 Chapter 23 of our friend, the charlatan. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Our friend, the charlatan by George Gissing. Chapter 23. At the door of the breakfast room, Miss Bride was approached by Lady Ogrum's maid, who in an undertone informed her that Dr. Baldwin had been sent for. Lady Ogrum had passed a very bad night, but did not wish it to be made known to her guests whom she hoped to meet at luncheon. Of the possibility of this, the maid declared herself very doubtful. She did not think the doctor would allow her mistress to get up. Let me know when the doctor is leaving, said Constance, I should like to see him. So William and his wife breakfasted with the two young ladies. Lord Dim Church did not appear when the others had left the room. Constance asked the servant if his lordship was down yet and learned that he had this morning gone away, leaving a note for Lady Ogrum. At the same moment, word was brought to Miss Bride that Dr. Baldwin waited in the library. Constance replied that she would see him. Then, turning to the other attendant, she asked whether Lord Dim Church's note had been delivered to Lady Ogrum. It lay she learned with the rest of the morning's letters, which the maid had not yet taken up. Thereupon Constance sought and found it and carried it with her as she entered the library. How do you find your patient, doctor? She inquired in her usual tone. Quite unfit to get up to date, though I fear she is determined to do so, replied Dr. Baldwin. Wonderful the influence of her mind upon her physical state. I found her alarmingly weak, but as usual she insisted on hearing the news of the town and something I was able to tell her acted with more restorative force than any drug in the pharmacopeia. What was that? Mr. Robb's will. I hear on good authority that he leaves not a penny to our hospital. Lady Ogrum was delighted. It makes the field clear for her. She declares that she will buy the site on Burgess Hill immediately. The will is dated 15 years ago. They say no doubt he meant to make another. That, I am sure, was a cordial, exclaimed Constance. Impossible for Mr. Robb to have done Lady Ogrum a greater kindness. After a few more inquiries concerning the patient, she let the doctor take his leave. Then she stood looking at the outside of Lord Dim Church's letter and wondering what it might be its contents. Beyond a doubt they were of an explosive nature. Whatever his excuse, Lord Dim Church's abrupt departure would enrage. Lady Ogrum, had he been refused by May or had something come to pass which made it impossible for him to offer marriage, something connected with Lashmar's early visit this morning, that he had intended a proposal Constance could not doubt. Meanwhile she felt glad of the outbreak in prospect. Her mood desired tumultuous circumstances. What part she herself would play in today's drama she had not yet decided. That must largely depend upon events. Her future was involved in the conflict of passions and designs which would soon be at its height. How much it would have helped her could she have read through the envelope now in her hand. There came a knock to the door. Lady Ogrum wished to speak with Miss Bride. It was the rarest thing for the secretary to be summoned to her ladyship's bedroom in the antechamber the maid encountered her. My lady means to get up, whispered this discreet attendant. She thinks herself very much better, but I'm sure she is very ill indeed. I know the signs, the doctor forbade her to move, but I dursant oppose her. Does she know that Lord Dimchurch is gone? Asked Constance. No, Miss. I thought it better to say nothing just yet. Everything excites her so. You were very wise. Keep silence about it until Lady Ogrum leaves her room. My lady has just asked for her letters, Miss. Bring up those that have come by post. I will deliver the other myself. Constance entered the bedroom with cheeks already touched into ghastly. Semblance of warm light with her surprising hair provisionally rolled into a diadem. The old autocrat lay against upright pillows. At sight of Constance she raised her skeleton hand and added a croak of triumph. Do you know the news followed in scarce articulate utterance? Robbs will. Nothing to the hospital, not a penny for town charities. Constance affected equal rejoicing for it. She knew how the singular old philanthropist had loathed the thought that Hollingford's new hospital might bear Robb's name instead of her own. But I beg you not to excite yourself, she added. Try to think quietly. Mind your own business. Broke in the thick voice whilst the dark eyes flashed with exultation. I want to know about Lord Dimchurch. What are the plans for this morning? I don't think they are settled yet. It's still early. How is May? Quite well, I think. I shall be down at midday, if not before. Tell Lord Dimchurch that. The morning's correspondence was brought in. Lady Ogrum glanced over her letters, and bad Constance replied to two or three of them. She gave also many instructions as to matters which had been occupying her lately. Her mind was abnormally active and lucid. At times her speech became so rapid that it was unintelligible. Now go and get to work. She said at length, coming to an abrupt close, you have enough to occupy you all the morning. Constance had paid little attention to these commands, and on returning to the library she made no haste to begin upon her secretarial duties. For more than an hour she sat brooding. Only as a relief to her thoughts did she at length begin to write letters. It was shortly before midday when again there came a summons from Lady Ogrum obeying it. Constance took Lord Dimchurch's letter in her hand. Lady Ogrum had risen. She was in the little drawing room upstairs, reclining upon a sofa. The effort of walking thus far had exhausted her. I hear that Mr. Lashmore has called this morning. She began half-raising herself, but at once sinking back again. What did he come about? Can't he come to lunch? Yes, he will be here at one o'clock. Constance replied. Then why did he come? It was before nine. What had he to say? He wanted to speak to me in private. Oh, I suppose that's privileged. Return the autocrat smiling. What have you got there? Something just come? It's a note for you from Lord Dimchurch. From Lord Dimchurch, give it me at once then. Where is he? Why couldn't he wait till I came down? She tore the envelope with weak trembling hands. Constance watched her as she read. Of a sudden, the shrunk feeble figure sprang upright and stood as though supported by the vigorous muscles of youth. Do you know what this contains? Sounded a clear, hard voice, strangely unlike that which had just been speaking. I have no idea. But you knew that he had left? Yes, I knew. I kept it from you till now because I feared you were not well enough to bear the agitation. And who, cried the other fiercely, gave you authority to detain letters addressed to me? What have you to do with my health? When did Lord Dimchurch leave? Whilst we were at breakfast, Constance and stood with great effort at self-command. He saw nobody. Then you lied to me when you came up before? I think Lady Ogrum said Constance, standing rigid and with white face, you might give me credit for good intentions. It was nothing to me whether you heard this news then or later, but I knew that you had passed a sleepless night and that the doctor had been sent for. You knew, you knew, cried the listener with savage scorn. Did you know why Lord Dimchurch had gone? I took it for granted that it had something to do with Miss Tomlin. Answer me in plain words without a lie and without shiftiness. Do you know that Lord Dimchurch has proposed to me and been refused? I did not know it. You suspected as much. I thought it possible, but the business was not a mine and I gave very little heed to it. Lady Ogrum had begun to totter. She let herself sink upon the sofa and reread the letter that shook in her hand. He says he has a sister ill. Did you hear anything of that? Nothing at all. The autocrat stared for a moment as though trying to read Constance's thoughts. Then she waved her hand. Go back to your work. Stay in the library till you hear from me again. Constance quivered with the impulse to make indignant reply, but prudence prevailed. She bent her head to conceal wrathful features and in silence went from the room. Five minutes later, May Tomlin entered by the awful door. She knew what was before her and had braced her nerves, but at the first sight of Lady Ogrum, a sinking heart drew all the blood from her cheeks. In countering the bloodshot glare from those fleshless eye caverns, she began to babble a good morning aunt, but the words failed and her frightened temper meant for a smile passed into mere blackness of visage. Come here, May. Is it true that you have refused, Lord Dimchurch? The voice was less terrifying than her aunt's countenance had led her to expect. She was able to recover her wit sufficiently to make the reply she had spent all the morning in preparing. Refused him. I didn't mean that. He must have misunderstood me. What did you mean then? I hardly knew what Lord Dimchurch meant, answered May, trying to look playfully modest. Let us have no nonsense. Sounded in stern accents, Lord Dimchurch writes me a letter saying distinctly that he has proposed to you and that you have refused him, and that he goes off without a word to anyone. Did you know he was leaving this morning? Sentently not, answered the girl, with a bold plunge into mendacity. I expected to see him at breakfast, then I was told he was gone. I don't understand it at all. From the moment of entering the room, she had put away all thoughts of truthfulness. This plainly was no time for it. As soon as possible, she would let Dice Lashmart know that they must vain and temporize. The policy of courage looked all very well from a distance, but was quite another thing in the presence of the Mistress of Rivenoch enraged. Lashmart must caution Constance, who seemingly, much to May's surprise, had submitted to his dictation at this juncture. For a time nothing could be done beyond cloaking what had really happened, and soothing Lady Ogham's wrath with apparent submission. When did you see him last? Pursued the questioner, this morning before breakfast, for a few minutes in the garden. Better to be voracious so far, thought May, she might otherwise fall into self-contradiction. Was it an appointment? No, by chance. I never thought of meeting him. And what did he say to you? Tell me his words. I couldn't possibly recall them, said May, who had seated herself and was becoming all but calm. Lord Dimchurch has a very vague way of talking. He rambles from one subject to another. But didn't he say anything at all about marriage? cried Lady Ogham in exasperation. He spoke of his position and his prospects. Perhaps he hoped I should understand, but it was also vague. Why, then, the man is a scoundrel. He never proposed you at all, and he runs away leaving a lying letter behind him, saying that I should never have thought that of Lord Dimchurch. She fixed her eyes on May and added fiercely, Are you telling me the truth? The girl bridled, staring straight before her with indignant evasiveness of look. My dear aunt, how can you ask me such a question? Of course, I