Sylvia & Michael by Compton MacKenzie

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Title:Sylvia&MichaelThelateradventuresofSylviaScarlett

Author:ComptonMackenzie

ReleaseDate:May9,2012[EBook#39660]

Language:English

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SYLVIA&MICHAEL

_BYTHESAMEAUTHOR_

SYLVIA&MICHAELPLASHERSMEADSYLVIASCARLETT

Harper&Brothers _Publishers_

AUTHOR'SNOTE

Ineedscarcelysaythatin1915therewasnoPassportOfficeinBucharest,andthatsofarasIamawaretherearenoportraitsin

thisbook.Ifanyofthecharactersachievetheeffectofportraits,itmaybeduetotheirwearinguniform,whichmakeseveryonelookalike.FurtherIshouldliketoemphasisethatthisvolumeisreallyBookThreeof_SylviaScarlett_,andisonlypublishedseparatelyonaccountofthedifficultiesofproduction.

SYLVIA&



MICHAEL

THELATERADVENTURESOFSYLVIASCARLETT

_ByCOMPTONMACKENZIE_

_Authorof_"SYLVIASCARLETT""PLASHERSMEAD"ETC.

[Illustration:colophon]

HARPER&BROTHERSPUBLISHERS

NEWYORKANDLONDON

SYLVIA&MICHAEL

Copyright,1919,byHarper&Brothers

PrintedintheUnitedStatesofAmerica

PublishedJuly,1919

TOTHEMEMORYOFMYFATHERANDINDEEPAFFECTIONTOMYMOTHER

SYLVIA&MICHAEL

_Sylvia&Michael_

CHAPTERI

BythetimethatSylviareachedParisshenolongerblamedanybodybutherselfforwhathadhappened.Everythinghadcomeaboutthroughherowngreedintryingsimultaneouslytosnatchfromlifeartisticsuccessanddomesticbliss:shehadnevermadeaseriousattempttochoosebetween

them,andnowshehadlostboth;forshecouldnotexpecttorunawaylikethisandsucceedelsewheretothesamedegreeoreveninthesamewayasinLondon.Nodoubtallherfriendswoulddeplorethestepshehadtakenandthinkitmadnesstoruinhercareer;butaftersomuchadvertisementofhermarriage,afterthewayshehadrevealedhermostintimatethoughtstoOlive,aftertheconfidenceshehadshowninArthur'sdevotion,therewasnothingelsebuttorunaway.YetnowthattheengagementhadbeendefinitelybrokenshefeltnobitternesstowardArthur:thesurprisingfactorwasthatheshouldhavewaitedsolong.Moreover,behindallheroutragedpride,behindherregretforlosingso



much,deepinhermindburnedaflickeringintuitionthatshehadreallylostverylittle,andthatoutofthisnewadventurewouldspringanewselfworthiertodemandsuccess,andmorefinelytemperedtowithstandlife'sonset.Evenwhenshewassittingbeneaththemulberry-treeinthefirstturmoiloftheshock,shehadfeltafaintgladnessthatshewasnotgoingtoliveinMulberryCottagewithArthur.AlreadyonthisMaymorningofPariswiththechestnutsintheirfloweryprimeshecouldflingbehindherallthesneersandallthepityforherjilting;andthoughshehadscarcelyanymoneyshewasalmostgladofherpoverty,gladtobeplungedonceagainintothevortexofexistencewithallthestrengthandallthebuoyancythattimehadgivenher.ShethoughtofthemonthsaftersheleftPhilip.ThiswasadifferentSylvianow,andnotevenyetcometowhatSylviamightbe.Itwassplendidtohearalreadythenoiseofwatersroundher,fromwhichsheshouldemergestrongerandmorebuoyantthanshehadeverimaginedherselfbefore.

Immediatelyuponherarrival--forwiththelittlemoneyshehadtherewasnotadaytobelost--Sylviawentinthismoodtovisitheroldagent;likeallparasites,heseemedtoknowinadvancethattherewaslittlebloodtosuck.Shetoldhimbrieflywhatshehadbeendoing,lethimsupposethattherewasamaninthecase,andaskedwhatworkhecouldfindforher.

Theagentshookhishead;withoutmoneyitwasdifficult,nay,

impossibletoattemptinParisanythinglikeshehadbeendoinginLondon.Nodoubtshehadmadeagreatsuccess,butasuccessinLondonwasnoguarantyofasuccessinParis,indeedratherthecontrary.Itwasapityshehadnotlistenedtohimwhenshehadthemoneytospendonaproper_réclame_.

"_Bref,iln'yarienàfaire,chèremadame._"

Therewassurelythechanceofanengagementforcabaretwork?TheagentlookedatSylvia;andshecouldhavestruckhimforthewayhewassoevidentlyponderingherageandmeasuringitagainstherlooks.Intheendhedecidedthatshewasstillattractiveenoughandheexaminedhisbooks.Shestillsang,ofcourse,andnodoubtstillenjoyeddancing?

Well,theywantedFrenchgirlsinPetersburgattheTrocaderocabaret.Itwouldworkoutatfourhundredandfiftyfrancsamonth,towhich,ofcourse,thecommissiononchampagnewouldaddconsiderably.Shewouldhavetoremainondutytill3A.M.,andthemanagementreservedtherighttodispensewithherservicesifshewasnotasuccess.

"_Commeartisteoucommegrue?_"Sylviademanded.

Theagentlaughedandshruggedhisshoulders;hewasafraidthattherewasnothingelseremotelysuitable.Sylviasignedthecontract,andsolittlemoneywasleftinherpursethatfromParistoPetersburgshetraveledthirdclass,anunpleasantexperience.

ThechangefromthePierianHalltotheplacewhereshewasnowsingingcouldscarcelyhavebeengreater.Foranaudienceindividual,quiet,attentive,wassubstitutedanoisygatheringofpeoplethatwasnotanaudienceatall.Ithadbeendifficultenoughinolddaystosingtopartiesdrinkingroundanumberoftables;butheretothenoiseofdrinkingwasaddedthenoiseofeating,theclatterofplates,andtheshoutingofwaiters.InawaySylviawasglad,becauseshedidnotwantanybodytolistentothesongshewassinging;shepreferredtocomeonthesmallstageasimpersonallyasaninstrumentinthemusicoftherestaurantorchestra,andretiretogivewaytoanothersingerwithout



theleastattentionbeingpaideithertoherexitorhersuccessor'sentrance.

Sylviawishedthattherestoftheeveningcouldhavepassedawayasimpersonally;shefounditterriblyhardtoendureagain,aftersolong,thesensationofbeingforsale,ofbeingpulledintoaseatbesidedrunkenofficers,ofbeingogledbyelderlyGermanJews,ofbeingtreatedasanequalbywaiters,offeelinguponhertheeyesofthemanagerashereckonedhernetvalueinchampagne.ThereweremomentswhenshedespairedofherabilitytoholdoutandwhenshewasonthevergeofcablingtoEnglandformoneytocomehome.Butpridekeptherbackandsustainedher;luckilyshehadtodonothingatpresentexcepttalkinordertoinduceherpatronstobuychampagnebythedozen.Sheknewthatitcouldnotlast,thatsoonerorlatersheshouldacquirethegeneralreputationofbeingnogoodforanythingexcepttositandchatteratatableandmakeamanspendmoneyonwinefornothing,andthatthensheshouldhavetogobecausenobodywouldinvitehertohistable.ShewasgratefulthatitwasRussiaandnotAmericaorFranceorEngland,whereaquickerreturnformoneyspentwouldhavebeenexpected.

WhenSylviafirstarrivedatPetersburg,shehadstayedinsolitarymiseryatasmallGermanhotelthatlackedeventhemeritofbeingclean.Aftershehadbeenperformingaweek,oneofherfellow-artistes

recommendedhertoa_pension_keptbyanEnglishwoman,thewidowofa _chancelier_attheFrenchEmbassy;itwasalongwayfromthecabaret,beyondtheracecourse,buttherewasthetram,andonewouldalwaysfindsomebodytopayforthedroshkyhome.

Sylviavisitedthe_pension_,whichwasatumble-downhouseinaverylargegardenoftherankestvegetation,aqueerembrangledplace;butthefirstimpressionoftheguestsappealedtoher,andshemovedintoitthesameafternoon.MèreGontran,theowner,wasoneofthoseexpatriatedwomenthatlosetheirownnationalityandacquireinsteadanewnationalitycompoundedoftheirown,theirhusband's,andthecountrytheyinhabit.Shewasaboutfifty-fiveyearsold,nearlysixfeetinheight,excessivelylean,withanecklikeaturkey's,a

weather-beatenveinouscomplexion,verysquareshoulders,andthin,colorlesshairdoneupinakindofstarfishattheback.Hereyeswereverybright,ofanintenseblue,andshehadahabitofwearingoddstockings,which,likeherhair,werealwayscomingdown,chieflybecausesheusedhergarterstokeephersleevesaboveherelbows.Oneofthetwinpassionsofherlifewasanimals;butshealsohadthreesons,loutishyoungmenwhoateorsmokedcigarettesalldayandcouldhardlyspeakawordofEnglishorFrench.Theirmother,onthecontrary,thoughshehadcometoPetersburgasagovernessthirty-fiveyearsago,andhadlivedthereeversince,couldspeakhardlyanyRussianandonlyverybadFrench.MèreGontran'sanimalswerereallymoreaccomplishedlinguiststhanshe,ifitwastrue,assheasserted,thatacollieshepossessedcouldsay"good-by,""adieu,"and"proschai."Sylviasuggested

thattheRussiansalutehadreallybeenasneeze,butMèreGontrandefiedhertoexplainawaytheEnglishortheFrench,andwasangryatanydoubtsbeingcastonwhatshehadheardwithherownears.InadditiontoSamuel,thetalkingcollie,therewasasenilebulldogcalledJames,whoonapillowofhisownsleptbesideMèreGontraninherbed,whichwasinahuttwohundredyardsawayfromthehouse,attheotherendofthegarden.Highuproundthewallswerehungboxesforninecats;intothesetheyascendedbyladders,andnoneofthemeverattemptedtosleepanywherebutinhisownbox,anexampletotherestofthe_pension_.Therewerenumerousotheranimalsabouttheplace,the



mostconspicuousofwhichwereaponyandagoatthatspentmostoftheirtimeinthekitchenwiththeonlyservant,astuntedTartarwhowentmutteringaboutthehouseandsleptinacupboardunderthestairs.MèreGontran'sothergreatpassionwasspiritualism;butSylviadidnothavemuchopportunitytotesthertruthfulnessinthisdirection,becauseatfirstshewasmoreinterestedintheguestsatthe_pension_,acceptingMèreGontranasoneacceptsaqueerfactforfutureinvestigationattherightmoment.

