 Chapter 36 of The Ordeal of Richard Feverell. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Rita Butros. The Ordeal of Richard Feverell by George Meredith. Chapter 36. A lady driving a pair of greys was noticed by Richard in his rides and walks. She passed him rather obviously and often. She was very handsome, a bold beauty, with shining black hair, red lips, and eyes not afraid of men. The hair was brushed from her temples, leaving one of those fine reckless outlines, which the action of driving and the pace admirably set off. She took his fancy. He liked the air of petulant gallantry about her, and mused upon the picture, rare to him, of a glorious dashing woman. He thought too, she looked at him. He was not at the time inclined to be vain, or he might have been sure she did. Once it struck him, she nodded slightly. He asked Adrian one day in the park who she was. I don't know her, said Adrian, probably a superior priestess of Paphos. Now that's my idea of Bologna, Richard exclaimed. Not the fury they paint, but a spirited, dauntless, eager-looking creature like that. Bologna returned the wise youth. I don't think her hair was black. Red, wasn't it? I shouldn't compare her to Bologna, though no doubt she says ready to spill blood. Look at her, she does seem to scent carnage. I see your idea. No, I should liken her to Diana, emerged from the tutorship of Master Endymion, and at nice play among the gods. Depend upon it, they tell us nothing of the matter. Olympus shrouds the story, but you may be certain that when she left the pretty shepherd, she had greater vogue than Venus up aloft. Brader joined them. See, Mrs. Mount go by, he said. Oh, that's Mrs. Mount, cried Adrian. Who's Mrs. Mount? Richard inquired. A sister to Miss Random, my dear boy. Like to know her, drawled the honorable Peter. Richard replied indifferently. No, and Mrs. Mount passed out of sight and out of the conversation. The young man wrote submissive letters to his father. I have remained here waiting to see you now five weeks, he wrote. I have written to you three letters, and you do not reply to them. Let me tell you again how sincerely I desire and pray that you will come, or permit me to come to you and throw myself at your feet and beg my forgiveness and hers. She as earnestly implores it. Indeed, I am very wretched, sir. Believe me, there is nothing I would not do to regain your esteem and the love I fear I have unhappily forfeited. I will remain another week in the hope of hearing from you or seeing you. I beg of you, sir, not to drive me mad. Whatever you ask of me, I will consent to. Nothing he would not do, the baronet commented as he read, there is nothing he would not do. He will remain another week and give me that final chance. And it is I who drive him mad. Already he is beginning to cast his retribution on my shoulders. Sir Austin had really gone down to Wales to be out of the way. A shattuck dogmatist does not meet misfortune without hearing of it, and the author of the pilgrim's script in Trouble found London too hot for him. He quitted London to take refuge among the mountains, living there in solitary commune with a virgin notebook. Some indefinite scheme was in his head in this treatment of his son. Had he construed it, it would have looked ugly, and it settled to a vague principle that the young man should be tried and tested. Let him learn to deny himself something. Let him live with his equals for a term. If he loves me he will read my wishes. Thus he explained his principle to Lady Blandish. The lady wrote, You speak of a term, till when? May I name one to him? It is the dreadful uncertainty that reduces him to despair. That and nothing else. Pray be explicit. In return he distantly indicated Richard's majority. How could Lady Blandish go and ask the young man to wait a year away from his wife? Her instinct began to open a wide eye on the idol she worshipped. When people do not themselves know what they mean, they succeed in deceiving and imposing upon others. Not only was Lady Blandish mystified, Mrs. Doria, who pierced into the recesses of everybody's mind and had always been in the habit of reading off her brother from infancy and had never known herself to be once wrong about him. She confessed she was quite at a loss to comprehend Austen's principle. For principle he has, said Mrs. Doria, he never acts without one. But what it is I cannot at present perceive. If he would write and command the boy to await his return, all would be clear. He allows us to go and fetch him and then leaves us all in a quandary. It must be some woman's influence that is the only way to account for it. Singular, interjected Adrian, what pride women have in their sex? Well, I have to tell you, my dear aunt, that the day after tomorrow I hand my charge over to your keeping. I can't hold him in an hour longer. I've had to leash him with lies till my inventions exhausted. I petition to have them put down to the chief's account. But when the stream runs dry, I can do no more. The last was that I had heard from him desiring me to have the southwest bedroom ready for him on Tuesday proximate. So, says my son, I'll wait till then. And from the gigantic effort he exhibited in coming to it, I doubt any human powers getting him to wait longer. We must, we must detain him, said Mrs. Doria. If we do not, I am convinced Austen will do something rash that he will forever repent. He will marry that woman, Adrian, mark my words, now with any other young man. But Richard's education, that ridiculous system, has he no distraction, nothing to amuse him? Poor boy, I suppose he wants his own particular playfellow. The wise youth had to bow to her reproof. I tell you, Adrian, he will marry that woman. My dear aunt, can a chaste man do ought more commendable? Has the boy no object we can induce him to follow if he had but a profession? What say you to the regeneration of the streets of London and the profession of moral scavenger aunt? I assure you I have served a month's apprenticeship with him. We sally forth on the tenth hour of the night. A female passes, I hear him groan. Is she one of them, Adrian? I am compelled to admit she is not the saint he deems it the portion of every creature wearing petticoats to be. Another groan, an evident internal. It cannot be, and yet, that we hear on the stage, rollings of eyes, impious questionings of the creator of the universe, savage mutterings against brutal males. And then we meet a second young person and repeat the performance of which I am rather tired. It would be all very well, but he turns upon me and lectures me because I don't hire a house and furnish it for all the women one meets to live in impurity. Now that's too much to ask of a quiet man. Master Thompson has laterally relieved me, I'm happy to say. Mrs. Doria thought her thoughts. Has Austin written to you since you were in town? Not an aphorism, returned Adrian. I must see Richard tomorrow morning. Mrs. Doria ended the colloquy by saying, the result of her interview with her nephew was that Richard made no allusion to a departure on the Tuesday and for many days afterward he appeared to have an absorbing business on his hands. But what it was, Adrian did not then learn and his admiration of Mrs. Doria's genius for management rose to a very high pitch. On a morning in October, they had an early visitor in the person of the Honorable Peter whom they had not seen for a week or more. Gentlemen, he said, flourishing his cane in his most affable manner. I've come to propose to you to join us in a little dinner party at Richmond. Nobody's in town, you know. London's as dead as a stockfish. Nothing but the scrapings to offer you. But the weather's fine. I flatter myself, you'll find the company agreeable. What says my friend, Feverall? Richard begged to be excused. No, no, positively you must come, said the Honorable Peter. I've had some trouble to get them together to relieve the dullness of your incarceration. Richmond's within the rules of your prison. You can be back by night. Moonlight on the water, lovely woman. We've engaged a city barge to pull us back. Eight oars, I'm not sure it is in sixteen. Come, the word. Adrian was forgoing. Richard said he had an appointment with Ripton. You're in for another, Rick, you two, said Adrian. Arrange that we go. You haven't seen the cockney's paradise, abjure blazes, and taste of peace my son. After some persuasion, Richard yawned wearily and got up and threw aside the care that was on him, saying, very well, just as you liked, we'll take old Rip with us. Adrian consulted Brader's eye at this. The Honourable Peter briskly declared he should be delighted to have Feverell's friend and offered to take them all down in his drag. If you don't get a match on to swim there with the tide, eh, Feverell, my boy? Richard replied that he had given up that sort of thing at which Brader communicated a queer glance to Adrian and applauded the youth. Richmond was under a still October sun. The pleasant landscape, bathed in autumn, stretched from the foot of the hill to a red horizon haze. The day was like none that Richard vividly remembered. It touched no link in the chain of his recollection. It was quiet and belonged to the spirit of the season. Adrian had defined the character of the scrapings they were to meet. Brader introduced them to one or two of the men, hastily and in rather an under-voice as a thing to get over. They made their bow to the first knot of ladies they encountered. Propriety was observed strictly, even to severity. The general talk was of the weather. Here and there a lady would seize a buttonhole or any little bit of the hablements of the man she was addressing. And if it came to her to chide him, she did it with more than a forefinger. This, however, was only here and there and a privilege of intimacy. Where ladies are gathered together, the queen of the assemblage may be known by her court of males. The queen of the present gathering leaned against a corner of the open window surrounded by a stalwart court in whom a practiced eye would have discerned guardsmen and ripped in with a sinking of the heart apprehended lords. They were fine men offering inanimate homage. The trim of their whiskerage, the cut of their coats, the high-bred indolence in their aspect eclipsed ripped-in scents of self-esteem. But they kindly looked over him. Occasionally one committed a momentary outrage on him with an eyeglass seeming to cry out in a voice of scathing scorn, who's this? And ripped-in got closer to his hero to justify his humble pretensions to existence and an identity in the shadow of him. Richard gazed about. Heroes do not always know what to say or do, and the cold bath before dinner in strange company is one of the instances. He had recognized his superb balona in the lady by the garden window. For braider the men had nods and yolks. The ladies a pretty playfulness. He was very busy passing between the groups, chatting, laughing, taking the feminine taps he received and sometimes returning them in sly whispers. Adrian sat down and crossed his legs looking amused and benignant. Whose dinner is it? ripped-in heard a mignon beauty ask of a cavalier. Mounts, I suppose, was the answer. Where is he? Why don't he come? An affair, I fancy. There he is again. How shamefully he treats Mrs. Mount. She don't seem to cry over it. Mrs. Mount was flashing her teeth and eyes with laughter at one of her court, who appeared to be fool. Dinner was announced. The ladies proclaimed extravagant appetites. Braider posted his three friends. Ripton found himself under the lee of a dame with a bosom. On the other side of him was the mignon. Adrian was at the lower end of the table. Ladies were in profusion and he had his share. Braider drew Richard from seat to seat. A happy man had established himself next to Mrs. Mount. Him Braider hailed to take the head of the table. The happy man objected. Braider continued urgent. The lady tenderly insisted. The happy man grimaced, dropped into the post of honor, strove to look plackable. Richard usurped his chair and was not badly welcomed by his neighbor. Then the dinner commenced and had all the attention of the company lying of the first champagne cork gave the signal and a hum began to spread. Sparkling wine that looseneth the tongue and displayeth the verity hath also the quality of coloring it. The ladies laughed high. Richard only thought them gay and natural. They flung back in their chairs and laughed to tears. Ripton thought only of the pleasure he had in their society. The champagne