Everyone of course was aware that Mutimer spent his Sundays in London (a circumstance, it was admitted, not altogether reassuring to the ladies with marriageable daughters), and his unwonted appearance in the village on the evening of the present Saturday excited universal comment. Would he appear at church next morning? There was a general directing of eyes to the Manor pew. This pew had not been occupied since the fateful Sunday when, at the conclusion of the morning service, old Mr. Mutimer was discovered to have breathed his last. It was a notable object in the dim little church, having a wooden canopy supported on four slim oak pillars with vermicular moulding. From pillar to pillar hung dark curtains, so that when these were drawn the interior of the pew was entirely protected from observation. Even on the brightest days its occupants were veiled in gloom. To-day the curtains remained drawn as usual, and Richard Mutimer disappointed the congregation. Wanley had obtained assurance on one pointSocialism involved Atheism.
Then it came to pass that someone saw Mutimer approach the Walthams house just before dinner time; saw him, moreover, ring and enter. A couple of hours, and the ominous event was everywhere being discussed. Well, well, it was not difficult to see what that meant. Trust Mrs. Waltham for shrewd generalship. Adela Waltham had been formerly talked of in connection with young Eldon; but Eldon was now out of the question, and behold his successor, in a double sense! Mrs. Mewling surrendered her Sunday afternoon nap and flew from house to houseof course in time for the dessert wine at each. Her cry was haro! Really, this was sharp practice on Mrs. Walthams part; it was stealing a march before the commencement of the game. Did there not exist a tacit understanding that movements were postponed until Mutimers occupation of the Manor? Adela was a very nice young girl, to be sure, a very nice girl indeed, but one must confess that she had her eyes open. Would it not be well for united Wanley to let her know its opinion of such doings?
In the meantime Richard was enjoying himself, with as little thought of the Wanley gossips as ofshall we say, the old curtained pew in Wanley Church? He was perfectly aware that the Walthams did not represent the highest gentility, that there was a considerable interval, for example, between Mrs. Waltham and Mrs. Westlake; but the fact remained that he had never yet been on intimate terms with a family so refined. Radical revolutionist though he was, he had none of the grossness or obstinacy which would have denied to the bourgeois household any advantage over those of his own class. At dinner he found himself behaving circumspectly. He knew already that the cultivated taste objects to the use of a table-knife save for purposes of cutting; on the whole he saw grounds for the objection. He knew, moreover, that manducation and the absorption of fluids must be performed without audible gusto; the knowledge cost him some self-criticism. But there were numerous minor points of convention on which he was not so clear; it had never occurred to him, for instance, that civilisation demands the breaking of bread, that, in the absence of silver, a fork must suffice for the dissection of fish, that a napkin is a graceful auxiliary in the process of a meal and not rather an embarrassing superfluity of furtive application. Like a wise man, he did not talk much during dinner, devoting his mind to observation. Of one thing he speedily became aware, namely, that Mr. Alfred Waltham was so very much in his own house that it was not wholly safe to regard his demeanour as exemplary. Another point well certified was that if any person in the world could be pointed to as an unassailable pattern of comely behaviour that person was Mr. Alfred Walthams sister. Richard observed Adela as closely as good manners would allow.
Talking little as yetthe young man at the head of the table gave others every facility for silenceRichard could occupy his thought in many directions. Among other things, he instituted a comparison between the young lady who sat opposite to him and someonenot a young lady, it is true, but of the same sex and about the same age. He tried to imagine Emma Vine seated at this table; the effort resulted in a disagreeable warmth in the lobes of his ears. Yes, buthe attacked himselfnot Emma Vine dressed as he was accustomed to see her; suppose her possessed of all Adela Walthams exterior advantages. As his imagination was working on the hint, Adela herself addressed a question to him. He looked up, he let her voice repeat itself in inward echo. His ears were still more disagreeably warm.
It was a lovely daywarm enough to dine with the windows open. The faintest air seemed to waft sunlight from corner to corner of the room; numberless birds sang on the near boughs and hedges; the flowers on the table were like a careless gift of gold-hearted prodigal summer. Richard transferred himself in spirit to a certain square on the borders of Hoxton and Islington, within scent of the Regents Canal. The house there was now inhabited by Emma and her sisters; they also would be at dinner. Suppose he had the choice: there or here? Adela addressed to him another question. The square vanished into space.
