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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b66930d --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #63939 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/63939) diff --git a/old/63939-0.txt b/old/63939-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index ca740ba..0000000 --- a/old/63939-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8225 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The storm of London, by F. Dickberry - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this ebook. - -Title: The storm of London - a social rhapsody - -Author: F. Dickberry - -Release Date: December 05, 2020 [EBook #63939] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team - at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images - generously made available by The Internet Archive) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STORM OF LONDON *** - - - - - The Storm - of London - - - - - THE STORM OF LONDON - - - KINDLY READ THESE REVIEWS - -“‘Clothes,’ said Carlyle, ‘gave us individuality, distinctions, social -polity; Clothes have made men of us; they are threatening to make -Clothes-screens of us.’ This truth has been developed in an audacious -manner by the author, who is not lacking in sarcasm and humour, and in a -lucky moment of inspiration he has produced a book which will find hosts -of readers for its originality, will be a topic of the moment for its -daring, and will demand more permanent recognition for the truths which -it unveils.”—_St James’s Gazette._ - -“A book which is as amusing as it is audacious in its pictures of -Society compelled to adopt the primitive attire of an Edenic -age.”—_Truth._ - -“London is turned into a huge Eden peopled with Adams and Eves in all -the pristine simplicity of the altogether nude.”—_Aberdeen Journal._ - -“Any amount of wit and literary skill ... the audacity of such a -literary enterprise.”—_Scotsman._ - -“A perfect saturnalia of nudity.”—_Glasgow Herald._ - -“Everybody should read this uncommon and curiously persuasive fiction, -that by the aid of realism, humour, and of wistful fancy, conveys an -impression not likely to be quickly lost.”—_Dundee Advertiser._ - -“Clever work.”—_Times._ (First Notice.) - -“Daringly original.”—_Outlook._ (First Notice.) - -“The author is at once bold and restrained in his picture of a London -entirely deprived of clothes.”—_T. P.’s Weekly._ - -“A daring idea ... a book which should have many readers.”—_Daily -Mirror._ - -“The shocks and complications that ensue should appeal to all lovers of -fiction.”—_Pall Mall Gazette._ (First Notice.) - -“The author has written an extraordinary book, daring and -remarkable.”—_Daily Express._ - -“A daring theme treated with admirable discretion. The story is -singularly well told.”—_Birmingham Gazette._ - -“Everybody is in a state of nudity, and the developments are interesting -as all England is in the same interesting predicament. The book is -distinctly peculiar, and the writer may be congratulated on his -development of Carlyle’s speculations upon the state of Society rendered -clothesless.”—_Bristol Times & Mirror._ - -“Truly original and amusing.”—_Bookseller._ - -“Very clever; smartly conceived and ably written.”—_Western Daily -Mercury._ - -“A clever variation of the theme of Sartor Resartus.”—_Bystander._ - -“We have seldom perused a more fascinating book; a most daring idea, -most capably worked out. It is a book that no one should -miss.”—_Varsity._ - -“The idea is certainly original, the book is selling wildly, critics -praise it ... one of the books of _the_ season.”—_Hearth & Home._ - - JOHN LONG, PUBLISHER, LONDON - - - - - The - Storm of London - =a Social Rhapsody= - - - By - - F. Dickberry - - “Clothes gave us individuality, distinctions, social polity; Clothes - have made men of us; they are threatening to make Clothes-screens of - us.”—CARLYLE’S _Sartor Resartus_. - -[Illustration] - - _SEVENTH EDITION_ - - London - - John Long - - 13 & 14 Norris Street, Haymarket - - [_All Rights Reserved_] - - - - - _First published in 1904_ - - - - - Dedicated - - TO - - M. E. H. - - - - - THE STORM OF LONDON - - - - - CHAPTER I - - -The Earl of Somerville was coming out of the Agricultural Hall and just -stepping into his brougham, when a few drops of rain began to fall and a -distant clap of thunder was heard. But it would no doubt be over in a -few minutes; only a passing shower which would dispel the clouds, clear -the leaden atmosphere, and in no way interfere with the midnight picnic -to which Lord Somerville was going. - -The day had been oppressively hot, and although it was only the second -of May, one might have easily believed it to be the month of July. It -was fortunate, for several entertainments were organised in that early -period of the London Season—theatricals and bazaars, private and public, -were announced for every day of the first weeks in May, for the benefit -of soldiers’ widows, East-End sufferers and West-End vanities. In fact, -never had Londoners’ hearts beaten more passionately for the sorrows and -miseries of their fellow-creatures than at the present moment; and it -would have been a pity had the charitable efforts of Society leaders -been chilled by cutting east winds or drenching downpours of rain. The -picnic to which the Earl was going, was to be held in Richmond Park, by -torchlight, between midnight and the early hours of the morning. All -Society was to be there. The Duchess of Southdown was to take a -prominent part in the entertainment. Object lessons in rat catching were -to be the chief attraction, as fashionable women had been chosen to take -the parts of the rats, and to be chased, hunted, and finally caught by -smart men of Society. Great fun was expected from this novel game, and -the Upper Ten looked forward to that picnic with excitement. Before this -nocturnal episode, there was to be a Tournament at Islington’s -Agricultural Hall. “London, by Day and by Night,” was to be represented, -in all its graphic aspects, by amateur artists of the Upper Ten, who -were always ready to give their services for such a good cause as the -S.P.G. But then Society is invariably ready to enter the lists where -combatants fight for a noble cause, and it is never seen to shirk -ridicule or notoriety, but on the contrary to expose the inefficiencies -of its members to the gaping eyes of an ignorant public. - -“By God!” exclaimed Lord Somerville as he leaned back on the cushions of -his brougham, “I never realised the brutal ferocity of London life until -I saw its nocturnal Bacchanals synthesised within so many square feet.” - -He passed in review, in his mind’s eye, what he had seen:—Lady Carlton -in the leading part of the wildest of street rovers, cigarette in her -mouth, reeling from one side of the pavement to the other, nudging this -one, thrusting her cigarette under the nose of another, pulling the -beard of a stolid policeman, vociferating at the cab drivers. Lord -Somerville had seen a good deal of what these women were trying to -impersonate, but he never remembered having blushed so deeply, nor of -having been so conscious of shame, as he felt that night. But this was -only the beginning of the show. The last tableau was most striking. The -front of the houses, represented by painted scenery, suddenly rolled off -as by enchantment, and there, in view of a breathless public, were to be -seen the interiors of gambling houses, massage establishments, night -clubs—you can guess the rest! This final scene was all pantomimic, and -although not one word was spoken, still, the despair of the man who sees -his gold raked away on the green baize, the heartrending bargains of -human flesh for a few hours of oblivion, were vivid pictures which left -very few shreds of illusions in the minds of a dumbfounded audience. -Then came the grand finale of hurry and skurry between the police and -the gamblers and night revellers of all sorts; and this was a triumph of -_mise-en-scène_ and animation. To make it still more realistic, the -Countess of Lundy had elected to appear in a night wrap, as two -constables made a raid on the so-called massage establishment. But what -a night wrap! The Earl smiled as he recalled the masterpiece in which -Doucet of Paris had surpassed himself, revealing with subtle -suggestiveness the lissome shape of arms and legs, and full curves of -the breast through a foam of white lace and chiffon. As he sat in the -darkness of his brougham, he closed his eyes and saw the Countess as she -had stood in front of the footlights, unblushingly courting the approval -of her public; and he still heard in his ears the furious applause of -London Society gathered that night in Islington Hall. What had most -struck this leader of fashion was the total ignorance in which one class -of well-fed, well-protected human beings lived of all miseries that -unshielded thousands have to bear. He thought of the many women on whom -he daily called, dined with, joked with; how many possessed that -ferocious glance of the pleasure-seeker, the audacious stare of the -flesh hunter; but he had never noticed in any of these fearless women of -his world the slightest slackening of tyranny, nor had he ever noticed, -for one moment even, the pathetic humility of the hunted-down street -angler, which is after all her one redeeming feature in that erotic -tragedy. - -Evidently the performance had been a decided success, and would -doubtless be a pecuniary triumph. The Bishop of Sunbury, seated near the -Earl at the show, had largely expatiated on the good of rummaging into -the puddle of London sewers, as he called it in his clerical language. -It was by diving deep into the mud that one could drag out one’s erring -brothers and sisters, and by bringing London face to face with its -social problems one was able to grapple with the enemy—sin. At least, so -thought the Bishop, and he endeavoured to persuade the Earl, which was a -more difficult task than he believed. The prelate, holding Lord -Somerville by one of his waistcoat buttons, had tried to make him -appreciate Society’s unselfishness. “My dear Lord Somerville, we hear -all about the frivolity of our privileged classes; much is said against -them—too much, I fear, is written against the callousness of fashionable -women; but I assure you, it is unjust. Many of these sisters of ours, -who have to-night moved the public to enthusiasm, have themselves their -burden to bear, and many have wept bitter tears over some lost one in -Africa. Well, to quote one of them: as you know, the Countess of -Lundy—who personified the matron of one of these disgraceful -establishments—has last week lost her cherished brother (poor fellow, he -died of wounds); but there you see her at her post of duty.” - -“More shame on her,” had murmured the Earl, but the Bishop did not hear, -or would not, and had walked away. - -“By God!”—and the Earl brought down his fist on his knee—“these women -have made me see to what depth a woman can sink. And I am going to -another of these exhibitions—I am heartily sick of it all.” As he was -putting down a window to tell his coachman to turn back to Selby House, -the brougham suddenly stopped, and a torrent of rain came through the -open window. - -“By Jove, Marshall, it is pouring.” - -“My lord, I cannot get along. We’ve reached Barnes, but the wind and -rain is that strong, the ’orses won’t face it.” - -“Turn back by all means. The picnic could not take place in such a -storm.” And he closed the window, laughing heartily at Society’s -disappointment. - -“Well, they are defrauded of their new game, and I am spared another -display of female degradation.” - -Whether it was owing to the violence of the storm, or to the morbidness -into which the last performance had thrown him, is difficult to tell, -but Lord Somerville was in a despondent mood and on the brink of mental -collapse, and as they are wont in such cases, visions of his past life -kept passing to and fro before his half-closed eyes. He was going home! -In any case it was better than this infernal comedy of fun and pleasure -which invariably ended in gloom and disgust. His home was loneliness -made noisy. He lived alone in that palatial mansion in Mayfair; but -solitary his life had not been, since his father had left him heir to -all sorts of properties, privileges and prejudices. His house had ever -since been invaded by men and women of all descriptions. Some were -morning callers, some afternoon ones; these were the dowagers and -respectable members of the Upper Ten who accepted his invitations to a -cup of tea, and made it a pretext to submit to his inspection some human -goods for sale. The others were night visitors, and easily dealt with, -for their business was direct and personal. Men found him -unsatisfactory, for he objected to being made use of, was inaccessible -to flattery, and steadily rebuked all attempts at familiarity. He never -showed himself ungallant towards the fair sex, but on the contrary was -liberal and even grateful for all he received; in fact he was thoroughly -just and business-like in the market-place of life, and treated his -visitors well, whether they were guests from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., or -carousers from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. One thing he strongly disliked, that -was any man or woman peeping at a corner of his heart. He often thought -he had none, for it had never yet been in request in all his business -transactions with Society. Although he had paddled in all the filthy -sewers of London and foreign capitals, he somehow had a knack of -brushing himself clean of all outward grime; but what he never had been -able to get rid of was a nasty flavour which clung to his lips, and -which no woman’s kiss could ever take away, nor any Havana cigar dispel. -That mephitic taste of life was always on his lips, and to-night it was -more deadly bitter than ever. Perhaps the flavour became more noxious as -before his mind’s eye passed the vision of Gwendolen Towerbridge, the -famous Society beauty. Not only did he thoroughly dislike the girl, but -his pride was sorely wounded at having been caught by her. Yes, he was -engaged—what the world called engaged—to her. How did it happen? Ah! Few -men could really tell how they had been captured. A supper, the top of a -coach when returning late from the races; sometimes even less than that: -a glass of champagne too many, or a bodice cut too low. These certainly -were not important primal causes, but they often were found to be at the -fountain-head of many family disasters. The women he had known were -divided into two classes: the one that had run the social race, won the -prize, and who certainly looked the worse for the course, mentally -sweating, and in dire need of a vigorous sponge down; and the other that -started for the post, all aglow with the desire to win at any cost and -whatever the means, foul or fair, for a little cheating was encouraged, -and often practised, on the Turf. - -How many more seasons would he have to stand there and watch the ebb and -flow of the feminine tide? He had for such a long time felt on his brow -the breath of the mare as she galloped past him; and he had too often -heard the feverish snort of the winner as she came back, led by her -master’s groom. He knew no others. Perhaps a country lass, purely -brought up by Christian parents, would modestly wait on a stile until -she was won; but that girl would have no _repartie_, and would look -mystified at a problem play. No doubt, in the suburbs there existed -women whose sole ambition was to help a life companion in the search of -true happiness, who padded the monotonous life of some City clerk who -regularly came back by the 6.15 train, bringing home _Tit-Bits_ for the -evening recreation, and _Home Chat_ for household requirements. Bah! -that woman never could analyse the psychology of cookery, and besides, -she was not a lady. He was an epicure in the culinary art, and thirsted -for something he had not yet met with: a lady who would be a perfect -woman. Then came the war; and he longed to escape the routine of London -life and Gwendolen’s incessant requests for presents: he started for -South Africa, hoping to lose there the nasty taste that was forever on -his lips. Gwendolen soon followed, escorted by some of her friends and -their numerous trunks. New frocks were shaken out, bonnets were twisted -back into their original shapes, and an improvised season was -inaugurated in one of the South African towns, to the utter disgust of -her _fiancé_, who, having been wounded, had the misfortune of seeing her -parade daily round his bed. The sights he witnessed sickened him unto -death; the amalgam of frivolity and callousness seemed to him more -irrelevant in that new country, and the physical excitement and interest -of danger having worn itself off, he very soon realised that the old -game of war must necessarily be played out in a civilisation that boasts -of commercial supremacy, and whose scientific discoveries are daily -endeavouring to bring nations nearer to one another. He returned to -England on sick leave, more embittered than heretofore with Gwendolen, -London, and himself. He frequently sat at twilight in his large library -at Selby House, wondering whether this was all a fellow could do with -his life, and whether the other side was not more entertaining than this -rotten old stage? To-night, as he drove in his carriage, listening to -the crashing of the thunder, every event of his life came back to him in -strong relief and vivid colours, and the prospect of joining in holy -matrimony with Gwendolen seemed more than he could bear. Perhaps the -taste of death that he so nearly met with in Africa came to him at this -hour of night, when all the elements were at war against man; and he -came to the conclusion that he was not obliged to submit to life’s -platitudes any longer. A gentleman should always quit a card table when -he has been cheated. Life had cheated him, and he resolved to leave -life. The other side of Acheron could not be a worse fraud than this; -besides, he knew all about this world, there was nothing that could -astonish him any more, nor keep his attention riveted for more than five -minutes. Why not try the experiment? If it were complete oblivion, so -much the better, he did not object to a long sleep out of which he would -never wake. If it were, as so many declared, eternal punishment—well, -the retribution could never, in all its black horror, be any worse than -the gnawing heartache of the life in which we were chained. - -The brougham rolled on, and very soon Lord Somerville knew he was in the -heart of London. The streets were flooded, passengers were rushing -along, in vain trying to get into omnibuses or hansoms; shouting, -whistling, rent the damp atmosphere, competing with claps of thunder -which at times alarmed the inhabitants, especially when the electric -lights suddenly went out and Londoners were plunged for a few minutes -into utter darkness. Lord Somerville could not remember having ever -witnessed such a thunderstorm in town; still, he welcomed its magnitude -with joy, for it was the proper accompaniment to his frenzy against an -inadequate state of Society. The wheels turned the corner of Piccadilly -and Park Lane, not without risk, for the obscurity was dangerous, and in -a few seconds the carriage halted before his stately mansion; he opened -the door, jumped out, and went into the house without turning round to -give orders for next day to his coachman. This seemed peculiar to the -servant, as he knew my lord to be very methodical in all that concerned -his household. - -The Earl entered his library, and after lighting a few electric lights, -which were only now throwing a dim and lurid light into the large room, -he sank down into a huge armchair. It was very quiet in that room; -double doors and double windows shut out the noise of the splashing rain -against the window-panes, the thunder even was less violent in this -well-padded room, and the lightning could not pierce through the -shutters and the thick brocaded draperies. After the _fracas_ of the -streets, it seemed to him as if he had already entered the Valley of -Death as he sat in this silent place. The picture of his late father was -hanging on the panel in front of him, and he looked at it for a -considerable time. What could that face tell him at this critical hour, -when for long years of his time he had never found one convincing -argument with which to enlighten his son on all the grave problems of -existence? It was always the same answers to the same inquiries: “My -boy, others have gone through life besides yourself, and found it no -worse than I have. Don’t think too hard, leave that to those who have to -use their brains for a livelihood. You have a bed ready made to lie on, -do not complain that it is too soft; but do not forget that you are a -gentleman, and that when you have passed a few turnpikes of life—let us -say, Eton, Oxford, the War or the Foreign Office—you can do whatever you -like, for you are then innocuous; and no one, not even the most -Argus-eyed dowager, will consider you dangerous, however wild your mode -of life may be. My advice to you is, never fall into the clutches of any -woman; to my mind the sex is divided into two dangerous species: the one -that kill you before they bore you, the other that bore you before they -kill you. But in either way you are a doomed man; though for myself I -should prefer being killed to being bored—and as you know, I chose the -former.” - -Was this all that the aristocratic shape framed in front of him could -tell him? It was not enough. He was too robust to be killed by the -London Hetaires, and too fastidious to allow himself to be bored by the -other species. He listened, but no sound came from the outside; the -walls were too thick, the draperies too rich to allow any _fracas_ to -disturb the owner of that dwelling. He was hermetically shut out from -every outward commotion, and might have lived in a vault. Was not that -an image of his privileged life? All things had been so ordained and -smoothed down in his easy existence that he could see nothing beyond his -own direct surroundings, and could never penetrate into another heart, -nor allow anyone to hear the throbs of his own heart. That was called -the privilege of the well-bred, and it was all that generations before -him had done for his welfare: a double-windowed house and a well-padded -life, out of which he never could step. There were barriers at every -corner of the road in which he had walked. Harrow, Oxford, the Guards, -Downing Street, watched him, reminding him, by the way, that he could -prance, kick, roll, do anything he had a mind to, within his boundary; -and he heard that haunting whisper in his wearied ears that, however low -he sank—he was a gentleman. But outside the boundary was a world called -life, with a real, throbbing, howling humanity, a pushing and elbowing -crowd with which he evidently had nothing to do; out there he had no -business, for over there people answered for themselves, were -responsible for their own actions, and he would no doubt fare badly were -he to push and elbow for his own sake, independently of all the -privileged institutions that propped him up through life. He suddenly -remembered that next day there was a Levee, and that he was to be there. -No, he would not go, he would escape for once, and for good and all, -these recurring functions of social London which seemed to narrow the -horizon of life. The best was to make a suitable exit and bring down the -curtain on a Mayfair episode; it would puzzle, interest, amuse half of -London for the inside of a week, and it would be over. He got up and -went to a large bureau that stood in the middle of the room, and began -to open drawer after drawer; he brought out some business papers, laid -them carefully on the bureau, pulled out bundles of letters, read a few, -burnt a great many. Amongst all the correspondence he came across there -was not one note from Gwendolen; she did not write, she sent wires about -anything, for an appointment at Ranelagh, a bracelet she had seen at -Hancock’s, or some more trifling matter; and even then, she hardly sat -down to pen these cursory remarks; she sent her wires when at breakfast, -close to the dish of fried bacon, at lunch, at tea, on the corner of the -silver tray. He opened another drawer and took out a revolver; it was -loaded, and he examined it minutely. How long had it been in that drawer -and when had he loaded it? He could not recall when last he had seen the -arm. He slowly lifted it to his temple and pulled the trigger, as a -violent clap of thunder shook the house to its very foundation, causing -the electric lights to go out. Lord Somerville fell heavily on the -Turkish carpet. - - - - - CHAPTER II - - -Lionel Somerville woke at 8 a.m. in the freshest of spirits. All the -frenzy of the night before had vanished, and as he lay on his bed, -smiling, he tried to think over what had happened. - -“Did I not kill myself last night? Anyway, I did not succeed, or perhaps -it was all a delusion! I must have been in a bad way. It is that -infernal wound that troubles me; I have never been quite myself since I -came home.—Well! what is the matter with this place?—Where are the -curtains, the carpet?” Sitting up in his bed he stared all round. “And -the blankets, sheets—oh! my shirt is gone!” And as he jumped up from the -bed on to the bare floor, he stood as the Almighty had made him. He -rushed to the window, saw the streets empty, the doors of all the houses -closed, and no one going in or out of them. After staring out of the -window he spotted but one boy coming along leisurely on his tricycle -cart, the butcher’s boy no doubt; a fit of laughter seized him, followed -by hilarious convulsions, as he saw the water-cart coming across the -square, with its street Neptune indolently reclining on the seat. - -“This is funny! What the devil does it mean? Have these people gone -clean mad? Why does not the police stop them?” - -Lionel left the window and rang the bell. A few seconds after there was -a gentle knock at the door. - -“Yes, my lord.” It was the suave voice of Temple, my lord’s faithful -valet. - -“I say, Temple”—Lionel spoke through the door—“what’s the meaning of all -this?” - -“I cannot tell, my lord. Your lordship’s bathroom is ready, and -breakfast is on the table.” - -“You must be mad, Temple! How am I to get out of this room without my -clothes? Bring in something—anything—a wrap of some sort, a bath-rug.” - -“Not one to be found, my lord, and all the shops are closed.” - -“How are you clad, Temple?” - -“I’ve nothing on, my lord, and Willows, Mr Jacques, are all in the same -condition. But I can assure your lordship that the morning is very hot.” - -“And you think that sufficient, do you? Well, I don’t! I am blowed if I -can make this out, or if I know what I am going to do. Bring me a tub, a -large can of hot water, and later on bring me a tray with a couple of -eggs and tea. I am famished!” - -Footsteps retreated; Lionel walked round and round his spacious bedroom. -Everything was in its usual place as far as furniture went, but there -was not a vestige of drapery or carpeting; the cushions had disappeared, -and only the down lay on the floor; the chairs, easy _fauteuils_, the -couch were despoiled of all covering and showed their bare construction -of wood and cane-work. The bed was a simple pallet, the rugs had -vanished. Lionel entered his dressing-room, the cupboards were open, and -empty, when yesterday they had been crammed with all his clothes. The -drawers were hanging out of their chest—empty; shirts, flannels, silk -pyjamas, neckties, waistcoats, all the arsenal of a young man about town -had dissolved into thin air. This was more than strange, and the Earl -became more and more amazed as he went on opening boxes, baskets, and -gaping at the empty receptacles. He again looked out of the window—his -dressing-room had a full view of Grosvenor Square—and saw many more boys -on tricycle carts; several satyr-milkmen were rattling their cans down -the fashionable areas, and the water-cart went on slowly spouting its -L.C.C. Niagara over dusty roads. The effect was decidedly comical. He -came back to his bedroom, and once more looked out of the window. -Looking up at the opposite house he saw a form passing to and fro. That -was Lady Vera’s house. Could it be she? He smiled. It might be the maid. -Who knows? There were few of his lady friends he would recognise again -in this new garb. After his tub and breakfast he felt in buoyant spirits -and physically fit, although he could not quite account for this new -mood of his, for nothing had altered in his life. He gave a side glance -at himself in the cheval-glass; he was always the Earl of Somerville, -heir to vast riches, engaged to Gwendolen Towerbridge, and this joke -would pass. It was perhaps the new trick of some gang of thieves, whom -the police would be able to catch in a few days. The thing to find out -was whether it was the same all over London. Temple told Lord -Somerville, as he brought the breakfast tray to the door, that the areas -down the streets and the square were a bevy of buzzing gossipers. -Admiral B., who lived two doors off, was in the same plight, and was -using strong language to his poor wife; and as to Field-Marshal W., -whose house was in the square, he was beside himself, had howled at his -man for his pyjamas and sent the fellow rolling down the passage for -appearing in his presence in an Adamitic vestment. Temple thought this -very unjust, as the Field-Marshal was in the same dilemma; but then -Temple had no sense of the fitness of things, and certainly had no sense -of humour, as he came to ask his master what were his orders for -Marshall, the coachman. Lionel naturally sent Marshall to the devil. - -“Does he think I am going to drive in an open Victoria as I am, with him -on the box as he is?” And he raved at the poor valet, and asked him what -they all felt in the housekeeper’s room. To which Temple replied, that -the men did not so much mind, and that the women would get used to it. -They had all their work cut out for them, and no time to think about -difficult problems. Evidently it was different with them, and the Earl -dropped the subject, inquiring whether the _Times_ had come. But the -postman had not yet arrived. - -“What on earth can I do?” murmured Lionel. Then he thought of sending -Temple to get him a pile of new French novels to while away the tedious -hours. By the way, he thought suddenly, he would like to know something -definite about last night’s adventure; he did not like to tell his man -about his foolish attempt, but if he had seen the revolver on the -carpet, he was prepared to give him some sort of explanation. Temple -came back saying that every book had disappeared, and gave a graphic -description of what was once the library of my lord. Lionel timidly -inquired if he had not noticed anything peculiar on the floor, nor any -stray object lying about? No, Temple had seen nothing except the total -disappearance of all draperies, chair coverings, carpets, books, etc. -There was nothing on the floor, only a little more dust than before in -front of the writing-desk. This satisfied Lionel, who made up his mind -that the whole thing was the effect of his own imagination, very -probably occasioned by this miserable wound which at times was a great -worry to him; and he settled down to forget the past and to solve the -present in trying to explain this strange event. But in vain did he -endeavour to do so, his eyes persistently went back to the window, and -he constantly got up to watch the opposite house and the few strollers -that ventured out; of course they were all servants who so immodestly -exposed themselves to his investigation, still it amused him much more -to watch the street than to ponder these grave questions. - -“Well, I think I was a damned fool last night, provided I did such a -foolish thing as to try and blow my brains out. This is worth living -for, and I have not been amused for many years as I am now. It must have -something to do with last night’s storm. If this is going to last, I -suppose the old fellows at the Royal Institute will make it their -business to ponder this stupendous phenomenon.” - -Temple brought the luncheon tray about 1.30; only a couple of kidneys, a -glass of Apollinaris water; it would be sufficient for that day, as he -could not get out that afternoon and have a ride. Then more thinking, -with as little attention as before. After that, tea with a bit of toast -and no butter, and more thinking, interrupted at times by sudden glances -through the window. Temple came once or twice to his master’s door with -all the news that was afloat in the areas, butlers’ pantries, -saddle-rooms, and although this gossip originated on the backstairs, it -was welcomed by the heir of great estates, for, at this moment he could -get no direct information, and what his valet brought him was as good as -he could ever get. The valet had reminded my lord that to-day was the -Levee, which the latter was to attend. This amused him very much, for -was it likely that the Admiral, the Field-Marshal, the latest V.C. would -ever venture beyond their bed-rug—oh! that even was gone—to go and meet -their ruler in their skins? No, these things were impossible, and the -structure of Society would soon crumble to ashes if one man unadorned -was to meet another man unclad. Of course Lord Somerville was very -anxious to know whether all London was in the same condition, to which -the faithful valet replied, that he had it from the milkman that -Belgravia was as silent as a tomb, Bayswater a wilderness, and -Buckingham Palace a desert. As to the omnibuses, after one journey up -and down they had given up running at all, as no one wanted a drive, and -the few servants and working-men about preferred walking. Towards seven -o’clock, Lionel felt inclined to have a little food, and he ordered a -grilled sole and a custard. That would do for him, but evidently it did -not do for Temple, who was quite shocked at his master’s abstemiousness, -and recoiled before appearing in front of the cook with such a meagre -menu. “He would be capable of throwing a dish at my head, my lord; he -hardly believed me when I told him your lordship wanted two kidneys for -lunch.” - -But Lionel was determined, and would hear of nothing more for dinner and -sent the cook to Jericho through the intermediary of Temple, adding that -he could not eat more when he had no proper exercise, that he had had -sufficient, having eaten when he felt hungry and left off when he had -had enough—which he had not done for many years. - -“Yes, my lord,” had respectfully answered the faithful valet, who -perhaps at the same time thought his master’s remark a wise one. - -The evening went by, bringing no change in the situation; and by nine -o’clock it was universally known, and partly accepted, that from the -Lord Chancellor to the Carlton waiter, frock-coat or no coat, woolsack -or three-legged crock, a man was to be a man for a’ that. One great -calamity had befallen them all, and in one minute levelled the whole of -London’s inhabitants to the state of nature. The question arose in my -lord’s mind whether they were sufficiently fitted for that state? Could -they face the God Pan with as much composure as they had faced all the -other gods? He heard the heavy footsteps of the lamplighter methodically -going through his work. It was strange that he had never once thought of -stopping his nocturnal routine. Evidently whatever happened, the streets -had to be lighted, and Lionel mused long and deeply on these questions -of duty and force of habit, as he looked out of the window into the -street and observed the long shadow descending over London. - -“Was it the sense of duty that prompted the actions of these menials?” -He could not bring himself to think that, and he could not help -believing that amongst his own superior class the sense of duty was -always accompanied by a powerful sense of the fitness of things, so that -if a virtue clashed with prejudices and the accepted standard of -propriety, it was desirable that they should build up some new duty more -in harmony with their worldly principles. There, no doubt, lay the -difference between the upper classes and the lower, and which made the -former shrink before breaking the laws of decorum, when the latter saw -no objection to performing daily pursuits in their skins, unconcerned -with higher motives of purity and exalted ideals. - -Whether Lord Somerville had touched the keynote of social ethics -remained unknown, but he retired early to his pallet and slept soundly -through the still night. - -Next day was the same, the day after identical, and the week passed thus -without any change in the London phenomenon. Had the carpet in the -Arabian tales carried the whole metropolis to some undiscovered planet, -the wonderment could not have been greater. After a few days, Lionel -observed that the L.C.C. Neptune had acquired more ease, more -_laisser-aller_ in his movements and postures, and decidedly sat less -stiffly on his high perch; the butcher’s boy also carried his tray on -his shoulder with distinct dash and comeliness. From his daily -observations he came to the conclusion that London life, in its -mechanical working, was going on pretty much as usual. He questioned his -faithful valet, who by this time had become more than a servant, being -newsagent and Court circular rolled into one. What he learned through -the keyhole was astounding. No House of Commons, no Upper House were -sitting! How could anything go on at that rate? Ah! that was the -strangest part of it, for materially everything seemed to be as usual; -the tradespeople came round for orders, and there was no danger of -starving. The wheels of life kept on rolling, for, those who represented -the axle were still in the centre of the wheel, and nothing could remove -them. It was the upper part of the edifice that had given way, or at -least had willingly retired into modest seclusion. The wheels might run -for a long time without the coach, but the coach had no power to advance -in any way without the wheels. This is what puzzled Lionel so much; he -had always believed that if Society took it into its head to strike, the -world would come to a standstill; and here was a colossal emergency in -which one part of the edifice went on as if nothing had happened, while -the other—in his eyes the important one—was forced to retire behind its -walls, if it meant to keep sacred the principles of modesty and decorum; -and still the whole structure had not foundered. Of course it could not -last for ever. Nothing did last; and this axiom consoled Lord -Somerville, as he cradled himself into the belief that the present -condition would never answer in this eminently aristocratic empire. Why -had not such a thing happened to Parisians? “I could safely declare that -they would not have made such a fuss about it. They would have taken the -adventure as it is, if transient, and would have accepted the joke with -rollicking fun; if serious, they would have made the best of it, seen -the plastic side of the situation, and at once endeavoured to live up to -it as gracefully as possible. Yes, there lay the whole difference -between the Latin race and the Anglo-Saxon; the former aimed at beauty, -and the other, as the Bishop of Sunbury had said at Islington, aimed at -a moral attitude. - -“I suppose there is a certain amount of truth in this,” thought the -Earl, as he sipped his cup of tea, “for here am I living up to a -standard of punctilious modesty, which would even put the chaste -Susannah to shame; and Heaven knows I never have been overburdened with -principles, but, quite on the contrary, was oblivious of any moral -attitude. It must be that the ambiante of this country is of a superior -quality to that of any other.” - -There was a gentle knock at the door: “The Bishop of Welby has sent -round to know whether your lordship would allow your women-servants to -help in the finding of a suitable text for a sermon he wishes to deliver -when this state has ceased? His lordship is in a great stress, being -unable to lay his hand on his Bible, and finds himself at a loss to -recall all the contents of the Holy Scriptures.” - -“By all means, Temple—I am always delighted to be of any use to the -bishop, although, for my part, I regret I cannot help him in this. Can -you remember any suitable text, Temple?” - -Temple made no reply. - -“I say, Temple, how do the dowagers take this kind of thing? I am rather -curious to know how they manage.” - -The valet inquired from the upper housemaid, who very soon gathered -information from her friends along the areas, and in an hour the -faithful newsagent had collected a bushel of gossip. The attitude of the -dowagers towards the social calamity was one of stubborn resistance and -of fervent prayer. The old Lady Pendelton had said to her maid, through -the keyhole, that it was only a question of time, and that with a little -display of self-control, for which the race was so celebrated, they -would soon pull through this ghastly experience. Some of the old ladies, -whose bedrooms were contiguous to those of their daughters, knocked on -the wall exhorting their virtuous progeny to persevere in the ways of -the righteous and to keep up a good heart. Out-door gossips would be -supplied to them: “Sarah does not mind going out,” had shouted through -the wall one of the pillars of female Society, “you see, dear Evelyn, -these sort of people do not possess the same quality of modesty that we -do—they have to toil, not to feel.” So thought the dowager, and many -more believed this to be true. What a load of injustice was settled by -such an argument! - -When the first shock was over, and Lord Somerville had ceased wondering -at a class of people who did not mind being seen in their Edenic attire, -he dropped into a humorous mood, and passed in review a good many of his -friends, men and women. - -“By Jove!” he exclaimed in a fit of laughter, “I wonder what old Bentham -looks like in his skin? The Stock Exchange will be a rum circus when -they all race for cash as modern gladiators! And what of Pender, and of -Clavebury; and Gladys Ventnor, Arabella Chale and _tutti quanti_?” - -Then he thought of his friend, Victor de Laumel, of the Jockey Club in -Paris. He felt convinced Victor would tell him, “I say, my good fellow, -why do you mind? Go out and give the example of simplicity and -good-humour.” - -After all, it was not that he minded much, and if the Upper Ten -appointed between themselves a day and hour in which they would all go -out together, it would not be so bad; but it was the idea of appearing -before and mixing with an indiscriminate crowd. It would be really -annoying to have your butler look you up and down, and to stand the -flitting sneer on the lips of your groom. Of course there was nothing in -the abstract against an Edenic garment; but one must not forget that -Adam and Eve were alone in Paradise, and had no crowd to pass unpleasant -remarks over their personal appearance. It was only when that -interfering _Tertium quid_ had sneaked round the corner that they had -lost all the fun in life. Well, if one reptile had the power to make -them feel ashamed of themselves, what would it be now that thousands of -little twinkling eyes were glaring, and that myriads of sharp tongues -hissed and stung? It was quite evident that clothes kept the world -within bounds of decency, besides restraining the overbearance of the -lower classes and enforcing their respect for their superiors. What -could our civilisation be without the cap-and-apron ethics? It is -difficult enough to keep up a certain standard in the world with the -help of smart surroundings; but how could one command deference from, -and give orders to one’s domesticity in this attire? - -On the eleventh day of this prison life, Lord Somerville woke with a -sharp pain in his side, and as he sat up on his pallet he was seized -with giddiness. This was a premonition which filled him with awe. His -liver was hopelessly out of order, and no doubt many of his friends’ -livers were in the same condition owing to this sedentary life. Hard -thinking and solitary confinement would be sure to have a fatal effect -on a race accustomed to exercise and deep drinking. The area gossip was -ominous, and what Temple recorded to his master boded no good to the -Upper Ten, who were suffering from a general attack of dyspepsia. It was -a very serious question, a race doomed to sequestration; and there was a -fear that eventually London, the well-drained, well-watered, -well-lighted and altogether well-County-Councilled, would be turned into -a vast lunatic asylum. When ethics meant apoplexy, it was time to halt -and loosen the strings of propriety; and it was the duty of the sporting -duke, the rubicund brewer, and of all the fastidious do-nothings, to -weave for themselves in the seclusion of their chambers a new tissue of -principles to suit their abnormal condition. Lionel inquired whether the -Bishop had come to any conclusion about his text. Temple did not know -about that, but he knew that the prelate had complained of insomnia and -sickness, and asked for _sal volatile_. Lady Pendelton had been heard by -her maid to fall on the floor. Was her ladyship better now? had asked -Lionel. Yes, but her maid could hear her tottering in her room and -moaning piteously. - -“It is very bad this, Temple. I think something ought to be done for the -good of the public; but what?” - -“I believe that if your lordship would only show yourself—I beg your -pardon, my lord—but an example would be beneficial, and your lordship is -so popular, I am sure you would carry the day.” - -“Do you really believe that my showing myself would be a general signal? -You see, Temple, I do not want to find myself all alone in the streets -of London, with all the dowagers grinning at their windows. That would -never do.” - -“Oh! your lordship need not fear. There is a great feeling of discontent -among the higher classes; and before you could say Jack Robinson they -would all follow your example.” - -“That is certainly very encouraging. Bring me some boiling water to -drink. No breakfast, thanks.” - -The wave of revolt was rising furiously and threatening to drown all -principles of decency. Utter disgust filled the hearts of Londoners when -they retired to rest on the eleventh night of their voluntary seclusion. -It is then, when large shadows envelop the city, that common-sense -creepingly visits the bedside of each inhabitant; and as the mysterious -hour that is supposed to unnerve the bravest man approaches, great -principles give way, and practical reasoning comes to the fore, to ease -the questionist out of his moral jungle. - - - - - CHAPTER III - - -When the men and women of this powerful race make up their minds to -anything, whether right or wrong, they neither hesitate nor do they -allow any time to elapse between decision and consummation. So it was -that on the morning of the twelfth day Lord Somerville sprang off his -couch, took his tub and brushed his hair with unusual alacrity. He did -not give a passing glance at his mirror, strange to say; perhaps, had he -done so, his resolution would have slackened; but Lord Somerville was -wise, and, not unlike the ostrich, he believed that no one would look at -him because he had not looked at himself. He opened his bedroom door, -walked along the passages without meeting one of his domestics, and -reached the beautiful marble staircase for which this mansion was so -renowned. As he crossed the vestibule he gave a furtive look at the -footman ensconced in his basket chair; but the latter was asleep, or at -least his innate delicacy prompted him to this subterfuge, to allow his -master to pass by unnoticed. - -Lionel unbolted the front door with a sudden jerk, and as he did this he -heard a successive unbolting of doors, which sounded throughout the -silent city like a gun fired in honour of some royal birthday. In one or -two seconds the streets were invaded. - -He stood amazed on the pavement and marvelled at this stupendous event! -It was true that England, for centuries, had prided herself on her -public opinion. But what was the England of twelve days ago to that of -to-day? Few nations could boast of an Upper Ten capable of such -abnegation, that of one common accord they all decided to put away -personal feelings, vanities and principles, for the sake of their -fellow-creatures. One huge wave of altruism had swept over Society, -which cherished the fond idea that it initiated, ruled and guided the -rest of the world. Indeed, this was a great event in the modern history -of Great Britain, already so rich in philanthropic examples. Lionel took -a deep breath as he walked away from his ancestral mansion; he watched -men rushing past him; evidently they were going straight to their -business. He saw women shuffling alongside of the walls, as if these -would throw a shadow over their naked forms; but who they were was quite -beyond him to tell, and perhaps it was as well, at first, to ignore who -they were. It was a boisterous exodus, though one imposed by the sense -of duty; and the violent exercise of hurrying brought vigour back to -their weakened limbs. Naturally the first observation of Lord Somerville -was that this colourless mass of humanity was slightly monotonous, -although soothing to wearied eyeballs. He followed a good many people, -just for the fun of it, and frequently thought he was on the point of -recognising some friend or acquaintance; but no, it was hopeless to try -and find out who was who; besides, they nearly all seemed to shun one -another, and as they passed each other bowed their heads and looked on -the ground. He reached Trafalgar Square; there the scene was full of -animation: children were jumping in and out of the fountains, and -shaking themselves as birds do their feathers after a good ducking; men -ran round the Landseer lions for a constitutional, and women dodged them -on the other side, in this way endeavouring to keep up a semblance of -feminine coyness. There was no doubt that this part of London was -different from the genteel Mayfair, and it threatened to be rowdy as you -approached the City. Lionel walked past Charing Cross, which looked -abandoned; but the Strand—the main artery of London’s anatomy—was -surging with a buoyant population rushing to the City-heart. Lionel -thought he would have great fun in watching office doors, and would -perhaps recognise a few millionaire bounders who certainly were not like -the Society men of his stamp, and therefore would be more easily -recognised. He went up Fleet Street, leaving St Paul’s on his left, -walked through Threadneedle Street, where he knew many of the City -magnates. Pacing up and down the pavement he thought he would have a -good opportunity of seeing the men who went in and out of offices and of -conjecturing on their identity. Very soon he witnessed a wild scene of -confusion: men darted out of offices suffused with deep blushes; -managers of large warehouses ran in and out of houses in delirium! -Another idea crossed Lionel’s mind: evidently these people were, like -him, unable to recognise anyone; business men were at a loss to know -their clerks from their financier friends, as they could not discern -buyers from sellers. Of course in this terrible mystification, there was -no attempt made at bowing or talking in the streets of London; it was a -new departure from last week’s urbanity, when courteousness had been -distributed according to the more or less respectability of external -appearance. - -“I am afraid that insurmountable difficulties will stare us in the -face,” murmured Lionel as he retraced his steps towards Piccadilly, -after fruitless attempts at knowing his friends in the crowd. “We have -not yet grasped what this new position means; at first we have thought -of decency, some, I suppose, have dwelt on morality’s destiny; but I do -declare that it means more than all that. If we cannot know employers -from employees the whole status of civilisation is done with. This is a -thing of which I had never thought.” He noticed, on his way home, that -women had tears rolling down their cheeks, and men, as he brushed past -them, swore in their moustaches. Lord Somerville felt a choking -sensation in his throat as he realised that the old life with all its -ease and luxury was over. Everything was so bare, so ugly. Where were -the bewitching fashions that rejoiced his fastidious eye? Where the -daintily-gowned young girls and women in our beautiful parks? As women -passed by, he wondered to what class of Society they belonged. How could -the shop-girl now be differentiated from the Duke’s daughter? He never -could have believed such a dilemma possible. In front of his club he -glanced through the swinging glass doors, and saw a portly individual -standing; but he could not for his life tell whether it was the hall -porter or one of the members. - -Solitary confinement for twelve days had nearly driven Londoners mad; -but he now realised that isolation in the midst of a maddening crowd -would soon turn them into drivelling idiots. What they had gone through -for more than a week had been a conflict between virtue and -self-interest; but the future was more fearful, for more than interest -was at stake, as self-respect was threatened to sink in this universal -levelling. When he thought of all the social solecisms likely to occur -in this state of _incognito_, he shuddered. If it was impossible to know -whom to bow to, whom to nod to and whom to snub, however could Society -exist? Our exclusive circles owed their existence to those delicate -_nuances_ of politeness; and when the sliding scales of courtesy were -abolished, Democracy was at hand, for no power on earth could stem the -torrent of Anarchism from overpowering defenceless Society. - -The first exodus was decidedly a failure, and Lionel felt the galling -bitterness of disappointment when, between twelve and one, he entered -his house, refusing all the entreaties of his valet to partake of a -dainty luncheon. All London was in the same discomfited mood that -morning, and the fashionable beauty, reclining on her hard couch, wept -bitter tears over her defunct wardrobe and hat-boxes. The company -promoter behind his window, looking at the irritating butcher’s boy and -callous milkman, grunted audibly, “These are the sort of people we are -now to rub against at every turn!” - -There evidently was more behind feathers and furbelows than our friend -Horatio could have known, and London would have to spell the first words -of a philosophy which would be drier to them all than that of Plato, -Kant or Carlyle. - -After two more days of keen despair, the same longing for fresh air -seized hold of the Upper Ten; though this time bolts were not drawn with -that vigour which had given to the first exodus the sound of a salute of -musketry. It was more like a distant roll of thunder, forerunner of a -clouded atmosphere. The exit from houses was not any more triumphant and -didactic, it was slow and cheerless; and had not the air been balmy, the -sky blue, citizens would have felt a shiver run down their spine as they -realised their abandoned condition. This time Lord Somerville restricted -his wanderings to the smart thoroughfares, leaving the mercantile City -to its own confusion. He entered restaurants where he had known many of -the _habitués_; but he went out of them shocked at not being recognised -by any of his friends. Formerly all was so easy; one had but to step -out, and one knew exactly who was who by the brim of a hat, the cut of a -coat, the handling of a walking-stick; but not even a rude stare could -help one now to identify anyone, and nothing could save one from -committing a social _faux pas_. He strolled up the Haymarket. How -difficult it was to walk in that attire. “I wonder if Adam rambled all -over Paradise, and if he did not feel awkward? I wish I knew what to do -with my hands.” There was a crowd at Piccadilly Circus, and he had great -difficulty in advancing. What attracted the attention of the population -were the empty windows of Swan & Edgar’s. Hundreds of women were peering -through the deserted shops which had hitherto been over-crowded with -ladies’ apparel of every kind and sort. He edged his way through and -contrived to get on the pavement; but many pushed him, and he elbowed -freely in this crowd of Adams and Eves. He was very much astonished to -find himself saying “Beg your pardon” when he unconsciously collided -with anyone. - -“After all, I do not know who I am knocking against, it might be my most -intimate friend, and upon the whole it is better to be polite to someone -you do not know than to be wanting in common civility towards a friend.” -The Earl had unwittingly got hold of a vital problem, and one that would -no doubt induce Society some day to transform the tone of politeness. - -In Hyde Park he noticed several groups, and towards the Serpentine the -crowd became denser; but to escape the noisy clamour of urchins -splashing in the water he took a small path leading to Kensington -Gardens. Most of the smart world would be there, thought Lionel, though -the outing was not one of fashion. Hygiene and reflection were drawing -both sexes to the shady parts of Kensington; they felt their isolation -less oppressively in this glorious verdure. The soft grass was more -refreshing than hot pavements; the trees, hedges and flower-beds were -more fragrant surroundings than high houses; and in this harmonious -frame one would feel less at variance with a discordant world. - -The day was young yet, hardly 11.30, and the hot rays of the sun were -piercing through the foliage of the broad avenue facing the Palace. -Solitary individuals walked on the cool grass, sat on stone benches and -iron chairs; but none talked to anyone, and there lacked in this -mythological picture the animation that humanity generally brings into a -landscape. Birds were busy chirping, making love, mock quarrelling, and -the leaves rustled softly as a breath of hot wind caressed the branches -of trees. - -Lord Somerville lay down on a stone bench, linking his arms behind his -head. He let his fanciful imagination have full play: allowing -philosophy to suggest to him queer problems concerning the personal -appearance of some of his lady friends. A chuckle rose to his lips; a -sparkling twinkle lighted up his pale blue eye. He saw at a distance a -small, dapper man coming this way; his head was well set on his -shoulders; there was no hesitation in his step, no awkwardness in his -bearing; one of his hands was placed on one hip, the other dropped -gracefully at his side, as he stood within a few yards of the young heir -to large properties. - -“Who can that be? Can it be my tailor? I can only think of him -recognising me at a glance, these fellows know us inside out. Deucedly -awkward though to be accosted like this by tradespeople.” And as the -newcomer stood close to him, the Earl sat up, and bowed as disdainfully -as he could manage under the circumstances. - -“I daresay you do not know me, my lord, but I have that advantage over -your lordship, having seen you often about town, and frequently admired -your equipages in the Park, and noticed your presence in one of the -boxes at the Tivoli.” - -This was a touch of kin, and something in the tone of his interlocutor -cheered Lionel and put him in a happy train of thought. The link with -the outer world, his world of ready-made pleasures and strong -stimulants, was not quite broken. A rush of the past life came surging -back to his mind, and he grasped the hand of his new friend as Robinson -Crusoe must have done that of Friday when the latter made his appearance -on the deserted island. - -“I seem to know you, sir; although I cannot put a name to your face; but -let me, all the same, greet you warmly; you are the first that has -recognised me since the storm.” - -“And that is a fortnight ago, my lord, a very long lapse of time for -your lordship, who is such a favourite in Society. But I haven’t come -here only to disturb your musings; I have a motive, a very serious one, -that will ultimately affect you and all London. First of all, I am Dick -Danford of the Tivoli, the White Bread, and of the Saltseller.” - -“Now I know where I have seen you, heard you and applauded you, Mr -Danford. Your voice came home to me as would a favourite strain of music -of which the title has slipped one’s memory. What can I do for you? I am -at your service. Let us stroll under these shady trees, it will be -cooler than here, and you will tell me all you have to say.” - -“Well, my lord,” began the little dapper Tivoli artist, when they had -reached the shade of the long avenue, “you know, as we all do, what has -happened. It is needless to remark any more on the deadlock of business, -in whatever branch it may be, owing to manufacturers and weavers being -on the streets and cheque-books having vanished into thin air.” - -“Yes, and we have no purses, and no pockets to put them in.” - -“We will not discuss the feminine point of view of this event, my lord; -their coyness and pudicity are of course a credit to their sex, and we -can but honour them for carrying so high the ideal of womanhood; but -that must wear off in time, as the fair sex finds out that the world -cannot wait for them, and that the rotation of our planet cannot come to -a standstill because the modesty of our wives and sisters is in -jeopardy.” - -The little mimic lifted his sharply-cut features and looked into the -long, aristocratic face of his listener. - -“I am all ears, Mr Danford; but about modesty I have nothing to say. -Mayfair is not the nursery for such delicate plants; besides, I think -that coyness is already on the wane, for I see several groups of women -lounging about. Do not trouble your clever head about that, and tell me -in what way I can be of any use to you?” - -“The point is this, my lord, as you know, no one is able to recognise -anyone. No high-collared cloak nor slouch hat and mask could be a better -disguise than this general unmasking. You know the adage: ‘Tell the -truth, and no one will believe you.’ We can add another truism: ‘Show -yourself as you are, and no one will know you.’ No doubt, there is still -a little mannerism that clings to the individual, by which one could -recognise their identity; but it would require a strenuous effort of the -mind, and a wonderful memory of personal tricks, to be able to arrive at -knowing who’s who. So I have bethought myself of a plan. We artists of -the Music Hall alone possess the art of observation. You see, we have -made a special study of the physiognomy, and have stored our brains with -all the particularities of Society leaders, the oddities of the clergy, -of City magnates and gutter marionettes. Some remedy must be found at -once for this present state of affairs, or else the whole edifice of -Society will disappear, and we artists will perish in the downfall. The -remedy cannot come from the Upper Ten, I am afraid, for they have no -memory nor any observing powers. I beg your pardon, my lord, but I am -speaking very openly on the subject, and you must excuse me if I feel -the position very keenly.” - -“Go on, my dear Danford; what you say is very true and very interesting. -I am beginning to see what you mean. By the way, I think I see the Duke -of Southdown on that chair—shall we walk up to him? You might tell him -of your plan.” - -“Do nothing of the kind!” hurriedly said the mimic, laying a firm hand -on Lord Somerville’s arm. “The man you take for His Grace is a driver of -the London General Omnibus Company. Now, my lord, you see what mistakes -you are likely to make.” - -“By God, I could have sworn this was the Duke! But, Danford, do you -never commit such solecisms?” - -“No, very rarely.” Danford shook his head knowingly, and over his thin -lips flitted that indefinable smile for which he was so renowned on the -boards. “But there you are, you have not made a special study of human -physiognomy, and have not through hard plodding acquired that sense of -observation, that keenness of perception, that we have, for you have had -no need to retain the facial grimaces and queer movements of -individuals. To-day the Music Halls are closed and we are broke, but in -this wreckage, we artists have saved our precious faculty of memorising. -The profession has therefore decided to make a new move; this morning I -saw the manager of the Tivoli, who asked me to be the intermediary -between the profession and the aristocracy—of which, my lord, you are -one of the strongest columns. This state of things looks as if it were -going to last, and as we cannot prevent it we must boom it.” - -“I follow you, Danford, and am curious to know what you will propose as -a remedy.” - -“Well, my lord, I advise that we artists, men and women, should open in -every district of London Schools of Observation, in which the art of -memorisation will be taught, and prizes will be given to pupils who -recognise the most faces in one hour. I myself believe that Society will -not easily learn that art; for it has so long relied on outward signs to -guide it in the recognition of folks, that its faculties are warped, and -it will take us all our time to pull Society through this difficulty. -Then a special branch should be started at once, or else the aristocracy -will sink into the deep waves of oblivion. We must all—I mean the Music -Hall variety artists—accept engagements for dinner-parties, receptions, -afternoon teas; in fact, for every entertainment where more than two are -gathered, and act as social guides. To give you a sample of what I can -do, my lord, I propose to take a stroll with you along the favourite -thoroughfares of town; not at present, for London will turn in for -luncheon very soon, but between six and seven o’clock we can meet -again.” - -“Are you sure, Danford, that we shall find anyone out at that time?” - -“Ah! You do not know Londoners as well as I do. They have had enough of -seclusion. They have twice tasted fresh air, and they will long to taste -it again. Public opinion is as strong as ever in our country; it is a -wave that rolls incessantly over the London beach; the _débris_ of -wrecks cast up by the sea are very soon washed away by the next wave, -and so does the tide of public opinion eternally sweep away some old -political hobby, and bring back some moral crank. The smallest scheme -becomes a national enterprise in this island of ours, and if once -Society takes up our idea, the world is saved. This evening there will -be more Londoners out than there are at present. Everyone, more or -less—of course invalids excepted—is unable to sacrifice practical life -to a preconceived idea of virtue; we are even very much to be praised -for having given up ten of our precious days to a moral principle.” - -“This would not have occurred in any Latin country, for they depend so -much on their intercourse with human beings; perhaps we have less merit, -after all, in having remained confined so many days, as we are not so -sociable as our Latin neighbours.” - -“Oh! What an error, my lord; I have always thought the reverse, and -firmly believe that we Britishers are the most superficial of human -creatures.” - -“Still, you cannot deny, Danford, that our lower classes take their -pleasures gloomily?” - -“I am astonished that you should make such a remark, Lord Somerville; -you are too much up-to-date to bring that exploded accusation against -our race. If our lower orders take Sunday rambles in our City -graveyards, it is not for the dead that they go there, but partly for -the flowers and the trees; mostly, however, in search of excitement. -They spell the In Memoriams on tombstones as they would devour penny -novelettes. It gives them a glamour of romance and tragedy, as a -jeweller’s shop window opens a glittering vista of luxury to the hungry -stare of a beggar. It is always what lies behind the scenes that will -for ever enthral the minds of human beings. You, of the Upper Ten, have -excitements of all sorts, subtle and coarse; amusements of every -descriptions, frivolous or cruel; passions of all kinds, high and low; -but the wearied toilers have only the routine of an eventless existence; -no wonder shop windows and graveyards are their arena, but it does not -follow that they take their pleasures sadly. A child will play with a -dead man’s skull if he has no painted doll.” - -They had reached Hyde Park Corner. - -“I have passed a very pleasant hour with you, Danford; perhaps one of -the pleasantest for many years. Shall we say 6.30 at the foot of -Achilles’s statue?” - -“Yes, my lord, and the place you name is most appropriate.” - -With a wave of the hand Danford walked away in the direction of Sloane -Street, and Lord Somerville slowly went up Piccadilly. He felt what he -had not experienced since his Eton days—an interest in life; and he was -determined to see this farce through. - - - - - CHAPTER IV - - -Dick Danford was as good as his word. After an hour’s stroll through -London, Lord Somerville came to the conclusion that, for the present, -his eyes were no more to him than a tail would have been. The old world -of before the storm seemed to have vanished in a bottomless pit, and -what he viewed instead was as prodigious as what he had hoped to see on -his travels across Acheron. He noticed that tricks and mannerisms were -as yet clinging to both sexes: women still grasped their invisible -dresses as if they had been bunches of keys, twisted about their fingers -absent chains round their necks; men tried to put their hands in -vanished pockets, and held imaginary umbrellas in front of them (the -latter Danford declared were clergymen), and their necks, stiffened by -the long use of high collars, gave them the appearance of turkeys. But -as to knowing anyone in this Babel of faces, that was quite out of the -question; and Lionel went from one ejaculation to another as Dick -enumerated the different notabilities of Society, the theatrical world -and financial booths. It was like a transformation scene at Drury Lane. -The world was not what he had altogether taken it to be, and if he found -himself to have been even more swindled than he had believed, still, -there were surprises for which he had not been prepared and which were -worth living for: the beautiful women were not all as beautiful as he -had thought them, but the plain ones had a great many points that -commended them to a connoisseur. As to the men whom he had feared as -rivals in the arena of good fortunes, they made him smile as he gave an -admiring glance at his spinal curve reflected in a shop mirror. The -little artist’s conversation was a succession of fireworks; never on the -boards had he been more entertaining than this afternoon, acting the -part of a humorous Mephistopheles to this masher Faust. He informed Lord -Somerville that after he had left him in the morning he had done some -good work for the public welfare, and had come to a final arrangement -with the Commissioner of Police. - -“What for, Danford?” had inquired Lionel. - -“Well, I do not know whether it struck you as it did me at your first -exit, my lord, but the very first observation that impressed itself on -me was the difficulty women had in distinguishing a policeman from an -ordinary civilian. I watched many in distress, who gave an appealing -look all round for the kindly help of a bobby. It was hard to tell -whether that man on the left with a dogged expression and thin legs was -the policeman, or whether it was this other on the right, with limbs -like marble columns and a puny face. Such dilemmas puzzled the public -all through the day, and decided the Committee of Music Hall artists to -take the matter in hand and confer with the heads of the Police.” - -“Have you come to some understanding, Dick?” - -“The thing is settled. Scotland Yard is to be turned into a public -gymnasium, and a staff of picked policemen are to instruct the citizens -in the art of being their own policemen.” - -“How very expeditious you are in your profession. Had this been in the -hands of Parliament, we should never have heard anything about it, -however pressing the need might have been.” - -“Then, another feature of our School of Observation will be special -prizes to be awarded to husbands who will recognise their wives, or -_vice versa_, when out of their homes. I think that will take in -Society, for I have noticed that the nearer the relationship the more -difficult it was to know one another.” - -“You are very neat in your remarks, Danford,” said Lionel. - -“You see, my lord, every judgment I arrive at is the result of keen -observation. I heard once, during our ten days of seclusion, the most -awful row in the house next to mine; it belongs to the Longfords—you -know, the Longfords who took the Regalia Theatre for a season. Well, -their housemaid reported to my landlady what the row was about, and she -told me the next morning through the keyhole what had been the matter. -The fact was this: Mrs Longford had entered her husband’s room and had -had the greatest difficulty in persuading him she was his lawful wife. -If such a scene could occur between a couple of twenty years’ standing, -in their own house, how much more difficult it would be to recognise -your wife in the crowd.” - -“And hence your idea of a prize. I think that had you decided to award -it to the man who recognised another man’s wife you would have been more -successful.” - -“We should have been bankrupt by the end of a week, my lord; besides, -this was a feature of the old Society, and we want to launch it on a -totally novel basis. Originality must be our watchword.” - -Lord Somerville, having been struck by the keen judgment and foresight -of the little buffoon, had willingly promised him his support in every -way. He would send round to all his friends and spread the idea amongst -the Upper Ten, who would be sure to lead the movement and give a -salutary example to the middle classes. Arrived at the corner of Park -Lane, Lionel had wistfully inquired of Danford whether he knew Gwendolen -Towerbridge? Dick was sorry, but he could not help Lord Somerville in -that line. Engaged people were quite out of his department, Lord -Somerville would have to solve that problem for himself; to which Lionel -had shrugged his shoulders: just as well guess whose face was behind a -thick mask. - -That evening Lionel sat up late in his library planning in his mind the -organisation of the new Society of social guides. He frequently -interrupted his work to look up at his father’s portrait; his type was -not unlike hundreds of men he had seen during the day, and he wondered -how he could recognise his own father were he alive? Would not the -latter have been slightly bewildered in this Babel? Would not his -pedantic theories on good breeding receive a shock were he now to step -out of his frame and take a stroll through the streets of London? - -Towards two o’clock in the morning the Earl had memorised the whole -synopsis of the new Society, to be launched under the gracious patronage -of the Earl of A.B.C. and of Her Grace the Duchess of X.Y.Z., and he -retired to his pallet of plaited rushes with a sigh of contentment at -the prospect of a new spectacular show, and with a sense of relief at -the thought that Gwendolen was lost to him, more irrevocably lost in -this general unmasking than if a vessel had foundered on a rock, leaving -her on a desert island. - -In a few days London resumed its usual occupations; we cannot say that -it looked quite the same, but Society apparently was in the swing once -more. How could it be otherwise, when the flowers were in full bloom, -the birds were warbling and the sun was shining? The brittle veneer of -false modesty had crumbled under the power of necessity, and the inside -of a fortnight had witnessed the downfall of prudery. No scandal ever -reached two weeks’ duration; how could a virtuous craze have outlived -it? Very different would it have been had half London appeared clad, -while the other half remained unclothed; the contrast would have been -offensive, and have called for wrathful indignation; but as everyone was -in the same way, unquestioned submission became a virtue as well as a -necessity. Thus argued Society, for the hard blow dealt by the -infuriated elements was fast healing, and the ex-fashionable and -would-be smart people hailed Lord Somerville’s new plan with enthusiasm. -There was a great demand for social guides, a feverish excitement to -take lessons at once in the art of observation, and a rush to attend -lectures on physiognomy. At first curiosity was a powerful stimulant. -“It would be ripping,” thought the Society girl, “to find out whether -Lady Lilpot and Lady Brownrigg’s figures, which were so admired last -season, were really _bona-fide_, or only the fabrics of padding and -whalebone.” But very soon laziness damped their former ardour, and once -more Society, ever incorrigible in its taste for ready-made pleasure, -started the fashion of having social guides attached to their respective -households. Had not ladies of fashion, men about town, formerly needed -the services of French maids and experienced valets? It goes without -saying that after the storm the constant attendance of these two -custodians of the wardrobe were more irksome than pleasant, for they -reminded persons of fashion of their vanished glory. These were -therefore dismissed, for the housemaids could easily fulfil the scanty -duties of the present dressing-rooms. Instead of the departed domestics, -social guides were requisitioned. Lord Somerville was generally -congratulated on his luck in obtaining the services of Dick Danford, who -was considered to be at the very top of his position. He united an -infallible memory to an astounding accuracy of inductive methods in -human generalisation; but what most commended him to his patron and -pupil were the philosophical and satirical sidelights he threw at every -turn on Society and the various professions. As Lionel hourly conferred -with his Mentor, he became more and more enthralled in his work of -social reform; his daily walks through the parks at Dick’s elbow were a -continual source of interest, and the object lessons in human nature, -provided by the London streets, threw him at times into the wildest -spirits. - -The guides had a hard time of it in trying to bring their pupils out of -that reserve so dear to the race, and they found great difficulty in -making them act with more initiative. As long as the guide was at hand, -it was all well, but when left to themselves, lady pupils and gentlemen -students could not be brought to use their own judgment, and boldly -venture to recognise people without the guide’s help, so fearful were -they of committing social blunders. Still, Danford was sanguine; he kept -saying that if the British lion had, in a fortnight, conquered the sense -of shame, he would, in a few days more, throw pride to the four winds. -He turned out to be quite right, for in ten days more London was -launching out into a whirlpool of festivities. - -The little buffoon was very entertaining, and kept his pupil in fits of -laughter, relating his various experiences in the smart circles of -London. Over and over again a pleading voice whispered to him in the -Park or at a party, “Oh dear Mr Danford, I wish you would look in -to-morrow at my small tea-fight. Do you think Lord Somerville could -spare you for an hour or two? His father was such an old friend of mine. -I have asked a very few people, but after the butler’s announcement I -shall never know one from another—hi! hi! hi!” Another would in a deep, -rough voice tell him to run in at luncheon Friday next: “Mrs Bilton is -simply longing to meet you; she has a daft daughter who persists in -taking the footman for her pa—very awkward, isn’t it? I am sure, Mr -Danford, you would teach her in a few lessons how to recognise her dad, -for the girl is rather quick otherwise.” “Ah, madam,” had replied the -smart little guide, “it takes a very wise girl to know her own father in -our present Society; I have seen strange instances of divination, and in -many cases the girl, instead of a duffer, turned out to be too wise.” Or -else a distracted and jealous wife who could not distinguish her lord -and master in the crowd, appealed to the mimic, imploring him to tell -her by what special sign she might know him again. To which Dick -ironically answered that he was not teaching people how to see moles, -freckles and scars on human bodies, but was instructing them in the art -of physiognomy. - -“But my husband is like thousands of men.” - -“You mean by that, that he is without any facial expression?” and Dick -shrugged his shoulders. - -“Then how shall I ever know my husband?” - -“Ah, dear Lady Woolhead, you have hit on the fundamental question of our -age. Indeed, how can you recognise him, when you do not know, nor ever -have known, him? And I have no doubt that he is in the same plight about -yourself.” And Lord Somerville would remark,— - -“How amusing life must be to you, my dear Danford; gifted with such -satirical wit, you need never pass a dull moment.” That was all very -true, but had you asked the Tivoli comedian what he really thought of -his employ in Lord Somerville’s household, he would have told you, -though with bated breath, that it was not an easy mission to keep a -Mayfair cynic amused, for at the vaguest approach of dulness, his -lordship threatened to give up the game of life, and go over the way to -see there what sort of a farce was on the bills. - - * * * * * - -“I say, Dick, how would Adam have looked in a hansom, flourishing a -branch of oak tree to stop the cabby?” - -“And what does your lordship think of Eve’s attitude in a four-wheeler, -ducking her fair head in and out of the window to indicate the way to -the driver?” - -“Danford, this won’t do. The naked form is not at its advantage seated -upright in a brougham, nor is it decorative when doubled up on the back -seat of a victoria.” - -They were both struck by the unæsthetic appearance of the present -vehicles, as they arrived one afternoon at Mrs Webster’s house in -Carlton Terrace. - -“We shall have to discover some suitable conveyance for the Apollos and -Venuses of new London.” - -Standing on the steps of the house they passed in review all fashionable -London stepping out of landaus, victorias, broughams, hansoms; certainly -the kaleidoscopic vision was not a success. - -Mrs Webster was giving her first large At Home of the season. She was -noted for her gorgeous parties, her gorgeous suppers and gorgeous -fortune; but still more celebrated for her picture gallery and her -kindness to artists. In her gallery was supposed to be lying two -millions sterling worth of Old Masters, but her benevolence to artists -did not cost her a farthing, it was a Platonic help she bestowed on -them, and her charity had never been known to exceed an introduction to -the Duchess of Southdown. She received all sorts and conditions of men -and women; all London met at her “crushes,”—Duchesses elbowed cowboys, -Royal Highnesses sat close to political Radicals, and Bishops handed an -ice to some notorious Mimi-la-Galette of the Paris Music Halls. They all -danced to the tune of clinking gold. In fact, Mrs Webster’s house, like -so many others, was a stockpot out of which she ladled a social broth of -high flavour. There were many stockpots in London, from the strong -_consommé_ of exclusive brewing to the thin, tasteless Bovril of homely -concoction. That of Mrs Webster’s was a pottage of heterogeneous -quality; it had a Continental aroma of garlic, a back-taste of the usual -British spice, and it left on one’s lips a lingering savour of _parvenu_ -relish. The Upper Ten went to her dinners, though they screamed at her -uncanny appearance, jeered at the authenticity of her Raphaels and Da -Vincis, and quoted to each other anecdotes about her that had put even -Mrs Malaprop in the shade. But these are the unsolvable problems of a -Society divided into two sections; the one that wishes to know -everything about the people they visit; the other who does not want to -know anything about them. - - - - - CHAPTER V - - -After looking at the prologue of the show, Lionel and Danford entered -the house and ascended the steps of the once richly-carpeted staircase. -At the top stood, or at least wabbled, a little woman, leaning heavily -on a stick; at her side was Sam Yorick, the social guide, who had no -rival as a mimic of Parliamentary members, but who could not hold a -candle to Dick Danford. Mrs Webster had applied too late, and had to -take Yorick and consider herself lucky to get him, for he was the last -male guide available, and she strongly objected to having a woman guide. - -The house was superbly decorated with large china vases in which -magnolias, azaleas, and rhododendrons had been placed. The -reception-rooms were filling rapidly; it was soon going to be a crush. -Every description of plastic was there—the small, tall, large, thin; and -one uniform shade prevailed, that of the flesh colour. As the rays of -the burning sun entered obliquely, tracing long lines of golden light on -the parqueted floor, it illuminated equally the phalanxes of refined -feet and ankles, flat insteps and knobby toes. - -“My lord, do you see there Mrs Archibald?” - -“What, the vaporous Mrs Archibald? But where is the grace of the woman -we used to call the sylph of Belgravia?” - -“She lost her chiffon covering in the London storm, my lord.” - -“Some fat old dowager malignantly said of her that she was draped in her -breeding, so thin and undulating did she appear. But, has the breeding -disappeared also in the torrential rain? for she looks as strong as a -horse—see these thick ankles, short wrists, and red arms. I always -objected to that sylph in cream gauze, for one never could get at her, -she lived _de profil_ and one only could peep at her through side -doors.” - -“Who was her husband?” inquired the little artist. - -“He was colonel of a crack regiment. His ideas were limited to two -dogmas: the sense of military exclusiveness, and a profound horror of -intellectual women. Like his wife he was well-bred.” - -“Yes, my lord, but the Englishman has definite limits to his gentility; -the brute, though dormant, lies ready to leap and bite when he is -annoyed.” - -“What are you, Danford, if not an Englishman?” Lionel smiled. - -“Ah! satirists have neither sex nor nationality; but pray go on with -your alembic of Colonel Archibald’s character.” - -“Well, he chose his wife because she was a well-bred girl—or at least -had her certificate of good breeding—also because she was well connected -and thoroughly trained in all social cunning.” - -“Yes, and I daresay the thin, well-trained piece of machinery had been -stirred by the dashing young officer. She secretly harboured love in -that secret corner of the heart and senses which thorough-bred folks -ignore outwardly but slyly analyse. We must not forget, my lord, that -she has short wrists and thick ankles—ha! ha!—he was of her set, so -nature could be let loose, while creeping passion was allowed to fill -her whole being.” - -“True, my dear Mephisto, but generations of women before her have done -the same, and she did not disgrace the long lineage of mediocrity and -avidity. She had been told what all women are told in our world—namely, -that a lady never spoke loudly, never thought broadly; therefore she -ruined her friends’ reputations under a whisper, and put the Spanish -Inquisition to shame by her pietistical hypocrisy.” - -As Lionel ended this homily of the vapoury Mrs Archibald, a group of -bystanders dispersed, and Lady Carey was visible to our two pilgrims. - -“That is Lady Carey, my lord, widow of Sir Reginald, who made himself so -conspicuous in India.” - -“Do you mean the positive little woman who followed fashion’s dictates, -though she kicked, in words, at the absurdity of some exaggerated -garments?” - -“Ah! but finally submitted to all the caprices of the mode, my -lord—resistance would have been a crime of _lese-toilette_—yes, it is -she, or at least what is left of her—a bundle of mannerism and puckered -flesh, sole survivals of an artificial state. At times she is deep, more -often frivolous, of a hasty temper and a very cold temperament; in fact, -her personality is made up of full stops. Her brain seems to have been -built of blind alleys, which lead to nowhere. She is suggestive and -narrow-minded, gushing and worldly-wise; she never allows passion to -tear her heart to shreds, but talks freely about women’s frolics, and -tells naughty stories with a twinkle in her eye and a pout on her lip. -What a pity such a woman had missed the coach to originality, and had -alighted at the first station—superficiality!” - -“I say, Dan, can you put a label on that fine piece of statuary talking -over there to Tom Hornsby?” - -“That, my lord, surely you ought to know—ha! ha! ha! What an ingrate you -are! it is Lady Ranelagh. She who reigned over London Society by right -of her beauty.” - -“By right of position, you might add, dear Mephisto.” - -“And finally, my lord, by right of insolence,” interrupted the little -buffoon. - -“She frequently argued with life like a fishwife,” went on Lionel, “and -few know as well as I do what funny questions she put to destiny; yet -she never saw her true image in her mental mirror, and Society never -recoiled from her; but as you know, Dan, Society never recoils from any -of her members: the contract between swindlers and swindled is never -broken, and if by any chance some speck of dirt sticks to one of the -columns that support the social edifice, Society is always ready to pay -the costs of whitewash.” - -“Yet, my lord, this Carmen of Mayfair is now caught in the wheels of the -inevitable, and she has to face to-day the worst of all judges—nature.” - -“Do you see that little Tanagra figure leaning against the door?—there, -just in front of you, Danford.” - -“You mean Lady Hurlingham, my lord, with her vermilion cheeks framed in -meretriciously youthful curls. She is a thorough woman of the world.” - -“With her, my dear Danford, a man is quite safe. She did everything from -curiosity, which enabled her to reappear unwrinkled and unsullied after -her varied experience; she derived all the fun she could extract from -life without singeing the smallest feather of her wings.” - -“And still, my lord, one could hardly dare to whisper an indelicate word -before that Greuzelike visage.” - -“Quite so, dear Mephisto; those red lips would rather kiss than tell, -those large melting eyes are pure—to an uninformed observer. _Honi -soit_—ha! ha! ha!” - -The sarcastic laughter of the two men was drowned by the tuning of a -beautiful Stradivarius, and for a moment the rising uproar of a London -At Home was hushed. - -Johann Staub stood near the piano, his long brown hair framing a strong -Teutonic face, his deep, dark eyes roving over the mass of heads turned -towards him. He played magnificently, electric vibrations ran through -his leonine mane, still, they hardly listened; the silence that had -followed his first bars of the Kreuzer Sonata was soon broken, as voices -one by one resumed their interrupted chatting, and the Dowager Lady -Pendelton, lulled by the heat and the scent of exotic flowers, let her -senile chin drop on her wrinkled breast. She was asleep. Staub ended his -Sonata, and loud applause broke loose, a kind of thanksgiving applause, -not in honour of the superb way in which the artist had played, but to -celebrate their relief and satisfaction at his having finished. Old -women went up to him, pressed his hands, asked him to luncheon, to -dinner—would they were young—to what would they not invite him! The one -had heard Paganini—“Psh! he was no match to you.” Another had known -Beriot very well—he was the only one to whom he could be compared. Lady -Pendelton woke suddenly, gave a few approving grunts, her eyes still -shut, while she struck the parquet with her ebony stick. She wanted Mrs -Webster to bring Staub to her at once, as she would like her -granddaughter, Lady Augusta, to have some violin lessons. - -“Danford, are you not, like me, struck by the incongruity of all this?” - -“My lord, to-morrow, after breakfast, I shall submit to you some of my -observations on the subject of entertainments. Look at these women -seated on chairs, these men bending over them. Their movements are -without grace and their hair badly dressed; we cannot have any more of -the Patrick Campbell style in our modern mythology. Besides, there are -too many people here, and in this Edenic attire the less people you -group together, the better the effect.” - -“I agree with you, Dan; but for God’s sake let us leave this room—I see -someone approaching the piano. Let us be off, I am dying with thirst.” -They edged their way down the staircase, not without trouble, for the -crowd was coming back from partaking of refreshment, and climbing up the -stairs with the renewed vigour that champagne and sandwiches give to -drawing-room visitors. As they jammed sideways through the dining-room -door, Lionel frowned at the discomfort, and Dan, finding himself breast -to breast with his pupil, murmured to him,— - -“I should abolish this barbarous fashion of going downstairs to feed at -the altar of the tea-urn and bread-and-butter. Ah! at last we are -through!” - -“The buffet system has always revolted me”—a shiver ran down Lionel’s -back. “That kind of social bar at which both sexes voraciously satisfy -their internal craving has, to my mind, been a proof of the uncivilised -state of Society.” - -“But the whole thing is based on false pretences, my lord. Can I get you -a glass of champagne?” and he ducked his head between two women who were -talking loudly and munching incessantly. “Parties like these are Zoo -entertainments at which the pranks of some animal are to be viewed; it -is either a foreign prince, a cowboy, or a monkey.” - -“Very often,” added Lionel, sipping his champagne, “it is not so -original, and only consists of personal interests; this one is going to -be introduced to a member of Parliament; a woman is going to meet her -lover; a man to see his future bride. There is very little sociability -in our social bazaars, I assure you.” - -“Do you see that man leaning against the marble mantelpiece, my lord? -That is old Watson telling a funny story to Lord Petersham.” - -“The story must be highly flavoured, for Lord Petersham is shaking with -laughter.” - -“Do not be mistaken, my lord, his lordship never laughs at another man’s -story—I know him well—he is bursting now with a joke he will tell old -Watson when he has stopped laughing.” - -“My dear Dan, we are the rudest nation on earth. We stick lightning -conductors on the statues of our great men, and walk on people’s toes, -only apologising when we happen to know them personally. The nobodies -are insolent, because they wish you to think them somebodies; and the -somebodies are arrogant, for they want you well to understand that you -are nobodies.” - -“The room is emptying, my lord, the sun has withdrawn its rays and the -flowers are drooping their tired petals.” - -“Let us be off then!” and Lionel laid his hand on Danford’s shoulder. -“There is old Lady Pendelton being wheeled across the hall by her -footman—unless it is her nephew, Lord Robert. She pompously looks round -as she proceeds between the two rows of gazers. She is the epilogue of -this comedy—a sort of ‘God Save the King’ unsung! This is all -impossible, my dear fellow; this old woman, Mrs Webster, is played out -in our new era, and the dowagers of the Pendelton kind have no place, -any more in our reformed London.” - -The two men left the house and walked into St James’s Park. - -“I shall give a party, Dick—something out of the common.” - -“Yes, my lord; they will accept from you what they would shirk from -anyone else.” - -“How ever could these people imagine that our present state of nature -would admit of these social crushes? Why, the notion of rubbing against -one’s neighbour ought to have deterred them from crowding into these -rooms.” - -“The cause of all this incongruity is laziness, my lord—apathy of the -mind. That defect is the fundamental cause of the success of the -Conservative policy. It suits the qualities and the failings of the -race; and countries have but the politics they deserve, someone said. -Very true, for politics are the expression of a country’s inner mind. -The apathetic must naturally be Tories, for they are slow at reforms, -and stand in terror of social upheavals; you saw, before the storm, how -far acquiescence and lethargy could go, you will soon see that the -country will stand at your elbows in all your reforms. It is nonsense -talking of democracy in England as long as the peerage is the goal of -all drapers and ironmongers, and, had not the Almighty poured water -spouts over the whole sham and deprived us of our artificial husks, we -should in time have seen London perish as Athens, Rome and -Constantinople. You have to make the first move, my lord, for in this -country the masses imitate the upper classes. Bear this well in mind: we -are essentially caddish, so, my lord, make use of the defect to save the -country.” - - - - - CHAPTER VI - - -“You have taken the first step towards the plastic reform of London, my -lord.” - -“Then you think the party was a success?” - -“A tremendous one! They have now grasped the idea that they have only -their skin to cover them, and must therefore improve their appearance, -as their artificial _tournure_ has vanished.” - -“What do you think of my excluding the old dowagers of Society?” Lionel -was enjoying this freak of his more than anything he had yet done. - -“Capital, my lord! Very brave of you. As long as you all invited them, -they came, because they knew no better; now that you have banished them -from festivities, they will retire. It is simply a question of time, in -which a new atavism will be developed. Our Society must be taught that -there is a fitting time for everything—for learning, and for playing; -for sorrow and for abdication.” - -“Perhaps, Dan, we shall make them see that in politics also there is an -age for retiring; for we are doomed to be guided by dotards who will not -acknowledge the necessity of a graceful exit on their part, and who are -deaf to the broad hints given them.” - -“Wait a little, my lord; Rome was not built in one day, and the greatest -reforms have been effected by trifling incidents. Rest satisfied with -your first triumph—it was complete. You had the right number of guests, -the marble lounges were placed at the right angles of your -reception-rooms; the whole thing was in good taste.” - -“How did you like my idea of men carrying on their shoulders amphoras -filled with champagne?—Rather novel and graceful, wasn’t it, Dan?” - -“Charming! and the fruit baskets on boys’ heads were fetching, my lord. -It is the first time I really enjoyed a peach or a bunch of grapes; it -reminded me of the Lake of Como on a hot afternoon, lying down on the -steps of the Villa Carlotta.” - -“Yes, I really thought the whole picture was pleasing in perspective; -the women reclined on their black marble couches with more grace than -heretofore, which very probably inspired the men to move about more -harmoniously.