corks continued a regular file firing. Where have you been lately? I haven't seen you in the park, said Mrs. Mount to Richard. No, he replied, I've not been there. The question seemed odd. She spoke so simply that it did not impress him. He emptied his glass and had it filled again. The Honorable Peter did most of the open talking which related to horses, yachting, opera and sport generally, who was ruined by what horse or by what woman. He told one or two of Richard's feats. Fair smiles rewarded the hero. Do you bet, said Mrs. Mount? Only on myself, returned Richard. Bravo! cried his balona and her eye sent a lingering, delirious sparkle across her brimming glass at him. I'm sure you're a safe one to back, she added and seemed to scan his points approvingly. Richard's cheeks mounted bloom. Don't you adore champagne? Quote the dame with a bosom to Ripton. Oh yes, answered Ripton, with more candor than accuracy, I always drink it. To you indeed, said the enraptured bosom, ogling him, you would be a friend now. I hope you don't object to a lady joining you now and then. Champagne's my folly. A laugh was circling among the ladies of whom Adrian was the center. First low and as he continued some narration, peels resounded till those excluded from the fun demanded the cue. And ladies leaned behind gentlemen to take it up and formed an electric chain of laughter. Each one, as her ear received it, caught up her handkerchief and laughed and looked shocked afterwards, or looked shocked and then spouted laughter. The anecdote might have been communicated to the bewildered Cavaliers, but coming to a lady of a demure cast, she looked shocked without laughing and reproved the female table in whose breasts it was consigned to burial. But here and there a man's head was seen bent and a lady's mouth moved, though her face was not turned toward him and a man's broad laugh was presently heard while the lady gazed unconsciously before her and preserved her gravity if she could escape any other lady's eyes. Failing in which, handkerchiefs were simultaneously seized and a second chime arose till the tickling force subsided to a few chance bursts. What nonsense it is that my father writes about women, thought Richard. He says they can't laugh and don't understand humour. It comes, he reflected, of his shutting himself from the world and the idea that he was seeing the world and feeling wiser flattered him. He talked fluently to his dangerous Bologna. He gave her some reminiscences of Adrian's whimsies. Oh, said she, that's your tutor, is it? She eyed the young man as if she thought he must go far and fast. Ripton felt a push. Look at that, said the bosom, fuming utter disgust. He was directed to see a manly arm round the waist of the mignon. Now that's what I don't like in company, the bosom inflated to observe with sufficient emphasis. She always will allow it with everybody. Give her a nudge. Ripton protested that he dared not, upon which she said, then I will, and inclined her sumptuous bust across his lap, breathing wine in his face and gave the nudge. The mignon turned an inquiring eye on Ripton, a mischievous spark shot from it. She laughed and said, aren't you satisfied with the old girl? Impudence, muttered the bosom, growing grander and redder. Do, do fill her glass and keep her quiet. She drinks port when there's no more champagne, said the mignon. The bosom revenged herself by whispering to Ripton, scandal of the mignon, and between them he was enabled to form a corrector estimate of the company, and quite recovered from his original awe, so much so as to feel a touch of jealousy at seeing his lively little neighbor still held in absolute possession. Mrs. Mount did not come out much, but there was a deferential manner in the bearing of the men toward her, which those haughty creatures accord not safe to clever women, and she contrived to hold the talk with three or four at the head of the table, while she still had passages aside with Richard. The port and claret went very well after the champagne. The ladies here did not ignominiously surrender the field to the gentlemen. They maintained their position with honour. Silver was seen far out on Thames, the wine ebbed, and the laughter. Sentiment and cigars took up the wondrous tale. Oh, what a lovely night, said the ladies looking above. Charming, said the gentlemen, looking below. The faint smelling cool autumn air was pleasant after the feast. Fragrant weeds burned bright about the garden. We are split into couples, said Adrian to Richard, who was standing alone, eyeing the landscape. Tis the influence of the moon. Apparently we are in Cyprus. How has my son enjoyed himself? How likes he, the society of Aspasia? I feel like a wise Greek tonight. Adrian was jolly and rolled comfortably as he talked. Ripton had been carried off by the sentimental bosom. He came up to them and whispered, By Jove, Ricky, do you know what sort of women these are? Richard said he thought them a nice sort. Puritan exclaimed Adrian, slapping Ripton on the back. Why didn't you get tipsy, sir? Don't you ever intoxicate yourself except at lawful marriages? Reveal to us what you have done with the portly dame. Ripton endured his bantering that he might hang about Richard and watch over him. He was jealous of his innocent beauty's husband being in proximity with such women. Murmuring couples pass them to and fro. By Jove, Ricky, Ripton favored his friend with another hard whisper, there's a woman smoking. And why not, oh Riptonus, said Adrian, aren't unaware that woman cosmopolitan is woman consummate and dost grumble to pay the small price for the splendid gem? Well, I don't like women to smoke, said plain Ripton. Why may they do what men do? the hero cried impetuously. I hate that contemptible narrow-mindedness. It's that makes the ruin and horrors I see. Why may they do what men do? I like the women who are brave enough not to be hypocrites, by heaven. If these women are bad, I like them better than a set of hypocritical creatures who are all show and deceive you in the end. Bravo! shouted Adrian. There speaks the regenerator. Ripton, as usual, was crushed by his leader. He had no argument. He still thought women ought not to smoke, and he thought of one far away, lonely by the sea, who was perfect without being cosmopolitan. The pilgrim's script remarks that young men take joy in nothing so much as the thinking women angels, and nothing sours men of experience more than knowing that all are not quite so. The aphorist would have pardoned Ripton Thompson his first random extravagance had he perceived the simple warm-hearted worship of feminine goodness Richard's young bride had inspired in the breast of the youth. It might possibly have taught him to put deeper trust in our nature. Ripton thought of her and had a feeling of sadness. He wandered about the grounds by himself, went through an open postern and threw himself down among some bushes on the slope of the hill. Lying there and meditating, he became aware of voices conversing. What does he want? said a woman's voice. It's another of his villainies I know. Upon my honor braider, when I think of what I have to approach him for, I think I must go mad or kill him. Tragic, said the honorable Peter. Haven't you revenged yourself, Bella, pretty often? Best deal openly. This is a commercial transaction. You ask for money and you are to have it on the conditions. Double the sum and debts paid. He applies to me. You know, my dear Bella, it has long been all up between you. I think Mount has behaved very well considering all he knows. He's not easily hoodwinked, you know. He resigns himself to his fate and follows other game. Then the condition is that I am to seduce this young man? My dear Bella, you strike your bird like a hawk. I didn't say seduce. Hold him in. Play with him. Amuse him. I don't understand half measures. Women seldom do. How I hate you, braider. I thank your ladyship. The two walked farther. Ripton had heard some little of the colloquy. He left the spot in a serious mood, apprehensive of something dark to the people he loved, though he had no idea of what the honourable Peter's stipulation involved. On the voyage back to town, Richard was again selected to sit by Mrs. Mount. Braider and Adrian started the jokes. The pair of parasites got on extremely well together. Soft fell the splash of the oars. Softly the moonlight curled around them. Softly the banks glided by. The ladies were in a state of high sentiment. They sang without request. All deemed the British ballad monger an appropriate interpreter of their emotions. After good wine and plenty thereof, fair throats will make men of taste swallow that remarkable composer. Eyes, lips, hearts, darts, and smarts and sighs. Beauty, duty, bosom, blossom, false one, farewell. To this pathetic strain they melted. Mrs. Mount, though strongly requested, declined to sing. She preserved her state. Under the tall aspens of Brentford 8 and on they swept the white moon in their wake. Richard's hand lay open by his side. Mrs. Mount's little white hand by misadventure fell into it. It was not pressed or soothed for its fall or made intimate with eloquent fingers. It lay there like a bit of snow on the cold ground. A yellow leaf wavering down from the aspens struck Richard's cheek and he drew away the very hand to throw back his hair and smooth his face and then folded his arms unconscious of offence. He was thinking ambitiously of his life. His blood was untroubled, his brain calmly working. Which is the more perilous is a problem put by the pilgrim to meet the temptings of Eve or to peek her? Mrs. Mount stared at the young man as at a curiosity and turned to flirt with one of her court. The guardsmen were mostly sentimental. One or two rattled and one was such a good humored fellow that Adrian could not make him ridiculous. The others seemed to give themselves up to a silent waxing in length of limb. However far they sat removed everybody was entangled in their legs. Pursuing his studies Adrian came to the conclusion that the same close intellectual and moral affinity which he had discovered to exist between our nobility and our yeomenry is to be observed between the guardsmen class and that of the corps du ballet. They both live by the strength of their legs where also their wits, if they do not altogether reside there are principally developed. Both our foliage, wine, tobacco and the moon influence both alike and admitting the one marked difference that does exist. It is after all pretty nearly the same thing to be cocketting and sinning on two legs as on the point of a toe. A long guardsman with a deep bass voice sang a doleful song about the twining tendrils of the heart ruthlessly torn but required urgent persuasions and heavy trumpeting of his lungs to get to the end. Before he had accomplished it Adrian had contrived to raise a laugh in his neighborhood so that the company was divided and the camp split. Jolity returned to one half while sentiment held the other. Ripton blotted behind the bosom was only lucky in securing a higher degree of heat than was possible for the rest. Are you cold? she would ask smiling charitably. I am said the mignon as if to excuse her conduct. You always appear to be the fat one sniffed and snapped. Won't you warm too? Mrs. Mortimer said the naughty little woman. Distain prevented any further notice of her. Those familiar with the ladies enjoyed their sparring which was frequent. The mignon was heard to whisper that poor fellow will certainly be stewed. Very prettily the ladies took and gave warmth for the air on the water was chill and misty. Adrian had beside him the demure one who had stopped the circulation of his anecdote. She in no wise objected to the fair exchange but said hush between wiles. Past Q and Hammer Smith on the cool smooth water across Putney Reach through Battersea Bridge and the city grew around them and the shadows of great mill factories slept a thwart the moonlight. All the ladies prattled sweetly of a charming day when they alighted on land. Several cavaliers crushed for the honour of conducting Mrs. Mount to her home. My brogames here I shall go alone said Mrs. Mount, someone arrange my shawl. She turned her back to Richard who had a view of a delicate neck as he manipulated with the bearing of a mailed knight. Which way are you going? She asked carelessly and to his reply as to the direction said then I can give you a lift. And she took his arm with a matter of coarse air and walked up the stairs with him. Ripton saw what had happened. He