may have misunderstood Lord Dimchurch, but if it hadn't been for what you have once or twice said to me, I really shouldn't have ever supposed that he meant anything. He talks in such a rambling way. He grew valuable. Lady Ogham listened a while, then cut her short. Very well. There has been some queer sort of mistake that's plain. I should like to know what Lord Dimchurch means. Why couldn't he see me like an honest man? It's very extraordinary. This running away before breakfast, saying goodbye to nobody. She mused, normally, her eye ever and again, turning upon the girl. Look here, May. Do you think Constance knows anything about it? I really can't say. I don't see how it was she that brought me this letter. Do you think he spoke to her about me, exclaimed May uneasily? Oh, I don't think so. I never noticed that they were friendly. Ring the bell. Constance Bride was sent for some moments past. Lady Ogham stamped impatiently. She ordered May to ring again and demanded why Miss Bride kept her waiting considerably more than five minutes had elapsed before the figure of the secretary appeared. Her face wore an expression of proud indifference and at the sight of May's subdued timid air, she smiled coldly. Why have you been so long, cried Lady Ogham? I came as soon as I could, was the clear reply. Now listen to me, Constance, broke vehemently from the bloodless lips. I'll have no nonsense. You understand that? I'll not be played with, deceived me or treat me in any way unbecomingly and you shall remember it the longest day you live. I want to know whether Lord Dimchurch said anything to you to explain his sudden departure. To me, certainly not. Now mind I'll get at the truth of this, you know me. May says that Lord Dimchurch never proposed to her at all. What do you make of that? Constance glanced at Miss Tomlin whose eyes fell. Again she smiled. It's very strange. She answered with a certain air of sympathy. That's really all I can say. It's impossible to have any opinion about such a personal matter which doesn't in the least concern me. Please remember Aunt, put in May, that I only said I didn't understand Lord Dimchurch in that sense. Are you a fool girl? Screached the autograph violently. I never thought you so. And if he had said anything that was meant for an offer of marriage you would have understood it quickly enough. Either you're telling me the truth or you're lying. Either he proposed to you or he didn't. May caught the look of Constance, turned upon her. It suggested amusement and this touched her feelings far more deeply than the old lady's strong language. I'm obliged to remind you Aunt, she said, her cheek flushing, that I have no experience of this kind of thing. If I made a mistake I think it's excusable. I see that Miss Bright thinks it funny, but she has the advantage of me in age and in several other ways. Even while speaking, May knew that she committed an imprudence. She remembered all that depended upon Constance's disposition towards her and indeed she could not have spoken more unwisely. In the inflamed state of Constance's pride a feminine slap, such as this, sent such a tingling along her nerves that she quivered visibly. It flashed into her mind that Dice Lashmore had all but certainly talked of her to May with significant look and tone, whatever his words, how much had he told her. Lady Ogham's voice was again heard. Well that's true, you're only a child and perhaps you said something which sounded as you didn't mean it. Constance was gazing at the speaker, her lips moved as if in a nervously ineffectual effort to say something. Miss Bright can go back to her work again, said Lady Ogham, as if dismissing a servant. May smiled openly, indistinctly, she could not resist the pleasure of showing her superiority, though smile had not died away when Constance spoke. I will ask your permission to stay for a few minutes longer, Lady Ogham. As Miss Tomlin has so satisfactorily explained her part in this unfortunate affair, I think I'd better use this opportunity for making known to you something which concerns her and which I'm sure will interest you very much. It won't take me long if you feel able to listen. What is it asked the autocrat sharply? You are aware that Mr. Lashmore called very early this morning. He came, as I said, on private business. He had something of importance to tell me, and he asked my help in a great difficulty. Something about the election? It had nothing whatever to do with that. I'll put it in the fewest possible words. Not to waste your time on my own. Mr. Lashmore began by saying that if I didn't mind, he would be glad to be released from his engagement to me. What? But I don't let there be any misunderstanding. This time, said Constance, whose grave irony was perhaps somewhat too fine for the intelligence of either of her hearers, Mr. Lashmore behaved like a man of honor, and I quite approve of the way in which he expressed himself. His words would have been perfectly intelligible, even to Miss Tomlin. Admitting his right to withdraw from the engagement, if he had conscientious objections to it, I ventured to ask Mr. Lashmore whether there was any particular reason for his wish to be released. He paid me the compliment of perfect frankness. The reason was that he wished to marry someone else. And he was that, came hoarsely from Lady Ogrum, Miss Tomlin. May had lost her natural color. She could not take her eyes from the speaker. Her lips were parted. Her forehead was wrinkled into a strange expression of frightened animosity. Until the utterance of her name, she had hoped against hope that Constance did not intend the worst. For the first time in her life, she felt herself struck without pity, and the mere fact of such stern enmity affected her with no less surprise than dread. She would have continued staring at Constance, had not an alarming sound, a sort of moaning snarl, such as might proceed from some suddenly wounded beast caused her to turn towards her aunt. The inarticulate sound was followed by words painfully forced out. Go on. What else? Go on, I tell you. The speaker's breath came with difficulty. She was bent forward, her eyes starting, her throat working as if an anguished Constance had stepped nearer to her. Are you ill, Lady Ogrum? Shall I call for help? Go on. Go on, I tell you. Was the horse reply? I hadn't thought of that. I see now. What next did he say? Mr. Lashmark pursued Constance in a voice somewhat less under control, did me the honor to say that he felt sure I had only his interests and his happiness at heart. He knew that there might be considerable difficulties in his way, even after it had been made known that he was free to turn his attention to Ms. Tomlin, and he was so good as to request my assistance. It had occurred to him that I might be able to present his case in a favorable light to you, Lady Ogrum. Naturally, I was anxious to do my best. Perhaps this is hardly the moment to pursue the subject enough for the present to have made known Mr. Lashmark's state of mind. Lady Ogrum seemed to have overcome her physical anguish. She sat upright once more and, looking at me, asked in a voice only just above her whisper, what have you to say to this? What can I say, exclaimed the girl, with high voice to the immense? I know nothing about it. Of course, it's easy enough to believe that Mr. Lashmark wants to get out of his engagement to Ms. Bride. She laughed scornfully. He, she stopped checking in her throat words which she suddenly remembered would be fatal to the attitude she had assumed. Go on, Cried Lady Ogrum. He, what? I was only going to say that Mr. Lashmark might easily have thought that he had made a mistake. Well, that's my opinion. If it isn't pleasant to Ms. Bride, I can't help it. I tell the truth, that's all. And that I will have, said her aunt, with new self-command. The very last word of it, mind you, Constance, why are you standing all this time? Sit down here on this chair. Now, I want you to repeat what you have told me. First of all, at what o'clock did this happen? At about half past eight this morning. Had it been possible, Constance would have rolled oblivion over all she had spoken. Already, she found her vengeance a poor, saveless thing. She felt that it belittled her. The fire of her wrath burnt low and seemed like to smolder out under self-contempt. She spoke in a dull mechanical voice and gazed at vacancy. May, Lady Ogrum, resumed, when did you get up this morning? At about, oh, about half past seven, I think. Did you go out before breakfast? I've told you that I did, Aunt. I saw Lord Jim Church in the garden. I remember, said her Aunt, with a lowering suspicious look, and you saw Mr. Lashmore as he was coming to the house. No, I didn't see him at all. How was that if you were in the garden? May glibly explained that her encounter with Lord Jim Church took place not before but behind the house. She had a spot of red on each cheek. Her ears were scarlet. She sat with clenched hands and stared at the lower part of her aunt's face. Constance pursued the questioner whose eyes had become small and keen as her utterance grew more sober. Tell it me all over again. It's worth hearing twice. He began, the other obeyed, reciting her story in a current lifeless way so that it sounded less significant than before. And you promised to help him, asked Lady Ogrum, who repeatedly glanced at May. No, I didn't. I lost my temper and said, I don't know what foolish things. This was self-punishment, but it too sounded idle in her ears as soon as she had spoken, Now look at me. Have you told me all he said? All. Look at me. If I find that you are keeping any secret I shall know everything you understand that. I won't sleep till I know everything that has been going on to see me if you dare. I'm not deceiving you. Answer Constance weirdly. You have heard all I know. Now then, for what you suspect, said Lady Ogrum, leaning towards her. Turn your mind inside out. Tell me what you think. That is soon done. I suspect indeed. I believe that Mr. Flashmore's behavior is that of a man with an over-excited mind. He thinks everything is within his reach and everything permitted to him. I believe he spoke to me quite honestly, thinking I might somehow plead his cause with you. That isn't what I want. Do you suspect that he had any hopes to go upon? I care so little about it. Answered Constance that I can't form any conjecture. All I can say is that such a man would be quite capable of great illusions of believing anything that flattered his vanity. Lady Ogrum was dissatisfied. She kept a brief silence with her eyes on Mace, countenance, ring the bell where her next words, Constance rose and obeyed, a servant entered. When Mr. Flashmore arrives, said Lady Ogrum, you will bring him at once to me here. Mr. Flashmore has just arrived, my lady. End of Chapter 23. Chapter 24 of our friend the charlatan. