calm, and proud. Nor is there anything whatever in her manner to her husband, if she accidentally meets him, to show that she has
eart. Presently she lifts her head as she hears a step. That smile with which she greets her husband shows that she is happy
s are coming here to-day, and will stay till Monday. Wi
r. "As if the dear girl would go anywhere without
red to hear that he committed an enormous etymological blunder in the baptism of his boy,
come! Her
trap, jumps out, throws the reins to the boy, and ha
elicacy of features more delicate. Yet look again, and you find that she is changed. She was a
pers her
to shut your eyes for just one minute.
n Butterfly. It seems as strong and vigorous as ever; and as it lies upon the child's
a man can get"-he took the hand of his wife-"love and friendship. You are welcom
ll that I want for myself. I have my husband and my boy-my little, little Philip! I am mo
E
riber'
errors have been cor
istencies in the text hav
t in the original text and has been