was going to follow. The portly dame retained him and desired him to get her a cab. Oh, you happy fellow! said the bright-eyed mignon passing by. Ripton procured the cab and stuffed it full without having to get into it himself. Try and let him come in too! said the persecuting creature again passing. Take liberties with your men. You shant with me! retorted the angry bosom and drove off. So she's been and gone and run away and left him after all his trouble and hurt little thing peering into Ripton's eyes. Now you'll never be so foolish as to pin your faith to fat women again. There! He shall be made happy another time. She gave his nose a comical tap and tripped away with her possessor. Ripton rather forgot his friend for some minutes. Random thoughts laid hold of him. Cabs and carriages rattled past. He was sure he had been among members of the nobility that day. Though when they went by him now they only recognized him with an effort of the eyelids. He began to think of the day with exultation as an event. Recollections of the mignon were captivating. Blue eyes, just what I like and such a little ebunate nose and red lips pouting the very thing I like. And her hair, darkish I think, say brown and so saucy and light on her feet and kind she is or she wouldn't have talked to me like that. Thus with a groaning soul he pictured her. His reason voluntarily consigned her to the aristocracy as a natural appanage. But he did amorously wish that fortune had made a lord of him. Then his mind reverted to Mrs. Mount and the strange bits of the conversation he had heard on the hill. He was not one to suspect anybody positively. He was timid of fixing a suspicion. It hovered indefinitely and clouded people without starring him to any resolve. Still the attentions of the lady toward Richard were queer. He endeavored to imagine they were in the nature of things because Richard was so handsome that any woman must take to him. But he's married, said Ripton, and he mustn't go near these people if he's married. Not a high morality, perhaps better than none at all. Better for the world were it practiced more. He thought of Richard alone with that sparkling dame, alone with her. The adorable beauty of his dear bride, her pure heavenly face swam before him. Thinking of her, he lost sight of the mignon who had made him giddy. He walked to Richard's hotel and up and down the street there, hoping every minute to hear his step. Sometimes fancying he might have returned and gone to bed. Two o'clock struck. Ripton could not go away. He was sure he should not sleep if he did. At last the cold sent him homeward and, leaving the street on the moonlight side of Piccadilly, he met his friend patrolling with his head up and that swing of the feet proper to men who are chanting verses. "'Old Rip!' cried Richard cheerily. "'What on earth are you doing here at this hour of the morning?' Ripton muttered of his pleasure at meeting him. "'I wanted to shake your hand before I went home.' Richard smiled on him in an amused, kindly way. "'That all? You may shake my hand any day, like a true man as you are, Old Rip. "'I've been speaking about you. "'Do you know that Mrs. Mount never saw you all the time at Richard or in the boat?' "'Oh!' Ripton said. "'Well assured that he was a dwarf. "'You saw her safe home?' "'Yes, I've been there for the last couple of hours talking. "'She talks capitally. "'She's wonderfully clever. "'She's very like a man, only much nicer. "'I like her.' "'But, Richard, excuse me. "'I'm sure I don't mean to offend you. "'But now you're married. "'Perhaps you couldn't help seeing her home. "'But I think you really, indeed, ought to have gone upstairs.'" Ripton delivered this opinion with a modest impressiveness. "'What do you mean?' said Richard. "'You don't suppose I care for any woman. "'But my little darling down there,' he laughed. "'No, of course not. That's absurd. "'What I mean is that people perhaps will, you know, "'they do, they say all manner of things, "'and that makes unhappiness. "'And I do wish you were going home tomorrow, Ricky. "'I mean to your dear wife.'" Ripton blushed and looked away as he spoke. The hero gave one of his scornful glasses. "'So you're anxious about my reputation. "'I hate that way of looking on women "'because they have been once misled. "'Look how much weaker they are "'because the world has given them an ill-fame. "'You would treat them as contagious "'and keep away from them for the sake of your character.' "'It would be different with me,' quote Ripton. "'How?' asked the hero. "'Because I'm worse than you,' "'was all the logical explanation Ripton was capable of. "'I do hope you will go home soon,' he added. "'Yes,' said Richard. "'And I, so do I hope so. "'But I have work to do now. "'I dare not I cannot leave it. "'Lucy would be the last to ask me. "'You saw her letter yesterday. "'Now listen to me, Rip. "'I want to make you be just to women.'" Then he read Ripton a lecture on airing women, speaking of them as if he had known them and studied them for years. Clever, beautiful, but betrayed by love. It was the first duty of all true men to cherish and redeem them. We turned them into curses, Rip, these divine creatures, and the world suffered for it. That, that was the root of all the evil in the world. I don't feel anger or horror at these poor women, Rip. It's strange. I knew what they were when we came home in the boat. But I do. It tears my heart to see a young girl given over to an old man, a man she doesn't love. That's shame. Don't speak of it. Forgetting to contest the premise that all betrayed women are betrayed by love, Ripton was quite silenced. He, like most young men, had pondered somewhat on this matter and was inclined to be sentimental when he was not hungry. They walked in the moonlight by the railings of the park. Richard harangued at leisure while Ripton's teeth chattered. Shivery might be dead, but still there was something to do, went the strain. The lady of the day had not been thrown in the hero's path without an object, he said, and he was sadly right there. He did not express the thing clearly. Nevertheless, Ripton understood him to mean he intended to rescue that lady from further transgressions and show a certain scorn of the world. That lady, and then other ladies unknown, were to be rescued. Ripton was to help. He and Ripton were to be the knights of this enterprise. When appealed to, Ripton acquiesced and shivered. Not only were they to be knights, they would have to be titans. For the powers of the world, the spurious ruling social gods would have to be defied and overthrown. And titan number one flung up his handsome bold face as if to challenge base Jove on the spot. And titan number two strained the upper button of his coat to meet across his pocket handkerchief on his chest and warmed his fingers under his coattails. The moon had fallen from her high seat and was in the midst of the west when he was allowed to seek his blankets. And the cold acting on his friend's eloquence made Ripton's flesh very contrite. The poor fellow had thinner blood than the hero, but his heart was good. By the time he had got a little warmth about him, his heart gratefully strove to encourage him in the conception of becoming a knight and a titan, and so striving Ripton fell asleep and dreamed. End of Chapter 36 Chapter 37 of The Ordeal of Richard Feverell This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Rita Butros. The Ordeal of Richard Feverell by George Meredith Chapter 37 Behold the hero embarked in the redemption of an erring beautiful woman. Alas! writes the pilgrim I cannot get that legend of the serpent from me the more I think. Has he not caught you and ranked you for most in his legions? For see, till you were fashioned, the fruits hung immobile on the boughs. They swayed before us, glistening and cold. The hand must be eager that plucked them. They did not come down to us and smile and speak our language and read our thoughts and to know when to fly, when to follow, how surely to have us. Do but mark one of you standing openly in the track of the serpent. What shall be done with her? I fear the world is wiser than its judges. Turn from her, says the world. By day the sons of the world do. It darkens and they dance together downward. Then comes there one of the world's elect who deems old council devilish. Indifference to the end of evil worse than its pursuit. He comes to reclaim her. From deepest bane will he bring her back to highest blessing. Is not that a bait already? Poor fish! Tis one just flattering. The serpent has slimed her so to secure him. With slow weary steps he draws her into light. She clings to him. She is human, part of his work, and he loves it. As they mount upward he looks on her more while she it may be looks above. What has touched him? What has passed out of her and into him? The serpent laughs below. At the gateways of the sun they fall together. This alliterative production was written without any sense of the peril that makes prophecy. It suited Sir Austin to write thus, it was a channel to his acrimony moderated through his philosophy. The letter was a reply to a vehement entreaty from Lady Blandish for him to come up to Richard and forgive him thoroughly. Richard's name was not mentioned in it. He tries to be more than he is, thought the lady, and she began insensibly to conceive him less than he was. The baronet was conscious of a certain false gratification in his son's apparent obedience to his wishes and complete submission, a gratification he chose to accept as his due without dissecting or accounting for it. The intelligence reiterating that Richard waited and still waited, Richard's letters and more his dumb abiding and practical penitence vindicted humanity sufficiently to stop the course of virulent aphorisms. He could speak, we have seen, in sorrow for this frail nature of ours, that he had once stood forth to champion. But how long will this last he demanded with the air of Hippias? He did not reflect how long it had lasted. Indeed, his indigestion of wrath had made of him a moral dispepsy. It was not mere obedience that held Richard from the aims of his young wife, nor was it this new nightly enterprise he had presumed to undertake. Hero as he was, a youth open to the insane promptings of hot blood. He was not a fool. There had been talk between him and Mrs. Doria of his mother. Now that he had broken from his father, his heart spoke for her. She lived he knew, he knew no more. Words painfully hovering along the borders of plain speech had been communicated to him, filling him with moody imaginings. If he thought of her, the red was on his face, though he could not have said why. But now, after canvassing the conduct of his father and throwing him aside as a terrible riddle, he asked Mrs. Doria to tell him of his other parent. As softly as she could, she told the story. To her the shame was passed. She could weep for the poor lady. Richard dropped no tears. Disgrace of this kind is always present to a son. And, educated as he had been, these tidings were a vivid fire in his brain. He resolved to hunt her out and take her from the man. Here was work set to his hand. All her dear husband did was write to Lucy. She encouraged him to stay for that purpose, thinking it also served another. There was Tom Bakewell to watch over Lucy. There was work for him to do. Whether it would please his father, he did not stop to consider. As to the justice of the act, let us say nothing. On Ripton devolved the humbler task of grubbing for Sando's place of residence. And as he was unacquainted with the name by which the poet now went in private, his endeavours were not immediately successful. The friends met in the evening at Lady Blanche's townhouse or at the forays where Mrs. Doria procured the reverer of the royal martyr and staunch conservative, a favourable reception. Pity, deep pity for Richard's conduct, Ripton saw breathing out of Mrs. Doria. Algernon Feverell treated his nephew with a sort of rough commiseration as a young fellow who had run off the road. Pity was in Lady Blanche's eyes, though for a different cause. She doubted if she did well in seconding his father's unwise scheme, supposing him to have a scheme. Now the young husband encompassed by dangers at a critical time. Not a word of Mrs. Mount had been breathed to her, but the lady had some knowledge of life. She touched on delicate verges to the baronet in her letters, and he understood her well enough. If he loves this person to whom he has bound himself, what fear for