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Our friend the charlatan by George Gissing. Chapter 24. Ask him to come. No, stay. Lady Ogrum stood up, not without difficulty. She took a step or two forwards as if trying whether she had the strength to walk. Then she looked at her two companions who had both risen. Constance, give me your arm, I will go downstairs. They left the room, Mace slowly following and watching them with anxiety. She vainly endeavored to disguise. The descent was slow. Constance held firmly the bony arm which clung to her own and felt at quiver at every step. Just before they reached the bottom Lady Ogrum ordered the servant who came after them to pass before and conduct Mr. Lashmore into the library at the foot of the stairs. She paused on her forehead stood little points of sweat and her lips betrayed the painful effort with which she continued to stand upright. May she looked into the girl's face if I don't come when the lunch in bell rings you will excuse me to serve William and Lady Amos at table. Slowly she walked on still supported by Constance to the library door when it was opened and she saw Lashmore awaiting her within. He had passed into the library by the inner door which communicated with the drawing room she spoke of her companion. Thank you Constance if I don't come sit down with the others I hope your meal will not be disturbed but I may have to send for you. Lady Ogrum Constance began in a low nervous voice she was looking at Lashmore who with an air of constraint moved towards them. What is it? Will you let me speak to you for a moment before? No. With his stern monosyllable Lady Ogrum dismissed her, entered the room and closed the door. Then her face changed a smile which was more than half a grin of pain and excessive salutation but she spoke not a word and when she had sunk into the nearest chair her eyes from beneath drooping lids searched the man's countenance. Sit down were her first words Lashmore convinced that Constance Bride had sought to avenge herself tried to screw up his courage he looked very serious he sat stiffly he kept his eye upon Lady Ogrum's Well what have you to tell me she asked with a deliberation more disconcerting than impatience would have been everything goes on pretty well does it? I'm glad you think so what do you allude to Lady Ogrum Lashmore inquired with grave respectfulness what do you I was speaking of things at Hollingford and I was thinking of things at Rivernoke Lashmore's brain worked feverishly what did she know if Constance had betrayed him assuredly may also must have been put to the question and with what result he was spared long conjecture let us understand each other said the autocrat who seemed to be recovering strength as the need arose I hear that you want to break off with Constance Bride she is no Bride for you is that the case I'm sorry to say it is the truth Lady Ogrum having uttered these words dice felt the heroic mood begin to stir in him he had no alternative now and would prove himself equal to the great occasion you want to marry someone else I'm sure you will recognize Lashmore replied in his academic tone that I'm doing my best to act honorably and without giving any unnecessary pain under certain circumstances a man is not entirely master of himself there sounded the lunch and bell it rang a vague hope to Lashmore whose voice dropped are you hungry ask the hostess with impatience not particularly thank you then I think we had better get our little talk over and done with we shan't keep the others waiting dice accepted this as a good omen our little talk he had not dreamt of such urbanity here was the result of his courage and honesty evidently his bearing had made a good impression upon the old desperate he began to look cheerful nothing could please me better go on then said Lady Ogrum dryly you were saying I wish to use complete frankness with you dice resumed as I think you know I always prefer the simple natural way of looking at things so for instance in my relations with women I've always aimed at behavior I've tried to treat women as they themselves just enough wish to be treated without affectation without insincerity constants knew my views and she approved them when our friendship developed into an engagement of marriage we both of us regarded the step in a purely reasonable light we did not try to deceive ourselves unless still to deceive each other but a man cannot always picture to use the common phrase I did not think I should ever fall in love yet that happened to me suddenly unmistakably what course had I to follow obviously I must act on my own principles I must be straightforward simple candid as soon as my mind was made up I came to constants he broke off observed the listener's face and added with an insinuating smile there was the other course what is called the selfish the heroic unfortunately heroism of that kind is only another name for deliberate falsehood in word indeed and I confess I hadn't the courage for it unselfishness which means calculated deception seems to me by no means admirable it was not an easy thing to go to constants and tell her what I had to tell but I know that she herself would much prefer it to the sham noble alternative unequally sure lady ogrum what your own view will be of the choice that lay before me the listener made no sort of response to this appeal and what had constants to say to you she asked lashmar hesitated his embarrassment have genuine have feigned here he replied and not thoughtfully suspended voice I find myself on very delicate ground I hardly feel that I should be repeating what passed between us I hoped you had already heard it was it not from constants that you learned don't begin to question me broken lady ogrum with sudden severity what I know and how I know it is none of your business you'll have the goodness to tell me whatever I ask you dice made a gesture of deprecating frankness personally he said in a low voice I admit your right to be kept fully informed of all that has to pass in this connection will it be enough if I say that constants accepted my view of what had happened did you tell her everything that had happened asked lady ogrum looking him in the eyes not in detail dice replied rather nervously for he could not with certainty interpret that stern look you will understand that that I was not at liberty that I had to respect he came near to losing himself to the questions of prudence and hopefulness at the site of his confusion lady ogrum smiled grimly you mean she said in a voice which seemed to croak indulgence that you had no right to tell constants anything about miss tamalan lash mars courage revived he suspected that the old autocrat knew everything that both girls had already gone through the ordeal of a private interview with her and ended up their secrets if so plainly the worst was over and nothing would now serve but sincerity that is what I mean he answered quietly and respectfully admiring his own dignity as he spoke we are beginning to understand each other said lady ogrum the grim smile still on her face I don't mind telling you now that I have spoken both with constants and with may lash mars manifested his relief and moved into an easier posture his countenance brightened he said within himself that destiny was bearing him on to glorious things I'm very glad indeed to hear that lady ogrum it puts my mind at rest I have talked with them both continued the reassuring voice which struggled with hoarseness that they told me the truth I have no doubt both of them know me too well to do anything else constants I understand I have no doubt for speaking to me so her part was easy she has a fine generous spirit exclaimed ice with the glow of genuine enthusiasm well for you that she has as for may you had put her into a more difficult position I fear so but I am sure lady ogrum that you dealt with her very kindly exactly the smile was very grim indeed in the voice very hoarse but the things made to tell me I expect to hear from you begin with this morning you met her I understand before you came to the house to see constants dice fell straight into the trap he spoke almost gaily yes we met at eight o'clock of course by appointment yes by appointment the best will be for you to begin at the beginning and tell the story in your own way I've heard all my knees scared to tell me now I give you the chance of telling your own tale all I ask is the truth tell me the truth from point to point at the past you'd reached lashmar asked nothing better he was befooled and bedazzled every trouble seemed of a sudden to be lifted from his mind gratitude to constants who approved so much better than her word romantic devotion to may who had so gravely declared her love filled him with fervor such as he had never known himself in a respondent light his attitude was noble his head bent with manly modesty and when he began to speak there was something in his voice which he had never yet been able to command a veral music to which he listened with delighted appreciation I obey you lady ogre I obey you Franklin gladly I must go back to the day of Miss Tomlin's return from London you will remember I told you that on that day I was in town and in the afternoon early I called it Miss's Top Ladies omitting the fact of his having told me about the relations between Miss Brighton himself he narrated all else with perfect truth so pleasant was the sense of veracity that he dwelt on unimportant particulars and lengthened out the story in a way which would have made it intolerably tedious to any other hearer lady ogre however found it none too long the smile had died from her face her lips were compressed and from time to time her eyes turned upon the speaker with a fierce glare but Lashmore paid no heed to these trifles he ended at length with beaming visage his last sentences having a touch of emotion which greatly pleased him ring the bell said lady ogre pointing to the electric button glad to stand up and move dice did her bidding only a few moments elapsed before Constance Bright and may Tomlin enter the room Constance come here said lady ogre you she glared at May stand where I can have a good view of you Lashmore had welcomed their entrance with a smile the voice and manner of the autocrat slightly perturbed him but he made allowances for her brusque way and continued to smile at May who looked pale and frightened Constance did you know or did you not that these two had a meeting this morning in the park before Mr. Lashmore to see you no I knew nothing of that answered Ms. Bright coldly and did you know that they had met before at the same place in time and that they came from town together by the same train and that there was a regular understanding between them to deceive you and me I knew nothing of all this look at her exclaimed lady ogre pointing at the terrified girl this is her gratitude this is her honesty she is live to me in every word she spoke the church offered her marriage and she tried to make me believe that he hadn't done so at all that he was a dishonorable shuffler aunt cried May stepping hurriedly forward he did not offer me marriage I'll tell you everything Lord Dim Church saw me by chance this morning Mr. Lashmore and me saw us together in the park and he understood and spoke to me about it and said that the only thing he could do was to tell you I had refused him oh that's it is it he had no choice all but in articulate with fury and he too is a liar that makes one more Lashmore stood in bewilderment he caught May's eye and saw that he had nothing but hostility to expect from her there is the greatest of all cried the girl with violent gesture he has told you all about me but has he told