TheoutstandingboarderinSylvia'seyeswasaFrenchaviatorcalledCarrier,whohadcometogivelessonsandexhibitionsofhisskillinPetersburg.Hewasagreatbluffcreaturewithaloudvoiceandwhatatfirstseemedaboastfulmanner,untilonerealizedthathisbragwasakindofgamewhichhewasplayingwithfate.Underneathitalltherelayadeepmelancholyandasenseofalwaysbeingveryneartodeath;butsincehewouldhaveconsideredtheleasthintofthisadisgracefulplayofcowardice,hewascarefultocoverwhathemightdowithwhathehaddone,whichwas,evenallowingforbrag,agreatdeal.ItwasonlywhenSylviatookthetroubletomakefriendswithhimthatherevealedtoherhisfierceambitiontofinishwithflyingassoonaspossible,andwiththemoneyhehadmadetobuyalittlefarminthecountry.

"_Tusais,laterrevautmieuxqueleciel_,"hetoldher.

Hewassuperstitious,andboastedloudlyofhismaterialism;venturinguponwhatwasstilllargelyanunknownelement,herelieduponmascots,whilepreservingaprofoundcontemptforGod.

"I'venoteverseenhimyet,"heusedtosay,"thoughI'veflownhigherthananybody."

Hischestofdrawerswascoveredwithsmalltalismans,somethepledgesoffortunegivenhimbyladies,otherspickedupinsignificantsurroundingsorconditionsofmind.Heworehalfadozenrings,notoneofwhichwasworthfiftyfrancs,butallofwhichwereendowedwithprotectivequalities.Bythescapularsandmedalshecarriedroundhisneckheshouldhavebeenthemostpietisticofmen,buthoweversacred

theirinscriptions,theycountedwithhimasmerelymoreportableguarantiesthanthehideouslittlemonkeysandmandarinsthatlitteredhisroom.

"WhenI'vefinished,"hetoldSylvia,"Ishallthrowallthisaway.WhenI'mdigginginthegoodearth,mymascotwillbemyspade,nothingelse, _jet'assure_."

Sylviaaskedhimwhyhehadevertakenupflying.

"WhenIwassmallIadoredmy_bécane_;afterwardIadoredmyautomobile._Onarrivecommeça._Ah,ifthefoolshadn'tinventedbiplanes,howhappyIshouldbe."

Thenperhapsafewmomentslaterhewouldfindhimselfinthepresenceofanaudience,andoneheardhimathisboasting:

"_Bigre!_Iamsorryforthemanwhocannotfly.Onehasnotlivedifonehasnotflown.Theclouds!Onewouldsayafeather-bedbeneath.To-morrowIshalllooptheloopatfivethousand_mètres_.OnemightsaythatallPetersburgwillberegardingme."

Thereweretwoyoungacrobaticjugglersstayingatthe_pension_,who



performedsomeextremelydangerousacts,butwhoperformedthemwithsucheasethattheyseemedlikenothing,especiallyastheacrobatsthemselveswereladyliketoaludicrousdegree.

"Oh,Bobbie,say,wouldn'titbefinetofly?Wouldyoubeterriblyfrightened?Ishould.Oh,Ishouldbefrightened."

"Don'tyoueverfeels-sick?"Bobbieaskedtheaviator.

ForthesetwoyoungmenCarrierreservedhismosthair-raisingtales,whichalwaysendedinWillie'ssayingtoBobbie:

"Oh,Bobbie,Is-s-implycan'tlistentoanymore.Sonow!Oh,itdoesmakemefeelsofunny!Doesn'tityou,Bobbie?"

Thenarminarm,gigglingliketwogirls,theyusedtotripoutofhearing,andCarrierwouldspitinbewilderment.OnceheinvitedBobbietoaccompanyhimonaflight,atwhichWilliescreamed,flunghisarmsroundBobbie'sneckandcreatedascene.Yetthatsameeveningtheybothbalancedthemselveswithlampsonahighladder,untiltheaudienceactuallystoppedeatingforamomentandhelditsbreath.

Sylviafoundthelonghoursofthecabaretveryfatiguing;eveninolddaysshehadneverthoughtthelifeanythingbutthemostcruelexaction

madebytherichmanforhispleasure.Shewasdeterminedtosurvivethestrainthatwasbeingputuponher,butshehadmomentsofdepressionduringwhichshesawherselfgoingunderwiththefemaleslavesroundher.Herfatiguewasincreasedbyhavingtotakethelongtram-ridetothecabaret,whenthesmellofherfellow-passengerswasatorture;shecouldnotafford,however,topaythefareofadroshkytwiceinoneday,andshedidnotalwaysfindsomebodytopayforherdrivehome.Thecontractwiththemanagementstipulatedthatsheshouldbereleasedfromhernightlytaskatthreeo'clock;butshewasveryoftenkeptuntilfiveo'clockwhenthechampagnewasflowingandwhenitwouldhavebeencriminalintheeyesofthemanagementtobreakupaprofitableparty.ShefoundthatthefourhundredandfiftyfrancsamonthwasnotenoughtokeepherinPetersburg;ithadsoundedareasonablylargesalaryin

Paris,butitbarelypaidtheboardatMèreGontran's;shewas,therefore,dependentforeverythingabovethisonthecommissionofaboutfivefrancsshereceivedoneachbottleofchampagneopenedunderherpatronage.Fortunatelyitseemedtogivepleasuretothewildfrequentersofthiscabaretwhenabottlewasknockedoveronthefloor;yetwitheverydeviceitwasnotalwayspossibletoescapedrinkingtoomuch.

OnedayatthebeginningofJuly,SylviadiscussedthefuturewithCarrier,andheadvisedhertosurrenderandreturntoEngland;heevenofferedtolendherthemoneyforthefare.Itwasahotday,andshehadabadheadache;shecalleditaheadache,butitwaslesslocalthanthat:herwholebodyachedbeneathaweightofdespair.Sylviahadtaken

CarrierintoherconfidenceaboutherbrokenmarriageandexplainedwhyitwasimpossibletoreturntoEnglandyetawhile;hecontestedallherarguments,andinthemoodthatshewasinshegavewaytohim.TheyspokeinFrench,andargumentsalwaysseemedmoreincontestableinalanguagethatrefusedtoallowanythinginthenatureofavagueexplanation;besides,herownbodywasrespondingagainstherwilltothelogicofsurrender.

"Prideisallverywell,"saidCarrier."Iamproudofbeingthegreatestaviatorofthemoment,butifIfallandsmashmyselftopulp,



whatbecomesofmypride?It'simpossibleforyoutoleadthelifeyouareleadingnowwithoutdebasingyourself,andthenwherewillyourpridebe?Listentome.Youhavebeenatthecabaretverylittleoveramonth,andalreadyitistellinguponyou.Itisverygoodthatyouareableevenforsolongtokeepmenatadistance,butareyoukeepingthematadistance?Formeitisthesamethinglogicallyifyoudrinkwithmenor--"Heshruggedhisshoulders."Yousellyourfreedomineithercase._N'estpasquej'airaison,mapetiteSylvie?_FormeitwouldbeagreaterpridetoreturntoEnglandandwalkwithmyheadintheairandlaughattheworld.Besides,youhavea_jenesaisquoi_ thatwillpreventtheworldfromlaughing,butifyoucontinueyouwillhavenothing.WhenIfallandsmashmyselftopulp,Isha'n'tcareabouttheworld'slaughter.Norwillyou."

Indeedhewasright,Sylviathought.Thatfirstimpulseofdefianceseemedalreadylikeapieceofpetulance,thegestureofaspoiledchild.

"Andyouwillletme,asagood_copain_,lendyouthemoneyforyourfareback?"

"No,"Sylviasaid."IthinkIcanjustmanagetoearnitbygoingoncemoreto-nighttothecabaret.I'vearrangedtomeetsomecountwithanunpronounceablename,whowillprobablyopenatleasttwenty-four

bottles.Igetmyweek'ssalaryto-nightalso.Ishallhave,withwhatIhavesaved,enoughtotravelbackasIcame,thirdclass.Ithasbeenathoroughlythird-classadventure,_monvieux_.Athousandthanksforyourkindness,butImustpaymypridethelittlesolaceofearningenoughtogetmehomeagain."

Carriershruggedhisshoulders.

"Itmustbeasyoufeel.ThatIunderstand.Butitgivesmemuchpleasurethatyouaregoingtobewise.Iwishyou_delaveine_ to-night."

Hepresseduponheramascottocharmfortuneintoattendance;itwasa

littlereddevilwithhistonguestickingout.

Sylviawentdowntothecabaretthateveningwiththefirmintentionofitsbeingthelastoccasion;herheadachehadgrownworsealltheafternoonandthegloomuponherspiritwasdeepening.Whatafoolshehadbeentorunawaywithsomuchassuranceofhavingthecouragetoendurethislife,whatafoolshehadbeen!Forthefirsttimethethoughtofsuicidepresenteditselftoherasapracticalsolutionofeverything.Inherpresentstateshecouldperceivenotonevalidargumentagainstit.Whohadattackedexistencewithlesscautionthanshe,andwhohaddeservedmorefromitinconsequence?Hadsheonceflinched?Hadsheoncetakentheeasierpath?Yes,therehadbeenArthur;thatwasthefirsttimeshehadgivenwaytoindecision,andhow

swiftlythepunishmenthadfollowed.Wasitreallyworthwhiletoseeknowtorepairthatmistake?Wasanythingworthwhile?Excepttogosuddenlyoutofitall,passingasabruptlyfromlifetodeathasshehadpassedfromonesocietytoanother,onetourtoanother,onecountrytoanother.Shewouldabidebyto-night'sdecision;iffortuneputitintotheheadofthecountwiththeunpronounceablenametobuyenoughbottlesofchampagnetomakeupwhatwasstillwantingtoherfare,shewouldreturntoEngland,devoteherselftoherwork,turnagaintobooks,watchoverhergodchildren,andliveatMulberryCottage.If,ontheotherhand,thefareshouldnotbemadeuponthisnight,why,then



sheshouldkillherself.To-nightshouldbeanightofhell.Howherbodywasburning;howvilethepeoplesmelledinthistram;howwearisomewasthisgarishsunset.ShetookfromhervelvetbagthereddevilthatCarrierhadgivenher;inthisfeverishatmosphereithadacertainfitness,aportentousnesseven;onecouldalmostbelieveitreallywasatributetofate.

Thecabaretwascrowdedthatevening;neverbeforehadtherebeensuchahurly-burlyofgreedandthirst.Sylvia,bygoodluck,wasfeelingthirsty;forthedustfromthetramhadparchedhermouth,andhertonguewaslikecork;somuchthebetter,becauseifshewasgoingtowinthatchampagneshemustbeableherselftodrink.Thetintamarreofplates,knives,andforks;thechickerchackasofmultitudinousapes;theblareandglarewouldhavepreventedtheloudestsopranointheworldfromsoundingmorethanthesqueakofaslate-pencil;andSylviasangwithgesturesalone,formingwithherlipsmutewords."I'mpaidformybody,notformyvoice;soletmybodyplaytheantic,"shemuttered,angrily.