him? Or are you coming to think it's something that bears the name of love the rightful appellation? So he responded, remote among the mountains. She tried very hard to speak plainly. Finally, he came to say that he denied himself the pleasure of seeing his son specially, that he for a time might be put to the test the lady seemed to dread. This was almost too much for Lady Blanche. Love's charity boy so loftily serene now that she saw him half denuded, a thing of shanks and wrists was a trial for her true heart. Going home at night, Richard would laugh at the faces made about his marriage. We'll carry the day, Rip, my Lucy and I, or I'll do it alone, what there is to do. He slightly adverted to a natural want of courage in women, which Ripton took to indicate that his beauty was deficient in that quality. Up, let the old dog. I'm sure there never was a braver creature upon earth, Richard. She's as brave as she's lovely. I'll swear she is. Look how she behaved that day, how her voice sounded. She was trembling. Brave? She'd follow you into battle, Richard. And Richard rejoined. Talk on, dear old Rip. She's my darling love, whatever she is, and she is gloriously lovely. No eyes are like hers. I'll go down to-morrow morning the first thing. Ripton only wondered the husband of such a treasure could remain apart from it. So thought Richard for a space. But if I go, Rip, he said despondently, if I go for a day even, I shall have undone all my work with my father. She says it herself. You saw it in her last letter. Yes, Ripton assented, and the words please remember me to dear Mr. Thompson, fluttered about the old dog's heart. It came to pass that Mrs. Berry, having certain business that led her through Kensington Gardens, spied a figure that she had once dandled in long clothes and helped make a man of, if ever woman did. He was walking under the trees beside a lady, talking to her, not indifferently. The gentleman was her bridegroom and her babe. I know his back, said Mrs. Berry, as if she had branded a mark on it in infancy. But the lady was not his bride. Mrs. Berry diverged from the path and got before them on the left flank. She stared, retreated, and came round upon the right. There was that in the lady's face which Mrs. Berry did not like. Her innermost question was why he was not walking with his own wife. She stopped in front of them. They broke and passed about her. The lady made a laughing remark to him, whereat he turned to look and Mrs. Berry bobbed. She had to bob a second time and then he remembered the worthy creature and hailed her penelope, shaking her hand so that he put her in countenance again. Mrs. Berry was extremely agitated. He dismissed her, promising to call upon her in the evening. She heard the lady slip out something from a side of her lip and they both laughed as she toddled off to a sheltering tree to wipe a corner of each eye. I don't like the looks of that woman, she said, and repeated it resolutely. Why doesn't he walk arm in arm with her? was her neat inquiry. Where's his wife? succeeded it. After many interrogations of the sort, she arrived at naming the lady a bold-faced thing adding subsequently brazen. The lady had apparently shown Mrs. Berry that she wished to get rid of her and had checked the outpouring of her emotions on the breast of her babe. I know a lady when I see one, said Mrs. Berry. I haven't lived with him for nothing and if she's a lady bred and born I wasn't married in the church alive. Then, if not a lady, what was she? Mrs. Berry desired to know. She's imitation, lady, I'm sure she is. Berry vowed. I say she don't look proper. Establishing the lady to be a spurious article, however, what was one to think of a married man in company with such? Oh, no, it ain't that. Mrs. Berry returned immediately on the charitable tech. Be like it's some one of his acquaintance of a married her for her looks and he'd have just met her. Why, it'd be as bad as my Berry. There relinquished spouse of Berry ejaculated in horror at the idea of a second man being so monstrous and wickedness. Just couple, too, Mrs. Berry groaned on the suspicious side of the debate. And such a sweet young thing for his wife. But no, I'll never believe it. Not if he tell me so himself. And men don't do that, she whimpered. Women are swift at coming to conclusions in these matters. Soft women exceedingly swift. And soft women who have been betrayed are rapid beyond measure. Mrs. Berry had not cogitated long, ere she pronounced distinctly and without a shadow of dubiosity. My opinion is, married or not married, and where some ever he pick her up, she's nothing more nor less than a belladonna. As which poisonous plant she forthwith registered the lady in the botanical notebook of her brain, it would have astonished Mrs. Mount to have heard her person so accurately hit off at a glance. In the evening Richard made good his promise, accompanied by Ripton. Mrs. Berry opened the door to them. She could not wait to get him into the parlor. You're my own blessed babe, and I'm as good as your mother, though I didn't suck ye being a maid, she cried, falling into his arms. While Richard did his best to support the unexpected burden. Then, reproaching him tenderly for his guile, at mention of which Ripton chuckled, deeming at his own most honourable portion of the plot, Mrs. Berry led them into the parlor and revealed to Richard who she was and how she had tossed him and hugged him and kissed him all over when he was only that big, showing him her stumpy fat arm. I kissed ye from head to tail, I did, said Mrs. Berry, and ye needn't be ashamed of it. It's be hoped ye'll never have nothing worse come to ye, my dear. Richard assured her he was not a bit ashamed, but warned her that she must not do it now. Mrs. Berry admitting it was out of the question now and now that he had a wife more over. The young men laughed and Ripton laughing over-loudly drawn himself Mrs. Berry's attention. But that Mr. Thompson there, however he can look me in the face after his innocence, helping blindfold an old woman, though I ain't sorry for what I did, that I'm free for to say and it's over, and bless be all. Amen. So now where is she and how is she, Mr. Richard, my dear? It's only cutting off the S and Yara's you was. Why didn't you bring her with you to see her old Berry? Richard hurriedly explained that Lucy was still in the Isle of Wight. Oh, and you have left her for a day or two, said Mrs. Berry. Good God, I wish it had been a day or two, cried Richard. Ah, and how long have it been, asked Mrs. Berry, her heart beginning to beat at his manner of speaking. Don't talk about it, said Richard. Oh, you never been dodging in already. Oh, you haven't been pecking at one another yet, Mrs. Berry exclaimed. Ripton interposed to tell her such fears were unfounded. Then how long have you been divided? In a guilty voice, Ripton stammered, since September. September, breathed Mrs. Berry, counting on her fingers. September, October, no. Two months and more, night three. A young married husband away from the wife of his bosom, night three months. Oh my, oh my, what do that mean? My father sent for me. I'm waiting to see him, said Richard. A few more words helped Mrs. Berry to comprehend the condition of affairs. Then Mrs. Berry spread her lap, flattened out her hands, fixed her eyes and spoke. My dear young gentleman, I'd like to call you my darling babe. I'm going to speak as a mother to you, whether you like it or not. And what old Berry says you won't mind, for she's had you when there was no conventionals about you. And she has the feelings of a mother to you, though humble her state. If there's one that knows matrimony, it's me, my dear. Though Berry did give me no more, but nine months of it. And I've known the worst of matrimony, which if you want to be woeful wise, there it is for you. For what have been my gain? That man gave me nothing but his name. And Bessie Andrews was as good as Bessie Berry, though both is Bessie, and says he you was A, and now you's B, so you're my A, B, he says. Write yourself down that, he says, the bad man with his jokes. Berry went to service. Mrs. Berry's softness came upon her. So I tell ye, Berry went to service. He left the wife of his bosom forlorn, and he went to service because he was a lazy and ambitious man, and wasn't, so to speak, he out of his uniform, which was his livery, not even in my arms, and he let me know it. He got among them kitchen sluts, which was my morning ready-made, and worse than a widow's cap to me, which is no shame to wear, and some say be common. There is no man as ever lived known better than my Berry how to show his legs to advantage, and gals look at him. I don't wonder now that Berry was prostrated. His temptations were strong, and his flesh was weak, that's what I say is, that for a young married man, be he whomsoever he may be, to be separated from the wife of his bosom, a young sweet thing, and he an innocent young gentleman. So to send her in their state, and be kept from each other, I say it's as bad as bad can be, for what is matrimony, my dears? We're told it's a holy ordinance, and why are ye so comfortable in matrimony, for that ye are not a synon, and they that sever as ye, they tempts ye to stray, and ye learn too late the meaning of them blessings of the priest, as it was ordained. Separate, what comes? First it's like the circulation of your blood is stopping, all goes wrong, then there's misunderstandings, you have both lost the key. Then, behold ye, there's birds of prey hovering over each of ye, and it's which'll be snapped up first, then, oh dear, oh dear, it be like the devil coming to the world again. Mrs. Berry struck her hands and moaned, a day I'll give ye, I'll go so far as a week, but there's the outside, three months dwellin' apart, that's not matrimony, it's divorcin', what can it be to her but widowhood, widowhood with no cap to show for it, and what can it be to you, my dear, think? You've been a bachelor three months, and a bachelor man, Mrs. Berry shook her head most awfully, he ain't widdle woman, I don't go to compare you to Berry, my dear young gentleman, some man's arts is vagabonds born, they must go astray, it's their nature to, but all men are men, and I know the foundation of them by reason of my woe. Mrs. Berry paused. Richard was humorously respectful to the sermon. The truth in the good creature's address was not to be disputed or despised, notwithstanding the inclination to laugh, provoked by her quaint way of putting it. Ripton nodded encouragingly at every sentence, for he saw her drift and wished to second it. Seeking for an illustration of her meaning, Mrs. Berry solemnly continued, We all know what checked perspiration is, but neither of the young gentlemen could resist this, out they burst in a roar of laughter. Laugh away, said Mrs. Berry, I don't mind ye, I say again, we all do know what checked perspiration is, it fly to the lungs, it gives ye mortal information, and it carries ye off, then I say checked matrimony is as bad, it fly to the heart, and it carries off the virtue that's in ye, and ye might as well be dead, them that's joined it's their salvation not to separate, it don't so much matter before it, that Mr. Thompson there, if he go astray it ain't from the blessed fold, he hurt himself alone, not double, and be like treble, for who can say now what may be? There is time for it, I'm frolled in back young people so that they know their minds, how some ever there rattles about their hearts, I ain't a speeder of matrimony, and good's my reason, but where it's been done, where they're lawfully joined, and their bodies made one, I do say this, that to put division between them then, it's to make wander and comets of them, creatures without an object, and no soul can say what there is good for, but to rush about. Mrs. Berry here took a heavy breath, as one who has set her utmost for the time being. My dear old girl, Richard went up to her, and applauding her on the shoulder, you're a very wise old woman, but you mustn't speak to me as if I wanted to stop here, I'm compelled to, I do it for her good chiefly. It's your father that's doing it, my dear. Well, I'm waiting his pleasure. A pretty pleasure, making the nest a young turtle doves, and why don't she come up to you? Well, that you must ask her, the fact is, she's a little timid girl, she wants me to see him first, and when I've made it all right, then she'll come. A little timid girl, cried Mrs. Berry, oh Lord, how she must have deceived you to make you think that. Look