you all about himself Lady Ogre said dice in a tone of offended dignity by what means you obtained my confidence you told me that Ms. Tomlin had already confessed everything to you I naturally believed you incapable of falsehood being yourself such a man of honor Lady Ogre interrupted with savage scorn Constance you are the only one who has not told me lies and you have been shamefully treated you think she has told you no lies interrupted May her voice at the high pitch of exasperation wait a moment this man has told you that he came down in the train with me but did he tell you what he talked about the first thing he disclosed to me was that the engagement between him and Ms. Bride was a mere pretence finding you wish them to marry they took counsel together and plotting to keep you in good humor by pretending to be engaged this he told me himself Lady Ogre turned upon Lashmore who met her eyes with defiance you believe that he asked in her quietly contemptuous tone she turned to Constance his face showed much the same expression is that true I shall answer no charge brought by Ms. Tomlin was the cold reply and you are right Lady Ogre faced to me I give you half an hour to pack your luggage and leave the house be off the girl burst into a hysterical laugh and ran from the room for some moments Lady Ogre sat looking towards the door then sinking together in exhaustion she let her eyes move from one to the other of the two faces and for her Lashmore and Constance had exchanged no look they stood in sullen attitudes hands behind them staring at vacancy I have something to say to you the voice that broke the silence was so faint as to be but just audible come nearer the two approached that girl is gone she has nothing to me and nothing to you Constance are you willing to marry Mr. Lashmore there came no reply do you hear whispered Lady Ogre with a painful effort to speak louder how can you expect me to be willing to marry him exclaimed Constance and whom a violent struggle was going on her cheeks were flushed and tears of humiliation stood in her eyes you Lady Ogre address Lashmore will you marry her how is it possible Lady Ogre replied dice in an agony of nervousness to answer such a question under these circumstances but you shall answer sounded in a choked sort of scream I give you the choice both of you either you are married in three days from now or you go about your business like that lying girl you can get a license and be married at once which is it to be I give you three days not an hour more Lashmore had turned very pale he looked at his partner in the dilemma Constance fell from his lips will you marry me there came an answer which she could just hear but which was inaudible to Lady Ogre speak girl yes or no croaked there to a mentor then be off and get the license don't lose a minute I suppose you'll have to go to London for it Constance give me your arm I must excuse myself to my guests Constance bent to her and Lady Ogre clutching at the offered arm endeavored to rise it was in vain she had not the strength to stand Mr. Lashmore she spoke in a thick mumble staring with wild eyes come other side she was drooping falling Lashmore had only just time to catch and support her the words that he asked staring at Constance as he supported the helpless form as she fainted lay her down and I'll get help a moment and Serim Amos came hastening into the room he was followed by his wife and two or three servants Lady Ogre gave no sign of life but the bear net found that her pulse was still beating silent still with half closed eyes the old autocrat a ribbon oak lay stretched upon a surfer awaiting the arrival of Dr. Baldwin End of Chapter 24 Chapter 25 of our friend the charlatan this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org our friend the charlatan by George Gissing Chapter 25 Serim drew Lashmore aside what brought this about he asked what has been going on Darius whose nerves were in a tremulous state did not easily command himself to the quiet dignity which the occasion required he saw that the bear net regarded him with something of suspicion and the tone in which he was addressed seemed to him too much that of a superior with an effort of the muscles he straightened himself and looked to his questioner in the face there's been a painful scene civilian between Lady Ogrum and her niece very much against my will I was made a witness of it I knew the danger of such agitation and did my best to calm Lady Ogrum Miss Tomlin had left the room and the worst seemed to be over talking quietly when the blow fell that is all you have to say I'm not sure that I understand you Serim Lashmore replied coldly being slightly the taller he had an advantage in being able to gaze at the bear net's forehead instead of meeting his look you would hardly wish me to speak of circumstances which are purely private he certainly not said the other and abruptly moved away Lady Amos and Constance stood together near the couch on which Lady Ogrum was lying with a glance in that direction Lashmore walked towards the door hesitated a moment went out into the hall he had no wish to encounter May just as little did he wish for a private interview with Constance yet it appeared to him that he was obliged by decorum to remain in or near the house until the doctor's arrival presently he went out onto the terrace and loitered in view of the front windows that Lady Ogrum was dying he felt not the least doubt beneath his natural perturbation there stirred a hope nearly an hour passed before Dr. Baldwin's carriage rolled up the drive shortly after came another medical man who had been summoned at the same time whilst waiting impatiently for the result of their visits Lashmore mused on the fact that May Tomlin certainly had not taken her departure it was not likely now that she would quit the house perhaps at this moment she was mistress of Rivenoke Fatigue compelled him at length to enter and in the hall he saw Constance involuntarily she have turned from him but he walked up to her and spoke in a low voice asking what the doctors said Constance replied that she knew nothing are they still in the library no Lady Ogrum has been carried upstairs then I'll go in and wait for the clock for another half hour then the door opened and a servant brought him information that Lady Ogrum remained in the same unconscious state I will call this evening to make an inquiry said Lashmore and thereupon left the house reaching his hotel and howling forward he ordered a meal and ate heartily then he stepped over to the office of the express known to Brakespear the fact of Lady Ogrum's illness they discussed the probabilities with much freedom Brakespear remarking how sad it would be if Lady Ogrum so soon followed her old enemy at about nine o'clock in the evening Dice inquired at Rivenoke Lodge he learned that there was still no change whatever in the patient's condition Dr. Baldwin remained in the house in spite of his anxious thoughts Dice slept particularly well immediately after breakfast he drove again to Rivenoke and had no sooner alighted from the cab than he saw that the blinds were down at the Lodge windows Lady Ogrum he learned had died between two and three o'clock he dismissed his vehicle and walked along the roads skirting the wall of the park indeed was his life's critical moment how long must he lapse before he could know the contents of Lady Ogrum's will in a very short time he would have need of money he had been dispersing freely and could not face the responsibilities of the election without assurance that his finances would soon be on a satisfactory footing he thought nervously of Constance Bride nervously still of May Tomlin Constance's position was doubtless secure she would enter upon the trust of which so much had been said but what was her state of mind with regard to him had not the consent to marry him simply been forced from her May who was now possessor of a great fortune might per chance forget yesterday's turmoil and be willing to renew their tender relations he felt such a thing to be by no means impossible meanwhile ignorance would keep him in a most perplexing and embarrassing position the aimesses who knew nothing of the rupture of his ostensible engagement would be surprised if he did not call upon Miss Bride yet it behooved him for the present to hold aloof from both the girls not to compromise his future chances with either of them the dark possibility that neither one nor the other would come to his relief he resolutely kept out of mind that would be sheer ruin and a certain buoyancy of heart assured him that he had no such catastrophe to fear prudence only was required perhaps in less than a week all his anxieties would be over for once and all he decided to call this afternoon upon Lady Amos the interview would direct his future behavior it was the day of Robb's funeral and he had meant to have sent himself from Haulingport he remained in his private sitting room at the Saracens head wrote many letters and tried to read at four o'clock he went out to Rivernoke only to learn that Lady Amos could receive no one he left a card after all perhaps this was the simplest out of his difficulty as he turned away from the door another cab drove up and from it alighted Mr. Kirchever Dice had no difficulty in recognizing Lady Ogram's solicitor but discretion kept his head averted and Mr. Kirchever though observing him did not speak by the post next morning he received a formal announcement of Lady Ogram's death with an invitation to attend her funeral so far so good he was now decidedly light hearted both Constance and May he felt sure would appreciate his delicacy in holding aloof in seeking no sort of communication with them prudence, reserve the decisive day approached meanwhile having need of Sablegarb he had consulted Breakspear as to the tailor it behooved him to patronize unfortunately the only good tailor at Hollingford was a conservative who provided himself on having clad the late MP for many years Lashmar of necessity applied to an inferior artist but in this man who was summoned to wait upon him at the hotel he found a zealous politician whose enthusiasm more than compensated for sartorial defects I've already been canvassing for you sir declared the tailor I can answer for twenty or thirty votes in my neighborhood I am greatly obliged to you Mr. Bingham Dice replied in his suave's tone we have a hard fight before us but if I find many adherents such as you the tailor went away and declared to all his acquaintances that if they wished their borough to be represented by a gentleman they had only to vote for the liberal candidate as a matter of policy Dice had allowed it to be supposed that he was a man of substantial means with the members of his committee he talked in a large way whenever pecuniary matters came up every day someone dined with him at the hotel and the little dinners were as good as the Saracens had could furnish special wines had been procured for his table of course the landlord made the rags commonly known and the whole establishment bowed low before this important guest all day long the name of Mr. Lashmore sounded in bar and parlor in coffee room and commercial room never had Dice known such delicious thrills of self-respect as under the roof of this comfortable