Whenherturnwasover,SylviacamedownandjoinedthetwoyoungRussians,whowerewaitingforherwithanothergirlatatableonwhichalreadythebottlesofchampagnewerestandinglikegiantpawns.

"_Ilsontlacuite_,"thegirlwhisperedtoSylvia."_Alors,ilfaut

briffer,chérie;autrementilsseronttropsoûlés._"Thisseemedgoodadvice,becauseiftheirhostsweretoodrunktoosoontheymightgettiredoftheentertainment;andSylviaproposedanadjournmenttoeat,thoughshehadlittleenoughappetite.Asamatteroffact,themenwantedtodrinkvodkawhensupperwasproposed,andnotmerelytodrinkitthemselves,buttomakeSylviaandtheothergirlkeepthemcompanyglassbyglass.InSylvia'sconditiontodrinkvodkawouldhavebeentodrinkliquidfire,andshemanagedtopleadthirstwithsucheffectthatthecountbenevolentlyorderedtwenty-fourbottlesofchampagnetobebroughtimmediatelyforhertoquenchit.TheothergirlwasfullofadmirationforSylvia'sstrategy;iftheworstcametotheworst,theywouldhaveearnedseventy-fivefrancseachandcould

boastofasuccessfulevening.Sylvia,however,wantedahundredandfiftyfrancsforherself,andinvokingthelittlereddevilsheshowedawayofbreakingabottleinhalfbyfillingitwithhotwater,saturatingastringinmethylatedspirits,tyingthestringroundthebottle,settinglighttoit,andafterwardtappingthebottlegentlywithaknifeuntilitbroke.Thecountwasdelightedwiththistrick,butthought,asSylviahopedhewouldthink,thatthetrickwouldbemuchbetterifpractisedonanunopenedbottleofchampagne.Inthiswaytwenty-sixbottleswerebrokeninchildishragebythecount,becausethetrickonlyworkedwiththehelpofhotwater.Hewasbynowinastateofdrunkenobstinacy,and,beingdeterminedtoshowthesuperiorityofthehumanmindovermatter,heorderedtwenty-fourmorebottlesofchampagne,asaRomanemperormighthaveorderedtwodozen

slavestotestanempiricalmethodofexecution.Byaflukehemanagedtosucceedwiththetwenty-fourthbottle,andhavingbynowgatheredroundhimanaudience,hechallengedtheonlookerstorepeatthetrick.Otherwomenwereanxiousfortheirhoststoexcel,particularlywithsuchprofittothemselves;soonateverytableinthecabaretchampagne-bottleswerebeingcrackedlikeeggs.Thecountwasafraidthattheremightnotbeenoughwinelefttocarrythemthroughtheevening,andorderedanothertwodozenbottlestobeheldinreserveforhistable.



Sylvia,thoughshewasfeelinghorriblyillbynow,wasneverthelessatpeace,forshehadearnedherfarebacktoEngland.Unluckily,shecouldnotquitthetableandgohome,because,unlessshewaiteduntilthree,shewouldnotbepaidhercommissiononthechampagne.Shefeltherselfrecedingfromthenoiseofbreakingglassallroundher,andthoughtshewasgoingtofaint,butwithaneffortshegatheredthenoiseroundheragainandtriedtobelievethattheroomstillexisted.Sheseemedtobecatchingholdofthegreatchandelierthathungfromthemiddleoftheceiling,andfanciedthatitwasonlyherwillandcouragetomaintainherholdthatwaskeepingthecabaretandeverybodyinitfromdestruction.

"_Tuesmalade,chérie?_"theothergirlwasasking.

"_Rien,rien_,"shewaswhispering."_Lechaleur._"

"_Oui,ilfaittrès-chaud._"

Thelaughterandshoutsoftriumphrosehigher;thenoiseofbreakingglasswaslikethewavesuponabeachofshingle.

"_Pourquoiilteregarde?_"shefoundherselfasking.

"_Personnenemeregarde,chérie_,"theothergirlreplied.

Butsomebodywaslookingather,somebodyseatedinoneoftheboxesforprivatesupper-partiesthatwerefixedallroundthehall,somebodytallwithshortfairhairstickinguplikeabrush,somebodyinuniform.Hewasbeckoningtohernowandinvitinghertojoinhiminthebox.Hehadslantingeyes,crueleyesthatglitteredandglittered.

"_Ilteregarde.Ilteregarde_,"saidSylvia,hopelessly."_Ilteveut.Oh,monDieu,ilteveut!Quoifaire?Iln'yarienàfaire.Iln'yarienàfaire.Ilt'aura.Tuserasperdue.Perdue!_"shemoaned.

"_Dis,Sylvie,dis,qu'est-cequetuas?Tumefaispeur.Tesyeuxsontcommelesyeuxd'unefolle.Est-cequetuasprisdel'ethèrecesoir?_"

ItseemedtoSylviathathercompanionwasbeingdraggedtodamnationbeforehereyes,andsheimploredhertofleewhiletherewasstilltime.

Somebodystooduponatableandshoutedatthetopofhisvoice:

"_Iln'yaplusdechampagne!_"

Thecountwasmuchexcitedbythisanddemandedimmediatelyhowtheyweregoingtospendthemoneytheyhadbroughtwiththem.Iftherewasnomorechampagne,theyshouldhavetodrinkvodka,butfirsttheymustplayskittleswiththeemptybottlesthatwerenotalreadybrokento

pieces.Hepickedacircularcheesefromthetableandbowleditacrosstheroom.

"_Encoredufromage!Encoredufromage!_"everybodywasshouting,andsooneverywherecrimsoncheeseswererollingalongthefloor.

"Thecheesesbelongtome,"thecountcried."Nobodyelseistoordercheeses._Garçon!garçon!_bringmeallthecheesesyouhave.Thecheesesaremine.Mine!Mine!"



Hisvoicerosetoascream.

"_MonDieu!ilsvontsebattreàcausedufromage_"criedtheothergirl,holdingherhandtohereyesandcoweringinherchair.

Bythistimethemanagementthoughtitwouldsoonlosewhatithadmadethateveningandorderedthecabarettobeclosed.Thegirls,whowereanxioustoescape,rantobepaidfortheirchampagne.Sylviaswayedandnearlyfellintherush;hercompanionkeptherheadandexactedfromthemanagementeverycopeck.ThenshedraggedSylviawithhertoadroshky,putherin,andsaidgoodnight.

"_Tunevienspasavecmoi?_"Sylviacried.

"_Non,non,ilfautquej'ailleaveclui._"

"_Avecl'hommequiteregardaitduloge?_"

"_Non,non,avecmonami._"

Shegavetheaddressofthe_pension_tothedriverandvanishedintheconfusion.Sylviafanciedthatthisgirlwaslostforever,andwepttoherselfallthewayhome,butwithoutsheddingasingletear;herbodywaslikefire.Therewasnobodyaboutinthe_pension_whenshearrived

back;shedraggedherselfuptoherroomandlaydownonthebedfullydressed.Itseemedthatallrealitywascollapsingfast,andsheclutchedthenotesstuffedintohercorsageastheonlysolidfactlefttoher,theonlylinkbetweenherselfandhome.Onceortwiceshevaguelywonderedifshewerereallyill,buthermentalstatewassomuchworsethanthephysicalpainthatshestruggledfeeblytoquietenhernervesandkeptontryingtoassureherselfthatherownunnaturalexcitementwasnothingexcepttheresultoftheunnaturalexcitementatthecabaret.Shefoundherselfwonderingifsheweregoingmad,andtryingtopiecetogetherthelinksofthechainthatwouldleadhertotheexplanationofthismadness.

"Whatcouldhavemademegomadsuddenlylikethis?"shekeptmoaning.

Itseemedthatifshecouldonlydiscoverthecauseofhermadnesssheshouldbeabletocureit.Allherattentionwassoontakenupinwatchinglittleroundreddevilsthatkeptrisingoutofthefloorbesidethebed,littleroundreddevilsthatswelledandripenedliketomatoes,burst,andvanished.Herfacultiesconcentratedupondiscoveringareasonableexplanationforsuchaqueeroccurrence;manyexplanationspresentedthemselves,hoveredupontheoutskirtsofherbrain,andescapedbeforetheycouldbestated.TherewasnodoubtinSylvia'smindthatareasonableexplanationexisted,anditwastantalizingnevertobeabletocatchit,becauseitwasquitecertainthatsuchanexplanationwouldhavebeenveryinteresting;atanyrate,itwasarelieftoknowthattherewasanexplanationandthatthese

devilswerenotfigmentsoftheimagination.Assoonasshehadsettledthattheyhadanobjectiveexistence,itbecameratheramusingtowatchthem;therewasanewvarietynowthatfloatedaboutthefloorlikebubblesbeforetheyburst.

SuddenlySylviasatuponthebedandlistened;thestairswerecreakingunderthefootstepsofsomeheavypersonwhowasascending.ItmustbeCarrier.Sheshouldgooutandcalltohim;sheshouldlikehimtoseethosedevils.Shewentoutintothepassagedove-graywiththedawn,andcalled.Ah,itwasnotCarrier;itwasthatmanwhohadstaredfromthe



boxatherfriend!Sheclosedthedoorhurriedlyandboltedit;everysensationofbeingillhaddepartedfromher;shecouldfeelnothingbutanunspeakablefear.Sheputherhandtoherforehead;itwasdrippingwet,andsheshivered.Thedevilswerenowheretobeseen;dawnwascreepingabouttheroominagraymist.Thedooropened,andtheboltfellwithaclatteruponthefloor;sheshrankbackuponthebed,buryingherfaceinthepillow.Theintruderclankedupanddowntheroomwithhissword,butneverspokeaword;atlast,Sylvia,findingthatitwasimpossibletoshuthimoutbyclosinghereyesandearstohispresence,satupandaskedhiminFrenchwhathewantedandwhyhehadbrokenintoherroomlikethis.Allherunnaturalmentalexcitementhaddiedawaybeforethisdrunkengiantwhowasstaringatherfromglazedeyesandleaningunsteadilywithbothhandsuponhissword;shefeltnothingbutanintensephysicalwearinessandasavagedesiretosleep.

"Whydidn'tyouwaitformeatthecabaret?"thegiantdemanded,inathickvoice.

Sylviaestimatedthedistancebetweenherselfandthedoor,andwonderedifherachinglegswouldcarryhertherequicklyenoughtoescapethosehugefreckledhandsthatweresilkywithgoldenhairs.Herheartwasbeatingsoloudlythatshewasafraidhewouldhearitandbeangry."Youdidn'taskmetowait,"shesaid."Itwasmyfriendwhomyou

wanted.She'sstillthere.You'vemadeamistake.Whydon'tyougobackandlookforher?"