How often he had spoken scornfully of that word lady! Were not all of the sex women? What need for that hateful distinction? Richard tried another experiment with his imagination. I had dinner with some people called Waltham last Sunday. The old woman I didnt much care about; but there was a young woman Well, why not? On the other hand, suppose Emma Vine called at his lodgings. A young woman called this morning, sir Well, why not?
Dessert was on the table. He saw Adelas fingers take an orange, her other hand holding a little fruit-knife. Now, who could have imagined that the simple paring of an orange could be achieved at once with such consummate grace and so naturally? In Richards country they first bite off a fraction of the skin, then dig away with what of finger-nail may be available. He knew someone who would assuredly proceed in that way.
Metamorphosis! Richard Mutimer speculates on asthetic problems.
You, gentlemen, I dare say will be wicked enough to smoke, remarked Mrs. Waltham, as she rose from the table.
I tell you what we shall be wicked enough to do, mother, exclaimed Alfred. We shall have two cups of coffee brought out into the garden, and spare your furniture!
Very well, my son. Your two cups evidently mean that Adela and I are not invited to the garden.
Nothing of the kind. But I know you always go to sleep, and Adela doesnt like tobacco smoke.
I go to sleep, Alfred! You know very well that I have a very different occupation for my Sunday afternoons.
I really dont care anything about smoking, observed Mutimer, with a glance at Adela.
Oh, you certainly shall not deprive yourself on my account, Mr. Mutimer, said the girl, good-naturedly. I hope soon to come out into the garden, and I am not at all sure that my objection to tobacco is serious.
Ah, if Mrs. Mewling could have heard that speech! Mrs. Mewlings age was something less than fifty; probably she had had time to forget how a young girl such as Adela speaks in pure frankness and never looks back to muse over a double meaning.
It was nearly three oclock. Adela compared her watch with the sitting-room clock, and, the gentlemen having retired, moved about the room with a look of uneasiness. Her mother stood at the window, seemingly regarding the sky, in reality occupying her thoughts with things much nearer. She turned and found Adela looking at her.
Ah, if Mrs. Mewling could have heard that speech! Mrs. Mewlings age was something less than fifty; probably she had had time to forget how a young girl such as Adela speaks in pure frankness and never looks back to muse over a double meaning.
It was nearly three oclock. Adela compared her watch with the sitting-room clock, and, the gentlemen having retired, moved about the room with a look of uneasiness. Her mother stood at the window, seemingly regarding the sky, in reality occupying her thoughts with things much nearer. She turned and found Adela looking at her.
I want just to run over and speak to Letty, Adela said. I shall very soon be back.
Very well, dear, replied her mother, scanning her face absently. But dont let them keep you.
Adela quickly fetched her hat and left the house. It was her habit to walk at a good pace, always with the same airy movement, as though her feet only in appearance pressed the ground. On the way she again consulted her watch, and it caused her to flit still faster. Arrived at the abode of the Tews, she fortunately found Letty in the garden, sitting with two younger sisters, one a child of five years. Miss Tew was reading aloud to them, her book being Pilgrims Progress. At the sight of Adela the youngest of the three slipped down from her seat and ran to meet her with laughter and shaking of curls.
Carry me round! carry me round! cried the little one.
For it was Adelas habit to snatch up the flaxen little maiden, seat her upon her shoulder, and trot merrily round a circular path in the garden. But the sister next in age, whose thirteenth year had developed deep convictions, interposed sharply
Eva, dont be naughty! Isnt it Sunday?
The little one, saved on the very brink of iniquity, turned away in confusion and stood with a finger in her mouth.
Ill come and carry you round to-morrow, Eva, said the visitor, stooping to kiss the reluctant face. Then, turning to the admonitress, Jessie, will you read a little? I want just to speak to Letty.
Miss Jessie took the volume, made her countenance yet sterner, and, having drawn Eva to her side, began to read in measured tones, reproducing as well as she could the enunciation of the pulpit. Adela beckoned to her friend, and the two walked apart.