hostelry if he were elected he would retain rooms in permanence at the hotel unless of course destiny made his home curiosity as to what was going on at the great house kept in a feverish state during these days before the funeral break spear whom he saw frequently supposed him to be in constant communication with river note and at times hinted a desire for news but Lashmore's cue was a dignified silence which seemed to conceal things of high moment so William and Lady Amos he knew to be still in the house and in the morning he presumed that May Tomlin had not gone away and it taxed his imagination to picture the terms on which he lived with constants at the funeral no doubt he would see them both probably would have to exchange words with them an embarrassing necessity Arling Ford of course was full of gossip about the dead woman the old old scandal occupied tongues malicious or charitable Riven oak domestics and the news of the marble bust to which some of them attached a superstitious significance break spear heard and credited a rumor that the bust dated from the time when it's original led a brilliant abandoned life in the artist world of London but naturally he could not speak of this with Lashmore how the imaginative stories too went about concerning Miss Tomlin whom everyone assumed to be the heiress of Lady Orgram's well by some undercurrent no doubt of servants hall origin the name of Lord Dimcher to come into circulation and the editor of the express venture to inquire of Lashmore whether it was true that Miss Tomlin had rejected an offer of marriage from this peer perfectly true answered dice in his discreet way and he smiled as one who if he would could expatiate on the interesting topic he saw Mrs. Gallantry and from her learned without bearing his own ignorance that callers at Rivenoke were received by Lady Amos from whom only the barest information concerning Lady Orgram's illness was obtainable neither Miss Tomlin nor Miss Bride had been seen by anyone the day of the funeral arrived and the hour appointed was half past two all the morning rain fell and about midday began a violent thunderstorm which lasted for an hour then the sky began to clear and as Lashmore started for Rivenoke he saw a fine rainbow across great sullen clouds slowly breaking upon depths of Azure the gates of the park stood wide open and many carriages were moving up the drive afterwards it became known that no member of the Orgram family had been present on this occasion half a dozen friends of the deceased came down from London but the majority of the funeral guests came along to Hollingford and the immediate neighborhood in no sense was it a distinguished gathering mere curiosity accounted for the presence of nearly all who came Lashmore had paid his respects to Lady Amos who received him frigidly and was looking about for faces that he knew when a familiar voice spoke at his shoulder he turned and saw Mrs. Toplady on this morning he asked as they shook hands yesterday I want to see you and we better arrange the meeting now where are you staying at Hollingford and her tail isn't it she spoke in a low voice notwithstanding her decorous gravity Lashmore saw a ghost of the familiar smile hovering about her lips he gave his address and asked at what hour Mrs. Toplady thought of coming let us say half past five which I must catch she nodded and moved away again Lashmore looked about him and he met the eye of Mr. Coachever who came forward with friendly aspect dreadfully sudden the end Mr. Lashmore dreadfully so indeed Dice responded in mortuary tones you were present at the seizure I understand I was a good age remarked the athletic lawyer with obvious difficulty subduing his wanted breeziness the doctor tells me that it was marvelous she lived so long wonderful woman wonderful and he too moved away Lashmore gazing after him and wishing he knew all that was in the legal mind at this moment but that secret must very soon become common property perhaps the contents of Lady Ogram's will would be known at Hollingford this evening he searched vainly for Constance and for May the former he did not see until she crossed the hall to enter one of the carriages the latter appeared not at all had she then really left Rivenoke sitting in his hard broom indignified solitude he puzzled anxiously over this question happily he would learn everything from Lady Toplady in the little church of Shaw his eyes wandered as much as his thoughts serving the faces most of them unknown to him he noticed that scarcely a person present was paying any attention to the ceremony or made any attempt to conceal his or her indifference at one moment it vexed him that no look turned with interest in his direction was he not far and away the most notable of all the people gathered here the gentleman sat near him frequently exchanged audible whispers and he found that they were debating a trivial domestic matter with some acerbity of mutual contradiction he gazed now and then at the black Paul coffin and found it impossible to realize that there lay the strange imperious old woman who for several months had been the center of his thoughts and to whom he owed change in his circumstances he felt no sorrow yet thought of her with a certain respect even with a slight sensation of gratitude which was chiefly due however to the fact that she had been so good as to die live as long as he might the countenance and the voice of Lady Urgrum would never be less distinct in his memory than they were today he at all events had understood and appreciated her he became master of Rivenok the marble bust should always have an honored place under that roof Dain saw himself master of Rivenok he fell into a delightful dream and when the congregation suddenly stirred he realized with alarm that he had a broad smile on his face rather before the hour she had named Mrs. Toplady presented herself at the Saracen's head Lashmar was impatiently expecting he did his best to appear gravely thoughtful and behaved with the ceremonious courtesy which in his quality of parliamentary candidate he had of late been cultivating his visitor as soon as the door was closed became quite at her ease nice little place she remarked glancing about the room you make this your headquarters of course yes I'm very comfortable here Dice answered in melodious undertone and all goes well your committee of work and all that everything satisfactory so far the date is not fixed yet but it'll be all over no doubt in time for the partridges said Mrs. Toplady scrutinizing him with an amused look do you shoot why no Mrs. Toplady I care very little for sport like all sense for men I wanted to hear what you think about Lady Orgram's will Lashmar was disconcerted he had to confess that he knew nothing about the will indeed then I bring you news they were interrupted by a waiter who appeared with tea the visitor graciously accepted a cup funerals exhaust one so don't they she remarked I don't know your opinion but I think people should be married and buried far more quietly for my own part I grieve sincerely for the death of Lady Orgram it's a great loss to me I liked her and I owed her gratitude for her very much kindness but I certainly shouldn't have gone to her funeral if it hadn't been a social duty I should have liked to sit quietly at home thinking about her I thoroughly agree with you replied dice absolutely you came down yesterday in the evening you know that Ms. Tomlin is at my house I had no idea of it yes she arrived the day before yesterday she left Rivonoke as soon as she knew about Lady Orgram's will I'm very glad indeed that she came to me it was a great mark of confidence under the circumstances she could hardly remain here the circumstances Lady Orgram's will does not mention her Lashmar felt a spasm in his breast the expression of his speeches was so very significant that Mrs. Tomlin's smile threatened to become alive it's rather startling isn't it she continued the will was made a year ago Lady Orgram didn't mean it to stand when she was in town she talked over her affairs with her solicitor a new will was to be made by which Ms. Tomlin would have come into possession of Rivonoke and of a great deal of money you can probably guess why she put off executing it she hoped her niece's marriage settlement would come first but the old will remains and is valid will you tell me it's your visions Lashmar deliberately in confidence it won't be made public till the executors Sir William Amos and Mr. Kirchever have proved it I never knew a more public spirited will howling Ford gets a hospital to be called the Lady Orgram very generously endowed Rivonoke is to be sold and the proceeds to form a fund for a lot of Lady Orgram scholarships a working girls home is to be founded in Camden Town it seems she was born there and to be called Lady Orgram House a lady named Mrs. Gallantry here at Howling Ford becomes trustee for a considerable sum to be used in founding a training school for domestic servants to be named the Lady Orgram then there's a long list of minor charitable requests all the servants are most liberally treated and a few friends in humble circumstances receive annuities there's not much fear of Lady Orgram being forgotten just yet is there no indeed said Lashmar with studio's control of his voice and he paused a moment is that all let me see oh I was forgetting some money is left to Miss Bride not to her absolutely but in trust for certain purposes not specified Mrs. Top Lady's smile had never been more eloquent of mischievous pleasure she was watching Lashmar as one watches a comedian on the stage without the least disguise of her amusement I'd heard something of that so diced the tension of whose feelings began to show itself in a flush under the eyes can you tell me oh broken the other I forgotten the detail that will interest you in the entrance hall of the Lady Orgram hospital is to be preserved that beautiful bust which you have seen at the ribbon oak by the by there are odd stories about it I hear that it was brought out of concealment only the day before her death yes I know nothing more about it with regard to Miss Bride's trusty ship but when I forgot that Hollingford is to have a fine market hall on condition that the street leading to is called Arabella Street her name you know oh indeed murmur dice and became mute Mrs. Top Lady amused herself for a moment with observation of the play of his muscles she finished her tea I'll have another cup if you please oh yes we were speaking of Miss Bride naturally that interests you an odd request isn't it she is spoken of as a trusty but evidently the disposal of the money is quite at her own discretion if I remember there are words to the effect that Lady Orgram wishes Miss Bride to use this money just as she herself would have done for the purposes in which they were both particularly interested by the by it isn't money only Miss Bride becomes owner of the paper mill at the village by ribbon oak I've heard of this at Lashmar with a brusque movement as though he felt cramped in his leg it began to look cheerful I knew all about Lady Orgram's intentions you don't remember he had to carelessly the amount of the request Mr. Critchever tells me it represents about 70,000 pounds Lashmar involuntarily heaved aside Mrs. Top Lady watched