Hebangedhissworduponthefloorangrily.

"Atrick!Atricktogetridofme,"hemuttered.Thenheunbuckledhissword,flungitagainstachair,andbegantounbuttonhistunic.

"Butyoucan'tstayhere,"Sylviacried."Don'tyouunderstandthatyou'vemadeamistake?Youdon'twant_me_.Goawayfromhere."

"Money?"thegiantmuttered."Takeit."

Heputhishandinhispocket,pulledoutabundleofnotes,andthrewthemonthebed,afterwhichhetookoffhistunic.

"You'redrunkormad,"Sylviacried,nowmoreexasperatedthanfrightened."GooutofmyroombeforeIwakeupthehouse."

Thegiantpaidnottheleastattention,and,seatinghimselfonachair,bentovertounlacehisboots.Sylviaagaintriedtomusterenoughstrengthtorise,butherlimbsweregrowingweakereverymoment.

"Andifyou'renotthegirlIwanted,"saidthegiant,lookingupfromhisboots,"you'rea_girl_,aren'tyou?I'vepaidyou,haven'tI?Asplendidstatetheworld'scomingtowhenacocottetakesitintoher

headtoarguewithaRussianofficerwhopaysherthehonorofhisattentions.Theworld'sturningupsidedown.Thepeoplemusthavealesson.Come,getoffthatbedandhelpmeundotheseboots."

"DoyouknowthatI'mEnglish?"Sylviasaid."You'llfindthatevenRussianofficerscannotinsultEnglishwomen."

"Acocottehasnonationality,"thegiantcontradicted,solemnly."Sheiscommonproperty.Come,ifyouhadwishedtotalk,youshouldhavejoinedmytableearlierintheevening.Onedoesnotwishtotalkwhen



oneissleepy."

TheEnglishacrobatssleptnextdoortoSylvia,andshehammeredonthepartition.

"Areyoukillingbugs?"thegiantasked."Youneednotbother.Theyneverdisturbme."

Sylviawentonhammering;herarmsweregettingweaker,andunlesshelpcamesoonsheshouldfaint.Therewasataponthedoor.

"Comein,"shecried."Comeinatonce--atonce!"

Willieenteredinpurplesilkpajamas,rubbinghiseyes.

"Whateverisit,Sylvia?"

"Takethisdrunkenbruteoutofmyroom."

"Bobbie!Bobbie!"hecalled."Comehere,Bobbie!Bobbie!Willyoucome?Youaremean.Oh,there'ssuchanastymaninSylvia'sroom!Oh,he'ssomethingdreadfultolookat!"

ThedrunkenofficerstaredatWillieinamazement,tryingtomakeuphis

mindifhewereanalcoholicvision;hisjudgmentwasstillfurthershakenbytheappearanceofBobbieinpajamasofemerald-greensilk.

"Oh,Willie,he'sgotasword!"saidBobbie."Oh,doesn'thelookfierce?Oh,hedoeslookfierce!MostalarmingI'msure."

Theintruderstaggeredtohisfeet.

"_Foutez-moilecamp_,"hebellowed,makingagrabforhissword.

"ForHeaven'ssakegetridofthebrute,"Sylviamoaned."I'mtooweaktomove."

Thetwoyoungmenpirouettedintothemiddleoftheroom,astheywerewonttopirouetteuponthestage,witharmsstretchedoutinacurvefromtheshoulderandfingersraisedmincinglyaboveanimaginaryteacupheldbetweenthefirstfingerandthumb.Whentheyreachedthegianttheystoppedshorttosustainthepreliminaryposeofafemaleacrobat;thenturninground,theyranbackafewsteps,turnedroundagain,andwithascreamflungthemselvesupontheiradversary;hewentdownwithacrash,andtheydanceduponhisprostrateformliketwobutterfliesoveracabbage.

Thenoisehadwakenedtheotherinhabitantsofthe_pension_,whocamecrowdingintoSylvia'sroom;withtherestwasCarrierandtheymanagedtoextractfromheravagueaccountofwhathadhappened.Theaviator,

inarage,demandedanexplanationofhisconductfromtheofficer,whocalledhima_maquereau_.Carrierwasstrong;withhelpfromtheacrobatshehadpushedtheofficerhalf-waythroughthewindowwhenMèreGontran,who,notwithstandingherbedroombeingtwohundredyardsawayfromthe_pension_,hadanuncannyfacultyfordiviningwhenanythinghadgonewrong,appearedonthescene.Thirty-fiveyearsinRussiahadmadeherveryfearfulofoffendingthemilitary,andsheimploredCarrierandtheacrobatstothinkwhattheyweredoing:inherreddressing-gownshelookedlikeaninsanecardinal.



"They'llconfiscatemyproperty.They'llsendmetoSiberia.TreathisExcellencymoregently,Ibeg.Sylvia,tellthemtostop.Sylvia,he'sgoing--he'sgoing--he'sgone!"

Hewasgoneindeed,headfirstintoaclumpoflilacsunderneaththewindow,whitherhistunicandswordfollowedhim.

TheadventurewiththedrunkenofficerhadexhaustedthelastforcesofSylvia;shelaybackonthebedinasemi-trance,soothedbytheunendingbibble-babbleallround.Shewasfaintlyawareofsomebody'stakingherhandandfeelingherpulse,ofsomebody'ssayingthathereyeswerelikeadeadwoman's,ofsomebody'sthrowingacoverletoverher.Thenthebibble-babblebecamemuchlouder;therewasasoundofcracklingandasmellofsmoke,andsheheardshoutsof"Fire!""Fire!""Hehassetfiretotheouthouse!"Therewasanoiseofsplashingwater,arushingsoundofwater,aroarasofathousandtorrentsinherhead;thepeopleintheroombecameanimatedsurfaces,cardboardfigureswithoutsubstanceandwithoutreality;thedevilsbeganoncemoretosproutfromthefloor;shefeltthatshewasdying,andinthethroesofdissolutionshestruggledtoexplainthatshemusttravelbacktoEngland,thatshemustnotbeburiedinRussia.Itseemedtoherinanewaccessofsemi-consciousnessthatCarrierandthetwoacrobatswerekneelingbyherbedandtryingtocomforther,thattheywerepattingherhandskindlyandgently.Shetriedtowarnthemthattheywould

blisterthemselvesiftheytouchedher,buthertongueseemedtohaveseparateditselffromherbody.Shetriedtotellthemthathertonguewasalreadydead,andtheefforttoexplainrackedherwholebody.Then,suddenly,darkandgiganticfigurescamemarchingintotheroom:theymustbedemons,anditwastrueabouthell.ShetriedtoscreamherbeliefinimmortalityandtobegamercifulGodtoshowmercyandsaveherfromtheFiend.Thesomberformsdrewnearherbed.FromanunimaginablydistantpastshesawframedinfirethepictureofTheImpenitentSinner'sDeathbedthatusedtohanginthekitchenatLille;andagainfromthepastcamesuddenlybackthetextofasermonpreachedbyDorwardatGreenLanes--_Thoughyoursinsbeasscarlet,theyshallbeaswhiteassnow_.ItseemedtoherthatifonlyshecouldexplaintoGodthathernamewasreallySnowandthatScarlettwasonlythename

assumedforherbyherfather,allmightevennowbewell.Thesomberformshadseizedher,andshebeatagainstthemwithunavailinghands;theysnatchedherfromthebedandwrappedherroundandroundwithsomethingthatstifledhercries;withherlastbreathshetriedtoshriekawarningtoCarrieroftheexistenceofhell,tobeghimtoputawayhislittlereddevilslesthe,whenheshouldultimatelyfallfromthesky,shouldfallasdeepashell.

SylviacameoutofherdeliriumtofindherselfinthewardofahospitalkeptbyFrenchnuns;sheaskedwhathadbeenthematterwithher,and,smilingcompassionately,theysaiditwasabadfever.Shelayforafortnightinastateofutterlassitude,watchingthenunsgoingabouttheirworkasshewouldhavewatchedbirdsinthecooldeepsofa

forest.Thelassitudewasnotunpleasant;itwasafatiguesointensethatherspiritseemedabletoleavehertiredbodyandfloataboutamongtheshadowsofthislongroom.Sheknewthattherewereotherpatientsintheward,butshehadnoinclinationtoknowwhotheywereorwhattheylookedlike;shehadnodesiretocommunicatewiththeoutsideworld,noranyanxietyaboutthefuture.Shecouldnotimaginethatsheshouldeverwishtodoanythingexceptlieherewatchingthenunsattheirworklikebirdsinthecooldeepsofaforest.Whenthedoctorvisitedherandspokecheerfully,shewonderedvaguelyhowhemanagedtokeephisverylongblackbeardsofrizzy,butshewasnot



sufficientlyinterestedtoaskhim.Tohisquestionsaboutherbodilywelfareshelethertiredbodyanswerautomatically,andoften,whenthedoctorwasbendingovertolistentoherheartorlungs,herspiritwouldhavemounteduptofloatupontheshadowsofsunlightripplingovertheceiling,thatheandherbodymightcommunewithoutdisturbingherself.Atlasttherecameamorningwhenthebodygrewimpatientatbeingleftbehindandwhenittrembledwithafaintdesiretofollowthespirit.Sylviaraisedherselfuponherelbowandaskedanuntobringheralooking-glass.

"Butallmyhairhasbeencut!"sheexclaimed.Shelookedathereyes:therewasnotmuchlifeinthem,yettheywerelargerthanshehadeverseenthem,andshelikedthembetterthanbefore,becausetheywerenowverykindeyes:thisnewSylviaappealedtoher.

Sheputtheglassdownandaskedifshehadbeenveryill.

"Veryillindeed,"saidthenun.

Sylvialongedtotellthenunthatshemustnotbelieveallshehadsaidwhenshewasdelirious:andthenshewonderedwhatshehadsaid.

"WasIveryviolentinmydelirium?"sheasked.

Thenunsmiled."IthoughtIwasinhell,"saidSylvia,seriously."Whenaremyfriendscomingtoseeme?"

Thenunlookedgrave.

"Yourfriendshaveallgoneaway,"shesaidatlast."Theyusedtocomeeverydaytoinquireafteryou,buttheywentawaywhenwarwasdeclared."

"War?"Sylviarepeated."Didyousaywar?"

Thenunnodded.

"War?"shewenton."Thisisn'tpartofmydelirium?You'renotteasingme?Warbetweenwhom?"

"Russia,France,andEnglandareatwarwithGermanyandAustria."

"ThenCarrierhasleftPetersburg?"

"Hush,"saidthenun."It'snolongerPetersburg.It'sPetrogradnow."

