So some one has appeared at last, said the lady, not for my company, of course, but for a cup of tea. Would you be so good as to ring the bell?
The tea will be grateful, I admit, returned Robert, doing her bidding, but your society no less. In fact, I want to speak to you.
Yes?
Mrs. Clarendon refuses my invitationthat I mentioned in my letter, you remember.
Refuses? What is her objection?
Nothing definite. She says she cannot leave England, thats all. Has sheI dont think theres any harm in asking you, is there?has she spoken with you at all of what she is going to do?
Well, no. In fact, its a subject she wont approach. I dont think she has formed any plans whatever yet.
Asquith reflected, and at the same time tea was brought in and lamps lit.
I half supposed, said Mrs. Stratton, glancing aside at him, as she held up the teapot, that you were the most likely person to know of her plans.
I assure you, Mrs. Stratton, that was a mistake, an entire mistake.
The lady raised her eyebrows a little and carefully removed a tea-leaf from her cup.
You take it for granted, she asked, after a moment, that she will really quit Knights-well?
How otherwise? I am perfectly sure that nothing would induce her to continue living there under the new régime. If the persons concerned had beenhad been other than they of course the affair might have been very simple. But not as it is.
By-the-bye, he added, she gave me one piece of information. She does not intend to live in London.
Where then, I wonder?
I cant conjecture.
I would repeat the invitation, I think, said Mrs. Stratton, looking at him.
I shall do so, though not just yet.
The colonel and Mr. Lyster came in talking loudly. .
Ah, we left you asleep, said the former to Robert. Didnt like to disturb you. Weve had a walk.
A walk, in this weather! exclaimed his wife.
Oh yes; a little rain does one no harm. Not a bad afternoon; theres a pleasant warmth in the air. Dont you notice a warmth in the air, Asquith?
Yes, here in the drawing-room. I cant answer for outside.
Oh, its distinctly warm. Eh, Lyster?
Mrs. Clarendon appeared in the room. The colonel lost his ease, and began to walk about. The conversation became general.
There were several other people at dinner. It fell to Asquith to take down a certain Miss Pye, a tall young lady with a long thin nose, simply dressed in white, with much exposure of bust. This décolleté costume was a thing Robert found it impossible to get used to; he felt that if he went on dining with ladies for another five-and-twenty years there would still arise in him the same sensation of amazement as often as he turned to speak and had his eyes regaled with a vision of the female form divine, with its most significant developments insisted upon. Singular questions of social economy invariably suggested themselves. How far was this fashion a consequence of severe competition in the marriage market? He always found it a little difficult to look his fair neighbour in the face, and, when he at length did so, experienced surprise at her placid equanimity. Miss Pyes equanimity it would have taken much to disturb. As in duty bound, Robert made his endeavour to interest her in various kinds of conversation. The affirmative and negative particles alone replied to him. She ate with steady application; she smiled feebly when he attempted a very evident joke; she appeared to have no concern in any of the things about which men and women use or abuse the gift of speech. Yet he succeeded at last.
Did you ever read a book called? he asked, naming the novel of Marryats which had absorbed him through the afternoon.
I should think so! exclaimed Miss Pye, her eyes gleaming with appreciation. Isnt it awfully jolly? And
She proceeded to name half a dozen other works by the same refined and penetrating author.
Thats the kind of book I like, she said. I believe I ought to have been a boy by rights. My brothers have all Marryat, and Mayne Reid, and Cooper; and I know them all by heart. Valentine Vox, too; do you know that? Oh, you just get it, as soon as you can. And Tom Burke of Ours; thats Lever. And Handy Andy. You havent read Handy Andy? But what a great deal you have to read yet.
Robert admitted that such was the case. Miss Pye had got upon her subject, and Asquith drew her out. She was something of a new female type to him; but only so because he had long been unused to the society of English girls. Had he mentioned a book by George Eliot she would have told him that her mother didnt approve of that writer, who was an atheist and immoral.
Later he found himself by Isabel. Her proximity was pleasant to him. He would have preferred just now to sit by her in silence, an glance at her face occasionally, but that was scarcely possible.
You will let me hear from you when that business is over? he said.
I will. Remember it is not my function to send invitations for the wedding.
I suppose not.
Somebody else drew near.
As they passed from the dining-room after breakfast next morning, Isabel said to Mrs. Stratton:
Come to the boudoir; I have a letter I want to show you.
The letter was this:
Dear Mrs. Clarendon,
I want to tell you in as few words as possible that my marriage is indefinitely postponed. It will not, in any event, take place before I complete my twenty-first year. My second purpose in writing to you is to ask your permission to go at once to London and live in Mr. Meres house. This is for purposes of study. I am unable to procure at Knightswell the materials I need. Will you oblige me with a reply as soon as you can?
Faithfully yours,
Ada Warren.
It does not in the very least surprise me, observed Mrs. Stratton, smiling urbanely.
I dont think I could say that. I am surprised. I believed Ada would stick to a purpose through thick and thin.
My dear, she accepted that man in a moment of pique, and she has very wisely repented whilst there is time.
Isabel was silent.
And her wanting to go to London, pursued the other. Its all perfectly clear. Shes ashamed of herself; she cant face you.
Isabel seated herself and mused, the letter on her lap. Her cheek had a flush of excitement, and her eyes were very bright.
Look at this, too, she said, with a laugh, taking from its envelope another letter she was holding. From Mrs. Bruce Page. I wonder she is not ashamed of herself, I really do!
My dearest Mrs. Clarendon, ran this epistle, it would be a mercy if you would let me know what your latest news is about that boy. Do you hear from or of him? Has he done anything surprising yet? I shouldnt a bit wonder if he doesI mean in this affair. He is capable of anything. Do let me know at once if you have any curious news either from him or Ada.
It looks as if she anticipated it, said Mrs. Stratton.
It does. It would be no great wonder if she proved to be at the bottom of it.
Of the postponement, or rupture, or whatever it is?
Isabel nodded.
But what shall you do immediately?
Nothing. What is there to do? Merely write and give her the permission she asks for.
I am really delighted at this! Mrs. Stratton exclaimed.