him over the rim of her tea cup the hand which held it shaking a little with subdued mirth as you say he observed it is our most remarkable will but it seems rather too bad that the poor ladies real wishes should be totally neglected indeed it does I have been wondering what Miss Bride will think about it of course I couldn't speak to her on the subject one almost feels as if she ordered all events to give half that money to Miss Tomlin considering the terms on which she receives it but objective dice that wouldn't be fulfilling the conditions of the bequest which I happened to know were very specific really it's a most unfortunate thing that Lady Orgram died so suddenly most unfortunate what a serious injustice is done to that poor girl after all Mr. Lashmar fell sweetly from the other's lips her position might be worse how has she an income of her own oh a trifling annuity not worth mentioning but I didn't speak of that I meant that happily her future is in the hands of an honorable man it would have been said indeed if she had owed this calamity to the intrigues of a mere fortune hunter as it is a girl of her spirit and intelligence will very soon forget the disappointment indeed it is much more on another's account than on her own that she leaves over what has happened Lashmar was perusing the floor slowly raised his eyes until they met Mrs. Toplady's the two look steadily at each other are you speaking of me dice inquired in a low voice of whom else could I be speaking Mr. Lashmar then Ms. Tomlin has taken you entirely into her confidence entirely I'm happy to say I'm sure you'll be displeased it goes without saying that she does not know I'm having this conversation with you I think Mrs. Toplady said dice with deliberation that you had better tell me if you will exactly what you have heard from Ms. Tomlin we shall be more sure of understanding each other that's easily done she told me of your railway journey together of your subsequent meetings of what happened with Lord Dimchurch and last of all what happened with Lady Ogrem probably said dice not all that happened with Lady Ogrem did she mention that instead of remaining loyal to me as I was all through to her she did her best to injure me with Lady Ogrem by betraying a secret I had entrusted to her I know what you referred to yes she told me of that unfortunate incident and spoke of it with deep regret the poor girl simply lost her head for a moment she could think of self preservation put yourself in her place she saw out of room before her and was driven almost crazy I can assure you that she was not responsible for that piece of disloyalty I'm afraid not many girls would have been more heroic in such a terrible situation you a philosopher must take account of human weakness I hope I can do that said Lashmar with a liberal air under other circumstances I hardly have mentioned the thing but it convinced me at the time that Miss Tomlin had deceived herself as to her feeling for me and now that everything is necessarily at an end between us I prefer to see it still in the same light for it assures me that she has suffered no injury at my hands but pray why should everything be necessarily at an end for two or three reasons Mrs. Topley one will rise after Miss Tomlin had left the room Lady Urgum insisted on my making offer of immediate marriage to Miss Bride being plainly released from the other obligation I did so and Miss Bride gave her consent Mrs. Topley arched her eyebrows and rippled a pleasant laugh ah that of course may could not know I may presume that this time the engagement is serious undoubtedly Lashmar replied grave yet bland then I can only ask you to pardon my interference not at all you have shown great kindness and under other circumstances we should not have differed for a moment as to the course that behoove me to follow Dice had never heard himself speak so magnanimously he smiled with pleasure and continued in a peculiarly suave voice I'm sure Miss Tomlin will find in you a steadfast friend I shall do what I can for her of course was the rather dry answer at the same time I hold to my view of Miss Bride's responsibility the girl has really nothing to live upon a miserable hundred a year all very well when she belonged to the family at Northampton but useless now she is adrift to tell you the truth I shall wait with no little curiosity for Miss Bride's and your decision need I say that Miss Bride will be absolutely free to take any step she likes how could I doubt it exclaimed the lady with her most expressive smile do you allow me to make known the renewal of your engagement certainly Dice answered beaming upon her Mrs. Top Lady Rose I'm so happy to have been the first to bring you the news but it a little surprises me that you had not learned it already from Miss Bride who knew all about the will two days ago why should it surprise you said lash more gently as he took her hand naturally I've kept away from Rivenoke supposing Miss Tomlin to be still there and Miss Bride was not likely to be in haste to communicate a piece of news which strictly speaking hardly concerns me at all be sure you come to see me when you are in town where Mrs. Top Lady's last words and her eyes twinkled with appreciation of lash Mars demeanor end of chapter 25 chapter 26 of our friend the charlatan this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org our friend the charlatan by George Gissing chapter 26 dice walked about the room without knowing it he sang softly to himself his countenance was radiant so after all Constance would be his wife one moment's glimpse of a dread possibility that neither she nor May Tomlin benefited by Lady Ogrum's will had suffice to make him more than contented with the actual issue of his late complications he had seen himself overwhelmed with disaster produced to the alternative of withdrawing into ignominious obscurity or of again seeking aid from Mrs. Wolstein aid which might or not be granted and in any case would only enable him to go through with the contest at Hollingford I use this effort if he had nothing henceforth to live upon as it was he saw Constance and 70,000 pounds with the prosperous little paper mill to boot he did not love Constance but the feeling of dislike with which he had recently come to regard her had quite passed away he did not love Constance but what a capable woman she was and what a help she would be to him in his career her having detected his philosophic plagiarism seemed to him now rather a good thing than otherwise it spared him the annoyance of intellectual dishonesty in his domestic life and put them in a position to discuss freely the political and social views by which he was to stand after all Constance was the only woman he knew whose intelligence he really respected after all remembering their intimacy long ago at our home he felt a fitness in this fated sequel it gave him the pleasant sense of honorable conduct he smiled at the thought that he had fancied himself in love with May Tomlin the girl was a half educated person who would only have made him ridiculous her anonymous letter pointed to a grave fault of breeding it would always have been suggested of disagreeable possibilities May was thoroughly plebeian in origin and her resemblance to Lady Orgram might develop in a way it made him shudder to think of Constance Bride came of gentle folk and needed only circumstances to show herself perfectly at ease in whatever social surroundings she had a natural dignity which now he came to reflect upon it he had always observed with pleasure what could have been more difficult than her relations with Lady Orgram yet she had always born herself with graceful independence poor girl she had gone through a hard time these last four weeks and no wonder if she broke down under the strain of a situation such as that which ended in Lady Orgram's death he would make up to her for it all she should understand him and rest in perfect confidence yes he would reveal to her his whole heart and mind so that no doubt of him no slightest distrust could ever disturb her peace not only did he owe her this complete sincerity to him it would be no less delightful no less tranquilizing he sat down to write a note Dear Constance yes that's advised when can I see you let it be as soon as possible of course you have understood my silence do you stay at Revanoke a little longer let me come tomorrow if possible after a little reflection he signed himself ever yours D.L. having dispatched this by private messenger he went out and took a walk choosing the direction away from Revanoke as he rambled along an uninteresting road it occurred to him that he ought to write to Mrs. Woolstand no need of course to say anything about the results of Lady Orgram's disease he really owed Iris a letter just to show that he was not unmindful of her kindness the foolish little woman had done her best for him indeed without her help where would he have been now he must pay his debt to her as soon as possible and it would of course be necessary to speak of the matter to Constance not perhaps till after their marriage well he would see have an impulse happily this was the very last of the unpleasant details he would have to dismiss the luxury of living without concealment unembarrassed and unafraid by the by how would Constance understand the duties of her trusty ship what portion of her income would she feel that liberty to set apart for personal uses in all likelihood he had spoken of that with Lady Orgram at their coming interview she would fully explain her position he returned to the hotel and dined alone to his disappointment there came no answer from Revanoke was it possible that Constance had already gone away very unlikely so soon after the funeral she would reply no doubt by post indeed there was no hurry and a little reserve on her part natural morning brought him the expected letter dear Mr. Lashmore oh that was nothing merely the reserve he had anticipated he liked her the better for it I shall be at home all tomorrow busy with many things could you come about three o'clock sincerely yours Constance Bride what could be in better taste how else could she write under the circumstances is real wooing had not yet begun and she merely reminded him of that with all gentleness so in the afternoon he once more presented himself at Revanoke and once more followed the servant into the drawing room Constance sat there she rose as he approached and silently gave her hand he thought she looked rather pale that might be the effect of black attire which made a noticeable change in her appearance but a certain dignity of which the visitor was very sensible a grace of movement and of bearing which seemed new to her could not be attributed to the dress she wore in a saddened voice he hoped that she was well that she had not suffered from the agitations of the past week and with courtesy such as she might have used to anyone Constance replied that she felt a little tired not quite herself they talked for some minutes in this way Lashmar learned that the aimesses had returned to London for the present you stay here he said the interrogative accent only just perceptible for a day or two my secretary ship goes on of course I have a good deal of correspondence to see too on his way hither Lashmar had imagined