—You see, Dan, Gwendolen never came.” - -Danford looked wistfully at his pupil, and imperceptibly shrugged his -shoulders. - -“Her father, when he came yesterday, told me he had not seen her since -the storm. It appears she persists in closeting herself, and refuses to -go out. Poor Gwen! It is abnormal, and her brain must give way sooner or -later.” - -“This is one victim of this new state of nature; there must be some more -of these abandoned creatures who lost all joy and sympathy in life when -the storm rent them of their clothes;—but as your lordship is aware, -this is beyond my power. I have undertaken to show you how to know your -friends, in which art you have made wonderful progress;—I only wish my -colleagues could say as much of all their pupils.” - -“Still, my dear fellow, things are looking brighter; I watched a few -groups conversing yesterday, without the assistance of any guides, and -Sir Richard Towerbridge actually remembered me five minutes after he had -shaken hands with me. But we need more than this, Dick. It is all very -well recognising one’s friends, though at present the method of doing so -is only empirical; but we long for something more.” - -“My lord, how unjust you are. Nothing new! when the Lord Chamberlain has -announced through the telephone that no Levees nor any Drawing-rooms -will be held during the season!” - -“My dear Dan, something is lacking in this new Society. What is it?” - -“My lord, the powers of the social guide are very limited; he throws out -hints, as the sower throws the seed; after that is the great unknown. I -will teach you how to use your eyes, how to move your limbs, how to -remember, perhaps how to laugh, perchance how to cry, but I cannot teach -you how to love. This is the hidden closet to which we have no key, for -the very good reason that the door opens from within. In the silence of -the night, in the peace of lovely gardens, when men are far and nature -is near, listen to the melody singing from within that secret recess, -and open the door. Then maybe you will see what I cannot show you, hear -what I cannot make audible.” - -“Do not trouble about me, dear fellow; I shall never love any mortal -woman!” - -“Is the Paphian already dead in you, my lord? Then indeed you are nearer -to the goal than I ever believed. I hear the hoofs of your Arab pawing -the ground of the courtyard.” - -Danford looked out of the library window. - -“Yes, it is your chariot. Watkins has carried out your idea to -perfection, and I congratulate your lordship on having once more saved -London from galling ridicule, in providing for its inhabitants this -suitable mode of conveyance.” - -“I think I have also arrived at relegating the automobile to country -use.” - -“There, I think you are wise. The morning is cool, the drive to Richmond -will be lovely; my lord, I must say good-bye to you.” - -“_A ce soir_, Dick.” - -The dapper little artist left Lionel and was soon out of sight under the -trees of Hyde Park, while Lionel jumped into his Roman chariot, took up -the reins and dashed out of the courtyard. He drove down Park Lane, -turned sharply the corner of Hyde Park, taking the straight road to -Hammersmith. - -Although charioteering was not a violent exercise like rowing, cricket -or football, still it was exhilarating, and needed a firmness of -posture, a suppleness in all movements which had given to Lord -Somerville’s figure a grace formerly hampered by stiff collar, -waistcoat, and top hat. This new fashion of driving was improving the -physical appearance of the British male; for, the present charioteer was -no more to be compared to the man who had jumped in and out of a hansom, -than a mythological centaur could be contrasted with a rustic crossing a -ferry on his cattle. The sluggish, indolent exponent of Masherdom fell -down the very first time he took the reins into his hands; the rigid, -unyielding representative of soldiery stiffened a little more, and -managed to keep his balance, though the effect was ugly and the result, -lumbago. But, little by little, the indolent straightened himself, the -unbending relaxed his rigidity; and in a fortnight London could boast of -a good average of chariot drivers, whom even Avilius Teres would not -have disowned. - -Lionel met many friends on his way to Richmond; it was the fashion to -drive in the morning to neighbouring parks before luncheon. Here was -Lord Roneldson, who had lost a stone since the storm. Poor old Harry! -the first days must have been trying to him! The self-indulgent fop, -incapable of the slightest mental or physical effort, had had no -alternative between standing or falling; and only after many days of -bitter experience, had he discovered his centre of gravity. There came -along old Joe Watson, puffing and blowing, redder than ever. At his side -drove Lord Petersham, who held his reins well in hand and felt his -steed’s mouth as tactfully as he did many other things in life. He -guided Watson through the labyrinth of London life, but he had often -found his plebeian friend’s mouth harder to handle than any horse’s. -Watson had been taken up by Petersham, and pulled through his election -by him, for he was member for East Langton. Lord Petersham did Watson -the signal honour of accepting heavy cheques from him before the storm, -for which, in exchange, he gave him a lift up the social ladder. Watson -in return helped his Mentor to directorships of several companies, and -brought to his clubs all the bigwigs on the Stock Exchange. At times the -noble Amphitrion muttered under his grey moustache, that they were -infernal cads, but very soon his steely eyes preached common-sense to -his tempestuous lips, bringing back to his mind the practical -philosophy, “Make use of all,” which is, after all, but reading -backwards, “Forgive everyone.” These two most antagonistic companions -went arm in arm along Pall Mall, into clubs, Music Halls and all sorts -of haunts in which a liberal education is afforded to all sorts of men. -Watson was very proud of his vulgarity, which he called -straightforwardness; he was equally vain of his insular ignorance, which -he benignly termed patriotism; but of all things he was most proud of -the shop in Oxford Street, where he had for years past walked up and -down, asking the ladies what was their pleasure. He had a few decided -opinions, or prejudices if you like, which hung round his plebeian form -like labels, and which no Peer of the realm could have torn off: he -hated clever women, _recherché_ dinners, and foreign countries. His -temper was strange; he was generally of an opposing turn of mind on all -intellectual subjects and of the most agreeing disposition when -conventional topics were on the tapis. He never spoke in the House, and -no one spoke about him. Such men are surely the pillars of a party, for -they never think, never interrupt, and are never thought of. They -possess a few signposts in their brains, and rarely go wherever _danger_ -is posted up. Such men keep England together, as cement fastens the -stones safely to one another, but, like cement, are ugly and thick. -Petersham often kicked at this bundle of grotesqueness. Watson was so -totally devoid of the discerning powers which graced his lordship’s -individuality; he did not know Chambertin from Sauterne, took a -Piccadilly wench for a Society Aspasia, and was sorely lacking in the -sense of the ridiculous. - -Since this new fashion of vehicle had come in, Petersham and Watson got -on better together. There was a give-and-take in their present life -which had never existed formerly. To obtain something or other under -false pretences had been a code of morals closely interwoven with the -Church Catechism and the State constitution, so that no loophole had -been left through which one could see any other standpoint than one’s -own. But since the contents of the shop in Oxford Street had vanished -into thin air, as the chrysalis withers when the insect is formed, old -Watson had lost all incentive to his pride; and old Petersham had -equally lost all motive for his stinging epigrams directed at the -thick-skinned Plutocrat. Charioteering through London soon showed these -two types of distinct worlds that their safety depended more on their -own initiative and prudence than on the police. Policemen, we know, had -been dismissed, and every citizen, from the smallest child to the -feeblest octogenarian, had to go through a course of thoroughfare -gymnastics, so as to enable them to escape runaway horses; whilst -lectures were given in Scotland Yard to instil into drivers’ minds the -true sense of altruism and proper regard for the public’s safety. This -new departure in outdoor polity had upset a good many pet prejudices of -Watson, and knocked out a great deal of Petersham’s conceit. - -Ah! There darted through Brompton Road Tom Hornsby with his comic little -face cleanshaven. He was one of the few men who had taken at once to the -chariot; his supple, nervous frame and perfect equipoise made him master -of the art in a few hours. He was a satirist, Tom Hornsby! He had never -succeeded in diplomacy, nor in his migration to the City jungle, and -unable to control his outbursts of scurrilous wit, he had sharpened his -tongue into a steel pen and edited the _Weekly Mirror_. - -There were many more dashing along the Hammersmith Road on that lovely -summer morning; some had been trained to soldiery, others to -Parliamentarism, but the majority were inadequately provided with the -suitable faculties with which to play the game of life. The soldiers -were too spiritless, the politicians too bellicose. One little trifle -had been omitted in the curriculum of a man’s education, but such a -small item that it was hardly worth mentioning—for everyone agreed that -to make a gentleman of a man was the great desideratum of college -training—well, this little item neglected in all educations was: the -training of life. This life-drill, by which all humanity is made akin, -had been left out of educational programmes, and the results of such an -omission had been painful; for men like Petersham and Watson would walk, -dine, drink together, but they no more understood each other than if -they had been two different species. Men were surprising and -disappointing in this civilisation in which— - - “Hatred is by far the longest pleasure; - Men love in haste, but detest at leisure.” - -Men were at intervals Titans or monkeys. Hence the patchiness of life’s -texture. Titan greeted monkey, the latter jeered while the former -roared; and that was called Society. - - * * * * * - -The first fashionable hostess who followed Lionel’s hint to Society was -the Ambassadress of Tartary. One morning she sat wearily in front of her -Venetian mirror, resting her pensive head on her right hand. What -endless hours had she spent before this same mirror formerly, combining -artistic shades, using ingenious cosmetics to hide the damages done by -time! Now, all these were of no earthly use; nature had stepped in and -strongly advised women to have silent _tête-à-tête_ with their inner -souls. She then and there made up her mind that the lines round her -eyes, and the discoloration of the flesh of her neck and arms should -never more be the object of rude stares on the part of her guests, and -she resolved never more to stand at the top of her staircase to greet -her visitors. Of all places in the house that spot was the most -unbecoming for complexion, owing to the light being badly distributed. -The Marquise de Veralba represented one of the great nations of Europe, -at the Court of St. James, and she felt that to her had been given the -mission of teaching a lesson to Englishwomen. Orders were promptly given -and speedily executed; carpenters and floral decorators were summoned to -the marble couch of the Marquise, and after a few days the house was -ready for the projected reception, which she intended to be a new move -in social gatherings. - -As Lionel and Dick walked up the staircase decorated with garlands of -exotic flowers, they found, instead of their hostess, her social guide -waiting to escort them through the vast rooms of the Embassy to an -improvised bower of plants, rose trees and azaleas. There, on a floral -lounge, reclined the Marquise. At first the visitors stood amazed before -the scene mysteriously lighted by electric bulbs ensconced in the petals -of flowers. Gradually they became conscious of her presence, and their -attention was riveted by the beauty of her dark eyes; whilst her voice, -subdued by restful and homogeneous surroundings, took her friends by -surprise, as formerly they had been provoked at the shrillness of her -tone, and the flurry with which she was wont to greet them at the top of -the staircase, unceasingly fanning herself, whether it was summer or -winter. Well, the fan had gone, like so many more useless things! - -It was an interesting evening that one at Madame la Marquise’s. In the -first place it revealed to an ignorant Society that a new beauty could -be given to evanescent youth and departed charms. Then they realised -that they had not made great progress in the art of observation and -still had need of their guides; and having consciously, during the last -weeks, lost a good deal of the old false pride, they talked -indiscriminately to those standing or sitting near them, although they -ignored the name, social standing, or banking account of the person they -were addressing. Was not courtesy after all the best policy in an -emergency? Thus acted Society—prompted by personal interest, it is -true—but we are not to look too closely at the strings that move the -limbs of human marionettes. - -“That is all very well, Dick,” said Lionel, “but how will you hint to a -waning beauty that a shady bower is the best place for her to ponder the -vanities of this world and the greater glory of the next? You see, the -Marquise has a long lineage of witty women behind her, and in this -emergency her wit and taste have no more failed her than they deserted -the brilliant women of the Renaissance who united the wisdom of life -with intellectual supremacy.” - -“Your lordship is right, there are no laws to enforce woman to resign -her social post; but, her mirror is her assize, and it sits night and -day in judgment over her declining bloom; whilst self-interest and -opportunism will suggest to her many ways of avoiding ridicule. Mind -you, my lord, I firmly believe that this new mode of life will keep us -all young much longer, for we shall have to improve our personal -appearance through diet, instead of reverting to unbending corsets and -padded limbs, to restore the injuries done to the human figure by -continual intemperance.” - -The Earl, leaning on a porphyry column, gazed at his surroundings. He -was struck by the loveliness and simplicity around him; the red-brocaded -panels had vanished from the walls, and left the plain white wainscot, -which of course had been repainted; all superficial luxury was gone, -only a few lovely Louis XVI. tables remained in the room, whilst a few -gold-caned settees were scattered about, and at right angles stood a few -pink and black marble lounges. - -“Danford, look at that woman over there talking to Tom Hornsby; whoever -she may be, she has already acquired a firmness of footing, a -single-mindedness of posture that really delights me. Still, Dan—no -Gwendolen!” - -“You seem to be very anxious about her, my lord. I heard last night from -several lady guides, that many of the girls engaged last season could -not bring themselves to meet the men they had chosen. You can hardly -believe that the same girl who, a few weeks ago, fearlessly exposed all -her moral ugliness and mental deficiency, could blush to-day at the idea -of allowing her ‘_fiancé_’ to see her as God made her.” - -“Do not remind me of that Inferno, Dan; you, my Virgil, must show me -beauty, not disfigurement; purity, not indelicacy. But is this all we -are able to do for ourselves?” and Lionel looked all around him. “We -have no doubt arrived at a certain physical discipline. I grant you that -the faddiest nincompoop has managed to pull himself together and could, -at a stretch, run a chariot race with any champion of the Roman Empire. -I also think that our social intercourse is taking a turn for the -better; but you cannot deny that we are at a standstill. What is to -happen next? We are completely isolated from the rest of the world; no -one comes to England from abroad, since the storm, and no one goes out -of the island.” - -“Ah! only a matter of false pride on the part of the Britishers, my -lord, and as to the foreigners not coming to England at present, I -should give no thought to that. They very probably believe us to be the -prey of a Boer invasion, and by this time every nation is celebrating in -all their churches the disappearance of the British Empire.” - -“You are always turning everything into a joke, my dear fellow; still, -the problem remains the same: what are we going to do with our new state -of nature? Then we have no newspapers! We know nothing of what is going -on.” - -“I think, my lord, that newspapers told us more of what was not going on -than anything else. We have written enough; let us think, now that we -are condemned to a sort of isolation. Now is your chance, my lord, and -for your party to solve the problem; for no one can really help you out -of this but yourselves.” - -“You must not forget, Dick, that there are thousands of men and women -without any work, owing to this breakdown of the factories. Those have -to be thought of, or else we shall perish in an East-End invasion.” - -“It is no worse than a general strike, my lord. I saw a few of the Music -Hall artists of the Mile-End Road, Hackney and Poplar, and they all say -the same thing: the people are not at all thinking of rioting; the -injustice of their condition is robbed of its bitter sting, because they -know all England and all classes to be in the same predicament. Besides, -they do not believe for one minute that this condition will last, and -are convinced there will be a recrudescence of luxury, and therefore -work, to compensate their present loss a thousandfold.” - -“Lucky state of bliss is that apathy, so wrongly called self-control! -But I am asking for more, Dick, for I am not wholly satisfied with the -remedies you have suggested to me, and I thirst for something fabulous.” - -“Your lordship is fastidious, but I have told you before: we give hints, -we do not develop theories. Look inwardly, my lord, and perhaps in that -secret chamber of which I spoke to you will you see something to arrest -your attention.” - - - - - CHAPTER VII - - -Lionel was not listening to his companion any longer; his mind had -wandered from the East-End to the present scene, and gradually losing -sight of his surroundings, his eyes lingered rapturously on a feminine -form of unsurpassed beauty. Her elbow resting on an Etruscan vase, she -leaned her soft cheek on the palm of her hand and looked up inquiringly -at a portrait by Lely, representing the ancestress of one of our -fashionable women. Lionel had never seen such grace, such simplicity—the -word innocence fluttered on his lips, but soon vanished; he had rarely -connected that quality with any of the women of his world. But, innocent -or not, the form before him was faultless; the setting of the head on -the shoulders perfect, the Grecian features radiantly pure. Who could -she be? No matter, she was beauty, womanhood, that was sufficient, and -it filled his heart with beatitude to gaze on such perfection without -having to read the label attached to it. Dick was right, no guide could -enlighten him as to what were his feelings. He had never seen her -before; no doubt, she was a foreigner landed here on the day of the -storm. Greece alone could have given birth to such a symmetric form and -such harmony of movements. He moved away from his porphyry column as in -a trance, leaving Danford to converse with a celebrity who wanted to -know who someone else was; on his approaching the unknown beauty, his -eyes lingered more intently on her exquisite face, and he contemplated -her lovely hazel eyes shaded by long dark eyelashes. It was the only -thing a man could contemplate now—a woman’s face; for, however -demoralised a man might be, he defied him from ever behaving -indelicately to a woman in the state of nature. As he came close to her, -she dropped her eyelids and levelled her gaze to his; they looked into -each other’s eyes—and they loved. - -“Allow me to lead you to a lounge,—you seem tired.” - -“Thank you, I am not tired,” answered a musical voice; and her velvety -eyes drank deep at the fountain of love that flowed from his eyes. “I -was far away, transported into the world evoked by this picture. I tried -to divine the thoughts of this notorious beauty at the Stuarts’ Court, -and the vision became so vividly real, that I could see her take up her -blue scarf and raise it in front of her face as she blushed in looking -at my nakedness.” - -“I should have thought the model who sat for this portrait could have -easily beheld our mythological world without having to lift her scarf to -hide her confusion. I do not think she was renowned for the purity of -her life, nor for the nicety of her language.” - -“The more reason for her inability to look nature in the face. Nature is -too amazing to those trained to artifice. The glory of a sunset would be -blinding to those who never had seen its reflection but on houses or -pavements.” - -How adorably sensitive was her mouth; he remembered having seen, in -Florence, expressions like hers. The divine Urbinite had excelled in -delineating these touching faces. - -“It is getting late. If you are thinking of leaving, will you allow me -to escort you?” She laid her hand on his, and without a word they left -the room. - -One by one the guests returned to the secret bower to say a courteous -adieu to the Marquise—a thing which formerly had not been frequently -witnessed—it had been so irritating to see that perpetual grin on her -lips, that incessant fanning, and, above all, to watch her sliding scale -of good-byes, which had become alarmingly tedious. - -The Adam and Eve of “London regained” slowly descended the marble -staircase, passed through the hall, out of the front door, and found -themselves on the pavement as unconcerned about their surroundings as if -they had dropped straight from a planet. They gazed at each other, and -in that luminous orb of the visual organ, they discovered the only world -for which it was worth living or dying. - -“I do not know who you are, and I do not desire to know, until you have -answered my questions. This I know, that you love me; my love is too -great not to be echoed by yours. What we feel for one another is above -all worldly considerations, what we can give each other is beyond what -the world can give or take away. Will you accept the life devotion of a -man who has never loved until this day? I blush at what I used to call -love—and shall never profane your ears with a recital of what men call -their conquests.” - -“I accept the gift of your heart and of your life, and I give you mine -in exchange. I have never loved either.” She lifted her pure face to -his; a cloud rushed across the sky, leaving the pale moon to illumine -the young couple walking in silence in their dreamland. After a long -pause Lionel spoke. - -“Where shall I escort you? Where is your home?” - -“Will you take me to Hertford Street, No. 110?” - -“Gwendolen!” - -“Lionel!” - -And both looked down, for the first time suffused with shame at -discovering their identity. Confusion overwhelmed him, not at their -present state, but at the sudden thought of their past lives of -indelicacy. He was the first to break the silence, for man, being -essentially practical, must at once know more about what he finds out; -and an Englishman above all must necessarily investigate his -newly-conquered dominion. Perhaps this is the reason for their being -such good colonists; they do not gaze long at the stars and sunsets of a -new Continent, but very promptly turn to business, and to what they can -make out of their discovery. - -“What have you been doing all these last weeks, Gwen?” - -She told him what her occupations had been; they were limited, it was -true, but they had helped to open her eyes on a few of life’s problems. - -“Have you been shut up in your room ever since the storm?” - -“Nearly, with the exception of the day of the first exodus, when I felt -I must either have some air, or die. I have been out once or twice -since, at unearthly hours of the morning; but this is the first party I -have been at—I could not risk meeting you. I had pictured our meeting -very differently from what it has been; I dreaded it, and little -imagined this would be the end of it.” - -“No, sweetheart,” interrupted her lover, “you mean, the beginning of our -life. Tell me all you did at home.” - -“I have studied more, my dear Lionel, in these last weeks than in all my -life before, including my school days. My books have been the sun rising -and setting, the stars and the birds’ twitterings; I have thought of -poetry, philosophy, and history—” - -“Poor Gwen, how dull it must have been! Fancy you studying the works of -nature, and imagining that you are a philosopher!” - -“You are cruel, Lionel.” - -“Forgive me, Gwen. I am more than cruel, I am unjust, for I am the last -who ought to scoff or reprove. I stand here as a repentant sinner, only -begging to kiss your hand and to be allowed to gaze on your beauty.” - -“Lionel, believe me, I thought a great deal.” - -“Could you not telephone to your friends?” - -“Telephone! What for, and to whom? When I think of the bundle of wires I -used to despatch, and of the trayful of cards and notes the footman was -wont to hand to me; each one in view of some Ranelagh meeting, a box for -a first night, a Saturday to Monday invitation, and many more important -nothings which formed the _epopée_ of my London life! But who would have -cared to know of my inner thoughts, of my heart’s desires? We shall have -to learn a new language before we can write again, Lionel; for the -phraseology that suited the shams of our past life would be -inappropriate in our Paradise regained.” - -“Did you see your father?” - -“Ah! Lionel, he is the very last one I could have set eyes on! I have -not seen him since the Islington Tournament. How long ago that seems. I -heard a fortnight ago, through my guide, Nettie Collins, that he only -came home on the day of the first exodus!” - -“Perhaps you have seen him, Gwen, but not known him again. Guides are no -good in these family relationships.” - -“I must say candidly that philosophy was too much for me. I can, as yet, -only grasp what touches my heart. We shall talk much, think deeply, you -and I, my dearest Ly.” - -“Not that name, dearest! It burns your sweet lips. It was the synthesis -of the false life you and I lived.” - -“Then it shall be, Lion. My Lion will you be?” - -“Yes, your Lion, my beautiful Una.” - -“Tell me; why have you never loved? A man is free, and has every -opportunity to choose; it is not like us women, who are told from -infancy what we are worth and what kind of market the world is.” - -“Love did not enter into the programme of my school life, Gwen. Had love -been part of education, I doubt whether our old world would have lasted -as long as it did. It is because love has had no fair play for centuries -that injustice, hypocrisy and tyranny have ruled unmolested. Love may -be, in words, the principle by which all things are ordained, but hatred -is the real password, and we are so accustomed to the clever trickery -that we do not detect the fraud.” - -“But was not your father fond of you?” - -“He took me to Italy several times during my long vacations. I remember -being taken by him to the Uffizi Gallery and being told to look at the -pictures;—I used to stand transfixed in front of Raphael’s Madonnas. -Then dad would turn up—too soon—with some Italian lady whom he had no -doubt picked up—by appointment—and my dream was over.” - -“And your mother, Lion, was she pleased when you came home? You must -have been such a dear boy!” - -“Home! Mother! I can hardly articulate the sacred words.” - -“Tell me about her; for of course I have only heard what the world had -to say of her, of her reckless life and tragic death in the -hunting-field; but I want you to tell me, for between us there can never -be any secret, nor any subterfuge.” - -“Tell you, Gwen; there is so little to tell. The lives of fashionable -women are not so full of adventures as the lower classes seem to think. -It is not for the things they do they should be blamed, but for all they -do not do. There are a great many legends about Society women that are, -in fact, but twaddly prose; there is a great deal of fuss all round a -fashionable beauty, and very little worth fussing about. Spite and -vanity are at the root of many rotten homes. I know my home was an arid -desert, because my father never forgave my mother for having brought him -to the altar; and she vented her spite on him by compromising herself -with every man available or unavailable. The more my father showed his -contempt to her, the more she threw herself into a vortex of frivolity. -Her vanity could only equal her coldness. Her curse was to be incapable -of any love. She never for one instant loved the man she inveigled into -matrimony; she never cared a jot for her children, and she certainly had -no passion, however ephemeral it might have been, for any of the men -with whom she compromised herself. In this lies the ghastliness of such -lives. Were there more _bona-fide_ passion, there would be less cruelty -and less levity.” - -“Go on, Lionel.” - -“I never once saw my mother lean over the cot of her child; she rarely -entered the nursery, and we only came down at stated hours to be looked -at by visitors. These ordeals were painful. To appear motherly, my -mother occasionally laid her hand on my curly head. Ah! those fingers -scintillating with diamonds and precious stones; those hard bracelets -penetrating into my delicate skin! How I loathed that hand on my head—it -was such a hard hand.” - -“Poor Lionel, but you do not say how your little sister died.” - -“The least said about it the better. There are noble griefs, and there -are ugly sorrows: mine was of the latter order. When Cicely died, my -mother was at a State Ball. She knew the child was hopelessly ill before -she went, but a dress had arrived that morning from Paris, and a State -Ball is a duty; in fact, all social functions are duties which come -before mere human feelings. After so many years, I can still see that -gorgeous apparition as she came into the room to speak to the hospital -nurse. I did not understand the meaning of it all, but felt awed by the -soft murmurs of the nurse, the dim light, and the haughty manner of my -mother. Next day the nursery was closed; I was kept in the room of the -head nurse to play with my toys, and told severely not to make a noise. -I asked for Cicely. The under-housemaid, a good sort of a country girl, -took me by the hand and led me into the room where little Cicely was -laid out. One bunch of narcissus was lying on her feet; they were the -nurse’s last tribute to her little dead patient. And that was all. I -realised nothing, I was seven years old. The days that followed were -miserable; I missed my playmate and was daily brought down to my -mother’s boudoir, to be interviewed by simpering old dowagers who gave -me a cold kiss, and waggish young men who shook hands with me and called -me “old fellow,” as if I had already entered some crack regiment, or won -the Derby. My mother, in her diaphanous black chiffon, distributed cups -of tea right and left, while she related in short sentences the end of -little Cicely and the brilliancy of the State Ball.” - -“When I think, Lionel, that you and I were on the eve of repeating that -same lamentable story—” - -“Enough of this horrid past, my beautiful Una; let us forget that it -ever existed, and let us think of the present, of you, and of our -future.” - -They had reached Hyde Park Corner. Gwendolen gave a circuitous glance on -the scene that surrounded them, and remarked that the Duke of -Wellington’s statue had disappeared. - -“Where has the statue gone to, Lion?” - -“Oh! Did you not know that it had been removed yesterday? You will never -any more see Nelson on his column, Gordon holding his Bible, Napier with -his gilded spurs, nor Canning, Disraeli, and so many others, on their -pedestals—they have all been taken to South Kensington, for the present. -The idea is to build a new hall outside London for all these relics of -the past, where they may be viewed by the very few who are anxious to -study the curios of an old worn-out civilisation. The Committee has come -to the conclusion that our newly-revealed sense of modesty must -inevitably be shocked by these indecorous memorials to our great men; -and it has decided that the education of the masses must at once begin -by the removal of objects more fit for a chamber of horrors than for the -contemplation of pure-minded citizens.” - -“But what will they put on the pedestals and columns?” - -“I heard the curator of Walsingham House say last evening that he meant -to suggest a new departure in monument erection. Instead of paying a -tribute to the man who, as a soldier, a poet, or a statesman, had but -done his duty during his short visit to this planet, he advised that -monuments should be raised to abstract principles, and enjoined the -Committee to start by replacing the equestrian Duke of Wellington with -the detruncated statue of Victory in the Elgin Marbles collection. Gwen, -we are at your door, and we must part. When shall I see you again, -dearest?” - -“To-morrow in the Kensington Gardens, under the shady trees, we shall be -able to talk of all the problems we must solve together.” - -“Good-night, my Una. How lovely you are, thus caressed by the soft rays -of the moon. Have I never gazed into a woman’s face before, that I seem -to see your eyes for the first time? I have now discovered the secret of -inward beauty, and wherever you are, however surrounded you may be, I -shall know you, for I have seen your soul. My whole life will be too -short in which to express my rapturous admiration. Forgive me for the -past years of blindness.” - -“Lion, it is I who have to beg your forgiveness. I never knew you—I -never knew my own self. Was it our fault after all? It had never been -our lot to meet as two free citizens of the Universe; but, like two -miserable slaves of Society, we were trained to trick each other, and to -play a blasphemous parody of love, while malice all the time was master -of our fettered beings.” - -The door of No. 110 opened and closed on the vision of purity. Lionel -walked up Park Lane and soon reached his home; he entered the library, -and once more looked up at his father’s portrait. Was it fancy? But he -thought he saw the face smile superciliously, and heard these cold words -fall from the thin lips: “My poor fellow, beware of sentimentality. As I -told you, I preferred being killed to being bored.” - - - - - CHAPTER VIII - - -A few days after, Dick Danford was at his master’s house; he walked -nimbly through the hall and reached the Roman bath Lionel had now -constructed for his use. He had started the fashion of receiving his -friends at the late hour of the afternoon, five o’clock, in what the -Romans called the Frigidarium. Those who wished to bathe could do so in -the marble swimming-bath cut out in the centre of the hall, others who -only came to converse sat in the recess carved into the surrounding -wall, or stood against the pilasters which divided the recesses. There, -for an hour or two, they discussed past doings, foreshadowed events; wit -was acclaimed, philosophy commended. As Dan entered he viewed a gay -scene: Lionel just stepping out of the bath, meeting his valet, Temple, -ready to friction his body with the strigil—a sort of flesh -brush—others, like George Murray the novelist, and Ronald Sinclair the -art critic, sitting in recesses; whilst many of the Upper Ten and the -artistic world splashed and dived in the piscina. - -“Here comes Dan!” proclaimed Lionel. “What news since I last saw you? I -have missed you much these two days; but I daresay your business was -pressing.” - -“Hail, Danford! the surest, safest, most comforting of all guides! While -we sip our tea tell us the town news.” This was Tom Hornsby, reclining -in one of the recesses. The splashing ceased, they one after another -grouped themselves—some in the niches, the rest lying down, whilst -Danford, standing against a pilaster, surveyed with intense satisfaction -this picture of _recherché_ cleanliness, and inhaled the fragrance of -exquisite perfumes. - -“Plenty of news, gentlemen. First of all, the Bishop of Sunbury—” - -“Oh! my old prelate of the Islington Tournament? Excuse me, Dan, for -interrupting you.” - -“Yes, my lord, the very same—has decided to preach a sermon at St Paul’s -on the new Society he is organising.” - -“What is that, Dick?” - -“It is a profound secret, my lord,” answered Dick as he bowed -courteously. - -“Well, mind you tell me when it comes off,” said Lionel. - -“Still no news of the war, Danford?” broke in Lord Mowbray, the amateur -mimic. - -“How can there be when we receive no letters. Perhaps the War Office has -important wires from the seat of war, although it has not communicated -them to the public. But it is strange how little the war has affected -Society; the heavy blows that have fallen on nearly everyone in your -circles have arrived very much softened by distance; and it seems really -as if the whole tragedy were being acted in some other planet. Besides -which, has not college and home life taught well-bred people to bear -with fortitude all mishaps and sorrow? Civilisation is a thick ice which -covers the current rushing beneath it; you must wait for a crack on the -surface, to be able to notice which way runs the stream.” - -“I suppose you would consider the London storm a crack on the surface, -would you?” ironically inquired Sinclair, lighting a cigarette. - -“By all means, Mr Sinclair, and those who have watched carefully through -the crevice must have seen that, for a long time, we have been going the -contrary way of the tide.” - -“I do not know how it is to end—no regiments have been ordered out since -our catastrophe.” This was Lord Mowbray again, who was not fond of -ethics and preferred coming back to facts. - -“The passing of regiments through the town would turn out a failure in -our present condition,” retorted Danford. “No windows would be thrown -open, no hearty cheers would rejoice the hearts of departing warriors; -that excitement is over for ever—it was even on the wane before we stood -as we are now. I often wonder why Society did not raise a regiment of -Duchesses and Peeresses? That would have fetched the masses, and perhaps -might have provoked a general surrendering of the enemy to an Amazon -battalion; for certainly the novelty of the enterprise, and the -incontestable beauty of the Peeresses’ physique, would do a great deal -towards enlivening the old rotten game of warfare. But they missed the -opportunity of putting new wine into old bottles, and now it is too -late. After all, patriotism is only a question of coloured bunting: tear -down the flags, and nationality will die a natural death.” - -“What a _sans patrie_ you are, Mr Danford,” contemptuously said Lord -Mowbray, whose conception of Fatherland reduced itself to a season in -London, a summer in Switzerland, and a winter on the Riviera. - -“Danford is an unconscious prophet,” remarked Lionel, “for it is clear -to whoever observes minutely the evolution of nationalities that we are -all unwittingly working at the creation of a vast humanity. The more man -will know of man—and it is impossible he should do otherwise, when you -consider the map of the world and view the huge cobweb of railways which -unite countries to one another—the more, I repeat, man will know of man, -the fainter will become frontiers which have for so long separated human -beings and turned them into enemies. The first time that men of -different nationalities met and shook hands in a universal Exhibition, -that day a muffled knell was heard in the far distance announcing the -slow agony of nationalities. But it is again a question of the thick ice -over the current. Progress in every branch is the name for which we -labour and suffer; but conquest is the real aim of all our strenuous -efforts. We have too long minimised the power of the current, and one -day, whether we like it or not, we shall have to go where it leads us.” - -“You are quite didactic, my dear Lionel,” said Lord Mowbray, who since -the storm looked on his host with suspicion, and on all social guides in -general, and Danford in particular, with contempt. He had absolutely -declined to avail himself of the services of Music Hall artists, relying -on his own powers of observation to guide him through life. He had even -gone so far as to seek an engagement as a guide himself; but Society, -however it may pat on the back every amateur or exponent of mediocrity, -has the wisdom, in emergencies, to draw the line and to appeal to the -professionals who, they well know, do not fail in technique. Lord -Mowbray was therefore unemployed and generally uninformed. Left to his -own conceit and ignorance, he constantly made the most terrible mistakes -in drawing-rooms, and ignored the public guides stationed at different -corners of crowded thoroughfares, who had taken the place of -old-fashioned constables; to these guides Mowbray would never apply, -passing them with haughty disdain. Each day he committed every -conceivable _faux pas_; bowing to his friends’ butlers, passing by -ignominiously his smart friends; in fact; he was the laughing-stock of -Society, although he was blatantly happy and thoroughly unconscious of -his folly. - -“What I really came for this afternoon, my lord,” suddenly broke in -Danford, “was to tell you of a very serious reform in our new mode of -life—or, at least, death. There are to be no more funerals!” - -“What do you mean?” - -“You are joking!” - -“No more burials?” - -“Are we to be thrown away like dogs and cats?” - -“How are you going to hand us over to the other side?” - -All these indignant questions fell like a volley on Danford the -imperturbable, who looked at his pupil. - -“We again need your support, my lord. This is the point: without plumes, -palls, muffled drums, mutes, how are we to know a Peer’s obsequies from -a pauper’s? The chairman of our Committee put it to me in these words -yesterday: ‘My dear Dan, try and make Society leaders see that complete -privacy in that last and not least important function is of most vital -import, if they wish to keep up a certain prestige.’ I promised to -mention this to you, and I must add that I am struck myself with the -unfitness of a lord of the realm having no better funeral than a -vagabond; it seems to me irrelevant.” - -“There is the rub of this new state of ours; it has awakened in us the -sense of the incongruous,” remarked George Murray. “We used not to be so -discriminate, and what struck me most, formerly, was the total lack of -humour in people who passed for witty.” - -“I cannot tell you,” warmly proceeded Danford, “how shocked I have been -at fashionable funerals. There was a time when women did not consider it -delicate to attend such functions; it was left to the sterner sex to -accompany a beloved parent, whose female relations remained at home to -mourn over their loss. But women are not any more to be put aside so -easily; they have invaded the smoke-room, banged open the doors of City -offices; it is not likely they would remain long away from graveyard -excitement. The last I was at, a few weeks before the storm, was a -sight, and the pitch of levity to which it rose fairly sickened me. Had -I not pinched myself, and rubbed my eyes, I could have believed myself -at an At Home. The hostess, a widow, was going from one guest to -another, shaking hands with the one, thanking the other for coming; the -bereaved daughters skipped over tombs and newly-digged graves to have a -word with this one and that one. I instinctively looked round, thinking -I might see an improvised buffet in the shade of a mausoleum; I quite -expected to see plates of sandwiches handed round, and to hear the -jingling of spoons and cups and saucers. Upon my soul, I have no doubt -that had not the storm put a stop to Society’s doings, we should have -been treated this season to a churchyard tea and a funeral cake. The -idea seized hold of me then, and a fit of laughter choked me, when I -thought what a good termination to this gruesome farce it would be, were -the lamented defunct, on whom they had dropped a shovelful of cut -flowers, just to stand up and apostrophise them thus: ‘I say, do not -quite forget it is all owing to me that you are having all this fun!’ -For I assure you they were entirely oblivious of the poor departed in -the excitement of small-talk. Of course all this is at an end -practically, and funerals have been quite neglected latterly, for this -very good reason that the mourners did not know each other; we are -therefore saved from the sad spectacle of levity and callousness which -were the distinct traits of our past Society.” - -“Then what is to be done, Dan?” inquired Lionel. - -“Well, there is nothing to be done except to be cremated -unostentatiously. ‘Let the dead bury their dead’; but Society decided -otherwise, for it was the living that despatched the dead, which was a -most unequal job.” - -“I wonder what will be the ultimate result of all these reforms?” lazily -said George Murray. “If you reform burials, you must also some day -reform marriage; you will find a great deal of incongruity and of levity -in that ceremony also; then will follow the reform of the relations -between the sexes, between employers and employees, and goodness only -knows what next. You will have your work cut out for you, my poor -Danford; and dear Lionel’s mission will not be a sinecure if he has to -patronise every scheme your Committee brings forward.” - -“You have my entire assent to every reform you may suggest to me, Dan,” -concluded Lionel, smiling at his guide, who remarked that he had never -yet seen that smile on his pupil’s lips nor ever remarked that look in -his eyes; he was sure something new had happened to illumine the face of -the Mayfair cynic. - -“I am afraid you will come in for a good share in this evolution, -Murray,” and Lionel turned his face towards the novelist. “Fiction as -you conceive it is a thing of the past. Clothes and environment have -clung like a Nessus robe round your feminine heroines and masculine -personages, and given them a rag-shop philosophy. Tear the bandages that -swathed your fictional humanity, and send into the open air your -_dramatis personæ_, to compete, fight and win in the race of life. You -have believed yourself long enough the apostle of subtle psychology and -of morbid physiology; for once be the humble disciple of Dame Nature, -for she is now turning her bull’s-eye lantern right into your face and -making you squint.” - -“My lord is right,” crowed the mischievous buffoon. “I feel sure your -publisher will not bring out your next book; sorry for you, old fellow, -but you see there is no money in it any more. I saw Christopher a few -days ago, and he led me to understand that the kind of fiction you -excelled in will not appeal any longer to the general public. One of the -two; either the feminine reader is one who harbours a sickly regret for -her past toggery, or she is a modern woman won over to the cause of true -modesty. In the first case she will throw your book away, for it will -make her feel discontented with her present state; and in the latter -instance she will shut your pages while blushes will cover her lovely -cheeks at the mere thought of anything so indecent as—clothes. But, of -course, I forget that the books published now will necessarily be very -limited, as parchment is the only available material on which written -thought can be printed.” - -“And an excellent thing it is. We have written too much—written -ourselves dry; and now has come a breathing-time in which we shall be -able to incubate.” This was Tom Hornsby, who indeed had written himself -to desiccation in the _Weekly Mirror_. “We have game laws, and we know -precious well how to enforce them. Why should we compel our sapless -brains to generate when we know so well their incapacity even to -conceive? Brains are no more inexhaustible than is the cow’s milk; -still, we do not give to the children of our minds the proper breeding -period, and we hail the events of our abortions as if it were the advent -of some divine prophecy.” - -“That is about what old Christopher led me to understand,” said Danford. -“But, however well these abortions may have paid formerly, he knows now -that they will not satisfy an Edenic public any longer. Publishers are -first-rate at feeling the public’s pulse.” - -“I wonder they were not chosen as social guides instead of Music Hall -artists,” retorted Mowbray, who never failed to have a hit at his -rivals. - -“We thought of them, Lord Mowbray, but, after careful consideration, we -judged that publishers having been trained to convert human brains into -ingots of gold, they would hardly be suitable for our social work, which -consists more especially, at present, in developing the extrinsic -knowledge of individuals.” - -“It is a pity that nothing has been done towards organising a body of -Parliamentary guides.” Lord Mowbray was again at his pet grievance; he -had never forgiven the Speaker for refusing to accept his services in -the House, and he was convinced that the country’s ruin and -Parliamentary decadence would be the results of their refusal. - -“Oh! that has been the worst nut to crack; but we had to give it up,” -and Danford sat down in one of the marble niches ensconced in the wall. -“The House of Commons has its susceptibilities, its vanities, and, above -all, its traditions; and it would not hear any of our suggestions. Just -imagine for one minute, Ministers of State, Party leaders, being -escorted by guides! The idea appeared preposterous to the Honourable -Members, who thought they knew their own business better than any one -else.” - -“Certainly, at first, it seems natural to know one’s own party,” -murmured Lionel as in a dream; “but in the long run it becomes more -difficult than one imagines.” - -“It must evidently be the case,” said Tom Hornsby in a bitter voice, -“for you see what a hash they made with the Housing question. The House -carried unanimously the Bill which, for a long time, had been obstructed -at its second reading.” - -“Very remarkable indeed,” sententiously said Danford. “I was there that -day, and enjoyed the fun gloriously. I watched the House eagerly. The -social and political labels were off, so they all listened unprejudiced -to the orator’s convincing arguments. His reasons were not so much -convincing from his own powers of persuasion, but because the listeners -were off their guard and therefore accessible to rational impressions; -and here we are the richer for one good law, and one that we never could -have hoped for had Society continued to know one another by their -exterior labels.” - -“This will inevitably lead to the dissolution of the Upper House,” said -Lionel. - -“It remains with you to give the hint of abdication, my lord.” The -little buffoon stood up and faced his pupil, while Temple, the empty cup -in his hand, stood between the two, alternately looking at the one and -the other. The group of men surrounding them were silent; and the sun, -having slowly disappeared behind the trees of Hyde Park, had left the -Frigidarium in a mysterious twilight most appropriate to the ominous -words of Danford. “They will all follow your lordship. The reform must -come from within. The dark days are over when you said to the rushing -wave of the people: ‘Thou shalt go no further.’ They leapt over the -rocks then, and, to prove their power, cut your heads off; which on the -whole was a poor argument of persuasion, even if it was one of force. No -lasting reform can be obtained but from within; and the Upper House has -it in its power to avert the catastrophe of its downfall by taking -voluntarily a leading part in all the reforms of our Society.” - -“You mean by taking a backseat,” sniggered Lord Mowbray. The spell was -broken, and the twilight scene of prophecy was transformed into one of -malicious discord. “I cannot see what you want with the co-operation of -publishers, Mr Danford; you are Diogenes and Lycurgus both rolled into -one, and methinks you need no one to assist you in fixing our -destinies.” - -“I only give gentle hints concerning your future relations towards each -other, Lord Mowbray; publishers will step in later, to inform you as to -your intrinsic value.” Danford bowed to Lord Mowbray and, turning to -Lionel, said, “Where do you intend going this evening, my lord?” - -“After a light collation I am taking Hornsby to the Empire to see -Holophernes; it was one of the great attractions before the storm.” - -“Yes, and likely to be the last of that kind; but I shall leave your -lordship to judge for yourself.” - -“Ta-ta, Danford—shall see you to-morrow early about the Dining-Halls -scheme.” - - - - - CHAPTER IX - - -Nettie Collins, Gwendolen’s social guide, declared she had nothing more -to teach her pupil now she had made such progress in the art of -observation, recognised her lover, and just lately known her father -again. This last event had been curious. One day, Gwen was walking -through the rooms of the National Gallery, enjoying the beauty of art -that had been hidden from her for so many years; as she stood in front -of Pinturicchio’s “Story of Griselda,” wondering at the past generations -who not only allowed, but insisted on women turning themselves into -beasts of burden, she noticed a middle-aged man of commanding stature, -close to her, gazing at the same picture. She looked up and her eyes met -his; her present surroundings vanished, and she lived in an evoked -dream, which brought back past scenes and long-buried joys. As she -stared at him, she little by little reconstructed the scenes of her -childhood, and as in a trance her lovely lips faintly murmured the word -“Father.” - -“What a magician is love,” thought Gwendolen, when she retired that -night to her bedroom, after long hours of conversation with her father. -What could Nettie teach her now? Still she kept the sprightly little -guide by her, to help her in working out the problems of social reforms. -The two reformers put their clever heads together, and assisted by Eva -Carey—Gwendolen’s bosom friend—they organised several guilds for the -purpose of bringing together the East-End factory girls and the West-End -fair damsels. They came to the conclusion that the West-Enders had been -often enough in the dark continent of Stepney, Hackney, and Bow, to -amuse, sing or recite, read and teach the poor isolated classes, who, -after all, knew no more of their instructors and entertainers than if -they had come down from the planet Mars. The three friends thought this -time they would have the East-End on a visit to the West-End, and on -their own ground would make them acquainted with that world which they -had only read about in penny shockers. Since the disappearance of -clothes, misery had lost a good deal of its sting, and envy and rancour -were things of the past civilisation. Hitherto the craving for money had -robbed our world of the one virtue which opens every heart to sympathy: -Pity. How could a factory girl, who struggled on five shillings a week, -ever imagine that the owner of a West-End mansion needed sympathy? Money -was the great soother, and in the eyes of those who did not eat enough, -it granted one the privileges of eating more than your fill, of lying in -bed when having a headache, of taking a holiday when run down in health; -it even went so far, in their ignorant minds, as to pad the aching -throbs of a broken heart. The East-Ender knew no limit to what money -could do, because he had none himself and was convinced that to possess -in abundance the things which he sorely lacked must doubtless be the -cause of all happiness. He was so grossly one-sided and ignorant that he -was inclined to believe that even the laws of nature could be altered by -the power of riches; but however foolish he may have been, he was not -alone in judging in this dogmatic manner. The West-Ender was equally -uninformed as to what lay beneath the sordid rags of the classes of -which he knew nothing; he endowed the poorer classes with a callousness -of feeling which at first sight seemed in keeping with their reeky -clothes and shabby environments, and denied them any particle of that -romance which he believed could only be the privilege of the -well-dressed. And thus the two antipodes of London lived in a baneful -ignorance of one another. But now that the vanishing of toggery had laid -bare the two hearts of our social world, Gwen was determined to put the -picture of humanity in proper perspective, and to soften the crudity of -light and darkness that had been so offensive to both parties. Over and -over again Gwen gathered her friends and her friends’ friends in the -various parks of London. They played and laughed under the trees, they -listened to Nettie’s amusing recitals of her adventurous life, which -were varied—for she made her _début_ at Hackney’s Music Hall, and ended -her career at the Alhambra! She greatly diverted her audience, for her -ideas of the world at large were always flavoured with a grain of -good-humoured satire and gentle humour. She was fresh and impulsive, -human and perceptive, and possessed the invaluable gift of developing in -the East-Ender girls the precious sense of humour and discrimination -which lightens every burden, and seems to filter through opaque dulness -like a ray of sunlight. - -How much more pleasant were those pastoral entertainments than the -old-fashioned At Home, or even than the attractive garden parties! -Tournaments were organised to promote the love of beauty, and to develop -the imaginative power that lies more or less dormant in everyone, but -more particularly so amongst the London poorer classes. The first one -was a floral tournament. Every girl of the East-End and the West-End was -to appear in the prettiest, and most original floral accoutrement; they -were granted full permission to use their imagination to conceive -wonderful designs and combination of colours; Gwen hoped in this way to -instil in the Anglo-Saxon race an æsthetic knowledge of decoration which -was sorely lacking. Another time she aimed at a more ambitious -entertainment, and started a series of historical tournaments. A group -of girls were selected amongst the West and East-End maidens, and to -each of them an historical character was given to impersonate. -Historians were invited to lecture on historical subjects so as to -acquaint the girls with the character they wished to personify. This new -mode of inoculating the taste for history was as instructive as it was -dramatic; besides, it developed memory, for there was no doubt that the -East-Ender’s ignorance, as related to past and present history, was not -more appalling than that of the Mayfair belle. Nettie decided that the -first three tournaments ought to be consecrated to personages of our own -times, or at least the Victorian age; for uncultured minds could not be -supposed to interest themselves in historical characters so far removed -from the present period as Charles II., Henry VIII., or Alfred. It was -gradually that the dramatic study of history was to take them backwards, -instead of making them leap into a far-distant abyss, expecting the -bewildered brain to grope its way back to our throbbing present. - -Lionel frequently came to surprise Gwendolen in Kensington Gardens, -where she rehearsed with the girls. He came in through the gates facing -the Memorial Monument. By the way, the statue had been, with due -respect, removed to a private niche in the In Memoriam Museum of -discarded monuments, where only members of the Royal Family were -admitted to see it, on applying first to the Lord Chamberlain. Already -the younger members of the family showed a distinct repulsion to seeing -their ancestor robed in such abnormal garments, and one of the royal -infants had been seized with a fit in the arms of his nurse at the sight -of it. - -Lionel, one lovely day in June, walked down the Long Avenue of -Kensington Palace Gardens; at a distance he could perceive the groups of -lissome nymphs surrounding Gwen, some scattered under the trees, others -lying on the grass; and his Greek appreciation of art made him hail this -pastoral scene as a great success. Those who had visited the Wallace -Collection would no doubt compare the picture to a Boucher; but Lionel, -who had more discrimination, thought it put him in mind of a Corot. -Perhaps he was right. - -“Here you are, Lionel,” and Gwen walked up to him as he came near. “We -are having a final rehearsal of our passion tournament. I have already -told you of it. Bella will represent Love; Violet has chosen Anger; -Flora begs to be Dignity, and so on. They are quite excited about it, -the more so as no reading up can help them in this; they will have to -work out their own ideas about the passions they wish to personify. You -see, Lionel, we have had enough of external excitement, we must now look -inwardly for all our pleasures. It is a step higher than historical -impersonation, though we intend to make the two studies work -together.—Nettie, I shall leave you in charge of them, for you are sure -to give them useful hints about their parts and to develop a little more -subtlety into their monodrama.—Come, Lion, my Lion, let us stroll under -the trees; I have so much to say to you.” And she looked into his eyes, -and caressingly held his hand close to her cheek, as they walked away. -His heart was full, and he thought deeply and analysed minutely his -emotions, trying to define the newly-acquired standard of morals that -was slowly transforming their old rotten Society into a rational -sociality. One feature of the old world had certainly disappeared since -the storm—lascivious curiosity. How could morbid erotism find any place -in our reformed republic? Eve-like nakedness robbed a woman of all -impure suggestiveness. It was the half-clad, half-disrobed, that had -made man run amok in the race for brutal enjoyment; for the goods laid -out in the shop windows are not by far so alluring as what peeps behind -the counter. - -“Gwen, how lovely you are! Your face is a crystal reflecting every -beautiful emotion in your heart. Even Raphael would have despaired of -fixing your expression.” - -“You will make me vain, Lionel. There are many things that I cannot yet -grasp, although we have so many hours on hand since the loss of our -furbelows. You do not realise what difference it makes in a woman’s -life.—But I shall be happy when my small mission has succeeded and when -I have imparted to women the love of study.” - -“A man’s days were pretty much employed in the same senseless pursuits. -Some feel it intensely—Lord Mowbray, for instance, who does not know -what to do with his costly jewels, now he cannot stick them all over his -Oriental costumes and appear as a twentieth-century Aroun-al-Raschid.” - -“Ah! he will develop with the rest, and easily find out the unmarketable -value of his luxury; or if he does not evolve, he will be swept away by -the great wave of reform which waits for no man. But I am more concerned -about Ronald Sinclair;—of course, you guess the reason.” - -“Does Eva still care for him?” - -“Eva is not a girl likely to change. She loved him formerly for his wit, -his irony, and I am sorry to say, for his disdainful manner towards her. -But her love has now acquired a new stimulus—pity, which she feels for -all his deficiencies. She may in time bring him round to see life from a -wider and more humane point of view, but for the present he laughs at -our meetings, and vows the mixing of classes cannot succeed. He pretends -that nothing but the pursuits of fastidious æstheticism can save this -state of ours from vulgarity. Somehow, I feel that he is not right, -though I cannot tell in what his teaching is lacking.” - -“We shall do a great deal for them when we are married,” softly said -Lionel. - -“Ah! my dearest Lion, this is one of the serious questions that has -troubled me. Nettie cannot, or will not help me in this matter; she says -I have to find that out alone, and that later on she will work out the -details for me. The first stumbling-block is—the wedding. What kind of a -wedding could it be?” - -“Well, I suppose—the church, the ceremony, and all the rest that -precedes and follows such functions. It is not that I care for the whole -show, dearest; I personally think it a terrible ordeal to have to -exhibit oneself on such an occasion.” - -“Think of it, Lionel; it means walking to the altar just as we are—no -wedding dress, no bridesmaids; the congregation likewise, and the priest -no better attired than the verger or bridegroom. Where would be the -show? Where the customary apotheosis of smartness? Even the thunderous -organ striking up Mendelssohn’s march would be an inadequate -accompaniment to a procession of Adamites.” - -“To tell you the truth, Gwen, I had never thought of it. The important -thing was our love; the ceremony appeared to me as a thing not worth -giving a thought; but now, it does seem to me an utter impossibility to -go through such an incongruous function; and for the first time I see -how indecent public functions are.—There have been no weddings since the -storm, now I think of it.” - -“No; Nettie told me that Society had put off all the forthcoming -weddings until this freak of nature had passed—how silly of Society! _I -do not wish to wait, for the very good reason_ that I believe this state -of affairs will continue.” - -“And I hope it may last for ever, for I owe to it your love, Gwen. Let -us dispense with the public function.” - -“Then no wedding?” - -“No, at least, no bridesmaids, no wedding cake, no invitations above -all.” - -“No.” Gwen absently gazed in front of her, murmuring softly, “My uncle, -the Bishop of Warren, would officiate at our small chapel at Harewood, -and father would give me away. It would be very strange. No stole, no -Bishop’s sleeves, none of the canonical vestments that form part of the -religious rites. All this had not struck me, so engrossed was I with our -own appearance; but when once you knock down part of the ceremony, the -other must inevitably disappear in the downfall; and in the total -destruction of outward signs, it seems as if the principle of religion -had also received a fatal blow.” - -“Then no wedding march, no benediction?” - -“No, Lionel. Do not the triumphant chords vibrate more sonorously in our -two exultant hearts, than in any organ?” and she lifted her beautiful -eyes high above the tops of the trees. Lionel bent his head, and touched -her softly-luxuriant hair with his lips. - -Nettie, who at a distance caught sight of his movement, could not help -smiling and thinking that the British race was becoming less -self-conscious. - -“Gwen,” murmured her lover, “listen to the two linnets on that branch. -Have they invited their friends and relations to come and witness their -betrothal? Happiness is timorous, and shuns the world. Those who truly -love, fly from the crowd, to murmur their loving vows uninterrupted by -comments and gossip.” - -“My Lion, you have put into words what my heart has felt for days. -Surely marriage is an action which only concerns those who are -interested. Besides, the social laws of morality which governed our old -world cannot any longer apply to our own. Let us return to Nettie; she -is sure to furnish us with useful suggestions for carrying out our -plan.” They turned back, and very soon were met by Nettie and Eva; the -former, with her sprightly physiognomy, brought their wandering minds -back to practical life and to bare facts. - -“Have you discovered some new laws of life since you left us?” - -Gwen proceeded to relate to her friends what they had arrived at -concerning weddings in general; and she asked Nettie to find some means -of realising their project. - -“I should suggest a drive in your chariot to some isolated spot in the -country. Stay in some labourer’s cottage, and on the day which would -have been the one appointed by you in our past Society for the wedding, -I should advise you to spend it in the fields and to have a mutual -confession;—what I would call a complete reckoning of your two inner -lives; for that ought really to be the true meaning of marriage, which -was so rarely understood in our past Society.” - -“This sounds very like Ibsen, dear Nettie,” remarked Eva. - -“But what do you suggest after that?” asked Gwen. - -“Stay away as long as you can; then return to your occupations here, for -you know we cannot spare you for a very long time; there are so many -things we want to launch before the season is over. Of course, no -announcement of your marriage is required, you will tell your friends -when you come back, and as to the rest of the world, it is immaterial -whether they know it or not.” - -“It certainly seems simple enough, and in that way we escape all foolish -questions.” - -“My dear Lord Somerville, I think that you will find that no one will -take the slightest notice of your escapade. In London, what is past is -seldom interesting,” added the little buffoon, who had for some time put -this axiom to the test when she was on the Music Halls. - -“I believe you are right,” answered Lionel, “and the saddest tragedy of -last week has no chance against the daily scandals.” - -“Society lives greatly on its own imagination”—the sententious humourist -was taking a flight into speculative land. “Society is the biggest -romancer you ever came across; it hates truth and _bona-fide_ dramas; -despises the scandals that have not been spun at their own fireside; and -follows to the letter the well-known maxim, that truth makes the worst -fiction.” - -“Do you not think, Nettie, now marriage has become a grave reality, that -the least said about it at large, the better?” - -“By all means; and the less seen of it the better still. Do not forget -that this evening we go to the Circus to witness the first -representation given by the Society of new stagers. You have no idea, my -lord, what a bevy of young actors are coming to the fore to outshine the -old ones.” - -“We were in sore need of real dramatic artists, owing to the utter -inability of impersonating characters without wardrobe paraphernalia. -Perhaps we shall be able in time to form a school of dramatic -psychologists. But here comes Danford; he will tell us what is going -on.” - - - - - CHAPTER X - - -“We were talking about the new study of dramatic art, Danford. I hear -your Society is making great progress.” - -“Progress, my lord! It has already reached a very high standard of -efficiency. We shall, in a few days, give a representation of King John, -which, I believe, will interest you. The Regalia of Sovereignty will of -course be absent; but how much more significant of true majesty will the -personage be, when, by his gestures and facial expression, he will -embody that ephemeral power—divine right.” - -“And what are the conclusions you arrive at,” eagerly inquired the Earl, -“on the subject of monarchical government?” - -“My lord, this is another of those problems you have to solve for -yourself.” - -“We have already solved one this morning.” Lionel took Gwen’s hand and -lifted it gently to his lips. - -“Very glad to hear it, my dear Lord Somerville; you will save us a deal -of trouble by being so quick at guessing life’s riddles. Time is -precious, and already a few weeks have gone by since the storm; if you -do not solve the social problem as soon as ever you can, I am afraid it -will go badly for all of us. We are only your stage managers on these -large boards; I am sorry to say, though, that the social actors do not -always seem to know their parts; they come in when not wanted and leave -the stage when most needed. Of course it is our business to look after -your entrances and exits; but the inner meaning of your -characterisations remains with you to decipher.” - -“I think, Danford, you have already, with your short cuts of humour and -satire, led me through a dark labyrinth compared to which Dante’s -Inferno was but child’s play. You have often been my faithful Virgil, -and drawn my attention to the tragedy of our past world of -artificiality.” - -“Indeed, my lord, tragedy of the most painful kind; for Society drew out -each day a new code of morals to suit a fresh want, and a catechism was -issued to befit a gospel of histology. It was not actually read out in -church, like the Athanasian Creed, but it was religiously obeyed in and -out of God’s house.” - -“What would Society have said had a woman been to the Army and Navy -Stores at 10 a.m. in the same _décolleté_ gown which she wore at last -night’s ball?” This was Gwen, who mischievously looked at Lionel. - -“My dear Gwen, think for one minute of the soldier enwrapping himself in -the judge’s gown; the apronless and capless housemaid appearing in the -hall with a tiara on her head (even were it paid out of her earnings); -or the butler pompously opening the door in a Field-Marshal’s uniform?” - -“Bedlam or Portland Bay would have been their next abode,” replied -Danford; “you are evoking in your mind’s eye a social upheaval, and in -one instant hurling to the ground a whole structure which took centuries -to erect. The dignity of magistracy, the punctilio of military honour, -the ancestral breeding of nobility, would all be hopelessly annihilated -were you to transpose from one body on to another the outward signs of -each. Not only had Dame Fashion preached a new gospel, but new passions -were thereof discovered to make Society’s blood rush more violently, and -different forms of sorrows henceforth filled the hearts of women.” - -“Oh! how true you are, Mr Danford,” suddenly broke in Nettie; “how often -have I seen women of fashion sad unto death at the contemplation of -their wardrobes.” - -“And the pity of it all was that women truly writhed under the sting of -these petty grievances,” added Eva. - -“You are slowly finding out for yourself, Miss Carey,” remarked Danford, -“that an eleventh commandment had been written out by Society: ‘Thou -shall not be—shabby.’” - -“What a host of innocent women have been sent to perdition in trying to -obey this law to the letter,” retorted Lionel. - -“Ah! Fashion, what crimes were committed in thy name!” comically added -Nettie. - -“There is no doubt also,” said Lionel, “that the demoralisation of our -past Society was greatly caused by that misinterpreted activity which in -a great sense led to artificiality and deception. No proper time was -allowed for development; we had clothed art, clothed charity, clothed -education; and in every branch of industry and artistic pursuit the -fruit had to be picked ere it was ripe. The weighty question of -pauperism was settled over the tea-cups when a bazaar organised by -fashionable women had realised fifty pounds; the last word of realistic -art had been said when a well-known sculptor had put the final touch to -his statue of a ballet dancer, by sticking on the skirt a flounce of -real gold lace. As to education, it was to be imbibed, as air is pumped -into a rubber tyre, strongly and promptly, so as to lose no time, for -the next race was at hand and we had to start, even if we punctured on -the road.” - -“No one knows this better than I do,” said Gwen. “We were never taught -the true value of anything or of anyone; we believed to have fathomed -all things when we had seen the small sides of them, and human beings -were only what they appeared to us relatively. I must say that the most -difficult people to deal with at present are some of the mothers in -Society. It is not that they mind, materially, this state of nature; I -suppose they are making up their minds to it, and Lady Pendelton still -repeats that a lady can always behave like one wherever she is placed -and whatever happens.” - -“Yes,” added Eva, “but my mother is convinced that it is the diffusion -of classes that will bring our world to a tragic end.” - -Eva suddenly stopped talking, and blushes covered her soft white cheek. -She turned to Gwen. - -“Darling, is that Ronald Sinclair standing near the Rotunda?” - -“Yes, dearie, it is he; and George Murray is coming up to him with Lelia -Dale. They have seen us.” - -Sinclair, accompanied by his two friends, walked towards our group and -was the first to speak. - -“Have you heard, Lionel, that the manager of the Olympus is forced to -close the doors of his theatre?” - -“I expected that would soon happen,” murmured Danford. - -“It was inevitable,” answered Lionel; “when music of that kind lies -shivering without its usual toggeries, it must perish; for when -crotchets and semi-quavers do not any longer help to pin a scarf or lift -up suggestively the corner of a laced petticoat, comic opera has lost -its meaning.” - -“My dear Lord Somerville, you do not seem to grasp the real state of -things. The Atrium will follow suit, and before you are a week older the -great priest of upholsterers will have to retire,” vexatiously retorted -Sinclair. - -“Yes, and very probably he will be joined in exile by Turn Bull, who has -no further need to study Abyssinian _bassi-relievi_. As you see, I quite -grasp our present state of affairs,” smilingly answered Lionel. - -“I think I agree with you, Lord Somerville,” languidly remarked Lelia -Dale, who had for years been the jewel of dramatic art. “Turn Bull had -developed to the highest degree the psychology of clothes.” - -“I should call it the physiology of palliaments,” interrupted Murray, -the apostle of subtle environment. - -“Yes, George,” resumed the flower of the profession, “he has often made -me blush with the pruriency with which he endowed his vestments; and my -maidenly modesty was less offended by a kiss from his lips than by the -erotic influence of his draperies in certain parts of his _répertoire_.” - -“Do not forget, though,” suddenly broke in Sinclair, “that we had -arrived at the highest manifestation of local colour; and that the -true-to-life surroundings with which we framed our plays had reached the -desideratum of the most fastidious art critic. Surely plays represented -at the Théâtre Français nowadays, or as they used to be at our Atrium -and Arcadia, were truer to life than when Phèdre wore a Louis XIV. Court -dress, or Othello a frill?” - -“I do not agree with you, Ronald,” replied Lionel, “and I maintain that -the evolution of an unsuspicious Othello into a mad bull of jealousy -works itself out regardless of frippery. When psychology was the only -object of the playwright, and the everlasting study of the actor, -dramatic art was at its highest water-mark; but when adaptable -environment and the accuracy of costume were made the aim of arduous -researches, art fell from its Olympian cloud down to the back-room of an -old curiosity shop. Archæology had dethroned psychology; even physiology -was reduced to a dissecting-room. Do you believe that the green-eyed -passion of an Othello, or the morbid hysteria of a King Lear, would be -more enforced by the one wearing the true Venetian uniform, and the -other appearing in the barbarian clothing of an early Briton? We must -first of all find out whether the passions of the one and the delirium -of the other are eternally true to human nature. If they are, what need -have you to cut a particular garment for them? Any will do; none will be -quite sufficient. You need not clothe Œdipus to understand his -evolution; the tragedy he embodies will forever be human, and as long as -there exists a suffering humanity, there will be an inadequate struggle -between the inner will-power and what is erroneously called—Destiny.” - -They had come to the Rotunda, and Lionel, with a gracious wave of his -hand, led his friends into the hall, in which marble tables were placed -near a circular carved stone bench for visitors to recline. - -“I am sure you will all take some iced champagne or Vouvray out of these -tempting amphoras,” said he. They all reclined, and the cooling -atmosphere fanned them agreeably. - -“Is that Montague Vane I see at a distance, tripping daintily over the -railings?” - -Danford went to the door. “Yes, and he is followed by half-a-dozen of -his adherents.” - -“Ah! he is continually inviting me to join his Peripatetic Society; but -I have no wish to do so,” and Lionel looked tenderly at Gwen, as he -poured out a glass of champagne and offered it to her. “I cannot see at -what they arrive in their wanderings through the thoroughfares of life.” - -“Nor I, my lord,” broke in Danford, who left the door and came back -towards the group. “Jack Daw—Mr Vane’s social guide—told me lately that -he and his pupil did not always pull together. The Society _dilettante_ -is trying to stem the great wave of reform, and, like a child, brings -his small toys to impede the violence of the tide; which makes Jack -laugh uncontrollably. The latter does his best to give his pupil smart -hints; but Mr Vane takes them badly, and when Jack thrusts his light on -the great sights of nature, the little ex-smart man puts his tiny white -hands over his eyes, and sighing heavily tells him: ‘My dear Jack, you -are all in the wrong. Nature has long been exploded. She lost herself -for a considerable time under the trees of Paradise, then she was -suddenly conquered by a greater master than herself—Art, and ever since -has never lifted her head again.’ He answers—art, to every longing, to -every passion; it is his panacea against all anguish, the goal to every -ambition.” - -“By-the-bye, Dick,” interrupted Lionel, “I was at the meeting this -morning with my architect.” - -“To be sure, the meeting of the United Drapers of London,” remarked -Sinclair; “it must have been a diverting assembly! Lord Petersham -telephoned to ask me if I could attend—ha! ha! ha! to see Watson and -Company _en masse_ would be too much for me. One at a time of these -prosperous shopkeepers—and that in the open air—is all I can stand!” - -“I wish that you had turned up, Ronald,” mischievously said Lionel. “You -would have lost that preconceived idea of yours that a profession must -imprint an indelible sign on a man’s physique—pure delusion, my good -man! Well, I obtained my points with the Board of Drapers: first, I -attacked Watson, who I was afraid would be recalcitrant; but I was -astonished to find him most willing to carry out our scheme.” - -“I believe you will discover hidden treasures of philanthropy in the -hearts of all those who formerly rebelled at the mere name of charity,” -satirically remarked Danford. - -“You are always a prophet, my faithful guide; for Whiteley, Swan & -Edgar, Marshall & Snelgrove—in fact, all the big shops of past -elegance—are offering to open their doors in a week, and to transform -their rooms into commodious dining-halls for the masses; and last, -though not least of all, the Army and Navy Stores have actually -condescended to turn all their devastated rooms into—_Symposia_. Yes, -that is the name, for they wish to have a different appellation to other -shops; of course we could not insult such a select board of shareholders -by insisting on their using the same word as other tradespeople; so -_Symposia_ it will be; although by any other name the food would be as -delectable.” And Lionel turned to Gwen, “I look to you as a partner to -help me in this enterprise.” - -“Thank you, Lionel, for the suggestion. I shall confer with Nettie on -the details; but I think I see the thing rightly: a sort of visiting -association, each day, one hour or two will be employed in the serving -of meals in the halls; some will help at luncheon, others at tea, and -another group at supper. I should suggest that the men undertook the -potation department, and that a committee of helpers should be organised -in every district of the Metropolis.” Gwen turned to Eva, sitting close -to her, “And you, dear, will be my faithful colleague?” - -Eva pressed her friend’s hand, but spoke no word, as Sinclair reclining -near her sneeringly remarked, “I cannot see you portioning out plates of -boiled beef and apple pudding to a crowd of unclean mendicants.” - -“Are you sure they will be unclean? And if by mendicants you mean those -having no clothes nor any money, they will be no worse than we are; for -we have no cheque-book, nor any pockets to put our money in,” softly -whispered Eva, whose heart was beating violently at the reproof of the -man she loved but whom she pitied for his sad limitations. - -“My dear man,” joined in Lionel, “this idea of the dining-halls is but -the preface to a greater reform! It will for the moment meet the need of -all the working classes whom the storm has put on the streets; but in -the near future it will be our new mode of partaking of our meals in -public.” Lionel smiled as he noticed the effect his strange words had on -Murray and Sinclair. - -“Will you allow a few of your privileged friends to have their meals -privately in their own homes?” slowly uttered Sinclair, who looked as if -the greatest danger was at hand. - -“By all means, my dear fellow. We force no one; coercion is not the -password of our future Society, but personal initiative; and after a -little time has gone by, you will be the first to join these _Symposia_. -It will only be another form of club life without which you could not -have imagined your London; with this difference that your field of -sympathy will be enlarged in our new form of assemblies, and instead of -meeting daily a limited number of members, about whom you knew all that -was to be known, you will join a body of men and women about whom you -have hitherto known nothing. I grant you that many of them would not -have been admitted in the bosom of your literary and artistic clubs, nor -would they have been allowed to associate with the members of smart -clubs; but now it will not much avail any man that he was a member of -the Vagabond, or of Boodles!” - -“Anyhow, I think we prefer meeting no one to associating with a mass of -illiterate and ill-bred folks,” said Murray. - -“You will not always say so, George,” replied Lionel. “The disappearance -of cheque-books and of pockets has done more towards the fusion of -classes than you believe; and it is mere common-sense that is prompting -Society to take a rational view of the whole thing. Parliament is -dissolved since yesterday, as you know; there was nothing else to be -done, I suppose. The hour of self-government has struck when we least -expected it, and it must find us mature for the work to be done.” Then -turning to Gwen, “Do you think that your girl friends will help in this -new scheme of dining-halls? I feared they would toss their dainty heads -and pout their rosy lips at the suggestion.” - -“My dear Lionel, what they objected to was not so much the hunger that -wasted away half the world, for they could not see its ravages and had -not any personal experience to bear on the subject; but they were -shocked at the grimy shabbiness of the destitutes, for that they could -notice, and their individual knowledge of luxury intensified their -hatred of poverty.” - -“You are a true observer, Miss Towerbridge, and a humourist which spoils -nothing,” remarked Danford. Gwen blushed vividly at the little man’s -praise; she was proud at having won the appreciation of such a master in -psychology. - -“I shall expect you all to turn away in disgust from your uncouth -companions,” and Sinclair rose. “I am going to join Vane; for the -present his views suit my state of mind, and we shall see who will win -in the long run—you, with your rude Dame Nature; or we, with our -discriminating power of æsthetics. Good-bye, poor Miss Carey”—and he -bent towards her—“you are not cut out for a distributing kitchen -employer; and nature is a hideous transgressor whom you ought to kick -out of your doors. What will Lady Carey say to all this?” and the -fastidious critic was off, followed by Murray. - -The group broke up; Lionel putting his hand on Danford’s shoulder walked -out of the Rotunda, leaving Gwen and Eva conversing in one part of the -cool hall, while Lelia Dale and Nettie reclined in another part. Lelia -Dale leaned her head on her hand. She did not know whom to serve. She -had always been partial to Sinclair, whose criticisms on her talent were -most flattering, and the eclecticism of Vane was an element which she -appreciated highly; but, on the other hand, nature had its attractions, -also Lord Somerville was a great power in the social organism, and the -love of notoriety was so ingrafted in her professional soul that she was -unwilling to see the rising of a Society of new stagers out of which she -would be excluded. She meditated whether it would not be wise to put on -one side her pride, and to beg humbly of Eleanora Duse to initiate her -in the secrets of physiognomy; for, upon the whole, Lelia was artistic -enough to know in her inner heart that she was deficient in facial -expression, and totally ignorant of the laws of motion. - - - - - CHAPTER XI - - -Lionel often sat in his library pondering over all kinds of abstruse -questions. He did not know his old London again, and smiled at the -revolution in social life. Nowadays, one house was as good as another. -Mrs So-and-So’s luncheon parties, Lady X.’s dinners and bridge -_réunions_ were no longer sought for, since frocks and frills had -vanished and packs of cards crumbled to dust. Dancing also was -impossible under the present _régime_, for the _laisser-aller_ of a -ball-room seemed intolerable in the new Paradise regained. In fact, no -respectable mother would consent to take her daughter to any of these -brawls. Lionel recalled the first—and the last—ball of this season. It -was at Lady Wimberley’s. When the ball opened, the hurry and scurry of -London apes was such, that he had turned to his faithful guide and told -him,— - -“Nothing on earth would induce me to dance this evening—or ever. Not -even with Gwen.” - -“Especially not with Miss Towerbridge,” had replied the funny little -buffoon. “Happiness has no need to bump, elbow or kick, to manifest its -gladness.” They had both left the house, and given the hint to London -Society. - -And thus the fashion for balls, late dinners, evening receptions died -out, as smart women lost the taste for such vulgar dissipations. Lionel -laughed outright at Lady Carey’s remark that the end of the world was -nigh, for Society was perishing from dulness. Still, all the fussiness -of the little woman could not alter the bare fact that it was quite -unnecessary to turn night into day, since the days were quite long -enough to contain the occupations of the present Society. Complexion and -figure greatly benefited from this normal mode of life; and the absence -of corset and waistcoat urged the English man and woman to watch over -their diet, if they did not intend to turn their bodies into living -advertisements of their passions and depravities. - -Had anyone told Lionel a year ago what London would be like at the -present moment, he would no doubt have burst into Homeric laughter; but -now that the thing was done, it all seemed so simple and so rational, -that he hardly realised it. It amused him very much to see daily, at the -Pall Mall Committee of Public Kitchens, Lord Petersham conversing with a -well-known butcher of Belgravia. But Petersham, whatever he may have -thought, dissembled artfully, and argued with himself that they were -both, he and the butcher, sitting on the Board to judge of the quality -of the meat—and who would be more likely to judge impartially of the -catering than a butcher, especially when he consumed the victuals each -day. - -He recalled how hard it had been to persuade Sinclair the fastidious, to -breakfast with him at the dining-hall of the ex-Swan & Edgar. Although -the critic partook of the delicious meal, he would not be won over to -the cause; but he admitted that the butter and the eggs were extra -fresh; that the meat was irreproachable, the fish first-rate; he even -went so far as to recognise that all things were transacted on a -_bona-fide_ method. But when Lionel told him that the whole secret lay -in the fact that the interest of all was the interest of each, then -Sinclair laughed and said—“tommy rot.” There was nothing more to say to -a man who pooh-poohed the greatest and noblest of reforms. - -“But why on earth, if your are so anxious to reform the depravity of our -Society, why have you begun by administering to their appetites? It -seems to me that you might have found some nobler mission for the -regeneration of Britishers.” - -“My dear fellow,” had calmly replied Lionel, “to stem a chaotic -revolution, after the total collapse of all manufacturers, we had first -of all to think of feeding our hungry populations. Before you lift up -the soul of man, you must feed his body. But at the same time that we -are satisfying the physical need of men and women, we are unconsciously -weaving into a close tissue the contradictory codes of morals of buyers -and sellers. Every producer is a member of our dining-halls, and -benefits directly by the genuineness of the goods he delivers to the -Committee. Is it not a colossal triumph?” - -Danford, who was close by when Lionel had spoken to Sinclair, had -added,— - -“These are the bloodless victories that will enrich our civilisations -with greater happiness than ever the conquests of Cæsar, Napoleon and -Wellington endowed their epochs with glory.” - -“First of all, we aim at feeding all classes, on the principle that -there should not be one food for the rich and another for the poor; but -our ultimate plan is to give self-government to every branch of -business, so as to ensure honest dealing, prompt measures, and -efficiency.” - -“Yes, my lord,” sententiously remarked Dan, “you have to bring strong -proofs to bear on the apathetic minds of Britishers. You must show -them endless examples of your reformatory work before they will follow -you one step. John Bull has not a speculative brain, and will not -listen to any of your dreams; but, on the other hand, there is no -limit to what he can do when once he is convinced of your power of -common-sense.” And Lionel had made up his mind to take his countrymen -as they were. He had consulted his club friends about transforming -clubs into places of general meetings, where anyone, from a Peer of -the realm down to a coal-heaver, would each week meet to suggest any -new plans or denounce any abuse. Our reformer made them see that in -the present condition of Society, clubs had lost the principal charm -of their organisation—exclusiveness. In fact, their _raison d’être_ -had disappeared. The collapse of centralised government, the vanishing -of daily newspapers had deprived these smart haunts of all political -and social interest; and the members saw no objection to lending their -rooms for the use of public meetings. On the contrary, they rather -enjoyed the change, for they longed for agitation, and thought that -any kind of life was preferable than social decomposition. - -At the first meeting, the telephone question was on the _tapis_, at the -second meeting the whole thing was settled, and a service of telephones -was organised in every house. What were dailies, posters, letters, -telegrams compared to the very voice which you knew, and which told you -the very latest news? - -“Ah! my lord,” had again exclaimed Dan, “distance will some day have no -signification whatever, between Continents, when telephone brings the -Yankee twang close to the Cockney burr.” Lionel and Dan had looked at -each other, and for one instant a mist had dimmed the brilliancy of -their eyesight. These two had the public’s welfare truly at heart. - -“One thing is certain, Dan, that our dream will be realised sooner than -we believe. Man will be able to see his fellow-creature, hear his voice -who knows? perhaps he will touch his hand from one hemisphere to -another; but never will man be able to demonstrate scientifically or -ethically the governing right of one class over another, or of one man -over millions.” - -“Your lordship is running too fast. You will bewilder the British public -without persuading it to follow you. Show your fellow-citizens a -materially reformed London before you can interest them in a regenerated -universe. You have already developed their altruism in teaching them to -be their own policemen; you have very nigh persuaded them that honesty -is the best policy in replacing self-interest by fair dealing: you may, -with your system of telephone, bring them to see that veracity is the -only means of communication, now that sensational journalism has -disappeared from our civilisation.” - -One morning, as Lionel was sitting in his library, he looked up at his -father’s portrait, and wondered whether the latter would have approved -of all that was going on in London. Perhaps, had he lived to see this -social metamorphosis father and son would have understood each other at -last. It filled Lionel’s heart with pity to think of the tragic life of -past London. Next day he sent his father’s portrait to the In Memoriam -Museum with a few others, amongst which was his mother’s portrait in -Court dress. He could hardly view this likeness of a past glory without -shuddering, while an aching pain gnawed at his heart as he recalled the -whole bearing of the model who had sat for the picture. In a few days -nearly all the Upper Ten had despatched their family pictures. The In -Memoriam Museum was over-crowded with ancestral effigies; so much so -that Lionel determined to speak to his architect for the purpose of -building, in the suburbs, another Museum. This raised an uproar amongst -the fastidious critics of the Vane and Sinclair type. - -“Where is art going?” - -“What, that glorious Gainsborough picture of your celebrated -grandmother! Is that to be relegated to a country gallery?” said Vane to -the Duchess of Southdown. - -“And that suggestive Lely of your great-great-grand-aunt! Is that to -come down from your wall?” apostrophised Sinclair. - -“Fie, for shame! Where is your family pride?” indignantly echoed Lord -Mowbray, who had sold his last ancestral likeness the year before to a -picture-dealer. - -No doubt there was a small minority of malcontents that failed to see -any good in the efforts of the majority who worked at public reforms. To -men like Montagu Vane, Sinclair, Murray; to women like the Honourable -Mrs Archibald, Lady Carey, this present condition of social pandemonium -was the beginning of the end. A Society in which a lady could be -mistaken for a night rover, and _vice versa_, and in which an omnibus -driver was taken for a member of the peerage, was not tolerable, and it -would inevitably lead to a general rising of the lower classes against -their betters. They argued that point hotly, and there was no persuading -them, or even discussing with them this point, that perhaps there would -be no mistaking a lady for a trull in our reformed world, for this very -reason, that there would be no longer any need for marketable flesh when -all social injustice and inadequacies had been removed. They declared, -it was quite impossible: human nature was human nature all over the -world, and as long as man existed there was to be a hunt for illicit -enjoyment. They even affirmed that the present state of nature would -surely end in licentious chaos, as there was nothing to repress personal -lust now, and that very soon London would surpass Sodom and Gomorrah in -vice and crime. There was nothing to say to that, and Danford advised -Lionel to let them talk all the nonsense they liked. Facts again were to -be brought to bear on the social question, as nothing else could alter -the opinions of the malcontents. Another point which Montagu Vane was -very fond of arguing was the question of cleanliness. According to him, -the great unwashed would more than ever exhibit their filth, to which -the little humourist of past Music Halls replied in his practical -philosophy, that dirt would disappear with the downfall of outward -finery. He analysed thus: vanity was inherent with the human race, -therefore, when the flesh was the only garment man could boast of, he -would keep that spotlessly clean. Vane pooh-poohed all these views; -besides, he did not like philosophy, and he only tolerated buffoons on -the platform. It is true that Vane was an object lesson in daintiness, -and had carried this external virtue to the highest point; in fact, as -Danford said: “No one feels properly scrubbed and groomed when Mr Vane -emerges from his Roman bath exhaling a perfume of roses and myrrh.” - -Montagu Vane was of a small stature, but admirably proportioned; his -hair, now grey, was very fine, and curled closely to his scalp; his walk -had a spring which added suppleness to his limbs. He was a boudoir -Apollo who had grown weary of Olympic games, and of gods and goddesses, -and who had one day daintily tripped down from his pedestal to join the -crowd of modern pigmies. When the storm broke over London, Vane was -close on tearing his curly hair, as he realised that something had to be -done to save his position. For was he not arbiter in all matters of art? -Still, he was not the sort of man to be baffled by a few buckets of -water, and he set to work redecorating his house. Suddenly he bethought -himself of a struggling Italian, who, the previous year, had come to see -whether London Society would take up the art of fresco, of which the -secrets had been handed down to him by ancestors skilled in that -primitive art. Montagu always made a point of helping young artists up -the social ladder; he gave them a lift up the first step, advised them -for the second rung, and invariably said by-by to them until they met at -the top, which they rarely ever did. From that day Paolo Cinecchi worked -at Vane’s walls, and the fantastic arabesques and subjects he designed -on black-painted backgrounds turned out to be a suitable set-off for -groups of Apollos and Venuses. The Upper Ten at once took to this mode -of decoration, and Cinecchi’s name was in every mouth. Montagu was past -master in worldly _savoir-faire_, and as an Amphytrion surpassed every -London hostess by his ability in gathering round his table the idlers -and toilers of smart Society and Bohemianism. He was no philosopher, and -lived artificially, harbouring a profound horror of intensity; it made -him blink. Greek in his tastes, he was thoroughly British in his selfish -isolation. He saw many, mixed in the social and artistic world, but he -merely skimmed people. He was busy with trifles, and utterly devoid of -any sense of humour. His success in Society had principally lain in his -many-sided mediocrity; for mediocrity is always pleasing, but when it is -varied, it is delightful. His views on politics, his impressions on -social problems reminded one of an article out of the _Court Circular -Journal_; whilst his experiences of life had been taught him in the -shaded corners of a Duchess’s drawing-room, or in the smoking-room of a -smart Continental hotel. - -After all, Society was responsible for the creation of this hybrid—the -_dilettante_. The Upper Ten in its hours of _ennui_ had conceived this -strange cross-breed; but in its mischievousness it had taken good care -to endow their offspring with the same impotency that characterises the -product of horse and donkey! Society loved these unfruitful children, it -fondled them, shielded their deficiency from the world’s sneers, and -although it had doomed them to eternal barrenness, still it guarded the -approach to these home-made fetishes, and surrounded them with barriers -with this inscription affixed: “Hands off.” But in the present -emergency, Society showed itself ingrate towards these little mannikins -who had amused it, and it turned away from them, to seek the help of the -Music Hall artists, into whose arms the smart men and women of London -Society threw themselves. - -Thus the majority unconsciously worked at the regeneration of London; -although they would have sneered had anyone told them that they were all -endeavouring to realise the Socialist’s dream—self-government. - -The proroguing of Parliament—for an indefinite period—had removed one -stumbling-block on the road to that goal. Honourable members, Peers of -the Realm, had migrated to their country seats, or retired to private -life in town, awaiting patiently for better times; for they firmly -believed that the country could not prosper without them, and they -absolutely denied that the British lion could ever rest quiet with the -reins of Government loose on his mane. - -Was the Earl of Somerville conscious of his evolution? He was certainly -developing into a seer, although he was in no danger of being carried -away by speculative theories, as long as Danford stood at his elbow, -raising his sarcastic voice whenever my lord was tempted to fly off at a -tangent. When the latter suggested that they should consult the -venerable scientists of Albemarle Street, Danford stopped him very -sharply. “My lord, do not look to the Royal Institute for any -explanation of this phenomenon. They have not yet grasped the cause of -the storm, and remain quite obdurate in their opinions. They cannot -understand what has suddenly occasioned the collapse of every loom in -England; and I know for a fact, that they are actually meditating to -lead back the men and women of the twentieth century to the primitive -usage of the spindle!” - -“Ah! my dear buffoon, let us leave the sages of Albemarle Street to -their Oriental beatitude; they may be useful later on when we have -solved the problem.” - -“Yes, my dear Lord Somerville, for the present look inwardly to find the -solution of some of life’s mysteries. Do the work that lies close to -you, as the parish curates say, and do it promptly. We are in the same -plight as Robinson Crusoe on his island. Keen observation, patience and -indomitable will-power saved the two exiles from sure death; and the -dogmatising of sedentary dry-as-dusts would have been of no avail to -them, as it is of no earthly use to us in this terrible crisis.” - - - - - CHAPTER XII - - -“I am very thirsty, Eva.” Lady Carey had just come in from her drive, -after having much enjoyed, as well as admired, the new system of -be-your-own-policeman. She was not lacking in the power of observation, -and could very well appreciate the rational side of London’s new mode of -life; although she would sooner have perished than owned to anyone her -thoughts on the subject. - -“Let me pour you a cup of tea, mother,” replied Eva, as she went to the -tea table. “I forgot to tell you that Gwen had returned to town. I saw -her this morning at the dining-halls and she struck me as being more -beautiful than ever.” - -“Gwen used to be a very smart girl,” sneeringly remarked Lady Carey, as -she took the cup handed to her. - -“I mean that her expression is more ethereal than ever, mother. She -gives one the impression that a radiant vision has been revealed to -her.” - -“My dear girl—she looked—on Lionel! and he is no mean creature.” Lady -Carey gave vent to her suppressed mirth. “When did they return from -their—what d’ye call it—moral spring cleaning?” - -“Mother, how can you be so irreverent? Do you not think it very sensible -of them to run away from the crowd, and hide their bliss in the -wilderness?” - -“No, I call it decidedly vulgar.” - -“But when you married, did you not send all your social duties to -Jericho? You must have longed for solitude with the man you loved.” - -“Not at all, my dear; there was plenty of time for all that when we went -to Italy after the wedding. Besides, we did not mention these things in -my time; one did what everyone else did, it was neither painful nor -exhilarating, it was the custom, and one thought no more of it. But -there is something clownish in running away anyhow, and Heaven knows -where, as these two have done.” - -“Gwen says they were supremely happy staying with two cottagers.” - -“Labourers! The girl must be demented. I could pass over their evading -the religious ceremony; I am not bigoted, and pride myself on being -large-minded; but when the flower of our aristocracy behave like -shoe-blacks, I do think it is time to cry out. I cannot forgive them -their want of good taste, and am inclined to believe they do it for -effect.” - -“Oh, dear! no, mother. They believe intensely in the reform of Society.” - -“Such strong opinions are unseemly; and it is hardly the thing to take -such a serious step in life, without advising your friends and -acquaintances.” - -“I do not see what Society has to do with private life,” answered Eva, -who was standing at the foot of her mother’s couch. - -“My dear child, it is downright anarchism! Where is the moral restraint -that keeps us all in order! We may frown at dull, old Mrs Grundy; but no -well-organised Society can very well do without her, after all.” - -“Oh! Mrs Grundy died from the shock of seeing herself in nature’s garb. -She was only a soured old schoolmistress, who each morning glanced at -the columns of her _Court Journal_ with suspicious eyes. She ran down -the names of births, marriages and deaths, chuckling inwardly at the -comforting feeling that all her social infants were well under her -thumb, and that none had escaped her lynx eye.” - -“I hear a ring at the bell,” suddenly interrupted Lady Carey. - -“Do you expect anyone, mother dear?” - -“Not anyone, dear child. But it is Thursday, and that used to be my day -at home.” The dainty woman sighed heavily. - -“I think I hear Lionel’s voice in the hall.” Eva turned towards the door -as it was opened to let in Lady Somerville and her husband. - -“I am glad to see you, Gwen”—Lady Carey rose to kiss the Countess. -“Well, Lionel,” as she resumed her seat on the couch, “I am ashamed of -you. What on earth possessed you to carry her off in that wild fashion? -You know, my dear boy, a good many centuries have passed since Adam and -Eve, and I have no doubt that the Almighty Himself would consider their -conduct improper.” - -“You are the same as ever, Lady Carey, as lighthearted as of yore.” - -“You surely did not expect me to change my views, did you, dear Lionel? -You are too funny for words! But I suppose that is your privilege. You -always do whatever you like and are accepted wholesale by the rest of -the world. Luckily nothing can alter the fact that you are a gentleman.” - -“Oh! for goodness’ sake strike out that word from your vocabulary!” -hotly exclaimed Lionel. “It means absolutely nothing but impunity to do -every disgraceful action under the sun.” - -“I beg your pardon, my dear Lionel, the word means everything. A bad -action committed by a gentleman is very different from one committed by -a plebeian; the first knows what he is about, and whatever he does, he -never forgets that he is born a gentleman.” - -“The more shame to him for not behaving like one,” muttered Lionel. - -“Oh! dear boy, you are too radical, indeed. Well, tell me, had you many -sins to confess? Had Gwen a heap of peccadilloes on her conscience?” - -Lionel smiled, but remained silent. - -“Oh! oh! are they so appalling that my matronly ear cannot hear them? -Fie on you both!” and Lady Carey looked very arch. - -“These are mysteries that we have tried to solve alone.” - -“Where has your sense of humour gone to, my poor fellow? But, never -mind, forgive my importunate questions; you don’t know how ghastly dull -life has become. Everything is so uniform, the days so long, the -amusements so scarce; and what dreadful plays your new stage Society is -producing! Oh! my dear boy, it is too awful. Still, one must go to them, -or else we should all be left out in the cold, and Society would crumble -away.” - -“And you really believe that Society does exist?” sententiously -questioned Danford, as he entered the room and bowed to the hostess. -“There is nothing so pernicious as delusions, Lady Carey; Society is a -huge spectrum reflecting all sorts of coloured shapes, which appear to -each one perfect in _contour_. No one ever thinks of striking the lens, -because they each of them have seen their own likeness reflected in it, -and believe in its reality. But the reality is only the semblance of -reality; strike the lens, and the likeness will suddenly appear out of -proportion; and when broken to atoms, the whole phantasmagoria will -vanish, leaving the real substance untouched. You have lived under the -delusion that the social phantom was substantial; you must admit now -that it was a deity created by man.” - -“It would not exist any longer were we to give up playing our part in -the tournament; but there is still life in the old British lion, Mr -Danford. Do take a cup of tea.” - -“A Society in which members do not know each other, even by sight, has -not many chances of leading the game.” - -“Don’t you find, Mr Danford, that we are making progress in what you -call the science of observation?” inquired Lady Carey. - -“It is difficult to tell, Lady Carey. I do not find that we always deal -with conscientious pupils. Observation can be developed in time; but it -is the lack of memory that is so disastrous. Mrs Webster, for instance, -cannot remember more than half-a-dozen faces.” - -“Dear me, my dear guide, I do not wish to remember more than that number -at present.” - -“Ah! but Mrs Webster is not exclusive, and she had to give up having a -reception the other day, because her guide had sprained his ankle. Mind -you, Mrs Webster is sincere, she wishes to improve in the art; but other -pupils are more puzzling, as, for instance, the vain people, who make -hopeless blunders, and insist on telling you they know quite well who’s -who, but they are having you on; this makes our work most trying.” - -No sooner had Danford spoken these words, than the door was thrown open, -and Montagu Vane and Sinclair entered. Lady Carey smiled on them and -offered her right hand to be kissed. - -“How delightful it is to know that there are a few—alas! a very -few—_salons_ where one can go and have a chat.” - -The little Apollo tripped across the room to greet Gwen and Lionel. - -“My dear Mr Vane, I am afraid I am the only one here who can sympathise -with you.” - -“If we do not strongly oppose this vulgarising view of life, art will -totally disappear from our social circles,” remarked Sinclair, as he sat -down on a small settee beside Eva. - -“Yes,” echoed Vane, “I am doing my level best to devise some means of -checking this downfall of art. I suggested to Lord Mowbray this morning -that we should invent a sort of artificial vestment. This is my plan. -Each one would carry round his neck, wrist or waist, a small electric -battery, which would throw a lovely colour all over one’s body, which -would at least adorn, if it could not conceal it.” - -“What a strange thing that we should, in a London drawing-room, openly -discuss this question of nudity, when a few weeks ago no respectable -person would have admitted the existence of shirt or trousers,” -laughingly remarked Lady Carey. - -“Ah! that was the British cant!” retorted Lionel. “Let us hail the storm -which knocked that false modesty out of us all.” - -“My dear Lady Carey,” resumed Vane, “it is not a question of decency at -present, but a matter of artistic feeling. I should propose organising -the thing in this way: Dukes would have a red colour thrown over their -lordly forms; Earls and Barons a blue shade; Baronets, yellow; commoners -would have no colour, but the members of the Royal Family would have red -and yellow stripes. Ladies would naturally have their shades too, -according to their rank: Duchesses, pink; Countesses, pale green; and so -on. This is a rough sketch of course.” - -“I quite see what you mean, Mr Vane,” remarked Danford; a sort of mirage -peerage. - -Montagu Vane glanced up at the remark, and curtly replied, “It would at -all events acquaint the public with the social standing of the person -whom he elbowed in the street, and differentiate a peer of the realm -from a—social guide.” - -“Or a—_dilettante_,” mischievously added Danford. - -“I should have thought that what was more important than finding out in -what way one man was differentiated from another, was to discover the -points in which they were alike,” said Lionel. “You are catching at a -straw, my dear Montagu; your system is shallow, and you will never -persuade the Upper Ten of its practicableness. For my part, I plainly -refuse to envelop my carcass with a Loie Fuller’s sidelight.” - -“Your decision is law amongst your peers, my lord,” and Danford bowed. - -“We had better start a Society for the obtaining of accurately reported -news. Newspapers have disappeared, and with them the necessity has died -out for falsifying the truth,” said Lionel. - -“I do protest,” interrupted Sinclair, “against plain facts being handed -to me by unimaginative people who pass on an ungarnished piece of news -without as much as adding one poor little adjective. It is too brutally -literal.” - -“It all comes, as I was saying,” apologetically remarked Vane, “from a -complete lack of artistic feeling.” - -“There you are right,” hurriedly said Lionel; “for Parliament is broken -up from the lack of dramatic power in its members, and militarism will -inevitably die out with the disappearance of military distinctions.” - -“And dramatic art is buried since the study of local colour and -environment has been abandoned,” sharply added Vane. - -“Yes,” sadly echoed Lady Carey, “imagination has been insulted by some -terrible creature called Nature.” - -“Dear Lady Carey,” suavely murmured the little _dilettante_, “we can -thank God that we have still a few _salons_—though, alas! a very -few—where we can bask in the sunshine of gossip.” Then turning to -Lionel, “But do not let me deter you from your plan; and pray telephone -to me whenever you want my house for your new Society. I consider it a -duty to keep _en evidence_; if we cannot prevent your reforms, we can at -least patronise them, for when Society ceases to lead, it will -disappear.” - -“You are speaking words of the greatest wisdom, Mr Vane,” said Danford, -“words which make me think deeply. You could indeed do a great deal for -the sake of Society, by urging upon members of the Royal Family that it -is in their power to prevent the annihilation of their house.” - -“In what way can I do this?” Vane turned towards the little artist; in -an instant he seemed to have forgotten his grievance against the tribe -of buffoons. - -“Well, Mr Vane, the illness of Mrs Webster’s guide made me ponder these -grave questions, and I discussed the point with the Committee of Social -Guides. We all know what a gift Royal Princes possess for remembering -faces; therefore we have come to the conclusion that such a talent -should not be wasted. Someone must discreetly approach our Royal -Highnesses, and beg of them to allow their names to be added to the list -of social guides. You will no doubt agree with me that this is the only -way in which our Royal Family can be made useful, for since the storm, -nothing has been heard of them, and no one seems to know what they are -up to.” - -“The suggestion is not a bad one, Mr Danford,” slowly answered Vane. “We -all know how eager our Princes are to meet every wish of their -subjects.” - -“Yes, this is indeed true,” added Lady Carey, “and Society might then -recover some of its prestige.” - -“I do not know whether these illustrious guides will have any sidelights -to throw on life’s problems, or any philosophical _aperçu_ on human -beings; but those who will employ them will be sure, at any rate, of an -infallible guide to the finding of a person’s identity, and of an -accurate knowledge of the Peerage which would put a Debrett to shame. -Although I myself believe that since the disappearance of garments, the -public has become eager to know that which lies concealed within the -inner heart of men and women.” - -“This idea of Royal Guides is sure to take like wild-fire amongst the -American millionaires,” broke in Lionel. - -“_There_ you are right,” briskly retorted Vane, “but that reminds me -that we have not seen anything of the fashionable Yankees.” - -“I can tell you about them, Mr Vane,” mysteriously answered the little -buffoon. “They are meditating; and although you do not notice their -presence, still they are at large; but the _mot d’ordre_ has been given -to all the guides never to disclose the identity of the United States’ -citizens until they give us leave.” - -“How lonely it must be for them to remain in that isolation,” remarked -Lady Carey. - -“Not a bit of it,” replied Lionel; “they are quite able to entertain -each other. It is we who are the losers, not they, for the invasion of -American heiresses upon our Piccadilly shores has vivified our rotten -old Society. Lord Petersham used to remark that our girls looked like -drowned mermaids at the end of the season, whilst an American maiden was -as fresh at Goodwood as she had been at the Private View.” - -“Quite true,” said Sinclair, “the American girl is cute, not _blasé_.” - -“Yes,” broke in Lady Carey, “she came over here to have a good time and -carried that creed up to the last.” - -“They invariably aim straight and high,” continued Lionel, “and the -Americans will be the first to attach Royal Guides to their households.” - -“I wonder which of our Royal Princes Mrs Pottinger will choose?” said -Lady Carey, bursting out laughing. “I cannot help roaring when I think -of the vulgar woman entertaining us all in her palace. There she was on -deck, full sail and long-winded; for hours she would hold forth on -English politics, Christian science, European hotels, with that -rhythmical monotony so peculiar to her race.” - -“That is just why they will carry the day, if you do not look out,” -wistfully remarked Danford; “their memory is always ready to help their -fluency.” - -“The conversation of an American,” said Sinclair, “resembles a sermon -without a text, an address minus the vote of thanks.” - -“You know what she called London Society?” inquired Lord Somerville. -“She named it her buck-jumper; but she was bent on mastering it, -although it kicked and reared as she forced her gilded spurs into its -flanks. At times the incongruity of the buck-jumper fairly puzzled her. -One thing she could not swallow, that was Society’s meanness. You know -what she said to the Duke of Salttown? ‘That England was the country for -cheap kindness and expensive frauds.’” - -“Ha! ha! ha!” they all laughed. - -“Wonderful race!” exclaimed Sinclair, “whether it is the President of -the United States, a cowboy, or a fashionable woman, they are all gifted -with that intuition which divines ‘friend’ or ‘foe’ in each face they -meet; just as the red Indian measures distance with his far-seeing eye, -and discovers a white spot on the horizon which is likely to develop -into a blizzard. In everything they undertake, they first see the aim, -go for it, win it, and sit down afterwards without a flush or a puff.” - -“Perhaps America is destined to shape our future civilisation,” said -Lady Carey; “I am sure I do not care who is to be our saviour, as long -as we are saved from this anarchy.” - -“My dear Lady Carey,” replied Lord Somerville, as he walked to the -chimney and leaned his elbow on the marble mantelpiece, “we shall have -to coin another word for the future Society that is staring us in the -face, for the old word civilisation has a nasty flavour about it. At -times we have worn war-paint and feathers; at others, charms round our -necks, crosses on our hearts, decorations on our breasts; but the -cruelty of the savage was no more execrable than the dogmatic ferocity -of Torquemada, nor in any way more inhuman than the ruthlessness of -George I. Nor was Queen Eleanor’s kerchief more indicative of mediæval -depravity than Queen Elizabeth’s frill an emblem of Renaissance levity. -Each of these historical eras was but a different stage of barbarism. We -had more ornaments than Hottentots, and less principles than monkeys. As -long as we have two different creeds, half-a-dozen codes of honour, and -hundreds of punctilios, we shall never be civilised. Instead of adding -more labels to human beings, we must, first of all, find out what a -human being is. We are taught virtue in the nursery, but we are -compelled to commit crimes when out of it. The morning prayer says one -thing, and life as we make it teaches another. Step by step we are -trained to family deceit, political Pharisaism, commercial fraud, -diplomatic mendacity, art quackery; and all that in the name of a -Redeemer who lashed the vendors out of the temple, and died for the love -of truth and peace.” - -“Someone said that it needed three generations to make a gentleman,” -murmured Vane in his silvery voice. - -“No doubt the dogmatist who said that must have thought of Poole and La -Ferriere as the modern Debretts; for our present aristocracy is nothing -more than a nobility of vestments. Generation after generation has -handed down to us the art of carrying the soldier’s sword, the judge’s -robes, the Court train, or of bearing a proud head under the Prince of -Wales’s nodding plumes. It is the atavism of garment which has made us -what we are. But in the race of life; in the fight for the post of -honour; in the hour of darkness and sorrow, when failure brings down the -curtain on our lives, clothes will be of no help. The noble sweep of a -satin train, the long-inherited art of bowing oneself out of a room, -will be of little service in the final bowing out into eternity. Your -grandmother’s corselet or your great-grandfather’s rapier and jerkin -will lie idly on the ground, for we are not allowed any luggage on the -other side. The real fact is that the whole social structure was a big -farce.” - -“A farce more likely to turn into a tragedy,” saucily retorted Vane. -“See how matters are going on in South Africa; or at least see what is -_not_ going on; for by this time we must be the laughing-stock of a -handful of farmers. War is bound to cease, and we shall have to retreat -ignominiously, as we cannot send any more men out there, owing to the -confusion at the War Office. It appears they cannot distinguish our -valiant officers from the men.” - -“Ah! This is the first blow struck at the principle of warfare,” replied -Lionel. “When you think of it in cold blood, it is quite impossible to -admit of war. Try and boycott your neighbour, persuade him into giving -up his will to yours; order his meals, eat three parts of them yourself, -invade his house, break his furniture; and if he in any way objects, -then use the convincing arguments of artillery and bayonets. After that, -you will see how it works.” - -“Yes, the history of nations is nothing else but a series of thefts, -murders and duplicity; and were any of our personal friends to commit a -quarter of what sovereigns and governments commit in one day’s work, we -should promptly strike their names off our visiting list,” said -Gwendolen. Perhaps this remark struck home, for no one replied. Vane got -up briskly on to his feet, and bowed daintily over Lady Carey’s hand. - -“Ta-ta, Mr Danford,” he nodded to the little mimic, and left the room. - -“I shall walk a little way with you, Lionel,” said Sinclair, who had got -up to say good-bye to his hostess. - -“Come along with us,” replied Lionel. “Good-bye, dear Lady Carey. I am -going to ring up old Victor de Laumel by telephone, and ask him what -they think of us in ‘_la ville lumière_.’” - -“My dear boy,” said Lady Carey, “you may be sure of this, that the smart -Parisians would have found a way out of this difficulty before now. But -at any rate, they never would have taken it _au serieux_, as you are -doing; for they are too punctilious on the question of good taste, and -more than anything fear ridicule!” - - - - - CHAPTER XIII - - -A few days after this animated discussion at Lady Carey’s, there were to -be seen dashing along Pall Mall numerous chariots which halted at the -ex-Walton Club, where also fair ladies were alighting from their wheeled -couches (these had been designed by Sinclair at Lionel’s suggestion). -There were also public conveyances of a practical and artistic shape, -made to accommodate several passengers in a comfortable posture. The -fastidious designer could not conceal his satisfaction at the -disappearance of advertisements, which formerly had distracted his -æsthetic mind, and roused his indignation at the public’s gullibility. -The Walton was filling fast. Everyone interested in the future of art -was there, as Lord Somerville had promised to give an address on the -Royal Academy; and the telephones had been kept going by friends and -acquaintances of his, inviting their friends to attend the meeting. - -Who was that throwing the reins to his groom and jumping out of his -chariot? A familiar face. Of course, it was H.R.H. the Duke of Schaum, -so well known to every shoe-black. He had been the very first Royal -Prince to apply to the Committee of Social Guides and was now the mentor -of Mrs Webster. It was only natural that the eldest of the Princes -should make the first move, for rulers still they were, if only in name -and amongst themselves. The other members of the august family had -rushed zealously into the arena, and they were all enjoying the work. -Here was Montagu Vane walking up the steps and entering through the -swing doors at the same time as H.R.H. the Duke of Schaum who -occasionally, when Mrs Webster gave him time to breathe, instructed the -_dilettante_ in the art of knowing who was who. Vane had not yet adopted -a chariot; when he was not going far from home he walked, on other -occasions he would ask his friend Mowbray to give him a lift; for Lord -Mowbray had greatly improved in the handling of the ribbons. He had -lately attached to his service a young member of the Royal Family, for -he could endure no one lower than a scion of royalty as his constant -companion through life! Lord Petersham, his hand on old Watson’s -shoulder, was slowly mounting the steps. Watson had lost his insular -swagger, while his lordly companion was daily forgetting his love of -party politics as he learnt more of humanity. Since they were no more -beholden to each other for liberal cheques, and introductions into -Society, the two men understood each other better. On their heels rushed -Tom Hornsby; he was here, there and everywhere, witty Tom; raillery was -still his weapon, but he appeared very old-fashioned to his -contemporaries, whilst his satirical outbursts seemed now more -antiquated than the _Tatler_ or _Spectator_ of Georgian civilisation. -There, with his nonchalant demeanour, came along George Murray, who had, -a few days previously, begged his publishers to destroy his last MS., as -he wished to observe the turn of events before bringing out his next -novel. - -The hall was full, but not over-crowded. The Parliamentarians and many -of the members in the Upper House still kept away in the country, where, -unconsciously, they did some good work in the resuscitation of rural -life. It was remarkable what the so-called leading classes could do now -that the greatest incentive to snobbery had been torn from their backs. -But Danford had always prophesied as much to his pupil. - -Groups were forming in the spacious hall; in one corner were Mrs -Archibald, Lady Carey and Montagu Vane; whilst in one of the large bow -windows overlooking the garden was Hornsby, feverishly expounding some -State paradox to Lord Mowbray and a few more ex-club men. Men came in, -bowed to each other—even when they did not recognise each other—for -politeness and courtesy had been found to be the best policy; women lay -down on large couches carved in the walls, talking gaily to one another, -without any superciliousness. Simplicity and graciousness was the order -of the day. Many said that they could not do otherwise than be natural: -“It is by force that we are simple, not by taste.” But never mind what -caused this transformation, the point at least was gained: very often -the scoffer who hurls a stone at a new edifice, in course of time sees -his very weapon help to build that which he intended to destroy. That is -the irony of Fate. - -“You will never convince me that this kind of democracy can last,” said -Mrs Archibald to Danford, as the latter accompanied Lionel. “I think it -is most _infra dig._ of our Royal Family to forget who they are and to -lose the little bit of prestige which they possessed. The lowest urchin -in the street looked up to our Royalty. Do you believe anything good can -come of their vulgarising themselves as they do?” - -“It was quite natural that the lower classes should have looked up to -their rulers,” replied Dan, “for they had, for centuries, told them to -do so. As you know, madam, the power of gross credulity is great in the -British nation, therefore they will only believe you to be their equals -when you repeatedly tell it to them.” - -“I always thought, Mr Danford”—Vane’s voice was pitched unusually -high—“that you were cut out for a missionary, and possessed the -necessary gifts to set right all social wrongs.” - -“My dear Mr Vane,” replied the buffoon, “there often is a gospel wrapped -up in a howling joke. My long experience at the Tivoli and other Music -Halls taught me my Catechism more exhaustively than my early attendance -at Sunday Schools.” - -“Somerville is mounting the platform,” remarked George Murray to a group -of Royal Academicians Silence soon reigned, enabling the clear, ringing -voice of the lecturer to be heard. - -“Ladies and gentlemen, I have a new plan to submit to you.” (“Hear! -hear!”) “A plan which suggested itself to me after my first visit, this -season, to the Royal Academy. I was struck by the attitude of the -public, and noticed group after group passing scornfully in front of -portraits, historical subjects, and war pictures. In fact, very few were -the pictures that attracted any attention at all. Then I observed that -landscapes aroused a good deal of attention on the part of the -dissatisfied crowds, and that pictures representing the human form in -its Edenic attire were the object of their closest observation. I was -filled with wonderment at the evolution of a public who the preceding -year had rushed to gaze at pictures by Sargent, Orchardson, Collier, -Alma Tadema, and the rest. As I strolled through the rooms I saw many a -woman blushing as she came in front of a portrait of an over-dressed -woman; men with downcast eyes hurried away from the pictures of our -so-called great men in their military uniforms or in any other garments. -My first determination on leaving the place was to have my portrait -removed; and, strange to say, the committee did not in any way oppose my -wish, as many had thought fit, like me, to have their likenesses taken -away. This is a great sign of the present evolution towards true art. I -do not for one moment expect our artists—who have already made their -names—to approve at once of my reform; but in time they may come to see -their past errors, as already one step towards the reform of art has -been taken by closing the doors of the Royal Academy.” (Here there were -murmurs amongst the minority of malcontents.) “Yes, I heard this very -morning that this would be the last day of the exhibition; the President -having resolved to take this ominous resolution to punish the public, -and teach them a lesson. We must, all of us, bear this well in mind: -that art cannot any longer, in our new mode of life, be the means of -obtaining wealth or position, and that nature is the sole guide and -model which is to lead the artist to artistic eminence. As to painting -garments from memory, the mere notion of such a sartorial nightmare -ought to make the true artist shudder with horror. I therefore propose -that a committee should be organised, similar to the one appointed for -the reform of public monuments, to judge of the pictures which, in -future, shall be sent to the Academy. The name of the artist would only -be submitted to the committee after the picture had been accepted or -rejected. The name of the person who had sat for the portrait would -equally remain unknown, until the majority of the members on the -committee should have recognised whom it was. The subject of an -historical picture would likewise remain unrevealed, until the majority -of members had been able to guess the subject when they looked at the -picture—I see a few R.A.’s at the end of the hall, laughing and -whispering. I quite understand their mirth, for they are looking forward -to mystifying the committee, whose members are often sadly lacking in -historical knowledge. I can only advise those gentlemen at the end of -the hall to develop a keener sense of discrimination in the choice of -their subjects, before they attempt to represent on wood, or copper—for -there is no canvas—an historical incident, without the aid of local -colour or garments. Our stage was reformed the day that Nature held up -her mirror and showed man as God had made him; fiction said her last -word when the high pressure of our abnormal civilisation suddenly -collapsed, and allowed man and woman to look into each other’s eyes, and -for the first time realise the abnormal condition of their former lives. -The same evolution awaits plastic art and the painter’s avocation, for -if a committee cannot tell, by looking at a picture, what the subject -is, they will have to retire so as to learn how to observe and how to -remember. Likewise, if an artist is unable to paint his subject without -the trapping of garment, the sooner such an exponent of art takes to -some other means of expressing his thoughts, the better. The aim of art, -in our present civilisation, is to be useful, either in the material or -the abstract world; and to be useful one must be clear and true—I hear -someone saying that I am limiting art most shamefully; I think it is Mr -Vane. No, I beg his pardon, truth and lucidity do not limit art. Had Mr -Vane said that my new plan would limit the number of artists he would no -doubt have been nearer the truth. We need only a very few artists, just -as we need very few writers, and you will soon see that vanishing of -clothes and upholstery will reduce their number. Now, I want to propose -that a branch should be added to this committee, whose work should be to -judge the past works hanging in our numerous galleries, more especially -those of our English artists who have won fame. Let us take as one -example out of thousands, ‘The Huguenots’ by Millais. Have a perfect -copy drawn of it, without the clothes which cover the figures, and let -this picture be shown to a committee of historians unacquainted with the -picture, and ask them to tell you what is ailing these three souls at -war with each other. I defy the committee to tell you. The incidental -feud which tortures these three souls is merely anecdotal, and not an -eternally human conflict. How few of our standard works would be -comprehended without the external label which makes the subject -intelligible. But those few, who would escape the public’s condemnation, -would be sufficient to stimulate our young artists who are penetrated -with a true and disinterested love of art. As to the rest who cannot -learn the lesson taught them by nature, let them put their cerebral -energy to other uses, either industrial or scientific. We are going fast -towards the time, when, as Prudhon said, ‘The artist must at last be -convinced of this, that there is no difference between an artistic -creation and an industrial invention.’ - -“Instead of limiting art by subjecting its productions to truth and -lucidity, I believe that we shall give a more powerful impetus to -artistic expression. Our new mode of life will inevitably create in us -new sentiments, and more simple morals, even new sensations, which will -inevitably develop in us new modes of expressions; so that a greater -display of facial expressions will forcibly be followed by a richer -scale of artistic execution. Besides which, we cannot take all the -credit to ourselves in this reform of art; the public has given us a -lesson by scorning the false manifestations of art, which inadequately -represent his present condition. We cannot stop the reform, for the -current is too strong and we must go with it.” (Cheers and applause.) “I -believe Mr Sinclair has a few words to say to you, for which he has this -morning begged me to ask your indulgence, though I feel sure he does not -in any way need it.” - -Lionel left the platform, shook hands with several men who had gathered -round him, and joined the group which included Lady Carey and Mrs -Archibald. - -Sinclair took the position vacated by Lionel, and leaning indolently -against the table spoke as in a reverie:— - -“I have come to tell you, ladies and gentlemen, of the death of the art -critic.” Every head turned towards him; one could have heard a pin drop. -Sinclair seemed to wake suddenly from his meditation at the sound of his -own voice, and began earnestly to address his audience. “I hope you will -take it well from me, for you know how wedded I was to my profession. -But if I have come here this day to tell you of the total decomposition -of the critic, it is only after having maturely reflected over, and -analysed my past career. The eclipse of journalism, the judicious -weeding of publishers’ lists, have worked a transformation in our -conception of art, be it plastic, dramatic or lyric, and we are now -asking ourselves what caused the feverish infatuation for one particular -author, painter or musician? But we find it next to impossible to -answer. Real talent certainly was not sufficient to force the market, -nor did the eulogies of critics help to boom a work which was -distasteful to the public. On the other hand, no anathema showered at -the head of a despised author ever stopped the sale of his inferior -work.” (Laughter—many heads looked round the hall to see if the -much-abused author was there.) “The critic did not guide the artist, nor -did he teach the public what it had to admire or condemn. The public was -a hydra with many heads and many judgments; from the _Letters of -Elizabeth_ to Herbert Spencer’s _Ethics_, it devoured all, for its -appetite was varied though at times unhealthy. I am sorry to say that -the only achievement of the critic was to make the public believe he was -leading it. It was indeed very clever of him to convince the hydra of -his own importance, and as long as it lasted it was well and good; but -the reign of the critic was ephemeral, for at every corner the public is -having its revenge now. The masses disdainfully pass in front of -pictures we extolled, hiss the plays we boomed, and roar at the music we -admired. We coaxed the public, and conciliated the fashionable centres -of Society so as to solidify our position and fill our purses; we -blinded the many-headed hydra, stuffed cottonwool in its ears, and -anæsthetised its power of appreciation into believing that we were -indispensable to the development of art. The irony of it is, that it is -that very public which is giving us a colossal lesson. Changed -surroundings have altered the standard of art; and the hydra is giving -us tit for tat. We have nothing else to do but to retire cheerfully. My -dear friends, I come to you to cry, _Peccavi_, and to beg for your -forgiveness for past errors of judgment. We have no need to dog the -artist’s footsteps when there exists no longer any stimulus to inferior -work, and when the reign of saleable art is over. The era of the -artist-his-own-critic is at hand. Let the artist fight his battle with -the hydra; best of all, leave the artist to fight his own battle with -his own conscience, for the latter will prompt him to do only that which -is necessary for the happiness of himself and others.” - -“What about Sargent?” broke in the clarion voice of Hornsby, who was -standing at the end of the hall, close to the President of the Academy. - -“Ah! _mea culpa_,” solemnly uttered Sinclair, “when you come to Sargent, -you touch the depth of artificiality—if such a thing can be said. But -our past Society was the age of tragic frivolity, and Sargent was the -Homer of that modish _Odyssey_. He illustrated the law of natural -selection by making garments the main feature in his portraits. Under -his brush the inner souls of his models withered away, while artificial -surroundings and vestments emphasised in his pictures a condition of -spurious passions and morbid excitability. Run through, mentally, the -gallery of Sargent’s portraits, and you will see their anatomy wither -under the robe of Nessus. He endowed flounces, feathers and ribands with -Medusa-like ferocity; and the Laocoon is not more fatally begirded, nor -are his limbs more piteously crushed by snakes, than are these frail -women’s hearts muffled and hidden by clouds of lace and chiffon. Do you -remember that youth whom he immortalised a few years ago? That heir to -great properties on whose fatuous brow was stamped the mark of the -symbol of militarism? That diagonal mark of white skin on a sunburnt -forehead is a painted satire. Kipling gave us a high-flavoured -_philippic_ on Tommy Atkins; to Sargent was entrusted the mission of -immortalising the Tommy of the upper classes. Like a faithful -chronicler, Sargent intended to hand down to posterity the biography of -Society as he saw it—that is to say—the living product of artificial -environment. Hogarth was a dramatic historian of the unbridled passions -of a brutal Society. Disrobe the figures of the _Mariage à la Mode_, or -of the _Rake’s Progress_, and I believe the committee, which my friend -Lord Somerville wishes to appoint to judge our past works of art, will -easily be able to guess at a glance what tragedy is breaking the hearts -of these ungentle personages. Sargent is the satirist of a clothed -Society. His models would exist no longer were you to divest them of -their meretricious furbelows; for their garments are the parts which -help to form the aggregate of their psychology, and without their frills -and trimmings, they would merely be marionettes stuffed with sawdust and -held together with screws.” (Murmurs from several groups. The President -of the Academy leaves the hall.) “The end of Society was nigh, when it -could only boast of a School of Athens in which a Socrates was a tailor, -Aspasia a Court dressmaker, and Diogenes an upholsterer. Plato and -Aristotle’s philosophy did not more potently influence the world of -thought of their epoch, than did the unappealable decretals of a Paquin, -and the arbitrary ukase of a Poole.” The small minority of malcontents -were endeavouring to stop the lecturer, whose clear voice managed to -drown the hisses and the groans. He silenced them all. “We must have the -courage to face this, for since the late cataclysm, we have been -suddenly placed on a platform from which we are able to clearly view our -past civilisation; and we can see that formerly we had no sense of -objectivity, and that what we erroneously termed the modern world was -but the heaping together of complexities and incongruities. Do you -remember that perfect short story by Balzac, _The Unknown Masterpiece_? -It is the story of an artist who jealously hides the picture he is -painting from any intruding eye. He alone enters his sanctum, and there -for hours he works at this great work. One day, some profane creature -enters the studio, irreverently lifts the curtain which covers the -canvas, and sees—nothing. Blurrs, daubs, uncertain design, in fact, -confusion is all he can detect. This is what we have been doing for -centuries; we daubed and smudged our social work for want of a proper -perspective; we created a huge monstrosity just as this artist produced -an incomprehensible picture, because he, and we, could not judge our -production from the standpoint of another. I have digressed from my -subject, and wandered far away from what was the purpose of this -address. Let me conclude by telling you that the miserable efforts of -the critic are futile in the new era of—art for art’s sake.” - -Sinclair, on his way across the hall, was dazed by the thunderous -applause which greeted him on his passage. The group of A.R.A.’s had -left the hall, no doubt to ponder these weighty questions in solitude, -and with the exception of Vane, Mowbray, Mrs Archibald and their small -group, the whole audience was acquiescent. - -“I never would have believed it of you, old man,” sneered Vane. “What is -to become of us, when men like you, who kept the public taste in check, -give up the game?” - -“My dear Montagu, that is just what we did not do. We played -hide-and-seek with the many-headed hydra, and it has collared us now, -and our game is up. On the day when you see the triviality of our past, -as I do, you will act as I act, and you will say what I have said.” - -“My dear fellow”—Vane shook his head wisely—“_that_ is quite impossible -unless I become a Goth. I am one of those who never alter; but, the day -you recognise your folly, you will find me the same as ever, ready to -welcome you as our critic in all matters of art.” And he passed on. - -“Ever the same, incorrigible; I dare not think what his end will be.” -And Sinclair turned his steps towards the window where Eva and Gwen were -sitting. - -“I always told you, darling Eva, that Sinclair would be brought -unconsciously to understand the right purport of life on the day when he -realised the true meaning of art.” Gwen pressed Eva’s hand. “Sinclair -the fastidious, the cynic, is no more, and the man whom you honoured -with your love and trust is coming to claim you.” Eva laid her head on -her friend’s shoulder, as she watched Sinclair, who was coming towards -them. - -“Mr Danford,” said Lady Carey, who was reclining in another window, “you -have just arrived in time. Do tell us who that is going on to the -platform? I am so short-sighted.” - -The little satirist briskly turned on his heels and looked at the -thick-set, purple-faced man who was besieging the platform. - -“Why, that is ex-General Wellingford!” - -“What, the man who bungled so disastrously the early part of our African -campaign?” inquired Lady Carey. - -“The very same, madam,” answered Danford. - -“I am off,” suddenly exclaimed Lionel. “The old fellow does not interest -me in the least. Besides, there is nothing more to be said about the -African campaign since our troops have had to return from South Africa, -leaving the country and the people to themselves. _Au revoir_, Lady -Carey. Are you staying, Mowbray?” - -“I think it is our duty as loyal subjects to listen to what the head of -our army has to say,” stiffly replied Lord Mowbray. - -“Come along then, Dan.” The two men left the window, and passed through -the crowd who were loudly discussing the subject of art reform. As they -came to the next bow window, Lionel saw Gwen and Eva engrossed in a -lively conversation with Sinclair. Lionel stopped, and laying his hand -on Danford’s arm said, “I shall not disturb them. When a man has found -one of the rings that form the chain of life, he must be left to rivet -it without any interference.” - -They passed into the vestibule. - -“What is to be done with the War Office?” the rough voice of the -ex-general suddenly hushed the buzzing _causerie_; and these portentous -words reached the ears of Lionel and Danford as they swung the doors -open, and passed out. - -“Ha! ha! ha!” Danford held his sides, convulsed with laughter. “Even the -ex-hero of civilised warfare is puzzled at what is to be done with his -obsolete bag of tricks!” - -“Poor Mowbray will lose another illusion,” remarked Lionel, and the two -men walked up toward St James’s Park. - - - - - CHAPTER XIV - - -“I shall do your hair for you, mother dear,” said Eva one morning. They -were both in Lady Carey’s dressing-room, as it was the time when the -maid was rung for to attend to her mistress’s coiffure. - -“A very good idea, Eva. I must say I never feel quite at my ease with -Elise, and I ring for her as seldom as I can now. It does seem so funny -to give orders to a person who stands just as naked as you are.” - -“Oh! I am so glad! I have been longing to arrange your lovely hair in my -own way,” and Eva clapped her hands with joy. - -“You are very brusque, Eva—here are the hairpins, and the brush is in -that drawer.” - -Eva held the mass of auburn hair in her fingers, and softly brushed it -off the delicate temples of her mother. - -“I am afraid, dear child, you have lost a great deal of your ladylike -grace since you have been a regular attendant at these public -tournaments. You associate with such a queer lot there; I am sure it -must be fatal to good manners.” - -In a few seconds Eva had wound the rich coils of hair into a Grecian -knot on the shapely head of her mother. - -“You look a perfect dear, mother; so like the Medici Venus—you don’t -know how perfectly lovely you are.” The girl kissed Lady Carey and sat -at her feet. - -“My poor child, I do not know what is to become of us all.” - -“You need not be anxious, mother”—Eva leaned her graceful head on her -mother’s lap. “It is useless to try to stem the tide; nothing that you -can ever do will prevent what has to be.” - -“What do you aim at, child?” asked Lady Carey, as she tidied her combs -and brushes. - -“Nothing, mother—but—I often crave for freedom.” - -“Is there anything you want to say, Eva?” Lady Carey laid her hand on -the girl’s hair. “I have heard and seen such strange things lately, that -I might just as well know all.” - -“Oh! darling mother, I could not bear to do anything which you would -consider underhand; although my actions would only be the reflection of -my own convictions.” - -Lady Carey took her daughter’s face in her two hands and stared hard at -her. “Are you thinking of doing the same mad thing as Gwen? If so, say -it at once; I had rather be prepared for the worst.” - -No answer came. Eva dropped her eyelids and spoke no word. At last she -softly murmured, “I love Sinclair.” - -“Oh! for the matter of that, many have done the same,” derisively -remarked her mother, as she gently pushed away the face she held. - -“Yes,” breathlessly answered the girl, “but he loves me.” - -“Hum! He has told that to many. All this is nonsense, you must put all -this out of your silly head. Sinclair is not a marrying man; besides, he -is not the husband _I_ would wish you to have.” - -Eva stood up and looked straight at her mother. “He is the husband _I_ -have chosen.” - -“My poor girl, Sinclair is not the man to stick to one woman. He is -hypercritical and cynical, I should even say—cruel, where a woman’s love -is concerned.” - -“But, mother, he has repudiated his past errors—you heard what he said a -week ago?” - -“Pooh! that was only hysteria, it will pass! It is better to speak to -you plainly, Eva; he was Lady Vera’s lover for two years. I know all -about it, as I was her confidante through it all. He nearly drove her -out of her senses with his capricious moods; her husband, as you know, -divorced her; and ever afterwards Sinclair invented new modes of torture -for the woman who, I believe, sincerely loved him. She gave him up at -last and threw herself at the head of that silly Bob Leyland, who is -good to her in his own way.” - -“As to Sinclair’s relations with Lady Vera, that is no news to me, my -dear mother. How can a girl remain ignorant of these scandals after one -London season? If the friends or enemies of the man or the woman do not -tell her all about it, it is very easy for her to find it out for -herself. Women like Lady Vera are living advertisements, and they would -no more wish to hide their intrigues than Epps and Cadbury would wish to -stop the advertising of their cocoas. It is all part of the social -business; and the pit and gallery would be swindled out of their sport -were Society’s sewers to be thoroughly cleansed.” - -“But it will always be the case as long as there exists an Upper Ten; -and, after all, when we think of it, it was much worse in Charles II.’s -time and under the Georges,” replied Lady Carey. - -“I have no doubt it was so,” said Eva. “They were coarse, but we are -suggestive; they were brutal in the pursuit of indecorous pleasures, we -are complex in our vulgar dissipations. We combine the corruption of a -Louis XV. with the casuist of a Loyola. The Georges were everything that -is bad, I grant you, but they were not effeminate; they lived up to -their standard of military chivalry, which we do not, although we -pretend to believe in a military code of honour.” - -“What on earth will you put in its place, child?” - -“Honesty.” - -“How suburban, Eva. I expect my grocer or my housekeeper to possess that -_bourgeois_ quality; but a gentleman must have a higher ideal of -chivalry.” - -“There is nothing more exalted than perfect honesty, dear mother; and -the proof is that your grocer and your housekeeper cannot afford to live -up to its standard, for it does not pay.” - -“You are quite terrible, Eva, with your subversive theories! I cannot -imagine where you picked up these queer ideas. I have always been most -particular to surround you with what we were used to call well-bred -people.” - -“Yes, the Lady Veras and company,” retorted Eva. - -Lady Carey ignored the remark and continued, “I always feared Gwen would -have a fatal influence over you. But what could I do? It is so difficult -to weed out one’s friends when one belongs to a certain set.” - -“My dear mother, Gwen was saved in time, for she would have turned into -a Lady Vera had not Society’s foundations suddenly collapsed. She had -been taught all the tricks of a perfect woman of the world, and would -have even outdistanced Lady Vera, for she possessed more brains and more -animal spirits. So, you see, there is still hope for a Sinclair to -develop into a paragon of virtue, to suit even your fastidious ideal of -a son-in-law.” - -“My dear Eva, pray do not accuse me of such a Philistine notion as to -require in my son-in-law any of the qualities absolutely needed in a -bank accountant or in a land agent. Heaven forbid! I am larger minded -than that, and I know that a man must live. You see, Sinclair is all -right, and we all run after him and make love to him, and look forward -to the clever sayings that drop from his cynical lips; but”—a pout was -on her lips, as she looked for the proper word to express her -sentiment—“well, he is not what we are accustomed to consider -a—gentleman. It is extraordinary how these upstarts end by believing -they can do anything. His father was tutor to Lord Farmiloe’s son; and, -instead of going into the army as his father wished him to do, Sinclair, -after leaving Oxford, began to dabble in questionable journalism, and -soon developing that wonderful power of criticism, he became the terror -of all artists, known or unknown. I know, perhaps better than most -women, what it is to suffer from a man who does not consider his wife’s -love all-sufficient to his happiness.” Lady Carey relaxed her hard -expression, her eyes were for one instant dimmed by a passing mist, and -her lips trembled, whilst a lump rose in her throat; but it was soon -over. “Your father _was_ a gentleman, and I could not wish a daughter of -mine to have a more courteous man for a husband. He treated me, before -the world, as he ought to have treated the woman who bore his name, and -carried on his numerous intrigues with the discipline and gallantry of a -true soldier, who held his sword at the service of his king, and his -soul at the mercy of his God, but brooked no restraint nor reproach from -anyone in this world.” - -“What a convenient way of dismissing all moral obligations,” remarked -Eva. - -“When you have seen as much of the world as I have, my dear Eva, you -will know that philosophy plays a large part in our social training, and -helps to soften the coarseness of life. We leave the rioting of the mind -to the plebeian classes, who have not, like us, to keep up appearances -and traditions of _bienséance_.” - -“Yes, but the world’s philosophy is no longer the enduring stoicism of a -Spartan, nor is it the calm acceptance of human frailty of a Marcus -Aurelius; it is a cynical acquiescence in the general depravity of the -over-fed and over-clothed worshippers of Mammon, who smile at their -neighbour’s weaknesses, hoping that he in turn will shut his eyes to -their foibles. Philosophy is your capital which pays you back heavy -dividends.” - -“How bitter you are, my dear girl. You are too young to think or speak -like that; and you cannot lay down any such rule of conduct. Of course I -know that things are awkward at present, and that the future is not -pleasant to contemplate; and it grieves me to the quick that my child -should be in close contact with the vulgarity of life.” - -“Do not worry yourself, mother; I am seeing life for the first time, and -it is very beautiful. Society is as far removed from true life as the -sun is from the moon. You fashionable mothers have a strange way of -bringing up your children. As the Chinese tortured their women’s toes to -prevent their running away, so you cramped our youthful minds, -obliterated our organ of perception and twisted our judgment so as to -make us incapable of distinguishing right from wrong. You showed us -little pictures encircled in trivial frames, and told us that these were -the sights we had to view for the rest of our lives. We put questions to -you about the people with whom you surrounded us in our infancy, but you -answered scornfully, that they were our inferiors whom we need not -consider. Later on, the same game of mystification went on with our -teachers whom we had to treat only as educational cramming machines. -When we developed into women, the bandages were swathed more tightly -round our expanding brains, and we were then informed, at the most -perplexing cross-roads of our lives, that no decent girl inquired into -any social problems: a tub, a game of golf, and the admission into the -smart set were all-sufficient to assuage feminine yearning. If, as often -happened, the hygienic and worldly remedies failed to cure the patient, -the whole was dismissed in these words: ‘A lady does not mention such -things!’ This was the prologue to matrimony! When you, the mothers of -Society, had brought your victims safely to the stake, you turned your -eyes up to heaven and begged for God’s blessing, which you deserved less -than the devil’s benediction, for in your culpable and wilful ignorance -you were playing a ghastly trick in sending out defenceless beings into -an arena of wild beasts. Do you believe that your drawing-room -philosophy will be of any use to the victims of your social wisdom? No, -your philosophy thrives on champagne and truffles, not on the -understanding of human passions. How often has a girl brought to the -conjugal market a young heart and a healthy constitution, to close a -bargain with a cynical flesh dealer; and very soon had to learn how to -smuggle cunningly out of the unfair contract? But it was useless to -recriminate with the only friend God gave us—our mothers; for we were at -once advised to read the first part of the Marriage Service; and we -learnt through cruel experience that there was no escape, no relief, for -those born and bred in our unnatural Society.” - -“What has come over you, Eva? Who has been poisoning your mind?” Lady -Carey’s voice was trembling, and she did not dare look at her daughter. -The latter impulsively fell on her knees, and encircling her mother’s -waist with her arms, she said passionately,— - -“You believed us to be safe when you had told us never to look inside a -certain closet; and like Blue Beard you fed us on kick-shaws and -soap-bubbles as long as we never opened that secret closet—life. Why -were we not to know the realities of existence? Why did you travesty -life into a Music Hall burlesque? What God created, you belittled; what -nature gave to man, you turned into a deadly weapon against him. Love -came into the world, pure and generous, but it was led astray in social -haunts and became debauchery; ambition prompted man to create something -true and beautiful, but he wandered in trimmed paths of artificiality, -and his natural instinct was transformed into a passion for worldly -power and riches. What you called character was merely callousness -erected into a principle; what you thought was philosophy was only an -abnormal power of frivolity, which would have made even a butterfly -blush. Oh! mother, mother, cannot you see what a sham it all was?” - -Lady Carey was not unintelligent; she knew that what her daughter said -was perfectly correct. She quite realised that this was what they had -lived through, but she did not approve of the spirit of revolt, and -always had considered it vulgar to kick against the rules of Society. -Still, her opposition was not altogether sincere, and her displeasure -did not arise at what her daughter said, but at the fact of her daughter -saying it. Had Lionel, or any other, put forward these ideas, she would -have been the first to laugh, and to agree with what he said. - -“Forgive me, dearest mother, for saying these cruel things to you, but -if you only knew how much I love, you could not blame me. Set me free, -my own mother! After all, it is my life I am pleading for, and I am -willing to take the responsibility of all that will follow.” - -“This influence which has such an effect upon you all must be very -powerful.” Tears were slowly dropping from Lady Carey’s eyes and -trickling down her cheeks. “Can it be that I have never known you -really, Eva? How is it that for many years I have looked after you—for I -have not, like so many, been neglectful of my maternal duties—and yet -know no more to-day about your nature than I did on the day you were -born? For the last few years, since you were presented, we have lived -the same life, seen the same people, and yet we were as much divided -from each other as if you had been at the North Pole.” - -“But, darling mother, I was far away from my true nature, so do not -blame yourself alone; you see, necessity made me think differently.” - -“But then, necessity ought to have acted in the same way upon me,” -replied Lady Carey. “Still, I cannot see as you do.” - -“Because you are stiffening yourself against the inevitable; you are not -so blind as not to be able to see. Oh! mother, if you knew how I love -you, how I want you to be happy!” - -“Child, you are all I have in the world, for, as I have said before, I -have suffered. You have never known this, my child, for I hid it from -everyone; but all that you have just said has brought back to my mind -past scenes which I had determined to forget for ever. My girlhood! my -marriage! your words brought all back to me so distinctly. But what is -it that makes you so happy, so keenly interested in all your -surroundings? I should like to know what it is, for I have not become an -idiot, and I might yet learn.” - -“Love, love has been the teacher! Oh! mother, I know you have always -loved me, but you allowed worldly barriers to divide us. Let yourself -go, do not be guided by your stubborn prejudices, and judge our present -world from the standard of our past Society.” - -“Ah! my poor child, I know of no other standard but that of a well-bred -woman of the world; still, to show you that I have no silly prejudice, -and that I can turn my mind to anything, I shall try to let myself go; -but mind you, it will be only out of sheer _ennui_, not from any other -motive. I shall enter into all your plans; it will at least be something -to do.” - -Eva stood up and, taking both her mother’s hands, lifted her from her -chair; the two women laughed joyously, and putting their arms round one -another’s necks, they left the room to go down to luncheon. - - - - - CHAPTER XV - - -“Well, my dear Gwen!”—Mrs Archibald entered the library at Selby House, -followed by the Earl of Somerville—“I never thought I should live to see -your husband act as his own footman!” - -“Dear Alicia”—Lady Somerville kissed the newcomer and led her to a -marble lounge—“why not be one’s own footman? We are our own policemen, -and I do not believe the streets’ safety has in any way suffered from -it.” - -“That’s quite different, dear Gwen. Ah! how do, Mrs Sinclair? I had not -seen you. How shaded you keep your rooms; it is quite delightful, and so -cool, too.” - -“Do you know, Mrs Archibald, that we are thinking of introducing an -innovation in our households?” This was Lord Somerville. “We are going -to do away with locks, keys, and bolts.” - -“My dear Lionel, what on earth are you saying?” exclaimed Mrs Archibald, -raising herself suddenly on her couch. “What about these dreadful people -who intrude, beg, or—steal?” - -“Let them go out again,” replied Gwen merrily. “I do not think you could -find any beggars or thieves at the present moment, for there is nothing -to steal, but what we all should feel glad to give.” - -“Wait for the final collapse,” interrupted Mrs Archibald. “I am afraid -you are living in a fool’s paradise; and for your sakes I dread the -awakening. In any case, I shall have warned you. What has pained me to -the quick, has been Lady Carey’s desertion. Mowbray told me that she had -actually mounted the platform last week to propose some awful reform.” - -“My mother took my place that day, as I was unable to attend the -meeting,” explained Eva Sinclair; “but, although she did it to please -me, she is not yet won over to our cause, and she grieves sadly over -memories of the past.” - -“Thank God! I have neither kith nor kin to influence me. In a great -crisis like this one feels thankful to be alone in the world.” - -“Unloved—and unloving,” murmured Eva, as she looked up at Sinclair, who -was leaning against the mantelpiece. - -“Here is Temple coming in with tea. He is the only indoor servant we -keep now,” and Lionel instinctively came forward to help him to arrange -the tea-table. Temple, instead of retiring, dallied with the cups and -saucers. There was something in the valet’s mind, but he did not know -how to put it into words. - -“Now, Temple, there’s something you want to say. What is it?” Gwen -turned gracefully on to her side and poured out tea. - -“Yes, my lady; and as you are so kind as to allow me, I shall speak. -It’s about the groom, Wiggles, my lord.” - -“What about him?” asked Lionel. “He cannot surely complain that he -receives no wages? We none of us get any wages nowadays.” - -“Ah! it isn’t that, my lord. But the children have been ailing for -years, and now that the factories in which the eldest ones worked are -closed, they would like to go back to the country. But Wiggles doesn’t -want you to think he is complaining. He only wants a whiff of fresh air, -and he asked me to beg your lordship’s advice.” - -“Good gracious! there was a time when Wiggles would not have taken such -trouble to give me notice.” - -“It isn’t that he wishes to give notice, my lord;—I don’t know how to -put it, nor does Wiggles. He wants, I think, to see his old people -before they die.” - -“My poor Temple, Wiggles is like many others who have suddenly seen life -as it is, and not as it had been made for him. We also are now able to -see things as they are. We see that if Wiggles’s rooms in his mews are -too small and dingy for him and his family, our rooms here are too -spacious for us. But very soon we shall make it all even.” - -“I can’t imagine how Lionel can be such a fool as to speak to his valet -like that,” whispered Mrs Archibald to Sinclair; “they want a good -squashing, these people.” - -“Tell Wiggles to pack up!—ha! ha! ha! I forgot—he has nothing to pack -up. Let him go back to his own village. Rural life is dying out, and we -want to relieve the congestion of our capital, and bring life and -happiness into the apathetic provinces.—We must give back the land!” - -“Will you give this cup to your master, Temple?” asked Gwen, handing the -teacup to the valet with the grace with which she would have addressed a -Peer of the Realm. - -“One moment,” said Lionel, as Temple was preparing to leave the room. “I -have often, since the storm, wanted to ask you how it was you were so -much more respectful than you used to be? I used to wish you frequently -at the bottom of the sea, with your impertinent and supercilious -manners. Why have you altered?” - -“I am afraid, Mrs Archibald, you have come in at a wrong time, and your -delicate feelings will be hurt,” said Sinclair, bowing to the diaphanous -vision of past smartness, to whom he handed a plate of sandwiches. - -“_A la guerre comme à la guerre_, my dear fellow; I have made up my mind -to the worst.” - -“It would be easier to explain my past behaviour, my lord, than to -account for my present manner. I have been for many years in your -lordship’s service, and I only now realise how little we understood each -other.” - -“Had you no proper respect for your masters?” This was Mrs Archibald, -who between two mouthfuls felt it her duty to bring the discussion down -to a proper level. Temple hung his head, and twisted his fingers. One -could hear the monotonous tick-tack of the empire clock. - -“Do not hesitate to say whatever you feel, Temple,” remarked Gwen. - -“Well, if your lordship will allow me to say so, I think we all looked -up to the aristocracy as an institution; just as we honoured the Royal -Family and the House of Commons. But we did not think much of them as -individuals, and felt irritable with our employers.” - -“What a shocking word to use for your _superiors_,” and Mrs Archibald -raised her eyelids as she laid a stress on the last word. - -“Was I a worse master, than any other?” inquired Lionel. “Dear Mrs -Archibald, you have nothing to eat,” and he handed a plate of cakes to -her. - -“I think you are making a fool of yourself Lionel,” she remarked in a -low tone. - -“Well, Temple, you do not answer my question. Forget that you are my -valet, as I shall forget I am Lord Somerville. Let us stand man to man, -after these long centuries of grievances and misunderstandings.” - -“For the first time in my career of a valet, I feel that I can speak to -you as a man; but I cannot explain why it is.” - -“It must be that we have no clothes, Temple,” cheerfully said Sinclair, -who had moved away from the window and stood leaning on the back of -Eva’s couch. - -“Yes, one man’s as good as another,” remarked Lionel. “But do you not -think that you all envied us very much; for you certainly aped all our -ways?” - -“I don’t know about our envying you, my lord. I daresay we longed for -some of your comforts, and envied the facility with which you smoothed -down your existence, by packing yourselves off abroad whenever you were -weary of your amusements at home. But I do not believe we ever wanted to -change our characters for yours. We could not make you out. That is the -truth about it.—I am sure I ought not to talk so free before the -ladies.” - -“Go on, Temple,” softly said Gwen. “I want to know everything that has -stood between you and us for so long.” - -“It is not that we felt no sympathy for you in your grief. Oh, dear! no. -When a Duke loses the wife he loves, or a lady the child she adores, it -goes straight to a man’s heart, whoever that man is. But it was in your -funny kinds of worries that we were at sea. It seemed so childish to -worry about trifles. I remember your lordship’s mother; I never saw -anyone put out for nothing as she was. The lady’s maid once told me that -her ladyship had not slept for two nights because one course at dinner -had been spoiled. We all laughed very much about that in the servants’ -hall. If such a thing had happened to any of us in our homes, we should -have taken it jokily, and told our friends that we couldn’t help the -roast mutton being underdone, or the pudding being burnt. Very likely we -should have ended by telling them, that if they only came for what they -could get out of us, they had better stay at home.” - -“Had we had the courage to live according to simpler rules, we should -have been saved the innumerable pin-pricks which made our social -existences so irksome, and for which we received no sympathy.” Gwendolen -looked at Temple as if she had discovered the reason of all past -dissensions. - -“We always thought,” resumed the valet, “that the upper classes worried -themselves about nothing; and we naturally concluded that, in their way -of seeing life and of feeling imaginary sorrows, lay the difference -between them and us.” A fly was beating its tiny body against a -window-pane. “I remember my father telling me how he once lay, badly -wounded, in the Crimean War. On the ground, close to him, lay Captain -Willesmere, severely injured in the groin. My father said he never -should forget the moment when the young captain turned towards him, -writhing under his pain, and offered him the last drops of brandy in his -flask. The exertion had no doubt been too much for the young man, for he -fell back in a swoon. That drop of spirits saved my father’s life, my -lord, and he often told me that at that time he felt there was no social -distance between himself and the Earl’s son.” - -“I do hope the gallant Captain soon recovered,” eagerly remarked Mrs -Archibald. “Just what a gentleman would do; but I am afraid the lower -class is not worth such sacrifice.” - -“The next time they met,” went on Temple, “it was in the hall of -Gloucester House; many years after. My father was footman, and Captain -Willesmere had become the Earl of Dunraven. The crowd was great, and my -father, who had only just recovered from a severe illness, was suddenly -overcome by the heat, and as he helped the Earl with his coat, fell all -of a heap on his shoulder. The latter, furious at being thus familiarly -handled, pushed my father forward, who fell on his back and heard the -nobleman say, ‘Damn you, rascal, are you drunk? can’t you see who I am?’ -When as a result, my father had to seek another situation, he could not -but reflect with bitterness upon the disparity which exists between -classes; although he wondered what difference there was between a -trooper who lay wounded on the ground for his country, and a footman who -felt suddenly ill whilst fulfilling his duties in his master’s house.” - -“I suppose great emergencies such as wars and earthquakes bring out the -best in man, and make him forget the artificial barriers between his -fellow-creatures and himself,” said Lionel. - -“Of course, my lord, I know that domestics are looked down upon. I know -also that they are often cunning, inquisitive, more or less lazy, -curious as to their master’s correspondence, and fonder still of their -master’s cigars.” - -“I see, Temple, that you are not over partial to your own class,” broke -in Sinclair. - -“I cannot help thinking of these things now, sir, but after all, the -defects that we have, are, in a sort of way, initiated by you. We loved -gambling, betting, drinking, and lolling about; and as far as passions -go, I daresay we have the same amount of animal spirits as a Duke or -even a Royal Prince, with this difference that in your upper circles -your lives are never blighted, whatever you may do; and your friends do -not cut you for such misdemeanours as drinking too heavily or betting -too recklessly. I fail to see why our private lives should be sifted -through and through before we can have the privilege of handing your -dishes round at table or of sitting in silence in your halls, whilst -some members of the peerage are allowed to make laws for their country, -although they, each day, are breaking God’s laws and Society’s rules.” - -“I quite agree with you, my good fellow,” suddenly remarked Lionel, “and -this is the reason why we have given up pulling the wires of -Government.” - -“We respect you the more for it, my lord.” - -“Now, Temple?” And Gwen leaned her graceful form over the carved arm of -her couch; her whole attitude was one of apology for the harm she had -unconsciously committed in her past state. “Let me know my grievous -wrongs. Do not spare me.” - -“My poor Gwen,” exclaimed Mrs Archibald, hiding her face in her hands. -“What has become of your feminine modesty?” - -“Let him speak, Alicia; true feminine delicacy is not hurt by the -knowledge of injustice. Temple go on.” - -“Well, my lady, I have heard strange things in my time. The first thing -I learned in my career was that there was one law of hygiene for ladies -and another for servants. I once heard a lady say that to keep well one -ought to go out at least twice a day. But the same lady would have -considered her butler or her housemaid impudent and unreasonable, had -they asked to go out once a day. The same thing is true as regards -stimulants. I have known many ladies, young and old, who said they had -to have hock at lunch, port at dinner; their doctors prescribed it, and -they believed it to be indispensable to their general health. But, had -the footman or kitchen-maid said they must have claret at lunch, Moselle -at supper; or had the housemaid hinted that a glass of sherry would be -acceptable after turning out a room, I declare their mistress would have -put them down as confirmed drunkards, and would have warned her friends -against any servant who asked for beer money. I beg pardon, my lord, but -are you sure you do not mind my plain speaking?” - -“No, my good man, we want to hear the truth, for we never heard you tell -us anything but fibs before.” - -“You are very funny, my lord, but you have hit it right. Yes, we told -fibs, big lies even. But telling the truth never paid. This was the -first commandment of the servants’ catechism. In our very first -situation we became familiar with a system of deceit. Still, you know -yourselves how particular you were about servants always speaking the -truth! I often wondered how the upper classes would have behaved had -they been in our places? I don’t think they would have done very -differently under the circumstances. We have all the same perception of -injustice, we all feel its sting, and as kicking against it does not -help us, compromise is the only course left us. Do you not compromise -more or less with your conscience, when your god, Society, sets out -rules that are too stringent? We are all men, my lord, although the -Duchess of Southdown thought the contrary. I heard her say one day that -she would have preferred a man for a lady’s maid, as they were more -punctual and less talkative; and as to the sex, that did not matter—‘a -servant was not a man!’ You can’t think what a funny impression it makes -on one to hear such things.” - -“Then you do not believe, Temple, that masters ever could have inspired -loyalty in their servants?” inquired Sinclair. - -“I must ask you, sir, whether there ever existed true loyalty on the -part of the master to his servants? I have rarely seen it. The distance -between the classes was too great, and the gulf grew daily wider and -deeper when you convinced yourselves that you were in every way -different from ‘those kind of people.’ The worst of it was, that by dint -of widening the gulf between us, we naturally became strangers to each -other. Our personal griefs and joys you ignored; you did not want to be -bothered with our worries. We were salaried to be outwardly devoted and -sympathetic, to minister to your wants, rejoice in your successes, -condole in your misfortunes, whilst our own hearts ached from private -sorrows.” - -“How you must have despised us!” said Lionel. - -“What an accumulation of vindictiveness must have filled your hearts for -those who used you so!” echoed Gwen. - -“No, my lady, that is not quite true. I have seen more envy and hatred -amongst the upper class than amongst ourselves. We accepted the -injustice of our social condition, and we got out of you all we could on -the sly. We made fun of you, and often put you down as not quite so wise -as you gave yourselves out to be. The last kitchen-maid of the Duchess -of Southdown was very comical on that point. Whenever she heard the -servants relating some new freak of her grace, or some funny incident -that had happened in the drawing-room, she would invariably say, whilst -she washed the dishes, ‘Leave them alone, they can’t ’elp it, they know -no better.’ We ended by believing the girl had hit on the real cause of -the aristocracy’s behaviour, and that their caprices and vagaries could -only be put down to ignorance.” - -“And you were right,” suddenly remarked Eva, “we wilfully ignored the -fact that you had to start life from a different point from our own, and -we were horrified at you not meeting us on our level. We accused you of -inferiority and ignorance, but we never thought of blaming the -conditions into which we had put you.” - -“Ah! ma’am!” continued Temple, “I have heard terrible things said in the -refined homes of the gentry; and in my presence, ladies have uttered -’orrible sentences. For instance about the war. I don’t myself -understand politics, and I can’t tell if our Government was right or -wrong; but there are the women, the children, the ruined home, and to my -mind it did not seem quite right. I heard many ladies who came to have -tea with your lordship dismiss the whole question with a wave of the -hand: ‘It could not be helped; war would always be necessary.’ One lady -actually said that she _loved_ war—surely that lady had never seen a -battlefield. Another one remarked that ‘People who were not in favour of -the war were not patriotic, and ought to be sent out of the country.’ -You all drank your whisky and champagne in honour of England’s greater -glory and prosperity; and we thought it a queer world in which glory had -to be paid for so dearly, and prosperity acquired at the cost of -precious lives.” - -“Ah! but, you see, Temple, you were not a Colonial Secretary, nor were -you a financier,” said Ronald Sinclair. - -“Anyhow, I never heard a lady express herself as a true woman about any -kind of misfortune. As a footman I used to serve cups of tea at -entertainments organised for charitable purposes, and heard there some -rum remarks. One lady said in reply to another who was relating to her -some pitiful story of misery, ‘Well, you see, dear Lady So-and-So, these -people are more or less accustomed to privations.’ And I heard another -lady say that misery was relative: a millionaire reduced to a paltry -income of £3000 a year suffered more actual privations than a poor man -who could not afford meat once a week. I thought of old Bill Tooley’s -widow who was found dead from starvation last winter. There was no -question of relative misery in her case, for one can’t do more than die. -Can one, my lord?” - -“We have lived long enough under the delusion of our superiority over -you. We must once for all face the truth and have the courage to say -that it was only owing to the unfairness in the game of life that we won -the trumpery race. We were given points at our birth, and later, as we -entered Sandhurst or the Universities, points were granted us to enable -us to advance quicker towards the winning-post. But these advantages -which gave us our social distinctions, were as many rungs cut off from -the ladder, rendering the ascent laborious to others, and the top -unreachable. Life is the arena in which all men have to run the race—in -their skins.” - -“This is beyond me, my lord,” humbly said the valet. “Only educated -people, such as you, can discuss these topics. I ’ave spoken what I -felt; if I have made you understand a little more about what we were, so -much the better; but I am an ignorant man, and you must excuse my -speech.” - -“My good man, ignorance is easily remedied; besides, we have a great -deal to learn, perhaps more than you have, for we set ourselves up as -your teachers, although we knew little either of you or of ourselves. -But how is it that you should think that education causes a man’s -superiority, when you used to believe that wealth constituted -supremacy?” - -“Well, my lord, it was the only difference we could see between the -upper classes and the lower ones. But I seem now to judge things from -another point of view; it must be owing to our having no livery, and to -your lordship’s appearing to me as God made you. We do not envy beauty, -for we know that it is not made in factories at the expense of -children’s health and youth.” - -“The vanishing of clothes has done more for human equality than all the -philanthropists’ efforts, or the anarchists’ steel blade,” remarked -Sinclair. - -“Now, Temple,” said Lord Somerville, “you must go with Wiggles, and -taste some of your native air. I no more need your services, and you can -tell the other servants that they can return to their houses. Our daily -life is very much simplified.” - -“Yes, my lord—I know fresh air is necessary to our lungs, but I have an -idea which I should like to communicate to the Committee of Reforms.” - -“Bravo, Temple! Have as many ideas as ever you can lodge in your head. -We are putting high premiums on ideas.” - -“There,” anxiously murmured Mrs Archibald, “I told you that would come. -We shall be ridden over by that multitude of unemployed. Oh! Lionel, -what are you doing?” And the poor, diaphanous lady closed her eyes in -agony at the social chaos she mentally contemplated. - -“My dear madam,” replied Lionel, “Danford is right when he says that our -race can achieve the wildest Utopia, if only they can first see the -practical working of it.” - -Temple now left the room, carrying the tea-tray away with him. - -“Do you not, Eva dear, feel bitter remorse for all the harm we have -unconsciously inflicted?” inquired Gwen, taking her friend’s hand within -hers. - -“For my part,” broke in Mrs Archibald, “I have never felt so ashamed, as -when that horrid man described us as _he_ sees us. I did not know what -to do with myself, where to hide myself. I must confess that creature -has made me feel conscious, and I felt hot waves burning me from head to -toe.” Mrs Archibald pressed her hands over her forehead, whilst her -breast heaved short, convulsive sobs. - -“So did Adam and Eve blush when the Almighty made them feel conscious of -their sin,” said Sinclair, as he leaned over the lounge of the poor, -stricken-down woman. “Do not worry, Mrs Archibald; a blush at the right -moment is a healthy feeling, and the shame which filled your being, at -the description of your past, is the proof that the mirror faithfully -gave you back your own image.” - -“It’s all very well for you to speak—you have your lives fixed up, and I -do not see much merit in your taking things jauntily, when you have -chosen charming companions to help you. Look at me, all alone in this -stupid, uninteresting world. What am I to do?” and the sobs became -louder. “Even Lady Carey has deserted our side. The ship is sinking, and -the waves are rushing over us.” - - - - - CHAPTER XVI - - -“I say, Danford, it is far more dignified to go about as we do; there is -no shamming any more,” said Sinclair, as he linked his arm in that of -Lionel. The three men were coming down Bond Street. “No one stops me to -make irrelevant remarks on my matrimonial affairs.” His spirits were -buoyant, he felt himself master of the world, not merely the master over -men; neither did he enjoy that spurious sense of independence which made -him formerly, as a man of fashion, order his pleasures at such an hour, -his carriage at another; but he felt that noble freedom which -emancipated him from trifling bonds and conventional statutes. - -“When you taught John Bull that happiness can exist without church fees -and Society’s sanction, and that sorrow is really ennobled by the -absence of funeral plumes and crocodile tears, you taught him an -everlasting lesson,” answered the little buffoon. - -“Don’t you think,” suddenly exclaimed Lionel, “that the streets are -looking more rational than they used to?” They were crossing Piccadilly. -“See how these long arcades protect the pedestrians in bad weather; and -notice the spacious galleries opened out under the houses where the -shops used to be.” - -“Yes, my lord, shop-land is no more. We owe that improvement to your -valet.” - -“His plan turned out a real success,” said Lionel, “and the fellow is as -active in his present work of reform as he was lazy in his past career.” - -“Idleness has disappeared with the injustice which separated classes; -the meanest urchin knows that there is a premium applied to brains, and -that premium is—universal happiness.” - -“Now that we all work,” said Lionel, “you would not find a man or a -woman who would not willingly help in the construction of machinery to -liberate mankind from slavery. Look at these galleries running under the -arcades; in each arch there is a large board with electric bells which -communicate with edifices outside London, where all the necessaries of -life are fabricated. Each house has one of these boards, and thus meals -for invalids, the sweeping and washing up of rooms, in fact, all the -necessaries of life can be obtained by merely pressing one of these -electric bells.” - -“Likewise—the dining-halls,” said Danford, “have been considerably -improved and simplified; cooking by electricity has given back freedom -to thousands of cooks and scullion-maids. Instead of personal -attendance, there are trays placed on electric trollies running along in -the middle of the dinner-tables, which stop at each guest, and which can -be started again on their course by touching a small bell. What a -transformation the City has undergone, to be sure. We all put our -shoulders to the wheel; at stated hours we work for the welfare of all, -and the labour seems light, for it is divided, and the aim is universal -contentment. No task is beneath us; no employment is too trivial, were -it even to fix a screw in the axle of a small wheel, providing that -wheel leads us swiftly to the goal.” - -“The wrong labour,” broke in Lionel, “was that which toiled for the -luxuries of a few to the detriment of the many; but the labour -undertaken by all, for the greatest happiness of all, is as exhilarating -as the early morning’s breeze.” - -“You would never know the people you elbow now from those with whom you -used to associate,” said Danford. “Could you recall in the man just -coming out of the ex-Atheneum Club the former frequenter of the past -race-course?” - -“Ah! that’s the Duke of Norbury,” answered Sinclair. “The fellow looks -altogether normal. Certainly he is not so common in his plain—skin.” - -“That is because his sporting grace has lost the label which directed -him to Newmarket,” answered Dan. - -They had reached Trafalgar Square, and very soon faced Parliament -Street. Suddenly the little buffoon halted and, bursting out laughing, -exclaimed,— - -“By Jove! are you aware that this day is the 24th of June? the day on -which the Coronation was to be held?” The three men paused; they looked -round in wonderment. Birds were singing merrily as they hopped on the -Landseer lions, the soft breeze wrinkled the surface of the water in -which lads and lassies were ducking, and splashing each other in merry -laughter. - -“Do you not hear, in your mind’s ear,” sententiously spoke Danford, “the -distant rumble of drums and metallic strains of military bands? Does not -your mind’s eye perceive in the distance the glittering of swords in the -sunshine, and the variegated uniforms of Colonial and Indian armies? -Slowly comes the procession up Parliament Street, furrowing its way -through an ebbing and flowing wave of humanity. The great of the land -are all there, labelled with their uniforms. There, look, comes a gilded -coach. In that coach I can see two figures, systematically bowing on -either side of the carriage. What is the meaning of these two figures -got up like dolls for the occasion?” - -“My poor Dan, there is no meaning in them. They are the symbol of past -inconsistency,” replied Sinclair. - -“How was it,” asked Lionel, “that with all that science was doing for -the progress of the modern world, and with all that art was creating to -make life beautiful, how was it we never came any nearer to happiness?” - -“My dear Lionel,” answered Sinclair, “because we wanted to reconcile our -modern world with the old one. Steering our way back into the past -against the current which carried us on to the future was hard work, -very often a perilous expedition; we travestied barbarous passions with -new garments, to make them more presentable to our modern world; and the -thirst for conquest and wealth was disguised under the mask of political -philanthropy. Vice had its fur-lined overcoat; ruthless money-diggers -and empire-makers stalked through the town as modern Aladdins; sometimes -even, they raised their own eyes to the exalted position of God’s A.D.C. -Prostitution left street corners to mount the marble steps of palaces, -where the hand of the clergy helped it to enter the precincts of social -Paradise—” - -“Listen, my lord,” interrupted Danford. “Do you hear the tramping of -horses’ hoofs? Conquering heroes, whose glory is written on the sands of -life, are coming.” - -“Posterity with her broom and shovel will clear away the dust of their -rubbish,” said Lionel. “It will collect in its dust-pan some strange -manifestations: Cæsar, Napoleon, Marlborough—” - -“Leave out the more recent names,” broke in Sinclair; “they are too near -to us.” - -“You are right,” said Lionel. “Still, posterity, in her impartial -summing up, will be more lenient towards those whose crimes were the -results of unpolished ignorance, than towards those whose lust was -cleverly screened by Pharisaism. It will not be hard on Edward III. and -Philippe le Bel for haggling over France like two butcher’s dogs over a -bone; but I am afraid it will judge unmercifully our modern -civilisations which masqueraded and played parts unsuited to them. Has -the Hundred Years’ War given the supremacy to either France or England? -What has the Inquisition and the Spanish ascendency over the Dutch -Republic done for Spain’s prosperity?” - -“And what would the annexation of the South African Provinces have done -for England’s glory, had not the storm put a sudden stop to his -country’s hysterical fits?” inquired Danford. - -“Our old world has gone through a good deal of alteration,” remarked -Sinclair. “Maps have always impressed me as the saddest annals of -history. As a boy, I used to turn the pages of atlas books with the -keenest interest; they spoke to me of human struggles, of longings and -morbid regrets.” - -“Yes,” added Danford, “maps are the medical charts of the intermittent -fevers from which countries suffer.” - -“Thank God for the blessings His water-spout has conferred on us!” burst -out Lionel. “I shudder when I think that we might, on this very day, -have witnessed this fantastic pageantry. The opium-eater, in his -weirdest delirium, could not have pictured a more uncanny parade, than -the one we should have beheld at the dawn of the twentieth century: -London—a huge pawnbroker’s shop—turning out into the streets all its -pandemonium! the properties of our modern world thrown together, -higgledy-piggledy, with the paraphernalia of a Cinderella pantomime! The -incongruous was then the order of the day, and our brains, before the -storm, were the receptacles of untidy ideas.” - -“My lord, do you hear in the distance the bells of St Paul’s ringing -their peals?” - -“Yes, they are ringing for the sacred union of clericalism with worldly -wisdom.” - -“How could we reconcile the symbolic ceremony of a crowned monarch with -the limitations of our constitution?” asked Danford. “How was it -possible to adapt obsolete palliaments to the democratic innovation of -the coat and skirt? For I think we may truly call this revolution in -feminine dress the 1789 of Histology.” - -“You are right, my dear Dan, but I want to know what our epoch was -aiming at?” asked Sinclair, sitting down on one of the steps. “Was it -playing a practical joke on democracy, or was it acting a monarchical -burlesque? What had our fashionable metropolis to do with the customs of -a London which began at the Strand, and whose centre was the Tower? -Doubtless, the auditory faculty of a Plantagenet would have suffered -from the bustling London of Edward VII., and the clamouring noise of a -railway station would have certainly upset the nerves of even that -bloodthirsty Richard III.” - -“The fact is, my dear fellow,” said Lionel, who sat down near Sinclair, -“we had, before the storm, arrived at the cross-roads, and had to choose -which turning we should take. Were we to go straight ahead, regardless -of past traditions, on a motor car; or should we have chosen a shady -road and ambled back to Canterbury on a Chaucerian cob, escorting that -gentle dame yclept “Madam Eglantine”? The twentieth century was the -sphinx confronting us. Were we going to meet it with an old adage, or -were we at last to be Œdipus and solve the question?” - -“As long as we dragged at our heels the worthless baggage of the past, -we could not proceed on our road.” Danford stood in front of the two -men. “We went to our political business in fairy coaches, and could not -make out why we arrived too late for Parliamentary tit-bits. We were -playing the fool on the brink of a precipice, and spent our time and -energy in staging a sort of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ in a graveyard. It was -as tragic as it was flippant, and if posterity will laugh at our -inconsistency, how much more must Mediævalism grin at our lack of -adaptability. I should like to know what King Alfred or Queen Bess have -to say about us?” - -“Poor Alfred,” sighed Lionel, “I feel for him, for he must be mortified -at having given the first impulse to English language to produce—Marian -Crivelli!” - -“Ha! ha! ha! As to dear old Bess,” remarked Sinclair; “with all her -cunning, and the improbity of her politics, she was essentially -modern—of her times modernity, naturally, for of course, Conservatism -and Radicalism are relative. Had she seen the development of science; -had she crossed the Channel in one hour, and the Atlantic in a week; and -had she been able to send a wireless message to a distant continent, she -would have jumped with delight!—she would have twigged in an instant -that the curtain had dropped upon the old world, and she would have -advised her successor to throw unscrupulously overboard, crown, sceptre, -regal goods and chattels—in fact, all royal overweight—to save the -crew!” - -“That reminds me,” suddenly said Lionel, “that I had a telephonic -_causerie_ this morning with Victor de Laumel, in Paris. He said that at -the clubs everyone was discussing the latest. The Sovereigns of Europe -are going to meet in congress at the Hague to confabulate on what they -had better do in face of this strange event in England.” - -“When the Sovereigns themselves are aware of the inconsistency of their -condition, and the futility of their prerogatives, then their eyes will -be open as to what their future conduct has to be.” - -“That is just what Victor says. They are as excited about this congress, -in Paris, as they were about Fashoda and Dreyfus, and, naturally, they -blame us for it; all the smart clubs are dead nuts against England for -playing into the hands of Jove.” - -“Oh! that does not astonish me in the least,” said Danford. “But about -this congress, Lord Somerville, I think we have already taught the world -a lesson, and that sooner than I ever expected. At this rate the storm -of London will rank as the greatest event in the history of nations. If -you look at history impartially, you will find that every reform carried -in its breast the seed of another excess. A wrong was abolished, by -what, at the time, appeared a right principle, until another standpoint -was reached, which showed us the wrong side of the right principle.” - -“If this strange condition of ours,” broke in Sinclair, “does, after -all, lead to the reform of the governing classes from within, then, -indeed, it was worth losing one’s shirt!” And the three men laughed -heartily. - -“Look round, my lord,” and Danford pointed to the National Gallery. “You -have given the first impetus to true art.” - -“No, no, Danford,” interrupted Lionel. “It was the public who gave me -the hint.” - -“Never mind, my lord, the thing is done, and you have awakened the -consciousness of our English artists. Look down Parliament Street, where -your mind’s eye saw, a minute ago, the pantomime of Government; you can -see our ancient seat of Parliament transformed into the sanctuary of -technical education. The old lobbies are swarming with efficient -teachers. Public education, as it was to be found in our old haunts of -Eton, Rugby, etc., etc., was the proper training for privileged classes; -but the present education, which is not compulsory, is the training of -the child and adult without social barriers; and the only religious -dogma which he must live up to is this: that the welfare of all is the -welfare of each.” - -“And yet,” sadly remarked Sinclair, “science is still but empiric, as it -has not yet revealed to us the mystery of the human heart; that remains -a sealed letter. Some writer has named that mysterious recess of -individuality, ‘the hidden garden’; but how ignorant we still are of its -vegetation. Do we know what causes, in that hidden garden of the soul, a -lovely rose to grow where the soil was barren; or a toadstool to sprout -where the seed of a robust plant had been sown?” - -“No, we know no more of each other’s inner souls than the early Britons -knew of steam and electricity,” said Lionel. “As long as we have not -reached complete consciousness we shall never triumph over the -inconsistencies which place men on different platforms, and spur them on -to fight unfair battles.” - -“Ah, my lord, you have a receptive mind, and I knew, from the beginning, -that the day would come when you would open your eyes to the gulf which -separates man from man. Yesterday morning the Committee of Music Hall -Artists introduced at our meeting a queer sort of man, who struck me as -visionary in his ideas, and matter-of-fact in the carrying out of his -plans.” - -“Surely, Dan, he was an American,” remarked Sinclair, “for the gift of -bottling the ocean, or of cramming into a nutshell all the contradictory -philosophical theories, belongs to that race which unites the creative -power of a Jupiter to the jugglery of a mountebank.” - -“What that man, be he god or charlatan, suggests is too grave to be -spoken of lightly or to be taken up in a minute,” continued Danford, -“and I implore your lordship not to jump too quickly at a conclusion. -But, to come to facts, this man avers that he has discovered the means -of reading human thoughts and secret motives just as clearly as one sees -the hidden structure of a body by means of the X-rays. He says that we -have, owing to our normal hygiene and purity of life, arrived at the -time when this invention will be necessary to bring perfect happiness to -human beings; and that our past weeks of paradisaical existence have -changed John Bull and made him thirst for a complete knowledge of his -fellow-creatures. This is a serious matter, gentlemen, and, for God’s -sake, do not let us wreck the future bliss of the world through our -incautiousness. You have done much for John Bull, my lord, but you have -done it chiefly by being tactful with him, and by not ruffling his -susceptibilities. After all, man is a strange being: he clings to the -prejudices which makes his life a living purgatory; and you must first -see John Bull develop a craving to investigate the ‘hidden garden’ -before the final reform of man by man can be effected from within.” - -“Let us curb our enthusiasm for the sake of John Bull,” buoyantly -exclaimed Lionel, “and let us turn back, Danford. It is getting late, -and I have to be at the old War Office to meet ex-Field-Marshal Burlow, -to discuss with him what is to be done with the old offices.” - -“My lord!” and Danford put his hand on Lionel’s shoulder, “an idea has -just struck me! You can do a good turn to the American Seer, by giving -over to him the War Office for his scientific experiments. What could be -more fitted to the science which is devoted to the extension of -sympathy, than the dwelling in which was planned the extermination of -races?” - -“My dear man, the Seer shall have the old rookery, if I have a voice in -the matter, although I fear the shadows of past victims and the -remembrance of foregone civilised warfare will lurk at every corner, and -interfere with his humanising studies.” - -“Quite the contrary,” said Sinclair. “The Seer, if he is what we think, -is sure to be stimulated by the ghosts of barbaric civilisations, and -his sense of humour will make him chuckle at the irony of fate, which -selected him to metamorphose Janus’s eyrie into a temple of love and -peace.” - - - - - CHAPTER XVII - - -The day came at last when the Bishop of Sunbury was to deliver his -address on the future of religion. - -St Paul’s had been considered too small to contain the large assemblage -of worshippers who were anxious to hear the prelate, and it had -therefore been arranged for him to speak to the crowd from the steps of -the Cathedral. Churchmen were not the only ones interested in the -long-promised message, but the world at large was eager to learn what -the ex-dignitary would tell them concerning the great riddle: What makes -a Bishop a Bishop? - -It was one of these particularly English summer days, towards the middle -of July, in which the sun declined to appear in person. But the -atmosphere was none the less festive because the sun played truant; and -to most Londoners the weather was a symbol of true modesty. Mayfair, -Belgravia, Kensington—in fact, every district of the metropolis was -represented in the crowd that thronged the Cathedral square. Those who -preferred to remain at home or were too unwell to attend the meeting, -would be kept _au courant_ through the telephones; for it is only fair -to say that the _School of Accuracy in the Delivery of News_ had -completely metamorphosed the temperaments of citizens, who, since the -collapse of newspapers, were genuinely struck by the dramatic power of a -plain fact. - -The crowd was large, but it did not at any time become rowdy. The -charioteers drove up Fleet Street in two lines and placed themselves all -round St Paul’s; while the pedestrian strolled leisurely under the wide -arcades. The recalcitrants, who were now a very small minority, had -prophesied a dismal _dénouement_ to this meeting, and in order to be -safely out of danger, had secured their places at an early date, in the -dining-halls of the former shops. They reached their seats at an -unearthly hour, although the homily was announced for the afternoon; but -the recalcitrants remembered what they had suffered at the Diamond -Jubilee in getting to their places, and nothing on earth could convince -them that it would not be just the same for the Bishop’s address. So, -there they were, from five o’clock in the morning, making themselves as -comfortable as possible; first ringing for their breakfast, then later -on telephoning for luncheon. Shortly before the time announced for the -address, a party of friends might be seen in one of the large shop -windows enjoying their afternoon tea. Seated in front was Mrs Archibald, -with Lord Mowbray behind her; these two held closely to one another, and -kept up the old traditions of _bon ton_, for they firmly believed that -Society was rushing to its ruin. Eva Sinclair, good-naturedly had given -up joining her husband in the crowd, so as to accompany poor Alicia -Archibald, who declared that she could never think of seeing the show -without one of her set. Next to these two sat Lady Carey, who, although -she had assented to all the modern reforms, had drawn the line at such a -public _réunion_ as this one. She had begged Gwen to escort her, as she -could not bring herself to stay away and follow the development of the -meeting through her telephone. Montagu Vane was leaning on the back of -her chair, while Gwen and Nettie Collins made themselves useful at the -buffet. - -On the other side of the churchyard was Mrs Pottinger, with a good many -of the American colony. They had absolutely declined Mrs Archibald’s -invitation to join her at the windows of the dining-halls, preferring to -mix with the crowd under the arcades. Beside her stood her Royal Guide, -although she might by this time have very well dispensed with his -services, but she kept him for Auld Lang Syne, and for all the fun she -had formerly derived from the Royal Family; and perhaps also because she -thought it would do him good, for she was not an ungrateful woman. - -“I see that the American colony has at last emerged from its voluntary -seclusion,” said Lionel to Danford, as they drove up and took their -position close to the steps. - -“Yes, my lord, they retired to learn the art of observation, and have -achieved the task they set themselves to. Not only do they now recognise -the people they knew, but they have actually acquired the faculty of -putting names on to the faces they did not know.” - -“I am struck by the attitude of the American women. They move with the -same grace and ease as when Doucet and Paquin turned them out into the -social market.” - -“You are right, my lord, they have made nature herself quite elegant, -and are teaching dowdy mother Eve a lesson in deportment.” - -“There is a downrightness in their demeanour which always upsets my -equanimity,” said Lionel, laughing. - -“The American is a mathematical animal, my lord; and could a geometrical -figure walk, it would impersonate the _tournure_ of a Yankee.” - -“Is that the Bishop coming out of the central porch?” - -“Yes, my lord, and Jack Roller is beside him,” replied Danford. “They -are followed by representatives of all churches, who will group -themselves round the prelate.” - -“The _coup d’œil_ is harmonious,” remarked Lionel; “it puts me in mind -of Raphael’s _School of Athens_. Do you see on the right hand of the -Bishop a group of thin, pale men, their arms linked in one another’s? I -have no doubt those are Vicars and Curates. And notice on the left that -cluster of older men leaning in an attitude of keen attention, shielding -their ears with their hands, so as not to lose a syllable of the -address.” - -“My lord, these are the Canons, Deans and Bishops. But watch that -surging crowd on the steps in front of the Bishop. Some, lying down -dejectedly, are supporting their hirsute faces with their right hands; -others, seated with their knees up to their chins, look stubbornly in -front of them. They are the Nonconformists, eager to know what this -Church dignitary has to say to them.” - -“And what about those urbane men leaning modestly against the doors of -the Cathedral?” inquired Lionel. - -“Ah! those must be the Romanists, my lord. Their attitude is humble -though firm; they stand aloof in mute reverence, but will nevertheless -be able to hear what the Bishop says, from the place they have chosen. -No one knows, not even Jack Roller, what the Church has to say in this -matter, and the prelate will have to solve his own problem by himself.” - -A sonorous “Hush” stopped all conversations, but at first it was -impossible to hear one word, the prelate’s voice being too feeble for -the open air. - -“Louder, my lord,” spoke the guide in a stage whisper; and the Bishop, -coughing several times, began the Lord’s Prayer, which was repeated, -sentence after sentence, by all those present. Never had the prayer been -more reverently recited than on this day, when thousands of voices rose -in a great wave of sound, and thousands of heads bowed humbly to the -simplest of divine messages. When the Bishop spoke the last words, the -crowd broke into a loud Amen, which was followed by a long silence -broken only by the sound of horses’ hoofs pawing the ground. - -On a sign from his guide the Bishop, after more preliminary coughing, -commenced his address. He displayed a slight nervousness of manner and a -decided inarticulateness in delivery; but his audience, bent on hearing -what he had to say, soon accustomed themselves to his wearisome -intonation. The first part of his speech dealt with the duty of the -British nation of setting an example of modesty and purity to all other -nations. So far, so good, he did not depart from the customary dictates -of British pride. He next proceeded to state facts known to everyone; he -pointed out, for instance, that public baths were organised in all the -parks of London; that the streets’ safety had been assured by what he -called “altruistic discipline”; that the people’s food was now as -delectable as that partaken of by the higher classes; that the vanishing -of newspapers had been the means of raising the public level of -morality; in fact, the prelate confessed that true Christianity ruled -more forcibly in London, at present, than it had ever done at the epoch -in which flourished the _Times_, and the _Church Times_. - -“Although the old Bishop does not put it in any original way; still, I -am glad he recognises the good points of our new Society,” said Lady -Carey, turning to Mrs Archibald, who looked listless and disdainful. - -“My dear Alicia, you must own that since our general denudation we have -all been spared the squalid sights of misery?” - -“But misery must exist all the same, whether we see it or not,” remarked -Vane, who could not lose a prejudice nor learn a lesson. - -“Ah! but we do not see it, my dear Montagu, and that is a blessing,” -retorted Mowbray. - -“Misery unseen is half forgotten. Is not that the adage of true -selfishness?” This was Nettie, Gwen’s guide, who had brought a cup of -tea to Mrs Archibald. - -“Listen,” said Lady Carey, at this moment laying her hand on Mrs -Archibald’s shoulder. - -“When the storm divested us of all our covering,” the Bishop was saying, -“my first instinct was to recall the Gospels, hoping to find there -something suitable to the occasion. I discovered nothing that could help -me in this crisis; and as it was impossible to prevent our present -state, I meditated over what ought to be done for the greater extension -of purity and modesty.” The prelate’s voice was clearer and his delivery -more distinct. “I, and a few dignitaries of the Church of England, -organised a Society for the Propagation of Denudation, otherwise called -the S.P.D.; and after seeing the thing well launched in London, we -determined to send missionaries to all the countries most in need of our -Gospel. I am grieved to say that this first attempt at purifying the -world has not been successful, for last week our missionary, as he -landed on Calais pier, was arrested by the _agents des mœurs_, and -thrust into prison, and had to undergo there the shamefullest of all -penalties: the wearing of clothes. Let us for one second imagine his -tortured feelings; let us realise for an instant the agony of his -wounded sense of modesty, when he gazed at a shirt,” (murmurs) “and at a -pair of trousers.” (hisses and groans). “Our missionary, sick at heart, -implored of the officials to let him return to England, and, having -obtained permission, he took his little yacht back to Dover. I saw him -last week and had a very long discussion with him upon the subject of -how best to put our plans into execution. But we recognised a difficulty -when we contemplated the situation of our missionary, had he landed -unmolested at Calais, and reached in safety the capital of merriment and -incredulity. How could he have proved the authenticity of his mission, -when he had lost his external credentials? In the name of what doctrine -was a paradisaical priest to address his clothed _confrères_? It -occurred both to him and to me, that, since our complete divestment, the -principles which kept our commonwealth together were more deeply rooted -in our altruistic souls; and further, that the number of our dogmas had -been reduced to a few tenets, which could be easily lived up to without -theological wrangling or ecclesiastic rivalry. The missionary gravely -declared to me, that we should never be able to attempt any proselytism -abroad, before we had thoroughly grasped the first notion of the duties -of a peace-maker. We threshed out the subject until late that evening, -and spent many more nights trying to disentangle the skeins of -conflicting doctrines; but after we had both developed our ideas on the -problem of propagandism, the practical solution to the dilemma suggested -itself to me last night, by which true religion should be saved from the -waters of Lethe.” - -A gentle breeze fanned the crowd of anxious listeners. The windows of -the dining-halls were filled with human forms eagerly leaning forward. - -“Be brave, my Royal Guide, _we_ shall never desert you, although your -Church gives you up,” and Mrs Pottinger laid her firm white hand on the -arm of His Royal Highness. - -“Louder, my lord,” whispered Jack Roller to the Bishop. - -The old man raised himself on his toes, and, lifting his eyes, to -heaven, uttered these words: “_The union of all churches._” - - * * * * * - -A profound silence followed; and as the true purport of these words -became evident to the crowd, a loud murmur of approval arose, which -convinced the preacher he had struck the keynote of the public feeling. -The ice was broken, and feeling himself at one with his congregation, -the ex-dignitary proceeded unhesitatingly with his discourse, in -language which was always sincere, and at times even waxed eloquent. He -revealed to his public his inner thoughts and struggles. Strange to say, -at every phrase he destroyed what he had at one time worshipped, and -extolled that which he had formerly condemned. - -“Three months ago,” went on the prelate, “humanity had very erroneous -ideas of politics, economics, morals, and, I fear, also of religion; but -now that man has not a rag upon his back, now that monk’s hood, Bishop’s -apron, Hebrew canonicals are no more, conflicting dogmas cannot avail to -separate man from man. The principle of love forms the basis of all -divine teachings, and moral relationships between all creatures are the -aim of all those who reverence an ideal of some sort. There is no doubt, -my friends, that with the vanishing of clothes has disappeared also -religious casuistry. Religion, and by that I mean love and charity, is -as easy to practise in our large cities as it was in the small community -of Galilee. The first thing which we must well understand is that -religion must never be gloomy, nor ascetic, but, on the contrary, must -shed a radiance over mankind; for practical religion consists in the -perfect development of all our faculties, and in the enjoyment of that -which is beautiful. Happiness is the true aim of religion, and it cannot -be obtained by means of that religious depression which annihilates -human efforts towards social reforms. Only by working hand in hand with -science, and by strictly following her researches and approving of her -discoveries, can that _summum bonum_ be achieved.” - -“The old fellow is unconsciously paving the way towards the goal; and I -think the Seer’s invention will not raise the clergy’s wrath,” said -Lionel to his little buffoon. - -“My lord, there is no saying what a Bishop will do when he has lost his -gaiters,” replied Danford. - -“My dear friends”—the Bishop’s tone rose higher—“I am speaking as a man, -not as the head of a Bishopric (I do not quite see how I could do the -latter, since it is impossible nowadays to know a Canon from a Bishop, a -Cardinal from a Rabbi), well my friends, I come as a man to tell you -that we must accept the position, and give up attempting to unite the -substance with the shadow. Let us start once more fairly on the road to -enlightened happiness, and let us lead the theological reform, next to -which the great Reformation was but child’s play. For centuries we have -wrangled over the simplest doctrine: ‘Love thy neighbour.’ We all taught -its lesson according to our lights, but, strange to say, bitter -animosity continued to rule the world. It is only since our complete -divestment that we realised that we looked first to the label, and -rarely ever to the fundamental teaching. But, my friends, before we can -in any way reform the morals of foreign countries, we must tighten the -bonds which link men together, and carry into effect the great plan of -religious unity. It is the only logical basis on which to establish true -religion, and unless we strike the iron while it is hot we shall see -morality disappearing under a heap of argumentation. Do not take me for -a visionary constructing theoretical reforms which cannot be put into -practice. I want you to know that I have looked at this problem from a -practical point of view. You know as well as I do that, although every -country had its turn in reforming the world, somehow the old injustice -and the spirit of vindictiveness had a trick of creeping up again. But -now that the hour has struck for England to do something in the world’s -tournament, let us no longer procrastinate but do the right thing at the -right moment. Much will be expected of the British race, for it is -inclined to find fault with every other nation. The danger is at hand, -and no one can accomplish this reform like us, nor can any other Church -but ours effect this reconciliation. I therefore trust you will all help -me in the work of joining hands.” - -“Yes, the Bishop’s firm will get the job of repapering and whitewashing -the old barn.” And Dan chuckled as he turned towards Lord Somerville. - -“How irreverent you are, Dan,” reprovingly said Lionel. - -“My lord, you do not know your own countrymen. It is only when a great -reform evokes a trivial image in John Bull’s sleepy mind that an Utopian -ideal has any power to move him. You see, John Bull is of a homely -disposition, and he is very fond of telling you that the surface of our -planet and the relations between nations have greatly altered since a -man one day watched a kettle simmering. The Bishop knows his own flock -well enough, and he leads them with a gentle hand.” - -“Listen, Dan, to his closing words.” - -“England has behaved well throughout this crisis, my friends, it has -shown self-control and good-humour in making the best of a very -uncomfortable position; and I have no hesitation in declaring before you -all, that it is owing to our being essentially a moral nation that God -chose us to evangelise other races less felicitous. Let us never forget -that we are a practical nation, incapable of being led away from the -path of wisdom by moonstruck Utopians; and let us always bear in mind -that the Anglo-Saxon is always ready to take his share in a case of -rescue, when the means of effecting it lie in conforming to the -country’s code of honour.” - -“There he is again at his old game of British pride,” and Lionel -shrugged his shoulders as he tightened his horse’s reins and moved on. - -“Ah! my lord, be more lenient with him; the man means well, and that is -all we want for the present. Naturally he sticks to a few obsolete -prejudices, but never mind that, for he has risen to the greatest -heights in being for once sincere.” - -“Well, Mr Vane?” inquired Mrs Archibald, as she turned her face towards -the dismayed countenance of the _dilettante_, “what do you think of the -Bishop’s address?” - -“Our ranks are thinning, dear Mrs Archibald; the more reason for us to -draw close to one another and to struggle against the rising waves of -vulgarity.” The little fetish of Society put his hand to his eyes—what -was it? A pang at his heart or a sudden faintness? No one knew, for he -soon recovered his self-control and was as flippant as ever. - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII - - -“How isolated we are in this wide, wide world,” said Mrs Archibald to -Lord Mowbray, a few days after the meeting in St Paul’s. They had -rambled beyond Putney Bridge on a warm afternoon, and having reached -Barnes Commons had seated themselves upon the soft grass. These two -recalcitrants mourned pitifully over their present state and uncongenial -surroundings, and, as they sat, related to each other in short, -spasmodic sentences their grievous historiette of woe. Anecdote after -anecdote escaped their lips, which recalled a past glory, a social -Paradise for ever lost to them. Mrs Archibald described to her companion -the scene in Lord Somerville’s library, when Temple had spoken what she -had at the time considered such shameful words. However, she was -beginning to have some dim understanding of what Sinclair had meant when -he said that a blush at the right moment was a good thing; and she and -Lord Mowbray felt somewhat uncomfortable as they realised the anomaly of -recalling a clothed Society in their state of nature. For the first time -in their artificial lives did their two hearts throb and long for -something they had never known, and as they talked bitter tears trickled -down their pale cheeks. When they had nearly finished their task of -disentangling the skein of their complex past lives, they came to a full -stop; and behind the mass of frivolity and petty sorrowings evoked by -their anxious brain, they remarked in a corner, a dying Cupid, panting -for life, whom they decided to revive. But here we must stop, for it -does not do always to analyse the motives of human beings; suffice it to -say that in their frenzied revolt against the uncongeniality of their -surroundings, they fell into each other’s arms. Often a puerile cause -has been the means of working out a momentous effect. But a remarkable -thing occurred to these two recalcitrants, as they stood heart to heart, -lip to lip: one by one their prejudices disappeared, the shallowness of -their social past dawned upon them, and they now saw the meaning of -their present condition. - -They returned to London, to the great world, as man and wife, and -completely cured of their feverish delusion. - - * * * * * - -But where was _he_? Where, the little _dilettante_ who had for years -carefully ministered to Society’s artistic needs? He had fed the _grand -monde_ with small buns of his own making, and his flatterers and -parasites had turned away from him in disgust, begging for some other -bun of a better kneading. - -Towards the end of July, Lord Somerville and his faithful buffoon were -walking in Half Moon Street when Lionel suddenly suggested that they -should look up Montagu Vane. - -“As you like, my lord,” replied Danford; “I have not caught sight of the -little figure for many days.” - -They came to the _dilettante’s_ house, where, as in every house in -England, the front door stood open. (Vane had not been able to resist -public opinion, and for the sake of his own reputation as a fashionable -man, he had given way to this custom.) The two men entered the hall, and -as they began to ascend the staircase they had the impression of -penetrating into the Palace of the Sleeping Beauty. They went up the -narrow stairs, very soon found themselves in the large drawing-rooms, -and looked round at the frescoed walls representing mythological -subjects. - -“This place of fashionable gatherings looks more abandoned than the -deserts of Arabia,” said Lionel, “this was the last haunt of the social -_élite_; and there is about these rooms a stale aroma of _vieille -Société_, which makes me feel faint.” - -They seated themselves upon chairs carved in the shape of shells; other -seats and _fauteuils_ represented flowers and fruits, in imitation of -Dresden china. Poor Vane, he had done his level best to keep up his -standard of rococo art. - -“I was told that very few came to his parties of late—was that so?” -inquired Danford. - -“Ah! my dear Dan, I have seen him waste his energy and such gifts as he -had to entertain half-a-dozen men and women, so as to keep up his -ephemeral influence over what he still persisted in calling—his _salon_. -Some, like Mrs Archibald—ah! I always forget she is Lady Mowbray -now—came with her present husband; Lady Carey accompanied them, simply -for the sake of past associations, or out of pity. One evening—ah! I can -never forget that evening, why! it was only last week—Sinclair and I -arrived at ten o’clock, and found Vane all alone, in that very -shell-seat you are in. He was waiting for his guests. I can see him in -my mind’s eye, lying back, his eyes shut. The rooms were discreetly -lighted up; the tables, or monopodiums, as he insisted on calling them, -were laden with luscious fruit, whilst muffled melody of an invisible -orchestra, playing antiquated gavottes and minuettos, was heard in the -distance. Latterly these were the only strains he approved of. When he -caught sight of us in the doorway, he got up and came forward, seizing -hold of our hands. ‘Oh! my dear friends,’ said he, ‘you are welcome! You -will help me to-night.’ I noticed a thrill of sadness in his voice, and -I detected a tear in the corner of his eye. ‘What’s up?’ asked Sinclair. -‘My dear friends,’ he replied, ‘you will never guess. The Prince of -Goldstein-Neubaum, my social guide, has dropped me!’ Poor Vane went on -telling us that the Prince had telephoned to him an hour ago, announcing -that he could no longer continue to be his guide. ‘And what do you -think?’ went on the little _dilettante_, ‘he said he was going to join -the School of Observation! Too dreadful, my poor friends. When the -leaders of Society give up the game, what is there left? Of course you, -who represent our Peerage, are utterly lost, so are the men who, like -you, Sinclair, directed the public’s taste; but there still remained -Royalty, and I always hoped they would ultimately bring you all back to -a saner way of regarding life.’ ‘And you are all alone?’ said Sinclair -to him. ‘Well, we shall help you. Do you expect many to-night?’ as he -looked round at the great display of flowers and refreshments. ‘To tell -you the truth,’ and Vane spoke in subdued tones, ‘I thought it was time -to bring matters to a crisis, and I telephoned all over London to remind -my friends that this evening would be my last At Home, as the season -would soon break up.’ My dear Dan, it was pitiful to watch the poor -little man’s sadness, and I have never been so sorry for him as I was on -that memorable evening.” - -“I daresay, my lord, very few turned up,” remarked Dan. - -“My dear fellow, not one single soul came that night. When twelve -o’clock struck, Vane’s face became the colour of a corpse. The ticking -of the pendulum, as it swung remorselessly backwards and forwards, -seemed to furrow deep wrinkles in the wan face of our desolate friend. -We were witnessing the final agony of a marionette which Society had -held up by strings; until one day it grew weary of its plaything, and -dropped the toy upon the ground. He sat there, his little curly head -drooping on his breast, like a withered flower on its stem; whilst the -invisible orchestra played Boccherini’s minuetto. The atmosphere of that -past haunt of Society was redolent of exotic perfumes which made us -giddy. Towards three o’clock in the morning we left him without -disturbing his reflections, and we have never seen him since; it is only -a week ago.” - -“Shall we go, my lord? Time is short, and this is no place for men like -you.” - -“Let us run upstairs, Dan. I reproach myself for not having come to -inquire after him before.” - -Lionel led the way upstairs, followed by the somewhat reluctant Danford. -They pushed open the door leading into the _dilettante’s_ bedroom, but -at first, could not see anything, for the shutters were closed. The -overpowering stillness caused the two men to pause on the threshold, and -to hold their breath. After a few seconds they heard the regular -tick-tack of an old empire timepiece, and gradually their eyes perceived -in the dark the glittering brass ornaments of the furniture. Danford the -practical saw no fun in remaining thus in total obscurity, and he groped -his way towards the large bay window. He turned the latch, pushed the -shutters aside, and let in a flow of sunshine which revealed the -mahogany bedstead on which lay the small body of Montagu Vane. - -Lionel, who had crossed the room and joined Dan, touched his arm. - -“There he is,” murmured the two men. They walked on tip-toe close to the -bed and gazed upon the little _dilettante_, stretched out on his pallet -sleeping his last sleep. - -“He is quite cold,” whispered Lionel, laying his hand on the motionless -heart. - -“But not yet stiff, my lord,” added Dan, whose keen eye detected the -suppleness of the limbs, which could not have been cold for more than a -few hours. The wrinkles had been smoothed down, and the petty, frivolous -expression of the small face had been replaced by the placid aspect of a -wax doll. - -“Do you think there was any struggle, my dear Dick?” Lionel looked at -his guide with anguish. - -“No, my lord; there seems to have been no wrench, no painful parting -from life. What you witnessed, that evening when the world abandoned -him, must have been the only agony he ever knew.” - -“Yes, his was a sad life. He loved no one.” - -“My dear Lord Somerville, what is much worse still, no one loved him. -The inadequacy of this little man to his environment made his existence -pitiful.” - -They looked round the room. The doors, window frames and shutters were -all of mahogany. The bed, in the shape of a gondola, also of mahogany, -was supported by two gilded swans’ heads, and garlands in gilt -ornamented the sides of the bed. In one corner of the room was a -mahogany pedestal on which stood a silver candelabra; in another corner, -a small chiffonier was placed; and on the dressing-table stood a silver -bowl containing a bouquet of faded roses. - -“What a strange idea of his,” Lionel whispered; “this is quite a woman’s -bedroom, and a copy of Madame Récamier’s room in Paris.” Tears gathered -in his eyes. “And this is all he could invent to surround himself with; -but I daresay it all went together with his taste for the old minuetto.” - -“Let us be off, my lord. His silly little tale is told, and this -atmosphere is unhealthy.” - -They left the bedside, closed the mahogany shutters and went out of the -room. - -“We shall have to give notice at the Crematorium,” said Lionel, when -they were once more in the balmy air and sunshine. - -“If you like I will go, my lord. Do not trouble yourself.” - -It was pleasant to breathe again the fragrance of trees and flowers. -Piccadilly seemed full of life and happiness after that scene in the -death chamber. It was altogether so artificial that Lionel could feel no -sorrow for the loss of his little friend, and by the time they had -reached Park Lane he had almost banished from his memory the mahogany -room and the little corpse lying there. - -“I do not think I shall mention this to Gwendolen,” said Lord -Somerville. - -“I should not, my lord. Why should you mention the death of what you are -not quite sure ever existed? The little _dilettante_ was an optical -delusion of Society’s over-heated brain. When the brain fever was cured, -the delusion went; and no one now could remember the existence of the -little mannikin.” - -“Next week we open the Palace of Happiness. Dick, I dread it.” - -“You need not, my lord. Step by step you have led that worthy John Bull -through the labyrinths of Utopia, and all the way he has marvelled at -the easy roads. Dear old, ingenuous John Bull patted your back, -expressing his joy at being in the company of a sane mind who knew that -two and two made four.” - -“Ah! but I quake, Dan, when I think he will soon find out that very -often two and two make five. What will John Bull do to me when he sees -that I have played a trick upon him?” - -“The last lesson will be easier to teach than were the first ones, my -lord. There is something in the character of John Bull which facilitates -the work of reform; whilst you are instructing him, he labours under the -delusion that it is _he_ who is teaching _you_ a lesson. Look at all -that we have already achieved: hygiene has reformed the race, physical -pain has well-nigh disappeared; and next week we are to be in possession -of the greatest invention of all, by means of which we shall be able to -read the inner souls of our fellow-creatures. On that day we shall say -_Eureka_. Think of it, my lord, realise the grandeur of that invention! -The object and subject will be one, appearance and reality will be seen -in their whole; in one word, mind and matter will be united.” - -“My dear Dan, I know that no happiness can ever be lasting until one -soul can penetrate another. But how ever will the Britisher take this -invention? You know his susceptibilities, his deep love for -self-isolation, how he hates to wear his heart on his sleeve, and his -horror of letting any of his fellow-creatures guess his inner emotion. I -cannot help being anxious.” - -“Do not be faint-hearted, my lord. John Bull will receive your last -message with the greatest composure. He will work out his own salvation, -with the firm belief that he is only carrying out his own plans on a -logical basis.” - -“Here we are at Hertford Street, Dick; I am going to see Sir Richard. -You might go to the Crematorium.” - -“By Jove, my lord! I had quite forgotten the poor little body!” -ejaculated Danford, and the two men parted. - - - - - CHAPTER XIX - - -“Are you there?” inquired Victor de Laumel of Lionel through the -telephone, a few days before the opening of the palace. - -“Is that you, Victor?” - -“Yes; we are all very much amused over here, and wonder if you are -really in earnest about your Palace of Happiness?” - -“Nothing more serious, my dear boy. It will be the crowning of all our -social reforms.” - -“Bah, _mon cher_! you have lost all your sense of humour! When I think -of our _diners fins_, and our pleasant chats together, I cannot -understand your making such fools of yourselves—especially over a mere -trifle.” - -“Trifle, my dear Victor! This is the most important event in our -history, and the results to which this trifle will lead are colossal. -But you will one day perhaps be induced to imitate us.” - -“Nonsense, my dear man; we are too eclectic to return to paradisaical -fashions. Rabelais, with his boisterous jovialty, and sound doctrine of -good health united to good spirits, is more to the taste of a race which -to this day, in some provinces, speaks his sixteenth-century vernacular, -and inherits his practical views of life.” - -“Ah! but we have read Carlyle, my dear Victor, and seen through the -hollowness of our former social fabric.” - -“_Mon cher ami_, had you carefully read Montaigne, you would know that -the great essayist had hurled a stone at the tawdriness of our -clothes-screens long before the Recluse of Cheyne Walk. But I forget -that you take this kind of thing to heart! You are a _moral_ race—oh! a -very moral one—whatever you may do.” - -“I think, dear Victor, you will be impressed with our national reforms -when you are thoroughly acquainted with them.” - -“Well, well, what is the upshot of all this? I can quite realise the -scientific import of the Seer’s discovery; though, for my own part, I -should very much object to seeing the inner soul of a Loubet or the -secret motives of a Combes. But I can imagine that in business dealings, -or in matrimonial transactions, it might be of great advantage to be -able to investigate the motives of financiers or of mothers-in-law. -Still, I want to know what part _you_, the English aristocracy, are -playing in this burlesque?” - -“We are the leaders in this great bloodless revolution; and we have, -owing to our self-abnegation, saved the masses, and rebuilt our social -edifice on a stronger basis than before.” - -“My poor Lionel, that’s been done long ago! Our revolution of 1789 was -nothing but a noble renunciation of all prerogatives and privileges on -the part of our _noblesse_; still, the outrages of 1793 very soon showed -how futile were the attempts at reform—from within.” - -“Different countries have different customs, dear Victor, and you must -never judge our self-controlled commonwealth from the standpoint of your -bloodthirsty democracy. It is not so much that our aristocracy is unlike -yours, but that your lower classes are utterly different from our own.” - -“Anyhow, dear Lionel, I have made up my mind to go over and see things -for myself.” - -“Ah, that’s a good fellow! Come along, and we will do all that lies in -our power to make you happy. You won’t be bored, I declare; and your -visit over here will at all events furnish you with some topics of -conversation on your return to Paris.” - -And Victor de Laumel arrived next day in the afternoon, after a lovely -crossing in his yacht (for the Calais-Dover had ceased running, and he -was the first foreigner who had landed in England since the storm). He -stood on the Charing Cross platform as God made him; it having occurred -to him that the Londoners might be offended at his Parisian outfit and -at his disregarding the new fashion of denudation. On the day following -his arrival, his first visit was to Montagu Vane; but on his arrival at -his house, he found to his great surprise that it had been pulled down. -He inquired after the little _dilettante_ from several of his friends, -on his way to Selby House, but quite in vain, for no one could tell him -anything; and he thought that London Society had certainly not improved, -if it could forget the existence of its arbiter in all matters of art. -He did not, however, ponder long over such questions; he had come over -to judge impartially the London reforms, and he was not going to allow -his prejudices to influence him; so he made the most of his short stay -in the capital, seeing everything, escorted either by Lionel or by -Sinclair, who, by the way, seemed to him to have become dreadfully dull. -His rambles with Danford rather amused him, although he saw no novelty -in the admission to fashionable households of these little -truth-tellers, for this had been done before in mediæval times; but what -baffled him was the good-fellowship with which the Upper Ten appeared to -treat these little buffoons. He dined at the dining-halls, attended -meetings at the ex-clubs in Pall Mall, went to tournaments, plays, even -drove in a chariot with Tom Hornsby, and above all admired Gwendolen -beyond expression. But, after he had done these things and thrown -himself body and soul in the spirit of the new civilisation, he came to -the conclusion that it was all very well for a race which took things -_au serieux_, but that it would never do for Parisians; and he could not -for one instant believe that on the borders of the Seine political -rancour could ever be uprooted and replaced by love and charity, because -one man had seen another in nature’s garb. - -“Ah! _quelle plaisanterie, mon cher!