at that ring, she held out her finger. He's a stranger, he's not my lawful, you know what she did to me, my dear. Could I get my own wedding ring back from her? No, says she, firm as a rock. He said, with this ring I view wed. I think I see her now, with her pretty eyes, and lovesome locks, a darling. And that ring she'd keep to come life, came death, and she must have been a rock for me to give in to her. In that, for what's the consequence? Here am I, Mrs. Berry smoothed down the back of her hand mournfully, here am I in a strange ring that's like a strange man holding of me, and me aware of it just to seem decent, and feelin' all over no better than a bee, a big, that nasty came I can't abide. I tell you, my dear, she ain't soft, no, except to the man of her heart, and the best of women's too soft there, more's our sorrow. Well, well, said Richard, who thought he knew. I agree with you, Mrs. Berry, Ripton struck in. Mrs. Richard would do anything in the world her husband asked her, I'm quite sure. Bless you for your good opinion, Mr. Thompson. Why, see her, she ain't frail on her feet, she looks he straight in the eyes. She ain't one o' ya hang down, Mrs. Look how she behaved at the ceremony. Ah! sighed Ripton. And if you had seen her when she spoke to me about my ring, depend upon it, my dear Mr. Richard. If she blinded you about the nerf she's got, it was something she ought to do for your sake, and I wish I'd been by to counsel her poor blessed babe. And how much longer now can you stay divided from that, darlin'? Richard paced up and down. A father as well, urged Mrs. Berry, that's a son's law. But he mustn't go against the laws of his nature to do it. Just be quiet at present, talk of other things, there's a good woman, said Richard. Mrs. Berry meekly folded her arms. How strange now, our meetin' like this. Meetin' at all too, she remarked contemplatively. It's them advertisements, they brings people together from the ends of the earth for a good of her bed. I often say there's more lucky accidents than there are unlucky ones, since advertisements was the rule than ever there was before. They make a number of romances depend upon it. Do you walk much in the gardens, my dear? Now and then, said Richard, very pleasant it is there with the fine folks and flowers entitled people. Continued Mrs. Berry, that was and some woman you was a walkin' beside this mornin'? Very, said Richard, was and some woman, or I should say is, for her day ain't past, and she know it. I thought at first by her back it might have been your aunt Mrs. Fory, for she do step out well and hold up her shoulders straight as a darts she be. But when I come to see her face, oh dear me says I, this ain't one of the family. They none of them got such bold faces, nor no lady as I know of. But she's a fine woman nobody can gain say. Mrs. Berry talked further of the fine woman. It was a liberty she took to speak in this disrespectful tone of her. And Mrs. Berry was quite aware that she was laying herself open to rebuke. She had her end in view. No rebuke was uttered, and during her talk she observed intercourse passing between the eyes of the young men. Look here, Penelope. Richard stopped her at last. Will it make you comfortable if I tell you I'll obey the laws of my nature and go down at the end of the week? I'll thank the lord even if you do, she exclaimed. Very well then, be happy, I will. Now listen, I want you to keep your rooms for me, those she had. I expect in a day or two to bring a lady here. A lady? faltered Mrs. Berry. Yes, a lady. May I make so boldest to ask what lady? You may not, not now. Of course you will know. Mrs. Berry's short neck made the best imitation it could of an offended swan's action. She was very angry. She said she did not like so many ladies, which natural objection Richard met by saying that there was only one lady. And, Mrs. Berry, he added, dropping his voice, you will treat her as you did, my dear girl, for she will require not only shelter but kindness. I would rather leave her with you than with anyone. She has been very unfortunate. His serious air and habitual tone of command fascinated the softness of Berry, and it was not until he had gone that she spoke out. Unfortunate? He's going to bring me an unfortunate female. Oh, not for my babe, can I bear that? Never will I ever hear. I see it. It's that bold-faced woman he's got mixed up in, and she's been and made the young man think it'll go for too rift former. It's one of their arts, that is, and he's too innocent a young man to mean anything else. But I ain't a house of Magdalene's no, and sooner than ever here I'd have the roof fall over me I would. She sat down to eat her supper on the sublime resolve. In love Mrs. Berry's charity was all on the side of the law, and this is the case with many of her sisters. The pilgrims sneers at them for it and would have us credit that it is their admirable instinct which, at the expense of every virtue save one, preserves the artificial barrier simply to impose upon us. Men, I presume, are hardly fair judges and should stand aside and mark. Early next day Mrs. Berry bundled off to Richard's hotel to let him know her determination. Returning homeward through the park she beheld him on horseback riding by the side of the identical lady. The sight of this public exposure shocked her more than the secret walk under the trees. You don't look near your reform yet, Mrs. Berry apostrophized her. You don't look to me one that had come the fair penanted till you've left off being fair. If then you do, which some of you don't, laugh away and show yetters, spite to your hat and feather, and your ride and habit, you're a belladonna. Setting her down again absolutely for such, whatever it might signify, Mrs. Berry had a virtuous glow. In the evening she heard the noise of wheels stopping at the door. Never, she rose from her chair to exclaim, he ain't ridin' her out in the mornin' and binin' made a Magdalene of her a four dark. A lady veiled was brought into the house by Richard. Mrs. Berry feebly tried to bar his progress in the passage. He pushed past her and conducted the lady into the parlour without speaking. Mrs. Berry did not follow. She heard him murmur a few sentences within. Then he came out. All her crests stood up as she whispered vigorously, Mr. Richard, if that woman stay here I go forth. My house ain't a penitentiary for unfortunate females, sir. He frowned at her curiously, but as she was on the point of renewing her indignant protest, he clapped his hand across her mouth and spoke words in her ear that had awful import to her. She trembled, breathing low. My God, forgive me! Richard and her virtue was humbled. Lady Feverell is it? Your mother, Mr. Richard? And her virtue was humbled. End of Chapter 37 Chapter 38 of the Ordeal of Richard Feverell. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Ordeal of Richard Feverell by George Meredith. Chapter 38 One may suppose that a prematurely aged, oily little man, a poet in bad circumstances, a decrepit butterfly chained to a disappointed ink stand, will not put out strenuous energies to retain his ancient paramour when a robust young man comes imperatively to demand his mother of him in her person. The colloquy was short between Diaper Sandow and Richard. The question was referred to the poor, spiritless lady who, seeing that her son made no question of it, cast herself on his hands. Small loss to her was Diaper, but he was the loss of habit and that is something to a woman who has lived. The blood of her son had been running so long, alien from her that the sense of her motherhood smote her now with strangeness and Richard's stern gentleness seemed like dreadful justice come upon her. Her heart had almost forgotten its maternal functions. She called him sir till he bad. Her remember he was her son. Her voice sounded to him like that of a broken, throated lamb, so painful and weak it was with the plaintiff's stop and the utterance. When he kissed her, her skin was cold. Her thin hand fell out of his when his grasp related. Can sin hunt one like this? He asked, bitterly reproaching himself for the shame she had caused him to endure and a deep compassion filled his breast. Bodic justice had been dealt to Diaper the poet. He thought of all he had sacrifice for this woman, the comfortable quarters, the friend, the happy flights. He could not but accuse her of unfaithfulness in leaving him in his old age. Habit had legalized his union with her. He wrote as pathetically of the break of habit as men feel at the death of love. And when we are old and have no fair hope, tossing golden locks before us, a wound to this, our second nature, is quite as sad. I know not even if it be not actually sadder. Day by day, Richard visited his mother, Lady Blandish, and ripped him alone. We're in the secret, Adrian, let him do as he pleased. He thought proper to tell him that the public recognition he recorded to a particular lady was, in the present state of the world, scarcely prudent. "'Tis a proof to me of your moral rectitude, my son, but the world will not think so. No one character is sufficient to cover to in a Protestant country especially. The divinity, the doth hedge of bishop, would have no chance in contact with your madame Di Nye. Drop the woman, my son, or permit me to speak what you would have her hear.' Richard listened to him with disgust. "'Well, you've had my doctorial warning,' said Adrian and plunged back into his book. When Lady Fevel had revived to take part in the consultations, Mrs. Berry perpetually opened on the subject of Richard's matrimonial duty, another chain was cast about him. "'Do not, O, do not offend your father,' was her one repeated supplication. Sir Austin had grown to be a vindictive phantom in her mind. She never wept but when she said this.' So Mrs. Berry, to whom Richard had once made mention of Lady Blandish as the only friend he had among women, bundled off in her black satin dress to obtain an interview with her and an ally. After coming to an understanding on the matter of the visit and reiterating many of her views concerning young married people, Mrs. Berry said, "'My lady, if I may speak so bold, I'd say the sin that's being done is the sin of the looker's on.' And when everybody appear frightened by that young gentleman's father, I'll say, hoping you're pardoned, they know cause be frighted at all. For though it's night, twenty years since I knew him and I knew him then, just sixteen months, no more, I'll say his heart says soft as a woman's which I've cause for to know, and that's it. That's where everybody's deceived by him and I was. It's because he keeps his grace and makes you think you're dealing with a man of iron and all the while there's a woman underneath and the man that's like a woman, he's the puzzle of life. We can see through ourselves, my lady, and we can see through men, but one of that sort leaves like something out of nature. Then I say, hoping be excused, what's to do is for to treat him like a woman and not for to let him have his own way which he don't know himself and is why nobody else do. Let that sweet young couple come together and be wholesome in spite of him, I say, and then give him time to come round just like a woman and round he'll come and give him his blessing and we shall know we've made him comfortable. He's angry because matrimony have come between him and his son and the woman like he's wanting to treat what is as if it isn't. But matrimony is a whole year than him. It began long before him and it's to be hoped or endure long as the time after if the world's not coming to rack wishing him no harm. Now Mrs. Berry only put Lady Blandish's thoughts in bad English. The lady took upon herself seriously to advise Richard to send for his wife. He wrote, bidding her come, Lucy however had wits and inexperienced wits are as little knowledge and pursuance of her sage planned to make the family feel her worth and to conquer the members of it one by one she had got up a correspondence with Adrian whom it tickled. Adrian constantly assured her all was going well. Time would heal the wound if both the offenders had the fortitude to be patient. He fancies saw signs of the baronets relenting they must do nothing to arrest those favorable symptoms. Indeed the wise youth was languidly seeking to produce them. He wrote and felt as Lucy's benefactor so Lucy replied to her husband a cheerful rigmarole. He could make nothing else say that she was happy and hope and still had fears. Then Mrs. Berry trained her fists to