quite a different meeting a dissipated and emotional scene beginning with forced calm on Constance's side leading on to reproaches explanations and masculine triumph but Constance was strangely self-possessed and her mind seemed to be not at all occupied with agitating subjects Lashmar was puzzled he felt it wise to imitate her example to behave as quietly and naturally as possible making for granted that she viewed the situation even as he did he turned his eyes to the marble bust on its pedestal behind Constance the note of scorn in its fixed smile caught his attention so that is to stand in the hospital he murmured yes I believe so replied Constance absently with a glance towards the white face that will give rise to in days to come she will become a legendary figure I can hardly believe that I saw and talked with her only a few days ago have you the same feeling at all doesn't she seem to you more like someone you have read of than a person you really knew I understand what you mean said Constance smiling thoughtfully it's certain one will never again know anyone like her are all the provisions of her practical perfectly I think she took great trouble to make them so by the by from whom did you get your information it was asked in a disinterested voice the speakers look resting for a moment on Lashmore with unembarrassed directness Mrs. Toplady told me about the will dice paused for a moment then continued with an obvious effort indeed but in an even surprise she came to see me after the funeral Mrs. Toplady has a persevering curiosity she wanted to know what had happened and I have no doubt had recourse to me after finding that you were not disposed to talk as freely as she wished I was able to enlighten her on one point may I ask what point she began by telling me that Miss Tomlin was at her house she had heard Miss Tomlin's words with the result that she supposed me in honour bound to marry that young lady I explained that this was by no means the case how did you explain it as Constance still in her disinterested tone by telling the simple truth that Miss Tomlin had herself cancelled the engagement existing between us I see Constance leaned back in her chair she looked like one who was sitting alone with tranquil reflection Dice allowed a moment to elapse before he again spoke he was smiling to himself how strange it all is he at length resumed as though starting from a reverie this past fortnight seems already as dim and vague to me as the recollection of something that happened long years ago I never believed myself capable of such follies tell me frankly towards Constance gazing at her in an amused confidential way could you have imagined that I should ever lose my head like that and run off into such vagaries Constance also smiled but very faintly her eyebrows rose ever so little her lips just moved but uttered no sound you know me better than anyone else ever did or ever will he went on it is quite possible that you know me better than I know myself did you ever foresee such a possibility I can't say that it astonished me was the deliberate reply without any ironic note well I am glad of that said dice with a little sign of relief it's much better so I like to think that you read me was so clear and I for years I have studied myself and I thought I knew how I should act in any given circumstances yet it was mere illusion what I regret is that I hadn't talked more to you about such things you would very likely have put me on my guard I always felt your power of reading character it seemed to me that I concealed nothing from you we were always so frank with each other yet not frank enough after all I'm afraid not a cent of the listener absently well it's an experience though as I say more like a bit of delirium in the actual life happily you know all about it I shall never have to tell you the absurd story but I mustn't forget that other thing which really did surprise and vexed you my bit of foolish plagiarism I have so wanted to talk to you about it you've read the whole book very carefully and what do you think of it he asked with an air of keen interest just what I thought of the large quotations I'd heard from you the theory seems plausible I should think there is a good deal of truth in it in any case it helps one to direct one's life oh you feel that now there exclaimed lashmar's eye brightening is the explanation of what seemed to you very dishonorable behavior of me you know me and you will understand as soon as I hint at the psychology of the thing when that book fell into my hands I was seeking eagerly for a theory of the world by which to live many glimpses of the truth about life glimpses gained by my own honest thought this book completed the theory I had been shaping for myself it brought me mental rest and a sense of fixed purpose such as I had never known its reconciliation of the aristocratic principle with the true socialism was exactly what I had been striving for it put me at harmony with myself for you know that I am at the same time aristocrat and socialist well now I spoke of the book to my father and begged him to read it it was when we met at alver home in the spring you remember how long ago does that seem to you to me several years yes I had the volume with me and showed it to my father sufficient proof that I had no intention of using it dishonestly but follow me I beg I had so absorbed the theory so thoroughly made it the directing principle of my mind that I very soon ceased to think of it as somebody else's work I completed it with all sorts of new illustrations confirmations which had been hanging loose in my memory and the result was that I one day found myself talking about it as if it had originated with me if I'm not mistaken I was talking with dim church yes it was dim church when I had time to reflect I saw but I had unconsciously done quite unconsciously believe me I thought it over ought I to let dim church know where I had got my central idea and I decided at length that I would say nothing Constance leaning back in a chair listened attentively with impartial countenance you see why don't you his voice thrilled with earnestness his eyes shown as if with the very light of truth to say calmly by the by I came across that sociological theory and such and such a book would have been a flagrant injustice to myself I couldn't ask dim church to listen whilst I elaborately expounded my mental and spiritual history during the past year or two yet shorter that there was no way of making him understand the situation the thing had become mine I thought by it and lived by it I couldn't bear to speak of it as merely an interesting hypothesis discovered in the course of my reading and once it would have seemed to me to carry less weight I should have been thrown back again into uncertainty this too just at the moment when a principle a conviction had become no less a practical than a subjective need to me for thanks to you I saw a new hope in life the possibility of an active career which would give scope to all my energies do you follow me do I make myself clear perfectly replied Constance with a slight inclination of her head she seemed both to listen and to be absorbed in thought from that moment I ceased to think of the book I had as good as forgotten its existence though on the whole it had done me so greater service there were many things in it I didn't like and these would now have annoyed me much more than at the first reading I should have felt as if the man had got hold of my philosophy and presented it imperfectly I will understand now why I was so astonished at your charge of plagiarism I really didn't know what to say I couldn't perceive your point of view I don't remember how I replied I'm afraid my behavior seemed only to confirm your suspicion in very truth it was the result of genuine surprise of course I had only to reflect to see how this discovery must have come upon you but then it was too late we were in the thick of extraordinary complications no hope of quiet and reasonable talk since the tragic end I have worried constantly about that misunderstanding is it quite cleared up we must be frank with each other now or never speak your thought as honestly as I have spoken mine I completely understand you was the meditative reply I was sure you would to some people such an explanation would be useless Mrs. Toplady for instance I should be sorry to justify myself by psychological reasoning to Mrs. Toplady and remember Mrs. Toplady represents the world a wise man does not try to explain himself to the world enough if by exceptional good luck there is one person to whom he can confidently talk of his struggles and his purposes don't suppose however that I lay claim to any great wisdom after the last fortnight that would be rather laughable than capable of benefiting by experience and very few men can truly say as much it is on the practical side that I have hitherto been most deficient I see my way to correcting that fault nothing could be better for me just now than electioneering work it will take me out of myself and give a rest to the speculative side of my mind don't you agree with me quite there's another thing I must make clear to you now swimming delightedly on the flood of his own eloquence for a long time I seriously doubted whether I was fit for a political career my ambition always tended that way but my conscience went against it I used to regard politics with a good deal of contempt you remember our old talks at alvar home Constance nodded in one respect I'm still of the same opinion most men who go in for a parliamentary career as a business by which they and their friends are to profit or as an easy way of gratifying their personal vanity and social ambitions that of course is why we are so far from ideal government I used to think that the man in earnest should hold aloof from parliament and work in more hopeful ways by literature for instance but I see now that the fact of the degradation of parliament is the very reason why a man thinking as I do should get into the house of commons if all serious minds hold aloof what will the government of the country sink to the house of commons is becoming in the worst sense democratic it represents above all newly acquired wealth and wealth which has no sense of its responsibilities the representative system can only be restored to dignity and usefulness by the growth of a new liberalism what I understand by that you already know the principles that which for the present must be most insisted upon is the right use of money irresponsible riches threaten to ruin our civilization what we have first of all to do is to form the nucleus of a party which represents money as a civilizing instead of a corrupting power he looked into Constance's eyes and she smiling as if at a distant object met his look steadily I've been working out this thought and continued with vigorous accent I see it now as my guiding principle in the narrower sense the line along which I must pursue the greater ends the possession of money commonly says very little for a man's moral and intellectual work but there is the minority of well-to-do people who have the will to use their means rightly if only they knew how this minority must be organized it must attract intellect and moral force from every