_” Victor would ejaculate, when his -friend highly extolled the beauties of their Paradise Regained. - -“But how on earth,” exclaimed Lionel, one day, as he and Victor walked -along Bond Street together, “are you able to recognise everyone as you -do? It took Society a very long time before it could distinguish a Duke -from a hall porter!” - -“_Que vous êtes drôle, mon pauvre ami!_ I never found any difficulty! -You see, we French people are not lacking in perspicacity, and although -we excel in all matters of elegance, and attach perhaps more importance -to our appearance than your nation ever did, yet we never lose sight of -the person’s individuality hidden beneath the woven tissues.” - - * * * * * - -“As you will not take me to see your wonderful palace,” said Victor to -Lionel the day before the opening, “you might at least tell me where it -is.” - -“We chose Regent’s Park as a suitable place, and built in the centre of -it a monumental edifice, not unlike our old Crystal Palace, though twice -as large, and covered with a glass dome. Round the top of the hall runs -a gallery out of which doors open into rooms of about twenty feet -square. In these private laboratories scientific experiments can be -developed by anyone who brings an invention to the Committee of Public -Reforms.” - -“What anarchy, my dear Lionel; I cannot imagine how such a plan would -work at our Sorbonne!” - -“Ah! but you are an academical country!” replied Lord Somerville. “You -would be astonished at the number of young scientists who are coming to -the fore. Ever since education ceased to be compulsory, personal -initiative has become more frequent amongst men of the younger -generation who are eager to play a useful part on our world stage. After -the scientific discovery has been thoroughly tested in a private -laboratory, and its results declared to be satisfactory by the inventor, -it is publicly tried in the central hall before all who can comfortably -assemble there, and repeated each day, until all Londoners, together -with representatives of every town in England, have judged whether or no -the discovery is like to add happiness to humanity.” - -“I suppose it was you who chose the name by which the palace is called?” -inquired Victor. - -“I suggested it, but there was a long discussion about that. The clergy, -desirous to immortalise their union with other churches, were anxious to -call it the Palace of Scientific Religion; the bigwigs of the old War -Office, who have become more pacific than the Little Englanders of our -past civilisation, insisted that the place should be named the Palace of -Bloodless Victories.” - -“Then what did you do to bring them round to your way of thinking?” - -“My dear man, I did not bring them round at all; they gradually came -round of their own accord, when they realised that happiness was our -aim, and that all our efforts were but means to that end.” - -“Strange people you are,” thoughtfully remarked Victor. - -“Never has man been so thoroughly disciplined, my dear Victor, or so -free to develop his faculties to the utmost, as since he voluntarily -gave up the attempt to dominate his fellows.” - -“All the positivists, past and present, have preached that felonious -doctrine,” said Victor, shrugging his shoulders. “Even your great -Herbert Spencer—who was what one may call a pessimistic reformer—owned -that before man could realise a perfect state of freedom, he would have -to master the passions which give a bias to all his actions, and render -him powerless to create a social Utopia. May this blissful state of -things continue, and may the Seer find your hearts as pure as newborn -babes when he turns his searchlight on to you.” - -“There is no fear of that, dear Victor; London has been going through -mental gymnastics for a few weeks, and you could not find one creature -that did not harbour the purest intentions. Even that uninteresting -couple, the Mowbrays, have not in their whole composition a grain of -malice, although they started late in their career of reform.” - - * * * * * - -The Palace of Happiness opened next day, on what Londoners were formerly -wont to call Goodwood Day. Thousands and thousands marching in perfect -order entered the hall, and seated themselves on the benches which had -been erected one above the other and reached right up to the gallery. At -one end of the hall, on a marble platform raised three feet from the -ground, Lionel and Gwen, Sinclair and Eva, with many others who formed -part of the committee, were reclining on couches. Victor de Laumel sat -discreetly behind the Somervilles, for they had hinted to their Parisian -friend that his presence might attract the attention of the public and -put it out of humour against the whole performance. Lionel kept saying -that until this ceremony was over they were not out of the wood, and -could not say positively that John Bull had been won over. - -Notwithstanding the size and height of the hall, the scent of flowers -was intoxicating, as masses of cut roses, jasmine and carnations were -strewed over the platform and the seats, whilst huge garlands of -tropical flowers hung in festoons along the upper gallery. - -At the other end of the edifice, opposite the platform, an enormous arch -had been constructed as an entrance to the hall, through which the crowd -could watch the slow progress of the procession in the distance, as it -came up the broad avenue bordered with exotic plants. From where they -were seated in the hall, it was difficult to distinguish the exact -details of that triumphal procession, but they could discern in the -sunshine a dazzling object carried in state by several male figures. -This was the casket, or, as it was more appropriately called, the -Reliquary, which contained the instrument designed by the Seer to bring -universal happiness. The bearers of this heavy burden were numerous, for -the Reliquary was large and weighty, and strong muscles were needed to -lift up and down this solid mass of gold. Not only had the great of the -land volunteered to fulfil the humble duties of bearers in this -unparalleled pageant, but men who held exalted positions at Court had of -one accord given up their coronets and decorations, their military -orders and medals, in order that these might be melted down and recast -into this magnificent casket. Likewise had Royal Princesses, and the -flower of feminine aristocracy, unhesitatingly handed over to the Seer -all their tiaras, necklaces and costly jewels, to ornament the outside -of this precious receptacle. It was an impressive sight, and one which -no living man could compare with any past pageant in history, to see -these men, who three months ago had firmly believed in the power of -wealth and position, standing now shoulder to shoulder divested of their -worldly masks and leading the way to the happy goal. Perhaps also their -hearts throbbed with pride as they thought of the private ceremony which -was to follow this public function: a special train was to carry the -Reliquary and the bearers to Dover, where, from the pier, they would -hurl the symbol of all past vanities into the Channel. They thirsted for -this last act of self-abnegation, and moreover they felt that it would -be a salutary hint to the nation over the way. - -The clock struck twelve, and as the last stroke vibrated through the -clear atmosphere, the head of the procession passed through the porch. - -Mrs David Pottinger, holding the hand of the American Seer, entered -first; behind her came the twenty bearers carrying the Reliquary. The -public stared in amazement at its size—twelve feet long and eight feet -wide—and they were dazzled by the beauty of the mass of solid gold all -inlaid with precious stones. As the bearers slowly advanced into the -middle of the hall, the whole assembly rose, and many were moved to -tears as they read on the top of the casket the magic word, _Happiness_, -spelt in diamonds, rubies and sapphires. Not one word, not one clap of -hands were heard to disturb the sanctity of the ceremony. Immediately -behind the Reliquary came the American colony, walking three abreast. -They were all there, proud of their kinsman, to whom the world in future -would owe an eternal debt of gratitude, and they were honoured at being -allowed to be of use to dear old England, whose hospitality they so -thoroughly appreciated. Behind these marched the Music Hall Artists, men -and women; and at their approach a thrill ran through the audience. They -fluttered with wild excitement at the sight of these dapper men and -spruce little women, who seemed to bring with them an element of -good-natured fun, and to whom England owed, in a sense, its salvation. -What the audience felt was similar to that which they formerly -experienced in the days when the Horse Guards used to appear on the -scene, to announce the approach of a Royal carriage. Still, no words -rose to their lips; their gratitude for these wise jesters was too -deeply rooted in their hearts to find expression in vulgar applause. -Their eyes lingered in rapture on the ranks of the satirists whose -action had, at a critical moment, pulled Society together, and taught -its members how to observe and how to remember. - -From these the audience looked up at the twenty bearers, and marvelled -at their transformation, recognising in one a Royal Highness, in others -a Prime Minister, a Field-Marshal, an Archbishop, a South African -millionaire and various Members of Parliament. - -Mrs Pottinger and the Seer were within a few steps of the platform, when -the procession suddenly came to a standstill; the members of the -committee, rising from their seats, came forward and bowed to the -couple, whilst Gwendolen and her friends remained behind with their -guest from the other side of the Channel, to whom they were anxious to -show the utmost courtesy. The twenty bearers carefully lifted the heavy -burden from their shoulders, and deposited on the ground, the Reliquary -which rested on ten sphinxes’ heads carved in solid gold. The twenty -representatives of a vanished civilisation showed no signs of lassitude -after their long pilgrimage, but stood upright, facing the committee -with the tranquil expression which heroes bear on their faces when they -have accomplished their duty. - -The bells began to peal in honour of the new era just dawning on the -world, and the men and women gathered in thousands in the hall, gazed in -silent admiration at the beauty of the Reliquary enveloped in the -burning rays of sunshine. They remembered what that word spelt in -precious stones had meant to each of them. They called up in their -mind’s eye the pageants of the last few years, with all the morbid -excitement and savage rowdiness which accompanied such shows; and they -blushed at what they were brought up to regard as happiness, which was -in reality merely a fierce love of enjoyment and a wrong notion of -national honour. The topsy-turvyism of past London was so revolting and -so incongruous with their present mode of life, that to many who were -present, Hogarth’s print of Gin Lane came before their eyes, as a symbol -of an intoxicated world in which even the houses reeled on the top of -each other in a universal _culbute_. - -Suddenly the bells stopped, and Mrs Pottinger and the Seer, having bowed -to the committee, turned round and walked back to the Reliquary. There -was a slight nervousness about the inventor’s movements, and his hand -shook visibly as he held it above the casket. Gradually he lowered it -until the precious stones came in contact with the palm of his hand; and -when his sinewy fingers grasped the golden latch, which he lifted with a -sharp snap, the noise sounded, in the intense silence, like a gun fired -in the distance. To Lionel’s memory it brought back the first exodus of -Londoners three months ago. - -At that moment, as if compelled by some higher power, the assembly broke -into a shout of joy, which was echoed by the thousands who were gathered -outside the hall; and a few seconds afterwards they gave expression to -their pent-up emotion by shouting the word which was inscribed on the -Reliquary. - -“Happiness! Happiness!” they unceasingly vociferated, whilst the Seer -slowly opened the lid encrusted all over with diamonds. - -“Happiness! Happiness!” - -The bells began to peal once more, and the sun flooded the hall through -every aperture. The Seer brought out of the Reliquary a small instrument -in the shape of a revolving wheel, which he held at arm’s length above -his head. At that instant the shouting was so deafening that the Seer -had to exercise all his self-control not to break down under the emotion -which mastered him. - -The rays of the sun streaming into the hall were so dazzling, that every -detail was blurred; the glass dome seemed to lift itself away in the -azure, and the walls to crumble down, as the last barrier which had -separated man from man was annihilated. - -An unfettered world wrapped in a golden vapour stood under the blue sky, -shouting for ever and ever, “Happiness! Happiness! Happiness!” - - - - - CHAPTER XX - - -“What’s been the matter with me?” - -“Nothing very serious, Lord Somerville,” cheerily replied Sir Edward -Bartley. “You are all right now; but you must not excite yourself. Now, -now, don’t look round in that way.” And the eminent surgeon laid his -soft hand on his patient’s wrist. - -“This is strange, Sir Edward. Have the carpets and curtains come back?” -and two tears trickled down Lionel’s emaciated cheeks. - -“Sh, sh! that’s all right.” Sir Edward turned to the valet, who stood -close by. “Temple, you must put some more ice on your master’s head. -That same idea is haunting him; and we shall have him delirious again if -we don’t look out.” - -“No, Sir Edward,” murmured Gwendolen Towerbridge, seated at the foot of -the bed. “Lord Somerville is all right, leave him to me, and you will -find him perfectly well when you return this afternoon.” The eminent -surgeon took Gwen’s hand in his own and looked intently into her face. - -“My dear young lady, you have already saved his life; for no trained -nurse could have shown more skill, more tact, than you have done -throughout this alarming case. It is a perfect mystery to me how a -fashionable and spirited young girl like you could, in one day, become -such a clever nurse and a devoted woman.” - -“Ah! that is my secret, Sir Edward.” Gwen looked down blushingly. “But -some day I may tell it you, if he allows me.” - -“Well, well,” and he gently patted her hand, “I leave the patient in -your hands; if you can bring him round to a saner view of his -surroundings, you will have done a great deal; for he is quite unhinged, -and I am not sure that his brain is not affected.” - -“Oh dear, no! my dear Sir Edward, Lord Somerville is quite sane; who -knows, perhaps even saner than you or I.” - -“Poor, dear lady, I am afraid the strain has been too much for you, and -we shall have you laid up if you persist in not taking a rest.” And Sir -Edward silently left the room, followed by Temple. - -“My precious Lion, you have at last come back to me!” exclaimed Gwen, as -she threw herself on her knees and kissed Lionel’s hand. - -“Ah! I knew it was all true,” wearily said Lord Somerville, “for you -call me as she did—Lion. But tell me, dearest, when did all these -clothes and curtains come back?” - -“My poor darling, these clothes, these carpets never disappeared. It has -been a long dream—a long and beautiful dream.” - -“All a dream—then Danford, the witty and faithful guide—?” - -“Yes, a dream, my precious Lionel.” - -“And all is as it was before that storm? But you, Gwen, you are not the -same, you are the Una of my dream; I see it in your radiant expression. -Tell me, dearest, how did it happen? Did I really shoot myself?” - -“Yes, dear—but to go back to that night. As you remember, the storm was -of such a nature as to prevent our reaching Richmond Park, and we turned -back to town as fast as ever we could to Hertford Street. At about two -o’clock in the morning father was roused by his valet, who told him that -Temple had come to say he had found you in the library, shot through the -head.” - -“And you—?” Poor Gwen evaded the searching look of her lover by burying -her face in the counterpane. - -“My father never told me what had happened until next day.” She looked -up at Lionel. “Do not ask me if I felt for you; I do not know, and I do -not wish to remember. I only know that two days after, as I rode back -through the Park, I looked in to inquire how you were. I came into this -room, and found the surgeon, who told me your nurse had to leave, for -she had been suddenly taken ill; and I sat down by your bed, just as I -was in my riding-habit, to watch you until another nurse had been -found.” - -“Poor Gwen, it was a horrid ordeal, for you always hated sickness and -loathed nursing.” - -“Yes, and I was so mad at the surgeon suggesting that I should watch -you, that I lashed your dog with my whip as he came running into the -room. He set up a most awful howl which you never heard, fortunately. I -sat down, and you began to wander. At first it seemed but the ravings of -a madman and I did not pay much attention; but by the evening, I was -amused at your suggestions, and told the upper housemaid to go and fetch -my maid with my things. I had made up my mind to stay.” - -“To nurse me, Gwen? Ah! how good of you,” interrupted Lionel. - -“No, Lionel, I don’t want you to have a wrong impression of me, it was -not at all to nurse you, it was in the hopes that you would renew that -fascinating dream. You were most entertaining that night, and I laughed -outright at the funny things you said.” - -“I daresay it was as amusing as the play you would have gone to that -night,” laughingly remarked Lionel. - -“Oh! my dear Lionel, I was so very tired of my social entertainments; -and the whole show had lost a good deal of its glamour, for it was my -third season.” - -“So you thought my dream was more diverting, and therefore decided to -remain in the seat for which you had not paid.” - -“Yes, that’s it; I must confess the truth, for we must never deceive -each other again.” - -“Poor little Gwen, how you must have hated me, for I am ashamed to say, -some of my remarks were anything but flattering.” - -“No, Lionel; but you taught me how to know you, and I learned how to -know myself. I have sat night after night in this chair, listening to -your dream, watching every phase of your regenerated London. I shared in -all your reforms, and at times you even answered my questions. I could -start your weird dream at any time, and at a suggestion of mine you -would take up the thread of your narrative just where you had left it -the night before.” - -“It must have been like a sensational _feuilleton_ which you expected -each day to thrill you anew. But how worn out you must be, sweetheart. -How long have I been in this condition?” inquired Lionel. - -“Two months, dearest; but instead of wearing me out this hallucination -kept me alive and put new blood into my veins. I can quite well see that -Sir Edward believes I am on the verge of a mental collapse. Poor man, he -does not see what we see and cannot feel as we do; he is still -hopelessly ignorant.” - -“What a narrow escape I have had,” remarked Lionel. - -“It was miraculous, and the surgeons said they only knew of one other -case in which a man who had been shot right through the head recovered -consciousness after two months.” - -“I daresay everyone will say my brain is affected whenever I say or do -anything out of the common.” - -“Never mind, Lionel, you and I have seen into each other’s heart, and -that is sufficient to outweigh the loss of the world’s approbation. You -see, we cannot look to a storm to wash away all our world’s shams; so we -shall have to pass for eccentric or unorthodox, if we mean to live in a -world of our own.” - -“But then, dear Gwen, you remember that Danford said we should be -followed in our social reforms by all the cads that surround us.” - -“Yes, I daresay, but it will be a long time before that happens, and I -have done my little work of reform personally, by dismissing my maid, -and by sending all my wardrobe to poor gentlewomen. This old shabby -dress is the only one I have worn for two months. Ah! Lionel, I am -ashamed at appearing before you in such an indecent thing as a dress—but -you know, we cannot reform the world too abruptly, and besides I was -afraid Sir Edward might give me in charge!” and they both laughed -heartily. It did him good to recall the old jokes, and his face -brightened as he watched Gwen pirouetting round the room. - -There was a gentle knock at the door, and Temple came in with -Gwendolen’s luncheon, which he placed on the table. He handed to her on -a silver tray a bundle of letters and cards. - -“How funny to see letters again,” said Lionel. “Who are they from?” - -“A card from the Duke of Saltburn—Lord Petersham—” - -“Oh! I must ask the old fellow if he is accustomed to sitting next to -his butcher on the Board of Public Kitchens! Who next, Gwen?” - -“There is your pet aversion, Joe Watson, with solicitous inquiries.” - -“Gwen, I misjudged the old draper. There is a deal of good behind his -insular self-consciousness.” - -“Ha! ha! ha! Little Montagu Vane came to ask how you were!” - -“Beg pardon, Miss,” broke in the conscientious valet, “Mr Vane never -came himself, he sent round a messenger boy.” - -“Oh! how good, just like him,” said Lionel; “he is a _dilettante_ even -in sympathy, and prefers to get his information indirectly.” - -“There are letters from Mrs Webster, from Mrs Archibald.” - -“What can they want?” interrupted the patient. “These letters are of no -earthly use; the first wants my subscription for some charity fraud, the -second needs my name for some social parade. Throw them in the -waste-paper basket.” - -“Mrs Pottinger also sent her card,” went on Gwen, as she dropped the -cards and letters one by one on the table. - -“Excuse me, Miss,” again said Temple, “I forgot to say that Mrs -Pottinger came to inquire everyday; and yesterday she left a small -parcel which I put on the hall table.” - -“Let us see what she says on her card,” and Gwen read the following -words: “‘Mrs Pottinger hopes that Lord Somerville will accept and use -the small pocket battery which accompanies this card. One of the most -renowned New York surgeons has invented this wonderful brain restorer, -and Mrs P. trusts Lord Somerville will give the discovery a fair trial, -and that he will patronise the inventor and the invention.’” - -“My first and only call will be on Mrs David Pottinger!” exclaimed -Lionel, sitting up in his bed. “We shall see her yet presiding at the -Palace of Happiness, and leading by the hand the American Seer.” - -“Is my lord worse, Miss?” gravely inquired the valet, as he leaned -towards Gwen. - -“No, Temple, your master has never been in better spirits, nor has he -ever been so clear in his mind. But it is—what can I call it?—a joke -between us, and no one besides ourselves can understand it.” - -“My good Temple,” echoed Lionel, with a joyous ring in his voice, “it is -a conundrum which we are trying to guess. We have already made out the -first part of the riddle, but the second will be more difficult, for it -will consist in making _you_ see the joke, Temple.” - -“Oh! my lord, I always was a bad hand at guessing.” - -“Ev’n News! Probable date of th’ Coronation!” The hurried footsteps -passed in front of Selby House. - -“What does that mean, Gwen? Is not the Coronation over by this time?” - -“My poor boy, of course you do not know the news! Many things have -happened since that night when you shot yourself. The war is over—thank -goodness that is a thing of the past! But the royal tragedy-comedy was -never acted. You shall read for yourself.” And Gwen went to fetch a -bundle of newspapers and illustrated journals that lay on a console. - -“’Ooligan murderer sentenced!” Again the hurried steps passed in the -street. - -Lionel read on and on, thrilled at the perusal of dailies and weeklies. - -“The strangest of events brought the curtain down on our social -pantomime. Quite as strange as the storm of London. If only it brought -England to its senses I would not lament over the disappointment of the -public.” - -“I doubt whether England will take the hint,” said Gwen. - -“This is all very strange, dearest Gwen, but still no stranger than my -visions; and if it is true that ‘we are such stuff as dreams are made -of,’ we can yet hope that our Society will save itself in time.” - -The handle of the door was turned and Sir Edward walked in. - -“Hullo! already reading, my dear Lord Somerville! You are a wonderful -patient, and we shall see you in the Row before long.” Taking Lionel’s -hand he felt his pulse. “That’s right, you are better, and you will soon -resume your duties at Court. The King was inquiring after you the other -day.” - -“Very kind of him, I am sure, Sir Edward. I am sorry to disappoint you, -but as soon as I can I shall start on a long journey, and England will -not see me for many years.” - -“My dear Lord Somerville,” and Sir Edward held his patient’s pulse -firmly within his slender fingers, “we cannot spare you from London; -besides which, this devoted young nurse cannot allow you to abandon her -in this way.” - -“I shall accompany Lord Somerville wherever he goes,” proudly said Gwen. - -Sir Edward laid his patient’s hand gently on the bed and put back his -watch into his waistcoat pocket. - -“I never doubted for one instant that you would, Miss Towerbridge, but -Lord Somerville has his duties to his King and to Society; and it would -be quite unnecessary to take a long voyage when I can vouch for his -speedy recovery, and can promise that he shall take part in the -procession.” - -“My dear Sir Edward, I am so sorry to disappoint you again, but the -royal procession will not include my unworthy person, nor shall I -witness the royal pageant. It may be bad taste on my part, but I resign -all my duties at Court from to-day. As to social duties—they only -existed in our imaginations, and the sooner we emancipate ourselves from -such bondage the better. Besides, my dear Sir Edward, who knows whether -there will be a Coronation?” - -“You are tired, dear friend”—the physician laid his hand on Lionel’s -brow. “You have done far too much in one day, and need rest. But I will -tell you just to put your mind at ease, that the date of the Coronation -is fixed. I met the Lord Chamberlain an hour ago, and he informed me -that we may look forward at an early date to our Sovereign’s public -apotheosis.” - -“Always the same incorrigible snobbery.” Lionel heaved a long sigh and -lay back on his pillow. “My poor Sir Edward, England has missed the -opportunity it ever had of learning a lesson; and we are ambling back to -Canterbury on a Chaucerian cob.” - -“Dear Miss Towerbridge”—Sir Edward came close to Gwen and spoke in a -whisper—“I am afraid Lord Somerville is not yet out of the wood. I -notice symptoms of the recurring fever. If by ten o’clock this evening -the patient has not completely recovered his senses, call for me; for I -fear the case will then be very grave, and one that will need the -greatest care.” - -“Do not worry about him, dear Sir Edward,” said Gwen, smiling her most -bewitching smile. “Lord Somerville will never recover what you call his -senses, and as soon as he can be taken away with safety we shall start -for the Continent.” - -“Good gracious! you do not realise what condition he is in! And what -about your father? What about Society? You are very self-sacrificing, -but you are reckless. Pray let me advise you, my dear young lady.” - -“We shall start as soon as Lionel can be moved,” firmly answered Gwen. - -“Yes, dear Sir Edward,” added Lionel, looking wistfully at the surgeon; -“but we shall keep you posted up as to our whereabouts.” - -“And we shall always sympathise with you in your tragic state of -overclothing,” playfully said Gwen. - -“My last words to you, Miss Towerbridge,” sententiously spoke Sir -Edward, as he stiffly bowed farewell, “are these: You will very soon -regret your rash enterprise.” - -The surgeon went slowly out of the door, which he closed behind him with -a sharp click; and as he crossed the hall he muttered between his teeth, -“It is the first time I have seen an absolute case of contagious -insanity.” - - - THE END - - - COLSTON AND COY. LIMITED, PRINTERS, EDINBURGH - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CURTIS YORKE’S Latest Novels - - - =OLIVE KINSELLA= (Shortly) =6/—= - =DELPHINE= (Fourth Edition) =6/—= - =THE GIRL IN GREY= (Fifth Edition) =6/—= - =A FLIRTATION WITH TRUTH= (New Edition) =2/6= - - THE PRESS ON CURTIS YORKE - - =The Times.=—“Curtis Yorke, in her many novels, has a happy gift for - portraying the tender emotions.... There is always a charm about - Curtis Yorke’s books—partly because she has the gift of natural, - sympathetic dialogue.” - - =Saturday Review.=—“The novels of Curtis Yorke are too well known to - need introduction. They have already their own public. They are - bright, lively and vivacious.” - - =Morning Post.=—“Whether grave or gay, the author is a raconteur - whose imagination and vivacity are unfailing. Few, moreover, have in - the same degree the versatility which enables him to provoke peals - of laughter and move almost to tears.... 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She never deviates - from a path of pure naturalness.” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - MARY E. MANN’S GREAT NOVEL - - - - - IN SUMMER SHADE - - - By MARY E. MANN - Author of - “The Mating of a Dove,” “Olivia’s Summer,” etc. - - Crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 6s. - - OPINIONS OF THE PRESS - - =Morning Post.=—“For human interest and bright vivacity of dialogue - ‘In Summer Shade’ is not likely to find many rivals among works of - the same class.” - - =Speaker.=—“Mrs Mann has given us a thoroughly readable and - decidedly clever story, marked by humour, satires and tenderness.” - - =Daily Chronicle.=—“The scene between husband and wife is one of the - strongest and most restrained pieces of dramatic work we have seen - for quite a long while.” - - =Standard.=—“A strong dramatic interest and a really excellent love - story.” - - =Daily Graphic.=—“Not only a very charming tale in itself, but it is - excellently told.” - - =Bookman.=—“In very few recent novels will there be found anything - approaching its grasp of character and firmness of touch. Her - characters are not made of ink and paper, but of flesh and blood.” - - =Graphic.=—“A very charming story indeed.... The large-natured Mary - will live in the memory as the most delightful of heroines.... A - thoroughly lifelike novel which can be enjoyed with the mind as well - as with the sympathies.” - - =Spectator.=—“Mrs Mann certainly gives us an effective tale. Mary’s - self-devotion on her sister’s behalf makes a powerful incident and - leads up to a _dénouement_ of much dramatic power.” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - _READY SHORTLY_ - - GUY BOOTHBY’S ENTHRALLING NEW ROMANCE - - - - - =IN SPITE OF THE CZAR= - - - By GUY BOOTHBY - - =Crown 8vo, Bevelled Boards,= =Price 5s.= - - _With Eight Full-page Half-tone Illustrations on Art Paper by_ LEONARD - LINSDELL - -The name of Guy Boothby is one to conjure with. In this fine tissue of -romance and realism, we have a wide range both in scenery and in -incident. The invention of “Velvet Coat” as a distinctive sobriquet is -an original idea, and whether in an English country mansion, on the St -Petersburg pavements, or at Irkutsk, or in any other of the scenes so -well painted, we are carried on from page to page with breathless -expectation. All sorts and conditions of men, and of women too, cross -the stage of this fresh drama, and it is full of exactly what delights -the jaded reader—after turning from third-rate romance—namely the -Unexpected. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - MAY CROMMELIN’S - POPULAR NOVELS - - - =Crown 8vo, cloth gilt, price 6s. each= - - PHŒBE OF THE WHITE FARM [_Shortly_ - ONE PRETTY MAID AND OTHERS - CRIMSON LILIES - BETTINA - KINSAH - THE LUCK OF A LOWLAND LADDIE - A WOMAN DERELICT - PARTNERS THREE - A DAUGHTER OF ENGLAND - - =World.=—“Miss May Crommelin has a keen eye for the picturesque, and - her books glow with local colour. She is known as an agreeable - novelist, and has a breezy style which carries the reader pleasantly - along.” - - =Spectator.=—“Miss May Crommelin brings to her task the pen of a - trained writer. She has a wonderful eye for colour, and excels in - seizing the dominant notes of street scenes or mountain landscapes.” - - =Graphic.=—“Miss May Crommelin is not one to do otherwise than - well.” - - =Bookman.=—“Miss May Crommelin at her best is very good indeed. At - her worst she is at least up to the average.” - - =Daily News.=—“Miss May Crommelin gives us a great deal for our - money. She has a great gift of language, as well as an unfailing - capacity for invention.” - - =Speaker.=—“Miss May Crommelin tells a story well. Her work has - especially a dramatic distinctness which makes us feel that her - characters are not merely manipulated on paper, but are realised in - the imagination.” - - =Literary World.=—“Miss May Crommelin can at all events never be - accused of heaviness or dulness.... A writer who does not spare - pains either in regard to characterisation or composition.” - - =Queen.=—“Miss May Crommelin has the double qualification of being a - good travel-writer and a clever novelist.” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - _JUST PUBLISHED._ - - GUY BOOTHBY’S NEW ROMANCE - - - - - =A Bride from the Sea= - - - =By GUY BOOTHBY= - - Author of “Dr Nikola,” “A Cabinet Secret,” “The Lady of the Island,” - etc. - - =Crown 8vo, bevelled boards, price 5s.= - - _With Eight full-page half-tone Illustrations on Art Paper - by_ A. TALBOT SMITH - -This romance is, in the opinion of those who have been privileged to -read it in M.S., Mr Guy Boothby’s best and most sensational tale, and is -probably the longest story the author has written. The hero is Gilbert -Penniston, a Devon worthy; time, a year after the Armada, and the -_motif_ his ardent love for a very beautiful Spanish girl, saved from -shipwreck. Jealousy, plottings, duels and many totally unexpected -sensations, carry the reader on enthralled and breathless to the last -page. The local colouring is excellent, and the value of the romance is -enhanced by Mr A. Talbot Smith’s splendid and realistic illustrations. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - =Mrs LOVETT CAMERON’S= - POPULAR NOVELS - - - =Crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 6s. each= - - BITTER FRUIT - REMEMBRANCE - AN ILL WIND - A FAIR FRAUD - A PASSING FANCY - ROSAMOND GRANT [_Shortly_ - MIDSUMMER MADNESS - THE CRAZE OF CHRISTINA - A DIFFICULT MATTER - A WOMAN’S “NO” - - =Morning Post.=—“Mrs Lovett Cameron is one of the best story-tellers - of the day, and her pages are so full of life and movement that not - one of them is willingly skipped.” - - =Daily News.=—“Mrs Lovett Cameron’s stories are always bright, - vivacious and entertaining. They are very pleasantly human, and - have, withal, a charming freshness and vigour.” - - =Daily Telegraph.=—“Mrs Lovett Cameron is a fertile and fluent - storyteller, and an uncommonly clever woman.” - - =Guardian.=—“Mrs Lovett Cameron’s novels are among the most readable - of the day. She has a wonderful eye for a situation, so her stories - move with a swing that is all their own.” - - =Pall Mall Gazette.=—“Mrs Lovett Cameron, in her novels, is always - readable and always fresh.” - - =Speaker.=—“Mrs Lovett Cameron possesses the invaluable gift of - never allowing her readers to become bored.” - - =Academy.=—“Mrs Lovett Cameron exhibits power, writes with vivacity, - and elaborates her plots skilfully.” - - =Bookman.=—“Mrs Lovett Cameron has gained for herself a circle of - admirers, who take up any new book of hers with a certain eagerness - and confidence.” - - =Vanity Fair.=—“Mrs Lovett Cameron needs no introduction to the - novel reader, and, indeed, has her public ready to her hand as soon - as her books come out.” - - =Black and White.=—“We have a few writers whose books arouse in us - certain expectations which are always fulfilled. Such a writer is - Mrs Lovett Cameron.” - - London: JOHN LONG, 13 & 14 Norris St., Haymarket - - And at all the Libraries and Booksellers - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - MR. JOHN LONG’S - AUTUMN AND NEW YEAR ANNOUNCEMENTS - 1904–1905 - - - - - =JOHN LONG’S POPULAR NOVELS= - - -MR. JOHN LONG has much pleasure in announcing the publication of the -following important New Novels, several of which are now ready. - - =Six Shillings each= - - THE MASK[1] WILLIAM LE QUEUX - THE STORM OF LONDON F. DICKBERRY - BLIND POLICY GEORGE MANVILLE FENN - THE AMBASSADOR’S LOVE ROBERT MACHRAY - LADY SYLVIA LUCAS CLEEVE - THE WATERS OF OBLIVION ADELINE SERGEANT - AN INDEPENDENT MAIDEN ADELINE SERGEANT - THE BOOK OF ANGELUS DRAYTON MRS. FRED REYNOLDS - RONALD LINDSAY MAY WYNNE - LINKS OF LOVE DACRE HINDLE - MERELY A NEGRESS STUART YOUNG - THE TEMPTATION OF ANTHONY ALICE M. DIEHL - LITTLE WIFE HESTER L. T. MEADE - THE NIGHT OF RECKONING FRANK BARRETT - ROSAMOND GRANT MRS. LOVETT CAMERON - THE SECRET PASSAGE FERGUS HUME - CONFESSIONS OF A YOUNG LADY RICHARD MARSH - THE FATE OF FELIX MRS. COULSON KERNAHAN - LOVE AND TWENTY JOHN STRANGE WINTER - HIS REVERENCE THE RECTOR SARAH TYTLER - LORD EVERSLEIGH’S SINS VIOLET TWEEDALE - THE INFORMER FRED WHISHAW - THE FACE IN THE FLASHLIGHT FLORENCE WARDEN - THE WAR OF THE SEXES F. E. YOUNG - COUNT REMINY JEAN MIDDLEMASS - THE PROVINCIALS LADY HELEN FORBES - A BOND OF SYMPATHY COLONEL ANDREW HAGGARD - STRAINED ALLEGIANCE R. H. FORSTER - OLIVE KINSELLA CURTIS YORKE - BENBONUNA ROBERT BRUCE - FROM THE CLUTCH OF THE SEA J. E. MUDDOCK - THE CAVERN OF LAMENTS (8 Illusts.) CATHERINE E. MALLANDAINE - LORD OF HIMSELF MRS. AYLMER GOWIN - MADEMOISELLE NELLIE LUCAS CLEEVE - IN SPITE OF THE CZAR (8 Illusts., 5s ) GUY BOOTHBY - - ☞ _Descriptive paragraphs of these Novels will be found inside_ - -Footnote 1: - - Originally announced as ‘Both of this Parish,’ a title claimed by - another author. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - Mr. John Long’s New & forthcoming Books - - -=THE MASK.= By WILLIAM LE QUEUX - - This extraordinary tale plunges the reader at the first word into a - mystery so deep, a story so vital, that one reads page after page in - the spirit that holds the reader of, for example, ‘Treasure Island,’ - though the story is not a story of some distant and undiscovered - shore. True, there are a treasure and a treasure-hunter. True, there - are wreckers, traitors, villains. True, there are youth, innocence, - beauty. But all these belong, not to the high seas, but to the - restless tide of human life and love which seethes and boils on this - dry land of England now. There is something in the author’s work - which allies him with Dumas, with Victor Hugo, with the weaver of - the legends of the ‘Arabian Nights.’ He holds you; he fascinates - you. He brings the breath of old-time romance down to the HERE and - the NOW. - - -=THE STORM OF LONDON.= By F. DICKBERRY - - ‘Have you read “The Storm of London”?’ is the question which will be - on the lips of everyone. No novel published within recent times is - comparable with it for audacity. It is described as a social - rhapsody, and the author certainly portrays with no flattering pen - the worse side of high-class society. But it is something more. It - is a work of imagination, daringly original, and set boldly in a - frame of modern realism. Yet there is no sadness in the book—only - laughter. The author possesses rare courage and discretion, and his - story can give no offence to any reader with the saving gift of - humour. Again we ask, ‘Have you read “The Storm of London”?’ - - -=BLIND POLICY.= By GEORGE MANVILLE FENN - - Daring in conception, masterly in execution, and strong in real - human interest is Mr. George Manville Fenn’s new story, which deals - with the amazing doings of fashionable London life. That such things - can be seems almost past belief, and yet, given the actual - circumstances, and the consequences are perfectly natural. The - feminine interest is particularly strong in this particularly strong - story. - - -=THE AMBASSADOR’S GLOVE.= By ROBERT MACHRAY - - Mr. Robert Machray’s plots are conceived with an ingenuity that - baffles the most practised reader. ‘The Ambassador’s Glove’ is a - story of a formidable domestic conspiracy in which the Foreign - Office, the Secret Service, and a peculiar society called The - Brotherhood, are involved in a battle royal. The weapons employed - are abduction, assassination, and blackmail. It is a story that - cannot fail to go into many editions. - - -=LADY SYLVIA.= By LUCAS CLEEVE - - The chief characteristics of ‘Lady Sylvia’ are passion and - intelligence. It is a story of the eternal conflict between love and - duty, and is rendered the more powerful because it is written with - the consummate mastery which is now associated with the name of - Lucas Cleeve. - - -=THE WATERS OF OBLIVION.= By ADELINE SERGEANT - - Miss Adeline Sergeant is a writer who has endeared herself to - countless thousands of novel-readers. Her books are always human, - and she believes in happy endings, but the way is set with - temptations and storms and difficulties before the haven is finally - reached. In her new story, ‘The Waters of Oblivion,’ Miss Sergeant - displays all her old qualities, and it must create for her a host of - new friends. - - -=AN INDEPENDENT MAIDEN.= By ADELINE SERGEANT - - In Miss Sergeant’s new story will be found all those essentials - which have made her name a household word in the realms of fiction, - and readers of the present work will be delighted to make the - acquaintance of so charming and sympathetic a heroine as Dulcie. - - -=THE BOOK OF ANGELUS DRAYTON.= By MRS. FRED REYNOLDS - - ‘The Book of Angelus Drayton’ is not a novel set to the ordinary - tune. There is a plot, indeed, and one that no one can read without - sympathetic interest; there is comedy and tragedy in it. But the - chief note of the book is its charm—its charm of subject, its charm - of treatment, and its charm of style. It is a story of the country, - and to all who love the sights and sounds of the country it will - appeal with irresistible strength. It leads the reader through the - changing seasons of the year, and of them all it has something - significant to say in the manner of a poet. It is not only a book to - be read: it is a book to be bought and read and re-read. - - -=RONALD LINDSAY.= By MAY WYNNE, Author of ‘For Faith and Navarre’ - - This is an historical romance of the period of the Scotch - Covenanters, and the background is filled with the fascinating - though sinister figure of Graham of Olaverhouse. The book will - delight all who have a feeling for the picturesqueness of bygone - days. - - -=LINKS OF LOVE.= By DACRE HINDLE - - Two adventurous young men on pleasure bent succeed in convoying two - charming girls, with their unsuspecting chaperon, to the hotel where - the heroes of this fascinating romance of the Riviera are to stay. - Realism is happily blended with a delightful romance which promises - to be one of the most amusing of the season. - - -=MERELY A NEGRESS.= By STUART YOUNG - - Mr. Stuart Young’s ‘Merely a Negress’ is new and original insomuch - that it deals with the problem of the marriage of an Englishman and - a Negress. The author treats his subject tactfully, and dwells upon - the incompatibility, as well as upon the emotional sympathy of the - senses. There is candour in the book, and yet restraint. As a new - experiment in fiction, Mr. Stuart Young’s book deserves to be - received with careful attention. - - -=THE TEMPTATION OF ANTHONY.= By ALICE M. DIEHL - - The name of Alice M. Diehl is a guarantee for vividly-coloured and - present-day society presentments, veined with romance and exciting - incident. ‘The Temptation of Anthony’ will certainly take high rank - among the lively and delightful novels by this well-known writer. - Her portrait of Eve (Lady Waring) is a masterpiece in true and - delicate female delineation. The story of Eve’s trial and sufferings - should appeal to every reader. - - -=LITTLE WIFE HESTER.= By L. T. MEADE - - L. T. Meade’s new story, ‘Little Wife Hester,’ is concerned with the - practices of Dr. Greenhill, a fashionable London physician, who - effects marvellous cures by means of hypnotism. Her method is too - well known to require description or eulogy. The story is written - with great fluency, and ‘Little Wife Hester’ will add another to - Mrs. Meade’s many laurels. - - -=THE NIGHT OF RECKONING.= By FRANK BARRETT - - ‘The Night of Reckoning’ is a story of Doris, a young girl who, - being left alone in the world, becomes the sport of relatives, who - to rob her of her heritage do not shrink from the committal of the - blackest crimes. But Doris has good as well as bad fairies to watch - over her. All who like a rousing novel full of sensation and - presented with an air of authenticity will greatly enjoy Mr. Frank - Barrett’s new book. It places him at the head of the few writers of - good dramatic fiction. - - -=ROSAMOND GRANT.= By MRS. LOVETT CAMERON - - ‘Rosamond Grant’ Is the story of a woman’s life—of her illusions, - emotions, hopes, regrets and mistakes. It is a theme admirably - suited to Mrs. Lovett Cameron’s method. Her characters are human to - a degree, and the charm lies in their refreshing originality and - their bright and entertaining vivacity. The story will make many new - friends for this delightful and sympathetic writer. - - -=THE SECRET PASSAGE.= By FERGUS HUME - - Since Mr. Fergus Hume became famous as the writer of the ‘Mystery of - a Hansom Cab,’ he has steadily progressed in public favour, and is - now regarded as a veritable master of strategy in fiction. The - reader who takes up one of his books may depend upon finding an - enthralling story and a plot of baffling ingenuity. In his new work - Mr. Fergus Hume’s unusual gifts are displayed in their maturity. - ‘The Secret Passage’ is, perhaps, the author’s best book. - - -=CONFESSIONS OF A YOUNG LADY.= By RICHARD MARSH, Author of ‘The Beetle,’ -etc. - - Mr. Richard Marsh belongs to the younger generation of writers of - fiction, and he can hold his own with the most brilliant of them. - His qualities are originality of invention, a command over the weird - and mysterious, a clear, straightforward narrative, and a bizarre - humour, all the more telling because it flashes at unexpected - moments across the page. In his new book, ‘The Confessions of a - Young Lady,’ Mr. Richard Marsh’s remarkable powers are strikingly - _en evidence_. It shows him at his best in the plenitude of his - varied moods. The book will add much to the author’s popularity. - - -=THE FATE OF FELIX.= By MRS. COULSON KERNAHAN - - The general reader loves a mystery. Mrs. Coulson Kernahan is - evidently well aware of the fact, and caters for her public - accordingly. In ‘Devastation’ she took the reader into her - confidence in the beginning; in ‘The Fate of Felix’ she keeps her - secret to the end. This book has a most amazing plot, and has a - love-story running through it of a very unusual description. - - -=LOVE AND TWENTY.= By JOHN STRANGE WINTER - - The qualities that created for John Strange Winter her immense - popularity are pre-eminently conspicuous in ‘Love and Twenty.’ The - book shows that the author can wield the pen with all her old - mastery. There is the same richness of invention, the same - simplicity of manner, the same warmth of colouring, and the same - tender pathos. No woman writer indeed can contest John Strange - Winter’s supremacy in her own dominion. - - -=HIS REVERENCE THE RECTOR.= By SARAH TYTLER - - Miss Sarah Tytler’s new book deals with the personalities of an - old-world type of county family, and incidentally discusses some - semi-political questions and the problems of village life. Yet there - is no lack of story, which is carefully constructed, written with - the author’s accustomed polish, and may be recommended as among the - best of the works of fiction penned by this thoughtful writer. - - -=LORD EVERSLEIGH’S SINS.= By VIOLET TWEEDALE - - The love affairs of a modern peer best describes Violet Tweedale’s - new book. It is a wonderfully strong story, is written with great - cogence, and displays a grasp of character and a power of expression - immensely in advance of anything the author has previously effected. - In this novel the author has ‘found’ herself. - - -=THE INFORMER.= By FRED WHISHAW - - Mr. Fred Whishaw here presents a convincing picture of an honest - Russian official who, opposed to the apostles of violence and - bloodshed in his unhappy country, finds himself in a position which - grows hateful to him. So realistic are many of the incidents in this - Romance of the Discontented, that the reader will probably come to - the conclusion, perhaps a correct one, that Mr. Fred Whishaw has - drawn upon actual facts rather than upon his unassisted imagination. - - -=THE FACE IN THE FLASHLIGHT.= By FLORENCE WARDEN - - Miss Florence Warden’s new novel comprises a powerful study of the - evils of gambling. The villain of the piece—a portrait drawn with - great subtlety and skill—murders a dissipated youth to whom he acts - as tutor, and attempts the life of his wife In order to gratify his - passion for gambling. The story would be noteworthy if only for the - presentation of ‘Mattie,’ who witnesses the crime, and yet is - powerless to prevent the marriage of her friend with the murderer. - The book is original and forceful, and the lover of fiction who - omits its perusal will ‘only have himself to blame.’ - - -=THE WAR OF THE SEXES.= By F. E. YOUNG, Author of ‘The Triumph of Jill,’ -‘A Dangerous Quest,’ etc. - - It is safe to predict for Miss Young’s new story a phenomenal - success, for it contains those qualities of the unexpected which - straightway stamp a book. The story portrays the condition or - affairs some thousands of years hence, when the male species, with a - solitary exception, has become extinct. The authoress keeps her - imagination within bounds, and the chief note of the book is its - great good-humour. A delightful vein of satire winds its way through - its pages, and the general effect can only be the unrestrained - amusement which is wrought by high-class comedy. - - -=COUNT REMINY.= By JEAN MIDDLEMASS - - The name of Miss Jean Middlemass is a household word in the region - of novel-readers. Her stories are conceived with great fertility of - resource, and executed with the dexterity of the practised pen. Her - new novel, ‘Count Reminy,’ is, perhaps, the brightest of her many - works of fiction. It relates the story of a girl engaged to a man - who cares only for her fortune; how she meets and falls in love with - another man, and how her fiancé is mysteriously murdered. In the - result, after sundry complications, all is well, and the book is - bound to please the many readers of this popular favourite. - - -=THE PROVINCIALS.= By LADY HELEN FORBES, Author of ‘His Eminence,’ ‘The -Outcast Emperor,’ etc. - - Lady Helen Forbes gives us in her new book a story of society, - though not of ‘smart’ society. ‘The Provincials’ are a wealthy - county family whose wealth entitles them to be leaders of society, - but they prefer the life of the country. The authoress is well at - home among her characters, and her vivacity and sense of humour - invest the plot with real interest. Some vivid pictures of hunting - help the reader along. ‘The Provincials’ may be deemed a landmark in - Lady Helen Forbes’ career as a novelist, and shows that her work - will have to be reckoned with. - - -=A BOND OF SYMPATHY.= By COLONEL ANDREW HAGGARD - - Lieut.-Col. Andrew Haggard may be said to possess one, at least, of - the gifts of his distinguished brother, the author of ‘She’—the art - of telling a story. In his new book he proves, also, that he has a - happy knack of invention and a good eye for dramatic situations. - There is an abundance of stirring adventure, and there is an - atmosphere that will inevitably appeal to the sporting reader; - indeed, the book is written by a true sportsman. It is full of high - spirits, and will be greatly appreciated by those who like breezy, - good-natured and healthy fiction. - - -=STRAINED ALLEGIANCE.= By R. H. FORSTER, Author of ‘The Last Foray,’ ‘In -Steel and Leather,’ etc. - - This is a story of the rebellion of 1715—of the struggle between the - Jacobites and the Hanoverians, which culminated in the Battle of - Preston. The hero is entrapped into an apparent support of the - Jacobite cause, notwithstanding that his sympathies are with the - Hanoverians, and his attempts to escape from his captors serve as - the background for many exciting scenes and romantic incidents, and - for a charming love idyll. - - -=OLIVE KINSELLA.= By CURTIS YORKE, Author of ‘Delphine,’ ‘The Girl in -Grey’ - - The name of Curtis Yorke is one to conjure with among all lovers of - good fiction, for she possesses the higher gifts of the - novelist—imagination, distinction, humour. She can play upon the - emotions, from grave to gay, from lively to severe, with the - consummate touch of a master. Her new book must fulfil the - anticipations of her best admirers, for ‘Olive Kinsella’ is a fine - story, finely conceived, and finely told. - - -=BENBONUNA.= By ROBERT BRUCE - - In ‘Benbonuna’ we have a tale written in the easy, forceful, simple - style that must appeal to lovers of adventure. The wild, strenuous, - daring life of the Australian Bush is described with the fidelity of - portraiture. Those who know nothing of this strange, silent land, - where many of the laws of nature seem to be reversed, will find much - to enlighten, as well as much to entertain them. The book is - essentially for readers with strong minds and broad sympathies. - - -=FROM THE CLUTCH OF THE SEA.= By J. E. MUDDOCK - - A book by this well-known and favourite author is always sure of a - public, and it may safely be predicted that ‘From the Clutch of the - Sea’ will be eagerly sought after. The opening, which describes a - wreck on the Devonshire coast, is written with such a graphic pen - that the terrible and thrilling scene is brought vividly before the - mind’s eye. The characters are pulsing human beings, and the story - is indeed worthy the reputation of the veteran author. - - -=THE CAVERN OF LAMENTS.= By CATHERINE E. MALLANDAINE. Illustrated - - ‘The Cavern of Laments,’ derives its title from a weird cavern in - Sark, and the main incidents of the story revolve round that - picturesque island and its old-world people. The scenery it - traverses, and the people whose lives and loves it depicts, have - this merit—that they are fresh and unhackneyed. Indeed, the note or - the book is its strength and originality. The crux of the story is - the marriage of Cecile and Breakspeare, brought about by a - dishonourable act, and its sequel. The writing is powerful - throughout, and the publisher believes that every reader will be - grateful for the opportunity of perusing a novel possessing unusual - qualities. - - -=LORD OF HIMSELF.= By MRS. AYLMER GOWING - - The moneyless heir to a peerage wins the Newdigate Prize at Oxford, - and also, as he believes, a beautiful and dangerous woman who has - saved his life. Betrayed by her, he fights his way, like a man, - against all odds, a delightful young princess of ideal type being - his good angel. A strong vein of humour carries the reader through - an intricate plot, while vivid pictures of Oxford life lend colour - to a stirring story. - - -=MADEMOISELLE NELLIE.= By LUCAS CLEEVE - - There are few novelists whose works deserve more respectful - consideration than those of Lucas Cleeve. She has written stories of - a high order, but she has never surpassed in interest or in power - her new book ‘Mademoiselle Nellie.’ It is a story of English and - French life, and offers a careful study of the differing - characteristics of the two peoples. The book abounds in felicitous - phrases, in dramatic moments, and in deft touches of pathos. - - -=IN SPITE OF THE CZAR.= By GUY BOOTHBY, Author of ‘Dr. Nikola,’ etc. -With 8 Illustrations. 5s. - - In this fine tissue of romance and realism we have a wide range both - in scenery and in incident. The invention of ‘Velvet Coat’ as a - distinctive sobriquet is an original idea, and whether in an English - country mansion, on the St. Petersburg pavements, or at Irkutsk, or - in any other of the scenes so well painted, we are carried on from - page to page with breathless expectation. All sorts and conditions - of men, and of women, too, cross the stage of this fresh drama, and - it is full of exactly what delights the jaded reader—after turning - from third-rate romance—namely, the unexpected. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - _TWO SHILLING NOVELS. Picture Boards, Crown 8vo._ - - =DEAD CERTAINTIES= NATHANIEL GUBBINS - =ALL THE WINNERS= NATHANIEL GUBBINS - - - _ONE SHILLING NOVELS. Pictorial Paper Covers_ - - =THE MYSTERY OF FOUR WAYS= FLORENCE WARDEN, Author of ‘The House on - the Marsh’ - - - _GENERAL LITERATURE_ - - =MATILDA, COUNTESS OF TUSCANY= MRS. MARY E. HUDDY. Demy 8vo., with - Illustrations, =12s.= net. - - In these picturesque pages we have, in a manner, the processional - march of the early Norman soldier settlers in the land of the Olive, - and we have also the extraordinary career set forth in that heroic - daughter of the Roman Church, Matilda, the great Countess of - Tuscany, who devoted her whole life and vast fortune to sustaining - against all comers the temporal rights of Holy Mother Church. Pope - Gregory the Seventh, Godfrey, the Hunchback Duke, and Henry IV., the - ambitious German Emperor, and many other famous characters, move - across these vivid pages in their habits and as they really lived. - No life of the Great Countess, Matilda of Tuscany, has yet appeared - in this country. - - =SIR WALTER RALEGH= (A Drama) ROBERT SOUTH, Author of ‘The Divine - Aretino,’ Crown 8vo., Cloth Gilt, 3s. - 6d. net. - =HER OWN ENEMY= (A Play) HARRIET L. CHILDE-PEMBERTON Crown 8vo., - Cloth Gilt, 2s. 6d. net. - - - _JOHN LONG’S LIBRARY OF MODERN CLASSICS_ - -A series of great works of fiction by modern authors. Not pocket -editions, but large, handsome, and fully-illustrated volumes for the -bookshelf, printed in large type on the best paper. Biographical -Introductions and Photogravure Portraits. Size, 8 in. by 5½ in.; -thickness, 1¼ in. Prices: Cloth Gilt, =2s.= net each; Leather, Gold -Blocked and Silk Marker, 3s. net each. - - _Volumes Now Ready._ - - =THE THREE CLERKS= (480 pp.) ANTHONY TROLLOPE - =THE CLOISTER AND THE HEARTH= (672 pp.) CHARLES READS - =THE WOMAN IN WHITE= (576 pp.) WILKIE COLLINS - =ADAM BEDE= (480 pp.) GEORGE ELIOT - =THE HISTORY OF HENRY ESMOND= (432 pp.) W. M. THACKERAY - =WESTWARD HO!= (600 pp.) CHARLES KINGSLEY - - In Preparation—=TOM BROWN’S SCHOOLDAYS.= _Other Volumes to follow._ - -‘John Long’s Library of Modern Classics is astonishingly good value -for the money. I know of no pleasanter or more tasteful -reprints.’—_Academy._ ‘A real triumph of modern publishing.’—_Pall -Mall Gazette._ ‘A marvel of cheapness.’—_Spectator._ ‘A marvellous -bargain.’—_Truth._ ‘Wonderfully cheap.’—_Globe._ ‘A triumph of -publishing.’—_Bookman._ ‘Remarkable in price and format.’—_Daily -Mail._ ‘Admirable in print, paper, and binding.’—_Saturday Review._ - - - _THE HAYMARKET NOVELS_ - -Under this heading Mr. John Long will issue a series of Copyright Novels -which, in their more expensive form, have achieved success. The volumes -will be printed upon a superior antique wove paper, and will be bound in -specially designed cover heavily gold blocked at back. The size of the -volumes will be Crown 8vo., and the price =2s. 6d.= each. A feature of -the Series will be a uniform edition of the more popular works of Mrs. -LOVETT CAMERON. - - The following are among the first in the Series: - - =FATHER ANTHONY= (Illustrated) ROBERT BUCHANAN - =A CABINET SECRET= (Illustrated) GUY BOOTHBY - =AN OUTSIDER’S YEAR= FLORENCE WARDEN - =FUGITIVE ANNE= MRS. CAMPBELL PRAED - =THE FUTURE OF PHYLLIS= ADELINE SERGEANT - =THE SCARLET SEAL= DICK DONOVAN - =A FAIR FRAUD= MRS. LOVETT CAMERON - =A DIFFICULT MATTER= MRS. LOVETT CAMERON - =THE CRAZE OF CHRISTINE= MRS. LOVETT CAMERON - =A PASSING FANCY= MRS. LOVETT CAMERON - =BITTER FRUIT= MRS. LOVETT CAMERON - =AN ILL WIND= MRS. LOVETT CAMERON - =A WOMAN’S ‘NO’= MRS. LOVETT CAMERON - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - JOHN LONG’S - FAMOUS SIXPENNY COPYRIGHT NOVELS - - - =In Striking Picture Covers, 8¾ in. by 5¾ in.= - - _The following are now Ready_:— - - =THE TURNPIKE HOUSE= FERGUS HUME - =THE GOLDEN WANG-HO= FERGUS HUME - =THE SILENT HOUSE IN PIMLICO= FERGUS HUME - =THE BISHOP’S SECRET= FERGUS HUME - =THE CRIMSON CRYPTOGRAM= FERGUS HUME - =A TRAITOR IN LONDON= FERGUS HUME - =WOMAN—THE SPHINX= FERGUS HUME - =A WOMAN’S ‘NO’= MRS. LOVETT CAMERON - =A DIFFICULT MATTER= MRS. LOVETT CAMERON - =THE CRAZE OF CHRISTINA= MRS. LOVETT CAMERON - =A PASSING FANCY= MRS. LOVETT CAMERON - =BITTER FRUIT= MRS. LOVETT CAMERON - =AN ILL WIND= MRS. LOVETT CAMERON - =AN OUTSIDER’S YEAR= FLORENCE WARDEN - =SOMETHING IN THE CITY= FLORENCE WARDEN - =THE LOVELY MRS. PEMBERTON= FLORENCE WARDEN - =THE MYSTERY OF DUDLEY HORNE= FLORENCE WARDEN - =THE BOHEMIAN GIRLS= FLORENCE WARDEN - =KITTY’S ENGAGEMENT= FLORENCE WARDEN - =OUR WIDOW= FLORENCE WARDEN - =CURIOS: SOME STRANGE ADVENTURES OF TWO BACHELORS= RICHARD MARSH - =MRS. MUSGRAVE AND HER HUSBAND= RICHARD MARSH - =ADA VERNHAM, ACTRESS= RICHARD MARSH - =THE EYE OF ISTAR= WILLIAM LE QUEUX - =THE VEILED MAN= WILLIAM LE QUEUX - =A MAN OF TO-DAY= HELEN MATHERS - =THE SIN OF HAGAR= HELEN MATHERS - =THE JUGGLER AND THE SOUL= HELEN MATHERS - =FATHER ANTHONY= ROBERT BUCHANAN - =THE WOOING OF MONICA= L. T. MEADE - =THE SIN OF JASPER STANDISH= RITA - =A CABINET SECRET= GUY BOOTHBY - =THE FUTURE OF PHYLLIS= ADELINE SERGEANT - =A BEAUTIFUL REBEL= ERNEST GLANVILLE - =THE PROGRESS OF PAULINE KESSLER= FREDERIC CARREL - =IN SUMMER SHADE= MARY E. MANN - =GEORGE AND SON= EDWARD H. COOPER - =THE SCARLET SEAL= DICK DONOVAN - =THE THREE DAYS’ TERROR= J. S. FLETCHER - - _The following will be ready shortly_:— - - =THE WORLD MASTERS= GEORGE GRIFFITH - =BENEATH THE VEIL= ADELINE SERGEANT - =THE BURDEN OF HER YOUTH= L. T. MEADE - - ☞ Other Novels by the most popular Authors of the day will be added to - the Series from time to time - - =JOHN LONG, 13 & 14, Norris Street, Haymarket, London= - - BILLING AND SONS, LTD., PRINTERS, GUILDFORD - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES - - - 1. Silently corrected typographical errors and variations in spelling. - 2. Archaic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings retained as printed. - 3. 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text-indent: 0em; font-weight: bold; - line-height: 1.5; margin-top: 3em; } - .ph1 { text-indent: 0em; font-weight: bold; font-size: xx-large; - margin: .67em auto; page-break-before: always; } - .ph2 { text-indent: 0em; font-weight: bold; font-size: x-large; margin: .75em auto; - page-break-before: always; } - .box {border-style: solid; border-width: medium; padding: 1em; margin: 0em auto; - page-break-inside: avoid; } - .x-ebookmaker p.dropcap:first-letter { float: left; } - .bcite {font-weight:bold; font-style: normal; } - </style> - </head> - <body> -<pre style='margin-bottom:6em;'>The Project Gutenberg EBook of The storm of London, by F. Dickberry - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this ebook. - -Title: The storm of London - a social rhapsody - -Author: F. Dickberry - -Release Date: December 05, 2020 [EBook #63939] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team - at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images - generously made available by The Internet Archive) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STORM OF LONDON *** -</pre> -<div class='tnotes covernote'> - -<p class='c000'><span class='fixed'>Transcriber’s Note:</span></p> - -<p class='c000'>The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.</p> - -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-r c001'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='xxlarge'>The Storm</span></div> - <div class='line'><span class='xxlarge'>of London</span></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='section ph1'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div>THE STORM OF LONDON</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>KINDLY READ THESE REVIEWS</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c003'>“‘Clothes,’ said Carlyle, ‘gave us individuality, distinctions, -social polity; Clothes have made men of us; they are threatening -to make Clothes-screens of us.’ This truth has been developed in an -audacious manner by the author, who is not lacking in sarcasm and -humour, and in a lucky moment of inspiration he has produced a -book which will find hosts of readers for its originality, will be a -topic of the moment for its daring, and will demand more permanent -recognition for the truths which it unveils.”—<cite>St James’s Gazette.</cite></p> - -<p class='c003'>“A book which is as amusing as it is audacious in its pictures of -Society compelled to adopt the primitive attire of an Edenic age.”—<cite>Truth.</cite></p> - -<p class='c003'>“London is turned into a huge Eden peopled with Adams and -Eves in all the pristine simplicity of the altogether nude.”—<cite>Aberdeen -Journal.</cite></p> - -<p class='c003'>“Any amount of wit and literary skill ... the audacity of such -a literary enterprise.”—<cite>Scotsman.</cite></p> - -<p class='c003'>“A perfect saturnalia of nudity.”—<cite>Glasgow Herald.</cite></p> - -<p class='c003'>“Everybody should read this uncommon and curiously persuasive -fiction, that by the aid of realism, humour, and of wistful fancy, -conveys an impression not likely to be quickly lost.”—<cite>Dundee -Advertiser.</cite></p> - -<p class='c003'>“Clever work.”—<cite>Times.</cite> (First Notice.)</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Daringly original.”—<cite>Outlook.</cite> (First Notice.)</p> - -<p class='c003'>“The author is at once bold and restrained in his picture of a -London entirely deprived of clothes.”—<cite>T. P.’s Weekly.</cite></p> - -<p class='c003'>“A daring idea ... a book which should have many readers.”—<cite>Daily -Mirror.</cite></p> - -<p class='c003'>“The shocks and complications that ensue should appeal to all -lovers of fiction.”—<cite>Pall Mall Gazette.</cite> (First Notice.)</p> - -<p class='c003'>“The author has written an extraordinary book, daring and -remarkable.”—<cite>Daily Express.</cite></p> - -<p class='c003'>“A daring theme treated with admirable discretion. The story -is singularly well told.”—<cite>Birmingham Gazette.</cite></p> - -<p class='c003'>“Everybody is in a state of nudity, and the developments are -interesting as all England is in the same interesting predicament. -The book is distinctly peculiar, and the writer may be congratulated -on his development of Carlyle’s speculations upon the state of -Society rendered clothesless.”—<cite>Bristol Times & Mirror.</cite></p> - -<p class='c003'>“Truly original and amusing.”—<cite>Bookseller.</cite></p> - -<p class='c003'>“Very clever; smartly conceived and ably written.”—<cite>Western -Daily Mercury.</cite></p> - -<p class='c003'>“A clever variation of the theme of Sartor Resartus.”—<cite>Bystander.</cite></p> - -<p class='c003'>“We have seldom perused a more fascinating book; a most -daring idea, most capably worked out. It is a book that no one -should miss.”—<cite>Varsity.</cite></p> - -<p class='c003'>“The idea is certainly original, the book is selling wildly, critics -praise it ... one of the books of <em>the</em> season.”—<cite>Hearth & Home.</cite></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>JOHN LONG, <span class='sc'>Publisher, London</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='titlepage'> - -<div> - <h1 class='c004'><span class='large'>The</span><br /> Storm of London<br /> <span class='large'><span class='fixed'>a Social Rhapsody</span></span></h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>By</div> - <div class='c005'><span class='xlarge'>F. Dickberry</span></div> - <div class='c005'><span class='small'>“Clothes gave us individuality, distinctions, social polity; Clothes have made men of us; they are threatening to make Clothes-screens of us.”—<span class='sc'>Carlyle’s</span> <cite>Sartor Resartus</cite>.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/title.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><em>SEVENTH EDITION</em></div> - <div class='c005'>London</div> - <div class='c005'><span class='large'>John Long</span></div> - <div class='c005'>13 & 14 Norris Street, Haymarket</div> - <div class='c005'><span class='small'>[<em>All Rights Reserved</em>]</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div><span class='small'><em>First published in 1904</em></span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div>Dedicated</div> - <div class='c005'>TO</div> - <div class='c005'>M. E. H.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='section ph1'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div>THE STORM OF LONDON</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER I</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>The Earl of Somerville was coming out of the -Agricultural Hall and just stepping into his -brougham, when a few drops of rain began to -fall and a distant clap of thunder was heard. -But it would no doubt be over in a few minutes; -only a passing shower which would dispel the -clouds, clear the leaden atmosphere, and in no -way interfere with the midnight picnic to which -Lord Somerville was going.</p> - -<p class='c003'>The day had been oppressively hot, and although -it was only the second of May, one might have -easily believed it to be the month of July. It -was fortunate, for several entertainments were -organised in that early period of the London -Season—theatricals and bazaars, private and -public, were announced for every day of the -first weeks in May, for the benefit of soldiers’ -widows, East-End sufferers and West-End -vanities. In fact, never had Londoners’ hearts -beaten more passionately for the sorrows and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>miseries of their fellow-creatures than at the -present moment; and it would have been a pity -had the charitable efforts of Society leaders been -chilled by cutting east winds or drenching downpours -of rain. The picnic to which the Earl -was going, was to be held in Richmond Park, by -torchlight, between midnight and the early hours -of the morning. All Society was to be there. -The Duchess of Southdown was to take a -prominent part in the entertainment. Object -lessons in rat catching were to be the chief -attraction, as fashionable women had been chosen -to take the parts of the rats, and to be chased, -hunted, and finally caught by smart men of -Society. Great fun was expected from this novel -game, and the Upper Ten looked forward to that -picnic with excitement. Before this nocturnal -episode, there was to be a Tournament at -Islington’s Agricultural Hall. “London, by Day -and by Night,” was to be represented, in all its -graphic aspects, by amateur artists of the Upper -Ten, who were always ready to give their services -for such a good cause as the S.P.G. But then -Society is invariably ready to enter the lists where -combatants fight for a noble cause, and it is -never seen to shirk ridicule or notoriety, but on -the contrary to expose the inefficiencies of its -members to the gaping eyes of an ignorant -public.</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span>“By God!” exclaimed Lord Somerville as he -leaned back on the cushions of his brougham, “I -never realised the brutal ferocity of London life -until I saw its nocturnal Bacchanals synthesised -within so many square feet.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>He passed in review, in his mind’s eye, what -he had seen:—Lady Carlton in the leading part of -the wildest of street rovers, cigarette in her mouth, -reeling from one side of the pavement to the -other, nudging this one, thrusting her cigarette -under the nose of another, pulling the beard of -a stolid policeman, vociferating at the cab drivers. -Lord Somerville had seen a good deal of what these -women were trying to impersonate, but he never -remembered having blushed so deeply, nor of -having been so conscious of shame, as he felt -that night. But this was only the beginning of -the show. The last tableau was most striking. -The front of the houses, represented by painted -scenery, suddenly rolled off as by enchantment, -and there, in view of a breathless public, were -to be seen the interiors of gambling houses, -massage establishments, night clubs—you can -guess the rest! This final scene was all -pantomimic, and although not one word was -spoken, still, the despair of the man who sees his -gold raked away on the green baize, the heartrending -bargains of human flesh for a few -hours of oblivion, were vivid pictures which left -<span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>very few shreds of illusions in the minds of a -dumbfounded audience. Then came the grand -finale of hurry and skurry between the police and -the gamblers and night revellers of all sorts; -and this was a triumph of <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">mise-en-scène</span></i> and -animation. To make it still more realistic, the -Countess of Lundy had elected to appear in a -night wrap, as two constables made a raid on -the so-called massage establishment. But what a -night wrap! The Earl smiled as he recalled -the masterpiece in which Doucet of Paris had -surpassed himself, revealing with subtle suggestiveness -the lissome shape of arms and legs, -and full curves of the breast through a foam of -white lace and chiffon. As he sat in the darkness -of his brougham, he closed his eyes and saw -the Countess as she had stood in front of the -footlights, unblushingly courting the approval -of her public; and he still heard in his ears the -furious applause of London Society gathered -that night in Islington Hall. What had most -struck this leader of fashion was the total -ignorance in which one class of well-fed, well-protected -human beings lived of all miseries that -unshielded thousands have to bear. He thought -of the many women on whom he daily called, -dined with, joked with; how many possessed -that ferocious glance of the pleasure-seeker, the -audacious stare of the flesh hunter; but he had -<span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span>never noticed in any of these fearless women of his -world the slightest slackening of tyranny, nor -had he ever noticed, for one moment even, the -pathetic humility of the hunted-down street -angler, which is after all her one redeeming -feature in that erotic tragedy.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Evidently the performance had been a decided -success, and would doubtless be a pecuniary -triumph. The Bishop of Sunbury, seated near the -Earl at the show, had largely expatiated on the -good of rummaging into the puddle of London -sewers, as he called it in his clerical language. It -was by diving deep into the mud that one could -drag out one’s erring brothers and sisters, and by -bringing London face to face with its social problems -one was able to grapple with the enemy—sin. -At least, so thought the Bishop, and he endeavoured -to persuade the Earl, which was a more difficult -task than he believed. The prelate, holding Lord -Somerville by one of his waistcoat buttons, had tried -to make him appreciate Society’s unselfishness. -“My dear Lord Somerville, we hear all about the -frivolity of our privileged classes; much is said -against them—too much, I fear, is written against -the callousness of fashionable women; but I assure -you, it is unjust. Many of these sisters of ours, who -have to-night moved the public to enthusiasm, have -themselves their burden to bear, and many have wept -bitter tears over some lost one in Africa. Well, to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span>quote one of them: as you know, the Countess -of Lundy—who personified the matron of one of -these disgraceful establishments—has last week -lost her cherished brother (poor fellow, he died of -wounds); but there you see her at her post of duty.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“More shame on her,” had murmured the Earl, -but the Bishop did not hear, or would not, and -had walked away.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“By God!”—and the Earl brought down his fist -on his knee—“these women have made me see to -what depth a woman can sink. And I am going -to another of these exhibitions—I am heartily sick -of it all.” As he was putting down a window to -tell his coachman to turn back to Selby House, the -brougham suddenly stopped, and a torrent of rain -came through the open window.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“By Jove, Marshall, it is pouring.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My lord, I cannot get along. We’ve reached -Barnes, but the wind and rain is that strong, the -’orses won’t face it.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Turn back by all means. The picnic could -not take place in such a storm.” And he closed -the window, laughing heartily at Society’s disappointment.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Well, they are defrauded of their new game, -and I am spared another display of female degradation.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>Whether it was owing to the violence of the -storm, or to the morbidness into which the last -<span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span>performance had thrown him, is difficult to tell, -but Lord Somerville was in a despondent mood -and on the brink of mental collapse, and as they -are wont in such cases, visions of his past life kept -passing to and fro before his half-closed eyes. He -was going home! In any case it was better than -this infernal comedy of fun and pleasure which -invariably ended in gloom and disgust. His home -was loneliness made noisy. He lived alone in that -palatial mansion in Mayfair; but solitary his life -had not been, since his father had left him heir to -all sorts of properties, privileges and prejudices. -His house had ever since been invaded by men -and women of all descriptions. Some were -morning callers, some afternoon ones; these were -the dowagers and respectable members of the -Upper Ten who accepted his invitations to a cup -of tea, and made it a pretext to submit to his -inspection some human goods for sale. The others -were night visitors, and easily dealt with, for their -business was direct and personal. Men found him -unsatisfactory, for he objected to being made use -of, was inaccessible to flattery, and steadily rebuked -all attempts at familiarity. He never showed -himself ungallant towards the fair sex, but on the -contrary was liberal and even grateful for all he -received; in fact he was thoroughly just and -business-like in the market-place of life, and -treated his visitors well, whether they were guests -<span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., or carousers from 10 p.m. -to 8 a.m. One thing he strongly disliked, that was -any man or woman peeping at a corner of his -heart. He often thought he had none, for it had -never yet been in request in all his business -transactions with Society. Although he had -paddled in all the filthy sewers of London and -foreign capitals, he somehow had a knack of -brushing himself clean of all outward grime; but -what he never had been able to get rid of was a -nasty flavour which clung to his lips, and which no -woman’s kiss could ever take away, nor any -Havana cigar dispel. That mephitic taste of life -was always on his lips, and to-night it was more -deadly bitter than ever. Perhaps the flavour -became more noxious as before his mind’s eye -passed the vision of Gwendolen Towerbridge, -the famous Society beauty. Not only did he -thoroughly dislike the girl, but his pride was -sorely wounded at having been caught by her. -Yes, he was engaged—what the world called -engaged—to her. How did it happen? Ah! Few -men could really tell how they had been captured. -A supper, the top of a coach when returning late -from the races; sometimes even less than that: a -glass of champagne too many, or a bodice cut too -low. These certainly were not important primal -causes, but they often were found to be at the -fountain-head of many family disasters. The -<span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>women he had known were divided into two -classes: the one that had run the social race, won -the prize, and who certainly looked the worse for -the course, mentally sweating, and in dire need of a -vigorous sponge down; and the other that started -for the post, all aglow with the desire to win at any -cost and whatever the means, foul or fair, for a -little cheating was encouraged, and often practised, -on the Turf.</p> - -<p class='c003'>How many more seasons would he have to -stand there and watch the ebb and flow of the -feminine tide? He had for such a long time felt -on his brow the breath of the mare as she galloped -past him; and he had too often heard the feverish -snort of the winner as she came back, led by her -master’s groom. He knew no others. Perhaps -a country lass, purely brought up by Christian -parents, would modestly wait on a stile until she -was won; but that girl would have no <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">repartie</span></i>, -and would look mystified at a problem play. No -doubt, in the suburbs there existed women whose -sole ambition was to help a life companion in -the search of true happiness, who padded the -monotonous life of some City clerk who regularly -came back by the 6.15 train, bringing home <em>Tit-Bits</em> -for the evening recreation, and <em>Home Chat</em> for -household requirements. Bah! that woman never -could analyse the psychology of cookery, and -besides, she was not a lady. He was an epicure in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span>the culinary art, and thirsted for something he had -not yet met with: a lady who would be a perfect -woman. Then came the war; and he longed to -escape the routine of London life and Gwendolen’s -incessant requests for presents: he started for -South Africa, hoping to lose there the nasty taste -that was forever on his lips. Gwendolen soon -followed, escorted by some of her friends and their -numerous trunks. New frocks were shaken out, -bonnets were twisted back into their original -shapes, and an improvised season was inaugurated -in one of the South African towns, to the utter -disgust of her <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">fiancé</span></i>, who, having been wounded, -had the misfortune of seeing her parade daily -round his bed. The sights he witnessed sickened -him unto death; the amalgam of frivolity and -callousness seemed to him more irrelevant in that -new country, and the physical excitement and -interest of danger having worn itself off, he very -soon realised that the old game of war must -necessarily be played out in a civilisation that -boasts of commercial supremacy, and whose -scientific discoveries are daily endeavouring to -bring nations nearer to one another. He returned -to England on sick leave, more embittered than -heretofore with Gwendolen, London, and himself. -He frequently sat at twilight in his large library -at Selby House, wondering whether this was all a -fellow could do with his life, and whether the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span>other side was not more entertaining than this -rotten old stage? To-night, as he drove in his -carriage, listening to the crashing of the thunder, -every event of his life came back to him in strong -relief and vivid colours, and the prospect of joining -in holy matrimony with Gwendolen seemed more -than he could bear. Perhaps the taste of death -that he so nearly met with in Africa came to him -at this hour of night, when all the elements were -at war against man; and he came to the conclusion -that he was not obliged to submit to life’s platitudes -any longer. A gentleman should always -quit a card table when he has been cheated. Life -had cheated him, and he resolved to leave life. -The other side of Acheron could not be a worse -fraud than this; besides, he knew all about this -world, there was nothing that could astonish him -any more, nor keep his attention riveted for more -than five minutes. Why not try the experiment? -If it were complete oblivion, so much the better, -he did not object to a long sleep out of which he -would never wake. If it were, as so many declared, -eternal punishment—well, the retribution -could never, in all its black horror, be any worse -than the gnawing heartache of the life in which we -were chained.</p> - -<p class='c003'>The brougham rolled on, and very soon Lord -Somerville knew he was in the heart of London. -The streets were flooded, passengers were rushing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span>along, in vain trying to get into omnibuses or -hansoms; shouting, whistling, rent the damp atmosphere, -competing with claps of thunder which -at times alarmed the inhabitants, especially when -the electric lights suddenly went out and -Londoners were plunged for a few minutes into -utter darkness. Lord Somerville could not remember -having ever witnessed such a thunderstorm -in town; still, he welcomed its magnitude -with joy, for it was the proper accompaniment to -his frenzy against an inadequate state of Society. -The wheels turned the corner of Piccadilly and -Park Lane, not without risk, for the obscurity was -dangerous, and in a few seconds the carriage -halted before his stately mansion; he opened the -door, jumped out, and went into the house without -turning round to give orders for next day to his -coachman. This seemed peculiar to the servant, -as he knew my lord to be very methodical in all -that concerned his household.</p> - -<p class='c003'>The Earl entered his library, and after lighting -a few electric lights, which were only now throwing -a dim and lurid light into the large room, he sank -down into a huge armchair. It was very quiet in -that room; double doors and double windows -shut out the noise of the splashing rain against -the window-panes, the thunder even was less -violent in this well-padded room, and the lightning -could not pierce through the shutters and the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span>thick brocaded draperies. After the <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">fracas</span></i> of the -streets, it seemed to him as if he had already -entered the Valley of Death as he sat in this silent -place. The picture of his late father was hanging -on the panel in front of him, and he looked at it -for a considerable time. What could that face -tell him at this critical hour, when for long years -of his time he had never found one convincing -argument with which to enlighten his son on all -the grave problems of existence? It was always -the same answers to the same inquiries: “My -boy, others have gone through life besides yourself, -and found it no worse than I have. Don’t think -too hard, leave that to those who have to use -their brains for a livelihood. You have a bed -ready made to lie on, do not complain that it is too -soft; but do not forget that you are a gentleman, -and that when you have passed a few turnpikes -of life—let us say, Eton, Oxford, the War or the -Foreign Office—you can do whatever you like, for -you are then innocuous; and no one, not even the -most Argus-eyed dowager, will consider you -dangerous, however wild your mode of life may -be. My advice to you is, never fall into the -clutches of any woman; to my mind the sex is -divided into two dangerous species: the one that -kill you before they bore you, the other that bore -you before they kill you. But in either way you -are a doomed man; though for myself I should -<span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>prefer being killed to being bored—and as you -know, I chose the former.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>Was this all that the aristocratic shape framed -in front of him could tell him? It was not -enough. He was too robust to be killed by the -London Hetaires, and too fastidious to allow -himself to be bored by the other species. He -listened, but no sound came from the outside; the -walls were too thick, the draperies too rich to allow -any <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">fracas</span></i> to disturb the owner of that dwelling. -He was hermetically shut out from every outward -commotion, and might have lived in a vault. -Was not that an image of his privileged life? All -things had been so ordained and smoothed down -in his easy existence that he could see nothing -beyond his own direct surroundings, and could -never penetrate into another heart, nor allow anyone -to hear the throbs of his own heart. That -was called the privilege of the well-bred, and it -was all that generations before him had done for -his welfare: a double-windowed house and a well-padded -life, out of which he never could step. -There were barriers at every corner of the road in -which he had walked. Harrow, Oxford, the -Guards, Downing Street, watched him, reminding -him, by the way, that he could prance, kick, roll, -do anything he had a mind to, within his -boundary; and he heard that haunting whisper in -his wearied ears that, however low he sank—he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>was a gentleman. But outside the boundary was -a world called life, with a real, throbbing, howling -humanity, a pushing and elbowing crowd with -which he evidently had nothing to do; out there -he had no business, for over there people -answered for themselves, were responsible for -their own actions, and he would no doubt fare -badly were he to push and elbow for his own sake, -independently of all the privileged institutions -that propped him up through life. He suddenly -remembered that next day there was a Levee, and -that he was to be there. No, he would not go, -he would escape for once, and for good and all, -these recurring functions of social London which -seemed to narrow the horizon of life. The best -was to make a suitable exit and bring down the -curtain on a Mayfair episode; it would puzzle, -interest, amuse half of London for the inside of a -week, and it would be over. He got up and went -to a large bureau that stood in the middle of the -room, and began to open drawer after drawer; -he brought out some business papers, laid -them carefully on the bureau, pulled out -bundles of letters, read a few, burnt a great -many. Amongst all the correspondence he -came across there was not one note from -Gwendolen; she did not write, she sent wires -about anything, for an appointment at Ranelagh, -a bracelet she had seen at Hancock’s, or -<span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>some more trifling matter; and even then, she -hardly sat down to pen these cursory remarks; -she sent her wires when at breakfast, close to the -dish of fried bacon, at lunch, at tea, on the corner -of the silver tray. He opened another drawer and -took out a revolver; it was loaded, and he examined -it minutely. How long had it been in that drawer -and when had he loaded it? He could not recall -when last he had seen the arm. He slowly lifted -it to his temple and pulled the trigger, as a violent -clap of thunder shook the house to its very -foundation, causing the electric lights to go -out. Lord Somerville fell heavily on the Turkish -carpet.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER II</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>Lionel Somerville woke at 8 a.m. in the freshest -of spirits. All the frenzy of the night before -had vanished, and as he lay on his bed, smiling, -he tried to think over what had happened.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Did I not kill myself last night? Anyway, I -did not succeed, or perhaps it was all a delusion! -I must have been in a bad way. It is that -infernal wound that troubles me; I have never -been quite myself since I came home.—Well! -what is the matter with this place?—Where are -the curtains, the carpet?” Sitting up in his -bed he stared all round. “And the blankets, -sheets—oh! my shirt is gone!” And as he -jumped up from the bed on to the bare floor, -he stood as the Almighty had made him. He -rushed to the window, saw the streets empty, -the doors of all the houses closed, and no one -going in or out of them. After staring out of -the window he spotted but one boy coming -along leisurely on his tricycle cart, the butcher’s -boy no doubt; a fit of laughter seized him, -followed by hilarious convulsions, as he saw -the water-cart coming across the square, with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span>its street Neptune indolently reclining on the -seat.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“This is funny! What the devil does it -mean? Have these people gone clean mad? -Why does not the police stop them?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>Lionel left the window and rang the bell. A -few seconds after there was a gentle knock at -the door.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, my lord.” It was the suave voice of -Temple, my lord’s faithful valet.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I say, Temple”—Lionel spoke through the -door—“what’s the meaning of all this?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I cannot tell, my lord. Your lordship’s -bathroom is ready, and breakfast is on the -table.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You must be mad, Temple! How am I to -get out of this room without my clothes? Bring -in something—anything—a wrap of some sort, a -bath-rug.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Not one to be found, my lord, and all the -shops are closed.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“How are you clad, Temple?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I’ve nothing on, my lord, and Willows, Mr -Jacques, are all in the same condition. But I can -assure your lordship that the morning is very -hot.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“And you think that sufficient, do you? Well, -I don’t! I am blowed if I can make this out, or -if I know what I am going to do. Bring me a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span>tub, a large can of hot water, and later on bring -me a tray with a couple of eggs and tea. I am -famished!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>Footsteps retreated; Lionel walked round and -round his spacious bedroom. Everything was in -its usual place as far as furniture went, but there -was not a vestige of drapery or carpeting; the -cushions had disappeared, and only the down lay -on the floor; the chairs, easy <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">fauteuils</span></i>, the couch -were despoiled of all covering and showed their -bare construction of wood and cane-work. The -bed was a simple pallet, the rugs had vanished. -Lionel entered his dressing-room, the cupboards -were open, and empty, when yesterday they had -been crammed with all his clothes. The drawers -were hanging out of their chest—empty; shirts, -flannels, silk pyjamas, neckties, waistcoats, all the -arsenal of a young man about town had dissolved -into thin air. This was more than strange, and -the Earl became more and more amazed as he -went on opening boxes, baskets, and gaping at -the empty receptacles. He again looked out of -the window—his dressing-room had a full view of -Grosvenor Square—and saw many more boys on -tricycle carts; several satyr-milkmen were rattling -their cans down the fashionable areas, and the -water-cart went on slowly spouting its L.C.C. -Niagara over dusty roads. The effect was decidedly -comical. He came back to his bedroom, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>and once more looked out of the window. Looking -up at the opposite house he saw a form passing -to and fro. That was Lady Vera’s house. Could -it be she? He smiled. It might be the maid. -Who knows? There were few of his lady friends -he would recognise again in this new garb. After -his tub and breakfast he felt in buoyant spirits -and physically fit, although he could not quite -account for this new mood of his, for nothing had -altered in his life. He gave a side glance at -himself in the cheval-glass; he was always the -Earl of Somerville, heir to vast riches, engaged to -Gwendolen Towerbridge, and this joke would pass. -It was perhaps the new trick of some gang of -thieves, whom the police would be able to catch -in a few days. The thing to find out was whether -it was the same all over London. Temple told -Lord Somerville, as he brought the breakfast tray -to the door, that the areas down the streets and -the square were a bevy of buzzing gossipers. -Admiral B., who lived two doors off, was in the -same plight, and was using strong language to his -poor wife; and as to Field-Marshal W., whose -house was in the square, he was beside himself, -had howled at his man for his pyjamas and sent -the fellow rolling down the passage for appearing -in his presence in an Adamitic vestment. Temple -thought this very unjust, as the Field-Marshal -was in the same dilemma; but then Temple had -<span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span>no sense of the fitness of things, and certainly -had no sense of humour, as he came to ask his -master what were his orders for Marshall, the -coachman. Lionel naturally sent Marshall to -the devil.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Does he think I am going to drive in an open -Victoria as I am, with him on the box as he is?” -And he raved at the poor valet, and asked him -what they all felt in the housekeeper’s room. To -which Temple replied, that the men did not so -much mind, and that the women would get used to -it. They had all their work cut out for them, and -no time to think about difficult problems. Evidently -it was different with them, and the Earl -dropped the subject, inquiring whether the <cite>Times</cite> -had come. But the postman had not yet arrived.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What on earth can I do?” murmured Lionel. -Then he thought of sending Temple to get him a -pile of new French novels to while away the -tedious hours. By the way, he thought suddenly, -he would like to know something definite about -last night’s adventure; he did not like to tell his -man about his foolish attempt, but if he had seen -the revolver on the carpet, he was prepared to give -him some sort of explanation. Temple came back -saying that every book had disappeared, and gave -a graphic description of what was once the -library of my lord. Lionel timidly inquired if he -had not noticed anything peculiar on the floor, nor -<span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>any stray object lying about? No, Temple had -seen nothing except the total disappearance of all -draperies, chair coverings, carpets, books, etc. -There was nothing on the floor, only a little more -dust than before in front of the writing-desk. This -satisfied Lionel, who made up his mind that the -whole thing was the effect of his own imagination, -very probably occasioned by this miserable wound -which at times was a great worry to him; and he -settled down to forget the past and to solve the -present in trying to explain this strange event. -But in vain did he endeavour to do so, his eyes persistently -went back to the window, and he constantly -got up to watch the opposite house and -the few strollers that ventured out; of course they -were all servants who so immodestly exposed -themselves to his investigation, still it amused -him much more to watch the street than to ponder -these grave questions.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Well, I think I was a damned fool last night, -provided I did such a foolish thing as to try and -blow my brains out. This is worth living for, and -I have not been amused for many years as I am -now. It must have something to do with last -night’s storm. If this is going to last, I suppose -the old fellows at the Royal Institute will make -it their business to ponder this stupendous -phenomenon.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>Temple brought the luncheon tray about 1.30; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>only a couple of kidneys, a glass of Apollinaris -water; it would be sufficient for that day, as he -could not get out that afternoon and have a ride. -Then more thinking, with as little attention as -before. After that, tea with a bit of toast and no -butter, and more thinking, interrupted at times by -sudden glances through the window. Temple -came once or twice to his master’s door with all -the news that was afloat in the areas, butlers’ -pantries, saddle-rooms, and although this gossip -originated on the backstairs, it was welcomed by -the heir of great estates, for, at this moment he -could get no direct information, and what his valet -brought him was as good as he could ever get. -The valet had reminded my lord that to-day was -the Levee, which the latter was to attend. This -amused him very much, for was it likely that the -Admiral, the Field-Marshal, the latest V.C. would -ever venture beyond their bed-rug—oh! that even -was gone—to go and meet their ruler in their -skins? No, these things were impossible, and the -structure of Society would soon crumble to ashes -if one man unadorned was to meet another man -unclad. Of course Lord Somerville was very -anxious to know whether all London was in the -same condition, to which the faithful valet replied, -that he had it from the milkman that Belgravia -was as silent as a tomb, Bayswater a wilderness, -and Buckingham Palace a desert. As to the omnibuses, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>after one journey up and down they had -given up running at all, as no one wanted a drive, -and the few servants and working-men about -preferred walking. Towards seven o’clock, Lionel -felt inclined to have a little food, and he ordered a -grilled sole and a custard. That would do for -him, but evidently it did not do for Temple, who -was quite shocked at his master’s abstemiousness, -and recoiled before appearing in front of the cook -with such a meagre menu. “He would be capable -of throwing a dish at my head, my lord; he hardly -believed me when I told him your lordship wanted -two kidneys for lunch.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>But Lionel was determined, and would hear of -nothing more for dinner and sent the cook to -Jericho through the intermediary of Temple, -adding that he could not eat more when he had -no proper exercise, that he had had sufficient, -having eaten when he felt hungry and left off -when he had had enough—which he had not -done for many years.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, my lord,” had respectfully answered the -faithful valet, who perhaps at the same time -thought his master’s remark a wise one.</p> - -<p class='c003'>The evening went by, bringing no change in -the situation; and by nine o’clock it was universally -known, and partly accepted, that from the Lord -Chancellor to the Carlton waiter, frock-coat or no -coat, woolsack or three-legged crock, a man was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span>to be a man for a’ that. One great calamity had -befallen them all, and in one minute levelled the -whole of London’s inhabitants to the state of -nature. The question arose in my lord’s mind -whether they were sufficiently fitted for that state? -Could they face the God Pan with as much composure -as they had faced all the other gods? -He heard the heavy footsteps of the lamplighter -methodically going through his work. It -was strange that he had never once thought of -stopping his nocturnal routine. Evidently -whatever happened, the streets had to be lighted, -and Lionel mused long and deeply on these -questions of duty and force of habit, as he looked -out of the window into the street and observed -the long shadow descending over London.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Was it the sense of duty that prompted the -actions of these menials?” He could not bring -himself to think that, and he could not help -believing that amongst his own superior class -the sense of duty was always accompanied by a -powerful sense of the fitness of things, so that -if a virtue clashed with prejudices and the -accepted standard of propriety, it was desirable -that they should build up some new duty more -in harmony with their worldly principles. There, -no doubt, lay the difference between the upper -classes and the lower, and which made the former -shrink before breaking the laws of decorum, when -<span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>the latter saw no objection to performing daily -pursuits in their skins, unconcerned with higher -motives of purity and exalted ideals.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Whether Lord Somerville had touched the keynote -of social ethics remained unknown, but he -retired early to his pallet and slept soundly -through the still night.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Next day was the same, the day after identical, -and the week passed thus without any change in -the London phenomenon. Had the carpet in the -Arabian tales carried the whole metropolis to -some undiscovered planet, the wonderment could -not have been greater. After a few days, Lionel -observed that the L.C.C. Neptune had acquired -more ease, more <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">laisser-aller</span></i> in his movements -and postures, and decidedly sat less stiffly on his -high perch; the butcher’s boy also carried his -tray on his shoulder with distinct dash and -comeliness. From his daily observations he -came to the conclusion that London life, in its -mechanical working, was going on pretty much -as usual. He questioned his faithful valet, who -by this time had become more than a servant, -being newsagent and Court circular rolled into -one. What he learned through the keyhole was -astounding. No House of Commons, no Upper -House were sitting! How could anything go on -at that rate? Ah! that was the strangest part -of it, for materially everything seemed to be as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span>usual; the tradespeople came round for orders, -and there was no danger of starving. The wheels -of life kept on rolling, for, those who represented -the axle were still in the centre of the wheel, and -nothing could remove them. It was the upper -part of the edifice that had given way, or at -least had willingly retired into modest seclusion. -The wheels might run for a long time without the -coach, but the coach had no power to advance in -any way without the wheels. This is what puzzled -Lionel so much; he had always believed that if -Society took it into its head to strike, the world -would come to a standstill; and here was a -colossal emergency in which one part of the -edifice went on as if nothing had happened, -while the other—in his eyes the important one—was -forced to retire behind its walls, if it meant -to keep sacred the principles of modesty and -decorum; and still the whole structure had not -foundered. Of course it could not last for ever. -Nothing did last; and this axiom consoled Lord -Somerville, as he cradled himself into the belief -that the present condition would never answer -in this eminently aristocratic empire. Why had -not such a thing happened to Parisians? “I -could safely declare that they would not have -made such a fuss about it. They would have -taken the adventure as it is, if transient, and -would have accepted the joke with rollicking fun; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>if serious, they would have made the best of it, -seen the plastic side of the situation, and at once -endeavoured to live up to it as gracefully as -possible. Yes, there lay the whole difference -between the Latin race and the Anglo-Saxon; -the former aimed at beauty, and the other, as -the Bishop of Sunbury had said at Islington, -aimed at a moral attitude.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I suppose there is a certain amount of truth in -this,” thought the Earl, as he sipped his cup of -tea, “for here am I living up to a standard of -punctilious modesty, which would even put the -chaste Susannah to shame; and Heaven knows I -never have been overburdened with principles, -but, quite on the contrary, was oblivious of any -moral attitude. It must be that the ambiante of -this country is of a superior quality to that of any -other.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>There was a gentle knock at the door: “The -Bishop of Welby has sent round to know whether -your lordship would allow your women-servants -to help in the finding of a suitable text for a -sermon he wishes to deliver when this state has -ceased? His lordship is in a great stress, being -unable to lay his hand on his Bible, and finds himself -at a loss to recall all the contents of the Holy -Scriptures.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“By all means, Temple—I am always delighted -to be of any use to the bishop, although, for my -<span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>part, I regret I cannot help him in this. Can you -remember any suitable text, Temple?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>Temple made no reply.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I say, Temple, how do the dowagers take -this kind of thing? I am rather curious to know -how they manage.