"ButIdon'tunderstand.Doyoumeantotellmethateverybodyhaschangedhisname?I'vechangedmynamebacktomyrealname.Mynameis

SylviaSnownow.IchangeditwhenIwasdelirious,butIshallalwaysbeSylviaSnow.I'vebeenthinkingaboutitallthesedayswhileI'vebeenlyingsoquiet.DidCarrierleaveanymessageforme?Hewastheaviator,youknow."

"HehasgonebacktofightforFrance,"thenunsaid,crossingherself."Hewasverysorryaboutyourbeingsoill.Youmustprayforhim."

"Yes,Iwillprayforhim,"Sylviasaid."Andthereisnobodyleft?ThosetwofunnylittleEnglishacrobatswithfaircurlyhair.Havethey



gone?"

"They'vegone,too,"saidthenun."Theycameeverydaytoinquireforyou,andtheybroughtyouflowers,whichwereputbesideyourbed,butyouwereunconscious."

"IthinkIsmelledasweetnessintheairsometimes,"Sylviasaid.

"Theywerealwaysputoutsidethewindowatnight,"thenunexplained.

Thefaintestflickerofaninclinationtobeamusedatthenun'spointofviewaboutflowerscameoverSylvia;butitscarcelyenduredforaninstant,becauseitwassoobviouslytherightpointofviewinthishospital,whereevenflowers,nottoseemoutofplace,mustacquireorderlyhabits.Thenunaskedherifshewantedanythingandpassedondownthewardwhensheshookherhead.

Sylvialaybacktoconsiderhersituationandtopickupthethreadsofnormalexistence,whichseemedsoinextricablytangledatpresentthatshefeltlikeaprincessinafairytalewhohadbeensetanimpossibletaskbyanenviouswitch.

Inthefirstplace,puttingononesidealltheextravaganceofdelirium,Sylviawasconsciousofachangeinherpersonalityso

profoundandsoviolent,thatnowwiththereturnofreasonandwiththeimpulsetorenewedactivity,shewasconvincedofherrightnessindecidingtogobacktoherrealnameofSylviaSnow.Theanxietythatshehadexperiencedduringherdeliriumtomakethechangepositivelyremainedfromthatconditionassomethingofvaluethatborenorelationtothegrosserterrorsofhellshehadexperienced.Thesenseofregenerationthatshewasfeelingatthismomentcouldnotentirelybeexplainedbyhermind'sreactiontothepeaceofthehospital,intheabsenceofpain,andtoherbodilywell-being.Shewasabletosetinitsproportioneachofthesefactors,andwhenshehaddonesotherestillremainedthisemotionthatwasindefinableunlesssheacceptedforitthedefinitionofregeneration.

"ThefactisI'veeatenroseleavesandI'mnolongeragoldenass,"shemurmured."ButwhatIwanttoarriveatiswhenexactlyIwasturnedintoanassandwhenIatetheroseleaves."

Foratimehermind,unusedsinceherfevertoconcentratedthinking,wanderedoffintothetaleofApuleius.ShewishedvaguelythatshehadthevolumesoinscribedbyMichaelFanewithherinPetersburg,butshehadleftitbehindatMulberryCottage.ItwassometimebeforeshebroughtherselfbacktotherealizationthatthedetailsoftheRomanstoryhadnottheleastbearinguponhermeditation,andthatthesymbolismoftheenchantedtransformationandtherecoveryofhumanshapebyeatingroseleaveshadbeenanessentiallymodernandromanticglossupontheoldauthor.Thisgloss,however,hadserved

extraordinarilywelltosymbolizeherstateofmindbeforeshehadbeenill,andshewasnotgoingtoabandonitnow.

"Imusthavehadanexperienceoncethatfittedinwiththeidea,oritwouldnotrecurtomelikethiswithsuchanimputationofsignificance."

Sylviathoughthardforawhile;thenunondaydutywaspeckingawayatamedicine-bottle,andthebusylittlenoisecompetedwithherthoughts,sothatshewasdeterminedbeforethenuncouldachieveherpurposewith



themedicine-bottletodiscoverwhenshebecameagoldenass.Suddenlytheanswerflashedacrosshermind;atthesamemomentthenuntriumphedoverherbottleandthewardwasabsolutelystillagain.

"IbecameagoldenasswhenImarriedPhilipandIatetheroseleaveswhenArthurrefusedtomarryme."

Thissolutionoftheproblem,thoughsheknewthatitwasnotradicallymoresatisfyingthanthedefeatofatoypuzzle,wasneverthelesswonderfullycomforting,socomfortingthatshefellasleepandwokeuplateintheafternoon,refreshinglyalertandeagertoresumeherunravelingofthetangledskein.

"IbecameagoldenasswhenImarriedPhilip,"sherepeatedtoherself.

Forawhileshetriedtoreconstructthemotivesthatfourteenyearsagohadinducedhertowardthatstep.Ifshehadreallybegunherlifealloveragain,itshouldbeeasytodothis.ButthemoresheponderedherselfattheageofseventeenthemoreimpossiblyremotethatSylviaseemed.Certainresults,however,couldevenatthisdistanceoftimebeascribedtothatunfortunatemarriage:amongothersthethreemonthsaftersheleftPhilip.WhenSylviacametosurveyallherlifesince,shesawhowthosethreemonthshadlurkedatthebackofeverything,howreallytheyhadspoiledeverything.

"HaveIfallenapreytoremorse?"sheaskedherself."MustIforeverbehauntedbythememoryofwhatwas,afterall,anecessaryincidenttomyassumptionofassishness?DidInotpayforthemthatdayatMulberryCottagewhenIcouldnotbemyselftoMichael,butcouldonlybrayathimtheunrealitiesofmyoutwardshape?"

Lyinghereinthecoolhospital,Sylviabegantoconjureagainstherwilltheincidentsofthosethreefatalmonths,andsoweakwasshestillfromthetyphusthatshecouldnotshakeofftheirobsession.Hermindclutchedatothermemories;butnosoonerdidshethinkthatshewassafelywrappedupintheirprotectingfragrancethanlikeFuriesthosethreemonthsdrovehermindforthfromitssanctuaryandscourged

itwithcruelimages.

"Thisisthesortofmadnessthatmakesawomankillherseducer,"saidSylvia,"thisinsurgentrageatfeelingthatthemenwhocrossedmypathduringthosethreemonthsstilllivewithoutremorseforwhattheydid."

Gradually,however,herragedieddownbeforethepleadingsofreasonableness;sherecalledthatsomewhereshehadreadhowthehumanbodychangesentirelyeverysevenyears:thisreflectionconsoledher,andthoughsheadmittedthatitwasatrivialandsuperficialconsolation,sinceremorsewasconceivedwiththespiritratherthanwiththebody,neverthelessthethoughtthatnotonecorpuscleofherpresentbloodexistedfourteenyearsagorestoredhersenseof

proportionandenabledhertoshakeofftheobsessionofthosethreemonths,atanyratesofarastoallowhertoproceedwithhercontemplationofthenewSylvialyinghereinthishospital.

"ThenofcoursetherewasLily,"shesaidtoherself."HowcanIpossiblyexcusemytreatmentofLily,ornotsomuchmytreatmentofherasmyattitudetowardher?Isupposeallthisintrospectionismorbid,buthavingbeenbroughtupsharplikethisandhavingbeenplankeddownonthisbedofinterminablesickness,whowouldn'tbemorbid?It'sbettertohaveitoutwithmyselfnow,lestwhenIemergefromhere--for



incredibleasitseemsjustatpresentIcertainlyshallemergeonefinemorning--IstartbeingintrospectiveinsteadofgettingdowntothehardfactsofearningalivingandfindingmywaybacktoEngland.Lily!"shewenton."IbelievereallywhenIlookbackatitthatItookacrueldelightinwatchingLily'sfading.Itseemedjollyandcynicaltopredestinehertomaculation,toregardherasaflower,analmostinanimatethingthatcouldonlybedisplayedbysomebodyelseandwasincapableofdevelopingherself.Yetintheendshediddevelopherself.Iwasveryillthen;butwhenIwasintheclinicatRioIhadnoneofthesensationsthatIhavenow.WhatsensationsdidIhave,then?Mostly,Ibelieve,theywereworriesaboutLilybecauseshedidnotcometoseeme.StrangethatsomethingsoessentiallyinsignificantasLilycouldhavecreatedsuchacatastropheforMichael,andthatI,whenshewentherownway,letherdropaseasilyasapieceofpaperfromacarriage.Thefactwasthat,havingsmirchedmyselfandsurvivedthesmirching,IwasunabletofretmyselfverymuchoverLily'ssmirching.AndyetIdidfretmyselfinaqueer,irrationalway.Butwhatusetocontinue?IbehavedbadlytoLily,andIcan'texcusemyattitudetowardherbysayingthatIbehavedbadlytomyselfalso."

ThelongerSylviawentonwiththereconstructionofthepastthemoredeeplydidshefeelthatshewastoblameforeverythinginit.

"I'msosorry,Sister;Iwastalkingtomyself.IthinkImustreallybe

verymuchbetterto-day."Thenunhastenedtoherbedsideandaskedherwhatshewanted.

"AndyetIhadtheimpudencetoresentArthur'streatmentofme,"shecried.

ThenunshookherforefingeratSylviaandretiredagaintohertableattheendoftheward.

"Why,Ideservedamuchworsehumiliation,"Sylviawenton."AndIgotit,too.ThefactwasthatwhenIatethoseroseleavesandbecameawomanagainIwassoelatedreallythatIthoughteverythingIhaddone

intheshapeofanasshadbeenobliteratedbythedisenchantment.Ah,howmuch,howtremendouslyIdeservethehumiliationwhichthatRussianofficerinflicted.Andthenmercifullycamethisfeverontopofit,andIhavegottorisefromthisbedandconfrontlifefromanentirelydifferentpointofview.I'mgoingtostartfromwhereIwasthatafternooninBromptonCemetery,whenIwasspeculatingaboutthehumansoul.Obviously,nowIlookbackatit,IwasjustthenbeginningtoapprehendthatImight,afterall,possessasoulwithobligationstosomethingmorepermanentthanthebodyitinhabited.WhatafoolPhilipwas!Ifhe'donlynurturedmysoulinsteadofmybody.Ifhe'donlynotbitbybitdriedituptosomethingsosmallthatitbecamepowerlesstocompetewiththearrogantbodythatheldit.Iwonderifhe'sstillalive.Butofcoursehe'sstillalive.He'sonlyforty-sixnow.Really

I'dliketowriteandexplainwhathappened.However,he'donlylaugh--hewasalwayssoverycontemptuousofsouls.Anyway,nothingwilleverinducemetobelievethatmysoulhasn'tgrowninthemostextraordinarywayduringthisfever.Whatatriumphshehashadoverherpoorbody.Where'sthatlooking-glass?"

Shecalledtothenunandbeggedhertobringthelooking-glassagain.ThenunbroughtitandtriedtoconsoleSylviaforthelossofherhair.

