This morning she sent for me,
when she was dressing, to know if it were true, as Mr. Derringham had
told her, that, if the Radicals got in, they might last seven
years--because, if so, she would then be almost thirty-eight, and the
best days of her youth would be over. I do not dare to think what
these remarks may mean, but in connection with the fact that she
receives daily letters from Mr. Hanbury-Green--that unpleasant
Socialistic person who is coming so much to the front--I almost fear,
and yet hope, that there is some chance for Mr. Derringham's escape.
He is bearing his trouble as only an English gentleman could do, and
at lunch paid her every attention.
And old Mrs. Clinker smiled when she got this letter.
But by the end of the afternoon John Derringham's face wore no smiles; a
blank despair had settled upon him.
They drove along the Arno and into the Gardens.
It was warm and beautiful, but, so forceful is a hostile atmosphere
created between two people, they both found it impossible to make
conversation.
Pages:
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371