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>The valet inquired from the upper housemaid, -who very soon gathered information from her -friends along the areas, and in an hour the faithful -newsagent had collected a bushel of gossip. -The attitude of the dowagers towards the social -calamity was one of stubborn resistance and of -fervent prayer. The old Lady Pendelton had -said to her maid, through the keyhole, that it was -only a question of time, and that with a little -display of self-control, for which the race was so -celebrated, they would soon pull through this -ghastly experience. Some of the old ladies, -whose bedrooms were contiguous to those of their -daughters, knocked on the wall exhorting their -virtuous progeny to persevere in the ways of -the righteous and to keep up a good heart. -Out-door gossips would be supplied to them: -“Sarah does not mind going out,” had shouted -through the wall one of the pillars of female -Society, “you see, dear Evelyn, these sort of -people do not possess the same quality of -modesty that we do—they have to toil, not to -feel.” So thought the dowager, and many more -<span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>believed this to be true. What a load of injustice -was settled by such an argument!</p> - -<p class='c003'>When the first shock was over, and Lord -Somerville had ceased wondering at a class of -people who did not mind being seen in their -Edenic attire, he dropped into a humorous mood, -and passed in review a good many of his friends, -men and women.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“By Jove!” he exclaimed in a fit of laughter, -“I wonder what old Bentham looks like in his -skin? The Stock Exchange will be a rum -circus when they all race for cash as modern -gladiators! And what of Pender, and of Clavebury; -and Gladys Ventnor, Arabella Chale and -<i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">tutti quanti</span></i>?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>Then he thought of his friend, Victor de -Laumel, of the Jockey Club in Paris. He felt -convinced Victor would tell him, “I say, my -good fellow, why do you mind? Go out and give -the example of simplicity and good-humour.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>After all, it was not that he minded much, and -if the Upper Ten appointed between themselves -a day and hour in which they would all go out -together, it would not be so bad; but it was the -idea of appearing before and mixing with an -indiscriminate crowd. It would be really annoying -to have your butler look you up and down, -and to stand the flitting sneer on the lips of your -groom. Of course there was nothing in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>abstract against an Edenic garment; but one -must not forget that Adam and Eve were alone in -Paradise, and had no crowd to pass unpleasant -remarks over their personal appearance. It was -only when that interfering <i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">Tertium quid</span></i> had -sneaked round the corner that they had lost all -the fun in life. Well, if one reptile had the power -to make them feel ashamed of themselves, what -would it be now that thousands of little twinkling -eyes were glaring, and that myriads of sharp -tongues hissed and stung? It was quite evident -that clothes kept the world within bounds of -decency, besides restraining the overbearance of -the lower classes and enforcing their respect for -their superiors. What could our civilisation be -without the cap-and-apron ethics? It is difficult -enough to keep up a certain standard in the -world with the help of smart surroundings; but -how could one command deference from, and give -orders to one’s domesticity in this attire?</p> - -<p class='c003'>On the eleventh day of this prison life, Lord -Somerville woke with a sharp pain in his side, and -as he sat up on his pallet he was seized with -giddiness. This was a premonition which filled -him with awe. His liver was hopelessly out of -order, and no doubt many of his friends’ livers -were in the same condition owing to this sedentary -life. Hard thinking and solitary confinement would -be sure to have a fatal effect on a race accustomed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>to exercise and deep drinking. The area gossip -was ominous, and what Temple recorded to his -master boded no good to the Upper Ten, who -were suffering from a general attack of dyspepsia. -It was a very serious question, a race doomed to -sequestration; and there was a fear that eventually -London, the well-drained, well-watered, well-lighted -and altogether well-County-Councilled, -would be turned into a vast lunatic asylum. When -ethics meant apoplexy, it was time to halt and -loosen the strings of propriety; and it was the -duty of the sporting duke, the rubicund brewer, -and of all the fastidious do-nothings, to weave for -themselves in the seclusion of their chambers a -new tissue of principles to suit their abnormal -condition. Lionel inquired whether the Bishop -had come to any conclusion about his text. -Temple did not know about that, but he knew that -the prelate had complained of insomnia and sickness, -and asked for <i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">sal volatile</span></i>. Lady Pendelton -had been heard by her maid to fall on the floor. -Was her ladyship better now? had asked Lionel. -Yes, but her maid could hear her tottering in her -room and moaning piteously.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“It is very bad this, Temple. I think something -ought to be done for the good of the public; -but what?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I believe that if your lordship would only show -yourself—I beg your pardon, my lord—but an -<span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>example would be beneficial, and your lordship is -so popular, I am sure you would carry the day.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Do you really believe that my showing myself -would be a general signal? You see, Temple, I -do not want to find myself all alone in the streets -of London, with all the dowagers grinning at their -windows. That would never do.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Oh! your lordship need not fear. There is a -great feeling of discontent among the higher -classes; and before you could say Jack Robinson -they would all follow your example.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“That is certainly very encouraging. Bring -me some boiling water to drink. No breakfast, -thanks.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>The wave of revolt was rising furiously and -threatening to drown all principles of decency. -Utter disgust filled the hearts of Londoners when -they retired to rest on the eleventh night of their -voluntary seclusion. It is then, when large -shadows envelop the city, that common-sense -creepingly visits the bedside of each inhabitant; -and as the mysterious hour that is supposed to -unnerve the bravest man approaches, great -principles give way, and practical reasoning comes -to the fore, to ease the questionist out of his moral -jungle.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER III</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>When the men and women of this powerful race -make up their minds to anything, whether right or -wrong, they neither hesitate nor do they allow any -time to elapse between decision and consummation. -So it was that on the morning of the twelfth day -Lord Somerville sprang off his couch, took his tub -and brushed his hair with unusual alacrity. He -did not give a passing glance at his mirror, strange -to say; perhaps, had he done so, his resolution -would have slackened; but Lord Somerville was -wise, and, not unlike the ostrich, he believed that -no one would look at him because he had not -looked at himself. He opened his bedroom door, -walked along the passages without meeting one of -his domestics, and reached the beautiful marble -staircase for which this mansion was so renowned. -As he crossed the vestibule he gave a furtive look -at the footman ensconced in his basket chair; but -the latter was asleep, or at least his innate delicacy -prompted him to this subterfuge, to allow his -master to pass by unnoticed.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Lionel unbolted the front door with a sudden -jerk, and as he did this he heard a successive unbolting -<span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>of doors, which sounded throughout the -silent city like a gun fired in honour of some royal -birthday. In one or two seconds the streets were -invaded.</p> - -<p class='c003'>He stood amazed on the pavement and -marvelled at this stupendous event! It was true -that England, for centuries, had prided herself on -her public opinion. But what was the England of -twelve days ago to that of to-day? Few nations -could boast of an Upper Ten capable of such -abnegation, that of one common accord they all -decided to put away personal feelings, vanities -and principles, for the sake of their fellow-creatures. -One huge wave of altruism had swept -over Society, which cherished the fond idea that it -initiated, ruled and guided the rest of the world. -Indeed, this was a great event in the modern -history of Great Britain, already so rich in philanthropic -examples. Lionel took a deep breath as -he walked away from his ancestral mansion; he -watched men rushing past him; evidently they were -going straight to their business. He saw women -shuffling alongside of the walls, as if these would -throw a shadow over their naked forms; but who -they were was quite beyond him to tell, and -perhaps it was as well, at first, to ignore who -they were. It was a boisterous exodus, though -one imposed by the sense of duty; and the -violent exercise of hurrying brought vigour back -<span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>to their weakened limbs. Naturally the first -observation of Lord Somerville was that this -colourless mass of humanity was slightly -monotonous, although soothing to wearied eyeballs. -He followed a good many people, just -for the fun of it, and frequently thought he was -on the point of recognising some friend or -acquaintance; but no, it was hopeless to try and -find out who was who; besides, they nearly all -seemed to shun one another, and as they passed -each other bowed their heads and looked on the -ground. He reached Trafalgar Square; there -the scene was full of animation: children were -jumping in and out of the fountains, and shaking -themselves as birds do their feathers after a good -ducking; men ran round the Landseer lions for -a constitutional, and women dodged them on the -other side, in this way endeavouring to keep up a -semblance of feminine coyness. There was no -doubt that this part of London was different from -the genteel Mayfair, and it threatened to be rowdy -as you approached the City. Lionel walked past -Charing Cross, which looked abandoned; but -the Strand—the main artery of London’s -anatomy—was surging with a buoyant population -rushing to the City-heart. Lionel thought -he would have great fun in watching office doors, -and would perhaps recognise a few millionaire -bounders who certainly were not like the Society -<span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>men of his stamp, and therefore would be more -easily recognised. He went up Fleet Street, -leaving St Paul’s on his left, walked through -Threadneedle Street, where he knew many of the -City magnates. Pacing up and down the pavement -he thought he would have a good opportunity -of seeing the men who went in and out of offices -and of conjecturing on their identity. Very soon -he witnessed a wild scene of confusion: men -darted out of offices suffused with deep blushes; -managers of large warehouses ran in and out of -houses in delirium! Another idea crossed -Lionel’s mind: evidently these people were, like -him, unable to recognise anyone; business men -were at a loss to know their clerks from their -financier friends, as they could not discern buyers -from sellers. Of course in this terrible mystification, -there was no attempt made at bowing or -talking in the streets of London; it was a new -departure from last week’s urbanity, when -courteousness had been distributed according to -the more or less respectability of external appearance.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I am afraid that insurmountable difficulties -will stare us in the face,” murmured Lionel as he -retraced his steps towards Piccadilly, after fruitless -attempts at knowing his friends in the crowd. -“We have not yet grasped what this new position -means; at first we have thought of decency, some, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>I suppose, have dwelt on morality’s destiny; -but I do declare that it means more than all that. -If we cannot know employers from employees -the whole status of civilisation is done with. -This is a thing of which I had never thought.” -He noticed, on his way home, that women had -tears rolling down their cheeks, and men, as he -brushed past them, swore in their moustaches. -Lord Somerville felt a choking sensation in his -throat as he realised that the old life with all its -ease and luxury was over. Everything was so -bare, so ugly. Where were the bewitching -fashions that rejoiced his fastidious eye? Where -the daintily-gowned young girls and women in -our beautiful parks? As women passed by, he -wondered to what class of Society they belonged. -How could the shop-girl now be differentiated -from the Duke’s daughter? He never could -have believed such a dilemma possible. In front -of his club he glanced through the swinging -glass doors, and saw a portly individual standing; -but he could not for his life tell whether it was -the hall porter or one of the members.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Solitary confinement for twelve days had nearly -driven Londoners mad; but he now realised that -isolation in the midst of a maddening crowd would -soon turn them into drivelling idiots. What they -had gone through for more than a week had -been a conflict between virtue and self-interest; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span>but the future was more fearful, for more than -interest was at stake, as self-respect was threatened -to sink in this universal levelling. When he -thought of all the social solecisms likely to occur -in this state of <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">incognito</span></i>, he shuddered. If it -was impossible to know whom to bow to, whom to -nod to and whom to snub, however could Society -exist? Our exclusive circles owed their existence -to those delicate <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">nuances</span></i> of politeness; and when -the sliding scales of courtesy were abolished, -Democracy was at hand, for no power on earth -could stem the torrent of Anarchism from overpowering -defenceless Society.</p> - -<p class='c003'>The first exodus was decidedly a failure, and -Lionel felt the galling bitterness of disappointment -when, between twelve and one, he entered -his house, refusing all the entreaties of his valet to -partake of a dainty luncheon. All London was -in the same discomfited mood that morning, and -the fashionable beauty, reclining on her hard couch, -wept bitter tears over her defunct wardrobe and -hat-boxes. The company promoter behind his -window, looking at the irritating butcher’s boy -and callous milkman, grunted audibly, “These -are the sort of people we are now to rub against -at every turn!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>There evidently was more behind feathers and -furbelows than our friend Horatio could have -known, and London would have to spell the first -<span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span>words of a philosophy which would be drier to -them all than that of Plato, Kant or Carlyle.</p> - -<p class='c003'>After two more days of keen despair, the same -longing for fresh air seized hold of the Upper -Ten; though this time bolts were not drawn with -that vigour which had given to the first exodus -the sound of a salute of musketry. It was more -like a distant roll of thunder, forerunner of a -clouded atmosphere. The exit from houses was -not any more triumphant and didactic, it was slow -and cheerless; and had not the air been balmy, -the sky blue, citizens would have felt a shiver run -down their spine as they realised their abandoned -condition. This time Lord Somerville restricted -his wanderings to the smart thoroughfares, leaving -the mercantile City to its own confusion. He -entered restaurants where he had known many -of the <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">habitués</span></i>; but he went out of them shocked -at not being recognised by any of his friends. -Formerly all was so easy; one had but to step -out, and one knew exactly who was who by -the brim of a hat, the cut of a coat, the handling -of a walking-stick; but not even a rude stare -could help one now to identify anyone, and -nothing could save one from committing a social -<i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">faux pas</span></i>. He strolled up the Haymarket. How -difficult it was to walk in that attire. “I wonder -if Adam rambled all over Paradise, and if he did -not feel awkward? I wish I knew what to do -<span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>with my hands.” There was a crowd at Piccadilly -Circus, and he had great difficulty in advancing. -What attracted the attention of the population -were the empty windows of Swan & Edgar’s. -Hundreds of women were peering through the -deserted shops which had hitherto been over-crowded -with ladies’ apparel of every kind and -sort. He edged his way through and contrived -to get on the pavement; but many pushed him, -and he elbowed freely in this crowd of Adams -and Eves. He was very much astonished to find -himself saying “Beg your pardon” when he unconsciously -collided with anyone.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“After all, I do not know who I am knocking -against, it might be my most intimate friend, and -upon the whole it is better to be polite to someone -you do not know than to be wanting in -common civility towards a friend.” The Earl had -unwittingly got hold of a vital problem, and one -that would no doubt induce Society some day to -transform the tone of politeness.</p> - -<p class='c003'>In Hyde Park he noticed several groups, and -towards the Serpentine the crowd became denser; -but to escape the noisy clamour of urchins splashing -in the water he took a small path leading to -Kensington Gardens. Most of the smart world -would be there, thought Lionel, though the outing -was not one of fashion. Hygiene and reflection -were drawing both sexes to the shady parts of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span>Kensington; they felt their isolation less -oppressively in this glorious verdure. The soft -grass was more refreshing than hot pavements; -the trees, hedges and flower-beds were more -fragrant surroundings than high houses; and in -this harmonious frame one would feel less at -variance with a discordant world.</p> - -<p class='c003'>The day was young yet, hardly 11.30, and the -hot rays of the sun were piercing through the -foliage of the broad avenue facing the Palace. -Solitary individuals walked on the cool grass, sat -on stone benches and iron chairs; but none talked -to anyone, and there lacked in this mythological -picture the animation that humanity generally -brings into a landscape. Birds were busy -chirping, making love, mock quarrelling, and the -leaves rustled softly as a breath of hot wind -caressed the branches of trees.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Lord Somerville lay down on a stone bench, -linking his arms behind his head. He let his -fanciful imagination have full play: allowing -philosophy to suggest to him queer problems -concerning the personal appearance of some of his -lady friends. A chuckle rose to his lips; a -sparkling twinkle lighted up his pale blue eye. He -saw at a distance a small, dapper man coming this -way; his head was well set on his shoulders; there -was no hesitation in his step, no awkwardness in -his bearing; one of his hands was placed on one -<span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>hip, the other dropped gracefully at his side, as he -stood within a few yards of the young heir to -large properties.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Who can that be? Can it be my tailor? I -can only think of him recognising me at a glance, -these fellows know us inside out. Deucedly -awkward though to be accosted like this by -tradespeople.” And as the newcomer stood close -to him, the Earl sat up, and bowed as disdainfully -as he could manage under the circumstances.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I daresay you do not know me, my lord, but -I have that advantage over your lordship, having -seen you often about town, and frequently admired -your equipages in the Park, and noticed your -presence in one of the boxes at the Tivoli.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>This was a touch of kin, and something in the -tone of his interlocutor cheered Lionel and put -him in a happy train of thought. The link with -the outer world, his world of ready-made pleasures -and strong stimulants, was not quite broken. A -rush of the past life came surging back to his -mind, and he grasped the hand of his new friend as -Robinson Crusoe must have done that of Friday -when the latter made his appearance on the -deserted island.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I seem to know you, sir; although I cannot -put a name to your face; but let me, all the same, -greet you warmly; you are the first that has -recognised me since the storm.”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>“And that is a fortnight ago, my lord, a very -long lapse of time for your lordship, who is such -a favourite in Society. But I haven’t come here -only to disturb your musings; I have a motive, a -very serious one, that will ultimately affect you -and all London. First of all, I am Dick Danford -of the Tivoli, the White Bread, and of the -Saltseller.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Now I know where I have seen you, heard you -and applauded you, Mr Danford. Your voice -came home to me as would a favourite strain of -music of which the title has slipped one’s memory. -What can I do for you? I am at your service. -Let us stroll under these shady trees, it will be -cooler than here, and you will tell me all you have -to say.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Well, my lord,” began the little dapper Tivoli -artist, when they had reached the shade of the -long avenue, “you know, as we all do, what has -happened. It is needless to remark any more on -the deadlock of business, in whatever branch it -may be, owing to manufacturers and weavers being -on the streets and cheque-books having vanished -into thin air.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, and we have no purses, and no pockets to -put them in.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“We will not discuss the feminine point of view -of this event, my lord; their coyness and pudicity -are of course a credit to their sex, and we can but -<span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>honour them for carrying so high the ideal of -womanhood; but that must wear off in time, as -the fair sex finds out that the world cannot wait -for them, and that the rotation of our planet cannot -come to a standstill because the modesty of our -wives and sisters is in jeopardy.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>The little mimic lifted his sharply-cut features -and looked into the long, aristocratic face of his -listener.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I am all ears, Mr Danford; but about -modesty I have nothing to say. Mayfair is not -the nursery for such delicate plants; besides, I -think that coyness is already on the wane, for I -see several groups of women lounging about. Do -not trouble your clever head about that, and -tell me in what way I can be of any use to -you?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“The point is this, my lord, as you know, -no one is able to recognise anyone. No high-collared -cloak nor slouch hat and mask could be -a better disguise than this general unmasking. -You know the adage: ‘Tell the truth, and no -one will believe you.’ We can add another -truism: ‘Show yourself as you are, and no one -will know you.’ No doubt, there is still a little -mannerism that clings to the individual, by which -one could recognise their identity; but it would -require a strenuous effort of the mind, and a -wonderful memory of personal tricks, to be able -<span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>to arrive at knowing who’s who. So I have -bethought myself of a plan. We artists of the -Music Hall alone possess the art of observation. -You see, we have made a special study of -the physiognomy, and have stored our brains with -all the particularities of Society leaders, the -oddities of the clergy, of City magnates and -gutter marionettes. Some remedy must be found -at once for this present state of affairs, or else -the whole edifice of Society will disappear, and we -artists will perish in the downfall. The remedy -cannot come from the Upper Ten, I am afraid, -for they have no memory nor any observing -powers. I beg your pardon, my lord, but I am -speaking very openly on the subject, and you -must excuse me if I feel the position very -keenly.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Go on, my dear Danford; what you say is -very true and very interesting. I am beginning -to see what you mean. By the way, I think I see -the Duke of Southdown on that chair—shall we -walk up to him? You might tell him of your -plan.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Do nothing of the kind!” hurriedly said the -mimic, laying a firm hand on Lord Somerville’s -arm. “The man you take for His Grace is a -driver of the London General Omnibus Company. -Now, my lord, you see what mistakes you are -likely to make.”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>“By God, I could have sworn this was the -Duke! But, Danford, do you never commit such -solecisms?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“No, very rarely.” Danford shook his head -knowingly, and over his thin lips flitted that indefinable -smile for which he was so renowned on -the boards. “But there you are, you have not -made a special study of human physiognomy, -and have not through hard plodding acquired -that sense of observation, that keenness of -perception, that we have, for you have had no -need to retain the facial grimaces and queer -movements of individuals. To-day the Music -Halls are closed and we are broke, but in this -wreckage, we artists have saved our precious -faculty of memorising. The profession has -therefore decided to make a new move; this -morning I saw the manager of the Tivoli, who -asked me to be the intermediary between the -profession and the aristocracy—of which, my lord, -you are one of the strongest columns. This -state of things looks as if it were going to last, -and as we cannot prevent it we must boom -it.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I follow you, Danford, and am curious to know -what you will propose as a remedy.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Well, my lord, I advise that we artists, men and -women, should open in every district of London -Schools of Observation, in which the art of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span>memorisation will be taught, and prizes will be -given to pupils who recognise the most faces in -one hour. I myself believe that Society will not -easily learn that art; for it has so long relied on -outward signs to guide it in the recognition of -folks, that its faculties are warped, and it will -take us all our time to pull Society through this -difficulty. Then a special branch should be -started at once, or else the aristocracy will sink -into the deep waves of oblivion. We must all—I -mean the Music Hall variety artists—accept -engagements for dinner-parties, receptions, -afternoon teas; in fact, for every entertainment -where more than two are gathered, and act as -social guides. To give you a sample of what I -can do, my lord, I propose to take a stroll with -you along the favourite thoroughfares of town; -not at present, for London will turn in for -luncheon very soon, but between six and seven -o’clock we can meet again.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Are you sure, Danford, that we shall find -anyone out at that time?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! You do not know Londoners as well as -I do. They have had enough of seclusion. They -have twice tasted fresh air, and they will long to -taste it again. Public opinion is as strong as ever -in our country; it is a wave that rolls incessantly -over the London beach; the <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">débris</span></i> of wrecks -cast up by the sea are very soon washed away -<span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>by the next wave, and so does the tide of public -opinion eternally sweep away some old political -hobby, and bring back some moral crank. The -smallest scheme becomes a national enterprise in -this island of ours, and if once Society takes up -our idea, the world is saved. This evening there -will be more Londoners out than there are at -present. Everyone, more or less—of course -invalids excepted—is unable to sacrifice practical -life to a preconceived idea of virtue; we are -even very much to be praised for having given -up ten of our precious days to a moral -principle.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“This would not have occurred in any Latin -country, for they depend so much on their intercourse -with human beings; perhaps we have less -merit, after all, in having remained confined so -many days, as we are not so sociable as our Latin -neighbours.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Oh! What an error, my lord; I have always -thought the reverse, and firmly believe that we -Britishers are the most superficial of human -creatures.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Still, you cannot deny, Danford, that our lower -classes take their pleasures gloomily?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I am astonished that you should make such -a remark, Lord Somerville; you are too much up-to-date -to bring that exploded accusation against -our race. If our lower orders take Sunday -<span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span>rambles in our City graveyards, it is not for the -dead that they go there, but partly for the flowers -and the trees; mostly, however, in search of -excitement. They spell the In Memoriams on -tombstones as they would devour penny -novelettes. It gives them a glamour of romance -and tragedy, as a jeweller’s shop window opens -a glittering vista of luxury to the hungry stare -of a beggar. It is always what lies behind the -scenes that will for ever enthral the minds of -human beings. You, of the Upper Ten, have -excitements of all sorts, subtle and coarse; -amusements of every descriptions, frivolous or -cruel; passions of all kinds, high and low; but -the wearied toilers have only the routine of an -eventless existence; no wonder shop windows -and graveyards are their arena, but it does not -follow that they take their pleasures sadly. A -child will play with a dead man’s skull if he has -no painted doll.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>They had reached Hyde Park Corner.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I have passed a very pleasant hour with you, -Danford; perhaps one of the pleasantest for many -years. Shall we say 6.30 at the foot of Achilles’s -statue?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, my lord, and the place you name is -most appropriate.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>With a wave of the hand Danford walked away -in the direction of Sloane Street, and Lord -<span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span>Somerville slowly went up Piccadilly. He felt -what he had not experienced since his Eton days—an -interest in life; and he was determined to -see this farce through.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER IV</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>Dick Danford was as good as his word. After -an hour’s stroll through London, Lord Somerville -came to the conclusion that, for the present, his -eyes were no more to him than a tail would have -been. The old world of before the storm seemed -to have vanished in a bottomless pit, and what -he viewed instead was as prodigious as what -he had hoped to see on his travels across -Acheron. He noticed that tricks and mannerisms -were as yet clinging to both sexes: women still -grasped their invisible dresses as if they had been -bunches of keys, twisted about their fingers absent -chains round their necks; men tried to put their -hands in vanished pockets, and held imaginary -umbrellas in front of them (the latter Danford -declared were clergymen), and their necks, -stiffened by the long use of high collars, gave -them the appearance of turkeys. But as to -knowing anyone in this Babel of faces, that was -quite out of the question; and Lionel went from -one ejaculation to another as Dick enumerated -the different notabilities of Society, the theatrical -world and financial booths. It was like a transformation -<span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>scene at Drury Lane. The world was -not what he had altogether taken it to be, and if -he found himself to have been even more swindled -than he had believed, still, there were surprises -for which he had not been prepared and which -were worth living for: the beautiful women were -not all as beautiful as he had thought them, but -the plain ones had a great many points that -commended them to a connoisseur. As to the -men whom he had feared as rivals in the arena of -good fortunes, they made him smile as he gave -an admiring glance at his spinal curve reflected in -a shop mirror. The little artist’s conversation -was a succession of fireworks; never on the boards -had he been more entertaining than this afternoon, -acting the part of a humorous Mephistopheles to -this masher Faust. He informed Lord Somerville -that after he had left him in the morning he had -done some good work for the public welfare, -and had come to a final arrangement with the -Commissioner of Police.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What for, Danford?” had inquired Lionel.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Well, I do not know whether it struck you as -it did me at your first exit, my lord, but the very -first observation that impressed itself on me was -the difficulty women had in distinguishing a -policeman from an ordinary civilian. I watched -many in distress, who gave an appealing look all -round for the kindly help of a bobby. It was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>hard to tell whether that man on the left with a -dogged expression and thin legs was the policeman, -or whether it was this other on the right, -with limbs like marble columns and a puny face. -Such dilemmas puzzled the public all through -the day, and decided the Committee of Music -Hall artists to take the matter in hand and -confer with the heads of the Police.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Have you come to some understanding, -Dick?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“The thing is settled. Scotland Yard is to be -turned into a public gymnasium, and a staff of -picked policemen are to instruct the citizens in -the art of being their own policemen.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“How very expeditious you are in your profession. -Had this been in the hands of Parliament, -we should never have heard anything about -it, however pressing the need might have been.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Then, another feature of our School of Observation -will be special prizes to be awarded to -husbands who will recognise their wives, or <em>vice -versa</em>, when out of their homes. I think that will -take in Society, for I have noticed that the nearer -the relationship the more difficult it was to know -one another.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You are very neat in your remarks, Danford,” -said Lionel.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You see, my lord, every judgment I arrive at -is the result of keen observation. I heard once, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span>during our ten days of seclusion, the most awful -row in the house next to mine; it belongs to the -Longfords—you know, the Longfords who took the -Regalia Theatre for a season. Well, their housemaid -reported to my landlady what the row was -about, and she told me the next morning through -the keyhole what had been the matter. The fact -was this: Mrs Longford had entered her husband’s -room and had had the greatest difficulty in persuading -him she was his lawful wife. If such a -scene could occur between a couple of twenty -years’ standing, in their own house, how much -more difficult it would be to recognise your wife in -the crowd.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“And hence your idea of a prize. I think that -had you decided to award it to the man who -recognised another man’s wife you would have -been more successful.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“We should have been bankrupt by the end of -a week, my lord; besides, this was a feature of the -old Society, and we want to launch it on a totally -novel basis. Originality must be our watchword.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>Lord Somerville, having been struck by the keen -judgment and foresight of the little buffoon, had -willingly promised him his support in every way. -He would send round to all his friends and spread -the idea amongst the Upper Ten, who would be -sure to lead the movement and give a salutary -example to the middle classes. Arrived at the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>corner of Park Lane, Lionel had wistfully inquired -of Danford whether he knew Gwendolen Towerbridge? -Dick was sorry, but he could not help -Lord Somerville in that line. Engaged people were -quite out of his department, Lord Somerville would -have to solve that problem for himself; to which -Lionel had shrugged his shoulders: just as well -guess whose face was behind a thick mask.</p> - -<p class='c003'>That evening Lionel sat up late in his library -planning in his mind the organisation of the new -Society of social guides. He frequently interrupted -his work to look up at his father’s portrait; -his type was not unlike hundreds of men he had -seen during the day, and he wondered how he -could recognise his own father were he alive? -Would not the latter have been slightly bewildered -in this Babel? Would not his pedantic theories -on good breeding receive a shock were he now to -step out of his frame and take a stroll through -the streets of London?</p> - -<p class='c003'>Towards two o’clock in the morning the Earl had -memorised the whole synopsis of the new Society, -to be launched under the gracious patronage of the -Earl of A.B.C. and of Her Grace the Duchess of -X.Y.Z., and he retired to his pallet of plaited rushes -with a sigh of contentment at the prospect of a -new spectacular show, and with a sense of relief at -the thought that Gwendolen was lost to him, more -irrevocably lost in this general unmasking than if -<span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span>a vessel had foundered on a rock, leaving her on a -desert island.</p> - -<p class='c003'>In a few days London resumed its usual occupations; -we cannot say that it looked quite the -same, but Society apparently was in the swing -once more. How could it be otherwise, when the -flowers were in full bloom, the birds were warbling -and the sun was shining? The brittle veneer of -false modesty had crumbled under the power of -necessity, and the inside of a fortnight had -witnessed the downfall of prudery. No scandal -ever reached two weeks’ duration; how could a -virtuous craze have outlived it? Very different -would it have been had half London appeared -clad, while the other half remained unclothed; -the contrast would have been offensive, and have -called for wrathful indignation; but as everyone -was in the same way, unquestioned submission -became a virtue as well as a necessity. Thus -argued Society, for the hard blow dealt by the -infuriated elements was fast healing, and the ex-fashionable -and would-be smart people hailed -Lord Somerville’s new plan with enthusiasm. -There was a great demand for social guides, a -feverish excitement to take lessons at once in the -art of observation, and a rush to attend lectures -on physiognomy. At first curiosity was a powerful -stimulant. “It would be ripping,” thought the -Society girl, “to find out whether Lady Lilpot and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>Lady Brownrigg’s figures, which were so admired -last season, were really <i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">bona-fide</span></i>, or only the -fabrics of padding and whalebone.” But very -soon laziness damped their former ardour, and -once more Society, ever incorrigible in its taste -for ready-made pleasure, started the fashion of -having social guides attached to their respective -households. Had not ladies of fashion, men about -town, formerly needed the services of French -maids and experienced valets? It goes without -saying that after the storm the constant attendance -of these two custodians of the wardrobe were -more irksome than pleasant, for they reminded -persons of fashion of their vanished glory. These -were therefore dismissed, for the housemaids could -easily fulfil the scanty duties of the present -dressing-rooms. Instead of the departed domestics, -social guides were requisitioned. Lord Somerville -was generally congratulated on his luck in obtaining -the services of Dick Danford, who was considered -to be at the very top of his position. He -united an infallible memory to an astounding -accuracy of inductive methods in human generalisation; -but what most commended him to his patron -and pupil were the philosophical and satirical -sidelights he threw at every turn on Society and -the various professions. As Lionel hourly conferred -with his Mentor, he became more and more -enthralled in his work of social reform; his daily -<span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>walks through the parks at Dick’s elbow were a -continual source of interest, and the object lessons -in human nature, provided by the London streets, -threw him at times into the wildest spirits.</p> - -<p class='c003'>The guides had a hard time of it in trying to -bring their pupils out of that reserve so dear to the -race, and they found great difficulty in making -them act with more initiative. As long as the -guide was at hand, it was all well, but when left to -themselves, lady pupils and gentlemen students -could not be brought to use their own judgment, -and boldly venture to recognise people without -the guide’s help, so fearful were they of committing -social blunders. Still, Danford was sanguine; -he kept saying that if the British lion had, in a -fortnight, conquered the sense of shame, he would, -in a few days more, throw pride to the four winds. -He turned out to be quite right, for in ten days -more London was launching out into a whirlpool -of festivities.</p> - -<p class='c003'>The little buffoon was very entertaining, and -kept his pupil in fits of laughter, relating his -various experiences in the smart circles of -London. Over and over again a pleading voice -whispered to him in the Park or at a party, “Oh -dear Mr Danford, I wish you would look in to-morrow -at my small tea-fight. Do you think -Lord Somerville could spare you for an hour or -two? His father was such an old friend of mine. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span>I have asked a very few people, but after the -butler’s announcement I shall never know one -from another—hi! hi! hi!” Another would in a -deep, rough voice tell him to run in at luncheon -Friday next: “Mrs Bilton is simply longing to -meet you; she has a daft daughter who persists -in taking the footman for her pa—very awkward, -isn’t it? I am sure, Mr Danford, you would -teach her in a few lessons how to recognise her -dad, for the girl is rather quick otherwise.” “Ah, -madam,” had replied the smart little guide, “it -takes a very wise girl to know her own father in -our present Society; I have seen strange instances -of divination, and in many cases the girl, instead -of a duffer, turned out to be too wise.” Or else a -distracted and jealous wife who could not distinguish -her lord and master in the crowd, appealed -to the mimic, imploring him to tell her by -what special sign she might know him again. To -which Dick ironically answered that he was not -teaching people how to see moles, freckles and -scars on human bodies, but was instructing -them in the art of physiognomy.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“But my husband is like thousands of men.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You mean by that, that he is without any -facial expression?” and Dick shrugged his -shoulders.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Then how shall I ever know my husband?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah, dear Lady Woolhead, you have hit on -<span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span>the fundamental question of our age. Indeed, -how can you recognise him, when you do not -know, nor ever have known, him? And I have -no doubt that he is in the same plight about yourself.” -And Lord Somerville would remark,—</p> - -<p class='c003'>“How amusing life must be to you, my dear -Danford; gifted with such satirical wit, you need -never pass a dull moment.” That was all very -true, but had you asked the Tivoli comedian what -he really thought of his employ in Lord Somerville’s -household, he would have told you, though with -bated breath, that it was not an easy mission to -keep a Mayfair cynic amused, for at the vaguest -approach of dulness, his lordship threatened to -give up the game of life, and go over the way to -see there what sort of a farce was on the bills.</p> - -<hr class='c008' /> - -<p class='c003'>“I say, Dick, how would Adam have looked in -a hansom, flourishing a branch of oak tree to -stop the cabby?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“And what does your lordship think of Eve’s -attitude in a four-wheeler, ducking her fair head in -and out of the window to indicate the way to the -driver?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Danford, this won’t do. The naked form is -not at its advantage seated upright in a brougham, -nor is it decorative when doubled up on the back -seat of a victoria.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>They were both struck by the unæsthetic -<span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>appearance of the present vehicles, as they arrived -one afternoon at Mrs Webster’s house in Carlton -Terrace.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“We shall have to discover some suitable -conveyance for the Apollos and Venuses of new -London.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>Standing on the steps of the house they passed -in review all fashionable London stepping out of -landaus, victorias, broughams, hansoms; certainly -the kaleidoscopic vision was not a success.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Mrs Webster was giving her first large At Home -of the season. She was noted for her gorgeous -parties, her gorgeous suppers and gorgeous fortune; -but still more celebrated for her picture gallery -and her kindness to artists. In her gallery was -supposed to be lying two millions sterling worth of -Old Masters, but her benevolence to artists did -not cost her a farthing, it was a Platonic help she -bestowed on them, and her charity had never been -known to exceed an introduction to the Duchess -of Southdown. She received all sorts and -conditions of men and women; all London met -at her “crushes,”—Duchesses elbowed cowboys, -Royal Highnesses sat close to political Radicals, -and Bishops handed an ice to some notorious -Mimi-la-Galette of the Paris Music Halls. They -all danced to the tune of clinking gold. In fact, -Mrs Webster’s house, like so many others, was a -stockpot out of which she ladled a social broth of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>high flavour. There were many stockpots in -London, from the strong <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">consommé</span></i> of exclusive -brewing to the thin, tasteless Bovril of homely -concoction. That of Mrs Webster’s was a pottage -of heterogeneous quality; it had a Continental -aroma of garlic, a back-taste of the usual British -spice, and it left on one’s lips a lingering savour of -<i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">parvenu</span></i> relish. The Upper Ten went to her dinners, -though they screamed at her uncanny appearance, -jeered at the authenticity of her Raphaels and Da -Vincis, and quoted to each other anecdotes about -her that had put even Mrs Malaprop in the shade. -But these are the unsolvable problems of a Society -divided into two sections; the one that wishes to -know everything about the people they visit; the -other who does not want to know anything about -them.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER V</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>After looking at the prologue of the show, Lionel -and Danford entered the house and ascended the -steps of the once richly-carpeted staircase. At the -top stood, or at least wabbled, a little woman, -leaning heavily on a stick; at her side was Sam -Yorick, the social guide, who had no rival as a -mimic of Parliamentary members, but who could -not hold a candle to Dick Danford. Mrs Webster -had applied too late, and had to take Yorick and -consider herself lucky to get him, for he was the -last male guide available, and she strongly objected -to having a woman guide.</p> - -<p class='c003'>The house was superbly decorated with large -china vases in which magnolias, azaleas, and -rhododendrons had been placed. The reception-rooms -were filling rapidly; it was soon going to be -a crush. Every description of plastic was there—the -small, tall, large, thin; and one uniform shade -prevailed, that of the flesh colour. As the rays of -the burning sun entered obliquely, tracing long -lines of golden light on the parqueted floor, it -illuminated equally the phalanxes of refined feet -and ankles, flat insteps and knobby toes.</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>“My lord, do you see there Mrs Archibald?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What, the vaporous Mrs Archibald? But -where is the grace of the woman we used to call -the sylph of Belgravia?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“She lost her chiffon covering in the London -storm, my lord.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Some fat old dowager malignantly said of her -that she was draped in her breeding, so thin and -undulating did she appear. But, has the breeding -disappeared also in the torrential rain? for she -looks as strong as a horse—see these thick ankles, -short wrists, and red arms. I always objected to -that sylph in cream gauze, for one never could get -at her, she lived <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">de profil</span></i> and one only could -peep at her through side doors.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Who was her husband?” inquired the little -artist.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“He was colonel of a crack regiment. His ideas -were limited to two dogmas: the sense of military -exclusiveness, and a profound horror of intellectual -women. Like his wife he was well-bred.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, my lord, but the Englishman has definite -limits to his gentility; the brute, though dormant, -lies ready to leap and bite when he is annoyed.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What are you, Danford, if not an Englishman?” -Lionel smiled.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! satirists have neither sex nor nationality; -but pray go on with your alembic of Colonel -Archibald’s character.”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>“Well, he chose his wife because she was a well-bred -girl—or at least had her certificate of good -breeding—also because she was well connected and -thoroughly trained in all social cunning.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, and I daresay the thin, well-trained piece -of machinery had been stirred by the dashing -young officer. She secretly harboured love in that -secret corner of the heart and senses which -thorough-bred folks ignore outwardly but slyly -analyse. We must not forget, my lord, that she -has short wrists and thick ankles—ha! ha!—he was -of her set, so nature could be let loose, while creeping -passion was allowed to fill her whole being.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“True, my dear Mephisto, but generations of -women before her have done the same, and she -did not disgrace the long lineage of mediocrity -and avidity. She had been told what all women -are told in our world—namely, that a lady never -spoke loudly, never thought broadly; therefore -she ruined her friends’ reputations under a whisper, -and put the Spanish Inquisition to shame by her -pietistical hypocrisy.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>As Lionel ended this homily of the vapoury -Mrs Archibald, a group of bystanders dispersed, -and Lady Carey was visible to our two pilgrims.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“That is Lady Carey, my lord, widow of Sir -Reginald, who made himself so conspicuous in -India.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Do you mean the positive little woman who -<span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span>followed fashion’s dictates, though she kicked, in -words, at the absurdity of some exaggerated -garments?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! but finally submitted to all the caprices of -the mode, my lord—resistance would have been a -crime of <i><span lang="de" xml:lang="de">lese-toilette</span></i>—yes, it is she, or at least what -is left of her—a bundle of mannerism and puckered -flesh, sole survivals of an artificial state. At times -she is deep, more often frivolous, of a hasty temper -and a very cold temperament; in fact, her personality -is made up of full stops. Her brain seems to -have been built of blind alleys, which lead to -nowhere. She is suggestive and narrow-minded, -gushing and worldly-wise; she never allows -passion to tear her heart to shreds, but talks freely -about women’s frolics, and tells naughty stories -with a twinkle in her eye and a pout on her lip. -What a pity such a woman had missed the coach -to originality, and had alighted at the first station—superficiality!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I say, Dan, can you put a label on that fine -piece of statuary talking over there to Tom -Hornsby?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“That, my lord, surely you ought to know—ha! -ha! ha! What an ingrate you are! it is Lady -Ranelagh. She who reigned over London Society -by right of her beauty.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“By right of position, you might add, dear -Mephisto.”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span>“And finally, my lord, by right of insolence,” -interrupted the little buffoon.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“She frequently argued with life like a fishwife,” -went on Lionel, “and few know as well as -I do what funny questions she put to destiny; yet -she never saw her true image in her mental mirror, -and Society never recoiled from her; but as you -know, Dan, Society never recoils from any of -her members: the contract between swindlers -and swindled is never broken, and if by any -chance some speck of dirt sticks to one of the -columns that support the social edifice, Society is -always ready to pay the costs of whitewash.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yet, my lord, this Carmen of Mayfair is now -caught in the wheels of the inevitable, and she has -to face to-day the worst of all judges—nature.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Do you see that little Tanagra figure leaning -against the door?—there, just in front of you, -Danford.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You mean Lady Hurlingham, my lord, with -her vermilion cheeks framed in meretriciously -youthful curls. She is a thorough woman of the -world.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“With her, my dear Danford, a man is quite -safe. She did everything from curiosity, which -enabled her to reappear unwrinkled and unsullied -after her varied experience; she derived all the -fun she could extract from life without singeing -the smallest feather of her wings.”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>“And still, my lord, one could hardly dare to -whisper an indelicate word before that Greuzelike -visage.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Quite so, dear Mephisto; those red lips would -rather kiss than tell, those large melting eyes are -pure—to an uninformed observer. <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Honi soit</span></i>—ha! -ha! ha!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>The sarcastic laughter of the two men was -drowned by the tuning of a beautiful Stradivarius, -and for a moment the rising uproar of a London -At Home was hushed.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Johann Staub stood near the piano, his long -brown hair framing a strong Teutonic face, his -deep, dark eyes roving over the mass of heads -turned towards him. He played magnificently, -electric vibrations ran through his leonine mane, -still, they hardly listened; the silence that had -followed his first bars of the Kreuzer Sonata was -soon broken, as voices one by one resumed their -interrupted chatting, and the Dowager Lady -Pendelton, lulled by the heat and the scent of -exotic flowers, let her senile chin drop on her -wrinkled breast. She was asleep. Staub ended -his Sonata, and loud applause broke loose, a kind -of thanksgiving applause, not in honour of the -superb way in which the artist had played, but to -celebrate their relief and satisfaction at his having -finished. Old women went up to him, pressed his -hands, asked him to luncheon, to dinner—would -<span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>they were young—to what would they not invite -him! The one had heard Paganini—“Psh! he -was no match to you.” Another had known -Beriot very well—he was the only one to whom -he could be compared. Lady Pendelton woke -suddenly, gave a few approving grunts, her eyes -still shut, while she struck the parquet with her -ebony stick. She wanted Mrs Webster to bring -Staub to her at once, as she would like her granddaughter, -Lady Augusta, to have some violin -lessons.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Danford, are you not, like me, struck by the -incongruity of all this?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My lord, to-morrow, after breakfast, I shall -submit to you some of my observations on the -subject of entertainments. Look at these women -seated on chairs, these men bending over them. -Their movements are without grace and their -hair badly dressed; we cannot have any more of -the Patrick Campbell style in our modern -mythology. Besides, there are too many people -here, and in this Edenic attire the less people -you group together, the better the effect.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I agree with you, Dan; but for God’s sake let -us leave this room—I see someone approaching -the piano. Let us be off, I am dying with thirst.” -They edged their way down the staircase, not -without trouble, for the crowd was coming back -from partaking of refreshment, and climbing up -<span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>the stairs with the renewed vigour that champagne -and sandwiches give to drawing-room visitors. -As they jammed sideways through the dining-room -door, Lionel frowned at the discomfort, and -Dan, finding himself breast to breast with his -pupil, murmured to him,—</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I should abolish this barbarous fashion of -going downstairs to feed at the altar of the tea-urn -and bread-and-butter. Ah! at last we are -through!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“The buffet system has always revolted me”—a -shiver ran down Lionel’s back. “That kind -of social bar at which both sexes voraciously -satisfy their internal craving has, to my mind, -been a proof of the uncivilised state of -Society.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“But the whole thing is based on false pretences, -my lord. Can I get you a glass of -champagne?” and he ducked his head between -two women who were talking loudly and munching -incessantly. “Parties like these are Zoo -entertainments at which the pranks of some -animal are to be viewed; it is either a foreign -prince, a cowboy, or a monkey.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Very often,” added Lionel, sipping his -champagne, “it is not so original, and only consists -of personal interests; this one is going to be -introduced to a member of Parliament; a woman -is going to meet her lover; a man to see his future -<span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span>bride. There is very little sociability in our social -bazaars, I assure you.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Do you see that man leaning against the -marble mantelpiece, my lord? That is old -Watson telling a funny story to Lord Petersham.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“The story must be highly flavoured, for Lord -Petersham is shaking with laughter.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Do not be mistaken, my lord, his lordship -never laughs at another man’s story—I know him -well—he is bursting now with a joke he will tell -old Watson when he has stopped laughing.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear Dan, we are the rudest nation on -earth. We stick lightning conductors on the -statues of our great men, and walk on people’s -toes, only apologising when we happen to know -them personally. The nobodies are insolent, -because they wish you to think them somebodies; -and the somebodies are arrogant, for they want -you well to understand that you are nobodies.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“The room is emptying, my lord, the sun has -withdrawn its rays and the flowers are drooping -their tired petals.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Let us be off then!” and Lionel laid his hand -on Danford’s shoulder. “There is old Lady -Pendelton being wheeled across the hall by her -footman—unless it is her nephew, Lord Robert. -She pompously looks round as she proceeds -between the two rows of gazers. She is the -epilogue of this comedy—a sort of ‘God Save the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span>King’ unsung! This is all impossible, my dear -fellow; this old woman, Mrs Webster, is played out -in our new era, and the dowagers of the Pendelton -kind have no place, any more in our reformed -London.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>The two men left the house and walked into St -James’s Park.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I shall give a party, Dick—something out of -the common.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, my lord; they will accept from you what -they would shirk from anyone else.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“How ever could these people imagine that our -present state of nature would admit of these -social crushes? Why, the notion of rubbing -against one’s neighbour ought to have deterred -them from crowding into these rooms.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“The cause of all this incongruity is laziness, -my lord—apathy of the mind. That defect is the -fundamental cause of the success of the Conservative -policy. It suits the qualities and the -failings of the race; and countries have but the -politics they deserve, someone said. Very true, -for politics are the expression of a country’s inner -mind. The apathetic must naturally be Tories, -for they are slow at reforms, and stand in terror -of social upheavals; you saw, before the storm, -how far acquiescence and lethargy could go, you -will soon see that the country will stand at your -elbows in all your reforms. It is nonsense talking -<span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>of democracy in England as long as the peerage -is the goal of all drapers and ironmongers, and, -had not the Almighty poured water spouts over the -whole sham and deprived us of our artificial husks, -we should in time have seen London perish as -Athens, Rome and Constantinople. You have -to make the first move, my lord, for in this -country the masses imitate the upper classes. -Bear this well in mind: we are essentially caddish, -so, my lord, make use of the defect to save the -country.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER VI</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>“You have taken the first step towards the plastic -reform of London, my lord.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Then you think the party was a success?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“A tremendous one! They have now grasped -the idea that they have only their skin to cover -them, and must therefore improve their appearance, -as their artificial <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">tournure</span></i> has vanished.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What do you think of my excluding the old -dowagers of Society?” Lionel was enjoying this -freak of his more than anything he had yet done.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Capital, my lord! Very brave of you. As -long as you all invited them, they came, because -they knew no better; now that you have banished -them from festivities, they will retire. It is -simply a question of time, in which a new atavism -will be developed. Our Society must be taught -that there is a fitting time for everything—for -learning, and for playing; for sorrow and for -abdication.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Perhaps, Dan, we shall make them see that -in politics also there is an age for retiring; for -we are doomed to be guided by dotards who will -not acknowledge the necessity of a graceful exit -<span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>on their part, and who are deaf to the broad hints -given them.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Wait a little, my lord; Rome was not built in -one day, and the greatest reforms have been -effected by trifling incidents. Rest satisfied with -your first triumph—it was complete. You had the -right number of guests, the marble lounges were -placed at the right angles of your reception-rooms; -the whole thing was in good taste.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“How did you like my idea of men carrying -on their shoulders amphoras filled with -champagne?—Rather novel and graceful, wasn’t -it, Dan?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Charming! and the fruit baskets on boys’ -heads were fetching, my lord. It is the first time -I really enjoyed a peach or a bunch of grapes; -it reminded me of the Lake of Como on a hot -afternoon, lying down on the steps of the Villa -Carlotta.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, I really thought the whole picture was -pleasing in perspective; the women reclined on -their black marble couches with more grace than -heretofore, which very probably inspired the men -to move about more harmoniously.—You see, Dan, -Gwendolen never came.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>Danford looked wistfully at his pupil, and -imperceptibly shrugged his shoulders.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Her father, when he came yesterday, told me -he had not seen her since the storm. It appears -<span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span>she persists in closeting herself, and refuses to -go out. Poor Gwen! It is abnormal, and -her brain must give way sooner or later.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“This is one victim of this new state of nature; -there must be some more of these abandoned -creatures who lost all joy and sympathy in life -when the storm rent them of their clothes;—but as -your lordship is aware, this is beyond my power. I -have undertaken to show you how to know your -friends, in which art you have made wonderful -progress;—I only wish my colleagues could say as -much of all their pupils.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Still, my dear fellow, things are looking -brighter; I watched a few groups conversing -yesterday, without the assistance of any guides, -and Sir Richard Towerbridge actually remembered -me five minutes after he had shaken hands -with me. But we need more than this, Dick. It -is all very well recognising one’s friends, though at -present the method of doing so is only empirical; -but we long for something more.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My lord, how unjust you are. Nothing new! -when the Lord Chamberlain has announced -through the telephone that no Levees nor -any Drawing-rooms will be held during the -season!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear Dan, something is lacking in this new -Society. What is it?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My lord, the powers of the social guide are -<span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span>very limited; he throws out hints, as the sower -throws the seed; after that is the great unknown. -I will teach you how to use your eyes, how to -move your limbs, how to remember, perhaps how -to laugh, perchance how to cry, but I cannot teach -you how to love. This is the hidden closet to -which we have no key, for the very good reason -that the door opens from within. In the silence -of the night, in the peace of lovely gardens, when -men are far and nature is near, listen to the -melody singing from within that secret recess, and -open the door. Then maybe you will see what I -cannot show you, hear what I cannot make -audible.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Do not trouble about me, dear fellow; I shall -never love any mortal woman!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Is the Paphian already dead in you, my lord? -Then indeed you are nearer to the goal than I ever -believed. I hear the hoofs of your Arab pawing -the ground of the courtyard.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>Danford looked out of the library window.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, it is your chariot. Watkins has carried -out your idea to perfection, and I congratulate -your lordship on having once more saved London -from galling ridicule, in providing for its inhabitants -this suitable mode of conveyance.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I think I have also arrived at relegating the -automobile to country use.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“There, I think you are wise. The morning is -<span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span>cool, the drive to Richmond will be lovely; my -lord, I must say good-bye to you.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“<i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">A ce soir</span></i>, Dick.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>The dapper little artist left Lionel and was -soon out of sight under the trees of Hyde Park, -while Lionel jumped into his Roman chariot, took -up the reins and dashed out of the courtyard. He -drove down Park Lane, turned sharply the corner -of Hyde Park, taking the straight road to -Hammersmith.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Although charioteering was not a violent exercise -like rowing, cricket or football, still it was -exhilarating, and needed a firmness of posture, -a suppleness in all movements which had given to -Lord Somerville’s figure a grace formerly hampered -by stiff collar, waistcoat, and top hat. This new -fashion of driving was improving the physical -appearance of the British male; for, the present -charioteer was no more to be compared to the -man who had jumped in and out of a hansom, -than a mythological centaur could be contrasted -with a rustic crossing a ferry on his cattle. The -sluggish, indolent exponent of Masherdom fell -down the very first time he took the reins into his -hands; the rigid, unyielding representative of -soldiery stiffened a little more, and managed to -keep his balance, though the effect was ugly and -the result, lumbago. But, little by little, the -indolent straightened himself, the unbending -<span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>relaxed his rigidity; and in a fortnight London -could boast of a good average of chariot drivers, -whom even Avilius Teres would not have -disowned.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Lionel met many friends on his way to Richmond; -it was the fashion to drive in the morning -to neighbouring parks before luncheon. Here was -Lord Roneldson, who had lost a stone since the -storm. Poor old Harry! the first days must have -been trying to him! The self-indulgent fop, incapable -of the slightest mental or physical effort, had -had no alternative between standing or falling; and -only after many days of bitter experience, had he -discovered his centre of gravity. There came along -old Joe Watson, puffing and blowing, redder than -ever. At his side drove Lord Petersham, who held -his reins well in hand and felt his steed’s mouth -as tactfully as he did many other things in life. -He guided Watson through the labyrinth of -London life, but he had often found his plebeian -friend’s mouth harder to handle than any horse’s. -Watson had been taken up by Petersham, and -pulled through his election by him, for he was -member for East Langton. Lord Petersham did -Watson the signal honour of accepting heavy -cheques from him before the storm, for which, in -exchange, he gave him a lift up the social ladder. -Watson in return helped his Mentor to directorships -of several companies, and brought to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span>his clubs all the bigwigs on the Stock -Exchange. At times the noble Amphitrion -muttered under his grey moustache, that they -were infernal cads, but very soon his steely eyes -preached common-sense to his tempestuous lips, -bringing back to his mind the practical philosophy, -“Make use of all,” which is, after all, but -reading backwards, “Forgive everyone.” These -two most antagonistic companions went arm in -arm along Pall Mall, into clubs, Music Halls and -all sorts of haunts in which a liberal education is -afforded to all sorts of men. Watson was very -proud of his vulgarity, which he called straightforwardness; -he was equally vain of his insular -ignorance, which he benignly termed patriotism; -but of all things he was most proud of the shop in -Oxford Street, where he had for years past walked -up and down, asking the ladies what was their -pleasure. He had a few decided opinions, or -prejudices if you like, which hung round his -plebeian form like labels, and which no Peer of -the realm could have torn off: he hated clever -women, <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">recherché</span></i> dinners, and foreign countries. -His temper was strange; he was generally of an -opposing turn of mind on all intellectual subjects -and of the most agreeing disposition when conventional -topics were on the tapis. He never -spoke in the House, and no one spoke about him. -Such men are surely the pillars of a party, for they -<span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span>never think, never interrupt, and are never -thought of. They possess a few signposts in -their brains, and rarely go wherever <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">danger</span></i> is -posted up. Such men keep England together, as -cement fastens the stones safely to one another, but, -like cement, are ugly and thick. Petersham often -kicked at this bundle of grotesqueness. Watson -was so totally devoid of the discerning powers which -graced his lordship’s individuality; he did not -know Chambertin from Sauterne, took a Piccadilly -wench for a Society Aspasia, and was sorely lacking -in the sense of the ridiculous.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Since this new fashion of vehicle had come in, -Petersham and Watson got on better together. -There was a give-and-take in their present life -which had never existed formerly. To obtain -something or other under false pretences had been -a code of morals closely interwoven with the -Church Catechism and the State constitution, so -that no loophole had been left through which one -could see any other standpoint than one’s own. -But since the contents of the shop in Oxford Street -had vanished into thin air, as the chrysalis withers -when the insect is formed, old Watson had lost all -incentive to his pride; and old Petersham had -equally lost all motive for his stinging epigrams -directed at the thick-skinned Plutocrat. Charioteering -through London soon showed these two -types of distinct worlds that their safety depended -<span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span>more on their own initiative and prudence than -on the police. Policemen, we know, had been -dismissed, and every citizen, from the smallest -child to the feeblest octogenarian, had to go -through a course of thoroughfare gymnastics, so -as to enable them to escape runaway horses; whilst -lectures were given in Scotland Yard to instil into -drivers’ minds the true sense of altruism and -proper regard for the public’s safety. This new -departure in outdoor polity had upset a good many -pet prejudices of Watson, and knocked out a great -deal of Petersham’s conceit.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Ah! There darted through Brompton Road -Tom Hornsby with his comic little face cleanshaven. -He was one of the few men who had -taken at once to the chariot; his supple, nervous -frame and perfect equipoise made him master of -the art in a few hours. He was a satirist, Tom -Hornsby! He had never succeeded in diplomacy, -nor in his migration to the City jungle, and unable -to control his outbursts of scurrilous wit, he had -sharpened his tongue into a steel pen and edited -the <cite>Weekly Mirror</cite>.</p> - -<p class='c003'>There were many more dashing along the -Hammersmith Road on that lovely summer morning; -some had been trained to soldiery, others -to Parliamentarism, but the majority were inadequately -provided with the suitable faculties -with which to play the game of life. The soldiers -<span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span>were too spiritless, the politicians too bellicose. -One little trifle had been omitted in the curriculum -of a man’s education, but such a small item that it -was hardly worth mentioning—for everyone agreed -that to make a gentleman of a man was the great -desideratum of college training—well, this little -item neglected in all educations was: the training -of life. This life-drill, by which all humanity is -made akin, had been left out of educational programmes, -and the results of such an omission had -been painful; for men like Petersham and Watson -would walk, dine, drink together, but they no -more understood each other than if they had been -two different species. Men were surprising and -disappointing in this civilisation in which—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c009'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Hatred is by far the longest pleasure;</div> - <div class='line'>Men love in haste, but detest at leisure.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c003'>Men were at intervals Titans or monkeys. -Hence the patchiness of life’s texture. Titan -greeted monkey, the latter jeered while the former -roared; and that was called Society.</p> - -<hr class='c008' /> - -<p class='c003'>The first fashionable hostess who followed -Lionel’s hint to Society was the Ambassadress of -Tartary. One morning she sat wearily in front of -her Venetian mirror, resting her pensive head on -her right hand. What endless hours had she spent -before this same mirror formerly, combining artistic -shades, using ingenious cosmetics to hide the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span>damages done by time! Now, all these were of no -earthly use; nature had stepped in and strongly -advised women to have silent <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">tête-à-tête</span></i> with their -inner souls. She then and there made up her -mind that the lines round her eyes, and the discoloration -of the flesh of her neck and arms should -never more be the object of rude stares on the -part of her guests, and she resolved never more to -stand at the top of her staircase to greet her -visitors. Of all places in the house that spot was -the most unbecoming for complexion, owing to -the light being badly distributed. The Marquise -de Veralba represented one of the great nations of -Europe, at the Court of St. James, and she felt that -to her had been given the mission of teaching a -lesson to Englishwomen. Orders were promptly -given and speedily executed; carpenters and floral -decorators were summoned to the marble couch of -the Marquise, and after a few days the house was -ready for the projected reception, which she intended -to be a new move in social gatherings.</p> - -<p class='c003'>As Lionel and Dick walked up the staircase -decorated with garlands of exotic flowers, they -found, instead of their hostess, her social guide -waiting to escort them through the vast rooms of -the Embassy to an improvised bower of plants, rose -trees and azaleas. There, on a floral lounge, reclined -the Marquise. At first the visitors stood -amazed before the scene mysteriously lighted by -<span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span>electric bulbs ensconced in the petals of flowers. -Gradually they became conscious of her presence, -and their attention was riveted by the beauty of -her dark eyes; whilst her voice, subdued by restful -and homogeneous surroundings, took her friends -by surprise, as formerly they had been provoked -at the shrillness of her tone, and the flurry with -which she was wont to greet them at the top of the -staircase, unceasingly fanning herself, whether it -was summer or winter. Well, the fan had gone, -like so many more useless things!</p> - -<p class='c003'>It was an interesting evening that one at -Madame la Marquise’s. In the first place it revealed -to an ignorant Society that a new beauty -could be given to evanescent youth and departed -charms. Then they realised that they had not -made great progress in the art of observation and -still had need of their guides; and having consciously, -during the last weeks, lost a good deal -of the old false pride, they talked indiscriminately -to those standing or sitting near them, although -they ignored the name, social standing, or banking -account of the person they were addressing. -Was not courtesy after all the best policy in an -emergency? Thus acted Society—prompted by -personal interest, it is true—but we are not to -look too closely at the strings that move the -limbs of human marionettes.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“That is all very well, Dick,” said Lionel, “but -<span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span>how will you hint to a waning beauty that a -shady bower is the best place for her to ponder -the vanities of this world and the greater glory -of the next? You see, the Marquise has a long -lineage of witty women behind her, and in this -emergency her wit and taste have no more failed -her than they deserted the brilliant women of the -Renaissance who united the wisdom of life with -intellectual supremacy.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Your lordship is right, there are no laws to -enforce woman to resign her social post; but, her -mirror is her assize, and it sits night and day in -judgment over her declining bloom; whilst self-interest -and opportunism will suggest to her many -ways of avoiding ridicule. Mind you, my lord, I -firmly believe that this new mode of life will -keep us all young much longer, for we shall -have to improve our personal appearance -through diet, instead of reverting to unbending -corsets and padded limbs, to restore the -injuries done to the human figure by continual -intemperance.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>The Earl, leaning on a porphyry column, gazed -at his surroundings. He was struck by the loveliness -and simplicity around him; the red-brocaded -panels had vanished from the walls, and left the -plain white wainscot, which of course had been repainted; -all superficial luxury was gone, only a few -lovely Louis XVI. tables remained in the room, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span>whilst a few gold-caned settees were scattered -about, and at right angles stood a few pink and -black marble lounges.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Danford, look at that woman over there talking -to Tom Hornsby; whoever she may be, she -has already acquired a firmness of footing, a -single-mindedness of posture that really delights -me. Still, Dan—no Gwendolen!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You seem to be very anxious about her, my -lord. I heard last night from several lady guides, -that many of the girls engaged last season could -not bring themselves to meet the men they had -chosen. You can hardly believe that the same -girl who, a few weeks ago, fearlessly exposed all -her moral ugliness and mental deficiency, could -blush to-day at the idea of allowing her ‘<i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">fiancé</span></i>’ -to see her as God made her.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Do not remind me of that Inferno, Dan; you, -my Virgil, must show me beauty, not disfigurement; -purity, not indelicacy. But is this all we -are able to do for ourselves?” and Lionel looked -all around him. “We have no doubt arrived at a -certain physical discipline. I grant you that the -faddiest nincompoop has managed to pull himself -together and could, at a stretch, run a chariot -race with any champion of the Roman Empire. -I also think that our social intercourse is taking -a turn for the better; but you cannot deny that -we are at a standstill. What is to happen next? -<span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>We are completely isolated from the rest of the -world; no one comes to England from abroad, -since the storm, and no one goes out of the -island.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! only a matter of false pride on the part -of the Britishers, my lord, and as to the foreigners -not coming to England at present, I should give -no thought to that. They very probably believe -us to be the prey of a Boer invasion, and by this -time every nation is celebrating in all their -churches the disappearance of the British -Empire.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You are always turning everything into a -joke, my dear fellow; still, the problem remains -the same: what are we going to do with our new -state of nature? Then we have no newspapers! -We know nothing of what is going on.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I think, my lord, that newspapers told us more -of what was not going on than anything else. We -have written enough; let us think, now that we -are condemned to a sort of isolation. Now is -your chance, my lord, and for your party to solve -the problem; for no one can really help you out -of this but yourselves.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You must not forget, Dick, that there are -thousands of men and women without any work, -owing to this breakdown of the factories. Those -have to be thought of, or else we shall perish in -an East-End invasion.”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span>“It is no worse than a general strike, my lord. -I saw a few of the Music Hall artists of the Mile-End -Road, Hackney and Poplar, and they all say -the same thing: the people are not at all thinking -of rioting; the injustice of their condition is -robbed of its bitter sting, because they know all -England and all classes to be in the same predicament. -Besides, they do not believe for one -minute that this condition will last, and are convinced -there will be a recrudescence of luxury, -and therefore work, to compensate their present -loss a thousandfold.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Lucky state of bliss is that apathy, so wrongly -called self-control! But I am asking for more, -Dick, for I am not wholly satisfied with the -remedies you have suggested to me, and I thirst -for something fabulous.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Your lordship is fastidious, but I have told -you before: we give hints, we do not develop -theories. Look inwardly, my lord, and perhaps -in that secret chamber of which I spoke to you -will you see something to arrest your attention.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER VII</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>Lionel was not listening to his companion any -longer; his mind had wandered from the East-End -to the present scene, and gradually losing -sight of his surroundings, his eyes lingered -rapturously on a feminine form of unsurpassed -beauty. Her elbow resting on an Etruscan vase, -she leaned her soft cheek on the palm of her hand -and looked up inquiringly at a portrait by Lely, -representing the ancestress of one of our fashionable -women. Lionel had never seen such grace, -such simplicity—the word innocence fluttered -on his lips, but soon vanished; he had rarely -connected that quality with any of the women of -his world. But, innocent or not, the form before -him was faultless; the setting of the head on the -shoulders perfect, the Grecian features radiantly -pure. Who could she be? No matter, she was -beauty, womanhood, that was sufficient, and it -filled his heart with beatitude to gaze on such -perfection without having to read the label -attached to it. Dick was right, no guide could -<span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>enlighten him as to what were his feelings. He -had never seen her before; no doubt, she was a -foreigner landed here on the day of the storm. -Greece alone could have given birth to such a -symmetric form and such harmony of movements. -He moved away from his porphyry -column as in a trance, leaving Danford to -converse with a celebrity who wanted to know -who someone else was; on his approaching the -unknown beauty, his eyes lingered more intently -on her exquisite face, and he contemplated her -lovely hazel eyes shaded by long dark eyelashes. -It was the only thing a man could contemplate -now—a woman’s face; for, however demoralised a -man might be, he defied him from ever behaving -indelicately to a woman in the state of nature. -As he came close to her, she dropped her eyelids -and levelled her gaze to his; they looked into -each other’s eyes—and they loved.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Allow me to lead you to a lounge,—you seem -tired.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Thank you, I am not tired,” answered a -musical voice; and her velvety eyes drank deep -at the fountain of love that flowed from his eyes. -“I was far away, transported into the world -evoked by this picture. I tried to divine the -thoughts of this notorious beauty at the Stuarts’ -Court, and the vision became so vividly real, that -I could see her take up her blue scarf and raise it -<span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span>in front of her face as she blushed in looking at -my nakedness.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I should have thought the model who sat for -this portrait could have easily beheld our -mythological world without having to lift her -scarf to hide her confusion. I do not think she -was renowned for the purity of her life, nor for -the nicety of her language.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“The more reason for her inability to look -nature in the face. Nature is too amazing to -those trained to artifice. The glory of a sunset -would be blinding to those who never had seen -its reflection but on houses or pavements.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>How adorably sensitive was her mouth; he -remembered having seen, in Florence, expressions -like hers. The divine Urbinite had excelled in -delineating these touching faces.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“It is getting late. If you are thinking of -leaving, will you allow me to escort you?” She -laid her hand on his, and without a word they -left the room.</p> - -<p class='c003'>One by one the guests returned to the secret -bower to say a courteous adieu to the Marquise—a -thing which formerly had not been frequently -witnessed—it had been so irritating to see that -perpetual grin on her lips, that incessant fanning, -and, above all, to watch her sliding -scale of good-byes, which had become alarmingly -tedious.</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span>The Adam and Eve of “London regained” -slowly descended the marble staircase, passed -through the hall, out of the front door, and -found themselves on the pavement as unconcerned -about their surroundings as if they -had dropped straight from a planet. They gazed -at each other, and in that luminous orb of the -visual organ, they discovered the only world for -which it was worth living or dying.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I do not know who you are, and I do not -desire to know, until you have answered my -questions. This I know, that you love me; my -love is too great not to be echoed by yours. What -we feel for one another is above all worldly considerations, -what we can give each other is beyond -what the world can give or take away. Will you -accept the life devotion of a man who has never -loved until this day? I blush at what I used to -call love—and shall never profane your ears -with a recital of what men call their conquests.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I accept the gift of your heart and of your life, -and I give you mine in exchange. I have never -loved either.” She lifted her pure face to his; a -cloud rushed across the sky, leaving the pale moon -to illumine the young couple walking in silence in -their dreamland. After a long pause Lionel -spoke.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Where shall I escort you? Where is your -home?”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span>“Will you take me to Hertford Street, -No. 110?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Gwendolen!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Lionel!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>And both looked down, for the first time suffused -with shame at discovering their identity. Confusion -overwhelmed him, not at their present state, -but at the sudden thought of their past lives of -indelicacy. He was the first to break the silence, -for man, being essentially practical, must at once -know more about what he finds out; and an -Englishman above all must necessarily investigate -his newly-conquered dominion. Perhaps this is -the reason for their being such good colonists; -they do not gaze long at the stars and sunsets -of a new Continent, but very promptly turn to -business, and to what they can make out of their -discovery.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What have you been doing all these last -weeks, Gwen?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>She told him what her occupations had been; -they were limited, it was true, but they had helped -to open her eyes on a few of life’s problems.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Have you been shut up in your room ever -since the storm?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Nearly, with the exception of the day of the -first exodus, when I felt I must either have some -air, or die. I have been out once or twice since, at -unearthly hours of the morning; but this is the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span>first party I have been at—I could not risk meeting -you. I had pictured our meeting very differently -from what it has been; I dreaded it, and little -imagined this would be the end of it.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“No, sweetheart,” interrupted her lover, “you -mean, the beginning of our life. Tell me all you -did at home.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I have studied more, my dear Lionel, in these -last weeks than in all my life before, including my -school days. My books have been the sun -rising and setting, the stars and the birds’ -twitterings; I have thought of poetry, philosophy, -and history—”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Poor Gwen, how dull it must have been! -Fancy you studying the works of nature, and -imagining that you are a philosopher!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You are cruel, Lionel.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Forgive me, Gwen. I am more than cruel, I -am unjust, for I am the last who ought to scoff or -reprove. I stand here as a repentant sinner, only -begging to kiss your hand and to be allowed to -gaze on your beauty.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Lionel, believe me, I thought a great deal.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Could you not telephone to your friends?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Telephone! What for, and to whom? When I -think of the bundle of wires I used to despatch, -and of the trayful of cards and notes the footman -was wont to hand to me; each one in view of -some Ranelagh meeting, a box for a first night, a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span>Saturday to Monday invitation, and many more -important nothings which formed the <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">epopée</span></i> of my -London life! But who would have cared to know -of my inner thoughts, of my heart’s desires? We -shall have to learn a new language before we can -write again, Lionel; for the phraseology that -suited the shams of our past life would be inappropriate -in our Paradise regained.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Did you see your father?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! Lionel, he is the very last one I could -have set eyes on! I have not seen him since the -Islington Tournament. How long ago that -seems. I heard a fortnight ago, through my -guide, Nettie Collins, that he only came home on -the day of the first exodus!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Perhaps you have seen him, Gwen, but not -known him again. Guides are no good in these -family relationships.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I must say candidly that philosophy was too -much for me. I can, as yet, only grasp what -touches my heart. We shall talk much, think -deeply, you and I, my dearest Ly.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Not that name, dearest! It burns your sweet -lips. It was the synthesis of the false life you and -I lived.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Then it shall be, Lion. My Lion will you be?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, your Lion, my beautiful Una.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Tell me; why have you never loved? A man -is free, and has every opportunity to choose; it is -<span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span>not like us women, who are told from infancy what -we are worth and what kind of market the world -is.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Love did not enter into the programme of my -school life, Gwen. Had love been part of education, -I doubt whether our old world would have -lasted as long as it did. It is because love has -had no fair play for centuries that injustice, -hypocrisy and tyranny have ruled unmolested. -Love may be, in words, the principle by which all -things are ordained, but hatred is the real password, -and we are so accustomed to the clever -trickery that we do not detect the fraud.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“But was not your father fond of you?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“He took me to Italy several times during my -long vacations. I remember being taken by him -to the Uffizi Gallery and being told to look at the -pictures;—I used to stand transfixed in front of -Raphael’s Madonnas. Then dad would turn up—too -soon—with some Italian lady whom he had -no doubt picked up—by appointment—and my -dream was over.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“And your mother, Lion, was she pleased when -you came home? You must have been such a -dear boy!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Home! Mother! I can hardly articulate the -sacred words.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Tell me about her; for of course I have only -heard what the world had to say of her, of her -<span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span>reckless life and tragic death in the hunting-field; -but I want you to tell me, for between -us there can never be any secret, nor any -subterfuge.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Tell you, Gwen; there is so little to tell. The -lives of fashionable women are not so full of -adventures as the lower classes seem to think. It -is not for the things they do they should be -blamed, but for all they do not do. There are a -great many legends about Society women that -are, in fact, but twaddly prose; there is a great -deal of fuss all round a fashionable beauty, and -very little worth fussing about. Spite and vanity -are at the root of many rotten homes. I know -my home was an arid desert, because my father -never forgave my mother for having brought him -to the altar; and she vented her spite on him by -compromising herself with every man available -or unavailable. The more my father showed his -contempt to her, the more she threw herself into -a vortex of frivolity. Her vanity could only -equal her coldness. Her curse was to be incapable -of any love. She never for one instant loved -the man she inveigled into matrimony; she never -cared a jot for her children, and she certainly had -no passion, however ephemeral it might have -been, for any of the men with whom she compromised -herself. In this lies the ghastliness -of such lives. Were there more <i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">bona-fide</span></i> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span>passion, there would be less cruelty and less -levity.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Go on, Lionel.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I never once saw my mother lean over the cot of -her child; she rarely entered the nursery, and we -only came down at stated hours to be looked at by -visitors. These ordeals were painful. To appear -motherly, my mother occasionally laid her hand -on my curly head. Ah! those fingers scintillating -with diamonds and precious stones; those -hard bracelets penetrating into my delicate skin! -How I loathed that hand on my head—it was such -a hard hand.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Poor Lionel, but you do not say how your -little sister died.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“The least said about it the better. There are -noble griefs, and there are ugly sorrows: mine -was of the latter order. When Cicely died, my -mother was at a State Ball. She knew the child -was hopelessly ill before she went, but a dress had -arrived that morning from Paris, and a State Ball -is a duty; in fact, all social functions are duties -which come before mere human feelings. After -so many years, I can still see that gorgeous apparition -as she came into the room to speak to -the hospital nurse. I did not understand the -meaning of it all, but felt awed by the soft murmurs -of the nurse, the dim light, and the haughty -manner of my mother. Next day the nursery -<span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span>was closed; I was kept in the room of the head -nurse to play with my toys, and told severely not -to make a noise. I asked for Cicely. The under-housemaid, -a good sort of a country girl, took me -by the hand and led me into the room where little -Cicely was laid out. One bunch of narcissus was -lying on her feet; they were the nurse’s last tribute -to her little dead patient. And that was all. I -realised nothing, I was seven years old. The -days that followed were miserable; I missed my -playmate and was daily brought down to my -mother’s boudoir, to be interviewed by simpering -old dowagers who gave me a cold kiss, and -waggish young men who shook hands with me and -called me “old fellow,” as if I had already entered -some crack regiment, or won the Derby. My -mother, in her diaphanous black chiffon, distributed -cups of tea right and left, while she related in -short sentences the end of little Cicely and the -brilliancy of the State Ball.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“When I think, Lionel, that you and I were on -the eve of repeating that same lamentable -story—”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Enough of this horrid past, my beautiful -Una; let us forget that it ever existed, and -let us think of the present, of you, and of our -future.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>They had reached Hyde Park Corner. -Gwendolen gave a circuitous glance on the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>scene that surrounded them, and remarked that -the Duke of Wellington’s statue had disappeared.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Where has the statue gone to, Lion?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Oh! Did you not know that it had been -removed yesterday? You will never any more -see Nelson on his column, Gordon holding his -Bible, Napier with his gilded spurs, nor Canning, -Disraeli, and so many others, on their pedestals—they -have all been taken to South Kensington, -for the present. The idea is to build a new hall -outside London for all these relics of the past, -where they may be viewed by the very few who -are anxious to study the curios of an old worn-out -civilisation. The Committee has come to the conclusion -that our newly-revealed sense of modesty -must inevitably be shocked by these indecorous -memorials to our great men; and it has decided -that the education of the masses must at once -begin by the removal of objects more fit for a -chamber of horrors than for the contemplation of -pure-minded citizens.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“But what will they put on the pedestals and -columns?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I heard the curator of Walsingham House -say last evening that he meant to suggest a new -departure in monument erection. Instead of -paying a tribute to the man who, as a soldier, a -poet, or a statesman, had but done his duty -during his short visit to this planet, he advised -<span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>that monuments should be raised to abstract -principles, and enjoined the Committee to start -by replacing the equestrian Duke of Wellington -with the detruncated statue of Victory in the -Elgin Marbles collection. Gwen, we are at your -door, and we must part. When shall I see you -again, dearest?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“To-morrow in the Kensington Gardens, under -the shady trees, we shall be able to talk of all the -problems we must solve together.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Good-night, my Una. How lovely you are, -thus caressed by the soft rays of the moon. Have -I never gazed into a woman’s face before, that I -seem to see your eyes for the first time? I have -now discovered the secret of inward beauty, and -wherever you are, however surrounded you may -be, I shall know you, for I have seen your soul. -My whole life will be too short in which to express -my rapturous admiration. Forgive me for the -past years of blindness.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Lion, it is I who have to beg your forgiveness. -I never knew you—I never knew my own self. -Was it our fault after all? It had never been our -lot to meet as two free citizens of the Universe; -but, like two miserable slaves of Society, we were -trained to trick each other, and to play a -blasphemous parody of love, while malice all the -time was master of our fettered beings.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>The door of No. 110 opened and closed on the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span>vision of purity. Lionel walked up Park Lane -and soon reached his home; he entered the -library, and once more looked up at his father’s -portrait. Was it fancy? But he thought he saw -the face smile superciliously, and heard these -cold words fall from the thin lips: “My poor -fellow, beware of sentimentality. As I told you, -I preferred being killed to being bored.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER VIII</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>A few days after, Dick Danford was at his -master’s house; he walked nimbly through the -hall and reached the Roman bath Lionel had -now constructed for his use. He had started -the fashion of receiving his friends at the late -hour of the afternoon, five o’clock, in what the -Romans called the Frigidarium. Those who -wished to bathe could do so in the marble -swimming-bath cut out in the centre of the hall, -others who only came to converse sat in the -recess carved into the surrounding wall, or stood -against the pilasters which divided the recesses. -There, for an hour or two, they discussed past -doings, foreshadowed events; wit was acclaimed, -philosophy commended. As Dan entered he -viewed a gay scene: Lionel just stepping out of -the bath, meeting his valet, Temple, ready to -friction his body with the strigil—a sort of flesh -brush—others, like George Murray the novelist, -and Ronald Sinclair the art critic, sitting in -recesses; whilst many of the Upper Ten and the -artistic world splashed and dived in the piscina.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Here comes Dan!” proclaimed Lionel. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>“What news since I last saw you? I have -missed you much these two days; but I daresay -your business was pressing.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Hail, Danford! the surest, safest, most comforting -of all guides! While we sip our tea tell us -the town news.” This was Tom Hornsby, -reclining in one of the recesses. The splashing -ceased, they one after another grouped themselves—some -in the niches, the rest lying down, -whilst Danford, standing against a pilaster, -surveyed with intense satisfaction this picture of -<i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">recherché</span></i> cleanliness, and inhaled the fragrance of -exquisite perfumes.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Plenty of news, gentlemen. First of all, the -Bishop of Sunbury—”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Oh! my old prelate of the Islington Tournament? -Excuse me, Dan, for interrupting you.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, my lord, the very same—has decided to -preach a sermon at St Paul’s on the new Society -he is organising.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What is that, Dick?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“It is a profound secret, my lord,” answered -Dick as he bowed courteously.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Well, mind you tell me when it comes off,” -said Lionel.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Still no news of the war, Danford?” broke in -Lord Mowbray, the amateur mimic.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“How can there be when we receive no letters. -Perhaps the War Office has important wires from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span>the seat of war, although it has not communicated -them to the public. But it is strange -how little the war has affected Society; the heavy -blows that have fallen on nearly everyone in your -circles have arrived very much softened by -distance; and it seems really as if the whole -tragedy were being acted in some other planet. -Besides which, has not college and home life -taught well-bred people to bear with fortitude all -mishaps and sorrow? Civilisation is a thick ice -which covers the current rushing beneath it; you -must wait for a crack on the surface, to be able to -notice which way runs the stream.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I suppose you would consider the London -storm a crack on the surface, would you?” -ironically inquired Sinclair, lighting a cigarette.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“By all means, Mr Sinclair, and those who -have watched carefully through the crevice must -have seen that, for a long time, we have been -going the contrary way of the tide.