indict a letter to her bride. Her bride answered it by saying she trusted the time. You poor martyr, Mrs. Berry wrote back I know what your sufferings be they is the only kind of wife should never hide from her husband. He thinks all sorts of things if she can abide being away and you trusting to time why it's like trusting not to catch cold out of your natural clothes. There was no shaking Lucy's firmness. Richard gave it up. He began to think that the life lying behind him was the life of a fool. What had he done in it? He was a man who was very strict and got married. He associated the two acts of his existence. Where was the hero? He was to have carved out of Tom Bakewell a wretch he had taught to lie and chicanes and for what great heavens how ignoble did a flash from the light of his aspirations make his marriage appear. The young man sought amusement. He allowed his aunt to drag him into society and sick of that he made late evening calls on Mrs. Mount oblivious of the purpose her man like conversation which he took for honesty was a refreshing change on fair lips. Call me Bella I'll call you Dick said she and it came to be Bella and Dick between them. No mention of Bella occurred in Richard's letters to Lucy. Mrs. Mount spoke quite openly of herself I pretend to be no better than I am she said and I know I'm no worse than many a woman who holds her head high. To back this she told him stories of blooming dames of good repute and poured a little social sewerage into his ears. Also she understood him what you want my dear dick is something to do you went and got married like a home friends must be respectful go into the army try the turf I can put you up to a trick or two friends should make themselves useful she told him what she liked in him you're the only man I was ever alone with who don't talk to me of love and make me feel sick. I ate men who can't speak to a woman sensibly just wait a minute she left him and suddenly returned with a dick old fellow how are you a raid like a cavalier one arm stuck in her side her hat jauntily cocked and a pretty oath on her lips to give reality to the costume. What do you think of me wasn't it a shame to make a woman of me when I was born to be a man I don't know that said Richard for the contrast in her attire to those shooting eyes and lips aired her sex bewitchingly what you think I don't do it well charming but I can't forget now that is too bad then she proposed that they should go out into the midnight streets arm and arm and out they went and had great fits of laughter at her impertinent manner of using her eyeglass and outrageous affectation of the supreme dandy they take me up men dick for going about in women's clothes and vice verse saw I suppose you obey me old fellow if I have to make my bow to the beak won't you say it's because I'm a honest woman and don't care to hide the mentionables when I wear them as the tuthers do sprinkled with the dandy's famous invocations he began to conceive romance and that sort of fun you're a whopper my brave dick won't let any peeler take me by Joe and he with many assurances guaranteed to stand by her while she bent her thin fingers trying the muscle of his arm and reposed upon it more there was delicacy in their dandy ism she was a graceful cavalier Sir Julius as they named the dandy's attire was frequently called for on his evening business to Mrs. Mount when he beheld Sir Julius he thought of the lady and vice verse saw as Sir Julius was fond of exclaiming was ever hero in this fashion we the woman now and then repeat through Sir Julius or she would sit and talk and altogether forget she was impersonating that worthy fop she never uttered an idea or a reflection that Richard thought her the cleverest woman he had ever met all kinds of problematic notions beset him she was cold as ice she hated talk about love and she was branded by the world a rumor spread that reached Mrs. Doria's ears she rushed to Adrian first the wise youth believed there was nothing in it she sailed down upon Richard is this true that you have been seen going publicly about with an infamous woman Richard tell me pray relieve me Richard knew of no person answering to his aunt's description and whose company he could have been seen tell me I say don't quibble do you know any woman of bad character the acquaintance of a lady very much misjudged and they'll use by the world Richard admitted to urgent grave advice Mrs. Doria attended her nephew both from the moral and the world appointed you mentally ejaculating all the while that ridiculous system that disgraceful marriage Sir Austin and his mountain solitude was furnished with serious stuff the rumor came to Lady Blandish she likewise lectured Richard and with her he condescended to argue but he found himself obliged to instance something he had quite neglected instead of her doing me harm it's I that will do her good Lady Blandish shook her head and held up her finger this person must be very clever to have given you that delusion dear she is clever and the world treats her shamefully she complains of her position to you not a word but I will stand by her she has no friend but me my poor boy has she made you think that how unjust you all are pride Richard how mad and wicked is the man who can let him be tempted so thought Lady Blandish he would pronounce no promise not to visit her not to address her publicly the world that condemned her and cast her out was no better worse for its miserable hypocrisy he knew the world now the young man said my child the world may be very bad I'm not going to defend it but you have someone else to think of have you forgotten you have a wife Richard I you all speak of her now that's my aunt remember you have a wife do you think I love anyone but Lucy poor little thing because I'm married am I to give up the society of women of women isn't she a woman too much so side the defender of her sex Adrian became more emphatic in his warnings Richard laughed at him the wise youth sneered at Mrs. Mound the hero then favored him with a warning equal to his own in emphasis and sincerity we won't quarrel my dear boy said Adrian I'm a man of peace besides we are not fairly proportioned for a combat ride your steed to virtue's goal all I say is that I think he'll upset you and it's better to go at a slow pace and in companionship with the children of the son you have a very nice little woman for a wife well goodbye to have his wife in the world thrown at his face was unendurable to Richard he associated them somewhat after the manner of the marriage and the marriage charming Sir Julius always gay always honest dispersed his black moods why you're taller Richard made the discovery of course I am don't you remember you said I was such a little thing when I came out of my woman's shell and how have you done it grown to please you know if you can do that you can do anything and so I would do anything you would honor then his project recurred to him but the incongruity of speaking seriously to Sir Julius struck him dumb then what as she then you're a gallant fellow that all isn't it enough not quite you were going to say something I saw it in your eyes you saw that I admired you yes but a man mustn't admire a man I suppose I had an idea you were a woman what when I had the heels of my boots raised half an inch Sir Julius turned one heel and valid out sewer laughter I don't come much above your shoulder even now she said and proceeded to measure her height beside him with arch up glances he must grow more freight I can't dig boot makers can't do it I'll show you how and he lifted Sir Julius lightly and bore the fair gentleman to the licking glass holding him there exactly on a level with his head will that do yes oh but I can't stay here why can't you why can't I he should have known then it was thundered at a closed door in him that he played with fire but the door being closed he thought himself internally secure their eyes met he put her down instantly Sir Julius charming as he was lost his mode seeing that the wily woman resumed her shell the memory of Sir Julius breathing about her still double the feminine attraction I ought to have been an actress she said Richard told her he found all natural women had a similar wish yes I've been if I had been sighed Mrs. Mount gazing on the pattern of the carpet he took her hand impressed that you're not happy as you are no may I speak to you yes her nearest eyes setting a dimple of her cheek in motion slid to the corner toward her ear as she sat with her head sideways to him listening when he'd gone she said herself old hypocrites talk in that way but I never heard of a young man doing it and not making love at the same time their next meeting displayed her quieter subdued as one who had been set thinking he lauded her fair looks don't make me thrice ashamed she petitioned but it was not only that mood with her dauntless defiance that splendidly befitted her gallant outline and gave a wildness to her bright bold eyes when she would call out happy who dares say I'm not happy do you think if the world whips me I'll wince do you think I'll care for what they say or do let them kill me they shall never get one cry out of me and flashing on the young man as if he were the congregated enemy add there now you know me that was a mood that well became her and after work she ought to have been an actress this must not go on said lady blandish and Mrs. Doria in unison a common object brought them together they can find their talk to it and did not disagree Mrs. Doria engaged to go down to the baronette both ladies knew it was a dangerous likely to turn out disastrous expedition they agreed to it because it was something to do and doing anything is better than doing nothing do it said the wise youth when they made him a third for life he will bring back nothing but his dead body ladies rather than a Roman triumph he will listen to you he will accompany you to the station he will hand you into the carriage and when you point to his seat he will bow profoundly and retire into his congenial mists Adrian spoke to her thoughts they fretted they relaxed speak to him you Adrian said Mrs. Doria speak to the boys solemnly it would be almost better he should go back to that little thing he is married almost lady blandish opened her eyes I've been advising it for the last month and more a choice of evil said Mrs. Doria sour sweet face and shake of the head each lady saw a point of dissension and mutually agreed with heroic effort to avoid it by shutting their mouths what was more they preserved the peace in spite of Adrian's artifices well I'll talk to him again he said I'll try to get the engine on the conventional line command him exclaimed Mrs. Doria gentle means are I think the only means with Richard said lady blandish throwing banter aside as much as he could Adrian spoke to Richard you want to reform this woman her manner is open fair and free the traditional characteristic we won't stop to canvas how that particular honesty of department that wins your application has been gained in her college it is not uncommon girls you know are not like boys at a certain age they can't be quite natural it's a bad sign if they don't blush and that it wears off when they're women but a woman who speaks like a man and has all those excellent virtues you admire where has she learned the trick she tells you you don't surely approve of the school well what is there in it then reformer of course the task is worthy of your energies but if you are appointed to do it don't do it publicly and don't attempt it just now may I ask you whether your wife participates in this undertaking Richard walked away from the interrogation the wise youth waited long unrelieved speeches and it healed his conscience said no more dear tender Lucy poor darling Richard's eyes moistened her letters seem sadder laterally yet she never called to him to come or he would have gone his heart leaped up to her he announced to Adrian that he should wait no longer for his father Adrian placidly nodded the enchantress observed that her night had a clouded brow and an absent voice Richard I can't call you dick now I really don't know why she said I want to have you name it I can still call you Bella I suppose if you care to what I want to say is this when you meet me out to cut it short please not to recognize me and why do you ask to be told that certainly I do then look I won't compromise you I see no harm Bella no she caressed his hand and there is none I know that but modest stylists were drew other people do