Im in such a fix, she began, speaking hurriedly, and there isnt a minute to lose. Mr. Mutimer has been having dinner with us; Alfred invited him. And I expect Mr. Eldon to come about four oclock. I met him yesterday on the Hill; he came up just as I was looking out for Alfred with the glass, and I asked him if he wouldnt come and say good-bye to mother this afternoon. Of course Id no idea that Mr. Mutimer would come to dinner; he always goes away for Sunday. Isnt it dreadfully awkward?
You think he wouldnt like to meet Mr. Mutimer? asked Letty, savouring the gravity of the situation.
Im sure he wouldnt. He spoke about him yesterday. Of course he didnt say anything against Mr. Mutimer, but I could tell from his way of speaking. And then its quite natural, isnt it? Im really afraid. Hell think it so unkind of me. I told him we should be alone, and I shant be able to explain. Isnt it tiresome?
It is, really! But of course Mr. Eldon will understand. To think that it should happen just this day!
An idea flashed across Miss Tews mind.
Couldnt you be at the door when he comes, and justjust say, you know, that youre sorry, that you knew nothing about Mr. Mutimer coming?
Ive thought of something else, returned Adela, lowering her voice, as if to impart a project of doubtful propriety. Suppose I walk towards the Manor andand meet him on the way, before he gets very far? Then I could save him the annoyance, couldnt I, dear?
Letty widened her eyes. The idea was splendid, but
You dont think, dear, that it might be a littlethat you might find it?
Adela reddened.
It is only a piece of kindness. Mr. Eldon will understand, Im sure. He asked me so particularly if we should be alone. I really feel it a duty. Dont you think I may go? I must decide at once.
Letty hesitated.
If you really advise me not to pursued Adela. But Im sure I shall be glad when its done.
Then go, dear. Yes, I would go if I were you.
Adela now faltered.
You really would go, in my place?
Yes, yes, Im sure I should. You see, it isnt as if it was Mr. Mutimer you were going to meet.
Oh, no, no That would be impossible.
He will be very grateful, murmured Letty, without looking up.
If I go, it must be at once.
Your mother doesnt know he was coming?
No. I dont know why I havent told her, really. I suppose we were talking so much of other things last night. And then I only got home just as Alfred did, and he said at once that he had invited Mr. Mutimer. Yes, I will go. Perhaps Ill come and see you again after church.
Letty went back to Pilgrims Progress. Her sister Jessie enjoyed the sound of her own voice, and did not offer to surrender the book, so she sat by little Evas side and resumed her Sunday face.
Adela took the road for the Manor, resisting the impulse to cast glances on either side as she passed the houses at the end of the village. She felt it to be more than likely that eyes were observing her, as it was an unusual time for her to be abroad, and the direction of her walk pointed unmistakably to one destination. But she made no account of secrecy; her errand was perfectly simple and with an object that no one could censure. If people tattled, they alone were to blame. For the first time she experienced a little resentment of the public criticism which was so rife in Wanley, and the experience was usefulone of those inappreciable aids to independence which act by cumulative stress on a character capable of development and softly mould its outlines.
She passed the church, then the vicarage, and entered the hedgeway which by a long curve led to the Manor. She was slackening her pace, not wishing to approach too near to the house, when she at length saw Hubert Eldon walking towards her. He advanced with a look which was not exactly indifferent yet showed no surprise; the smile only came to his face when he was near enough to speak.
I have come to meet you, Adela began, with frankness which cost her a little agitation of breath. I am so very sorry to have misled you yesterday. As soon as I reached home, I found that my brother had invited Mr. Mutimer for to-day. I thought it would be best if I came and told you thatthat we were not quite alone, as I said we should be.
As she spoke Adela became distressed by perceiving, or seeming to perceive, that the cause which had led her to this step was quite inadequate. Of course it was the result of her having to forbear mention of the real point at issue; she could not say that she feared it might be disagreeable to her hearer to meet Mutimer. But, put in the other way, her pretext for coming appeared trivial. Only with an extreme effort she preserved her even tone to the end of her speech.
It is very kind of you, Hubert replied almost warmly. Im very sorry you have had the trouble.
As she disclaimed thanks, Eldons tact discovered the way of safety. Facing her with a quiet openness of look, he said, in a tone of pleasant directness which Adela had often felt to be peculiarly his own
I shall best thank you by admitting that I should have found it very unpleasant to meet Mr. Mutimer. You felt that, and hence your kindness. At the same time, no doubt, you pity me for my littleness.