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I do not know how it is to end—no regiments -have been ordered out since our catastrophe.” -This was Lord Mowbray again, who was not fond -of ethics and preferred coming back to facts.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“The passing of regiments through the town -would turn out a failure in our present condition,” -retorted Danford. “No windows would be thrown -open, no hearty cheers would rejoice the hearts of -departing warriors; that excitement is over for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>ever—it was even on the wane before we stood as -we are now. I often wonder why Society did not -raise a regiment of Duchesses and Peeresses? -That would have fetched the masses, and perhaps -might have provoked a general surrendering of -the enemy to an Amazon battalion; for certainly -the novelty of the enterprise, and the incontestable -beauty of the Peeresses’ physique, would do a -great deal towards enlivening the old rotten game -of warfare. But they missed the opportunity of -putting new wine into old bottles, and now it is -too late. After all, patriotism is only a question -of coloured bunting: tear down the flags, and -nationality will die a natural death.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What a <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">sans patrie</span></i> you are, Mr Danford,” -contemptuously said Lord Mowbray, whose conception -of Fatherland reduced itself to a season -in London, a summer in Switzerland, and a winter -on the Riviera.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Danford is an unconscious prophet,” remarked -Lionel, “for it is clear to whoever observes -minutely the evolution of nationalities that we are -all unwittingly working at the creation of a vast -humanity. The more man will know of man—and -it is impossible he should do otherwise, when -you consider the map of the world and view the -huge cobweb of railways which unite countries to -one another—the more, I repeat, man will know -of man, the fainter will become frontiers which -<span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>have for so long separated human beings and -turned them into enemies. The first time that -men of different nationalities met and shook hands -in a universal Exhibition, that day a muffled knell -was heard in the far distance announcing the slow -agony of nationalities. But it is again a question -of the thick ice over the current. Progress in -every branch is the name for which we labour and -suffer; but conquest is the real aim of all our -strenuous efforts. We have too long minimised -the power of the current, and one day, whether -we like it or not, we shall have to go where it -leads us.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You are quite didactic, my dear Lionel,” said -Lord Mowbray, who since the storm looked on -his host with suspicion, and on all social guides -in general, and Danford in particular, with contempt. -He had absolutely declined to avail -himself of the services of Music Hall artists, -relying on his own powers of observation to guide -him through life. He had even gone so far as to -seek an engagement as a guide himself; but -Society, however it may pat on the back every -amateur or exponent of mediocrity, has the -wisdom, in emergencies, to draw the line and to -appeal to the professionals who, they well know, -do not fail in technique. Lord Mowbray was -therefore unemployed and generally uninformed. -Left to his own conceit and ignorance, he constantly -<span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span>made the most terrible mistakes in -drawing-rooms, and ignored the public guides -stationed at different corners of crowded -thoroughfares, who had taken the place of old-fashioned -constables; to these guides Mowbray -would never apply, passing them with haughty -disdain. Each day he committed every conceivable -<i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">faux pas</span></i>; bowing to his friends’ butlers, -passing by ignominiously his smart friends; in -fact; he was the laughing-stock of Society, although -he was blatantly happy and thoroughly unconscious -of his folly.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What I really came for this afternoon, my -lord,” suddenly broke in Danford, “was to tell -you of a very serious reform in our new mode of -life—or, at least, death. There are to be no more -funerals!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What do you mean?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You are joking!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“No more burials?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Are we to be thrown away like dogs and -cats?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“How are you going to hand us over to the -other side?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>All these indignant questions fell like a volley -on Danford the imperturbable, who looked at his -pupil.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“We again need your support, my lord. This -is the point: without plumes, palls, muffled drums, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span>mutes, how are we to know a Peer’s obsequies -from a pauper’s? The chairman of our Committee -put it to me in these words yesterday: ‘My dear -Dan, try and make Society leaders see that -complete privacy in that last and not least -important function is of most vital import, if they -wish to keep up a certain prestige.’ I promised -to mention this to you, and I must add that I am -struck myself with the unfitness of a lord of the -realm having no better funeral than a vagabond; -it seems to me irrelevant.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“There is the rub of this new state of ours; it -has awakened in us the sense of the incongruous,” -remarked George Murray. “We used not to be -so discriminate, and what struck me most, formerly, -was the total lack of humour in people who passed -for witty.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I cannot tell you,” warmly proceeded Danford, -“how shocked I have been at fashionable funerals. -There was a time when women did not consider -it delicate to attend such functions; it was left to -the sterner sex to accompany a beloved parent, -whose female relations remained at home to -mourn over their loss. But women are not any -more to be put aside so easily; they have invaded -the smoke-room, banged open the doors of City -offices; it is not likely they would remain long -away from graveyard excitement. The last I was -at, a few weeks before the storm, was a sight, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span>the pitch of levity to which it rose fairly sickened -me. Had I not pinched myself, and rubbed my -eyes, I could have believed myself at an At Home. -The hostess, a widow, was going from one guest -to another, shaking hands with the one, thanking -the other for coming; the bereaved daughters -skipped over tombs and newly-digged graves to -have a word with this one and that one. I -instinctively looked round, thinking I might see -an improvised buffet in the shade of a mausoleum; -I quite expected to see plates of sandwiches -handed round, and to hear the jingling of spoons -and cups and saucers. Upon my soul, I have no -doubt that had not the storm put a stop to -Society’s doings, we should have been treated this -season to a churchyard tea and a funeral cake. -The idea seized hold of me then, and a fit of -laughter choked me, when I thought what a good -termination to this gruesome farce it would be, -were the lamented defunct, on whom they had -dropped a shovelful of cut flowers, just to stand -up and apostrophise them thus: ‘I say, do not -quite forget it is all owing to me that you are -having all this fun!’ For I assure you they were -entirely oblivious of the poor departed in the -excitement of small-talk. Of course all this is at -an end practically, and funerals have been quite -neglected latterly, for this very good reason that -the mourners did not know each other; we are -<span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span>therefore saved from the sad spectacle of levity -and callousness which were the distinct traits of -our past Society.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Then what is to be done, Dan?” inquired -Lionel.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Well, there is nothing to be done except to be -cremated unostentatiously. ‘Let the dead bury -their dead’; but Society decided otherwise, for it -was the living that despatched the dead, which -was a most unequal job.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I wonder what will be the ultimate result of -all these reforms?” lazily said George Murray. -“If you reform burials, you must also some day -reform marriage; you will find a great deal of -incongruity and of levity in that ceremony also; -then will follow the reform of the relations -between the sexes, between employers and -employees, and goodness only knows what next. -You will have your work cut out for you, my poor -Danford; and dear Lionel’s mission will not be a -sinecure if he has to patronise every scheme your -Committee brings forward.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You have my entire assent to every reform -you may suggest to me, Dan,” concluded Lionel, -smiling at his guide, who remarked that he had -never yet seen that smile on his pupil’s lips nor -ever remarked that look in his eyes; he was sure -something new had happened to illumine the face -of the Mayfair cynic.</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>“I am afraid you will come in for a good share -in this evolution, Murray,” and Lionel turned his -face towards the novelist. “Fiction as you conceive -it is a thing of the past. Clothes and -environment have clung like a Nessus robe round -your feminine heroines and masculine personages, -and given them a rag-shop philosophy. Tear the -bandages that swathed your fictional humanity, -and send into the open air your <i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">dramatis personæ</span></i>, -to compete, fight and win in the race of life. You -have believed yourself long enough the apostle of -subtle psychology and of morbid physiology; for -once be the humble disciple of Dame Nature, -for she is now turning her bull’s-eye lantern right -into your face and making you squint.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My lord is right,” crowed the mischievous -buffoon. “I feel sure your publisher will not bring -out your next book; sorry for you, old fellow, but -you see there is no money in it any more. I saw -Christopher a few days ago, and he led me to -understand that the kind of fiction you excelled -in will not appeal any longer to the general public. -One of the two; either the feminine reader is one -who harbours a sickly regret for her past toggery, -or she is a modern woman won over to the cause -of true modesty. In the first case she will throw -your book away, for it will make her feel discontented -with her present state; and in the latter -instance she will shut your pages while blushes -<span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span>will cover her lovely cheeks at the mere thought -of anything so indecent as—clothes. But, of -course, I forget that the books published now will -necessarily be very limited, as parchment is the -only available material on which written thought -can be printed.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“And an excellent thing it is. We have -written too much—written ourselves dry; and now -has come a breathing-time in which we shall be -able to incubate.” This was Tom Hornsby, who -indeed had written himself to desiccation in the -<cite>Weekly Mirror</cite>. “We have game laws, and we -know precious well how to enforce them. Why -should we compel our sapless brains to generate -when we know so well their incapacity even to -conceive? Brains are no more inexhaustible -than is the cow’s milk; still, we do not give to the -children of our minds the proper breeding period, -and we hail the events of our abortions as if it -were the advent of some divine prophecy.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“That is about what old Christopher led me to -understand,” said Danford. “But, however well -these abortions may have paid formerly, he knows -now that they will not satisfy an Edenic public -any longer. Publishers are first-rate at feeling the -public’s pulse.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I wonder they were not chosen as social -guides instead of Music Hall artists,” retorted -Mowbray, who never failed to have a hit at his rivals.</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span>“We thought of them, Lord Mowbray, but, after -careful consideration, we judged that publishers -having been trained to convert human brains into -ingots of gold, they would hardly be suitable for -our social work, which consists more especially, at -present, in developing the extrinsic knowledge of -individuals.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“It is a pity that nothing has been done towards -organising a body of Parliamentary guides.” -Lord Mowbray was again at his pet grievance; -he had never forgiven the Speaker for refusing to -accept his services in the House, and he was convinced -that the country’s ruin and Parliamentary -decadence would be the results of their refusal.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Oh! that has been the worst nut to crack; -but we had to give it up,” and Danford sat down -in one of the marble niches ensconced in the wall. -“The House of Commons has its susceptibilities, -its vanities, and, above all, its traditions; and -it would not hear any of our suggestions. Just -imagine for one minute, Ministers of State, Party -leaders, being escorted by guides! The idea -appeared preposterous to the Honourable -Members, who thought they knew their own -business better than any one else.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Certainly, at first, it seems natural to know -one’s own party,” murmured Lionel as in a dream; -“but in the long run it becomes more difficult -than one imagines.”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span>“It must evidently be the case,” said Tom -Hornsby in a bitter voice, “for you see what a -hash they made with the Housing question. The -House carried unanimously the Bill which, for a -long time, had been obstructed at its second -reading.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Very remarkable indeed,” sententiously said -Danford. “I was there that day, and enjoyed the -fun gloriously. I watched the House eagerly. -The social and political labels were off, so they -all listened unprejudiced to the orator’s convincing -arguments. His reasons were not so much convincing -from his own powers of persuasion, but -because the listeners were off their guard and -therefore accessible to rational impressions; and -here we are the richer for one good law, and one -that we never could have hoped for had Society -continued to know one another by their exterior -labels.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“This will inevitably lead to the dissolution of -the Upper House,” said Lionel.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“It remains with you to give the hint of -abdication, my lord.” The little buffoon stood -up and faced his pupil, while Temple, the empty -cup in his hand, stood between the two, alternately -looking at the one and the other. The group -of men surrounding them were silent; and the -sun, having slowly disappeared behind the trees -of Hyde Park, had left the Frigidarium in a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span>mysterious twilight most appropriate to the -ominous words of Danford. “They will all follow -your lordship. The reform must come from -within. The dark days are over when you said to -the rushing wave of the people: ‘Thou shalt go no -further.’ They leapt over the rocks then, and, to -prove their power, cut your heads off; which on -the whole was a poor argument of persuasion, -even if it was one of force. No lasting reform can -be obtained but from within; and the Upper -House has it in its power to avert the catastrophe -of its downfall by taking voluntarily a leading -part in all the reforms of our Society.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You mean by taking a backseat,” sniggered -Lord Mowbray. The spell was broken, and the -twilight scene of prophecy was transformed into -one of malicious discord. “I cannot see what -you want with the co-operation of publishers, Mr -Danford; you are Diogenes and Lycurgus both -rolled into one, and methinks you need no one to -assist you in fixing our destinies.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I only give gentle hints concerning your -future relations towards each other, Lord -Mowbray; publishers will step in later, to inform -you as to your intrinsic value.” Danford bowed to -Lord Mowbray and, turning to Lionel, said, -“Where do you intend going this evening, my -lord?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“After a light collation I am taking Hornsby -<span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span>to the Empire to see Holophernes; it was one of -the great attractions before the storm.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, and likely to be the last of that kind; but -I shall leave your lordship to judge for yourself.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ta-ta, Danford—shall see you to-morrow -early about the Dining-Halls scheme.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER IX</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>Nettie Collins, Gwendolen’s social guide, declared -she had nothing more to teach her pupil -now she had made such progress in the art of -observation, recognised her lover, and just lately -known her father again. This last event had -been curious. One day, Gwen was walking -through the rooms of the National Gallery, -enjoying the beauty of art that had been hidden -from her for so many years; as she stood in front -of Pinturicchio’s “Story of Griselda,” wondering -at the past generations who not only allowed, but -insisted on women turning themselves into beasts -of burden, she noticed a middle-aged man of commanding -stature, close to her, gazing at the same -picture. She looked up and her eyes met his; -her present surroundings vanished, and she lived -in an evoked dream, which brought back past -scenes and long-buried joys. As she stared at -him, she little by little reconstructed the scenes of -her childhood, and as in a trance her lovely lips -faintly murmured the word “Father.”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span>“What a magician is love,” thought Gwendolen, -when she retired that night to her bedroom, after -long hours of conversation with her father. What -could Nettie teach her now? Still she kept the -sprightly little guide by her, to help her in working -out the problems of social reforms. The two reformers -put their clever heads together, and -assisted by Eva Carey—Gwendolen’s bosom -friend—they organised several guilds for the -purpose of bringing together the East-End -factory girls and the West-End fair damsels. They -came to the conclusion that the West-Enders had -been often enough in the dark continent of Stepney, -Hackney, and Bow, to amuse, sing or recite, -read and teach the poor isolated classes, who, after -all, knew no more of their instructors and entertainers -than if they had come down from the -planet Mars. The three friends thought this time -they would have the East-End on a visit to the -West-End, and on their own ground would make -them acquainted with that world which they had -only read about in penny shockers. Since the -disappearance of clothes, misery had lost a good -deal of its sting, and envy and rancour were things -of the past civilisation. Hitherto the craving for -money had robbed our world of the one virtue -which opens every heart to sympathy: Pity. -How could a factory girl, who struggled on five -shillings a week, ever imagine that the owner of a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span>West-End mansion needed sympathy? Money -was the great soother, and in the eyes of those -who did not eat enough, it granted one the -privileges of eating more than your fill, of lying in -bed when having a headache, of taking a holiday -when run down in health; it even went so far, in -their ignorant minds, as to pad the aching throbs -of a broken heart. The East-Ender knew no -limit to what money could do, because he had -none himself and was convinced that to possess in -abundance the things which he sorely lacked must -doubtless be the cause of all happiness. He was -so grossly one-sided and ignorant that he was -inclined to believe that even the laws of nature -could be altered by the power of riches; but however -foolish he may have been, he was not alone -in judging in this dogmatic manner. The West-Ender -was equally uninformed as to what lay -beneath the sordid rags of the classes of which he -knew nothing; he endowed the poorer classes with -a callousness of feeling which at first sight seemed -in keeping with their reeky clothes and shabby -environments, and denied them any particle of -that romance which he believed could only be the -privilege of the well-dressed. And thus the two -antipodes of London lived in a baneful ignorance -of one another. But now that the vanishing of -toggery had laid bare the two hearts of our social -world, Gwen was determined to put the picture of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span>humanity in proper perspective, and to soften the -crudity of light and darkness that had been -so offensive to both parties. Over and over -again Gwen gathered her friends and her -friends’ friends in the various parks of London. -They played and laughed under the trees, they -listened to Nettie’s amusing recitals of her -adventurous life, which were varied—for she -made her <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">début</span></i> at Hackney’s Music Hall, -and ended her career at the Alhambra! She -greatly diverted her audience, for her ideas of the -world at large were always flavoured with a grain -of good-humoured satire and gentle humour. -She was fresh and impulsive, human and perceptive, -and possessed the invaluable gift of -developing in the East-Ender girls the precious -sense of humour and discrimination which lightens -every burden, and seems to filter through opaque -dulness like a ray of sunlight.</p> - -<p class='c003'>How much more pleasant were those pastoral -entertainments than the old-fashioned At Home, -or even than the attractive garden parties! -Tournaments were organised to promote the -love of beauty, and to develop the imaginative -power that lies more or less dormant in everyone, -but more particularly so amongst the -London poorer classes. The first one was a -floral tournament. Every girl of the East-End -<span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>and the West-End was to appear in the prettiest, -and most original floral accoutrement; they were -granted full permission to use their imagination -to conceive wonderful designs and combination -of colours; Gwen hoped in this way to -instil in the Anglo-Saxon race an æsthetic -knowledge of decoration which was sorely lacking. -Another time she aimed at a more ambitious -entertainment, and started a series of historical -tournaments. A group of girls were selected -amongst the West and East-End maidens, and to -each of them an historical character was given to -impersonate. Historians were invited to lecture -on historical subjects so as to acquaint the girls -with the character they wished to personify. -This new mode of inoculating the taste for -history was as instructive as it was dramatic; -besides, it developed memory, for there was no -doubt that the East-Ender’s ignorance, as related -to past and present history, was not more appalling -than that of the Mayfair belle. Nettie -decided that the first three tournaments ought to -be consecrated to personages of our own times, -or at least the Victorian age; for uncultured -minds could not be supposed to interest themselves -in historical characters so far removed -from the present period as Charles II., Henry -VIII., or Alfred. It was gradually that the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>dramatic study of history was to take them -backwards, instead of making them leap into a -far-distant abyss, expecting the bewildered brain -to grope its way back to our throbbing present.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Lionel frequently came to surprise Gwendolen -in Kensington Gardens, where she rehearsed with -the girls. He came in through the gates facing -the Memorial Monument. By the way, the statue -had been, with due respect, removed to a private -niche in the In Memoriam Museum of discarded -monuments, where only members of the Royal -Family were admitted to see it, on applying first -to the Lord Chamberlain. Already the younger -members of the family showed a distinct repulsion -to seeing their ancestor robed in such -abnormal garments, and one of the royal infants -had been seized with a fit in the arms of his nurse -at the sight of it.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Lionel, one lovely day in June, walked down the -Long Avenue of Kensington Palace Gardens; at a -distance he could perceive the groups of lissome -nymphs surrounding Gwen, some scattered under -the trees, others lying on the grass; and his -Greek appreciation of art made him hail this -pastoral scene as a great success. Those who -had visited the Wallace Collection would no -doubt compare the picture to a Boucher; but -Lionel, who had more discrimination, thought it -<span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span>put him in mind of a Corot. Perhaps he was -right.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Here you are, Lionel,” and Gwen walked up -to him as he came near. “We are having -a final rehearsal of our passion tournament. I -have already told you of it. Bella will represent -Love; Violet has chosen Anger; Flora begs to -be Dignity, and so on. They are quite excited -about it, the more so as no reading up can help -them in this; they will have to work out their -own ideas about the passions they wish to -personify. You see, Lionel, we have had enough -of external excitement, we must now look inwardly -for all our pleasures. It is a step higher than -historical impersonation, though we intend to -make the two studies work together.—Nettie, I -shall leave you in charge of them, for you are -sure to give them useful hints about their parts -and to develop a little more subtlety into their -monodrama.—Come, Lion, my Lion, let us stroll -under the trees; I have so much to say to you.” -And she looked into his eyes, and caressingly -held his hand close to her cheek, as they walked -away. His heart was full, and he thought deeply -and analysed minutely his emotions, trying to -define the newly-acquired standard of morals -that was slowly transforming their old rotten -Society into a rational sociality. One feature of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span>the old world had certainly disappeared since -the storm—lascivious curiosity. How could -morbid erotism find any place in our reformed -republic? Eve-like nakedness robbed a woman -of all impure suggestiveness. It was the half-clad, -half-disrobed, that had made man run amok in -the race for brutal enjoyment; for the goods -laid out in the shop windows are not by far -so alluring as what peeps behind the counter.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Gwen, how lovely you are! Your face is a -crystal reflecting every beautiful emotion in your -heart. Even Raphael would have despaired of -fixing your expression.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You will make me vain, Lionel. There are -many things that I cannot yet grasp, although we -have so many hours on hand since the loss of our -furbelows. You do not realise what difference -it makes in a woman’s life.—But I shall be -happy when my small mission has succeeded and -when I have imparted to women the love of -study.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“A man’s days were pretty much employed in -the same senseless pursuits. Some feel it -intensely—Lord Mowbray, for instance, who does -not know what to do with his costly jewels, now -he cannot stick them all over his Oriental costumes -and appear as a twentieth-century Aroun-al-Raschid.”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span>“Ah! he will develop with the rest, and easily -find out the unmarketable value of his luxury; or -if he does not evolve, he will be swept away by -the great wave of reform which waits for no man. -But I am more concerned about Ronald Sinclair;—of -course, you guess the reason.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Does Eva still care for him?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Eva is not a girl likely to change. She loved -him formerly for his wit, his irony, and I am -sorry to say, for his disdainful manner towards -her. But her love has now acquired a new -stimulus—pity, which she feels for all his -deficiencies. She may in time bring him round to -see life from a wider and more humane point of -view, but for the present he laughs at our meetings, -and vows the mixing of classes cannot succeed. -He pretends that nothing but the pursuits of -fastidious æstheticism can save this state of ours -from vulgarity. Somehow, I feel that he is not -right, though I cannot tell in what his teaching is -lacking.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“We shall do a great deal for them when we -are married,” softly said Lionel.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! my dearest Lion, this is one of the serious -questions that has troubled me. Nettie cannot, -or will not help me in this matter; she says I -have to find that out alone, and that later on she -will work out the details for me. The first -<span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span>stumbling-block is—the wedding. What kind -of a wedding could it be?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Well, I suppose—the church, the ceremony, and -all the rest that precedes and follows such -functions. It is not that I care for the whole -show, dearest; I personally think it a terrible -ordeal to have to exhibit oneself on such an -occasion.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Think of it, Lionel; it means walking to the -altar just as we are—no wedding dress, no -bridesmaids; the congregation likewise, and the -priest no better attired than the verger or bridegroom. -Where would be the show? Where the -customary apotheosis of smartness? Even the -thunderous organ striking up Mendelssohn’s -march would be an inadequate accompaniment to -a procession of Adamites.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“To tell you the truth, Gwen, I had never -thought of it. The important thing was our love; -the ceremony appeared to me as a thing not -worth giving a thought; but now, it does seem to -me an utter impossibility to go through such an -incongruous function; and for the first time I see -how indecent public functions are.—There have -been no weddings since the storm, now I think -of it.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“No; Nettie told me that Society had put off -all the forthcoming weddings until this freak of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span>nature had passed—how silly of Society! <em>I do -not wish to wait, for the very good reason</em> that I -believe this state of affairs will continue.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“And I hope it may last for ever, for I owe to -it your love, Gwen. Let us dispense with the -public function.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Then no wedding?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“No, at least, no bridesmaids, no wedding cake, -no invitations above all.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“No.” Gwen absently gazed in front of her, -murmuring softly, “My uncle, the Bishop of -Warren, would officiate at our small chapel at -Harewood, and father would give me away. It -would be very strange. No stole, no Bishop’s -sleeves, none of the canonical vestments that -form part of the religious rites. All this had -not struck me, so engrossed was I with our -own appearance; but when once you knock -down part of the ceremony, the other must -inevitably disappear in the downfall; and in -the total destruction of outward signs, it seems as -if the principle of religion had also received a -fatal blow.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Then no wedding march, no benediction?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“No, Lionel. Do not the triumphant chords -vibrate more sonorously in our two exultant hearts, -than in any organ?” and she lifted her beautiful -eyes high above the tops of the trees. Lionel -<span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span>bent his head, and touched her softly-luxuriant -hair with his lips.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Nettie, who at a distance caught sight of his -movement, could not help smiling and thinking -that the British race was becoming less self-conscious.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Gwen,” murmured her lover, “listen to the two -linnets on that branch. Have they invited their -friends and relations to come and witness their -betrothal? Happiness is timorous, and shuns the -world. Those who truly love, fly from the crowd, -to murmur their loving vows uninterrupted by -comments and gossip.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My Lion, you have put into words what my -heart has felt for days. Surely marriage is an -action which only concerns those who are interested. -Besides, the social laws of morality -which governed our old world cannot any longer -apply to our own. Let us return to Nettie; she -is sure to furnish us with useful suggestions for -carrying out our plan.” They turned back, and -very soon were met by Nettie and Eva; the -former, with her sprightly physiognomy, brought -their wandering minds back to practical life and -to bare facts.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Have you discovered some new laws of life -since you left us?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>Gwen proceeded to relate to her friends what -<span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span>they had arrived at concerning weddings in -general; and she asked Nettie to find some means -of realising their project.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I should suggest a drive in your chariot to -some isolated spot in the country. Stay in some -labourer’s cottage, and on the day which would -have been the one appointed by you in our past -Society for the wedding, I should advise you to -spend it in the fields and to have a mutual confession;—what -I would call a complete reckoning -of your two inner lives; for that ought really -to be the true meaning of marriage, which -was so rarely understood in our past -Society.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“This sounds very like Ibsen, dear Nettie,” -remarked Eva.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“But what do you suggest after that?” asked -Gwen.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Stay away as long as you can; then return to -your occupations here, for you know we cannot -spare you for a very long time; there are so many -things we want to launch before the season is over. -Of course, no announcement of your marriage is -required, you will tell your friends when you come -back, and as to the rest of the world, it is immaterial -whether they know it or not.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“It certainly seems simple enough, and in that -way we escape all foolish questions.”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span>“My dear Lord Somerville, I think that you will -find that no one will take the slightest notice of -your escapade. In London, what is past is seldom -interesting,” added the little buffoon, who had for -some time put this axiom to the test when she -was on the Music Halls.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I believe you are right,” answered Lionel, “and -the saddest tragedy of last week has no chance -against the daily scandals.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Society lives greatly on its own imagination”—the -sententious humourist was taking a flight into -speculative land. “Society is the biggest romancer -you ever came across; it hates truth and <i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">bona-fide</span></i> -dramas; despises the scandals that have not been -spun at their own fireside; and follows to the -letter the well-known maxim, that truth makes -the worst fiction.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Do you not think, Nettie, now marriage has -become a grave reality, that the least said about it -at large, the better?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“By all means; and the less seen of it the -better still. Do not forget that this evening we -go to the Circus to witness the first representation -given by the Society of new stagers. You have -no idea, my lord, what a bevy of young actors -are coming to the fore to outshine the old -ones.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“We were in sore need of real dramatic artists, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span>owing to the utter inability of impersonating -characters without wardrobe paraphernalia. Perhaps -we shall be able in time to form a school of -dramatic psychologists. But here comes Danford; -he will tell us what is going on.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER X</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>“We were talking about the new study of -dramatic art, Danford. I hear your Society is -making great progress.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Progress, my lord! It has already reached a -very high standard of efficiency. We shall, in a -few days, give a representation of King John, -which, I believe, will interest you. The Regalia -of Sovereignty will of course be absent; but how -much more significant of true majesty will the -personage be, when, by his gestures and facial -expression, he will embody that ephemeral power—divine -right.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“And what are the conclusions you arrive at,” -eagerly inquired the Earl, “on the subject of -monarchical government?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My lord, this is another of those problems you -have to solve for yourself.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“We have already solved one this morning.” -Lionel took Gwen’s hand and lifted it gently to -his lips.</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span>“Very glad to hear it, my dear Lord Somerville; -you will save us a deal of trouble by being so -quick at guessing life’s riddles. Time is precious, -and already a few weeks have gone by since the -storm; if you do not solve the social problem as -soon as ever you can, I am afraid it will go badly -for all of us. We are only your stage managers -on these large boards; I am sorry to say, though, -that the social actors do not always seem to know -their parts; they come in when not wanted and -leave the stage when most needed. Of course it is -our business to look after your entrances and -exits; but the inner meaning of your characterisations -remains with you to decipher.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I think, Danford, you have already, with your -short cuts of humour and satire, led me through -a dark labyrinth compared to which Dante’s -Inferno was but child’s play. You have often -been my faithful Virgil, and drawn my attention -to the tragedy of our past world of artificiality.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Indeed, my lord, tragedy of the most painful -kind; for Society drew out each day a new code -of morals to suit a fresh want, and a catechism -was issued to befit a gospel of histology. It was -not actually read out in church, like the -Athanasian Creed, but it was religiously obeyed -in and out of God’s house.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What would Society have said had a woman -<span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span>been to the Army and Navy Stores at 10 a.m. -in the same <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">décolleté</span></i> gown which she wore -at last night’s ball?” This was Gwen, who -mischievously looked at Lionel.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear Gwen, think for one minute of the -soldier enwrapping himself in the judge’s gown; -the apronless and capless housemaid appearing -in the hall with a tiara on her head (even -were it paid out of her earnings); or the butler -pompously opening the door in a Field-Marshal’s -uniform?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Bedlam or Portland Bay would have been -their next abode,” replied Danford; “you are -evoking in your mind’s eye a social upheaval, -and in one instant hurling to the ground a whole -structure which took centuries to erect. The -dignity of magistracy, the punctilio of military -honour, the ancestral breeding of nobility, would -all be hopelessly annihilated were you to -transpose from one body on to another the -outward signs of each. Not only had Dame -Fashion preached a new gospel, but new passions -were thereof discovered to make Society’s -blood rush more violently, and different forms -of sorrows henceforth filled the hearts of -women.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Oh! how true you are, Mr Danford,” suddenly -broke in Nettie; “how often have I seen women -<span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span>of fashion sad unto death at the contemplation of -their wardrobes.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“And the pity of it all was that women truly -writhed under the sting of these petty grievances,” -added Eva.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You are slowly finding out for yourself, Miss -Carey,” remarked Danford, “that an eleventh -commandment had been written out by Society: -‘Thou shall not be—shabby.’”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What a host of innocent women have been -sent to perdition in trying to obey this law to -the letter,” retorted Lionel.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! Fashion, what crimes were committed -in thy name!” comically added Nettie.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“There is no doubt also,” said Lionel, “that -the demoralisation of our past Society was -greatly caused by that misinterpreted activity -which in a great sense led to artificiality and -deception. No proper time was allowed for -development; we had clothed art, clothed -charity, clothed education; and in every branch -of industry and artistic pursuit the fruit had to -be picked ere it was ripe. The weighty question -of pauperism was settled over the tea-cups when -a bazaar organised by fashionable women had -realised fifty pounds; the last word of realistic -art had been said when a well-known sculptor -had put the final touch to his statue of a ballet -<span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span>dancer, by sticking on the skirt a flounce of real -gold lace. As to education, it was to be imbibed, as -air is pumped into a rubber tyre, strongly and -promptly, so as to lose no time, for the next race -was at hand and we had to start, even if we -punctured on the road.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“No one knows this better than I do,” said -Gwen. “We were never taught the true value of -anything or of anyone; we believed to have -fathomed all things when we had seen the small -sides of them, and human beings were only what -they appeared to us relatively. I must say that -the most difficult people to deal with at present -are some of the mothers in Society. It is not -that they mind, materially, this state of nature; -I suppose they are making up their minds to it, -and Lady Pendelton still repeats that a lady can -always behave like one wherever she is placed -and whatever happens.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes,” added Eva, “but my mother is convinced -that it is the diffusion of classes that will -bring our world to a tragic end.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>Eva suddenly stopped talking, and blushes -covered her soft white cheek. She turned to -Gwen.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Darling, is that Ronald Sinclair standing near -the Rotunda?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, dearie, it is he; and George Murray is -<span class='pageno' id='Page_146'>146</span>coming up to him with Lelia Dale. They have -seen us.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>Sinclair, accompanied by his two friends, -walked towards our group and was the first to -speak.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Have you heard, Lionel, that the manager of -the Olympus is forced to close the doors of his -theatre?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I expected that would soon happen,” murmured -Danford.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“It was inevitable,” answered Lionel; “when -music of that kind lies shivering without its usual -toggeries, it must perish; for when crotchets and -semi-quavers do not any longer help to pin a -scarf or lift up suggestively the corner of -a laced petticoat, comic opera has lost its -meaning.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear Lord Somerville, you do not seem to -grasp the real state of things. The Atrium will -follow suit, and before you are a week older the -great priest of upholsterers will have to retire,” -vexatiously retorted Sinclair.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, and very probably he will be joined in -exile by Turn Bull, who has no further need to -study Abyssinian <i><span lang="it" xml:lang="it">bassi-relievi</span></i>. As you see, I quite -grasp our present state of affairs,” smilingly -answered Lionel.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I think I agree with you, Lord Somerville,” -<span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span>languidly remarked Lelia Dale, who had for years -been the jewel of dramatic art. “Turn Bull had -developed to the highest degree the psychology of -clothes.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I should call it the physiology of palliaments,” -interrupted Murray, the apostle of subtle -environment.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, George,” resumed the flower of the profession, -“he has often made me blush with the -pruriency with which he endowed his vestments; -and my maidenly modesty was less offended by a -kiss from his lips than by the erotic influence -of his draperies in certain parts of his -<i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">répertoire</span></i>.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Do not forget, though,” suddenly broke in -Sinclair, “that we had arrived at the highest -manifestation of local colour; and that the true-to-life -surroundings with which we framed our -plays had reached the desideratum of the -most fastidious art critic. Surely plays represented -at the <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Théâtre Français</span> nowadays, or as -they used to be at our Atrium and Arcadia, were -truer to life than when Phèdre wore a Louis XIV. -Court dress, or Othello a frill?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I do not agree with you, Ronald,” replied -Lionel, “and I maintain that the evolution of an -unsuspicious Othello into a mad bull of jealousy -works itself out regardless of frippery. When -<span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span>psychology was the only object of the playwright, -and the everlasting study of the actor, dramatic -art was at its highest water-mark; but when adaptable -environment and the accuracy of costume were -made the aim of arduous researches, art fell from -its Olympian cloud down to the back-room of an -old curiosity shop. Archæology had dethroned -psychology; even physiology was reduced to a -dissecting-room. Do you believe that the green-eyed -passion of an Othello, or the morbid -hysteria of a King Lear, would be more enforced -by the one wearing the true Venetian -uniform, and the other appearing in the -barbarian clothing of an early Briton? We must -first of all find out whether the passions of the -one and the delirium of the other are eternally -true to human nature. If they are, what need -have you to cut a particular garment for them? -Any will do; none will be quite sufficient. You -need not clothe Œdipus to understand his evolution; -the tragedy he embodies will forever be -human, and as long as there exists a suffering -humanity, there will be an inadequate struggle -between the inner will-power and what is erroneously -called—Destiny.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>They had come to the Rotunda, and Lionel, -with a gracious wave of his hand, led his friends -into the hall, in which marble tables were placed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span>near a circular carved stone bench for visitors to -recline.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I am sure you will all take some iced -champagne or Vouvray out of these tempting -amphoras,” said he. They all reclined, and the -cooling atmosphere fanned them agreeably.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Is that Montague Vane I see at a distance, -tripping daintily over the railings?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>Danford went to the door. “Yes, and he is -followed by half-a-dozen of his adherents.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! he is continually inviting me to join his -Peripatetic Society; but I have no wish to do -so,” and Lionel looked tenderly at Gwen, as he -poured out a glass of champagne and offered it to -her. “I cannot see at what they arrive in their -wanderings through the thoroughfares of life.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Nor I, my lord,” broke in Danford, who left the -door and came back towards the group. “Jack -Daw—Mr Vane’s social guide—told me lately that -he and his pupil did not always pull together. -The Society <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">dilettante</span></i> is trying to stem the great -wave of reform, and, like a child, brings his small -toys to impede the violence of the tide; which -makes Jack laugh uncontrollably. The latter does -his best to give his pupil smart hints; but Mr -Vane takes them badly, and when Jack thrusts his -light on the great sights of nature, the little ex-smart -man puts his tiny white hands over his eyes, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span>and sighing heavily tells him: ‘My dear Jack, -you are all in the wrong. Nature has long been -exploded. She lost herself for a considerable time -under the trees of Paradise, then she was suddenly -conquered by a greater master than herself—Art, -and ever since has never lifted her head again.’ He -answers—art, to every longing, to every passion; -it is his panacea against all anguish, the goal to -every ambition.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“By-the-bye, Dick,” interrupted Lionel, “I was -at the meeting this morning with my architect.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“To be sure, the meeting of the United Drapers -of London,” remarked Sinclair; “it must have -been a diverting assembly! Lord Petersham -telephoned to ask me if I could attend—ha! ha! -ha! to see Watson and Company <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">en masse</span></i> would -be too much for me. One at a time of these -prosperous shopkeepers—and that in the open -air—is all I can stand!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I wish that you had turned up, Ronald,” -mischievously said Lionel. “You would have lost -that preconceived idea of yours that a profession -must imprint an indelible sign on a man’s -physique—pure delusion, my good man! Well, I -obtained my points with the Board of Drapers: -first, I attacked Watson, who I was afraid would -be recalcitrant; but I was astonished to find him -most willing to carry out our scheme.”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span>“I believe you will discover hidden treasures -of philanthropy in the hearts of all those who -formerly rebelled at the mere name of charity,” -satirically remarked Danford.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You are always a prophet, my faithful guide; -for Whiteley, Swan & Edgar, Marshall & Snelgrove—in -fact, all the big shops of past elegance—are -offering to open their doors in a week, -and to transform their rooms into commodious -dining-halls for the masses; and last, though not -least of all, the Army and Navy Stores have -actually condescended to turn all their devastated -rooms into—<em>Symposia</em>. Yes, that is the name, for -they wish to have a different appellation to other -shops; of course we could not insult such a select -board of shareholders by insisting on their using -the same word as other tradespeople; so <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Symposia</span></i> -it will be; although by any other name the food -would be as delectable.” And Lionel turned to -Gwen, “I look to you as a partner to help me in -this enterprise.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Thank you, Lionel, for the suggestion. I shall -confer with Nettie on the details; but I think I -see the thing rightly: a sort of visiting association, -each day, one hour or two will be employed in the -serving of meals in the halls; some will help -at luncheon, others at tea, and another group at -supper. I should suggest that the men undertook -<span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span>the potation department, and that a committee of -helpers should be organised in every district of the -Metropolis.” Gwen turned to Eva, sitting close to -her, “And you, dear, will be my faithful colleague?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>Eva pressed her friend’s hand, but spoke -no word, as Sinclair reclining near her sneeringly -remarked, “I cannot see you portioning -out plates of boiled beef and apple pudding to a -crowd of unclean mendicants.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Are you sure they will be unclean? And -if by mendicants you mean those having no -clothes nor any money, they will be no worse -than we are; for we have no cheque-book, nor any -pockets to put our money in,” softly whispered -Eva, whose heart was beating violently at the -reproof of the man she loved but whom she pitied -for his sad limitations.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear man,” joined in Lionel, “this idea of -the dining-halls is but the preface to a greater -reform! It will for the moment meet the need -of all the working classes whom the storm has -put on the streets; but in the near future it -will be our new mode of partaking of our -meals in public.” Lionel smiled as he noticed -the effect his strange words had on Murray and -Sinclair.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Will you allow a few of your privileged -friends to have their meals privately in their own -<span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span>homes?” slowly uttered Sinclair, who looked as -if the greatest danger was at hand.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“By all means, my dear fellow. We force no -one; coercion is not the password of our future -Society, but personal initiative; and after a -little time has gone by, you will be the first to -join these <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Symposia</span></i>. It will only be another -form of club life without which you could not -have imagined your London; with this difference -that your field of sympathy will be enlarged in -our new form of assemblies, and instead of meeting -daily a limited number of members, about -whom you knew all that was to be known, you -will join a body of men and women about whom -you have hitherto known nothing. I grant you -that many of them would not have been admitted -in the bosom of your literary and artistic -clubs, nor would they have been allowed to -associate with the members of smart clubs; but -now it will not much avail any man that -he was a member of the Vagabond, or of -Boodles!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Anyhow, I think we prefer meeting no one -to associating with a mass of illiterate and ill-bred -folks,” said Murray.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You will not always say so, George,” replied -Lionel. “The disappearance of cheque-books -and of pockets has done more towards the fusion -<span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span>of classes than you believe; and it is mere -common-sense that is prompting Society to take -a rational view of the whole thing. Parliament -is dissolved since yesterday, as you know; there -was nothing else to be done, I suppose. The -hour of self-government has struck when we -least expected it, and it must find us mature for -the work to be done.” Then turning to Gwen, -“Do you think that your girl friends will help in -this new scheme of dining-halls? I feared they -would toss their dainty heads and pout their rosy -lips at the suggestion.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear Lionel, what they objected to was -not so much the hunger that wasted away half -the world, for they could not see its ravages and -had not any personal experience to bear on the -subject; but they were shocked at the grimy -shabbiness of the destitutes, for that they could -notice, and their individual knowledge of luxury -intensified their hatred of poverty.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You are a true observer, Miss Towerbridge, -and a humourist which spoils nothing,” remarked -Danford. Gwen blushed vividly at the little -man’s praise; she was proud at having won the -appreciation of such a master in psychology.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I shall expect you all to turn away in disgust -from your uncouth companions,” and Sinclair -rose. “I am going to join Vane; for the present -<span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span>his views suit my state of mind, and we shall -see who will win in the long run—you, with -your rude Dame Nature; or we, with our discriminating -power of æsthetics. Good-bye, poor -Miss Carey”—and he bent towards her—“you -are not cut out for a distributing kitchen -employer; and nature is a hideous transgressor -whom you ought to kick out of your doors. -What will Lady Carey say to all this?” and the -fastidious critic was off, followed by Murray.</p> - -<p class='c003'>The group broke up; Lionel putting his hand -on Danford’s shoulder walked out of the Rotunda, -leaving Gwen and Eva conversing in one part of -the cool hall, while Lelia Dale and Nettie reclined -in another part. Lelia Dale leaned her -head on her hand. She did not know whom to -serve. She had always been partial to Sinclair, -whose criticisms on her talent were most flattering, -and the eclecticism of Vane was an element -which she appreciated highly; but, on the other -hand, nature had its attractions, also Lord -Somerville was a great power in the social -organism, and the love of notoriety was so -ingrafted in her professional soul that she was -unwilling to see the rising of a Society of new -stagers out of which she would be excluded. She -meditated whether it would not be wise to put on -one side her pride, and to beg humbly of Eleanora -<span class='pageno' id='Page_156'>156</span>Duse to initiate her in the secrets of physiognomy; -for, upon the whole, Lelia was artistic enough to -know in her inner heart that she was deficient in -facial expression, and totally ignorant of the -laws of motion.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_157'>157</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER XI</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>Lionel often sat in his library pondering over -all kinds of abstruse questions. He did not know -his old London again, and smiled at the revolution -in social life. Nowadays, one house was as good -as another. Mrs So-and-So’s luncheon parties, -Lady X.’s dinners and bridge <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">réunions</span></i> were no -longer sought for, since frocks and frills had -vanished and packs of cards crumbled to dust. -Dancing also was impossible under the present -<i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">régime</span></i>, for the <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">laisser-aller</span></i> of a ball-room -seemed intolerable in the new Paradise regained. -In fact, no respectable mother would consent to -take her daughter to any of these brawls. Lionel -recalled the first—and the last—ball of this -season. It was at Lady Wimberley’s. When -the ball opened, the hurry and scurry of London -apes was such, that he had turned to his faithful -guide and told him,—</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Nothing on earth would induce me to dance -this evening—or ever. Not even with Gwen.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Especially not with Miss Towerbridge,” had -replied the funny little buffoon. “Happiness has -<span class='pageno' id='Page_158'>158</span>no need to bump, elbow or kick, to manifest its -gladness.” They had both left the house, and -given the hint to London Society.</p> - -<p class='c003'>And thus the fashion for balls, late dinners, -evening receptions died out, as smart women lost -the taste for such vulgar dissipations. Lionel -laughed outright at Lady Carey’s remark that -the end of the world was nigh, for Society was -perishing from dulness. Still, all the fussiness of -the little woman could not alter the bare fact that -it was quite unnecessary to turn night into day, -since the days were quite long enough to contain -the occupations of the present Society. Complexion -and figure greatly benefited from this -normal mode of life; and the absence of corset -and waistcoat urged the English man and woman -to watch over their diet, if they did not intend -to turn their bodies into living advertisements of -their passions and depravities.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Had anyone told Lionel a year ago what -London would be like at the present moment, he -would no doubt have burst into Homeric laughter; -but now that the thing was done, it all seemed so -simple and so rational, that he hardly realised -it. It amused him very much to see daily, at -the Pall Mall Committee of Public Kitchens, -Lord Petersham conversing with a well-known -butcher of Belgravia. But Petersham, whatever -<span class='pageno' id='Page_159'>159</span>he may have thought, dissembled artfully, and -argued with himself that they were both, he and -the butcher, sitting on the Board to judge of the -quality of the meat—and who would be more -likely to judge impartially of the catering than a -butcher, especially when he consumed the victuals -each day.</p> - -<p class='c003'>He recalled how hard it had been to persuade -Sinclair the fastidious, to breakfast with him -at the dining-hall of the ex-Swan & Edgar. -Although the critic partook of the delicious meal, -he would not be won over to the cause; but he -admitted that the butter and the eggs were extra -fresh; that the meat was irreproachable, the fish -first-rate; he even went so far as to recognise that -all things were transacted on a <i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">bona-fide</span></i> method. -But when Lionel told him that the whole secret -lay in the fact that the interest of all was the -interest of each, then Sinclair laughed and -said—“tommy rot.” There was nothing more -to say to a man who pooh-poohed the greatest -and noblest of reforms.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“But why on earth, if your are so anxious to -reform the depravity of our Society, why have -you begun by administering to their appetites? -It seems to me that you might have found some -nobler mission for the regeneration of Britishers.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear fellow,” had calmly replied Lionel, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_160'>160</span>“to stem a chaotic revolution, after the total -collapse of all manufacturers, we had first of all -to think of feeding our hungry populations. Before -you lift up the soul of man, you must feed his -body. But at the same time that we are satisfying -the physical need of men and women, we are -unconsciously weaving into a close tissue the -contradictory codes of morals of buyers and -sellers. Every producer is a member of our -dining-halls, and benefits directly by the -genuineness of the goods he delivers to the -Committee. Is it not a colossal triumph?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>Danford, who was close by when Lionel had -spoken to Sinclair, had added,—</p> - -<p class='c003'>“These are the bloodless victories that will -enrich our civilisations with greater happiness -than ever the conquests of Cæsar, Napoleon and -Wellington endowed their epochs with glory.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“First of all, we aim at feeding all classes, on -the principle that there should not be one food -for the rich and another for the poor; but our -ultimate plan is to give self-government to every -branch of business, so as to ensure honest dealing, -prompt measures, and efficiency.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, my lord,” sententiously remarked Dan, -“you have to bring strong proofs to bear on the -apathetic minds of Britishers. You must show -them endless examples of your reformatory work -<span class='pageno' id='Page_161'>161</span>before they will follow you one step. John Bull -has not a speculative brain, and will not listen to -any of your dreams; but, on the other hand, there -is no limit to what he can do when once he is -convinced of your power of common-sense.” And -Lionel had made up his mind to take his countrymen -as they were. He had consulted his club -friends about transforming clubs into places of -general meetings, where anyone, from a Peer of the -realm down to a coal-heaver, would each week -meet to suggest any new plans or denounce any -abuse. Our reformer made them see that in the -present condition of Society, clubs had lost the -principal charm of their organisation—exclusiveness. -In fact, their <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">raison d’être</span></i> had disappeared. -The collapse of centralised government, the -vanishing of daily newspapers had deprived these -smart haunts of all political and social interest; -and the members saw no objection to lending -their rooms for the use of public meetings. On -the contrary, they rather enjoyed the change, for -they longed for agitation, and thought that -any kind of life was preferable than social -decomposition.</p> - -<p class='c003'>At the first meeting, the telephone question was -on the <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">tapis</span></i>, at the second meeting the whole -thing was settled, and a service of telephones was -organised in every house. What were dailies, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_162'>162</span>posters, letters, telegrams compared to the very -voice which you knew, and which told you the -very latest news?</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! my lord,” had again exclaimed Dan, -“distance will some day have no signification -whatever, between Continents, when telephone -brings the Yankee twang close to the Cockney -burr.” Lionel and Dan had looked at each other, -and for one instant a mist had dimmed the -brilliancy of their eyesight. These two had the -public’s welfare truly at heart.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“One thing is certain, Dan, that our dream will -be realised sooner than we believe. Man will be -able to see his fellow-creature, hear his voice who -knows? perhaps he will touch his hand from one -hemisphere to another; but never will man be -able to demonstrate scientifically or ethically the -governing right of one class over another, or of -one man over millions.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Your lordship is running too fast. You will -bewilder the British public without persuading it -to follow you. Show your fellow-citizens a -materially reformed London before you can -interest them in a regenerated universe. You -have already developed their altruism in teaching -them to be their own policemen; you have very -nigh persuaded them that honesty is the best -policy in replacing self-interest by fair dealing: -<span class='pageno' id='Page_163'>163</span>you may, with your system of telephone, bring -them to see that veracity is the only means of -communication, now that sensational journalism -has disappeared from our civilisation.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>One morning, as Lionel was sitting in his -library, he looked up at his father’s portrait, and -wondered whether the latter would have approved -of all that was going on in London. Perhaps, -had he lived to see this social metamorphosis -father and son would have understood each other -at last. It filled Lionel’s heart with pity to think -of the tragic life of past London. Next day he -sent his father’s portrait to the In Memoriam -Museum with a few others, amongst which was -his mother’s portrait in Court dress. He could -hardly view this likeness of a past glory -without shuddering, while an aching pain gnawed -at his heart as he recalled the whole bearing of -the model who had sat for the picture. In a few -days nearly all the Upper Ten had despatched -their family pictures. The In Memoriam -Museum was over-crowded with ancestral effigies; -so much so that Lionel determined to speak to his -architect for the purpose of building, in the -suburbs, another Museum. This raised an uproar -amongst the fastidious critics of the Vane and -Sinclair type.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Where is art going?”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_164'>164</span>“What, that glorious Gainsborough picture of -your celebrated grandmother! Is that to be relegated -to a country gallery?” said Vane to the -Duchess of Southdown.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“And that suggestive Lely of your great-great-grand-aunt! -Is that to come down from your -wall?” apostrophised Sinclair.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Fie, for shame! Where is your family -pride?” indignantly echoed Lord Mowbray, who -had sold his last ancestral likeness the year before -to a picture-dealer.</p> - -<p class='c003'>No doubt there was a small minority of malcontents -that failed to see any good in the efforts -of the majority who worked at public reforms. -To men like Montagu Vane, Sinclair, Murray; -to women like the Honourable Mrs Archibald, -Lady Carey, this present condition of social -pandemonium was the beginning of the end. A -Society in which a lady could be mistaken for a -night rover, and <i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">vice versa</span></i>, and in which an omnibus -driver was taken for a member of the peerage, -was not tolerable, and it would inevitably lead to -a general rising of the lower classes against their -betters. They argued that point hotly, and there -was no persuading them, or even discussing with -them this point, that perhaps there would be no mistaking -a lady for a trull in our reformed world, for -this very reason, that there would be no longer any -<span class='pageno' id='Page_165'>165</span>need for marketable flesh when all social injustice -and inadequacies had been removed. They declared, -it was quite impossible: human nature was -human nature all over the world, and as long as -man existed there was to be a hunt for illicit -enjoyment. They even affirmed that the present -state of nature would surely end in licentious -chaos, as there was nothing to repress personal -lust now, and that very soon London would surpass -Sodom and Gomorrah in vice and crime. -There was nothing to say to that, and Danford -advised Lionel to let them talk all the nonsense -they liked. Facts again were to be brought to -bear on the social question, as nothing else could -alter the opinions of the malcontents. Another -point which Montagu Vane was very fond of -arguing was the question of cleanliness. According -to him, the great unwashed would more -than ever exhibit their filth, to which the little -humourist of past Music Halls replied in his -practical philosophy, that dirt would disappear -with the downfall of outward finery. He analysed -thus: vanity was inherent with the human race, -therefore, when the flesh was the only garment -man could boast of, he would keep that spotlessly -clean. Vane pooh-poohed all these views; -besides, he did not like philosophy, and he only -tolerated buffoons on the platform. It is true that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_166'>166</span>Vane was an object lesson in daintiness, and had -carried this external virtue to the highest point; -in fact, as Danford said: “No one feels properly -scrubbed and groomed when Mr Vane emerges -from his Roman bath exhaling a perfume of roses -and myrrh.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>Montagu Vane was of a small stature, but -admirably proportioned; his hair, now grey, was -very fine, and curled closely to his scalp; his walk -had a spring which added suppleness to his -limbs. He was a boudoir Apollo who had grown -weary of Olympic games, and of gods and -goddesses, and who had one day daintily tripped -down from his pedestal to join the crowd of modern -pigmies. When the storm broke over London, -Vane was close on tearing his curly hair, as he -realised that something had to be done to save -his position. For was he not arbiter in all matters -of art? Still, he was not the sort of man to be -baffled by a few buckets of water, and he set to -work redecorating his house. Suddenly he bethought -himself of a struggling Italian, who, the -previous year, had come to see whether London -Society would take up the art of fresco, of which -the secrets had been handed down to him by -ancestors skilled in that primitive art. Montagu -always made a point of helping young artists up -the social ladder; he gave them a lift up the first -<span class='pageno' id='Page_167'>167</span>step, advised them for the second rung, and -invariably said by-by to them until they met at -the top, which they rarely ever did. From that -day Paolo Cinecchi worked at Vane’s walls, and -the fantastic arabesques and subjects he designed -on black-painted backgrounds turned out to be a -suitable set-off for groups of Apollos and Venuses. -The Upper Ten at once took to this mode of -decoration, and Cinecchi’s name was in every -mouth. Montagu was past master in worldly -<i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">savoir-faire</span></i>, and as an Amphytrion surpassed every -London hostess by his ability in gathering round -his table the idlers and toilers of smart Society and -Bohemianism. He was no philosopher, and lived -artificially, harbouring a profound horror of -intensity; it made him blink. Greek in his tastes, -he was thoroughly British in his selfish isolation. -He saw many, mixed in the social and artistic -world, but he merely skimmed people. He was -busy with trifles, and utterly devoid of any sense -of humour. His success in Society had principally -lain in his many-sided mediocrity; for mediocrity -is always pleasing, but when it is varied, it is -delightful. His views on politics, his impressions -on social problems reminded one of an article out -of the <cite>Court Circular Journal</cite>; whilst his experiences -of life had been taught him in the shaded -corners of a Duchess’s drawing-room, or in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_168'>168</span>the smoking-room of a smart Continental -hotel.</p> - -<p class='c003'>After all, Society was responsible for the -creation of this hybrid—the <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">dilettante</span></i>. The Upper -Ten in its hours of <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">ennui</span></i> had conceived this strange -cross-breed; but in its mischievousness it had -taken good care to endow their offspring with the -same impotency that characterises the product of -horse and donkey! Society loved these unfruitful -children, it fondled them, shielded their deficiency -from the world’s sneers, and although it had -doomed them to eternal barrenness, still it guarded -the approach to these home-made fetishes, and -surrounded them with barriers with this inscription -affixed: “Hands off.” But in the present -emergency, Society showed itself ingrate towards -these little mannikins who had amused it, and it -turned away from them, to seek the help of the -Music Hall artists, into whose arms the smart -men and women of London Society threw -themselves.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Thus the majority unconsciously worked at the -regeneration of London; although they would -have sneered had anyone told them that they -were all endeavouring to realise the Socialist’s -dream—self-government.</p> - -<p class='c003'>The proroguing of Parliament—for an indefinite -period—had removed one stumbling-block on the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_169'>169</span>road to that goal. Honourable members, Peers of -the Realm, had migrated to their country seats, or -retired to private life in town, awaiting patiently -for better times; for they firmly believed that the -country could not prosper without them, and they -absolutely denied that the British lion could ever -rest quiet with the reins of Government loose on -his mane.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Was the Earl of Somerville conscious of his evolution? -He was certainly developing into a seer, -although he was in no danger of being carried -away by speculative theories, as long as Danford -stood at his elbow, raising his sarcastic voice whenever -my lord was tempted to fly off at a tangent. -When the latter suggested that they should consult -the venerable scientists of Albemarle Street, -Danford stopped him very sharply. “My lord, do -not look to the Royal Institute for any explanation -of this phenomenon. They have not yet grasped -the cause of the storm, and remain quite obdurate -in their opinions. They cannot understand what -has suddenly occasioned the collapse of every loom -in England; and I know for a fact, that they are -actually meditating to lead back the men and -women of the twentieth century to the primitive -usage of the spindle!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! my dear buffoon, let us leave the -sages of Albemarle Street to their Oriental -<span class='pageno' id='Page_170'>170</span>beatitude; they may be useful later on when we -have solved the problem.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, my dear Lord Somerville, for the present -look inwardly to find the solution of some of life’s -mysteries. Do the work that lies close to you, as -the parish curates say, and do it promptly. We -are in the same plight as Robinson Crusoe on his -island. Keen observation, patience and indomitable -will-power saved the two exiles from sure -death; and the dogmatising of sedentary dry-as-dusts -would have been of no avail to them, as it is -of no earthly use to us in this terrible crisis.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_171'>171</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER XII</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>“I am very thirsty, Eva.” Lady Carey had just -come in from her drive, after having much enjoyed, -as well as admired, the new system of be-your-own-policeman. -She was not lacking in the power -of observation, and could very well appreciate -the rational side of London’s new mode of life; -although she would sooner have perished than -owned to anyone her thoughts on the subject.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Let me pour you a cup of tea, mother,” replied -Eva, as she went to the tea table. “I forgot to tell -you that Gwen had returned to town. I saw her -this morning at the dining-halls and she struck -me as being more beautiful than ever.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Gwen used to be a very smart girl,” sneeringly -remarked Lady Carey, as she took the cup -handed to her.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I mean that her expression is more ethereal -than ever, mother. She gives one the impression -that a radiant vision has been revealed to her.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear girl—she looked—on Lionel! and -he is no mean creature.” Lady Carey gave vent -to her suppressed mirth. “When did they -<span class='pageno' id='Page_172'>172</span>return from their—what d’ye call it—moral -spring cleaning?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Mother, how can you be so irreverent? Do -you not think it very sensible of them to run -away from the crowd, and hide their bliss in -the wilderness?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“No, I call it decidedly vulgar.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“But when you married, did you not send all -your social duties to Jericho? You must -have longed for solitude with the man you -loved.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Not at all, my dear; there was plenty of time -for all that when we went to Italy after the -wedding. Besides, we did not mention these -things in my time; one did what everyone else did, -it was neither painful nor exhilarating, it was the -custom, and one thought no more of it. But -there is something clownish in running away anyhow, -and Heaven knows where, as these two have -done.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Gwen says they were supremely happy -staying with two cottagers.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Labourers! The girl must be demented. I -could pass over their evading the religious -ceremony; I am not bigoted, and pride myself -on being large-minded; but when the flower -of our aristocracy behave like shoe-blacks, I do -think it is time to cry out. I cannot forgive them -<span class='pageno' id='Page_173'>173</span>their want of good taste, and am inclined to believe -they do it for effect.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Oh, dear! no, mother. They believe intensely -in the reform of Society.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Such strong opinions are unseemly; and it -is hardly the thing to take such a serious step -in life, without advising your friends and acquaintances.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I do not see what Society has to do with -private life,” answered Eva, who was standing at -the foot of her mother’s couch.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear child, it is downright anarchism! -Where is the moral restraint that keeps us all -in order! We may frown at dull, old Mrs -Grundy; but no well-organised Society can very -well do without her, after all.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Oh! Mrs Grundy died from the shock of -seeing herself in nature’s garb. She was only a -soured old schoolmistress, who each morning -glanced at the columns of her <cite>Court Journal</cite> with -suspicious eyes. She ran down the names of -births, marriages and deaths, chuckling inwardly -at the comforting feeling that all her social -infants were well under her thumb, and that none -had escaped her lynx eye.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I hear a ring at the bell,” suddenly interrupted -Lady Carey.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Do you expect anyone, mother dear?”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_174'>174</span>“Not anyone, dear child. But it is Thursday, -and that used to be my day at home.” The -dainty woman sighed heavily.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I think I hear Lionel’s voice in the hall.” -Eva turned towards the door as it was opened -to let in Lady Somerville and her husband.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I am glad to see you, Gwen”—Lady Carey -rose to kiss the Countess. “Well, Lionel,” as -she resumed her seat on the couch, “I am -ashamed of you. What on earth possessed you -to carry her off in that wild fashion? You -know, my dear boy, a good many centuries have -passed since Adam and Eve, and I have no -doubt that the Almighty Himself would consider -their conduct improper.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You are the same as ever, Lady Carey, as -lighthearted as of yore.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You surely did not expect me to change my -views, did you, dear Lionel? You are too funny -for words! But I suppose that is your privilege. -You always do whatever you like and are -accepted wholesale by the rest of the world. -Luckily nothing can alter the fact that you are -a gentleman.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Oh! for goodness’ sake strike out that word -from your vocabulary!” hotly exclaimed Lionel. -“It means absolutely nothing but impunity to do -every disgraceful action under the sun.”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_175'>175</span>“I beg your pardon, my dear Lionel, the word -means everything. A bad action committed by a -gentleman is very different from one committed -by a plebeian; the first knows what he is about, -and whatever he does, he never forgets that he -is born a gentleman.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“The more shame to him for not behaving like -one,” muttered Lionel.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Oh! dear boy, you are too radical, indeed. -Well, tell me, had you many sins to confess? -Had Gwen a heap of peccadilloes on her -conscience?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>Lionel smiled, but remained silent.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Oh! oh! are they so appalling that my -matronly ear cannot hear them? Fie on you -both!” and Lady Carey looked very arch.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“These are mysteries that we have tried to -solve alone.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Where has your sense of humour gone to, -my poor fellow? But, never mind, forgive my -importunate questions; you don’t know how -ghastly dull life has become. Everything is so -uniform, the days so long, the amusements so -scarce; and what dreadful plays your new stage -Society is producing! Oh! my dear boy, it is -too awful. Still, one must go to them, or else -we should all be left out in the cold, and Society -would crumble away.”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_176'>176</span>“And you really believe that Society does -exist?” sententiously questioned Danford, as he -entered the room and bowed to the hostess. -“There is nothing so pernicious as delusions, -Lady Carey; Society is a huge spectrum reflecting -all sorts of coloured shapes, which appear to each -one perfect in <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">contour</span></i>. No one ever thinks of -striking the lens, because they each of them have -seen their own likeness reflected in it, and believe -in its reality. But the reality is only the -semblance of reality; strike the lens, and the -likeness will suddenly appear out of proportion; -and when broken to atoms, the whole phantasmagoria -will vanish, leaving the real substance -untouched. You have lived under the delusion -that the social phantom was substantial; you -must admit now that it was a deity created -by man.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“It would not exist any longer were we to -give up playing our part in the tournament; but -there is still life in the old British lion, Mr -Danford. Do take a cup of tea.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“A Society in which members do not know -each other, even by sight, has not many chances -of leading the game.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Don’t you find, Mr Danford, that we are -making progress in what you call the science of -observation?” inquired Lady Carey.</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_177'>177</span>“It is difficult to tell, Lady Carey. I do not -find that we always deal with conscientious pupils. -Observation can be developed in time; but it is -the lack of memory that is so disastrous. Mrs -Webster, for instance, cannot remember more -than half-a-dozen faces.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Dear me, my dear guide, I do not wish to -remember more than that number at present.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! but Mrs Webster is not exclusive, and -she had to give up having a reception the other -day, because her guide had sprained his ankle. -Mind you, Mrs Webster is sincere, she wishes -to improve in the art; but other pupils are more -puzzling, as, for instance, the vain people, who -make hopeless blunders, and insist on telling you -they know quite well who’s who, but they are -having you on; this makes our work most trying.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>No sooner had Danford spoken these words, -than the door was thrown open, and Montagu -Vane and Sinclair entered. Lady Carey smiled -on them and offered her right hand to be kissed.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“How delightful it is to know that there are -a few—alas! a very few—<i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">salons</span></i> where one can -go and have a chat.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>The little Apollo tripped across the room to -greet Gwen and Lionel.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear Mr Vane, I am afraid I am the only -one here who can sympathise with you.”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_178'>178</span>“If we do not strongly oppose this vulgarising -view of life, art will totally disappear from our -social circles,” remarked Sinclair, as he sat down -on a small settee beside Eva.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes,” echoed Vane, “I am doing my level -best to devise some means of checking this -downfall of art. I suggested to Lord Mowbray -this morning that we should invent a sort of -artificial vestment. This is my plan. Each one -would carry round his neck, wrist or waist, -a small electric battery, which would throw -a lovely colour all over one’s body, which -would at least adorn, if it could not conceal -it.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What a strange thing that we should, in a -London drawing-room, openly discuss this question -of nudity, when a few weeks ago no respectable -person would have admitted the existence of -shirt or trousers,” laughingly remarked Lady -Carey.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! that was the British cant!” retorted -Lionel. “Let us hail the storm which knocked -that false modesty out of us all.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear Lady Carey,” resumed Vane, “it is -not a question of decency at present, but a matter -of artistic feeling. I should propose organising -the thing in this way: Dukes would have a red -colour thrown over their lordly forms; Earls and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_179'>179</span>Barons a blue shade; Baronets, yellow; commoners -would have no colour, but the members of the -Royal Family would have red and yellow stripes. -Ladies would naturally have their shades too, -according to their rank: Duchesses, pink; -Countesses, pale green; and so on. This is a -rough sketch of course.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I quite see what you mean, Mr Vane,” remarked -Danford; a sort of mirage peerage.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Montagu Vane glanced up at the remark, and -curtly replied, “It would at all events acquaint -the public with the social standing of the -person whom he elbowed in the street, and -differentiate a peer of the realm from a—social -guide.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Or a—<i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">dilettante</span></i>,” mischievously added Danford.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I should have thought that what was more -important than finding out in what way one man -was differentiated from another, was to discover -the points in which they were alike,” said Lionel. -“You are catching at a straw, my dear Montagu; -your system is shallow, and you will never persuade -the Upper Ten of its practicableness. For -my part, I plainly refuse to envelop my carcass -with a Loie Fuller’s sidelight.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Your decision is law amongst your peers, my -lord,” and Danford bowed.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“We had better start a Society for the obtaining -<span class='pageno' id='Page_180'>180</span>of accurately reported news. Newspapers -have disappeared, and with them the necessity -has died out for falsifying the truth,” said -Lionel.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I do protest,” interrupted Sinclair, “against -plain facts being handed to me by unimaginative -people who pass on an ungarnished piece of -news without as much as adding one poor little -adjective. It is too brutally literal.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“It all comes, as I was saying,” apologetically -remarked Vane, “from a complete lack of artistic -feeling.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“There you are right,” hurriedly said Lionel; -“for Parliament is broken up from the lack of -dramatic power in its members, and militarism -will inevitably die out with the disappearance of -military distinctions.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“And dramatic art is buried since the study -of local colour and environment has been -abandoned,” sharply added Vane.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes,” sadly echoed Lady Carey, “imagination -has been insulted by some terrible creature called -Nature.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Dear Lady Carey,” suavely murmured the -little <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">dilettante</span></i>, “we can thank God that we have -still a few <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">salons</span></i>—though, alas! a very few—where -we can bask in the sunshine of gossip.” Then -turning to Lionel, “But do not let me deter you -<span class='pageno' id='Page_181'>181</span>from your plan; and pray telephone to me whenever -you want my house for your new Society. I -consider it a duty to keep <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">en evidence</span></i>; if we -cannot prevent your reforms, we can at least -patronise them, for when Society ceases to lead, -it will disappear.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You are speaking words of the greatest -wisdom, Mr Vane,” said Danford, “words which -make me think deeply. You could indeed do a -great deal for the sake of Society, by urging upon -members of the Royal Family that it is in their -power to prevent the annihilation of their -house.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“In what way can I do this?” Vane turned -towards the little artist; in an instant he seemed -to have forgotten his grievance against the tribe -of buffoons.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Well, Mr Vane, the illness of Mrs Webster’s -guide made me ponder these grave questions, and -I discussed the point with the Committee of -Social Guides. We all know what a gift Royal -Princes possess for remembering faces; therefore -we have come to the conclusion that such a talent -should not be wasted. Someone must discreetly -approach our Royal Highnesses, and beg of them -to allow their names to be added to the list of -social guides. You will no doubt agree with me -that this is the only way in which our Royal -<span class='pageno' id='Page_182'>182</span>Family can be made useful, for since the storm, -nothing has been heard of them, and no one seems -to know what they are up to.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“The suggestion is not a bad one, Mr Danford,” -slowly answered Vane. “We all know how eager -our Princes are to meet every wish of their -subjects.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, this is indeed true,” added Lady Carey, -“and Society might then recover some of its -prestige.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I do not know whether these illustrious guides -will have any sidelights to throw on life’s -problems, or any philosophical <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">aperçu</span></i> on human -beings; but those who will employ them will be -sure, at any rate, of an infallible guide to the -finding of a person’s identity, and of an accurate -knowledge of the Peerage which would put a -Debrett to shame. Although I myself believe -that since the disappearance of garments, the -public has become eager to know that which lies -concealed within the inner heart of men and -women.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“This idea of Royal Guides is sure to take like -wild-fire amongst the American millionaires,” -broke in Lionel.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“<em>There</em> you are right,” briskly retorted Vane, -“but that reminds me that we have not seen anything -of the fashionable Yankees.”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_183'>183</span>“I can tell you about them, Mr Vane,” mysteriously -answered the little buffoon. “They are -meditating; and although you do not notice their -presence, still they are at large; but the <em>mot -d’ordre</em> has been given to all the guides never to -disclose the identity of the United States’ citizens -until they give us leave.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“How lonely it must be for them to remain in -that isolation,” remarked Lady Carey.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Not a bit of it,” replied Lionel; “they are -quite able to entertain each other. It is we who -are the losers, not they, for the invasion of -American heiresses upon our Piccadilly shores -has vivified our rotten old Society. Lord -Petersham used to remark that our girls looked -like drowned mermaids at the end of the -season, whilst an American maiden was as fresh -at Goodwood as she had been at the Private -View.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Quite true,” said Sinclair, “the American girl -is cute, not <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">blasé</span></i>.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes,” broke in Lady Carey, “she came over -here to have a good time and carried that creed up -to the last.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“They invariably aim straight and high,” -continued Lionel, “and the Americans will be -the first to attach Royal Guides to their households.”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_184'>184</span>“I wonder which of our Royal Princes Mrs -Pottinger will choose?” said Lady Carey, bursting -out laughing. “I cannot help roaring when I -think of the vulgar woman entertaining us all in -her palace. There she was on deck, full sail and -long-winded; for hours she would hold forth on -English politics, Christian science, European -hotels, with that rhythmical monotony so peculiar -to her race.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“That is just why they will carry the day, if you -do not look out,” wistfully remarked Danford; -“their memory is always ready to help their -fluency.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“The conversation of an American,” said -Sinclair, “resembles a sermon without a text, an -address minus the vote of thanks.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You know what she called London Society?” -inquired Lord Somerville. “She named it her -buck-jumper; but she was bent on mastering it, -although it kicked and reared as she forced her -gilded spurs into its flanks. At times the incongruity -of the buck-jumper fairly puzzled her. -One thing she could not swallow, that was -Society’s meanness. You know what she said -to the Duke of Salttown? ‘That England was -the country for cheap kindness and expensive -frauds.’”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ha! ha! ha!” they all laughed.</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_185'>185</span>“Wonderful race!” exclaimed Sinclair, -“whether it is the President of the United States, -a cowboy, or a fashionable woman, they are all -gifted with that intuition which divines ‘friend’ -or ‘foe’ in each face they meet; just as the red -Indian measures distance with his far-seeing -eye, and discovers a white spot on the horizon -which is likely to develop into a blizzard. In -everything they undertake, they first see the -aim, go for it, win it, and sit down afterwards -without a flush or a puff.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Perhaps America is destined to shape our -future civilisation,” said Lady Carey; “I am sure -I do not care who is to be our saviour, as long as -we are saved from this anarchy.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear Lady Carey,” replied Lord Somerville, -as he walked to the chimney and leaned his -elbow on the marble mantelpiece, “we shall have -to coin another word for the future Society that -is staring us in the face, for the old word civilisation -has a nasty flavour about it. At times we -have worn war-paint and feathers; at others, -charms round our necks, crosses on our hearts, -decorations on our breasts; but the cruelty of -the savage was no more execrable than the -dogmatic ferocity of Torquemada, nor in any -way more inhuman than the ruthlessness of -George I. Nor was Queen Eleanor’s kerchief -<span class='pageno' id='Page_186'>186</span>more indicative of mediæval depravity than -Queen Elizabeth’s frill an emblem of Renaissance -levity. Each of these historical eras was but a -different stage of barbarism. We had more -ornaments than Hottentots, and less principles -than monkeys. As long as we have two different -creeds, half-a-dozen codes of honour, and -hundreds of punctilios, we shall never be civilised. -Instead of adding more labels to human beings, -we must, first of all, find out what a human being -is. We are taught virtue in the nursery, but we -are compelled to commit crimes when out of it. -The morning prayer says one thing, and life as -we make it teaches another. Step by step we -are trained to family deceit, political Pharisaism, -commercial fraud, diplomatic mendacity, art -quackery; and all that in the name of a -Redeemer who lashed the vendors out of the -temple, and died for the love of truth and -peace.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Someone said that it needed three generations -to make a gentleman,” murmured Vane in -his silvery voice.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“No doubt the dogmatist who said that must -have thought of Poole and La Ferriere as the -modern Debretts; for our present aristocracy is -nothing more than a nobility of vestments. -Generation after generation has handed down -<span class='pageno' id='Page_187'>187</span>to us the art of carrying the soldier’s sword, the -judge’s robes, the Court train, or of bearing a proud -head under the Prince of Wales’s nodding plumes. -It is the atavism of garment which has made us -what we are. But in the race of life; in the -fight for the post of honour; in the hour of -darkness and sorrow, when failure brings down -the curtain on our lives, clothes will be of no -help. The noble sweep of a satin train, the long-inherited -art of bowing oneself out of a room, -will be of little service in the final bowing out -into eternity. Your grandmother’s corselet or -your great-grandfather’s rapier and jerkin will -lie idly on the ground, for we are not allowed -any luggage on the other side. The real fact -is that the whole social structure was a big -farce.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“A farce more likely to turn into a tragedy,” -saucily retorted Vane. “See how matters are -going on in South Africa; or at least see what -is <em>not</em> going on; for by this time we must be the -laughing-stock of a handful of farmers. War is -bound to cease, and we shall have to retreat -ignominiously, as we cannot send any more men -out there, owing to the confusion at the War -Office. It appears they cannot distinguish our -valiant officers from the men.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! This is the first blow struck at the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_188'>188</span>principle of warfare,” replied Lionel. “When you -think of it in cold blood, it is quite impossible -to admit of war. Try and boycott your neighbour, -persuade him into giving up his will to yours; -order his meals, eat three parts of them yourself, -invade his house, break his furniture; and if he in -any way objects, then use the convincing arguments -of artillery and bayonets. After that, you -will see how it works.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, the history of nations is nothing else but -a series of thefts, murders and duplicity; and were -any of our personal friends to commit a quarter of -what sovereigns and governments commit in one -day’s work, we should promptly strike their names -off our visiting list,” said Gwendolen. Perhaps this -remark struck home, for no one replied. Vane -got up briskly on to his feet, and bowed daintily -over Lady Carey’s hand.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ta-ta, Mr Danford,” he nodded to the little -mimic, and left the room.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I shall walk a little way with you, Lionel,” said -Sinclair, who had got up to say good-bye to his -hostess.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Come along with us,” replied Lionel. “Good-bye, -dear Lady Carey. I am going to ring up old -Victor de Laumel by telephone, and ask him what -they think of us in ‘<i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">la ville lumière</span></i>.’”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear boy,” said Lady Carey, “you may be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_189'>189</span>sure of this, that the smart Parisians would have -found a way out of this difficulty before now. But -at any rate, they never would have taken it <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">au -serieux</span></i>, as you are doing; for they are too -punctilious on the question of good taste, and -more than anything fear ridicule!”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_190'>190</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER XIII</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>A few days after this animated discussion at Lady -Carey’s, there were to be seen dashing along Pall -Mall numerous chariots which halted at the ex-Walton -Club, where also fair ladies were alighting -from their wheeled couches (these had been -designed by Sinclair at Lionel’s suggestion). -There were also public conveyances of a practical -and artistic shape, made to accommodate several -passengers in a comfortable posture. The fastidious -designer could not conceal his satisfaction at the -disappearance of advertisements, which formerly -had distracted his æsthetic mind, and roused -his indignation at the public’s gullibility. The -Walton was filling fast. Everyone interested -in the future of art was there, as Lord Somerville -had promised to give an address on the Royal -Academy; and the telephones had been kept going -by friends and acquaintances of his, inviting their -friends to attend the meeting.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Who was that throwing the reins to his groom and -jumping out of his chariot? A familiar face. Of -course, it was H.R.H. the Duke of Schaum, so well -<span class='pageno' id='Page_191'>191</span>known to every shoe-black. He had been the very -first Royal Prince to apply to the Committee of -Social Guides and was now the mentor of Mrs -Webster. It was only natural that the eldest of -the Princes should make the first move, for rulers -still they were, if only in name and amongst themselves. -The other members of the august family -had rushed zealously into the arena, and they were -all enjoying the work. Here was Montagu Vane -walking up the steps and entering through the -swing doors at the same time as H.R.H. the Duke -of Schaum who occasionally, when Mrs Webster -gave him time to breathe, instructed the <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">dilettante</span></i> -in the art of knowing who was who. Vane had -not yet adopted a chariot; when he was not going -far from home he walked, on other occasions he -would ask his friend Mowbray to give him a lift; -for Lord Mowbray had greatly improved in the -handling of the ribbons. He had lately attached -to his service a young member of the Royal -Family, for he could endure no one lower than a -scion of royalty as his constant companion through -life! Lord Petersham, his hand on old Watson’s -shoulder, was slowly mounting the steps. Watson -had lost his insular swagger, while his lordly -companion was daily forgetting his love of party -politics as he learnt more of humanity. Since they -were no more beholden to each other for liberal -<span class='pageno' id='Page_192'>192</span>cheques, and introductions into Society, the two -men understood each other better. On their heels -rushed Tom Hornsby; he was here, there and -everywhere, witty Tom; raillery was still his -weapon, but he appeared very old-fashioned to -his contemporaries, whilst his satirical outbursts -seemed now more antiquated than the <cite>Tatler</cite> or -<cite>Spectator</cite> of Georgian civilisation. There, with -his nonchalant demeanour, came along George -Murray, who had, a few days previously, begged his -publishers to destroy his last MS., as he wished to -observe the turn of events before bringing out his -next novel.</p> - -<p class='c003'>The hall was full, but not over-crowded. The -Parliamentarians and many of the members in -the Upper House still kept away in the country, -where, unconsciously, they did some good work -in the resuscitation of rural life. It was remarkable -what the so-called leading classes -could do now that the greatest incentive to -snobbery had been torn from their backs. But -Danford had always prophesied as much to his -pupil.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Groups were forming in the spacious hall; in -one corner were Mrs Archibald, Lady Carey and -Montagu Vane; whilst in one of the large bow -windows overlooking the garden was Hornsby, -feverishly expounding some State paradox to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_193'>193</span>Lord Mowbray and a few more ex-club men. -Men came in, bowed to each other—even when -they did not recognise each other—for politeness -and courtesy had been found to be the best -policy; women lay down on large couches -carved in the walls, talking gaily to one another, -without any superciliousness. Simplicity and -graciousness was the order of the day. Many -said that they could not do otherwise than be -natural: “It is by force that we are simple, not by -taste.” But never mind what caused this transformation, -the point at least was gained: very -often the scoffer who hurls a stone at a new -edifice, in course of time sees his very weapon -help to build that which he intended to destroy. -That is the irony of Fate.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You will never convince me that this kind of -democracy can last,” said Mrs Archibald to -Danford, as the latter accompanied Lionel. “I -think it is most <i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">infra dig.</span></i> of our Royal Family to -forget who they are and to lose the little bit of -prestige which they possessed. The lowest -urchin in the street looked up to our Royalty. -Do you believe anything good can come of -their vulgarising themselves as they do?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“It was quite natural that the lower classes -should have looked up to their rulers,” replied -Dan, “for they had, for centuries, told them to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_194'>194</span>do so. As you know, madam, the power of gross -credulity is great in the British nation, therefore -they will only believe you to be their equals when -you repeatedly tell it to them.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I always thought, Mr Danford”—Vane’s voice -was pitched unusually high—“that you were cut -out for a missionary, and possessed the necessary -gifts to set right all social wrongs.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear Mr Vane,” replied the buffoon, -“there often is a gospel wrapped up in a howling -joke. My long experience at the Tivoli and -other Music Halls taught me my Catechism more -exhaustively than my early attendance at Sunday -Schools.