struggling eyes were raised what do we care for other people nothing I don't not that snapping finger I care for you though a prolonged look followed the declaration your foolish Bella not quite so giddy that's all he did not combat it with his usual impetuosity Adrian's abrupt inquiry had sunk in his mind as the wise youth intended it should he had instinctively refrained from speaking to Lucy of this lady but what a noble creature the woman was so they met in the park Mrs. Mount whipped past him in secrecy out of the new sense to their intimacy Adrian was gratified at the result produced by his eloquence though this lady never expressed an idea Richard was not mistaken in her cleverness she could make evenings pass galey and one was not the fellow to the other she could make you forget she was a woman and then bring the fact startlingly home to you she could read men with one quiver of her half closed eyelashes she could catch the coming mood in a man and fit herself to it what does a woman want with ideas who can do thus much keenness of perception conformity of handling these be all the qualities necessary to parasites love would have scared the youth she banished it from her tongue it may also have been true that it sickened her she played on his higher nature she understood spontaneously what would be most strange and taking to him in a woman various as the serpent of old Nile she acted fallen beauty humorous indifference requestering arrogance and ruin and acting thus what thank you she did it so well because she was growing half in earnest Richard I'm not what I was since I knew you will not give me up quite never Bella I'm not so bad as I'm painted you are only unfortunate now that I know you I think so and yet I'm happy she told him her history when this soft horizon of repentance seemed to throw heavens twilight across it a woman sister you know certain chapters expunged it was dark enough to Richard did you love the man he asked you say you love no one now did I love him as a nobleman and I tradesman's daughter no I did not love him I've lived to learn it and now I should hate him if I did not despise him can you be deceived in love said Richard more to himself than to her yes when we're young we can be very easily deceived if there is such a thing as love we discovered after we have tossed about and rusted then we find the man or the woman that suits us and then it's too late we can't have him singular murmur Richard she says just what my father said I could forgive you if you had loved him don't be harsh grave judge how is a girl to distinguish you had some affection for him he was the first she chose to admit that yes and the first two talks of love to a girl must be a fool if he doesn't blind her that makes what is called first love nonsense isn't it he repelled the insinuation because I know it is not Bella nevertheless she had opened a wider view of the world to him and a colder he thought poorly of girls a woman sensible brave beautiful woman seemed on comparison infinitely no blur than those weak creatures she was best in her character of lovely rebel accusing foul injustice what am I to do you tell me to be different how can I what am I to do for virtuous people let me earn my bread I could not get a housemaid's place they wouldn't have me I see their noses smelling yes I can go to the hospital and sing behind a screen do you expect me to bury myself alive why man I have blood I can't become a stone you say I'm honest and I will be then let me tell you that I have been used to luxuries and I can't do without them I might have married men lots would have had me but who marries one like me but a fool and I could not marry a fool the man I marry I must respect he could not respect me I should know him to be a fool's and I should be worse off than I am now as I am now they may look as pious as they like I laugh at them and so forth dire of things imputations upon wives horrible exaltation at the universal peccancy of husbands this lovely outcast almost made him think she had the right on her side so keenly her Parthian arrows pierced the holy centers of society and exposed its rottenness Mrs. Mount's house was discreetly conducted nothing ever occurred to shock him there young man would ask himself where the difference was between her and the lady how based who was the army of bandit hypocrites he was ready to declare war against them on her behalf is Casus Bella accurately worried would have read curiously because the world refused to lure the lady to virtue with the offer of a housemaid's place our night through down his challenge but the lady had scornfully rebutted this prospect of a return to chastity then the form of the challenge must be because the world declined to support the lady in luxury for nothing did that mean in other words she was to receive the devil's wages without rendering him her services such an arrangement appears hardly fair on the world or on the devil heroes will have to conquer both before they will get them to subscribe to it heroes however are not in the habit of wording their declarations of war at all lance and rest they challenge and they charge like women they trust to instinct and graft on it the muscle of men wide-fly the leisurely remonstrating hosts institutions are scattered they know not where for heads are broken that have not the balm of our reason why dis instinct strikes surely there is something divine in instinct still war declared where were these hosts the hero could not charge down on the ladies and gentlemen in a ballroom and spoil the quadril he had sufficient reticence to avoid sounding his challenge in the law courts nor could he well go into the houses of Parliament with a trumpet though to come to a tussle with the nation's direct representatives did seem the likelier method it was likewise out of the question that he should enter every house and shop and battle with its master in the cause of Mrs. Mount where then was his enemy everybody was his enemy and everybody was nowhere shall he convote multitudes on Wimbledon Common Blue Policeman and a distant dreaded ridicule bar all his projects alas for the hero in our day nothing teaches a strong arm its impotence so much as knocking at empty air what can I do for this poor woman cried Richard after fighting his phantom enemy till he was worn out oh rip oh rip he addressed his friend I'm distracted I wish I was dead what good am I for miserable selfish what have I done but make every soul I know wretched about me I follow my own inclinations I make people help me by lying as hard as they can and I'm a liar and when I've got it I'm ashamed of myself and now when I do see something unselfish for me to do I come upon grins I don't know where to turn how to act and I laugh at myself like a devil it was only friend Ripton's ear that was required so his words went for little but Ripton did say he thought there was small matter to be ashamed of in winning and wearing the beauty of earth Richard added his customary comment of poor little thing he fought his duelo with empty air till he was exhausted the last letter written to his father procured him no reply then said he I've tried my utmost I've tried to be dutiful my father won't listen to me one thing I can do I can go down to my dear girl and make her happy and savor at least from some of the consequences of my rashness there's nothing better for me he grown his great ambition must be covered by a house top he and the cat must form themselves on the domestic heart the hero was not aware that his heart moved him to this his heart was not now in open communion with his mind Mrs. Mount heard that her friend was going would go she knew he was going to his wife far from discouraging him she said no we go I believe I've kept you let us have an evening together and then go for good if you like if not then to meet again another time forgive me I shan't forget you you're the best fellow I ever knew Richard you are on my honor I swear I would not step in between you and your wife to cause either of you a moments unhappiness when I can be another woman I will and I shall think of you then Lady Blandish heard from Adrian that Richard was positively going to his wife the wise youth modestly veiled his own merit in bringing it about by saying I couldn't see that poor little woman left alone down there any longer well yes said Mrs. Doria to whom the modest speech was repeated I suppose poor boy it's the best he can do now Richard bad them adieu and went to spend his last evening with Mrs. Mount the enchantress received him in state do you know this dress no it's the dress I wore when I first met you not when I first saw you I think you sir before you dain to cast an eye upon humble me when we first met we drank champagne together and I intend to celebrate our parting in the same liquor were you liquor with me oh boy she was gay she revived Sir Julius occasionally he dispirited left the talking all to her Mrs. Mount kept a foot minute at a late hour the man of calves dressed the table for supper it was a point of honor for Richard to sit down to and try to eat drinking thanks to the kindly mother nature who loves to see her children made fools of is always an easier matter the footman was diligent the champagne corks feeble recall the file firing at Richmond we'll drink to what we might have been dick said the enchantress of the glorious wreck she looked his heart choked as he gulp the buzzing wine what down my boy she cried they shall never see me hoist signals of distress we must all die in the secret of the thing is to die game by Joe did you ever hear of Laura Fern a superb girl handsomer then your humble servant if you'll believe it a miss in the bargain and as a consequence I suppose a much greater rake she was in the hunting field her horse threw her and she fell plump on a stake he went into her left breast all the fellows crowded rounder and one young man who was in love with her he sits in the house appears now we used to call him duck because he was such a dude he dropped from his horse to his knees Laura Laura my darling speak a word to me the last she turned over all white and bloody I I shan't be in at the death and gave up the ghost wasn't that dying game is to the example of Laura then why what's the matter see it makes a man turn pale to hear how a woman can die fill the glasses John why you're as bad it's give me a term my lady repleted John and the man's hand was unsteady as he poured out the wine you ought not to listen go and drink some brandy John footman went from the room my brave dick Richard what a face you've got he showed a deep frown on a colorless face can't you bear to hear of blood you know it was only up one naughty woman out of the world the clergyman of the parish didn't refuse to give her a decent burial we Christians hurrah she cheered and laughed a lured splendor glanced about her like lights from the pit pledge me dick drink and recover yourself who minds we must all die the good and the bad ashes to ashes dust to dust and wine for living lips that's poetry no sentiment may we never say died till we've drunk our fill not bad eh a little vulgar perhaps by jove do you think me hoard where's the wine Richard shouted he drank a couple of glasses in succession and stared about was he in hell with a lost soul raving to him nobly spoken and nobly acted upon my brave dick now will be companions she wished that heaven had made her such a man ah dick dick too late too late softly fell her voice her eyes through the beams do you see this she pointed to a symbolic golden anchor studied with gems and cord with a rope of hair in her bosom it was a gift of his do you know when I stole the lock foolish dick you gave me an anchor without a rope come and see she rose from the table and threw herself on the sofa don't you recognize your own hair I should know a thread of mine I'm on a million something of the strength of Samson went out of him as he inspected his hair on the bosom of Delilah and you knew nothing of it you really know it now you see it what couldn't a woman steal from you but you're not vain and that's a protection you're a miracle dick a man that's not vain sit here she curled up her feet to give him place on the sofa now let us talk like friends that part to meet no more you found a ship with fever on board and you weren't afraid to come along side and keep her company the fever isn't catching you see let us mingle our tears together haha a man said that once to me the hypocrite wanted her but he was too old how old are you dick