"ButI'mrejoicinginit,"Sylviadeclared."I'mrejoicinginthesight



Ipresenttotheworld.Lookhere,can'tyousitdownbesidemeandtellmesomethingaboutyourreligion?I'mabsolutelyburstingforarevelation.Youfast,don'tyou,andspendlongnightsanddaysinprayer?Well,Iaminthesortofconditioninwhichyoufindyourselfattheendofalongboutoffastingandprayer.I'maslightasafeather.Icouldachievelevitationwithverylittledifficulty."

ThenunregardedSylviainperplexity.

"HaveyouthankedAlmightyGodforyourrecovery?"sheasked.

"No,ofcourseIhaven't.Ican'tthanksomebodyIknownothingabout,"saidSylviaimpatiently."Besides,it'snogoodthankingGodformyrecoveryunlessIamsureIoughttobegrateful.Merelivingforthesakeoflivingseemstomeassensualasanyotherappetite.Sister,can'tyougivemethekeytolife?"

Thenunshelteredherselfbeneathanarrayofpiousphrases;shewaslikeapersonwhohasbeensurprisednakedandhurriedlyflingsonalltheclothesinreach.

"Allthatyou'resayingmeansnothingtome,"saidSylvia,sadly."Andthereasonofitisthatyou'veneverlived.You'veonlylookedatevilfromtheoutside;you'veonlyheardofunbelief."

"I'llmakeaNovenaforyou,"saidthenun,hopelessly.Shesaiditinthesamewayasshewouldhaveofferedtoknitawoolenvest."To-dayistheAssumption."Itwasasifshejustifiedthewoolenvestbyachangeintheweather.

SylviathankedherfortheNovenajustasshewouldhavethankedherforthewoolenvest.

"Orperhapsyou'dlikeapriest?"thenunsuggested.

Sylviashookherhead.

"Idon'tfeelIrequireprofessionaltreatmentyet,"shesaid."Don'tlooksosad,littleSister.IexpectyourNovenawillhelpmetowhatI'mtryingtofind--ifI'mtryingtofindanything,"sheadded,pensively."IthinkreallyI'mwaitingtobefound."

Thenunretireddisconsolate;thenextdaySylvia'sspiritualproblemsvanishedbeforetheproblemofgettingupforthefirsttime,ofwaveringacrossthewardandcollapsingintoawickerchairamongthreeotherconvalescentpatientswhoweretalkingandsewinginthesunlight.

Theuniformityoftheirgrayshawlsandgraydressing-gownsmadeSylviapaymoreattentiontothefacesofherfellow-sufferersthanshemightotherwisehavedone;shesatinsilenceforawhile,exhaustedbyher

progressacrosstheward,andlistenedtotheirconversation,whichwascarriedoninFrench,thoughasfarasshecouldmakeoutnoneofthemwasofFrenchnationality.PresentlyayoungwomanwithacomplexionlikeaslightlyshriveledappleturnedtoSylviaandaskedinherownlanguageifshewerenotEnglish.

Sylvianodded.

"I'mEnglish,too.It'spleasanttomeetafellow-countrywomanhere.Whatareyougoingtodoaboutthewar?"



"Idon'tsupposemuchactiononmypartwillmakeanydifference,"saidSylvia,withalaugh."Idon'tsupposeIcouldstopit,howeverhardItried."

TheEnglishwomanlaughedbecausesheevidentlywantedtobepolite;butitwasmirthlesslaughter,likeanactor'satrehearsal,ameresoundthatwasrequiredtofillinagapinthedialogue.

"Ofcoursenot,"sheagreed."IwaswonderingifyouwouldgobacktoEnglandassoonasyougotoutofhospital."

"IshallifIcanraketogetherthemoneyformyfare,"Sylviasaid.

"Oh,won'tyourfamilypayyourfareback?Didn'tyougetthatintheagreement?"

"Idon'tpossessafamily,"Sylviasaid.

"Oh,aren'tyouagoverness?Howfunny!"

"ItwouldbeverymuchfunnierifIwas,"saidSylvia.

"MynameisEvaSavage.What'syours?"

Sylviahesitatedamomentandthenplunged.

"SylviaSnow."

Immediatelyafterward,withanaccessoftimidity,shesupplementedthisbyexplainingthatonthestageshecalledherselfSylviaScarlett.

"Onthestage,"repeatedthelittlegoverness."Areyouonthestage?Youarelucky."

Sylvialookedatherinsurprise,andrealizedhowmuchyoungershewasthanafirstglanceatherledonetosuppose.

"IcameouttoRussiawhenIwasnineteen,"MissSavagewenton."Andofcoursethat'sbetterthanstayinginEnglandtoteach,thoughIhateteaching."

Sylviaaskedhowoldshewasnow,andwhensheheardthatshewasonlytwenty-fourshedecidedthatillnessmustbethecauseofthatshriveledrosyskinthatmadeherlooklikeanoldmaidoffifty.

Theytalkedforawhileoftheirillnessandcomparednotes,butitseemedthatMissSavagemusthavehadamildattack,forshehadbeenbroughtintothehospitalsometimeafterSylviaandhadalreadybeenupaweek.

"I'mgoingtoasktheSisterinchargetoletmesleepinthebednexttoyours,"saidMissSavage."Afterall,we'retheonlytwoEnglishgirlshere."

Sylviadidnotfeelatallsurethatshelikedthisplan,butshedidnotwanttohurthercompanion'sfeelingsandagreedwithoutenthusiasm.PresentlysheaskediftheothertwowomenspokeEnglish,andMissSavagetoldherthatonewasaGerman-Swiss,thewifeofapastry-cookcalledBenzer,andthattheotherwasaSwedishmasseuse;shedidnot



thinkthateitherofthemspokeEnglish,butaddedinalowvoicethattheywerebothverycommon.

"Interesting?"

"No,common,awfullycommon,"MissSavageinsisted.

Sylviamadeagestureofimpatience:hercountrywomenalwayssummeduphumanitywithsuchcomplacentfacility.Atthismomentalittlegirlofaboutthirteen,habitedliketherestinagrayshawl,cametrippingdowntheward,clappingherhandswithglee.

"Howlovelywaris!"shecriedinFrench."Iamlongingtobeoutofhospital.I'vebeenintheotherward,andthroughthewindowIsawthousandsandthousandsofsoldiersmarchingpast._Maman_criedyesterdaywhenIaskedherwhy_papa_hatedsoldiers.Hehatesthem.Wheneverheseesthemmarchingpastheshakeshisfistandspits.ButIlovethem."

Thischildhadendearedherselftotheinvalidsofthehospital;shewasatokenofreturninghealth,theboonofwhichsheseemedtopledgetoeveryoneinthecompany.EventhegrimSwedishmasseusesmiledandspokegentlytoherinbarbaricFrench.Moreover,hereinthisquiethospitalthewarhadnotyetpenetrated;itwaslikeafar-distant

thunder-stormwhichhaddrivenanumberofpeoplewhowereoutofdoorstotakeshelterathome;asMissSavagesaidtoSylvia:

"Iexpecteverybodygotexcitedandafraid;yetitallseemsveryquiet,really,andIshallstayherewithmyfamily.There'snopointin _making_oneselfuncomfortable."

SylviaagreedwithMissSavageanddecidednottoworryaboutherfarebacktoEngland,butrathertostayonforawhileinRussiaandgetupherstrengthafterleavingthehospital;thenwhenshehadspenthermoneysheshouldworkagain,andwhenthiswarwasovershecouldreturntoMulberryCottagewithoneortwoImprovisationsaddedtoherrepertory.Nowthatshewasoutofbed,lifeseemedalreadysimple

again,andperhapsshehadexaggeratedthechangeinherself;shewishedshehadnotspokentothenunsointimately;oneofthedisadvantagesofbeingillwasthisbegettingofanintimacybetweenthenurseandthepatient,whichgrowsoutofbodilydependenceintomentalservitude;itwaseasytounderstandwhymensooftenmarriedtheirnurses.

"Iamnotsure,"saidSylviatoherself,"thattherightattitudeisnotthecontemptofthehealthyanimalforoneofitskindwhoissick.There'sasortofsterilesensualityaboutnursingandbeingnursed."

Sylvia'sfeelingsaboutthewarwereconfirmedbytheviewsofthedoctorwhoattendedher.HehadfeltalittlenervousuntilEnglandhadtakenherplacebesideRussiaandFrance,butonceshehaddoneso,the

warwouldbeoveratthelatestbythemiddleofOctober.

"It'seasytoseehowfrightenedtheGermansarebythewaytheyarebehavinginBelgium."

"Why,whataretheydoing?"Sylviaasked.

"They'veoverrunitlikeapackofwolves."

"IhaveasisterinBrussels,"shesaid,suddenly.



Thedoctorshookhisheadcompassionately.

"Butofcoursenothingwillhappentoher,"sheadded.

Thedoctorhastenedtosupportthistheory;Sylviawasstillveryweakandhedidnotwantarelapsebroughtonbyanxiety.HechangedtheconversationbycallingtoClaudinette,thelittlegirlwhothoughtwarwassolovely.

"Seenanymoresoldiersto-day?"heasked,jovially.

"Thousands,"Claudinettedeclared."Oh,_monsieur_,whenshallIbeabletoleavethehospital?It'sterribletobemissingeverything.Besides,Iwanttomake_papa_understandhowlovelyitistomarchalong,witheverybodythinkinghowfineandbraveitistobeasoldier.Fancy, _maman_toldmehehasbeeninvitedtogobacktoFranceandthathehasactuallyrefusedtheinvitation."

ThedoctorraisedhiseyebrowsandflashedaglanceatSylviafromhisbrightbrowneyestoexpresshispityforthechild'sinnocence.

AtthispointMadameBenzerintervened.

"Theonlythingthatworriesmeaboutthiswaristhefood:it'sboundtoupsetcustom.Peopledon'tordersomanytartswhenthey'rethinkingofsomethingelse.Andthepriceofeverythingwillgoup.LuckilyI'vetoldmyhusbandtolayinstoresofflourandsugar.It'sacomforttobeaneutral."

TheSwedishmasseuseechoedMadameBenzer'sself-congratulation:

"Ofcourseonedoesn'twanttoseemanegoist,"shesaid,"butIcan'thelpknowingthatIshallbenefit.AsaneutralIsha'n'tbeabletogoandnurseatthefront,butIshallbeusefulinPetersburg."

"Petrograd,"thedoctorcorrectedher,withmarkedirritation.

"Ishallnevergetusedtothechange,"saidthemasseuse."WhendoyouthinkIshallbestrongenoughtobeginmyworkagain?"

Thedoctorshruggedhisshoulders.

"November,perhaps."

"Why,thewarwillbeoverbythen!"saidthemasseuse,indignantly.

"They'recallingforvolunteersinEngland,"MissSavageobservedtoSylvia."I'msuremytwobrothershavegone.They'vealwaysbeenmadaboutsoldiering.They'relikeyou,Claudinette."