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Somerville is mounting the platform,” remarked -George Murray to a group of Royal Academicians -Silence soon reigned, enabling the clear, ringing -voice of the lecturer to be heard.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ladies and gentlemen, I have a new plan to -submit to you.” (“Hear! hear!”) “A plan which -suggested itself to me after my first visit, this -season, to the Royal Academy. I was struck by -the attitude of the public, and noticed group after -group passing scornfully in front of portraits, -historical subjects, and war pictures. In fact, very -few were the pictures that attracted any attention -at all. Then I observed that landscapes aroused -a good deal of attention on the part of the dissatisfied -<span class='pageno' id='Page_195'>195</span>crowds, and that pictures representing the -human form in its Edenic attire were the object -of their closest observation. I was filled with -wonderment at the evolution of a public who the -preceding year had rushed to gaze at pictures by -Sargent, Orchardson, Collier, Alma Tadema, and -the rest. As I strolled through the rooms I saw -many a woman blushing as she came in front of a -portrait of an over-dressed woman; men with -downcast eyes hurried away from the pictures of -our so-called great men in their military uniforms -or in any other garments. My first determination -on leaving the place was to have my portrait -removed; and, strange to say, the committee did -not in any way oppose my wish, as many had -thought fit, like me, to have their likenesses taken -away. This is a great sign of the present evolution -towards true art. I do not for one moment expect -our artists—who have already made their names—to -approve at once of my reform; but in time they -may come to see their past errors, as already one -step towards the reform of art has been taken by -closing the doors of the Royal Academy.” (Here -there were murmurs amongst the minority of -malcontents.) “Yes, I heard this very morning -that this would be the last day of the exhibition; -the President having resolved to take this ominous -resolution to punish the public, and teach them a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_196'>196</span>lesson. We must, all of us, bear this well in mind: -that art cannot any longer, in our new mode of -life, be the means of obtaining wealth or position, -and that nature is the sole guide and model which -is to lead the artist to artistic eminence. As to -painting garments from memory, the mere notion -of such a sartorial nightmare ought to make the -true artist shudder with horror. I therefore propose -that a committee should be organised, -similar to the one appointed for the reform of -public monuments, to judge of the pictures which, -in future, shall be sent to the Academy. The -name of the artist would only be submitted to the -committee after the picture had been accepted or -rejected. The name of the person who had sat for -the portrait would equally remain unknown, until -the majority of the members on the committee -should have recognised whom it was. The subject of -an historical picture would likewise remain unrevealed, -until the majority of members had been -able to guess the subject when they looked at the -picture—I see a few R.A.’s at the end of the -hall, laughing and whispering. I quite understand -their mirth, for they are looking forward to -mystifying the committee, whose members are -often sadly lacking in historical knowledge. I -can only advise those gentlemen at the end of the -hall to develop a keener sense of discrimination -<span class='pageno' id='Page_197'>197</span>in the choice of their subjects, before they attempt -to represent on wood, or copper—for there is no -canvas—an historical incident, without the aid of -local colour or garments. Our stage was reformed -the day that Nature held up her mirror and -showed man as God had made him; fiction said -her last word when the high pressure of our -abnormal civilisation suddenly collapsed, and -allowed man and woman to look into each other’s -eyes, and for the first time realise the abnormal -condition of their former lives. The same evolution -awaits plastic art and the painter’s avocation, -for if a committee cannot tell, by looking at a -picture, what the subject is, they will have to -retire so as to learn how to observe and how to -remember. Likewise, if an artist is unable to -paint his subject without the trapping of garment, -the sooner such an exponent of art takes to some -other means of expressing his thoughts, the better. -The aim of art, in our present civilisation, is to be -useful, either in the material or the abstract world; -and to be useful one must be clear and true—I -hear someone saying that I am limiting art -most shamefully; I think it is Mr Vane. No, I -beg his pardon, truth and lucidity do not limit art. -Had Mr Vane said that my new plan would limit -the number of artists he would no doubt have -been nearer the truth. We need only a very few -<span class='pageno' id='Page_198'>198</span>artists, just as we need very few writers, and you -will soon see that vanishing of clothes and upholstery -will reduce their number. Now, I -want to propose that a branch should be added to -this committee, whose work should be to judge -the past works hanging in our numerous galleries, -more especially those of our English artists who -have won fame. Let us take as one example out -of thousands, ‘The Huguenots’ by Millais. Have a -perfect copy drawn of it, without the clothes which -cover the figures, and let this picture be shown to -a committee of historians unacquainted with the -picture, and ask them to tell you what is ailing -these three souls at war with each other. I defy -the committee to tell you. The incidental feud -which tortures these three souls is merely anecdotal, -and not an eternally human conflict. How few of -our standard works would be comprehended -without the external label which makes the -subject intelligible. But those few, who would -escape the public’s condemnation, would be -sufficient to stimulate our young artists who are -penetrated with a true and disinterested love of -art. As to the rest who cannot learn the lesson -taught them by nature, let them put their cerebral -energy to other uses, either industrial or scientific. -We are going fast towards the time, when, as -Prudhon said, ‘The artist must at last be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_199'>199</span>convinced of this, that there is no difference -between an artistic creation and an industrial -invention.’</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Instead of limiting art by subjecting its productions -to truth and lucidity, I believe that we shall -give a more powerful impetus to artistic expression. -Our new mode of life will inevitably create -in us new sentiments, and more simple morals, -even new sensations, which will inevitably develop -in us new modes of expressions; so that a -greater display of facial expressions will forcibly -be followed by a richer scale of artistic execution. -Besides which, we cannot take all the credit to -ourselves in this reform of art; the public has -given us a lesson by scorning the false manifestations -of art, which inadequately represent his -present condition. We cannot stop the reform, -for the current is too strong and we must go with -it.” (Cheers and applause.) “I believe Mr Sinclair -has a few words to say to you, for which he has -this morning begged me to ask your indulgence, -though I feel sure he does not in any way -need it.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>Lionel left the platform, shook hands with -several men who had gathered round him, and -joined the group which included Lady Carey -and Mrs Archibald.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Sinclair took the position vacated by Lionel, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_200'>200</span>and leaning indolently against the table spoke as -in a reverie:—</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I have come to tell you, ladies and gentlemen, -of the death of the art critic.” Every head turned -towards him; one could have heard a pin drop. -Sinclair seemed to wake suddenly from his -meditation at the sound of his own voice, and -began earnestly to address his audience. “I -hope you will take it well from me, for you -know how wedded I was to my profession. -But if I have come here this day to tell you of -the total decomposition of the critic, it is only -after having maturely reflected over, and analysed -my past career. The eclipse of journalism, the -judicious weeding of publishers’ lists, have worked -a transformation in our conception of art, be it -plastic, dramatic or lyric, and we are now asking -ourselves what caused the feverish infatuation for -one particular author, painter or musician? But -we find it next to impossible to answer. Real -talent certainly was not sufficient to force the -market, nor did the eulogies of critics help to -boom a work which was distasteful to the public. -On the other hand, no anathema showered at the -head of a despised author ever stopped the sale -of his inferior work.” (Laughter—many heads -looked round the hall to see if the much-abused -author was there.) “The critic did not guide the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_201'>201</span>artist, nor did he teach the public what it had to -admire or condemn. The public was a hydra -with many heads and many judgments; from -the <cite>Letters of Elizabeth</cite> to Herbert Spencer’s -<cite>Ethics</cite>, it devoured all, for its appetite was varied -though at times unhealthy. I am sorry to say -that the only achievement of the critic was to -make the public believe he was leading it. It -was indeed very clever of him to convince the -hydra of his own importance, and as long as it -lasted it was well and good; but the reign of the -critic was ephemeral, for at every corner the -public is having its revenge now. The masses -disdainfully pass in front of pictures we extolled, -hiss the plays we boomed, and roar at the music -we admired. We coaxed the public, and conciliated -the fashionable centres of Society so as -to solidify our position and fill our purses; we -blinded the many-headed hydra, stuffed cottonwool -in its ears, and anæsthetised its power of -appreciation into believing that we were indispensable -to the development of art. The irony -of it is, that it is that very public which is giving -us a colossal lesson. Changed surroundings have -altered the standard of art; and the hydra is -giving us tit for tat. We have nothing else to -do but to retire cheerfully. My dear friends, -I come to you to cry, <i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">Peccavi</span></i>, and to beg -<span class='pageno' id='Page_202'>202</span>for your forgiveness for past errors of judgment. -We have no need to dog the artist’s footsteps -when there exists no longer any stimulus to -inferior work, and when the reign of saleable art -is over. The era of the artist-his-own-critic is at -hand. Let the artist fight his battle with the hydra; -best of all, leave the artist to fight his own battle -with his own conscience, for the latter will -prompt him to do only that which is necessary -for the happiness of himself and others.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What about Sargent?” broke in the clarion -voice of Hornsby, who was standing at the end of -the hall, close to the President of the Academy.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! <i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">mea culpa</span></i>,” solemnly uttered Sinclair, -“when you come to Sargent, you touch the depth -of artificiality—if such a thing can be said. But -our past Society was the age of tragic frivolity, and -Sargent was the Homer of that modish <cite>Odyssey</cite>. -He illustrated the law of natural selection by -making garments the main feature in his portraits. -Under his brush the inner souls of his models -withered away, while artificial surroundings and -vestments emphasised in his pictures a condition -of spurious passions and morbid excitability. Run -through, mentally, the gallery of Sargent’s portraits, -and you will see their anatomy wither under the -robe of Nessus. He endowed flounces, feathers -and ribands with Medusa-like ferocity; and the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_203'>203</span>Laocoon is not more fatally begirded, nor are his -limbs more piteously crushed by snakes, than are -these frail women’s hearts muffled and hidden by -clouds of lace and chiffon. Do you remember that -youth whom he immortalised a few years ago? -That heir to great properties on whose fatuous -brow was stamped the mark of the symbol of -militarism? That diagonal mark of white skin on -a sunburnt forehead is a painted satire. Kipling -gave us a high-flavoured <em>philippic</em> on Tommy -Atkins; to Sargent was entrusted the mission of -immortalising the Tommy of the upper classes. -Like a faithful chronicler, Sargent intended to -hand down to posterity the biography of Society -as he saw it—that is to say—the living product of -artificial environment. Hogarth was a dramatic -historian of the unbridled passions of a brutal -Society. Disrobe the figures of the <cite><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Mariage à la -Mode</span></cite>, or of the <cite>Rake’s Progress</cite>, and I believe the -committee, which my friend Lord Somerville wishes -to appoint to judge our past works of art, will -easily be able to guess at a glance what tragedy is -breaking the hearts of these ungentle personages. -Sargent is the satirist of a clothed Society. His -models would exist no longer were you to divest -them of their meretricious furbelows; for their -garments are the parts which help to form the -aggregate of their psychology, and without their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_204'>204</span>frills and trimmings, they would merely be -marionettes stuffed with sawdust and held together -with screws.” (Murmurs from several groups. -The President of the Academy leaves the hall.) -“The end of Society was nigh, when it could only -boast of a School of Athens in which a Socrates -was a tailor, Aspasia a Court dressmaker, and -Diogenes an upholsterer. Plato and Aristotle’s -philosophy did not more potently influence the world -of thought of their epoch, than did the unappealable -decretals of a Paquin, and the arbitrary ukase of -a Poole.” The small minority of malcontents were -endeavouring to stop the lecturer, whose clear voice -managed to drown the hisses and the groans. He -silenced them all. “We must have the courage to -face this, for since the late cataclysm, we have -been suddenly placed on a platform from which we -are able to clearly view our past civilisation; and we -can see that formerly we had no sense of objectivity, -and that what we erroneously termed the modern -world was but the heaping together of complexities -and incongruities. Do you remember that perfect -short story by Balzac, <cite>The Unknown Masterpiece</cite>? -It is the story of an artist who jealously hides the -picture he is painting from any intruding eye. He -alone enters his sanctum, and there for hours he -works at this great work. One day, some profane -creature enters the studio, irreverently lifts the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_205'>205</span>curtain which covers the canvas, and sees—nothing. -Blurrs, daubs, uncertain design, in fact, -confusion is all he can detect. This is what we -have been doing for centuries; we daubed and -smudged our social work for want of a proper -perspective; we created a huge monstrosity just as -this artist produced an incomprehensible picture, -because he, and we, could not judge our production -from the standpoint of another. I have digressed -from my subject, and wandered far away from -what was the purpose of this address. Let -me conclude by telling you that the miserable -efforts of the critic are futile in the new era of—art -for art’s sake.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>Sinclair, on his way across the hall, was dazed -by the thunderous applause which greeted him on -his passage. The group of A.R.A.’s had left the -hall, no doubt to ponder these weighty questions -in solitude, and with the exception of Vane, -Mowbray, Mrs Archibald and their small group, -the whole audience was acquiescent.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I never would have believed it of you, old -man,” sneered Vane. “What is to become of us, -when men like you, who kept the public taste in -check, give up the game?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear Montagu, that is just what we did not -do. We played hide-and-seek with the many-headed -hydra, and it has collared us now, and our -<span class='pageno' id='Page_206'>206</span>game is up. On the day when you see the -triviality of our past, as I do, you will act as I -act, and you will say what I have said.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear fellow”—Vane shook his head wisely—“<em>that</em> -is quite impossible unless I become a Goth. I -am one of those who never alter; but, the day you -recognise your folly, you will find me the same as -ever, ready to welcome you as our critic in all -matters of art.” And he passed on.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ever the same, incorrigible; I dare not think -what his end will be.” And Sinclair turned his -steps towards the window where Eva and Gwen -were sitting.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I always told you, darling Eva, that Sinclair -would be brought unconsciously to understand -the right purport of life on the day when he -realised the true meaning of art.” Gwen pressed -Eva’s hand. “Sinclair the fastidious, the cynic, -is no more, and the man whom you honoured with -your love and trust is coming to claim you.” Eva -laid her head on her friend’s shoulder, as she -watched Sinclair, who was coming towards -them.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Mr Danford,” said Lady Carey, who was -reclining in another window, “you have just -arrived in time. Do tell us who that is going on -to the platform? I am so short-sighted.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>The little satirist briskly turned on his heels -<span class='pageno' id='Page_207'>207</span>and looked at the thick-set, purple-faced man who -was besieging the platform.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Why, that is ex-General Wellingford!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What, the man who bungled so disastrously -the early part of our African campaign?” inquired -Lady Carey.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“The very same, madam,” answered Danford.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I am off,” suddenly exclaimed Lionel. “The -old fellow does not interest me in the least. Besides, -there is nothing more to be said about the -African campaign since our troops have had to -return from South Africa, leaving the country and -the people to themselves. <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Au revoir</span></i>, Lady -Carey. Are you staying, Mowbray?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I think it is our duty as loyal subjects to -listen to what the head of our army has to say,” -stiffly replied Lord Mowbray.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Come along then, Dan.” The two men left -the window, and passed through the crowd who -were loudly discussing the subject of art reform. -As they came to the next bow window, Lionel -saw Gwen and Eva engrossed in a lively conversation -with Sinclair. Lionel stopped, and laying -his hand on Danford’s arm said, “I shall not -disturb them. When a man has found one of the -rings that form the chain of life, he must be left to -rivet it without any interference.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>They passed into the vestibule.</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_208'>208</span>“What is to be done with the War Office?” -the rough voice of the ex-general suddenly -hushed the buzzing <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">causerie</span></i>; and these portentous -words reached the ears of Lionel and Danford as -they swung the doors open, and passed out.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ha! ha! ha!” Danford held his sides, convulsed -with laughter. “Even the ex-hero of -civilised warfare is puzzled at what is to be done -with his obsolete bag of tricks!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Poor Mowbray will lose another illusion,” -remarked Lionel, and the two men walked up -toward St James’s Park.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_209'>209</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER XIV</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>“I shall do your hair for you, mother dear,” -said Eva one morning. They were both in Lady -Carey’s dressing-room, as it was the time when the -maid was rung for to attend to her mistress’s -coiffure.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“A very good idea, Eva. I must say I never -feel quite at my ease with Elise, and I ring for her -as seldom as I can now. It does seem so funny -to give orders to a person who stands just as -naked as you are.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Oh! I am so glad! I have been longing to -arrange your lovely hair in my own way,” and Eva -clapped her hands with joy.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You are very brusque, Eva—here are the hairpins, -and the brush is in that drawer.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>Eva held the mass of auburn hair in her fingers, -and softly brushed it off the delicate temples of -her mother.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I am afraid, dear child, you have lost a great -deal of your ladylike grace since you have been a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_210'>210</span>regular attendant at these public tournaments. You -associate with such a queer lot there; I am sure it -must be fatal to good manners.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>In a few seconds Eva had wound the rich coils -of hair into a Grecian knot on the shapely head of -her mother.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You look a perfect dear, mother; so like the -Medici Venus—you don’t know how perfectly -lovely you are.” The girl kissed Lady Carey and -sat at her feet.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My poor child, I do not know what is to -become of us all.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You need not be anxious, mother”—Eva leaned -her graceful head on her mother’s lap. “It is -useless to try to stem the tide; nothing that you -can ever do will prevent what has to be.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What do you aim at, child?” asked Lady -Carey, as she tidied her combs and brushes.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Nothing, mother—but—I often crave for -freedom.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Is there anything you want to say, Eva?” -Lady Carey laid her hand on the girl’s hair. “I -have heard and seen such strange things lately, -that I might just as well know all.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Oh! darling mother, I could not bear to do -anything which you would consider underhand; -although my actions would only be the reflection -of my own convictions.”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_211'>211</span>Lady Carey took her daughter’s face in her two -hands and stared hard at her. “Are you thinking -of doing the same mad thing as Gwen? If -so, say it at once; I had rather be prepared for -the worst.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>No answer came. Eva dropped her eyelids and -spoke no word. At last she softly murmured, “I -love Sinclair.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Oh! for the matter of that, many have done -the same,” derisively remarked her mother, as she -gently pushed away the face she held.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes,” breathlessly answered the girl, “but he -loves me.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Hum! He has told that to many. All this -is nonsense, you must put all this out of your -silly head. Sinclair is not a marrying man; -besides, he is not the husband <em>I</em> would wish you -to have.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>Eva stood up and looked straight at her mother. -“He is the husband <em>I</em> have chosen.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My poor girl, Sinclair is not the man to stick -to one woman. He is hypercritical and cynical, I -should even say—cruel, where a woman’s love is -concerned.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“But, mother, he has repudiated his past errors—you -heard what he said a week ago?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Pooh! that was only hysteria, it will pass! It -is better to speak to you plainly, Eva; he was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_212'>212</span>Lady Vera’s lover for two years. I know all -about it, as I was her confidante through it all. -He nearly drove her out of her senses with his -capricious moods; her husband, as you know, -divorced her; and ever afterwards Sinclair -invented new modes of torture for the woman -who, I believe, sincerely loved him. She gave -him up at last and threw herself at the head of -that silly Bob Leyland, who is good to her in his -own way.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“As to Sinclair’s relations with Lady Vera, that -is no news to me, my dear mother. How can a -girl remain ignorant of these scandals after one -London season? If the friends or enemies of -the man or the woman do not tell her all about it, -it is very easy for her to find it out for herself. -Women like Lady Vera are living advertisements, -and they would no more wish to hide their intrigues -than Epps and Cadbury would wish to -stop the advertising of their cocoas. It is all part -of the social business; and the pit and gallery -would be swindled out of their sport were Society’s -sewers to be thoroughly cleansed.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“But it will always be the case as long as there -exists an Upper Ten; and, after all, when we think -of it, it was much worse in Charles II.’s time and -under the Georges,” replied Lady Carey.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I have no doubt it was so,” said Eva. “They -<span class='pageno' id='Page_213'>213</span>were coarse, but we are suggestive; they were -brutal in the pursuit of indecorous pleasures, we -are complex in our vulgar dissipations. We combine -the corruption of a Louis XV. with the -casuist of a Loyola. The Georges were everything -that is bad, I grant you, but they were not -effeminate; they lived up to their standard -of military chivalry, which we do not, although -we pretend to believe in a military code of -honour.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What on earth will you put in its place, child?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Honesty.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“How suburban, Eva. I expect my grocer or -my housekeeper to possess that <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">bourgeois</span></i> -quality; but a gentleman must have a higher -ideal of chivalry.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“There is nothing more exalted than perfect -honesty, dear mother; and the proof is that your -grocer and your housekeeper cannot afford to live -up to its standard, for it does not pay.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You are quite terrible, Eva, with your subversive -theories! I cannot imagine where you picked up -these queer ideas. I have always been most -particular to surround you with what we were used -to call well-bred people.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, the Lady Veras and company,” retorted -Eva.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Lady Carey ignored the remark and continued, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_214'>214</span>“I always feared Gwen would have a fatal influence -over you. But what could I do? It is so -difficult to weed out one’s friends when one belongs -to a certain set.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear mother, Gwen was saved in time, for -she would have turned into a Lady Vera had not -Society’s foundations suddenly collapsed. She -had been taught all the tricks of a perfect woman -of the world, and would have even outdistanced -Lady Vera, for she possessed more brains and -more animal spirits. So, you see, there is still -hope for a Sinclair to develop into a paragon of -virtue, to suit even your fastidious ideal of a -son-in-law.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear Eva, pray do not accuse me of such -a Philistine notion as to require in my son-in-law -any of the qualities absolutely needed in a bank -accountant or in a land agent. Heaven forbid! -I am larger minded than that, and I know that a -man must live. You see, Sinclair is all right, and we -all run after him and make love to him, and look -forward to the clever sayings that drop from his -cynical lips; but”—a pout was on her lips, as she -looked for the proper word to express her sentiment—“well, -he is not what we are accustomed to -consider a—gentleman. It is extraordinary how -these upstarts end by believing they can do anything. -His father was tutor to Lord Farmiloe’s -<span class='pageno' id='Page_215'>215</span>son; and, instead of going into the army as his -father wished him to do, Sinclair, after leaving -Oxford, began to dabble in questionable journalism, -and soon developing that wonderful power of -criticism, he became the terror of all artists, known -or unknown. I know, perhaps better than most -women, what it is to suffer from a man who does -not consider his wife’s love all-sufficient to his -happiness.” Lady Carey relaxed her hard expression, -her eyes were for one instant dimmed by -a passing mist, and her lips trembled, whilst a -lump rose in her throat; but it was soon over. -“Your father <em>was</em> a gentleman, and I could not -wish a daughter of mine to have a more courteous -man for a husband. He treated me, before the -world, as he ought to have treated the woman who -bore his name, and carried on his numerous -intrigues with the discipline and gallantry of a -true soldier, who held his sword at the service of -his king, and his soul at the mercy of his God, -but brooked no restraint nor reproach from anyone -in this world.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What a convenient way of dismissing all moral -obligations,” remarked Eva.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“When you have seen as much of the world as -I have, my dear Eva, you will know that philosophy -plays a large part in our social training, -and helps to soften the coarseness of life. We -<span class='pageno' id='Page_216'>216</span>leave the rioting of the mind to the plebeian classes, -who have not, like us, to keep up appearances and -traditions of <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">bienséance</span></i>.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, but the world’s philosophy is no longer -the enduring stoicism of a Spartan, nor is it the -calm acceptance of human frailty of a Marcus -Aurelius; it is a cynical acquiescence in the general -depravity of the over-fed and over-clothed -worshippers of Mammon, who smile at their -neighbour’s weaknesses, hoping that he in turn -will shut his eyes to their foibles. Philosophy -is your capital which pays you back heavy -dividends.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“How bitter you are, my dear girl. You are too -young to think or speak like that; and you cannot -lay down any such rule of conduct. Of course I -know that things are awkward at present, and -that the future is not pleasant to contemplate; -and it grieves me to the quick that my child -should be in close contact with the vulgarity of -life.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Do not worry yourself, mother; I am seeing -life for the first time, and it is very beautiful. -Society is as far removed from true life as the sun -is from the moon. You fashionable mothers have a -strange way of bringing up your children. As -the Chinese tortured their women’s toes to prevent -their running away, so you cramped our youthful -<span class='pageno' id='Page_217'>217</span>minds, obliterated our organ of perception and -twisted our judgment so as to make us incapable -of distinguishing right from wrong. You showed us -little pictures encircled in trivial frames, and told -us that these were the sights we had to view for -the rest of our lives. We put questions to you -about the people with whom you surrounded us in -our infancy, but you answered scornfully, that -they were our inferiors whom we need not consider. -Later on, the same game of mystification -went on with our teachers whom we had to treat -only as educational cramming machines. When -we developed into women, the bandages were -swathed more tightly round our expanding brains, -and we were then informed, at the most perplexing -cross-roads of our lives, that no decent girl -inquired into any social problems: a tub, a game -of golf, and the admission into the smart set were -all-sufficient to assuage feminine yearning. If, as -often happened, the hygienic and worldly remedies -failed to cure the patient, the whole was dismissed -in these words: ‘A lady does not mention such -things!’ This was the prologue to matrimony! -When you, the mothers of Society, had brought -your victims safely to the stake, you turned your -eyes up to heaven and begged for God’s blessing, -which you deserved less than the devil’s benediction, -for in your culpable and wilful ignorance -<span class='pageno' id='Page_218'>218</span>you were playing a ghastly trick in sending out -defenceless beings into an arena of wild beasts. -Do you believe that your drawing-room philosophy -will be of any use to the victims of your -social wisdom? No, your philosophy thrives on -champagne and truffles, not on the understanding -of human passions. How often has a girl brought -to the conjugal market a young heart and a -healthy constitution, to close a bargain with a -cynical flesh dealer; and very soon had to learn -how to smuggle cunningly out of the unfair contract? -But it was useless to recriminate with -the only friend God gave us—our mothers; -for we were at once advised to read the first part -of the Marriage Service; and we learnt through -cruel experience that there was no escape, no -relief, for those born and bred in our unnatural -Society.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What has come over you, Eva? Who has been -poisoning your mind?” Lady Carey’s voice was -trembling, and she did not dare look at her -daughter. The latter impulsively fell on her -knees, and encircling her mother’s waist with her -arms, she said passionately,—</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You believed us to be safe when you had told -us never to look inside a certain closet; and like -Blue Beard you fed us on kick-shaws and soap-bubbles -as long as we never opened that secret -<span class='pageno' id='Page_219'>219</span>closet—life. Why were we not to know the -realities of existence? Why did you travesty life -into a Music Hall burlesque? What God created, -you belittled; what nature gave to man, you -turned into a deadly weapon against him. Love -came into the world, pure and generous, but it was -led astray in social haunts and became debauchery; -ambition prompted man to create something true -and beautiful, but he wandered in trimmed paths -of artificiality, and his natural instinct was transformed -into a passion for worldly power and -riches. What you called character was merely -callousness erected into a principle; what you -thought was philosophy was only an abnormal -power of frivolity, which would have made even a -butterfly blush. Oh! mother, mother, cannot you -see what a sham it all was?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>Lady Carey was not unintelligent; she knew -that what her daughter said was perfectly correct. -She quite realised that this was what they had -lived through, but she did not approve of the -spirit of revolt, and always had considered it -vulgar to kick against the rules of Society. Still, -her opposition was not altogether sincere, and her -displeasure did not arise at what her daughter -said, but at the fact of her daughter saying it. -Had Lionel, or any other, put forward these ideas, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_220'>220</span>she would have been the first to laugh, and to -agree with what he said.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Forgive me, dearest mother, for saying these -cruel things to you, but if you only knew -how much I love, you could not blame me. -Set me free, my own mother! After all, it -is my life I am pleading for, and I am willing -to take the responsibility of all that will -follow.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“This influence which has such an effect upon -you all must be very powerful.” Tears were -slowly dropping from Lady Carey’s eyes and -trickling down her cheeks. “Can it be that I -have never known you really, Eva? How is it -that for many years I have looked after you—for -I have not, like so many, been neglectful of my -maternal duties—and yet know no more to-day -about your nature than I did on the day you -were born? For the last few years, since you were -presented, we have lived the same life, seen the -same people, and yet we were as much divided -from each other as if you had been at the North -Pole.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“But, darling mother, I was far away from my -true nature, so do not blame yourself alone; you -see, necessity made me think differently.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“But then, necessity ought to have acted in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_221'>221</span>same way upon me,” replied Lady Carey. “Still, -I cannot see as you do.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Because you are stiffening yourself against the -inevitable; you are not so blind as not to be able -to see. Oh! mother, if you knew how I love you, -how I want you to be happy!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Child, you are all I have in the world, for, as I -have said before, I have suffered. You have never -known this, my child, for I hid it from everyone; -but all that you have just said has brought back -to my mind past scenes which I had determined -to forget for ever. My girlhood! my marriage! -your words brought all back to me so distinctly. -But what is it that makes you so happy, so keenly -interested in all your surroundings? I should like -to know what it is, for I have not become an idiot, -and I might yet learn.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Love, love has been the teacher! Oh! -mother, I know you have always loved me, but -you allowed worldly barriers to divide us. Let -yourself go, do not be guided by your stubborn -prejudices, and judge our present world from the -standard of our past Society.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! my poor child, I know of no other -standard but that of a well-bred woman of the -world; still, to show you that I have no silly -prejudice, and that I can turn my mind to anything, -I shall try to let myself go; but mind you, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_222'>222</span>it will be only out of sheer <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">ennui</span></i>, not from any -other motive. I shall enter into all your plans; -it will at least be something to do.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>Eva stood up and, taking both her mother’s -hands, lifted her from her chair; the two women -laughed joyously, and putting their arms round -one another’s necks, they left the room to go -down to luncheon.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_223'>223</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER XV</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, my dear Gwen!”—Mrs Archibald -entered the library at Selby House, followed by -the Earl of Somerville—“I never thought I should -live to see your husband act as his own footman!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Dear Alicia”—Lady Somerville kissed the newcomer -and led her to a marble lounge—“why not -be one’s own footman? We are our own policemen, -and I do not believe the streets’ safety has -in any way suffered from it.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“That’s quite different, dear Gwen. Ah! how -do, Mrs Sinclair? I had not seen you. How -shaded you keep your rooms; it is quite delightful, -and so cool, too.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Do you know, Mrs Archibald, that we are -thinking of introducing an innovation in our -households?” This was Lord Somerville. “We -are going to do away with locks, keys, and -bolts.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear Lionel, what on earth are you -saying?” exclaimed Mrs Archibald, raising herself -<span class='pageno' id='Page_224'>224</span>suddenly on her couch. “What about -these dreadful people who intrude, beg, or—steal?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Let them go out again,” replied Gwen merrily. -“I do not think you could find any beggars or -thieves at the present moment, for there is -nothing to steal, but what we all should feel glad -to give.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Wait for the final collapse,” interrupted Mrs -Archibald. “I am afraid you are living in a fool’s -paradise; and for your sakes I dread the awakening. -In any case, I shall have warned you. -What has pained me to the quick, has been Lady -Carey’s desertion. Mowbray told me that she -had actually mounted the platform last week to -propose some awful reform.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My mother took my place that day, as I was -unable to attend the meeting,” explained Eva -Sinclair; “but, although she did it to please me, -she is not yet won over to our cause, and she -grieves sadly over memories of the past.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Thank God! I have neither kith nor kin to -influence me. In a great crisis like this one feels -thankful to be alone in the world.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Unloved—and unloving,” murmured Eva, as -she looked up at Sinclair, who was leaning against -the mantelpiece.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Here is Temple coming in with tea. He -<span class='pageno' id='Page_225'>225</span>is the only indoor servant we keep now,” and -Lionel instinctively came forward to help him to -arrange the tea-table. Temple, instead of retiring, -dallied with the cups and saucers. There -was something in the valet’s mind, but he did not -know how to put it into words.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Now, Temple, there’s something you want to -say. What is it?” Gwen turned gracefully on -to her side and poured out tea.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, my lady; and as you are so kind as to -allow me, I shall speak. It’s about the groom, -Wiggles, my lord.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What about him?” asked Lionel. “He cannot -surely complain that he receives no wages? We -none of us get any wages nowadays.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! it isn’t that, my lord. But the children -have been ailing for years, and now that the -factories in which the eldest ones worked are -closed, they would like to go back to the country. -But Wiggles doesn’t want you to think he -is complaining. He only wants a whiff of fresh -air, and he asked me to beg your lordship’s -advice.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Good gracious! there was a time when -Wiggles would not have taken such trouble to -give me notice.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“It isn’t that he wishes to give notice, -my lord;—I don’t know how to put it, nor does -<span class='pageno' id='Page_226'>226</span>Wiggles. He wants, I think, to see his old people -before they die.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My poor Temple, Wiggles is like many others -who have suddenly seen life as it is, and not as it -had been made for him. We also are now able to -see things as they are. We see that if Wiggles’s -rooms in his mews are too small and dingy for -him and his family, our rooms here are too -spacious for us. But very soon we shall make it -all even.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I can’t imagine how Lionel can be such a fool -as to speak to his valet like that,” whispered Mrs -Archibald to Sinclair; “they want a good squashing, -these people.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Tell Wiggles to pack up!—ha! ha! ha! -I forgot—he has nothing to pack up. Let -him go back to his own village. Rural life is -dying out, and we want to relieve the congestion -of our capital, and bring life and happiness into -the apathetic provinces.—We must give back the -land!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Will you give this cup to your master, -Temple?” asked Gwen, handing the teacup to -the valet with the grace with which she would -have addressed a Peer of the Realm.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“One moment,” said Lionel, as Temple was -preparing to leave the room. “I have often, since -the storm, wanted to ask you how it was you were -<span class='pageno' id='Page_227'>227</span>so much more respectful than you used to be? -I used to wish you frequently at the bottom of -the sea, with your impertinent and supercilious -manners. Why have you altered?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I am afraid, Mrs Archibald, you have come -in at a wrong time, and your delicate feelings -will be hurt,” said Sinclair, bowing to the -diaphanous vision of past smartness, to whom he -handed a plate of sandwiches.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“<i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">A la guerre comme à la guerre</span></i>, my dear fellow; -I have made up my mind to the worst.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“It would be easier to explain my past -behaviour, my lord, than to account for my -present manner. I have been for many years in -your lordship’s service, and I only now realise -how little we understood each other.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Had you no proper respect for your masters?” -This was Mrs Archibald, who between two mouthfuls -felt it her duty to bring the discussion -down to a proper level. Temple hung his -head, and twisted his fingers. One could -hear the monotonous tick-tack of the empire -clock.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Do not hesitate to say whatever you feel, -Temple,” remarked Gwen.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Well, if your lordship will allow me to say so, -I think we all looked up to the aristocracy as -an institution; just as we honoured the Royal -<span class='pageno' id='Page_228'>228</span>Family and the House of Commons. But we did -not think much of them as individuals, and felt -irritable with our employers.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What a shocking word to use for your -<em>superiors</em>,” and Mrs Archibald raised her eyelids -as she laid a stress on the last word.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Was I a worse master, than any other?” -inquired Lionel. “Dear Mrs Archibald, you -have nothing to eat,” and he handed a plate of -cakes to her.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I think you are making a fool of yourself -Lionel,” she remarked in a low tone.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Well, Temple, you do not answer my question. -Forget that you are my valet, as I shall forget I -am Lord Somerville. Let us stand man to man, -after these long centuries of grievances and misunderstandings.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“For the first time in my career of a valet, I -feel that I can speak to you as a man; but I -cannot explain why it is.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“It must be that we have no clothes, Temple,” -cheerfully said Sinclair, who had moved away -from the window and stood leaning on the back -of Eva’s couch.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, one man’s as good as another,” remarked -Lionel. “But do you not think that you all -envied us very much; for you certainly aped all -our ways?”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_229'>229</span>“I don’t know about our envying you, my lord. -I daresay we longed for some of your comforts, -and envied the facility with which you smoothed -down your existence, by packing yourselves off -abroad whenever you were weary of your amusements -at home. But I do not believe we ever -wanted to change our characters for yours. We -could not make you out. That is the truth about -it.—I am sure I ought not to talk so free before the -ladies.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Go on, Temple,” softly said Gwen. “I want -to know everything that has stood between you -and us for so long.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“It is not that we felt no sympathy for you in -your grief. Oh, dear! no. When a Duke loses -the wife he loves, or a lady the child she adores, -it goes straight to a man’s heart, whoever that -man is. But it was in your funny kinds of worries -that we were at sea. It seemed so childish to -worry about trifles. I remember your lordship’s -mother; I never saw anyone put out for nothing -as she was. The lady’s maid once told me that -her ladyship had not slept for two nights because -one course at dinner had been spoiled. We all -laughed very much about that in the servants’ -hall. If such a thing had happened to any of us -in our homes, we should have taken it jokily, and -told our friends that we couldn’t help the roast -<span class='pageno' id='Page_230'>230</span>mutton being underdone, or the pudding being -burnt. Very likely we should have ended by -telling them, that if they only came for what -they could get out of us, they had better stay at -home.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Had we had the courage to live according to -simpler rules, we should have been saved the -innumerable pin-pricks which made our social -existences so irksome, and for which we received -no sympathy.” Gwendolen looked at Temple as -if she had discovered the reason of all past -dissensions.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“We always thought,” resumed the valet, “that -the upper classes worried themselves about -nothing; and we naturally concluded that, in -their way of seeing life and of feeling imaginary -sorrows, lay the difference between them and us.” A -fly was beating its tiny body against a window-pane. -“I remember my father telling me how he once -lay, badly wounded, in the Crimean War. On the -ground, close to him, lay Captain Willesmere, -severely injured in the groin. My father said he -never should forget the moment when the young -captain turned towards him, writhing under his -pain, and offered him the last drops of brandy in -his flask. The exertion had no doubt been too -much for the young man, for he fell back in a -swoon. That drop of spirits saved my father’s -<span class='pageno' id='Page_231'>231</span>life, my lord, and he often told me that at that -time he felt there was no social distance between -himself and the Earl’s son.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I do hope the gallant Captain soon recovered,” -eagerly remarked Mrs Archibald. “Just what a -gentleman would do; but I am afraid the lower -class is not worth such sacrifice.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“The next time they met,” went on Temple, -“it was in the hall of Gloucester House; many -years after. My father was footman, and -Captain Willesmere had become the Earl of -Dunraven. The crowd was great, and my father, -who had only just recovered from a severe illness, -was suddenly overcome by the heat, and as he -helped the Earl with his coat, fell all of a heap on -his shoulder. The latter, furious at being thus -familiarly handled, pushed my father forward, who -fell on his back and heard the nobleman say, -‘Damn you, rascal, are you drunk? can’t you see -who I am?’ When as a result, my father had to -seek another situation, he could not but reflect -with bitterness upon the disparity which exists -between classes; although he wondered what -difference there was between a trooper who lay -wounded on the ground for his country, and a -footman who felt suddenly ill whilst fulfilling his -duties in his master’s house.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I suppose great emergencies such as wars and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_232'>232</span>earthquakes bring out the best in man, and make -him forget the artificial barriers between his fellow-creatures -and himself,” said Lionel.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Of course, my lord, I know that domestics are -looked down upon. I know also that they are -often cunning, inquisitive, more or less lazy, -curious as to their master’s correspondence, and -fonder still of their master’s cigars.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I see, Temple, that you are not over partial to -your own class,” broke in Sinclair.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I cannot help thinking of these things now, -sir, but after all, the defects that we have, are, in a -sort of way, initiated by you. We loved gambling, -betting, drinking, and lolling about; and as far as -passions go, I daresay we have the same amount -of animal spirits as a Duke or even a Royal Prince, -with this difference that in your upper circles your -lives are never blighted, whatever you may do; -and your friends do not cut you for such misdemeanours -as drinking too heavily or betting too -recklessly. I fail to see why our private lives -should be sifted through and through before we -can have the privilege of handing your dishes -round at table or of sitting in silence in your halls, -whilst some members of the peerage are allowed -to make laws for their country, although they, each -day, are breaking God’s laws and Society’s -rules.”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_233'>233</span>“I quite agree with you, my good fellow,” -suddenly remarked Lionel, “and this is the reason -why we have given up pulling the wires of Government.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“We respect you the more for it, my lord.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Now, Temple?” And Gwen leaned her -graceful form over the carved arm of her couch; -her whole attitude was one of apology for the -harm she had unconsciously committed in her -past state. “Let me know my grievous wrongs. -Do not spare me.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My poor Gwen,” exclaimed Mrs Archibald, -hiding her face in her hands. “What has become -of your feminine modesty?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Let him speak, Alicia; true feminine delicacy -is not hurt by the knowledge of injustice. Temple -go on.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Well, my lady, I have heard strange things in -my time. The first thing I learned in my career -was that there was one law of hygiene for ladies -and another for servants. I once heard a lady -say that to keep well one ought to go out at least -twice a day. But the same lady would have considered -her butler or her housemaid impudent and -unreasonable, had they asked to go out once a -day. The same thing is true as regards stimulants. -I have known many ladies, young and old, who -said they had to have hock at lunch, port at -<span class='pageno' id='Page_234'>234</span>dinner; their doctors prescribed it, and they -believed it to be indispensable to their general -health. But, had the footman or kitchen-maid -said they must have claret at lunch, Moselle at -supper; or had the housemaid hinted that a glass -of sherry would be acceptable after turning out a -room, I declare their mistress would have put -them down as confirmed drunkards, and would -have warned her friends against any servant -who asked for beer money. I beg pardon, my -lord, but are you sure you do not mind my plain -speaking?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“No, my good man, we want to hear the truth, -for we never heard you tell us anything but fibs -before.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You are very funny, my lord, but you have hit -it right. Yes, we told fibs, big lies even. But -telling the truth never paid. This was the first -commandment of the servants’ catechism. In our -very first situation we became familiar with a -system of deceit. Still, you know yourselves how -particular you were about servants always speaking -the truth! I often wondered how the upper -classes would have behaved had they been in our -places? I don’t think they would have done very -differently under the circumstances. We have all -the same perception of injustice, we all feel its -sting, and as kicking against it does not help us, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_235'>235</span>compromise is the only course left us. Do you -not compromise more or less with your conscience, -when your god, Society, sets out rules that are too -stringent? We are all men, my lord, although -the Duchess of Southdown thought the contrary. -I heard her say one day that she would -have preferred a man for a lady’s maid, as -they were more punctual and less talkative; -and as to the sex, that did not matter—‘a -servant was not a man!’ You can’t think -what a funny impression it makes on one to hear -such things.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Then you do not believe, Temple, that masters -ever could have inspired loyalty in their servants?” -inquired Sinclair.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I must ask you, sir, whether there ever existed -true loyalty on the part of the master to his -servants? I have rarely seen it. The distance -between the classes was too great, and the gulf -grew daily wider and deeper when you convinced -yourselves that you were in every way different -from ‘those kind of people.’ The worst of it -was, that by dint of widening the gulf between -us, we naturally became strangers to each other. -Our personal griefs and joys you ignored; -you did not want to be bothered with our -worries. We were salaried to be outwardly -devoted and sympathetic, to minister to your -<span class='pageno' id='Page_236'>236</span>wants, rejoice in your successes, condole in your -misfortunes, whilst our own hearts ached from -private sorrows.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“How you must have despised us!” said -Lionel.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What an accumulation of vindictiveness must -have filled your hearts for those who used you -so!” echoed Gwen.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“No, my lady, that is not quite true. I have -seen more envy and hatred amongst the upper -class than amongst ourselves. We accepted the -injustice of our social condition, and we got out of -you all we could on the sly. We made fun of you, -and often put you down as not quite so wise as -you gave yourselves out to be. The last kitchen-maid -of the Duchess of Southdown was very comical -on that point. Whenever she heard the servants -relating some new freak of her grace, or some -funny incident that had happened in the drawing-room, -she would invariably say, whilst she -washed the dishes, ‘Leave them alone, they -can’t ’elp it, they know no better.’ We ended -by believing the girl had hit on the real cause -of the aristocracy’s behaviour, and that their -caprices and vagaries could only be put down to -ignorance.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“And you were right,” suddenly remarked Eva, -“we wilfully ignored the fact that you had to start -<span class='pageno' id='Page_237'>237</span>life from a different point from our own, and we -were horrified at you not meeting us on our level. -We accused you of inferiority and ignorance, but -we never thought of blaming the conditions into -which we had put you.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! ma’am!” continued Temple, “I have -heard terrible things said in the refined homes of -the gentry; and in my presence, ladies have -uttered ’orrible sentences. For instance about the -war. I don’t myself understand politics, and I -can’t tell if our Government was right or wrong; -but there are the women, the children, the ruined -home, and to my mind it did not seem quite -right. I heard many ladies who came to have tea -with your lordship dismiss the whole question -with a wave of the hand: ‘It could not be helped; -war would always be necessary.’ One lady -actually said that she <em>loved</em> war—surely that lady -had never seen a battlefield. Another one -remarked that ‘People who were not in favour of -the war were not patriotic, and ought to be sent -out of the country.’ You all drank your whisky -and champagne in honour of England’s greater -glory and prosperity; and we thought it a queer -world in which glory had to be paid for so dearly, -and prosperity acquired at the cost of precious -lives.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! but, you see, Temple, you were not a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_238'>238</span>Colonial Secretary, nor were you a financier,” -said Ronald Sinclair.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Anyhow, I never heard a lady express herself -as a true woman about any kind of misfortune. -As a footman I used to serve cups of tea at -entertainments organised for charitable purposes, -and heard there some rum remarks. One lady -said in reply to another who was relating to her -some pitiful story of misery, ‘Well, you see, -dear Lady So-and-So, these people are more or -less accustomed to privations.’ And I heard -another lady say that misery was relative: a -millionaire reduced to a paltry income of £3000 -a year suffered more actual privations than a -poor man who could not afford meat once a -week. I thought of old Bill Tooley’s widow -who was found dead from starvation last winter. -There was no question of relative misery in her -case, for one can’t do more than die. Can one, -my lord?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“We have lived long enough under the delusion -of our superiority over you. We must once for all -face the truth and have the courage to say that it was -only owing to the unfairness in the game of life -that we won the trumpery race. We were given -points at our birth, and later, as we entered -Sandhurst or the Universities, points were granted -us to enable us to advance quicker towards the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_239'>239</span>winning-post. But these advantages which gave -us our social distinctions, were as many rungs cut -off from the ladder, rendering the ascent laborious -to others, and the top unreachable. Life is the -arena in which all men have to run the race—in -their skins.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“This is beyond me, my lord,” humbly said the -valet. “Only educated people, such as you, can -discuss these topics. I ’ave spoken what I felt; -if I have made you understand a little more about -what we were, so much the better; but I am -an ignorant man, and you must excuse my -speech.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My good man, ignorance is easily remedied; -besides, we have a great deal to learn, perhaps -more than you have, for we set ourselves up as -your teachers, although we knew little either of -you or of ourselves. But how is it that you -should think that education causes a man’s -superiority, when you used to believe that wealth -constituted supremacy?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Well, my lord, it was the only difference we -could see between the upper classes and the -lower ones. But I seem now to judge things from -another point of view; it must be owing to our -having no livery, and to your lordship’s appearing -to me as God made you. We do not envy -beauty, for we know that it is not made in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_240'>240</span>factories at the expense of children’s health and -youth.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“The vanishing of clothes has done more for -human equality than all the philanthropists’ -efforts, or the anarchists’ steel blade,” remarked -Sinclair.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Now, Temple,” said Lord Somerville, “you -must go with Wiggles, and taste some of your -native air. I no more need your services, and -you can tell the other servants that they can -return to their houses. Our daily life is very -much simplified.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, my lord—I know fresh air is necessary to -our lungs, but I have an idea which I should like -to communicate to the Committee of Reforms.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Bravo, Temple! Have as many ideas as ever -you can lodge in your head. We are putting -high premiums on ideas.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“There,” anxiously murmured Mrs Archibald, -“I told you that would come. We shall be -ridden over by that multitude of unemployed. -Oh! Lionel, what are you doing?” And the -poor, diaphanous lady closed her eyes in agony at -the social chaos she mentally contemplated.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear madam,” replied Lionel, “Danford -is right when he says that our race can achieve -the wildest Utopia, if only they can first see the -practical working of it.”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_241'>241</span>Temple now left the room, carrying the tea-tray -away with him.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Do you not, Eva dear, feel bitter remorse for -all the harm we have unconsciously inflicted?” -inquired Gwen, taking her friend’s hand within -hers.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“For my part,” broke in Mrs Archibald, “I -have never felt so ashamed, as when that horrid -man described us as <em>he</em> sees us. I did not know -what to do with myself, where to hide myself. I must -confess that creature has made me feel conscious, -and I felt hot waves burning me from head to -toe.” Mrs Archibald pressed her hands over her -forehead, whilst her breast heaved short, convulsive -sobs.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“So did Adam and Eve blush when the -Almighty made them feel conscious of their sin,” -said Sinclair, as he leaned over the lounge of the -poor, stricken-down woman. “Do not worry, Mrs -Archibald; a blush at the right moment is a -healthy feeling, and the shame which filled your -being, at the description of your past, is the proof -that the mirror faithfully gave you back your own -image.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“It’s all very well for you to speak—you have -your lives fixed up, and I do not see much merit -in your taking things jauntily, when you have -chosen charming companions to help you. Look -<span class='pageno' id='Page_242'>242</span>at me, all alone in this stupid, uninteresting world. -What am I to do?” and the sobs became louder. -“Even Lady Carey has deserted our side. The -ship is sinking, and the waves are rushing over -us.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_243'>243</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER XVI</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>“I say, Danford, it is far more dignified to go -about as we do; there is no shamming any more,” -said Sinclair, as he linked his arm in that of Lionel. -The three men were coming down Bond Street. -“No one stops me to make irrelevant remarks on -my matrimonial affairs.” His spirits were buoyant, -he felt himself master of the world, not merely -the master over men; neither did he enjoy that -spurious sense of independence which made him -formerly, as a man of fashion, order his pleasures -at such an hour, his carriage at another; but he -felt that noble freedom which emancipated him -from trifling bonds and conventional statutes.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“When you taught John Bull that happiness can -exist without church fees and Society’s sanction, -and that sorrow is really ennobled by the absence -of funeral plumes and crocodile tears, you taught him -an everlasting lesson,” answered the little buffoon.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Don’t you think,” suddenly exclaimed Lionel, -“that the streets are looking more rational than -they used to?” They were crossing Piccadilly. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_244'>244</span>“See how these long arcades protect the -pedestrians in bad weather; and notice the -spacious galleries opened out under the houses -where the shops used to be.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, my lord, shop-land is no more. We owe -that improvement to your valet.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“His plan turned out a real success,” said -Lionel, “and the fellow is as active in his present -work of reform as he was lazy in his past -career.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Idleness has disappeared with the injustice -which separated classes; the meanest urchin -knows that there is a premium applied to brains, -and that premium is—universal happiness.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Now that we all work,” said Lionel, “you -would not find a man or a woman who would not -willingly help in the construction of machinery to -liberate mankind from slavery. Look at these -galleries running under the arcades; in each arch -there is a large board with electric bells which -communicate with edifices outside London, where -all the necessaries of life are fabricated. Each -house has one of these boards, and thus meals -for invalids, the sweeping and washing up of -rooms, in fact, all the necessaries of life can be -obtained by merely pressing one of these electric -bells.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Likewise—the dining-halls,” said Danford, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_245'>245</span>“have been considerably improved and simplified; -cooking by electricity has given back freedom to -thousands of cooks and scullion-maids. Instead -of personal attendance, there are trays placed on -electric trollies running along in the middle of the -dinner-tables, which stop at each guest, and -which can be started again on their course by -touching a small bell. What a transformation the -City has undergone, to be sure. We all put our -shoulders to the wheel; at stated hours we work -for the welfare of all, and the labour seems light, -for it is divided, and the aim is universal contentment. -No task is beneath us; no employment is -too trivial, were it even to fix a screw in the axle -of a small wheel, providing that wheel leads us -swiftly to the goal.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“The wrong labour,” broke in Lionel, “was -that which toiled for the luxuries of a few to the -detriment of the many; but the labour undertaken -by all, for the greatest happiness of -all, is as exhilarating as the early morning’s -breeze.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You would never know the people you elbow -now from those with whom you used to associate,” -said Danford. “Could you recall in the man just -coming out of the ex-Atheneum Club the former -frequenter of the past race-course?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! that’s the Duke of Norbury,” answered -<span class='pageno' id='Page_246'>246</span>Sinclair. “The fellow looks altogether normal. -Certainly he is not so common in his plain—skin.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“That is because his sporting grace has lost the -label which directed him to Newmarket,” answered -Dan.</p> - -<p class='c003'>They had reached Trafalgar Square, and very soon -faced Parliament Street. Suddenly the little buffoon -halted and, bursting out laughing, exclaimed,—</p> - -<p class='c003'>“By Jove! are you aware that this day is the -24th of June? the day on which the Coronation -was to be held?” The three men paused; they -looked round in wonderment. Birds were singing -merrily as they hopped on the Landseer lions, -the soft breeze wrinkled the surface of the water -in which lads and lassies were ducking, and splashing -each other in merry laughter.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Do you not hear, in your mind’s ear,” sententiously -spoke Danford, “the distant rumble of drums -and metallic strains of military bands? Does not -your mind’s eye perceive in the distance the glittering -of swords in the sunshine, and the variegated -uniforms of Colonial and Indian armies? Slowly -comes the procession up Parliament Street, -furrowing its way through an ebbing and flowing -wave of humanity. The great of the land are all -there, labelled with their uniforms. There, look, -comes a gilded coach. In that coach I can see -two figures, systematically bowing on either side -<span class='pageno' id='Page_247'>247</span>of the carriage. What is the meaning of these two -figures got up like dolls for the occasion?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My poor Dan, there is no meaning in them. -They are the symbol of past inconsistency,” -replied Sinclair.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“How was it,” asked Lionel, “that with all that -science was doing for the progress of the modern -world, and with all that art was creating to make -life beautiful, how was it we never came any -nearer to happiness?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear Lionel,” answered Sinclair, “because -we wanted to reconcile our modern world with the -old one. Steering our way back into the past -against the current which carried us on to the -future was hard work, very often a perilous -expedition; we travestied barbarous passions -with new garments, to make them more presentable -to our modern world; and the thirst for conquest -and wealth was disguised under the mask -of political philanthropy. Vice had its fur-lined -overcoat; ruthless money-diggers and empire-makers -stalked through the town as modern -Aladdins; sometimes even, they raised their own -eyes to the exalted position of God’s A.D.C. -Prostitution left street corners to mount the -marble steps of palaces, where the hand of the -clergy helped it to enter the precincts of social -Paradise—”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_248'>248</span>“Listen, my lord,” interrupted Danford. “Do -you hear the tramping of horses’ hoofs? Conquering -heroes, whose glory is written on the sands -of life, are coming.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Posterity with her broom and shovel will clear -away the dust of their rubbish,” said Lionel. “It -will collect in its dust-pan some strange manifestations: -Cæsar, Napoleon, Marlborough—”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Leave out the more recent names,” broke in -Sinclair; “they are too near to us.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You are right,” said Lionel. “Still, posterity, -in her impartial summing up, will be more lenient -towards those whose crimes were the results of -unpolished ignorance, than towards those whose -lust was cleverly screened by Pharisaism. It will -not be hard on Edward III. and Philippe le Bel -for haggling over France like two butcher’s dogs -over a bone; but I am afraid it will judge -unmercifully our modern civilisations which masqueraded -and played parts unsuited to them. -Has the Hundred Years’ War given the supremacy -to either France or England? What has the -Inquisition and the Spanish ascendency over -the Dutch Republic done for Spain’s prosperity?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“And what would the annexation of the South -African Provinces have done for England’s -glory, had not the storm put a sudden stop to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_249'>249</span>his country’s hysterical fits?” inquired Danford.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Our old world has gone through a good deal of -alteration,” remarked Sinclair. “Maps have always -impressed me as the saddest annals of history. As -a boy, I used to turn the pages of atlas books -with the keenest interest; they spoke to me of -human struggles, of longings and morbid regrets.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes,” added Danford, “maps are the medical -charts of the intermittent fevers from which -countries suffer.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Thank God for the blessings His water-spout -has conferred on us!” burst out Lionel. “I -shudder when I think that we might, on this very -day, have witnessed this fantastic pageantry. -The opium-eater, in his weirdest delirium, could -not have pictured a more uncanny parade, than -the one we should have beheld at the dawn of -the twentieth century: London—a huge pawnbroker’s -shop—turning out into the streets all its -pandemonium! the properties of our modern -world thrown together, higgledy-piggledy, with -the paraphernalia of a Cinderella pantomime! -The incongruous was then the order of the day, -and our brains, before the storm, were the -receptacles of untidy ideas.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My lord, do you hear in the distance the bells -of St Paul’s ringing their peals?”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_250'>250</span>“Yes, they are ringing for the sacred union of -clericalism with worldly wisdom.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“How could we reconcile the symbolic ceremony -of a crowned monarch with the limitations of our -constitution?” asked Danford. “How was it -possible to adapt obsolete palliaments to the -democratic innovation of the coat and skirt? For I -think we may truly call this revolution in feminine -dress the 1789 of Histology.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You are right, my dear Dan, but I want to -know what our epoch was aiming at?” asked -Sinclair, sitting down on one of the steps. “Was -it playing a practical joke on democracy, or was -it acting a monarchical burlesque? What had our -fashionable metropolis to do with the customs of -a London which began at the Strand, and whose -centre was the Tower? Doubtless, the auditory -faculty of a Plantagenet would have suffered from -the bustling London of Edward VII., and the -clamouring noise of a railway station would have -certainly upset the nerves of even that bloodthirsty -Richard III.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“The fact is, my dear fellow,” said Lionel, who -sat down near Sinclair, “we had, before the storm, -arrived at the cross-roads, and had to choose which -turning we should take. Were we to go straight -ahead, regardless of past traditions, on a motor -car; or should we have chosen a shady road and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_251'>251</span>ambled back to Canterbury on a Chaucerian cob, -escorting that gentle dame yclept “Madam -Eglantine”? The twentieth century was the -sphinx confronting us. Were we going to meet -it with an old adage, or were we at last to be -Œdipus and solve the question?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“As long as we dragged at our heels the worthless -baggage of the past, we could not proceed on -our road.” Danford stood in front of the two -men. “We went to our political business in fairy -coaches, and could not make out why we arrived -too late for Parliamentary tit-bits. We were playing -the fool on the brink of a precipice, and spent -our time and energy in staging a sort of ‘Alice in -Wonderland’ in a graveyard. It was as tragic as it -was flippant, and if posterity will laugh at our inconsistency, -how much more must Mediævalism -grin at our lack of adaptability. I should like to -know what King Alfred or Queen Bess have to -say about us?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Poor Alfred,” sighed Lionel, “I feel for him, -for he must be mortified at having given the first -impulse to English language to produce—Marian -Crivelli!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ha! ha! ha! As to dear old Bess,” remarked -Sinclair; “with all her cunning, and the improbity -of her politics, she was essentially modern—of her -times modernity, naturally, for of course, Conservatism -<span class='pageno' id='Page_252'>252</span>and Radicalism are relative. Had she -seen the development of science; had she crossed -the Channel in one hour, and the Atlantic in a -week; and had she been able to send a wireless -message to a distant continent, she would have -jumped with delight!—she would have twigged -in an instant that the curtain had dropped upon -the old world, and she would have advised her -successor to throw unscrupulously overboard, -crown, sceptre, regal goods and chattels—in fact, -all royal overweight—to save the crew!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“That reminds me,” suddenly said Lionel, “that -I had a telephonic <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">causerie</span></i> this morning with -Victor de Laumel, in Paris. He said that at the -clubs everyone was discussing the latest. The -Sovereigns of Europe are going to meet in congress -at the Hague to confabulate on what they -had better do in face of this strange event in -England.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“When the Sovereigns themselves are aware of -the inconsistency of their condition, and the -futility of their prerogatives, then their eyes will -be open as to what their future conduct has to -be.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“That is just what Victor says. They are as -excited about this congress, in Paris, as they were -about Fashoda and Dreyfus, and, naturally, they -blame us for it; all the smart clubs are dead -<span class='pageno' id='Page_253'>253</span>nuts against England for playing into the hands of -Jove.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Oh! that does not astonish me in the least,” -said Danford. “But about this congress, Lord -Somerville, I think we have already taught the -world a lesson, and that sooner than I ever expected. -At this rate the storm of London will -rank as the greatest event in the history of -nations. If you look at history impartially, you -will find that every reform carried in its breast the -seed of another excess. A wrong was abolished, -by what, at the time, appeared a right principle, -until another standpoint was reached, which -showed us the wrong side of the right principle.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“If this strange condition of ours,” broke in -Sinclair, “does, after all, lead to the reform of the -governing classes from within, then, indeed, it was -worth losing one’s shirt!” And the three men -laughed heartily.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Look round, my lord,” and Danford pointed -to the National Gallery. “You have given the first -impetus to true art.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“No, no, Danford,” interrupted Lionel. “It -was the public who gave me the hint.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Never mind, my lord, the thing is done, and -you have awakened the consciousness of our -English artists. Look down Parliament Street, -where your mind’s eye saw, a minute ago, the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_254'>254</span>pantomime of Government; you can see our -ancient seat of Parliament transformed into the -sanctuary of technical education. The old lobbies -are swarming with efficient teachers. Public -education, as it was to be found in our old haunts -of Eton, Rugby, etc., etc., was the proper training -for privileged classes; but the present education, -which is not compulsory, is the training of the -child and adult without social barriers; and the -only religious dogma which he must live up to -is this: that the welfare of all is the welfare of -each.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“And yet,” sadly remarked Sinclair, “science is -still but empiric, as it has not yet revealed to us -the mystery of the human heart; that remains -a sealed letter. Some writer has named that -mysterious recess of individuality, ‘the hidden -garden’; but how ignorant we still are of its -vegetation. Do we know what causes, in that -hidden garden of the soul, a lovely rose to grow -where the soil was barren; or a toadstool to -sprout where the seed of a robust plant had been -sown?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“No, we know no more of each other’s inner -souls than the early Britons knew of steam and -electricity,” said Lionel. “As long as we have -not reached complete consciousness we shall never -triumph over the inconsistencies which place men -<span class='pageno' id='Page_255'>255</span>on different platforms, and spur them on to fight -unfair battles.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah, my lord, you have a receptive mind, and I -knew, from the beginning, that the day would -come when you would open your eyes to the gulf -which separates man from man. Yesterday morning -the Committee of Music Hall Artists introduced -at our meeting a queer sort of man, who -struck me as visionary in his ideas, and matter-of-fact -in the carrying out of his plans.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Surely, Dan, he was an American,” remarked -Sinclair, “for the gift of bottling the ocean, or of -cramming into a nutshell all the contradictory -philosophical theories, belongs to that race which -unites the creative power of a Jupiter to the -jugglery of a mountebank.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What that man, be he god or charlatan, -suggests is too grave to be spoken of lightly or -to be taken up in a minute,” continued Danford, -“and I implore your lordship not to jump too -quickly at a conclusion. But, to come to facts, -this man avers that he has discovered the means -of reading human thoughts and secret motives -just as clearly as one sees the hidden structure of -a body by means of the X-rays. He says that we -have, owing to our normal hygiene and purity of -life, arrived at the time when this invention will -be necessary to bring perfect happiness to human -<span class='pageno' id='Page_256'>256</span>beings; and that our past weeks of paradisaical -existence have changed John Bull and made him -thirst for a complete knowledge of his fellow-creatures. -This is a serious matter, gentlemen, -and, for God’s sake, do not let us wreck the future -bliss of the world through our incautiousness. -You have done much for John Bull, my lord, but -you have done it chiefly by being tactful with him, -and by not ruffling his susceptibilities. After all, -man is a strange being: he clings to the prejudices -which makes his life a living purgatory; and you -must first see John Bull develop a craving to -investigate the ‘hidden garden’ before the final reform -of man by man can be effected from within.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Let us curb our enthusiasm for the sake of -John Bull,” buoyantly exclaimed Lionel, “and let -us turn back, Danford. It is getting late, and I -have to be at the old War Office to meet ex-Field-Marshal -Burlow, to discuss with him what is to be -done with the old offices.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My lord!” and Danford put his hand on -Lionel’s shoulder, “an idea has just struck me! -You can do a good turn to the American Seer, by -giving over to him the War Office for his scientific -experiments. What could be more fitted to the -science which is devoted to the extension of sympathy, -than the dwelling in which was planned -the extermination of races?”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_257'>257</span>“My dear man, the Seer shall have the old -rookery, if I have a voice in the matter, although -I fear the shadows of past victims and the remembrance -of foregone civilised warfare will lurk -at every corner, and interfere with his humanising -studies.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Quite the contrary,” said Sinclair. “The Seer, -if he is what we think, is sure to be stimulated by -the ghosts of barbaric civilisations, and his sense -of humour will make him chuckle at the irony of -fate, which selected him to metamorphose Janus’s -eyrie into a temple of love and peace.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_258'>258</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER XVII</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>The day came at last when the Bishop of Sunbury -was to deliver his address on the future of -religion.</p> - -<p class='c003'>St Paul’s had been considered too small to -contain the large assemblage of worshippers who -were anxious to hear the prelate, and it had therefore -been arranged for him to speak to the crowd -from the steps of the Cathedral. Churchmen were -not the only ones interested in the long-promised -message, but the world at large was eager to -learn what the ex-dignitary would tell them concerning -the great riddle: What makes a Bishop -a Bishop?</p> - -<p class='c003'>It was one of these particularly English summer -days, towards the middle of July, in which the sun -declined to appear in person. But the atmosphere -was none the less festive because the sun played -truant; and to most Londoners the weather was -a symbol of true modesty. Mayfair, Belgravia, -Kensington—in fact, every district of the metropolis -was represented in the crowd that thronged -<span class='pageno' id='Page_259'>259</span>the Cathedral square. Those who preferred to -remain at home or were too unwell to attend the -meeting, would be kept <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">au courant</span></i> through the -telephones; for it is only fair to say that the -<em>School of Accuracy in the Delivery of News</em> -had completely metamorphosed the temperaments -of citizens, who, since the collapse of newspapers, -were genuinely struck by the dramatic power of -a plain fact.</p> - -<p class='c003'>The crowd was large, but it did not at any time -become rowdy. The charioteers drove up Fleet -Street in two lines and placed themselves all round -St Paul’s; while the pedestrian strolled leisurely -under the wide arcades. The recalcitrants, who -were now a very small minority, had prophesied a -dismal <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">dénouement</span></i> to this meeting, and in order -to be safely out of danger, had secured their places -at an early date, in the dining-halls of the former -shops. They reached their seats at an unearthly -hour, although the homily was announced for the -afternoon; but the recalcitrants remembered what -they had suffered at the Diamond Jubilee in -getting to their places, and nothing on earth could -convince them that it would not be just the same -for the Bishop’s address. So, there they were, from -five o’clock in the morning, making themselves as -comfortable as possible; first ringing for their -breakfast, then later on telephoning for luncheon. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_260'>260</span>Shortly before the time announced for the address, -a party of friends might be seen in one of the -large shop windows enjoying their afternoon tea. -Seated in front was Mrs Archibald, with Lord -Mowbray behind her; these two held closely to -one another, and kept up the old traditions of <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">bon -ton</span></i>, for they firmly believed that Society was rushing -to its ruin. Eva Sinclair, good-naturedly had given -up joining her husband in the crowd, so as to -accompany poor Alicia Archibald, who declared -that she could never think of seeing the show -without one of her set. Next to these two sat -Lady Carey, who, although she had assented to all -the modern reforms, had drawn the line at such a -public <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">réunion</span></i> as this one. She had begged Gwen -to escort her, as she could not bring herself to stay -away and follow the development of the meeting -through her telephone. Montagu Vane was leaning -on the back of her chair, while Gwen and -Nettie Collins made themselves useful at the -buffet.</p> - -<p class='c003'>On the other side of the churchyard was Mrs -Pottinger, with a good many of the American -colony. They had absolutely declined Mrs -Archibald’s invitation to join her at the windows -of the dining-halls, preferring to mix with the -crowd under the arcades. Beside her stood her -Royal Guide, although she might by this time have -<span class='pageno' id='Page_261'>261</span>very well dispensed with his services, but she kept -him for Auld Lang Syne, and for all the fun she -had formerly derived from the Royal Family; and -perhaps also because she thought it would do him -good, for she was not an ungrateful woman.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I see that the American colony has at last -emerged from its voluntary seclusion,” said Lionel -to Danford, as they drove up and took their -position close to the steps.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, my lord, they retired to learn the art of -observation, and have achieved the task they set -themselves to. Not only do they now recognise -the people they knew, but they have actually -acquired the faculty of putting names on to the -faces they did not know.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I am struck by the attitude of the American -women. They move with the same grace and -ease as when Doucet and Paquin turned them out -into the social market.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You are right, my lord, they have made nature -herself quite elegant, and are teaching dowdy -mother Eve a lesson in deportment.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“There is a downrightness in their demeanour -which always upsets my equanimity,” said Lionel, -laughing.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“The American is a mathematical animal, my -lord; and could a geometrical figure walk, it would -impersonate the <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">tournure</span></i> of a Yankee.”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_262'>262</span>“Is that the Bishop coming out of the central -porch?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, my lord, and Jack Roller is beside him,” -replied Danford. “They are followed by representatives -of all churches, who will group themselves -round the prelate.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“The <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">coup d’œil</span></i> is harmonious,” remarked Lionel; -“it puts me in mind of Raphael’s <cite>School of Athens</cite>. -Do you see on the right hand of the Bishop a -group of thin, pale men, their arms linked in one -another’s? I have no doubt those are Vicars and -Curates. And notice on the left that cluster of -older men leaning in an attitude of keen attention, -shielding their ears with their hands, so as not to -lose a syllable of the address.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My lord, these are the Canons, Deans and -Bishops. But watch that surging crowd on the -steps in front of the Bishop. Some, lying down -dejectedly, are supporting their hirsute faces with -their right hands; others, seated with their knees -up to their chins, look stubbornly in front of -them. They are the Nonconformists, eager to -know what this Church dignitary has to say to -them.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“And what about those urbane men leaning -modestly against the doors of the Cathedral?” -inquired Lionel.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! those must be the Romanists, my lord. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_263'>263</span>Their attitude is humble though firm; they stand -aloof in mute reverence, but will nevertheless be -able to hear what the Bishop says, from the place -they have chosen. No one knows, not even Jack -Roller, what the Church has to say in this matter, -and the prelate will have to solve his own problem -by himself.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>A sonorous “Hush” stopped all conversations, -but at first it was impossible to hear one word, -the prelate’s voice being too feeble for the open -air.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Louder, my lord,” spoke the guide in a stage -whisper; and the Bishop, coughing several times, -began the Lord’s Prayer, which was repeated, -sentence after sentence, by all those present. -Never had the prayer been more reverently recited -than on this day, when thousands of voices -rose in a great wave of sound, and thousands of -heads bowed humbly to the simplest of divine -messages. When the Bishop spoke the last -words, the crowd broke into a loud Amen, which -was followed by a long silence broken only by the -sound of horses’ hoofs pawing the ground.</p> - -<p class='c003'>On a sign from his guide the Bishop, after -more preliminary coughing, commenced his -address. He displayed a slight nervousness of -manner and a decided inarticulateness in delivery; -but his audience, bent on hearing what he had to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_264'>264</span>say, soon accustomed themselves to his wearisome -intonation. The first part of his speech dealt with -the duty of the British nation of setting an example -of modesty and purity to all other nations. -So far, so good, he did not depart from the -customary dictates of British pride. He next -proceeded to state facts known to everyone; he -pointed out, for instance, that public baths were -organised in all the parks of London; that the -streets’ safety had been assured by what he called -“altruistic discipline”; that the people’s food was -now as delectable as that partaken of by the higher -classes; that the vanishing of newspapers had -been the means of raising the public level of -morality; in fact, the prelate confessed that true -Christianity ruled more forcibly in London, at -present, than it had ever done at the epoch in -which flourished the <cite>Times</cite>, and the <cite>Church -Times</cite>.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Although the old Bishop does not put it in -any original way; still, I am glad he recognises -the good points of our new Society,” said Lady -Carey, turning to Mrs Archibald, who looked -listless and disdainful.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear Alicia, you must own that since our -general denudation we have all been spared the -squalid sights of misery?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“But misery must exist all the same, whether -<span class='pageno' id='Page_265'>265</span>we see it or not,” remarked Vane, who could not -lose a prejudice nor learn a lesson.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! but we do not see it, my dear Montagu, -and that is a blessing,” retorted Mowbray.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Misery unseen is half forgotten. Is not that -the adage of true selfishness?” This was Nettie, -Gwen’s guide, who had brought a cup of tea to -Mrs Archibald.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Listen,” said Lady Carey, at this moment -laying her hand on Mrs Archibald’s shoulder.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“When the storm divested us of all our covering,” -the Bishop was saying, “my first instinct was -to recall the Gospels, hoping to find there something -suitable to the occasion. I discovered nothing -that could help me in this crisis; and as it -was impossible to prevent our present state, I -meditated over what ought to be done for the -greater extension of purity and modesty.” The -prelate’s voice was clearer and his delivery more -distinct. “I, and a few dignitaries of the Church -of England, organised a Society for the Propagation -of Denudation, otherwise called the S.P.D.; -and after seeing the thing well launched in London, -we determined to send missionaries to all -the countries most in need of our Gospel. I am -grieved to say that this first attempt at purifying -the world has not been successful, for last week -our missionary, as he landed on Calais pier, was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_266'>266</span>arrested by the <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">agents des mœurs</span></i>, and thrust into -prison, and had to undergo there the shamefullest -of all penalties: the wearing of clothes. Let us -for one second imagine his tortured feelings; let us -realise for an instant the agony of his wounded -sense of modesty, when he gazed at a shirt,” -(murmurs) “and at a pair of trousers.” (hisses and -groans). “Our missionary, sick at heart, implored -of the officials to let him return to England, and, -having obtained permission, he took his little -yacht back to Dover. I saw him last week and -had a very long discussion with him upon the -subject of how best to put our plans into execution. -But we recognised a difficulty when we contemplated -the situation of our missionary, had he -landed unmolested at Calais, and reached in safety -the capital of merriment and incredulity. How -could he have proved the authenticity of his -mission, when he had lost his external credentials? -In the name of what doctrine was a paradisaical -priest to address his clothed <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">confrères</span></i>? It -occurred both to him and to me, that, since our -complete divestment, the principles which kept our -commonwealth together were more deeply rooted -in our altruistic souls; and further, that the -number of our dogmas had been reduced to a few -tenets, which could be easily lived up to without -theological wrangling or ecclesiastic rivalry. The -<span class='pageno' id='Page_267'>267</span>missionary gravely declared to me, that we should -never be able to attempt any proselytism abroad, -before we had thoroughly grasped the first notion -of the duties of a peace-maker. We threshed out -the subject until late that evening, and spent many -more nights trying to disentangle the skeins of -conflicting doctrines; but after we had both -developed our ideas on the problem of propagandism, -the practical solution to the dilemma suggested -itself to me last night, by which true -religion should be saved from the waters of -Lethe.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>A gentle breeze fanned the crowd of anxious -listeners. The windows of the dining-halls were -filled with human forms eagerly leaning forward.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Be brave, my Royal Guide, <em>we</em> shall never -desert you, although your Church gives you up,” -and Mrs Pottinger laid her firm white hand on -the arm of His Royal Highness.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Louder, my lord,” whispered Jack Roller to -the Bishop.</p> - -<p class='c003'>The old man raised himself on his toes, and, -lifting his eyes, to heaven, uttered these words: -“<em>The union of all churches.</em>”</p> - -<hr class='c008' /> - -<p class='c003'>A profound silence followed; and as the true -purport of these words became evident to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_268'>268</span>crowd, a loud murmur of approval arose, which -convinced the preacher he had struck the keynote -of the public feeling. The ice was broken, -and feeling himself at one with his congregation, -the ex-dignitary proceeded unhesitatingly with his -discourse, in language which was always sincere, -and at times even waxed eloquent. He revealed -to his public his inner thoughts and struggles. -Strange to say, at every phrase he destroyed -what he had at one time worshipped, and extolled -that which he had formerly condemned.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Three months ago,” went on the prelate, -“humanity had very erroneous ideas of politics, -economics, morals, and, I fear, also of religion; but -now that man has not a rag upon his back, now -that monk’s hood, Bishop’s apron, Hebrew -canonicals are no more, conflicting dogmas cannot -avail to separate man from man. The principle -of love forms the basis of all divine teachings, -and moral relationships between all creatures -are the aim of all those who reverence an ideal -of some sort. There is no doubt, my friends, that -with the vanishing of clothes has disappeared -also religious casuistry. Religion, and by that I -mean love and charity, is as easy to practise in -our large cities as it was in the small community -of Galilee. The first thing which we must well -understand is that religion must never be gloomy, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_269'>269</span>nor ascetic, but, on the contrary, must shed a -radiance over mankind; for practical religion -consists in the perfect development of all our -faculties, and in the enjoyment of that which is -beautiful. Happiness is the true aim of religion, -and it cannot be obtained by means of that -religious depression which annihilates human -efforts towards social reforms. Only by working -hand in hand with science, and by strictly -following her researches and approving of -her discoveries, can that <i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">summum bonum</span></i> be -achieved.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“The old fellow is unconsciously paving the -way towards the goal; and I think the Seer’s -invention will not raise the clergy’s wrath,” said -Lionel to his little buffoon.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My lord, there is no saying what a Bishop -will do when he has lost his gaiters,” replied -Danford.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear friends”—the Bishop’s tone rose higher—“I -am speaking as a man, not as the head of a -Bishopric (I do not quite see how I could do the -latter, since it is impossible nowadays to know a -Canon from a Bishop, a Cardinal from a Rabbi), well -my friends, I come as a man to tell you that we -must accept the position, and give up attempting -to unite the substance with the shadow. Let us -start once more fairly on the road to enlightened -<span class='pageno' id='Page_270'>270</span>happiness, and let us lead the theological reform, -next to which the great Reformation was but -child’s play. For centuries we have wrangled -over the simplest doctrine: ‘Love thy neighbour.’ -We all taught its lesson according to our lights, -but, strange to say, bitter animosity continued to -rule the world. It is only since our complete -divestment that we realised that we looked first -to the label, and rarely ever to the fundamental -teaching. But, my friends, before we can in -any way reform the morals of foreign countries, we -must tighten the bonds which link men together, -and carry into effect the great plan of religious -unity. It is the only logical basis on which to -establish true religion, and unless we strike the -iron while it is hot we shall see morality -disappearing under a heap of argumentation. -Do not take me for a visionary constructing -theoretical reforms which cannot be put into -practice. I want you to know that I have looked -at this problem from a practical point of view. -You know as well as I do that, although every -country had its turn in reforming the world, somehow -the old injustice and the spirit of vindictiveness -had a trick of creeping up again. But now -that the hour has struck for England to do something -in the world’s tournament, let us no longer -procrastinate but do the right thing at the right -<span class='pageno' id='Page_271'>271</span>moment. Much will be expected of the British -race, for it is inclined to find fault with every -other nation. The danger is at hand, and no one -can accomplish this reform like us, nor can any -other Church but ours effect this reconciliation. I -therefore trust you will all help me in the work of -joining hands.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, the Bishop’s firm will get the job of repapering -and whitewashing the old barn.” And -Dan chuckled as he turned towards Lord -Somerville.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“How irreverent you are, Dan,” reprovingly -said Lionel.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My lord, you do not know your own countrymen. -It is only when a great reform evokes a -trivial image in John Bull’s sleepy mind that an -Utopian ideal has any power to move him. You -see, John Bull is of a homely disposition, and he -is very fond of telling you that the surface of our -planet and the relations between nations have -greatly altered since a man one day watched a -kettle simmering. The Bishop knows his own -flock well enough, and he leads them with a gentle -hand.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Listen, Dan, to his closing words.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“England has behaved well throughout this -crisis, my friends, it has shown self-control and -good-humour in making the best of a very uncomfortable -<span class='pageno' id='Page_272'>272</span>position; and I have no hesitation in -declaring before you all, that it is owing to our -being essentially a moral nation that God chose -us to evangelise other races less felicitous. Let us -never forget that we are a practical nation, incapable -of being led away from the path of -wisdom by moonstruck Utopians; and let us -always bear in mind that the Anglo-Saxon is -always ready to take his share in a case of rescue, -when the means of effecting it lie in conforming -to the country’s code of honour.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“There he is again at his old game of British -pride,” and Lionel shrugged his shoulders as he -tightened his horse’s reins and moved on.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! my lord, be more lenient with him; -the man means well, and that is all we want for -the present. Naturally he sticks to a few -obsolete prejudices, but never mind that, for -he has risen to the greatest heights in being for -once sincere.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Well, Mr Vane?” inquired Mrs Archibald, as -she turned her face towards the dismayed -countenance of the <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">dilettante</span></i>, “what do you think -of the Bishop’s address?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Our ranks are thinning, dear Mrs Archibald; -the more reason for us to draw close to one -another and to struggle against the rising waves -<span class='pageno' id='Page_273'>273</span>of vulgarity.” The little fetish of Society put his -hand to his eyes—what was it? A pang at his -heart or a sudden faintness? No one knew, for -he soon recovered his self-control and was as -flippant as ever.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_274'>274</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER XVIII</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>“How isolated we are in this wide, wide world,” -said Mrs Archibald to Lord Mowbray, a few days -after the meeting in St Paul’s. They had rambled -beyond Putney Bridge on a warm afternoon, and -having reached Barnes Commons had seated -themselves upon the soft grass. These two recalcitrants -mourned pitifully over their present -state and uncongenial surroundings, and, as they -sat, related to each other in short, spasmodic -sentences their grievous historiette of woe. Anecdote -after anecdote escaped their lips, which -recalled a past glory, a social Paradise for ever -lost to them. Mrs Archibald described to her -companion the scene in Lord Somerville’s library, -when Temple had spoken what she had at the -time considered such shameful words. However, -she was beginning to have some dim understanding -of what Sinclair had meant when he said that -a blush at the right moment was a good thing; -and she and Lord Mowbray felt somewhat uncomfortable -<span class='pageno' id='Page_275'>275</span>as they realised the anomaly of recalling -a clothed Society in their state of nature. For the -first time in their artificial lives did their two -hearts throb and long for something they had -never known, and as they talked bitter tears -trickled down their pale cheeks. When they had -nearly finished their task of disentangling the -skein of their complex past lives, they came to a -full stop; and behind the mass of frivolity and -petty sorrowings evoked by their anxious brain, -they remarked in a corner, a dying Cupid, panting -for life, whom they decided to revive. But here -we must stop, for it does not do always to analyse -the motives of human beings; suffice it to say that -in their frenzied revolt against the uncongeniality -of their surroundings, they fell into each other’s -arms. Often a puerile cause has been the means -of working out a momentous effect. But a remarkable -thing occurred to these two recalcitrants, -as they stood heart to heart, lip to lip: one by -one their prejudices disappeared, the shallowness -of their social past dawned upon them, and -they now saw the meaning of their present -condition.</p> - -<p class='c003'>They returned to London, to the great world, -as man and wife, and completely cured of their -feverish delusion.