Richard pushed a few months forward 21 you just look at you blooming boy now tell me my age adonis 20 what Richard had given the lady 25 years she laughed violently you don't pay compliments dick best to be honest yes again you don't like to not 25 or 24 or 23 or see how he begins to stare 22 just 21 my dear I think my birthday somewhere in next month why look at me close closer have I a wrinkle and when in heaven's name he stopped short I understand you when did I commence for to live at the right age of 16 I saw a nobleman in despair because of my beauty he bowed he died I didn't want him to do that so to save the poor man for his family I ran away with him and I dare say they didn't appreciate the sacrifice and he soon forgot to if he ever did it's the way of the world Richard sees some dead champagne emptied the bottle into a tumbler and drank it off John Footman entered to clear the table and they were left without further interruption Bella Bella Richard uttered in a deep sad voice as he walked the room she leaned on her arm her hair crushed against the red and cheek her eyes half shut and dreaming Bella he dropped beside her you are unhappy she blinked and yawned as one who was awakened suddenly I think you spoke said she you are unhappy Bella you can't conceal it your laugh sounds like madness you must be unhappy so young I do only 21 what does it matter who cares for me the mighty pity falling from his eyes took in her whole shape she did not mistake it for tenderness as another would have done who cares for you Bella I do what makes my misery now but to see you there and know of no way of helping you father of mercy it seems too much you have to stand by powerless while such ruin is going on her hand was shaken in his by the passion of torment with which his frame quaked involuntarily a tear started in her eyelids she glanced up at him quickly then looked down drew her hand from his unsmoothed eyeing it Bella you have a father alive a linen draper dear he wears a white neck claw this article of apparel instantaneously changed the tone of the conversation for he rising abruptly nearly squashed the lady's lapdog who's squeaks and howls were piteous and demanded the most fervent caresses of its mistress it was oh my poor pet month see and he didn't like a nasty great big ugly heavy foot on his poor soft silky mom mom back he didn't any shouldn't that he mom mom shouldn't and he cried out and knew the place to come to him was oh so sorry for what had happened to him mom mom mom and now he was going to be made happy as mistress make him happy mom mom mom move yes said Richard Savardly from the other end of the room you care for the happiness of your dog of course he does mom see was simply assured in the thick of his silky flanks Richard look for his hat mom see was deposited on the server in a twinkling now said the lady you must come and beg mom sees pardon whether you meant to do it or no because little doggies can't tell that how should and there's poor mom see thinking you're a great terrible rival that tries to squash him all flat to nothing on purpose pretending you didn't see and he's trembling poor dear we pet and I may love my dog sir if I like and I do and I won't have him ill treated for he's never been jealous of you and he is a darling ten times through the minute I love him fifty times better so come to him with me first to smile change Richard's face than laughing a melancholy laugh he surrendered to her humor and went through the form of begging mom sees pardon the dear dog I do believe he saw we were getting gone said she and then maladed himself intentionally noble animal well we'll act as if we thought so let us be gay Richard and not part like ancient fogies where's your fun you can rattle why don't you you haven't seen me in one of my characters not Sir Julius wait a couple of minutes she ran out a white visage reappeared behind a screen of flame her black hair was scattered over her shoulders and fell half across her brows she moved slowly and came up to him fastening weird eyes on him pointing a finger at the region of witches sepulchral cadence is accompanying the representation he did not listen for he was thinking with a deadly charming and exquisitely horrid witch she was something in the way her underlives worked seemed to remind him of a forgotten picture but a veil hung on the picture there could be no analogy for this was beautiful and devilish and that if he remembered rightly had the beauty of serifs his reflections at her performance were stayed by a shriek the spirits of wine had run over the plate she held to the floor she had the coolness to put the plate down on the table while he stamped out the flame on the carpet again she shrieks she thought she was on fire he fell on his knees and clasped her skirts all around drawing his arms down them several times still kneeling he looked up and asked do you feel safe now she bent her face clearing down till the ends of her hair touched his feet she said she do you was she a witch barely there was a sorcery in her breath sorcery in her hair the ends of it stung him like little snakes how do I do it dig she flung back laughing like you do everything Bella he said and took breath there I won't be a witch I won't be a witch they may burn me to the cinder but I won't be a witch she sang throwing her hair about and stamping her feet I suppose I look a figure I must go and tidy myself no don't change I like to see you so he gazed at her with a mixture of wonder and admiration I can't thank you the same person not even when you laugh Richard her tone was serious you were going to speak to me of my parents how wild and awful you looked Bella my father Richard was a very respectable man Bella you'll haunt me like a ghost my mother died in my infancy Richard don't put up your hair Bella I was an only child her head shook sorrowfully at the glistening fire irons he followed the abstracted intentness of her look and came upon her words oh yes speak of your father Bella speak of him shall I haunt you and come to your bedside and cry to his time dear Bella if you will tell me where he lives I will go to him he shall receive you he shall not refuse he shall forgive you if I haunt you you can't forget me Richard let me go to your father Bella let me go to him tomorrow I'll give you my time it's all I can give oh Bella let me save you so you like me best the shovel do you naughty boy ha ha and away she burst from him and up flew her hair as she danced across the room and felt it full length on the sofa he felt giddy bewitched we'll talk of everyday things Dick she called to him from the sofa it's our last evening our last hi ho it makes me sentimental how's that Mr ripson pipson nipson it's not complimentary but I can't remember names of that sort why do you have friends of that sort he's not a gentleman better is he well he's rather too insignificant for me why do you sit off there come to me instantly there I'll sit up and be proper and you'll have plenty of room talk dick he was reflecting on the fact that her eyes were brown they had a haughty sparkle when she pleased and when she pleased the soft langer circled them excitement had died her cheeks deep red he was a youth and she an enchantress he a hero she a female will of a wisp the eyes were languid now said in rosy color you will not leave me yet Richard not yet he had no thought of departing it's our last night I suppose it's our last hour together in this world and I don't want to meet you in the next for poor dick will have to come to such a very very disagreeable place to make the visit he grasped her yes he will too true can't be helped they say I'm handsome you're lovely Bella she drank in his armies well we'll admit it his highness below likes lovely women I hear saying a gentleman of taste you don't know all my accomplishments yet Richard I shouldn't be astonished at anything new Bella then here in wonder her voice rolled out some lively roll odds don't you think you'll make me his prima donna below it's nonsense to tell me there's no singing there and the atmosphere will be favorable to the voice no dad you know you saw the piano why didn't you ask me to sing before I can sing Italian I had a master who made love to me I forgave him because of a music stool men can't help it on a music stool poor dears she went to the piano struck the notes and sang my heart my heart I think will break because I'm such a rate I don't know any other reason no I hate sentimental songs won't sing that to the to the a how ridiculous those women were coming home from Richmond once the sweet romance of story clad by moving form with grace once the world and all this glory was but framework to that face are too fair what I remember might my soul recall but no to the winds this retrograde member of a fire that falls so low don't much like that Tom to Tom Tom I can't go out walk Ohio I don't want to show off decor breakdown so I won't try that Oh but for the over for the I might have been a happy wife and nurse the baby on my knee and never blush to give it life I used to sing that when I was a girl sweet Richard and didn't know at all at all what it meant mustn't sing that sort of song and company were oh so proper even we if I had a husband what thank you I do I'd make it my business to keep him a lover when a young gentleman ceases to woo some other amusement he'll quickly discover for such a young gentleman made a made a such art young gentleman made up after this trifling she sang a Spanish ballad sweetly he was in the mood when imagination intensely vivifies everything mere suggestions of music suffice the lady in the ballot had been wronged though it was the lady before him and soft horns blue he smelt languid night flowers he saw the stars crowd large and close above the airplane at this lady leaning at a desolate window pouring out her abandoned part he was no little what they owe to champagne the lady wandered to Venice the other he followed her at a leap in Venice she was not happy he was prepared for the misery of any woman anywhere but oh to be with her to glide with phantom motion through throbbing street past houses muffled in shadow and gloomy legends under storied bridges past palaces charged with full life and dead quietness past grand old towers colossal squares gleaming keys and out and on with her on into the silver infinity shaking over seas was it the champagne the music or the poetry something of the two former perhaps but most the enchantress playing upon him how many instruments cannot clever women play upon at the same moment and this enchantress was not too clever or he might have felt her touch she was no longer absolutely bent on winning him or he might have seen a maneuver she liked him like none better she wished him well her peak was satisfied still he was handsome and he was going what she liked him for she rather very slightly wish to do away with or see if it could be done away with just as one wishes to catch a pretty butterfly without hurting its patterned wings no harm intended to the innocent insect only one wants to inspect it thoroughly and enjoy the marvel of it in one's tender possession and have the felicity of thinking one could crush it if one would he knew her what she was this lady in Seville or in Venice the spot was on her sailing the pathways of the moon it was not celestial light that illumined her beauty her sin was there but in dreaming to save he was soft her sin drowned it in deep mournfulness silence in the rustle of her dress awoke him from his musing she swam wave like to the sofa she was at his feet I've been lighting careless tonight Richard of course I must be happy with my best friend going to leave me those which under Liz were working brightly you will not forgive me and I shall try her lips twitch she thought him such a very handsome fellow if I change if I can change or if you could know what a net I'm in Richard now at those words as he looked down on her haggard loveliness not divine sorrow but a devouring jealousy sprang like fire in his breast instead of rocking with horrid pain closer to her pale the seating face her eyes still drew him down Bella no no promise me swear lost Richard lost forever give me up he cried I never will and strained her in his arms and kissed her passionately on the lips she was not acting now as she slunk her half averted head with a kind of maiden shame under his arm sighing heavily weeping clinging to him it was wicked true not a word of love between them was ever hero in this fashion one end of chapter 38