"IfonlyIcouldbea_vivandière_!"criedthechild.Shewasunabletocontainherromanticexultationattheidea,and,snatchingthedoctor'sstethoscope,shemarchedupanddowntheward,pursingherlipstoashrill"Marseillaise."

"Childrenarechildren,"saidMadameBenzer,fatly.

"It'strue,"sighedthedoctor.



"_She's_quitewellagain,"saidthemasseuse,enviously.

"Ilovechildren,"Sylviaexclaimed.

"Doyou?"saidMissSavage."Waittillyou'vehadtoteachthem.You'llhatethemthen!"

Claudinette'smarchwasinterruptedbythenunonduty,whowashorrifiedattheward'sbeingusedsonoisily:thoughtherewerenofreshpatients,theruleofstillnesscouldnotbebrokenlikethis.Claudinettehavingbeendeprivedofherbugle,wentanddrummedouthermartialsouluponawindow-pane;thedoctor,whofeltalittleguilty,strokedhisbeardandpassedon.

ThegovernesscarriedoutherintentionofhavingherbedmovednexttoSylvia;onthefirstnightofthechangeshewhisperedacrosstoherinthedarkness,whichseemedthemoreintenseroundtheirbedsbecauseatthefarendofthewardalampburnedbeforeanimageoftheVirgin,and,inclosedbytwoscreens,thenunonnight-dutysatinadim,goldenmist.

"Areyouawake?"

Sylviaansweredherinalowvoiceinordernottodisturbtheother

patients;shecouldnotbringherselftoanswerinawhisper,becauseitwouldhavemadethisconversationseemsurreptitious.

"Hush!Don'ttalksoloud.AreyouaCatholic?"

"I'mnothing,"saidSylvia.

"Dotellmeaboutyourlife."

"Wecantalkaboutthatinthemorning."

"Ohno,onecan'ttalksecretsinthemorning.Iwanttoaskyousomething.DoyouthinkthateverybodyinRussiawillgoandfight?You

see,PrincePaulisn'tasoldier.YourememberItoldyouthatPrinceGeorgeandPrincePaul,thetwoeldersonsofthefamily,werebothveryhandsome?Well,PrinceGeorgeisinthearmy,butPrincePaulisn't.Theybothmadelovetome,"sheadded,withastifledgiggle.

Sylvialaysilent.

"Areyoushocked?"

"Neithershockednorsurprised,"saidSylvia,coldly."ThenobilityofRussiaseemtothinkofnothingelsebutmakinglove."

"Paulgavemeabookonce.I'vegotitherewithmeinmybox.It's

calledThe_MemoriesofaGermanSinger_.Wouldyouliketoreadit?"

"Thatbook!"Sylviaexclaimed,scornfully."Why,it'sthefilthiestbookIeverread."

"Youareshocked,then,"thegovernesswhispered."Ithoughtyou'dbemorebroad-minded.Isha'n'ttellyounowaboutPrincePaul.Hemakeslovedivinely.Hesaiditwassothrillingtomakelovetosomebodylikemewholookedsoproper.I'mdreadfullyafraidthatwhenIgetbackIshallfindhe'sgonetofight.It'sawfultothinkhowdullitwillbe



withoutGeorgeorPaul.Haven'tyouhadanyinterestinglove-affairs?"

"GoodGod!"exclaimedSylvia,angrily."Doyouthinkthere'sanythingtobeproudofinhavinglove-affairslikeyours?Doyouthinkthere'sanythingfineinlettingyourselfbetreatedlikeaservantbyalasciviousboy?Youmakemefeelsick.HowdareyouassumethatIshouldbeinterestedinyour--oh,Ihavenowordtocallitthatcanbeevenspokeninawhisper."

"You_are_proper,"thegovernessmurmured,resentfully."Ithoughtgirlsonthestageweremorebroad-minded."

"Isthismutteringgoingtocontinueallnight?"anangryvoicedemanded.Fartheralongthewardcouldbeheardthesoundofabedrattlingwithindignation.

Thenunpushedbackherscreen,andthecandle-lightilluminedMadameBenzersittinguponheramplehaunches.

"Onemustnottalk,"saidthenun,reproachfully."Onedisturbsthepatients.Besides,itisagainsttherulestotalkafterthelightsareputout."

"Well,pleasemovemeawayfromhere,"Sylviaasked,"becauseif

_mademoiselle_stayshereIshallhavetotalk.""I'msureI'dmuchrathernotstayinthisbed,"declaredMissSavageinaninjuredvoice."AndIwasonlywhispering.Therewasnonoiseuntil _mademoiselle_begantotalkquiteloudly."

"Isthisdiscussionworthwhile?"Sylviaasked,wearily.

"AmIevertobeallowedtogettosleep?"MadameBenzerdemanded.

"Ishouldliketosleep,too,"protestedthemasseuse."IfI'mtogetstrongenoughtoresumeworkinNovember,IneedallthesleepIcanget.I'mnotlikeachildthatcansleepthroughanything."

"_I'm_notasleep,"criedClaudinette,shrilly."AndI'mverycontentthatI'mnotasleep.Iadoretohearpeopletalkinginthenight."

Thenunbeggedforgeneralsilence,andthewardwasstilled.Sylvialayawakeinarage,listeningtoMadameBenzerandthemasseusewhiletheyturnedoverandoverwithsighsandgroansandmuchcreakingoftheirbeds.Atlast,however,allexceptherselffellasleep;theirunitedbreathingseemedlikethebreathingofalargeandplacidbeast.Behindthescreensinthatdimgoldenmistthepagesofthenun'sbreviarywhisperednowinsteadofMissSavage;thelampbeforetheimageoftheVirginsometimesflickeredandcastupontheinsipidfacesubtleshadowsthatgavehumanitytowhatbydaylightlookedlikealargepale-blue

fondant.

"OrshouldIsay'divinity'?"Sylviaaskedherself.

Shelayonhersidestaringattheimage,whichwastheconventionalrepresentationofOurLadyofLourdeswitheyesupraisedandhandsclaspedtoheaven.Contemplatedthus,thetawdryfigurereallyacquiredasupplicatorygrace,andinthenight,theimagination,dwellinguponthisform,begantoidentifyitselfwiththeattitudeandtofollowthoseupraisedeyestowardanunearthlyquest.Sylviaturnedoveronher



othersidewithaperfectlyconsciouswillnottobeinfluencedexternallybywhatshefeltwasanunworthyappeal.Butwhenshehadturnedovershecouldnotstayavertedfromtheimage;arestlesscuriositytoknowifitwasstilluponitsbracketseizedher,andsheturnedbacktohercontemplation.

"Howridiculousallthosestoriesareofsupernaturalwinkingsandblinkings!"shethought."Why,Icouldveryeasilyimaginethemostacrobaticbehaviorbythatpatheticlittlebluefigure.Andyetithasexpressedtheaspirationsofmillionsofwoundedhearts."

Thethoughtwasoverwhelming:theimaginationofwhatthisfigurereduplicatedinnumerablyallovertheearthhadstoodfordescendeduponSylviafromtheheartofthedarknessabouther,andsheshudderedwithawe.

"IfIscoffatthat,"shethought,"Iscoffathumantears.Andwhyshouldn'tIscoffathumantears?BecauseIshouldbescoffingatmyowntears.Andwhynotatmyown?"

"Youdarenot,"thedarknesssighed.

Sylviacreptoutofbedand,bendingoverthegoverness,wakedherwithsoftreassurances,asonewakesachild.

"Forgiveme,"shewhispered,"forthewayIspoke.But,oh,dobelievemewhenItellyouthatlovelikethatisterrible.Iunderstandthedullnessofyourprofession,andifyoulikeIwilltakeyouwithmeonmygipsylifewhenweleavethehospital.Youcanamuseyourselfwithseeingtheworld;butifyouwantlove,youmustdemanditwithyourheadhigh.Everylittlegovernesswhobehaveslikeyoucreatesanotherharlot."

"Didyouwakemeuptoinsultme?"demandedMissSavage.

"No,mydear,youdon'tunderstandme.I'mnotthinkingofwhatyoumakeyourself._You_willpayforthat.I'mthinkingofsomebabynowatits

mother'sbreast,forwhosedamnationyouwillberesponsiblebygivinganotherprooftomanofwoman'sweakness,byhavingkindledinhimanotherlust."

"Ithinkyou'ddobettertobotheraboutyourownsoulinsteadofmine,"saidMissSavage."Pleaseletmegotosleepagain.WhenIwantedtotalk,youpretendedtobeshocked.IaskedyouifyouwereaCatholic,andyoutoldmeyouwerenothing.Iparticularlyavoidedhurtingyoursusceptibilities.Theleastyoucandoistobepoliteinreturn."

Sylviawentbacktobed,and,thinkingoverwhatthegovernesshadsaid,decidedthat,afterall,shewasright:sheoughttobotherwithherownsoulfirst.

ThreeweekslaterSylviawastoldthatshewasnowfittoleavethehospital.Thenunschargedherverylittlefortheircare;butwhenshewalkedoutofthedoorshehadonlyabouteightyrublesintheworld.WithratheraheavyheartshedrovetoMèreGontran's_pension_.

CHAPTERII



The_pension_wasstrangelysilentwhenSylviareturnedtoit;thepanicofwarhadstrippeditbareofguests.AlthoughshehadknownthatCarrierandtheEnglishacrobatsweregoneandhadmoreorlessmadeuphermindthatmostofthegirlswouldalsobegone,thiscompleteabandonmentwastristful.MèreGontran'sinfluencehadalwayspervadedthe_pension_;evenbeforeherillnessSylviahadbeenaffectedbythatoddpersonalityandhadoftenbeenhauntedbytheunusualnessofthewholeplace;butthedisconcertingatmospherehadalwaysbeenquicklyandeasilyneutralizedbythejollymountebanksandBohemianswithwhosepointofviewandjokesandnoiseshehadbeenfamiliarallherlife.SylviaandtheotherguestshadsooftenlaughedtogetheratMèreGontran'seccentricity,atthetumble-downhouse,atthetangledgarden,atthemutteringhandmaid,andattheanimalsinthekitchen,thatthroughtheircarelessmerrimentthe_pension_hadcometobenomorethanoneoftheincidentsofthecareertheyfollowed,somethingtotalkofwhentheyswirledonandlodgedinanothercorneroftheearth'ssurface.TherewouldbenocityinEuropeatwhichinsomecabaretonewouldnotfinda_copain_withwhomtolaughovertheremembranceofMèreGontran'stalkingcollie.Buthowmanyofthesegaymountebanksdispersedbythepanicofwarwouldnothavebeenaffectedbythe _PensionGontran_,hadtheyreturnedtoitlikethis,alone?