</p> - -<hr class='c008' /> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_276'>276</span>But where was <em>he</em>? Where, the little <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">dilettante</span></i> -who had for years carefully ministered to -Society’s artistic needs? He had fed the <em>grand -monde</em> with small buns of his own making, and his -flatterers and parasites had turned away from him -in disgust, begging for some other bun of a better -kneading.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Towards the end of July, Lord Somerville and -his faithful buffoon were walking in Half Moon -Street when Lionel suddenly suggested that they -should look up Montagu Vane.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“As you like, my lord,” replied Danford; “I -have not caught sight of the little figure for many -days.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>They came to the <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">dilettante’s</span></i> house, where, as -in every house in England, the front door stood -open. (Vane had not been able to resist public -opinion, and for the sake of his own reputation as -a fashionable man, he had given way to this -custom.) The two men entered the hall, and as -they began to ascend the staircase they had the -impression of penetrating into the Palace of the -Sleeping Beauty. They went up the narrow stairs, -very soon found themselves in the large drawing-rooms, -and looked round at the frescoed walls -representing mythological subjects.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“This place of fashionable gatherings looks -more abandoned than the deserts of Arabia,” -<span class='pageno' id='Page_277'>277</span>said Lionel, “this was the last haunt of the social -<i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">élite</span></i>; and there is about these rooms a stale -aroma of <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">vieille Société</span></i>, which makes me feel -faint.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>They seated themselves upon chairs carved in -the shape of shells; other seats and <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">fauteuils</span></i> -represented flowers and fruits, in imitation of -Dresden china. Poor Vane, he had done his level -best to keep up his standard of rococo art.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I was told that very few came to his parties -of late—was that so?” inquired Danford.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! my dear Dan, I have seen him waste his -energy and such gifts as he had to entertain half-a-dozen -men and women, so as to keep up his -ephemeral influence over what he still persisted -in calling—his <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">salon</span></i>. Some, like Mrs Archibald—ah! -I always forget she is Lady Mowbray now—came -with her present husband; Lady Carey -accompanied them, simply for the sake of past -associations, or out of pity. One evening—ah! I -can never forget that evening, why! it was only -last week—Sinclair and I arrived at ten o’clock, -and found Vane all alone, in that very shell-seat -you are in. He was waiting for his guests. I can -see him in my mind’s eye, lying back, his eyes -shut. The rooms were discreetly lighted up; -the tables, or monopodiums, as he insisted on -calling them, were laden with luscious fruit, whilst -<span class='pageno' id='Page_278'>278</span>muffled melody of an invisible orchestra, playing -antiquated gavottes and <span lang="it" xml:lang="it">minuettos</span>, was heard in -the distance. Latterly these were the only strains -he approved of. When he caught sight of us in -the doorway, he got up and came forward, seizing -hold of our hands. ‘Oh! my dear friends,’ said -he, ‘you are welcome! You will help me to-night.’ -I noticed a thrill of sadness in his voice, -and I detected a tear in the corner of his eye. -‘What’s up?’ asked Sinclair. ‘My dear friends,’ -he replied, ‘you will never guess. The Prince of -Goldstein-Neubaum, my social guide, has dropped -me!’ Poor Vane went on telling us that the -Prince had telephoned to him an hour ago, announcing -that he could no longer continue to be -his guide. ‘And what do you think?’ went on -the little <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">dilettante</span></i>, ‘he said he was going to join -the School of Observation! Too dreadful, my -poor friends. When the leaders of Society give -up the game, what is there left? Of course you, -who represent our Peerage, are utterly lost, so are -the men who, like you, Sinclair, directed the -public’s taste; but there still remained Royalty, -and I always hoped they would ultimately bring -you all back to a saner way of regarding life.’ -‘And you are all alone?’ said Sinclair to him. -‘Well, we shall help you. Do you expect many -to-night?’ as he looked round at the great display -<span class='pageno' id='Page_279'>279</span>of flowers and refreshments. ‘To tell you the -truth,’ and Vane spoke in subdued tones, ‘I -thought it was time to bring matters to a crisis, -and I telephoned all over London to remind my -friends that this evening would be my last At -Home, as the season would soon break up.’ My -dear Dan, it was pitiful to watch the poor -little man’s sadness, and I have never been so -sorry for him as I was on that memorable -evening.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I daresay, my lord, very few turned up,” -remarked Dan.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear fellow, not one single soul came that -night. When twelve o’clock struck, Vane’s face -became the colour of a corpse. The ticking of the -pendulum, as it swung remorselessly backwards -and forwards, seemed to furrow deep wrinkles in -the wan face of our desolate friend. We were -witnessing the final agony of a marionette which -Society had held up by strings; until one day -it grew weary of its plaything, and dropped the -toy upon the ground. He sat there, his little curly -head drooping on his breast, like a withered -flower on its stem; whilst the invisible orchestra -played Boccherini’s minuetto. The atmosphere of -that past haunt of Society was redolent of exotic -perfumes which made us giddy. Towards three -o’clock in the morning we left him without disturbing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_280'>280</span>his reflections, and we have never seen him -since; it is only a week ago.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Shall we go, my lord? Time is short, and this -is no place for men like you.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Let us run upstairs, Dan. I reproach myself -for not having come to inquire after him -before.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>Lionel led the way upstairs, followed by the -somewhat reluctant Danford. They pushed open -the door leading into the <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">dilettante’s</span></i> bedroom, -but at first, could not see anything, for the shutters -were closed. The overpowering stillness caused -the two men to pause on the threshold, and to -hold their breath. After a few seconds they heard -the regular tick-tack of an old empire timepiece, -and gradually their eyes perceived in the dark the -glittering brass ornaments of the furniture. Danford -the practical saw no fun in remaining thus in -total obscurity, and he groped his way towards -the large bay window. He turned the latch, -pushed the shutters aside, and let in a flow of -sunshine which revealed the mahogany bedstead -on which lay the small body of Montagu -Vane.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Lionel, who had crossed the room and joined -Dan, touched his arm.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“There he is,” murmured the two men. They -walked on tip-toe close to the bed and gazed upon -<span class='pageno' id='Page_281'>281</span>the little <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">dilettante</span></i>, stretched out on his pallet -sleeping his last sleep.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“He is quite cold,” whispered Lionel, laying his -hand on the motionless heart.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“But not yet stiff, my lord,” added Dan, whose -keen eye detected the suppleness of the limbs, -which could not have been cold for more than a -few hours. The wrinkles had been smoothed -down, and the petty, frivolous expression of the -small face had been replaced by the placid aspect -of a wax doll.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Do you think there was any struggle, my -dear Dick?” Lionel looked at his guide with -anguish.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“No, my lord; there seems to have been no -wrench, no painful parting from life. What you -witnessed, that evening when the world abandoned -him, must have been the only agony he -ever knew.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, his was a sad life. He loved no one.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear Lord Somerville, what is much worse -still, no one loved him. The inadequacy of this -little man to his environment made his existence -pitiful.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>They looked round the room. The doors, -window frames and shutters were all of mahogany. -The bed, in the shape of a gondola, also of -mahogany, was supported by two gilded swans’ -<span class='pageno' id='Page_282'>282</span>heads, and garlands in gilt ornamented the sides -of the bed. In one corner of the room was a -mahogany pedestal on which stood a silver -candelabra; in another corner, a small chiffonier -was placed; and on the dressing-table stood -a silver bowl containing a bouquet of faded -roses.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What a strange idea of his,” Lionel whispered; -“this is quite a woman’s bedroom, and a copy of -Madame Récamier’s room in Paris.” Tears -gathered in his eyes. “And this is all he could -invent to surround himself with; but I daresay -it all went together with his taste for the old -minuetto.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Let us be off, my lord. His silly little tale is -told, and this atmosphere is unhealthy.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>They left the bedside, closed the mahogany -shutters and went out of the room.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“We shall have to give notice at the -Crematorium,” said Lionel, when they were once -more in the balmy air and sunshine.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“If you like I will go, my lord. Do not trouble -yourself.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>It was pleasant to breathe again the fragrance -of trees and flowers. Piccadilly seemed full of -life and happiness after that scene in the death -chamber. It was altogether so artificial that -Lionel could feel no sorrow for the loss of his little -<span class='pageno' id='Page_283'>283</span>friend, and by the time they had reached Park -Lane he had almost banished from his memory -the mahogany room and the little corpse lying -there.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I do not think I shall mention this to -Gwendolen,” said Lord Somerville.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I should not, my lord. Why should you -mention the death of what you are not quite sure -ever existed? The little <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">dilettante</span></i> was an optical -delusion of Society’s over-heated brain. When -the brain fever was cured, the delusion went; and -no one now could remember the existence of the -little mannikin.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Next week we open the Palace of Happiness. -Dick, I dread it.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You need not, my lord. Step by step you -have led that worthy John Bull through the -labyrinths of Utopia, and all the way he has -marvelled at the easy roads. Dear old, ingenuous -John Bull patted your back, expressing his joy at -being in the company of a sane mind who knew -that two and two made four.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! but I quake, Dan, when I think he will -soon find out that very often two and two -make five. What will John Bull do to me -when he sees that I have played a trick upon -him?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“The last lesson will be easier to teach than -<span class='pageno' id='Page_284'>284</span>were the first ones, my lord. There is something -in the character of John Bull which facilitates the -work of reform; whilst you are instructing him, -he labours under the delusion that it is <em>he</em> who is -teaching <em>you</em> a lesson. Look at all that we have -already achieved: hygiene has reformed the race, -physical pain has well-nigh disappeared; and next -week we are to be in possession of the greatest -invention of all, by means of which we shall be -able to read the inner souls of our fellow-creatures. -On that day we shall say <em>Eureka</em>. Think of it, my -lord, realise the grandeur of that invention! The -object and subject will be one, appearance and -reality will be seen in their whole; in one word, -mind and matter will be united.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear Dan, I know that no happiness can -ever be lasting until one soul can penetrate -another. But how ever will the Britisher take this -invention? You know his susceptibilities, his -deep love for self-isolation, how he hates to wear -his heart on his sleeve, and his horror of letting -any of his fellow-creatures guess his inner emotion. -I cannot help being anxious.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Do not be faint-hearted, my lord. John Bull -will receive your last message with the greatest -composure. He will work out his own salvation, -with the firm belief that he is only carrying out -his own plans on a logical basis.”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_285'>285</span>“Here we are at Hertford Street, Dick; I am -going to see Sir Richard. You might go to the -Crematorium.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“By Jove, my lord! I had quite forgotten the -poor little body!” ejaculated Danford, and the two -men parted.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_286'>286</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER XIX</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>“Are you there?” inquired Victor de Laumel of -Lionel through the telephone, a few days before -the opening of the palace.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Is that you, Victor?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes; we are all very much amused over here, -and wonder if you are really in earnest about your -Palace of Happiness?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Nothing more serious, my dear boy. It will -be the crowning of all our social reforms.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Bah, <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">mon cher</span></i>! you have lost all your sense -of humour! When I think of our <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">diners fins</span></i>, -and our pleasant chats together, I cannot understand -your making such fools of yourselves—especially -over a mere trifle.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Trifle, my dear Victor! This is the most -important event in our history, and the results to -which this trifle will lead are colossal. But you -will one day perhaps be induced to imitate us.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Nonsense, my dear man; we are too eclectic -to return to paradisaical fashions. Rabelais, with -his boisterous jovialty, and sound doctrine of good -health united to good spirits, is more to the taste -<span class='pageno' id='Page_287'>287</span>of a race which to this day, in some provinces, -speaks his sixteenth-century vernacular, and -inherits his practical views of life.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! but we have read Carlyle, my dear Victor, -and seen through the hollowness of our former -social fabric.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“<i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Mon cher ami</span></i>, had you carefully read -Montaigne, you would know that the great -essayist had hurled a stone at the tawdriness of -our clothes-screens long before the Recluse of -Cheyne Walk. But I forget that you take this -kind of thing to heart! You are a <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">moral</span></i> race—oh! -a very moral one—whatever you may do.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I think, dear Victor, you will be impressed -with our national reforms when you are thoroughly -acquainted with them.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Well, well, what is the upshot of all this? I -can quite realise the scientific import of the Seer’s -discovery; though, for my own part, I should very -much object to seeing the inner soul of a Loubet -or the secret motives of a Combes. But I can -imagine that in business dealings, or in matrimonial -transactions, it might be of great advantage to be -able to investigate the motives of financiers or of -mothers-in-law. Still, I want to know what part -<em>you</em>, the English aristocracy, are playing in this -burlesque?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“We are the leaders in this great bloodless -<span class='pageno' id='Page_288'>288</span>revolution; and we have, owing to our self-abnegation, -saved the masses, and rebuilt our -social edifice on a stronger basis than before.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My poor Lionel, that’s been done long ago! -Our revolution of 1789 was nothing but a noble -renunciation of all prerogatives and privileges on -the part of our <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">noblesse</span></i>; still, the outrages of 1793 -very soon showed how futile were the attempts -at reform—from within.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Different countries have different customs, -dear Victor, and you must never judge our self-controlled -commonwealth from the standpoint of -your bloodthirsty democracy. It is not so much -that our aristocracy is unlike yours, but that your -lower classes are utterly different from our own.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Anyhow, dear Lionel, I have made up my -mind to go over and see things for myself.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah, that’s a good fellow! Come along, and -we will do all that lies in our power to make you -happy. You won’t be bored, I declare; and your -visit over here will at all events furnish you with -some topics of conversation on your return to -Paris.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>And Victor de Laumel arrived next day in -the afternoon, after a lovely crossing in his yacht -(for the Calais-Dover had ceased running, and he -was the first foreigner who had landed in England -since the storm). He stood on the Charing Cross -<span class='pageno' id='Page_289'>289</span>platform as God made him; it having occurred to -him that the Londoners might be offended at his -Parisian outfit and at his disregarding the new -fashion of denudation. On the day following his -arrival, his first visit was to Montagu Vane; but -on his arrival at his house, he found to his great -surprise that it had been pulled down. He -inquired after the little <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">dilettante</span></i> from several -of his friends, on his way to Selby House, but -quite in vain, for no one could tell him anything; -and he thought that London Society had certainly -not improved, if it could forget the existence of its -arbiter in all matters of art. He did not, however, -ponder long over such questions; he had come -over to judge impartially the London reforms, -and he was not going to allow his prejudices to -influence him; so he made the most of his short -stay in the capital, seeing everything, escorted -either by Lionel or by Sinclair, who, by the way, -seemed to him to have become dreadfully dull. -His rambles with Danford rather amused him, -although he saw no novelty in the admission to -fashionable households of these little truth-tellers, -for this had been done before in mediæval times; -but what baffled him was the good-fellowship with -which the Upper Ten appeared to treat these -little buffoons. He dined at the dining-halls, -attended meetings at the ex-clubs in Pall Mall, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_290'>290</span>went to tournaments, plays, even drove in a -chariot with Tom Hornsby, and above all admired -Gwendolen beyond expression. But, after he had -done these things and thrown himself body and -soul in the spirit of the new civilisation, he came -to the conclusion that it was all very well for a -race which took things <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">au serieux</span></i>, but that it -would never do for Parisians; and he could not -for one instant believe that on the borders of the -Seine political rancour could ever be uprooted -and replaced by love and charity, because one -man had seen another in nature’s garb.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">quelle plaisanterie, mon cher!</span></i>” Victor -would ejaculate, when his friend highly extolled -the beauties of their Paradise Regained.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“But how on earth,” exclaimed Lionel, one day, -as he and Victor walked along Bond Street -together, “are you able to recognise everyone as -you do? It took Society a very long time before -it could distinguish a Duke from a hall porter!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“<i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Que vous êtes drôle, mon pauvre ami!</span></i> I never -found any difficulty! You see, we French people -are not lacking in perspicacity, and although we -excel in all matters of elegance, and attach -perhaps more importance to our appearance than -your nation ever did, yet we never lose sight of -the person’s individuality hidden beneath the -woven tissues.”</p> - -<hr class='c008' /> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_291'>291</span>“As you will not take me to see your wonderful -palace,” said Victor to Lionel the day before the -opening, “you might at least tell me where -it is.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“We chose Regent’s Park as a suitable place, -and built in the centre of it a monumental edifice, -not unlike our old Crystal Palace, though twice as -large, and covered with a glass dome. Round the -top of the hall runs a gallery out of which doors -open into rooms of about twenty feet square. In -these private laboratories scientific experiments -can be developed by anyone who brings an invention -to the Committee of Public Reforms.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What anarchy, my dear Lionel; I cannot -imagine how such a plan would work at our -Sorbonne!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! but you are an academical country!” replied -Lord Somerville. “You would be astonished -at the number of young scientists who are coming -to the fore. Ever since education ceased to be compulsory, -personal initiative has become more frequent -amongst men of the younger generation who -are eager to play a useful part on our world stage. -After the scientific discovery has been thoroughly -tested in a private laboratory, and its results -declared to be satisfactory by the inventor, it is -publicly tried in the central hall before all who -<span class='pageno' id='Page_292'>292</span>can comfortably assemble there, and repeated -each day, until all Londoners, together with representatives -of every town in England, have judged -whether or no the discovery is like to add -happiness to humanity.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I suppose it was you who chose the name by -which the palace is called?” inquired Victor.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I suggested it, but there was a long discussion -about that. The clergy, desirous to immortalise -their union with other churches, were anxious to -call it the Palace of Scientific Religion; the -bigwigs of the old War Office, who have become -more pacific than the Little Englanders of our -past civilisation, insisted that the place should be -named the Palace of Bloodless Victories.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Then what did you do to bring them round to -your way of thinking?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear man, I did not bring them round at -all; they gradually came round of their own accord, -when they realised that happiness was our aim, -and that all our efforts were but means to that -end.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Strange people you are,” thoughtfully remarked -Victor.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Never has man been so thoroughly disciplined, -my dear Victor, or so free to develop his faculties -to the utmost, as since he voluntarily gave up the -attempt to dominate his fellows.”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_293'>293</span>“All the positivists, past and present, have -preached that felonious doctrine,” said Victor, -shrugging his shoulders. “Even your great -Herbert Spencer—who was what one may call a -pessimistic reformer—owned that before man could -realise a perfect state of freedom, he would have to -master the passions which give a bias to all his -actions, and render him powerless to create a social -Utopia. May this blissful state of things continue, -and may the Seer find your hearts as pure as newborn -babes when he turns his searchlight on to you.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“There is no fear of that, dear Victor; London -has been going through mental gymnastics for a -few weeks, and you could not find one creature -that did not harbour the purest intentions. Even -that uninteresting couple, the Mowbrays, have not -in their whole composition a grain of malice, -although they started late in their career of -reform.”</p> - -<hr class='c008' /> - -<p class='c003'>The Palace of Happiness opened next day, on -what Londoners were formerly wont to call -Goodwood Day. Thousands and thousands marching -in perfect order entered the hall, and seated -themselves on the benches which had been erected -one above the other and reached right up to the -gallery. At one end of the hall, on a marble -platform raised three feet from the ground, Lionel -<span class='pageno' id='Page_294'>294</span>and Gwen, Sinclair and Eva, with many others -who formed part of the committee, were reclining -on couches. Victor de Laumel sat discreetly -behind the Somervilles, for they had hinted -to their Parisian friend that his presence might -attract the attention of the public and put it out -of humour against the whole performance. Lionel -kept saying that until this ceremony was over -they were not out of the wood, and could not say -positively that John Bull had been won over.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Notwithstanding the size and height of the hall, -the scent of flowers was intoxicating, as masses of -cut roses, jasmine and carnations were strewed over -the platform and the seats, whilst huge garlands of -tropical flowers hung in festoons along the upper -gallery.</p> - -<p class='c003'>At the other end of the edifice, opposite the -platform, an enormous arch had been constructed -as an entrance to the hall, through which the -crowd could watch the slow progress of the procession -in the distance, as it came up the broad -avenue bordered with exotic plants. From where -they were seated in the hall, it was difficult to -distinguish the exact details of that triumphal -procession, but they could discern in the sunshine -a dazzling object carried in state by several male -figures. This was the casket, or, as it was more -appropriately called, the Reliquary, which contained -<span class='pageno' id='Page_295'>295</span>the instrument designed by the Seer to -bring universal happiness. The bearers of this -heavy burden were numerous, for the Reliquary -was large and weighty, and strong muscles were -needed to lift up and down this solid mass of -gold. Not only had the great of the land -volunteered to fulfil the humble duties of bearers -in this unparalleled pageant, but men who held -exalted positions at Court had of one accord -given up their coronets and decorations, their -military orders and medals, in order that these -might be melted down and recast into this -magnificent casket. Likewise had Royal -Princesses, and the flower of feminine aristocracy, -unhesitatingly handed over to the Seer all their -tiaras, necklaces and costly jewels, to ornament -the outside of this precious receptacle. It was an -impressive sight, and one which no living man -could compare with any past pageant in history, -to see these men, who three months ago had -firmly believed in the power of wealth and -position, standing now shoulder to shoulder -divested of their worldly masks and leading the -way to the happy goal. Perhaps also their hearts -throbbed with pride as they thought of the private -ceremony which was to follow this public function: -a special train was to carry the Reliquary and -the bearers to Dover, where, from the pier, they -<span class='pageno' id='Page_296'>296</span>would hurl the symbol of all past vanities into the -Channel. They thirsted for this last act of self-abnegation, -and moreover they felt that it would -be a salutary hint to the nation over the way.</p> - -<p class='c003'>The clock struck twelve, and as the last stroke -vibrated through the clear atmosphere, the head of -the procession passed through the porch.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Mrs David Pottinger, holding the hand of the -American Seer, entered first; behind her came the -twenty bearers carrying the Reliquary. The -public stared in amazement at its size—twelve -feet long and eight feet wide—and they were -dazzled by the beauty of the mass of solid gold -all inlaid with precious stones. As the bearers -slowly advanced into the middle of the hall, the -whole assembly rose, and many were moved to -tears as they read on the top of the casket the -magic word, <em>Happiness</em>, spelt in diamonds, rubies -and sapphires. Not one word, not one clap of -hands were heard to disturb the sanctity of the -ceremony. Immediately behind the Reliquary -came the American colony, walking three abreast. -They were all there, proud of their kinsman, to -whom the world in future would owe an eternal -debt of gratitude, and they were honoured at being -allowed to be of use to dear old England, whose -hospitality they so thoroughly appreciated. Behind -these marched the Music Hall Artists, men -<span class='pageno' id='Page_297'>297</span>and women; and at their approach a thrill ran -through the audience. They fluttered with wild -excitement at the sight of these dapper men and -spruce little women, who seemed to bring with -them an element of good-natured fun, and to whom -England owed, in a sense, its salvation. What -the audience felt was similar to that which they -formerly experienced in the days when the Horse -Guards used to appear on the scene, to announce -the approach of a Royal carriage. Still, no words -rose to their lips; their gratitude for these wise -jesters was too deeply rooted in their hearts to -find expression in vulgar applause. Their eyes -lingered in rapture on the ranks of the satirists -whose action had, at a critical moment, pulled -Society together, and taught its members how to -observe and how to remember.</p> - -<p class='c003'>From these the audience looked up at the -twenty bearers, and marvelled at their transformation, -recognising in one a Royal Highness, in -others a Prime Minister, a Field-Marshal, an -Archbishop, a South African millionaire and -various Members of Parliament.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Mrs Pottinger and the Seer were within a -few steps of the platform, when the procession -suddenly came to a standstill; the members -of the committee, rising from their seats, came -forward and bowed to the couple, whilst Gwendolen -<span class='pageno' id='Page_298'>298</span>and her friends remained behind with their -guest from the other side of the Channel, to whom -they were anxious to show the utmost courtesy. -The twenty bearers carefully lifted the heavy -burden from their shoulders, and deposited on the -ground, the Reliquary which rested on ten -sphinxes’ heads carved in solid gold. The twenty -representatives of a vanished civilisation showed -no signs of lassitude after their long pilgrimage, -but stood upright, facing the committee with the -tranquil expression which heroes bear on their -faces when they have accomplished their duty.</p> - -<p class='c003'>The bells began to peal in honour of the new -era just dawning on the world, and the men and -women gathered in thousands in the hall, gazed in -silent admiration at the beauty of the Reliquary -enveloped in the burning rays of sunshine. They -remembered what that word spelt in precious -stones had meant to each of them. They called -up in their mind’s eye the pageants of the last few -years, with all the morbid excitement and savage -rowdiness which accompanied such shows; and -they blushed at what they were brought up to -regard as happiness, which was in reality merely a -fierce love of enjoyment and a wrong notion of -national honour. The topsy-turvyism of past -London was so revolting and so incongruous with -their present mode of life, that to many who were -<span class='pageno' id='Page_299'>299</span>present, Hogarth’s print of Gin Lane came before -their eyes, as a symbol of an intoxicated world in -which even the houses reeled on the top of each -other in a universal <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">culbute</span></i>.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Suddenly the bells stopped, and Mrs Pottinger -and the Seer, having bowed to the committee, -turned round and walked back to the Reliquary. -There was a slight nervousness about the inventor’s -movements, and his hand shook visibly as -he held it above the casket. Gradually he lowered -it until the precious stones came in contact with -the palm of his hand; and when his sinewy fingers -grasped the golden latch, which he lifted with a -sharp snap, the noise sounded, in the intense -silence, like a gun fired in the distance. To -Lionel’s memory it brought back the first exodus -of Londoners three months ago.</p> - -<p class='c003'>At that moment, as if compelled by some -higher power, the assembly broke into a shout of -joy, which was echoed by the thousands who were -gathered outside the hall; and a few seconds -afterwards they gave expression to their pent-up -emotion by shouting the word which was -inscribed on the Reliquary.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Happiness! Happiness!” they unceasingly -vociferated, whilst the Seer slowly opened the lid -encrusted all over with diamonds.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Happiness! Happiness!”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_300'>300</span>The bells began to peal once more, and the sun -flooded the hall through every aperture. The Seer -brought out of the Reliquary a small instrument -in the shape of a revolving wheel, which he held -at arm’s length above his head. At that instant -the shouting was so deafening that the Seer had -to exercise all his self-control not to break down -under the emotion which mastered him.</p> - -<p class='c003'>The rays of the sun streaming into the hall were -so dazzling, that every detail was blurred; the -glass dome seemed to lift itself away in the azure, -and the walls to crumble down, as the last barrier -which had separated man from man was -annihilated.</p> - -<p class='c003'>An unfettered world wrapped in a golden -vapour stood under the blue sky, shouting for -ever and ever, “Happiness! Happiness! -Happiness!”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_301'>301</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CHAPTER XX</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>“What’s been the matter with me?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Nothing very serious, Lord Somerville,” -cheerily replied Sir Edward Bartley. “You are -all right now; but you must not excite yourself. -Now, now, don’t look round in that way.” And the -eminent surgeon laid his soft hand on his patient’s -wrist.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“This is strange, Sir Edward. Have the carpets -and curtains come back?” and two tears trickled -down Lionel’s emaciated cheeks.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Sh, sh! that’s all right.” Sir Edward turned -to the valet, who stood close by. “Temple, you -must put some more ice on your master’s head. -That same idea is haunting him; and we shall -have him delirious again if we don’t look out.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“No, Sir Edward,” murmured Gwendolen -Towerbridge, seated at the foot of the bed. -“Lord Somerville is all right, leave him to me, and -you will find him perfectly well when you return -this afternoon.” The eminent surgeon took -Gwen’s hand in his own and looked intently into -her face.</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_302'>302</span>“My dear young lady, you have already saved -his life; for no trained nurse could have shown -more skill, more tact, than you have done -throughout this alarming case. It is a perfect -mystery to me how a fashionable and spirited -young girl like you could, in one day, become -such a clever nurse and a devoted woman.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! that is my secret, Sir Edward.” Gwen -looked down blushingly. “But some day I may -tell it you, if he allows me.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Well, well,” and he gently patted her hand, -“I leave the patient in your hands; if you can -bring him round to a saner view of his surroundings, -you will have done a great deal; for he is -quite unhinged, and I am not sure that his brain -is not affected.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Oh dear, no! my dear Sir Edward, Lord -Somerville is quite sane; who knows, perhaps -even saner than you or I.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Poor, dear lady, I am afraid the strain has -been too much for you, and we shall have you -laid up if you persist in not taking a rest.” And -Sir Edward silently left the room, followed by -Temple.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My precious Lion, you have at last come back -to me!” exclaimed Gwen, as she threw herself on -her knees and kissed Lionel’s hand.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ah! I knew it was all true,” wearily said Lord -<span class='pageno' id='Page_303'>303</span>Somerville, “for you call me as she did—Lion. -But tell me, dearest, when did all these clothes and -curtains come back?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My poor darling, these clothes, these carpets -never disappeared. It has been a long dream—a -long and beautiful dream.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“All a dream—then Danford, the witty and -faithful guide—?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, a dream, my precious Lionel.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“And all is as it was before that storm? But -you, Gwen, you are not the same, you are the -Una of my dream; I see it in your radiant -expression. Tell me, dearest, how did it happen? -Did I really shoot myself?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, dear—but to go back to that night. As -you remember, the storm was of such a nature as -to prevent our reaching Richmond Park, and we -turned back to town as fast as ever we could to -Hertford Street. At about two o’clock in the -morning father was roused by his valet, who told -him that Temple had come to say he had -found you in the library, shot through the -head.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“And you—?” Poor Gwen evaded the searching -look of her lover by burying her face in the -counterpane.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My father never told me what had happened -until next day.” She looked up at Lionel. “Do -<span class='pageno' id='Page_304'>304</span>not ask me if I felt for you; I do not know, and I -do not wish to remember. I only know that two -days after, as I rode back through the Park, I -looked in to inquire how you were. I came into -this room, and found the surgeon, who told me -your nurse had to leave, for she had been suddenly -taken ill; and I sat down by your bed, just as I -was in my riding-habit, to watch you until another -nurse had been found.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Poor Gwen, it was a horrid ordeal, for you -always hated sickness and loathed nursing.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, and I was so mad at the surgeon -suggesting that I should watch you, that I lashed -your dog with my whip as he came running into -the room. He set up a most awful howl which -you never heard, fortunately. I sat down, and you -began to wander. At first it seemed but the -ravings of a madman and I did not pay much -attention; but by the evening, I was amused at -your suggestions, and told the upper housemaid -to go and fetch my maid with my things. I had -made up my mind to stay.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“To nurse me, Gwen? Ah! how good of you,” -interrupted Lionel.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“No, Lionel, I don’t want you to have a wrong -impression of me, it was not at all to nurse you, -it was in the hopes that you would renew that -fascinating dream. You were most entertaining -<span class='pageno' id='Page_305'>305</span>that night, and I laughed outright at the funny -things you said.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I daresay it was as amusing as the play you -would have gone to that night,” laughingly -remarked Lionel.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Oh! my dear Lionel, I was so very tired of my -social entertainments; and the whole show had -lost a good deal of its glamour, for it was my third -season.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“So you thought my dream was more diverting, -and therefore decided to remain in the seat for -which you had not paid.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, that’s it; I must confess the truth, for we -must never deceive each other again.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Poor little Gwen, how you must have hated -me, for I am ashamed to say, some of my remarks -were anything but flattering.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“No, Lionel; but you taught me how to know -you, and I learned how to know myself. I have -sat night after night in this chair, listening to -your dream, watching every phase of your regenerated -London. I shared in all your reforms, and -at times you even answered my questions. I -could start your weird dream at any time, and at -a suggestion of mine you would take up the thread -of your narrative just where you had left it the -night before.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“It must have been like a sensational <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">feuilleton</span></i> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_306'>306</span>which you expected each day to thrill you anew. -But how worn out you must be, sweetheart. How -long have I been in this condition?” inquired -Lionel.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Two months, dearest; but instead of wearing -me out this hallucination kept me alive and put new -blood into my veins. I can quite well see that -Sir Edward believes I am on the verge of a mental -collapse. Poor man, he does not see what we see -and cannot feel as we do; he is still hopelessly -ignorant.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What a narrow escape I have had,” remarked -Lionel.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“It was miraculous, and the surgeons said -they only knew of one other case in which -a man who had been shot right through -the head recovered consciousness after two -months.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I daresay everyone will say my brain is affected -whenever I say or do anything out of the common.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Never mind, Lionel, you and I have seen into -each other’s heart, and that is sufficient to outweigh -the loss of the world’s approbation. You -see, we cannot look to a storm to wash away all our -world’s shams; so we shall have to pass for -eccentric or unorthodox, if we mean to live in a -world of our own.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“But then, dear Gwen, you remember that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_307'>307</span>Danford said we should be followed in our social -reforms by all the cads that surround us.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, I daresay, but it will be a long time before -that happens, and I have done my little work -of reform personally, by dismissing my maid, and -by sending all my wardrobe to poor gentlewomen. -This old shabby dress is the only one I have worn -for two months. Ah! Lionel, I am ashamed -at appearing before you in such an indecent thing -as a dress—but you know, we cannot reform the -world too abruptly, and besides I was afraid Sir -Edward might give me in charge!” and they -both laughed heartily. It did him good to recall -the old jokes, and his face brightened as he -watched Gwen pirouetting round the room.</p> - -<p class='c003'>There was a gentle knock at the door, and -Temple came in with Gwendolen’s luncheon, -which he placed on the table. He handed to her -on a silver tray a bundle of letters and cards.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“How funny to see letters again,” said Lionel. -“Who are they from?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“A card from the Duke of Saltburn—Lord -Petersham—”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Oh! I must ask the old fellow if he is -accustomed to sitting next to his butcher on the -Board of Public Kitchens! Who next, Gwen?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“There is your pet aversion, Joe Watson, with -solicitous inquiries.”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_308'>308</span>“Gwen, I misjudged the old draper. There is a -deal of good behind his insular self-consciousness.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ha! ha! ha! Little Montagu Vane came to -ask how you were!”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Beg pardon, Miss,” broke in the conscientious -valet, “Mr Vane never came himself, he sent -round a messenger boy.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Oh! how good, just like him,” said Lionel; “he -is a <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">dilettante</span></i> even in sympathy, and prefers to -get his information indirectly.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“There are letters from Mrs Webster, from Mrs -Archibald.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What can they want?” interrupted the -patient. “These letters are of no earthly use; -the first wants my subscription for some charity -fraud, the second needs my name for some social -parade. Throw them in the waste-paper -basket.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Mrs Pottinger also sent her card,” went on -Gwen, as she dropped the cards and letters one by -one on the table.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Excuse me, Miss,” again said Temple, “I -forgot to say that Mrs Pottinger came to inquire -everyday; and yesterday she left a small parcel -which I put on the hall table.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Let us see what she says on her card,” and -Gwen read the following words: “‘Mrs Pottinger -<span class='pageno' id='Page_309'>309</span>hopes that Lord Somerville will accept and use the -small pocket battery which accompanies this card. -One of the most renowned New York surgeons has -invented this wonderful brain restorer, and Mrs P. -trusts Lord Somerville will give the discovery a -fair trial, and that he will patronise the inventor -and the invention.’”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My first and only call will be on Mrs David -Pottinger!” exclaimed Lionel, sitting up in his bed. -“We shall see her yet presiding at the Palace of -Happiness, and leading by the hand the American -Seer.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Is my lord worse, Miss?” gravely inquired the -valet, as he leaned towards Gwen.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“No, Temple, your master has never been in -better spirits, nor has he ever been so clear in his -mind. But it is—what can I call it?—a joke -between us, and no one besides ourselves can -understand it.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My good Temple,” echoed Lionel, with a joyous -ring in his voice, “it is a conundrum which we are -trying to guess. We have already made out the -first part of the riddle, but the second will be more -difficult, for it will consist in making <em>you</em> see the -joke, Temple.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Oh! my lord, I always was a bad hand at -guessing.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Ev’n News! Probable date of th’ Coronation!” -<span class='pageno' id='Page_310'>310</span>The hurried footsteps passed in front of Selby -House.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“What does that mean, Gwen? Is not the -Coronation over by this time?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My poor boy, of course you do not know the -news! Many things have happened since that -night when you shot yourself. The war is over—thank -goodness that is a thing of the past! But -the royal tragedy-comedy was never acted. You -shall read for yourself.” And Gwen went to fetch -a bundle of newspapers and illustrated journals -that lay on a console.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“’Ooligan murderer sentenced!” Again the -hurried steps passed in the street.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Lionel read on and on, thrilled at the perusal of -dailies and weeklies.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“The strangest of events brought the curtain -down on our social pantomime. Quite as strange -as the storm of London. If only it brought -England to its senses I would not lament over the -disappointment of the public.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I doubt whether England will take the hint,” -said Gwen.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“This is all very strange, dearest Gwen, but still -no stranger than my visions; and if it is true that -‘we are such stuff as dreams are made of,’ we can -yet hope that our Society will save itself in -time.”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_311'>311</span>The handle of the door was turned and Sir -Edward walked in.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Hullo! already reading, my dear Lord -Somerville! You are a wonderful patient, and we -shall see you in the Row before long.” Taking -Lionel’s hand he felt his pulse. “That’s right, you -are better, and you will soon resume your duties -at Court. The King was inquiring after you the -other day.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Very kind of him, I am sure, Sir Edward. I -am sorry to disappoint you, but as soon as I can -I shall start on a long journey, and England will -not see me for many years.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear Lord Somerville,” and Sir Edward -held his patient’s pulse firmly within his slender -fingers, “we cannot spare you from London; -besides which, this devoted young nurse cannot -allow you to abandon her in this way.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I shall accompany Lord Somerville wherever -he goes,” proudly said Gwen.</p> - -<p class='c003'>Sir Edward laid his patient’s hand gently on -the bed and put back his watch into his waistcoat -pocket.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“I never doubted for one instant that you -would, Miss Towerbridge, but Lord Somerville has -his duties to his King and to Society; and it would -be quite unnecessary to take a long voyage when -I can vouch for his speedy recovery, and can -<span class='pageno' id='Page_312'>312</span>promise that he shall take part in the procession.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My dear Sir Edward, I am so sorry to -disappoint you again, but the royal procession -will not include my unworthy person, nor shall I -witness the royal pageant. It may be bad taste -on my part, but I resign all my duties at Court -from to-day. As to social duties—they only -existed in our imaginations, and the sooner we -emancipate ourselves from such bondage the -better. Besides, my dear Sir Edward, who knows -whether there will be a Coronation?”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“You are tired, dear friend”—the physician laid -his hand on Lionel’s brow. “You have done far -too much in one day, and need rest. But I will -tell you just to put your mind at ease, that the -date of the Coronation is fixed. I met the Lord -Chamberlain an hour ago, and he informed me -that we may look forward at an early date to our -Sovereign’s public apotheosis.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Always the same incorrigible snobbery.” -Lionel heaved a long sigh and lay back on his -pillow. “My poor Sir Edward, England has -missed the opportunity it ever had of learning a -lesson; and we are ambling back to Canterbury -on a Chaucerian cob.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Dear Miss Towerbridge”—Sir Edward came -close to Gwen and spoke in a whisper—“I am -<span class='pageno' id='Page_313'>313</span>afraid Lord Somerville is not yet out of the wood. -I notice symptoms of the recurring fever. If by -ten o’clock this evening the patient has not completely -recovered his senses, call for me; for I fear -the case will then be very grave, and one that will -need the greatest care.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Do not worry about him, dear Sir Edward,” -said Gwen, smiling her most bewitching smile. -“Lord Somerville will never recover what you call -his senses, and as soon as he can be taken away -with safety we shall start for the Continent.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Good gracious! you do not realise what condition -he is in! And what about your father? -What about Society? You are very self-sacrificing, -but you are reckless. Pray let me advise you, -my dear young lady.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“We shall start as soon as Lionel can be -moved,” firmly answered Gwen.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“Yes, dear Sir Edward,” added Lionel, looking -wistfully at the surgeon; “but we shall keep you -posted up as to our whereabouts.”</p> - -<p class='c003'>“And we shall always sympathise with you in -your tragic state of overclothing,” playfully said -Gwen.</p> - -<p class='c003'>“My last words to you, Miss Towerbridge,” -sententiously spoke Sir Edward, as he stiffly -bowed farewell, “are these: You will very soon -regret your rash enterprise.”</p> - -<p class='c003'><span class='pageno' id='Page_314'>314</span>The surgeon went slowly out of the door, which -he closed behind him with a sharp click; and as -he crossed the hall he muttered between his -teeth, “It is the first time I have seen an absolute -case of contagious insanity.”</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='small'>THE END</span></div> - <div class='c002'><span class='xsmall'>COLSTON AND COY. LIMITED, PRINTERS, EDINBURGH</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chap'> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c005' /> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<div class='section ph2'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div>CURTIS YORKE’S Latest Novels</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><cite class='bcite'>OLIVE KINSELLA</cite></td> - <td class='c011'>(Shortly) <cite class='bcite'>6/—</cite></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><cite class='bcite'>DELPHINE</cite></td> - <td class='c011'>(Fourth Edition) <cite class='bcite'>6/—</cite></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><cite class='bcite'>THE GIRL IN GREY</cite></td> - <td class='c011'>(Fifth Edition) <cite class='bcite'>6/—</cite></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><cite class='bcite'>A FLIRTATION WITH TRUTH</cite></td> - <td class='c011'>(New Edition) <cite class='bcite'>2/6</cite></td> - </tr> -</table> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>THE PRESS ON CURTIS YORKE</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>The Times.</cite>—“Curtis Yorke, in her many novels, has a happy gift for -portraying the tender emotions.... There is always a charm about Curtis -Yorke’s books—partly because she has the gift of natural, sympathetic -dialogue.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Saturday Review.</cite>—“The novels of Curtis Yorke are too well known -to need introduction. They have already their own public. They are -bright, lively and vivacious.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Morning Post.</cite>—“Whether grave or gay, the author is a raconteur -whose imagination and vivacity are unfailing. Few, moreover, have in the -same degree the versatility which enables him to provoke peals of laughter -and move almost to tears.... The writer is natural, realistic and -entertaining.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Spectator.</cite>—“Curtis Yorke always writes bright and readable novels.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Literature.</cite>—“A powerful book, as are all Curtis Yorke’s novels.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Scotsman.</cite>—“The name of Curtis Yorke must always command respect -in the minds of all novel-readers.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Sheffield Independent.</cite>—“A writer of uncommon power and promise.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Literary World.</cite>—“There are few novels that are at the same time -so passionate and so perfectly harmless as those of Curtis Yorke.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>The Bookman.</cite>—“Curtis Yorke’s reputation for talent and vigour as -a storyteller is already established.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Manchester Courier.</cite>—“Curtis Yorke’s work has been marked from -the first with singular insight into poor human nature, with tolerance towards -the ugly and inevitable ills that spoil this beautiful world, and with -literary ability of a high order.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Glasgow Herald.</cite>—“One naturally expects from this writer a wholly -enjoyable story.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Star.</cite>—“Curtis Yorke writes with a sure touch. She never deviates -from a path of pure naturalness.”</p> - -</div> -<div class='chap'> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c005' /> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='large'>MARY E. MANN’S GREAT NOVEL</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>IN SUMMER SHADE</span></div> - <div class='c002'>By MARY E. MANN</div> - <div>Author of</div> - <div>“The Mating of a Dove,” “Olivia’s Summer,” etc.</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>Crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 6s.</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>OPINIONS OF THE PRESS</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Morning Post.</cite>—“For human interest and bright vivacity of -dialogue ‘In Summer Shade’ is not likely to find many rivals -among works of the same class.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Speaker.</cite>—“Mrs Mann has given us a thoroughly readable and -decidedly clever story, marked by humour, satires and tenderness.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Daily Chronicle.</cite>—“The scene between husband and wife is -one of the strongest and most restrained pieces of dramatic work -we have seen for quite a long while.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Standard.</cite>—“A strong dramatic interest and a really excellent -love story.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Daily Graphic.</cite>—“Not only a very charming tale in itself, but -it is excellently told.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Bookman.</cite>—“In very few recent novels will there be found -anything approaching its grasp of character and firmness of touch. -Her characters are not made of ink and paper, but of flesh and -blood.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Graphic.</cite>—“A very charming story indeed.... The large-natured -Mary will live in the memory as the most delightful of -heroines.... A thoroughly lifelike novel which can be enjoyed -with the mind as well as with the sympathies.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Spectator.</cite>—“Mrs Mann certainly gives us an effective tale. -Mary’s self-devotion on her sister’s behalf makes a powerful -incident and leads up to a <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">dénouement</span></i> of much dramatic power.”</p> - -</div> -<div class='chap'> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c005' /> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='under'><i>READY SHORTLY</i></span></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>GUY BOOTHBY’S ENTHRALLING NEW ROMANCE</div> - <div class='c001'><span class='xlarge'><cite class='bcite'>IN SPITE OF THE CZAR</cite></span></div> - <div class='c002'>By GUY BOOTHBY</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><span class='fixed'>Crown 8vo, Bevelled Boards,</span></td> - <td class='c011'><span class='fixed'>Price 5s.</span></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><i>With Eight Full-page Half-tone Illustrations on Art Paper by</i> <span class='sc'>Leonard Linsdell</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c013'>The name of Guy Boothby is one to conjure -with. In this fine tissue of romance and -realism, we have a wide range both in scenery and -in incident. The invention of “Velvet Coat” as -a distinctive sobriquet is an original idea, and -whether in an English country mansion, on the St -Petersburg pavements, or at Irkutsk, or in any other -of the scenes so well painted, we are carried on -from page to page with breathless expectation. All -sorts and conditions of men, and of women too, -cross the stage of this fresh drama, and it is full -of exactly what delights the jaded reader—after -turning from third-rate romance—namely the Unexpected.</p> - -</div> -<div class='chap'> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c005' /> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>MAY CROMMELIN’S</span></div> - <div><span class='xlarge'>POPULAR NOVELS</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><cite class='bcite'>Crown 8vo, cloth gilt, price 6s. each</cite></div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>PHŒBE OF THE WHITE FARM [<em>Shortly</em></div> - <div class='line'>ONE PRETTY MAID AND OTHERS</div> - <div class='line'>CRIMSON LILIES</div> - <div class='line'>BETTINA</div> - <div class='line'>KINSAH</div> - <div class='line'>THE LUCK OF A LOWLAND LADDIE</div> - <div class='line'>A WOMAN DERELICT</div> - <div class='line'>PARTNERS THREE</div> - <div class='line'>A DAUGHTER OF ENGLAND</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>World.</cite>—“Miss May Crommelin has a keen eye for the -picturesque, and her books glow with local colour. She is -known as an agreeable novelist, and has a breezy style which -carries the reader pleasantly along.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Spectator.</cite>—“Miss May Crommelin brings to her task the pen -of a trained writer. She has a wonderful eye for colour, and -excels in seizing the dominant notes of street scenes or mountain -landscapes.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Graphic.</cite>—“Miss May Crommelin is not one to do otherwise -than well.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Bookman.</cite>—“Miss May Crommelin at her best is very good -indeed. At her worst she is at least up to the average.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Daily News.</cite>—“Miss May Crommelin gives us a great deal for -our money. She has a great gift of language, as well as an unfailing -capacity for invention.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Speaker.</cite>—“Miss May Crommelin tells a story well. Her -work has especially a dramatic distinctness which makes us feel -that her characters are not merely manipulated on paper, but -are realised in the imagination.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Literary World.</cite>—“Miss May Crommelin can at all events -never be accused of heaviness or dulness.... A writer who -does not spare pains either in regard to characterisation or composition.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Queen.</cite>—“Miss May Crommelin has the double qualification -of being a good travel-writer and a clever novelist.”</p> - -</div> -<div class='chap'> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c005' /> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='under'><i>JUST PUBLISHED.</i></span></div> - <div class='c005'><span class='large'>GUY BOOTHBY’S NEW ROMANCE</span></div> - <div class='c001'><span class='xlarge'><cite class='bcite'>A Bride from the Sea</cite></span></div> - <div class='c002'><cite class='bcite'>By GUY BOOTHBY</cite></div> - <div class='c005'>Author of “Dr Nikola,” “A Cabinet Secret,” “The Lady of the Island,” etc.</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><cite class='bcite'>Crown 8vo, bevelled boards, price 5s.</cite></div> - <div class='c005'><em>With Eight full-page half-tone Illustrations on Art Paper</em></div> - <div><em>by</em> <span class='sc'>A. Talbot Smith</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c013'>This romance is, in the opinion of those who -have been privileged to read it in M.S., -Mr Guy Boothby’s best and most sensational tale, -and is probably the longest story the author has -written. The hero is Gilbert Penniston, a Devon -worthy; time, a year after the Armada, and the -<i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">motif</span></i> his ardent love for a very beautiful Spanish -girl, saved from shipwreck. Jealousy, plottings, -duels and many totally unexpected sensations, -carry the reader on enthralled and breathless to -the last page. The local colouring is excellent, -and the value of the romance is enhanced by -Mr A. Talbot Smith’s splendid and realistic -illustrations.</p> - -</div> -<div class='chap'> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c005' /> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='xlarge'><cite class='bcite'>Mrs LOVETT CAMERON’S</cite></span></div> - <div><span class='large'>POPULAR NOVELS</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><cite class='bcite'>Crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 6s. each</cite></div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>BITTER FRUIT</div> - <div class='line'>REMEMBRANCE</div> - <div class='line'>AN ILL WIND</div> - <div class='line'>A FAIR FRAUD</div> - <div class='line'>A PASSING FANCY</div> - <div class='line'>ROSAMOND GRANT [<em>Shortly</em></div> - <div class='line'>MIDSUMMER MADNESS</div> - <div class='line'>THE CRAZE OF CHRISTINA</div> - <div class='line'>A DIFFICULT MATTER</div> - <div class='line'>A WOMAN’S “NO”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Morning Post.</cite>—“Mrs Lovett Cameron is one of the best story-tellers of -the day, and her pages are so full of life and movement that not one of them -is willingly skipped.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Daily News.</cite>—“Mrs Lovett Cameron’s stories are always bright, vivacious -and entertaining. They are very pleasantly human, and have, withal, a -charming freshness and vigour.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Daily Telegraph.</cite>—“Mrs Lovett Cameron is a fertile and fluent storyteller, -and an uncommonly clever woman.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Guardian.</cite>—“Mrs Lovett Cameron’s novels are among the most readable -of the day. She has a wonderful eye for a situation, so her stories move with -a swing that is all their own.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Pall Mall Gazette.</cite>—“Mrs Lovett Cameron, in her novels, is always -readable and always fresh.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Speaker.</cite>—“Mrs Lovett Cameron possesses the invaluable gift of never -allowing her readers to become bored.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Academy.</cite>—“Mrs Lovett Cameron exhibits power, writes with vivacity, -and elaborates her plots skilfully.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Bookman.</cite>—“Mrs Lovett Cameron has gained for herself a circle of -admirers, who take up any new book of hers with a certain eagerness and -confidence.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Vanity Fair.</cite>—“Mrs Lovett Cameron needs no introduction to the novel -reader, and, indeed, has her public ready to her hand as soon as her books -come out.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><cite class='bcite'>Black and White.</cite>—“We have a few writers whose books arouse in us -certain expectations which are always fulfilled. Such a writer is Mrs Lovett -Cameron.”</p> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>London: JOHN LONG, 13 & 14 Norris St., Haymarket</div> - <div class='c005'>And at all the Libraries and Booksellers</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='chap'> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c005' /> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>MR. JOHN LONG’S</div> - <div><span class='large'><span class='sc'>Autumn and New Year Announcements</span></span></div> - <div>1904–1905</div> - <div class='c001'><span class='xlarge'><cite class='bcite'>JOHN LONG’S POPULAR NOVELS</cite></span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'><span class='sc'>Mr. John Long</span> has much pleasure in announcing the publication of -the following important New Novels, several of which are now ready.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='fixed'>Six Shillings each</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>THE MASK<a id='r1' /><a href='#f1' class='c014'><sup>[1]</sup></a></td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>William Le Queux</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>THE STORM OF LONDON</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>F. Dickberry</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>BLIND POLICY</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>George Manville Fenn</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>THE AMBASSADOR’S LOVE</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Robert Machray</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>LADY SYLVIA</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Lucas Cleeve</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>THE WATERS OF OBLIVION</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Adeline Sergeant</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>AN INDEPENDENT MAIDEN</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Adeline Sergeant</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>THE BOOK OF ANGELUS DRAYTON</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Fred Reynolds</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>RONALD LINDSAY</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>May Wynne</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>LINKS OF LOVE</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Dacre Hindle</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>MERELY A NEGRESS</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Stuart Young</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>THE TEMPTATION OF ANTHONY</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Alice M. Diehl</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>LITTLE WIFE HESTER</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>L. T. Meade</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>THE NIGHT OF RECKONING</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Frank Barrett</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>ROSAMOND GRANT</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Lovett Cameron</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>THE SECRET PASSAGE</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Fergus Hume</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>CONFESSIONS OF A YOUNG LADY</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Richard Marsh</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>THE FATE OF FELIX</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Coulson Kernahan</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>LOVE AND TWENTY</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>John Strange Winter</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>HIS REVERENCE THE RECTOR</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Sarah Tytler</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>LORD EVERSLEIGH’S SINS</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Violet Tweedale</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>THE INFORMER</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Fred Whishaw</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>THE FACE IN THE FLASHLIGHT</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Florence Warden</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>THE WAR OF THE SEXES</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>F. E. Young</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>COUNT REMINY</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Jean Middlemass</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>THE PROVINCIALS</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Lady Helen Forbes</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>A BOND OF SYMPATHY</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Colonel Andrew Haggard</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>STRAINED ALLEGIANCE</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>R. H. Forster</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>OLIVE KINSELLA</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Curtis Yorke</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>BENBONUNA</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Robert Bruce</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>FROM THE CLUTCH OF THE SEA</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>J. E. Muddock</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>THE CAVERN OF LAMENTS (8 Illusts.)</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Catherine E. Mallandaine</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>LORD OF HIMSELF</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Aylmer Gowin</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>MADEMOISELLE NELLIE</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Lucas Cleeve</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>IN SPITE OF THE CZAR (8 Illusts., 5s )</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Guy Boothby</span></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>☞ <i>Descriptive paragraphs of these Novels will be found inside</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f1'> -<p class='c003'><a href='#r1'>1</a>. Originally announced as ‘Both of this Parish,’ a title claimed by another author.</p> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='chap'> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c005' /> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>Mr. John Long’s New & forthcoming Books</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>THE MASK.</cite> By <span class='sc'>William Le Queux</span></p> -<p class='c016'>This extraordinary tale plunges the reader at the first word into a mystery -so deep, a story so vital, that one reads page after page in the spirit that holds -the reader of, for example, ‘Treasure Island,’ though the story is not a story of -some distant and undiscovered shore. True, there are a treasure and a treasure-hunter. -True, there are wreckers, traitors, villains. True, there are youth, -innocence, beauty. But all these belong, not to the high seas, but to the restless -tide of human life and love which seethes and boils on this dry land of England -now. There is something in the author’s work which allies him with Dumas, -with Victor Hugo, with the weaver of the legends of the ‘Arabian Nights.’ He -holds you; he fascinates you. He brings the breath of old-time romance down -to the HERE and the NOW.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>THE STORM OF LONDON.</cite> By <span class='sc'>F. Dickberry</span></p> - -<p class='c016'>‘Have you read “The Storm of London”?’ is the question which will be on -the lips of everyone. No novel published within recent times is comparable with -it for audacity. It is described as a social rhapsody, and the author certainly -portrays with no flattering pen the worse side of high-class society. But it is -something more. It is a work of imagination, daringly original, and set boldly -in a frame of modern realism. Yet there is no sadness in the book—only laughter. -The author possesses rare courage and discretion, and his story can give no -offence to any reader with the saving gift of humour. Again we ask, ‘Have you -read “The Storm of London”?’</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>BLIND POLICY.</cite> By <span class='sc'>George Manville Fenn</span></p> - -<p class='c016'>Daring in conception, masterly in execution, and strong in real human -interest is Mr. George Manville Fenn’s new story, which deals with the amazing -doings of fashionable London life. That such things can be seems almost past -belief, and yet, given the actual circumstances, and the consequences are perfectly -natural. The feminine interest is particularly strong in this particularly -strong story.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>THE AMBASSADOR’S GLOVE.</cite> By <span class='sc'>Robert Machray</span></p> - -<p class='c016'>Mr. Robert Machray’s plots are conceived with an ingenuity that baffles the -most practised reader. ‘The Ambassador’s Glove’ is a story of a formidable -domestic conspiracy in which the Foreign Office, the Secret Service, and a -peculiar society called The Brotherhood, are involved in a battle royal. The -weapons employed are abduction, assassination, and blackmail. It is a story -that cannot fail to go into many editions.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>LADY SYLVIA.</cite> By <span class='sc'>Lucas Cleeve</span></p> - -<p class='c016'>The chief characteristics of ‘Lady Sylvia’ are passion and intelligence. It is -a story of the eternal conflict between love and duty, and is rendered the more -powerful because it is written with the consummate mastery which is now -associated with the name of Lucas Cleeve.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>THE WATERS OF OBLIVION.</cite> By <span class='sc'>Adeline Sergeant</span></p> - -<p class='c016'>Miss Adeline Sergeant is a writer who has endeared herself to countless -thousands of novel-readers. Her books are always human, and she believes in -happy endings, but the way is set with temptations and storms and difficulties -before the haven is finally reached. In her new story, ‘The Waters of Oblivion,’ -Miss Sergeant displays all her old qualities, and it must create for her a host of -new friends.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>AN INDEPENDENT MAIDEN.</cite> By <span class='sc'>Adeline Sergeant</span></p> - -<p class='c016'>In Miss Sergeant’s new story will be found all those essentials which have -made her name a household word in the realms of fiction, and readers of the -present work will be delighted to make the acquaintance of so charming and -sympathetic a heroine as Dulcie.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>THE BOOK OF ANGELUS DRAYTON.</cite> By <span class='sc'>Mrs. Fred Reynolds</span></p> - -<p class='c016'>‘The Book of Angelus Drayton’ is not a novel set to the ordinary tune. -There is a plot, indeed, and one that no one can read without sympathetic interest; -there is comedy and tragedy in it. But the chief note of the book is its charm—its -charm of subject, its charm of treatment, and its charm of style. It is a story -of the country, and to all who love the sights and sounds of the country it will -appeal with irresistible strength. It leads the reader through the changing -seasons of the year, and of them all it has something significant to say in the -manner of a poet. It is not only a book to be read: it is a book to be bought and -read and re-read.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>RONALD LINDSAY.</cite> By <span class='sc'>May Wynne</span>, Author of ‘For Faith and Navarre’</p> - -<p class='c016'>This is an historical romance of the period of the Scotch Covenanters, and the -background is filled with the fascinating though sinister figure of Graham of -Olaverhouse. The book will delight all who have a feeling for the picturesqueness -of bygone days.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>LINKS OF LOVE.</cite> By <span class='sc'>Dacre Hindle</span></p> - -<p class='c016'>Two adventurous young men on pleasure bent succeed in convoying two -charming girls, with their unsuspecting chaperon, to the hotel where the heroes -of this fascinating romance of the Riviera are to stay. Realism is happily -blended with a delightful romance which promises to be one of the most amusing -of the season.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>MERELY A NEGRESS.</cite> By <span class='sc'>Stuart Young</span></p> - -<p class='c016'>Mr. Stuart Young’s ‘Merely a Negress’ is new and original insomuch that it -deals with the problem of the marriage of an Englishman and a Negress. The -author treats his subject tactfully, and dwells upon the incompatibility, as well -as upon the emotional sympathy of the senses. There is candour in the book, -and yet restraint. As a new experiment in fiction, Mr. Stuart Young’s book -deserves to be received with careful attention.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>THE TEMPTATION OF ANTHONY.</cite> By <span class='sc'>Alice M. Diehl</span></p> - -<p class='c016'>The name of Alice M. Diehl is a guarantee for vividly-coloured and present-day -society presentments, veined with romance and exciting incident. ‘The Temptation -of Anthony’ will certainly take high rank among the lively and delightful -novels by this well-known writer. Her portrait of Eve (Lady Waring) is a -masterpiece in true and delicate female delineation. The story of Eve’s trial -and sufferings should appeal to every reader.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>LITTLE WIFE HESTER.</cite> By <span class='sc'>L. T. Meade</span></p> - -<p class='c016'>L. T. Meade’s new story, ‘Little Wife Hester,’ is concerned with the practices -of Dr. Greenhill, a fashionable London physician, who effects marvellous cures -by means of hypnotism. Her method is too well known to require description -or eulogy. The story is written with great fluency, and ‘Little Wife Hester’ -will add another to Mrs. Meade’s many laurels.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>THE NIGHT OF RECKONING.</cite> By <span class='sc'>Frank Barrett</span></p> - -<p class='c016'>‘The Night of Reckoning’ is a story of Doris, a young girl who, being left -alone in the world, becomes the sport of relatives, who to rob her of her heritage -do not shrink from the committal of the blackest crimes. But Doris has good -as well as bad fairies to watch over her. All who like a rousing novel full of -sensation and presented with an air of authenticity will greatly enjoy Mr. Frank -Barrett’s new book. It places him at the head of the few writers of good dramatic -fiction.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>ROSAMOND GRANT.</cite> By <span class='sc'>Mrs. Lovett Cameron</span></p> - -<p class='c016'>‘Rosamond Grant’ Is the story of a woman’s life—of her illusions, emotions, -hopes, regrets and mistakes. It is a theme admirably suited to Mrs. Lovett -Cameron’s method. Her characters are human to a degree, and the charm lies -in their refreshing originality and their bright and entertaining vivacity. The -story will make many new friends for this delightful and sympathetic writer.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>THE SECRET PASSAGE.</cite> By <span class='sc'>Fergus Hume</span></p> - -<p class='c016'>Since Mr. Fergus Hume became famous as the writer of the ‘Mystery of a -Hansom Cab,’ he has steadily progressed in public favour, and is now regarded -as a veritable master of strategy in fiction. The reader who takes up one of his -books may depend upon finding an enthralling story and a plot of baffling -ingenuity. In his new work Mr. Fergus Hume’s unusual gifts are displayed in -their maturity. ‘The Secret Passage’ is, perhaps, the author’s best book.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>CONFESSIONS OF A YOUNG LADY.</cite> By <span class='sc'>Richard Marsh</span>, Author of ‘The Beetle,’ etc.</p> - -<p class='c016'>Mr. Richard Marsh belongs to the younger generation of writers of fiction, -and he can hold his own with the most brilliant of them. His qualities are -originality of invention, a command over the weird and mysterious, a clear, -straightforward narrative, and a bizarre humour, all the more telling because it -flashes at unexpected moments across the page. In his new book, ‘The Confessions -of a Young Lady,’ Mr. Richard Marsh’s remarkable powers are strikingly -<i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">en evidence</span></i>. It shows him at his best in the plenitude of his varied moods. The -book will add much to the author’s popularity.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>THE FATE OF FELIX.</cite> By <span class='sc'>Mrs. Coulson Kernahan</span></p> - -<p class='c016'>The general reader loves a mystery. Mrs. Coulson Kernahan is evidently -well aware of the fact, and caters for her public accordingly. In ‘Devastation’ -she took the reader into her confidence in the beginning; in ‘The Fate of Felix’ -she keeps her secret to the end. This book has a most amazing plot, and has a -love-story running through it of a very unusual description.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>LOVE AND TWENTY.</cite> By <span class='sc'>John Strange Winter</span></p> - -<p class='c016'>The qualities that created for John Strange Winter her immense popularity -are pre-eminently conspicuous in ‘Love and Twenty.’ The book shows that the -author can wield the pen with all her old mastery. There is the same richness -of invention, the same simplicity of manner, the same warmth of colouring, and -the same tender pathos. No woman writer indeed can contest John Strange -Winter’s supremacy in her own dominion.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>HIS REVERENCE THE RECTOR.</cite> By <span class='sc'>Sarah Tytler</span></p> - -<p class='c016'>Miss Sarah Tytler’s new book deals with the personalities of an old-world -type of county family, and incidentally discusses some semi-political questions -and the problems of village life. Yet there is no lack of story, which is carefully -constructed, written with the author’s accustomed polish, and may be recommended -as among the best of the works of fiction penned by this thoughtful writer.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>LORD EVERSLEIGH’S SINS.</cite> By <span class='sc'>Violet Tweedale</span></p> - -<p class='c016'>The love affairs of a modern peer best describes Violet Tweedale’s new book. -It is a wonderfully strong story, is written with great cogence, and displays a -grasp of character and a power of expression immensely in advance of anything -the author has previously effected. In this novel the author has ‘found’ herself.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>THE INFORMER.</cite> By <span class='sc'>Fred Whishaw</span></p> - -<p class='c016'>Mr. Fred Whishaw here presents a convincing picture of an honest Russian -official who, opposed to the apostles of violence and bloodshed in his unhappy -country, finds himself in a position which grows hateful to him. So realistic are -many of the incidents in this Romance of the Discontented, that the reader will -probably come to the conclusion, perhaps a correct one, that Mr. Fred Whishaw -has drawn upon actual facts rather than upon his unassisted imagination.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>THE FACE IN THE FLASHLIGHT.</cite> By <span class='sc'>Florence Warden</span></p> - -<p class='c016'>Miss Florence Warden’s new novel comprises a powerful study of the evils -of gambling. The villain of the piece—a portrait drawn with great subtlety -and skill—murders a dissipated youth to whom he acts as tutor, and attempts -the life of his wife In order to gratify his passion for gambling. The story would -be noteworthy if only for the presentation of ‘Mattie,’ who witnesses the crime, -and yet is powerless to prevent the marriage of her friend with the murderer. -The book is original and forceful, and the lover of fiction who omits its perusal -will ‘only have himself to blame.’</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>THE WAR OF THE SEXES.</cite> By <span class='sc'>F. E. Young</span>, Author of ‘The Triumph of Jill,’ ‘A Dangerous Quest,’ etc.</p> - -<p class='c016'>It is safe to predict for Miss Young’s new story a phenomenal success, for -it contains those qualities of the unexpected which straightway stamp a book. -The story portrays the condition or affairs some thousands of years hence, -when the male species, with a solitary exception, has become extinct. The -authoress keeps her imagination within bounds, and the chief note of the book -is its great good-humour. A delightful vein of satire winds its way through its -pages, and the general effect can only be the unrestrained amusement which is -wrought by high-class comedy.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>COUNT REMINY.</cite> By <span class='sc'>Jean Middlemass</span></p> - -<p class='c016'>The name of Miss Jean Middlemass is a household word in the region of novel-readers. -Her stories are conceived with great fertility of resource, and executed -with the dexterity of the practised pen. Her new novel, ‘Count Reminy,’ is, -perhaps, the brightest of her many works of fiction. It relates the story of a -girl engaged to a man who cares only for her fortune; how she meets and falls -in love with another man, and how her fiancé is mysteriously murdered. In the -result, after sundry complications, all is well, and the book is bound to please -the many readers of this popular favourite.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>THE PROVINCIALS.</cite> By <span class='sc'>Lady Helen Forbes</span>, Author of ‘His Eminence,’ ‘The Outcast Emperor,’ etc.</p> - -<p class='c016'>Lady Helen Forbes gives us in her new book a story of society, though not of -‘smart’ society. ‘The Provincials’ are a wealthy county family whose wealth -entitles them to be leaders of society, but they prefer the life of the country. -The authoress is well at home among her characters, and her vivacity and sense -of humour invest the plot with real interest. Some vivid pictures of hunting help -the reader along. ‘The Provincials’ may be deemed a landmark in Lady Helen -Forbes’ career as a novelist, and shows that her work will have to be reckoned -with.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>A BOND OF SYMPATHY.</cite> By <span class='sc'>Colonel Andrew Haggard</span></p> - -<p class='c016'>Lieut.-Col. Andrew Haggard may be said to possess one, at least, of the gifts -of his distinguished brother, the author of ‘She’—the art of telling a story. In -his new book he proves, also, that he has a happy knack of invention and a good -eye for dramatic situations. There is an abundance of stirring adventure, and -there is an atmosphere that will inevitably appeal to the sporting reader; -indeed, the book is written by a true sportsman. It is full of high spirits, and -will be greatly appreciated by those who like breezy, good-natured and healthy -fiction.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>STRAINED ALLEGIANCE.</cite> By <span class='sc'>R. H. Forster</span>, Author of ‘The Last Foray,’ ‘In Steel and Leather,’ etc.</p> - -<p class='c016'>This is a story of the rebellion of 1715—of the struggle between the Jacobites -and the Hanoverians, which culminated in the Battle of Preston. The hero -is entrapped into an apparent support of the Jacobite cause, notwithstanding -that his sympathies are with the Hanoverians, and his attempts to escape from -his captors serve as the background for many exciting scenes and romantic -incidents, and for a charming love idyll.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>OLIVE KINSELLA.</cite> By <span class='sc'>Curtis Yorke</span>, Author of ‘Delphine,’ ‘The Girl in Grey’</p> - -<p class='c016'>The name of Curtis Yorke is one to conjure with among all lovers of good -fiction, for she possesses the higher gifts of the novelist—imagination, distinction, -humour. She can play upon the emotions, from grave to gay, from lively to -severe, with the consummate touch of a master. Her new book must fulfil the -anticipations of her best admirers, for ‘Olive Kinsella’ is a fine story, finely -conceived, and finely told.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>BENBONUNA.</cite> By <span class='sc'>Robert Bruce</span></p> - -<p class='c016'>In ‘Benbonuna’ we have a tale written in the easy, forceful, simple style -that must appeal to lovers of adventure. The wild, strenuous, daring life of the -Australian Bush is described with the fidelity of portraiture. Those who know -nothing of this strange, silent land, where many of the laws of nature seem to be -reversed, will find much to enlighten, as well as much to entertain them. The -book is essentially for readers with strong minds and broad sympathies.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>FROM THE CLUTCH OF THE SEA.</cite> By <span class='sc'>J. E. Muddock</span></p> - -<p class='c016'>A book by this well-known and favourite author is always sure of a public, -and it may safely be predicted that ‘From the Clutch of the Sea’ will be eagerly -sought after. The opening, which describes a wreck on the Devonshire coast, -is written with such a graphic pen that the terrible and thrilling scene is brought -vividly before the mind’s eye. The characters are pulsing human beings, and -the story is indeed worthy the reputation of the veteran author.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>THE CAVERN OF LAMENTS.</cite> By <span class='sc'>Catherine E. Mallandaine</span>. Illustrated</p> - -<p class='c016'>‘The Cavern of Laments,’ derives its title from a weird cavern in Sark, and -the main incidents of the story revolve round that picturesque island and its -old-world people. The scenery it traverses, and the people whose lives and -loves it depicts, have this merit—that they are fresh and unhackneyed. Indeed, -the note or the book is its strength and originality. The crux of the story is the -marriage of Cecile and Breakspeare, brought about by a dishonourable act, and -its sequel. The writing is powerful throughout, and the publisher believes that -every reader will be grateful for the opportunity of perusing a novel possessing -unusual qualities.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>LORD OF HIMSELF.</cite> By <span class='sc'>Mrs. Aylmer Gowing</span></p> - -<p class='c016'>The moneyless heir to a peerage wins the Newdigate Prize at Oxford, and -also, as he believes, a beautiful and dangerous woman who has saved his life. -Betrayed by her, he fights his way, like a man, against all odds, a delightful -young princess of ideal type being his good angel. A strong vein of humour -carries the reader through an intricate plot, while vivid pictures of Oxford life -lend colour to a stirring story.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>MADEMOISELLE NELLIE.</cite> By <span class='sc'>Lucas Cleeve</span></p> - -<p class='c016'>There are few novelists whose works deserve more respectful consideration -than those of Lucas Cleeve. She has written stories of a high order, but she has -never surpassed in interest or in power her new book ‘Mademoiselle Nellie.’ It -is a story of English and French life, and offers a careful study of the differing -characteristics of the two peoples. The book abounds in felicitous phrases, in -dramatic moments, and in deft touches of pathos.</p> - -<p class='c007'><cite class='bcite'>IN SPITE OF THE CZAR.</cite> By <span class='sc'>Guy Boothby</span>, Author of ‘Dr. Nikola,’ etc. With 8 Illustrations. 5s.</p> - -<p class='c016'>In this fine tissue of romance and realism we have a wide range both in -scenery and in incident. The invention of ‘Velvet Coat’ as a distinctive sobriquet -is an original idea, and whether in an English country mansion, on the St. Petersburg -pavements, or at Irkutsk, or in any other of the scenes so well painted, we -are carried on from page to page with breathless expectation. All sorts and -conditions of men, and of women, too, cross the stage of this fresh drama, and it -is full of exactly what delights the jaded reader—after turning from third-rate -romance—namely, the unexpected.</p> - -</div> -<div class='chap'> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c005' /> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='box'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c017'> - <div><em>TWO SHILLING NOVELS. Picture Boards, Crown 8vo.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><cite class='bcite'>DEAD CERTAINTIES</cite></td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Nathaniel Gubbins</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><cite class='bcite'>ALL THE WINNERS</cite></td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Nathaniel Gubbins</span></td> - </tr> -</table> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c017'> - <div><em>ONE SHILLING NOVELS. Pictorial Paper Covers</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>THE MYSTERY OF FOUR WAYS</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Florence Warden</span>, Author of ‘The House on the Marsh’</td> - </tr> -</table> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c017'> - <div><em>GENERAL LITERATURE</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>MATILDA, COUNTESS OF TUSCANY</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Mary E. Huddy</span>. Demy 8vo., with Illustrations, <cite class='bcite'>12s.</cite> net.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c016'>In these picturesque pages we have, in a manner, the processional march of the early -Norman soldier settlers in the land of the Olive, and we have also the extraordinary -career set forth in that heroic daughter of the Roman Church, Matilda, the great -Countess of Tuscany, who devoted her whole life and vast fortune to sustaining against -all comers the temporal rights of Holy Mother Church. Pope Gregory the Seventh, -Godfrey, the Hunchback Duke, and Henry IV., the ambitious German Emperor, and -many other famous characters, move across these vivid pages in their habits and as they -really lived. No life of the Great Countess, Matilda of Tuscany, has yet appeared in -this country.</p> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>SIR WALTER RALEGH</cite> (A Drama)</td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Robert South</span>, Author of ‘The Divine Aretino,’ Crown 8vo., Cloth Gilt, 3s. 6d. net.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>HER OWN ENEMY</cite> (A Play)</td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Harriet L. Childe-Pemberton</span> Crown 8vo., Cloth Gilt, 2s. 6d. net.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><em>JOHN LONG’S LIBRARY OF MODERN CLASSICS</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c003'>A series of great works of fiction by modern authors. Not pocket editions, but large, handsome, -and fully-illustrated volumes for the bookshelf, printed in large type on the best paper. -Biographical Introductions and Photogravure Portraits. Size, 8 in. by 5½ in.; thickness, 1¼ in. -Prices: Cloth Gilt, <cite class='bcite'>2s.</cite> net each; Leather, Gold Blocked and Silk Marker, 3s. net each.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><em>Volumes Now Ready.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><cite class='bcite'>THE THREE CLERKS</cite></td> - <td class='c015'>(480 pp.) <span class='sc'>Anthony Trollope</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><cite class='bcite'>THE CLOISTER AND THE HEARTH</cite></td> - <td class='c015'>(672 pp.) <span class='sc'>Charles Reads</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><cite class='bcite'>THE WOMAN IN WHITE</cite></td> - <td class='c015'>(576 pp.) <span class='sc'>Wilkie Collins</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><cite class='bcite'>ADAM BEDE</cite></td> - <td class='c015'>(480 pp.) <span class='sc'>George Eliot</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><cite class='bcite'>THE HISTORY OF HENRY ESMOND</cite></td> - <td class='c015'>(432 pp.) <span class='sc'>W. M. Thackeray</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><cite class='bcite'>WESTWARD HO!</cite></td> - <td class='c015'>(600 pp.) <span class='sc'>Charles Kingsley</span></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>In Preparation—<cite class='bcite'>TOM BROWN’S SCHOOLDAYS.</cite> <em>Other Volumes to follow.</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c003'>‘John Long’s Library of Modern Classics is astonishingly good value for the money. I -know of no pleasanter or more tasteful reprints.’—<cite>Academy.</cite> ‘A real triumph of modern -publishing.’—<cite>Pall Mall Gazette.</cite> ‘A marvel of cheapness.’—<cite>Spectator.</cite> ‘A marvellous -bargain.’—<cite>Truth.</cite> ‘Wonderfully cheap.’—<cite>Globe.</cite> ‘A triumph of publishing.’—<cite>Bookman.</cite> -‘Remarkable in price and format.’—<cite>Daily Mail.</cite> ‘Admirable in print, paper, and binding.’—<cite>Saturday -Review.</cite></p> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><em>THE HAYMARKET NOVELS</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c003'>Under this heading Mr. John Long will issue a series of Copyright Novels which, in their -more expensive form, have achieved success. The volumes will be printed upon a superior -antique wove paper, and will be bound in specially designed cover heavily gold blocked at -back. The size of the volumes will be Crown 8vo., and the price <cite class='bcite'>2s. 6d.</cite> each. A feature of -the Series will be a uniform edition of the more popular works of Mrs. <span class='sc'>Lovett Cameron</span>.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>The following are among the first in the Series:</div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><cite class='bcite'>FATHER ANTHONY</cite> (Illustrated)</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Robert Buchanan</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><cite class='bcite'>A CABINET SECRET</cite> (Illustrated)</td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Guy Boothby</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><cite class='bcite'>AN OUTSIDER’S YEAR</cite></td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Florence Warden</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><cite class='bcite'>FUGITIVE ANNE</cite></td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Campbell Praed</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><cite class='bcite'>THE FUTURE OF PHYLLIS</cite></td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Adeline Sergeant</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><cite class='bcite'>THE SCARLET SEAL</cite></td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Dick Donovan</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><cite class='bcite'>A FAIR FRAUD</cite></td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Lovett Cameron</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><cite class='bcite'>A DIFFICULT MATTER</cite></td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Lovett Cameron</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><cite class='bcite'>THE CRAZE OF CHRISTINE</cite></td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Lovett Cameron</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><cite class='bcite'>A PASSING FANCY</cite></td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Lovett Cameron</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><cite class='bcite'>BITTER FRUIT</cite></td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Lovett Cameron</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><cite class='bcite'>AN ILL WIND</cite></td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Lovett Cameron</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><cite class='bcite'>A WOMAN’S ‘NO’</cite></td> - <td class='c015'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Lovett Cameron</span></td> - </tr> -</table> - -</div> -<div class='chap'> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c005' /> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>JOHN LONG’S</span></div> - <div><span class='xlarge'><span class='sc'>Famous Sixpenny Copyright Novels</span></span></div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><cite class='bcite'>In Striking Picture Covers, 8¾ in. by 5¾ in.</cite></div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> - <tr><td class='c020' colspan='2'><em>The following are now Ready</em>:—</td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>THE TURNPIKE HOUSE</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Fergus Hume</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>THE GOLDEN WANG-HO</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Fergus Hume</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>THE SILENT HOUSE IN PIMLICO</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Fergus Hume</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>THE BISHOP’S SECRET</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Fergus Hume</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>THE CRIMSON CRYPTOGRAM</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Fergus Hume</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>A TRAITOR IN LONDON</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Fergus Hume</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>WOMAN—THE SPHINX</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Fergus Hume</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>A WOMAN’S ‘NO’</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Lovett Cameron</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>A DIFFICULT MATTER</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Lovett Cameron</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>THE CRAZE OF CHRISTINA</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Lovett Cameron</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>A PASSING FANCY</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Lovett Cameron</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>BITTER FRUIT</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Lovett Cameron</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>AN ILL WIND</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Lovett Cameron</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>AN OUTSIDER’S YEAR</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Florence Warden</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>SOMETHING IN THE CITY</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Florence Warden</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>THE LOVELY MRS. PEMBERTON</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Florence Warden</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>THE MYSTERY OF DUDLEY HORNE</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Florence Warden</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>THE BOHEMIAN GIRLS</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Florence Warden</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>KITTY’S ENGAGEMENT</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Florence Warden</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>OUR WIDOW</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Florence Warden</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>CURIOS: SOME STRANGE ADVENTURES OF TWO BACHELORS</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Richard Marsh</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>MRS. MUSGRAVE AND HER HUSBAND</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Richard Marsh</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>ADA VERNHAM, ACTRESS</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Richard Marsh</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>THE EYE OF ISTAR</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>William Le Queux</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>THE VEILED MAN</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>William Le Queux</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>A MAN OF TO-DAY</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Helen Mathers</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>THE SIN OF HAGAR</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Helen Mathers</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>THE JUGGLER AND THE SOUL</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Helen Mathers</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>FATHER ANTHONY</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Robert Buchanan</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>THE WOOING OF MONICA</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>L. T. Meade</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>THE SIN OF JASPER STANDISH</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Rita</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>A CABINET SECRET</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Guy Boothby</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>THE FUTURE OF PHYLLIS</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Adeline Sergeant</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>A BEAUTIFUL REBEL</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Ernest Glanville</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>THE PROGRESS OF PAULINE KESSLER</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Frederic Carrel</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>IN SUMMER SHADE</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Mary E. Mann</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>GEORGE AND SON</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Edward H. Cooper</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>THE SCARLET SEAL</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Dick Donovan</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>THE THREE DAYS’ TERROR</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>J. S. Fletcher</span></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td class='c020' colspan='2'><em>The following will be ready shortly</em>:—</td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>THE WORLD MASTERS</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>George Griffith</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>BENEATH THE VEIL</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>Adeline Sergeant</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c018'><cite class='bcite'>THE BURDEN OF HER YOUTH</cite></td> - <td class='c019'><span class='sc'>L. T. Meade</span></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td class='c020' colspan='2'>☞ Other Novels by the most popular Authors of the day will be added to the Series from time to time</td></tr> -</table> - -</div> -<div class='box'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><cite class='bcite'>JOHN LONG, 13 & 14, Norris Street, Haymarket, London</cite></div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='small'>BILLING AND SONS, LTD., PRINTERS, GUILDFORD</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c005' /> -</div> -<div class='tnotes'> - -<div class='section ph2'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - - <ol class='ol_1 c002'> - <li>Silently corrected typographical errors and variations in spelling. - - </li> - <li>Archaic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings retained as printed. - </li> - </ol> - -</div> - -<pre style='margin-top:6em'> -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STORM OF LONDON *** - -This file should be named 63939-h.htm or 63939-h.zip - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/6/3/9/3/63939/ - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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