social rank one must be used against money and in this struggle it is not the big battalions which will prevail personally I care very little for wealth as I think you know I have no expensive tastes I can live without luxuries or I like to be comfortable and to be free from anxiety who doesn't but I never felt the impulse to strive to enrich myself on the other hand money as a civilizing force has great value in my eyes without it one can work indeed with no results it is time to be up and doing we must organize our party get our new liberalism to work in this also do you agree with me it is certain Constance replied that the right use of money is one of the great questions of our day I know how much you have thought of it said dice then after a short pause he added in his frankest tone and it concerned you especially it does do you feel he softened his voice that in devoting yourself to this cause you will be faithful to the trust you have accepted Constance answered deliberately it depends upon what you understand by devoting myself beyond the doubt Lady Orgrim would have approved the idea as you put it in which he not have given me her confidence as its representative asked dice smiling up to a certain point Lady Orgrim desired for instance the expenses of your contest at Hollingford and I should like to carry out her wish in the matter a misgiving began to trouble Lashmar's sanguine mood he searched his companion's face it seemed to him to have grown more emphatic in expression there was a certain hardness about the lips which he had not yet observed still Constance looked friendly and her eyes supported his glance thank you he murmured with some feeling if by chance I should be beaten you wouldn't lose courage we must remember you have asked me many questions Constance interrupted quietly let me use the privilege of frankness which we grant each other and ask you one in turn your private means are sufficient for the career upon which you are entering my private means he gazed at her as if he did not understand the smile fading from his lips if you think I am going too far not at all dice exclaimed eagerly it is a question you have a perfect right to ask but I thought you knew I had no private means no I wasn't aware of that Constance replied in a voice of studious civility then how do you propose their eyes encountered Constance did not for an instant lose her self-command Lashmar's efforts to be calm only made his embarrassment more obvious I had a small allowance from my father till lately he said but that has come to an end it never occurred to me that you misunderstood my position surely I have more than once hinted to you how poor I was I had no intention of misleading you Lady Oglam certainly knew she knew you were not wealthy but she thought you had a competence I told her so when she questioned me it was a mistake I see but a very natural one does it matter now how should I slice his lips again curling amiably I should suppose it mattered much how shall you live let us understand each other do you withdraw your consent to Lady Oglam's last wish that wish as you see was founded on a misunderstanding but exclaimed Lashmar you are not speaking seriously quite Lady Oglam certainly never intended the money she had left in trust to me it means reflect a moment and you will see how impossible it would be for me to apply the money in such a way reflection said dice with unnatural quietness would only increase my astonishment at your ingenuity it would have been much simpler and better to say it once that you had changed your mind can you for a moment expect me to believe that this argument really justifies you in breaking your promise but also in a soft undertone it is much sounder reasoning than that by which you excuse your philosophical plagiarism Lashmar's eyes wandered they fell upon the marvel bust his disdainful smile seemed to him more pronounced than ever then he cried on an impulsive desperation you really mean to take Lady Oglam's money and to disregard the very condition on which she left it to you you forget that her will was made for what she had heard your name he sat in silence a gloomy resentment lowering on his features after a glance at him Constance began to speak in a calm reasonable voice it is my turn to confess I too seem to myself to have been living in a sort of dream and my awakening is no less decisive than yours at your instigation I behaved dishonestly I am very much ashamed of my collection happily I see my way to atone for the follies and worse that I committed I can carry out Lady Oglam's wishes the wishes she formed while still in her sound mind and to that I shall devote my life do you intend then to apply none of this money to your personal use do you mean to earn your own living still that would defeat Lady Oglam's purpose was the calm answer I shall live where was good to me guided always by the intention which I know was in her mind Dice sat with his head bent forward his hands grasping his knees after what seemed to be profound reflection he said gravely this is how you think today I won't be so unjust to you as to take it for your final reply yet that's what it is answered Constance you think so the sudden possession of wealth disturbed your mind if I took you at your word he spoke with measured accent I should be guilty of behavior much more dishonorable than that of which you accuse me I can wait he smiled with a certain severity it is my duty to wait until you have recovered your natural way of thinking Constance was looking at him her eyes full of wonder and amusement thank you she said you were very kind very considerate on your theory of the equality of man and woman doesn't it suggest an explanation of what you call my disordered state of mind let us use plain words you want money for your career and as the need is pressing you are willing to take the encumbrance of a wife I am to feel myself honored by your acceptance of me to subject myself entirely to your purposes to think it a glorious reward if I can aid your ambition and equality in this arrangement you put things in the meanest light protested last month what I offer you is a share in all my thoughts a companionship in whatever I do or become I have no exaggerated sense of my own powers but this I know that with fair opportunity I can attain distinction if I thought of you as in any sense an encumbrance I shouldn't dream of asking you to marry me it would defeat the object of my life I have always seen in you just the kind of woman who would understand me and help me my vanity will grant you that replied Constance but for the moment I want you to inquire whether you are the kind of man who would understand and help me you are surprised that's quite a new way of putting the matter isn't it you never saw that as a result of your theory stay, dice raised ascent I know perfectly well that you are ambitious if you were not we should never have become friends but you must remember that from my point of view I am offering you such a chance of gratifying your ambition as you will hardly find again that is to say the reflection of your glory as a woman what more can I ask you can't think how this amuses me now that I have come to my senses putting aside the question of whether you are likely to win glory at all have you no suspicion of your delightful arrogance I should like to know how far your contempt of women really goes it went far enough at all events to make you think that I believed your talk about equality of the sexes but really I'm not quite such a simpleton I always knew that you despised women that you looked upon them as creatures to be made use of if you ask why then did I endure you for a moment the answer must be that I am a woman you see Mr. Lashmar we females of the human species are complex some of us think and act very foolishly and all the time somewhere in our curious minds are dolefully aware of our foolishness you knew that of men let me assure you that women share the unhappy privilege Lashmar was listening with knitted brows no word came to his lips you interest me pursued Constance I think you are rather a typical man of our time and it isn't at all impossible that you may become as you say distinguished but clothed and in my right mind I don't feel disposed to pay the need for price for the honor of helping you on you mustn't lose heart I have little doubt that some other woman will grasp at the opportunity you so kindly wish to reserve for me but may I venture a word of counsel don't let it be a woman who holds the equality theory I say this in the interest of your peace and happiness there are plenty of women still who like to be despised and some of them are very nice indeed they are the only good wives I feel sure of it we others women cursed with brains are not meant for marriage we grow in numbers unfortunately what would be the end of it I don't know someday you will thank your stars that you did not marry a woman capable of understanding you Dice stood up and took a few steps about the floor his eyes fixed on the marble bust when can I see you again he asked abruptly I should be going to London in a day or two I don't think we will meet again until your circumstances are better can you give me any idea of what the election expenses will be not yet dice answered in an undertone you are going to London will you tell me what you mean to do to pursue my career your career that surprises you of course it never occurred to you that I also might have a career in view yet I have let us enter upon a friendly competition five years hence which of us will be better known I see remark dice as lip curling you will use your money to make yourself talked about not primarily but it is very likely that that will result from my work it offends your sense of what is becoming in a woman it throws light upon what you have been saying so I meant you will see when you think about it that I am acting strangely like a male creature we females with minds have a way of doing that I'll say more for I really want you to understand me the sudden possession of wealth has not as you suppose turned my head but it has given my thoughts a most salutary shaking and made me feel twice the woman that I was at this moment I should assume think of taking a place as kitchen-made as of becoming any man's wife I'm free and a power to assert myself the first desire let me assure you of modern woman no less than of modern man that I shall assert myself with the good of others is a peculiarity of mine a result of my special abilities I take no credit for it someday we shall meet again and talk over our experiences for the present let us be content with corresponding now and then you shall have my address as soon as I am settled she rose and lash more gazed at her he saw that she was as little to be moved by an appeal by an argument as the marble bus behind her I suppose he said you will appear on platforms oh dear no Constance replied with a laugh my ambition doesn't take that form I leave that to you who are much more eloquent how you have altered he kept gazing at her with a certain awe I hardly know you I doubt whether you know me at all never mind she held out her hand we may be friends yet when you have come to understand that you are not so very very much my superior end of chapter 26