Thegarden,withitsrankautumnalgrowth,wasmorelikeajunglethanever;theunpopuloushousereasserteditsveryself,andtherewasnotacrackinthestucconorabrokentilenorawarpedplankthatdidnotnowmaintainahauntingsignificance.TheTartarservantwithherunintelligiblemutterings,herheadandfacemuffledinastainedgreenscarf,herbentform,herfeetinpattensclappinglikehoofs,theanimalsthatsniffedatherheels,andhersleeping-cupboardbeneaththestairsheapedwithfadedrags,seemedanincarnationofthehouse'sreality.Foramoment,whenSylviawasmakingsignstoherthatsheshouldfetchhermistressfromwhere,buriedindocksandnettles,shewasperformingoneofherqueer,solitaryoperationsofhorticulture,shewasinclinedtoturnroundandsearchanywhereelseinPetrogradforalodgingratherthanexposeherselftothenighttimehere.Butthe

consciousnessofheruncertainpositionsoonscatteredsuchfancies,andshedecidedthattheworstofthemwouldnotbesounpleasantastofindherselfatthemercyofthematerialhorrorsofafourth-ratehotelwhileshewaswaitingforvigortoresumework:atanyrate,MèreGontranwaskind-heartedandEnglish.AsSylviareachedthisconclusion,themistressofthe_pension_,followedbytwocats,ahen,twopigeons,agoat,andadog,cametogreether;puttingthetable-forkwithwhichshehadbeengardeningintothepocketofheroverall,shewarmlyembracedSylvia,whichwaslikebeingflickedonthecheekbyabramblewhendriving.

"Why,Sylvia,I_am_gladtoseeyouagain.Everybody'sgone.Everything'sclosed.Nomorevodkaallowedtobesoldinpublic,though,

ofcourse,itcanalwaysbegot.Thewar'suponus,andI'msowingturnipsunderJupiterincasewestarve.Allyourthingsarequitesafe.Yourroomhasn'tbeentouchedsinceyouleftit.I'lltellAnnatomakeyourbed."

Annawasnotthemaid-servant'srealname;butoneofMèreGontran'speculiaritieswas,thatthoughshecouldprovideanindividualnameforeverybirdorbeastintheplacewithoutusingthesameonetwice,allherservantshadtobecalledAnnainmemoryofherfirstcookofthirtyyearsago--arepetitionthatcouldhardlyhavebeenduetosentiment,



becausethefirstAnna,whensheranawaytobemarried,tookwithherasmuchofhermistress'splateasshecouldcarry.

"Hasn'tmybedbeenmadealltheseweeks?"Sylviaasked,withasmile.

"Whyshouldithavebeenmade?"MèreGontranreplied."Therehasn'tbeenasinglenew-comersinceyouweretakenoffintheambulance."

Sylviaaskedifthedrunkenofficerhaddonemuchdamage.

"Ohno;itwasquiteeasytoextinguishthefire.Heburnedhalfthetool-shedandfrightenedtheguinea-pigs;thatwasall.Iwasquiterelievedwhenwarwasdeclared,becauseotherwisethepolicewouldprobablyhavetakenawaymylicense;butthereagain,iftheyhadtakenitaway,itwouldn'thavematteredmuch,forIhaven'thadanylodgerssince;butthereagainI'vebeenabletouseCarrier'sroomfortheowls,andthey'remuchhappierinaniceroomthantheywerenaileduptothesideofthehouseinapacking-case.Ifyouhearthemhootinginthenight,don'tbefrightened:youmustrememberthatowls,beingnightbirds,can'tbeexpectedtokeepquietinthenight,andwhentheyhootitshowsthey'refeelingathome."

"There'snothingintheacrobats'room?"Sylviaasked,anxiously;thepartitionbetweenherandthemhadbeenthin.

"Suchareekofscent,"MèreGontranexclaimed."Phewff!Benjaminwentinafterthey'dgone,andheregularlyshuddered.Catsareverysensitivetoperfumes,asnodoubtyou'veobserved."

"MèreGontran,"Sylviabegan."Iwanttoexplainmyposition."

"Don'tdothat,"sheinterrupted."Waittilltheeveningandyoushallthrowthecards.What'sthegoodofanticipatingtrouble?Ifthecardsareunfavorabletoanyimmediateenterprise,settledownandhelpmewiththegardenuntilthey'refavorableagain.Whenfavorable,makethejourney."

Sylvia,however,insistedonanticipatingtheopinionofthecardsandexplainedtoMèreGontranthatitwouldbeimpossibleforhertoattemptanyworkforatleastanothersixweeksonaccountofherweakness,andalsobecauseofhershorthair,which,thoughitwasgrowingrapidlywithclose,chestnutcurls,wasstillremarkablyshort.

MèreGontranaskedwhatdayithadbeencut,andSylviasaidshedidnotknow,becauseithadbeencutwhenshewasunconscious.

"Dependuponittheycutitwhenthemoonwaswaning."

"Ihopenot,"saidSylvia.

"Ihopenot,too.Isincerelyhopenot,"saidMèreGontran,fervently.

"Itwouldbeserious?"Sylviasuggested.

"Anythingmighthappen.Anything!"

MèreGontran'svividblueeyesfixedafarhorizonloweringwithmisfortune,andSylviatooktheopportunityofhertemporaryabstractiontogoonwiththetaleofpresentwoes.



"Money?"MèreGontranexclaimed."Putitinyourpocket.Youwereoverchargedalltheweeksyouwerewithmewhenyouwerewell.Deductingovercharges,Icangiveyousixweeks'boardandlodgingnow."

Sylviaprotested,butshewouldtakenodenial.

"Atanyrate,"saidSylvia,finally,"I'llavailmyselfofyourgoodnessuntilIcancommunicatewithpeopleinEnglandandgetsomemoneysentouttome."

"Uselesstocommunicatewithanybodyanywhere,"saidMèreGontran."Noposts.Notelegraphs.Everythingstoppedbythewar.Andthat'swheremoderninventionshavebroughtus.IfyouwanttocommunicatewithyourfriendsinEngland,you'llhavetocommunicatethroughthespirits."

"Isn'tthatratheranuncertainmethod,too?"Sylviaasked.

"Everything'suncertain,"MèreGontranproclaimed,triumphantly."Life'suncertain.Death'suncertain.Butnevermind,we'lltalktoGontranaboutitto-night.Iwastalkingtohimlastnight,andItoldhimtobereadyforanothercommunicationto-night.Nowit'stimetoeat."

Inolddaysatthe_PensionGontran_themealshadalwaysbeenirregular,thoughadozenclamorousandhungryboardershadbytheforce

oftheirunitedwillsevokedthesemblanceofasetrepast.Withthedepartureofherguests,MèreGontranhadcopiedheranimalsineatingwheneverinclinationandopportunitycoincided.Onemethodofsatisfyingherselfwastositdownatthekitchentableandrattleanemptyplateattheservant,whowouldeithergruntandshakeherhead(inwhichcaseMèreGontranwouldproducebiscuitsfromthepocketofherapron)orwouldemptysomeofthecontentsofasaucepanintotheemptyplate.Ononeoccasionwhentheyvisitedthekitchentherewassomethingtoeat,afactwhichwasappreciatednotonlybythedogsandcats,butalsobyMèreGontran'sthreesons,wholoungedinandsatdowninacorner,talkingtooneanotherinRussian.

"Theydon'tknowwhattodo,"saidtheirmother."Ithasn'tbeendecided

yetwhetherthey'reFrenchorRussian.TheywenttotheEmbassytoseeaboutgoingtoFrance,buttheyweretoldthattheywereRussian;andwhentheywenttothemilitaryauthoritieshere,theyweretoldthattheywereFrench.Theworktheyweredoinghasstopped,andthey'venothingtodoexceptsmokecigarettesandborrowmoneyfrommefortheirtrams.Ispoketotheirfatheraboutitagainlastnight,buthisanswerwasveryirrelevant,veryirrelevantindeed."

"Whatdidhesay?"

"Well,hewastalkingwithoneofhisfellow-spiritscalledDick,atthetime,andhekeptonsaying,_'Dick'spickedadaisy,'_tillIgotsoannoyedthatIthrewtheplanchetteboardacrosstheroom.Hewasjust

thesameabouthissonswhenhewasalive.IfeverIaskedhimaquestionabouttheireducationoranything,he'dslipoutofitbytalkingabouthisworkattheEmbassy.HewasoneofthemostirrelevantmenIeverknew.Well,Ishallhavetoaskhimagainto-night,that'sall,becauseIcan'thavethemhangingaboutheredoingnothingforever.Itisn'tasifIcouldunderstandthemortheyme.Blessmysoul,it'snotsurprisingthatIcometorelymoreandmoreonso-calleddumbanimals.Yesterdaytheysmokedonehundredandforty-sixcigarettesbetweenthem.Ishallhavetogoandseetheambassadormyselfabouttheirnationality.Heknowsit'snotmyfaultthatGontranmuddledit



up.Inmyopinion,they'reRussian.Anyway,theycan'tsay'bo'toagooseinanyotherlanguage,andit'snotmuchgoodtheirfightingtheGermansinwhatFrench_they_know."

Thethreeyoungmenatestolidlythroughoutthismonologue,obliviousofitsbearingupontheirfuture,indifferenttoanythingbutthefoodbeforethem.

Aftertheneatnessandregularityofthehospital,thecontrastoflivingatthe_PensionGontran_madeanexceptionallystrongimpressionofdisorderonSylvia.ItvaguelyrecalledherlifeatLillieRoadwithMrs.Meares,asifshehaddreamedthatlifeoveragaininanightmare:therewasnotevenwantingtocompletethecomparisonhershorthair.YetwithallthegrubbinessanddiscomfortofitshewasgladtobewithMèreGontran,whosemind,longattunedtocommunionwithanimals,hadgainedtherebyasimplicityandsinceritythatcommunionwithmankindcouldneverhavegiventoher.Likethebodyafterlongfasting,themindafteralongillnesswaspeculiarlyreceptive,andSylviarejoicedattheopportunitytopauseforawhilebeforere-enteringordinaryexistenceinordertocontemplatethelifeofanotherlonelysoul.

Theeveningmealatthe_PensionGontran_waspositivelyformalincomparisonwiththehaphazardmiddaymeal;MèreGontran'sthreesonsrarelyputinanappearance,andthemaidusedtocomeinwithset

dishesandlaythemonthetableinsuchacloseimitationofcivilizedbehaviorthatSylviausedtowatchhermovementswithafascinatedadmiration,asshemighthavewatchedtheperformanceofananimaltrainedtowaitattable.Thetableitselfwasneverentirelycoveredwithawhitecloth,butthatevenhalfofitshouldbecoveredseemedmiraculousafterthekitchentable.Theblack-and-redcheckeredcloththatcoveredthedining-roomtablefortherestofthedaywaspushedbacktoformanundulatingrangeoffoothills,beyondwhichtherelicsofMèreGontran'sincompleteundertakingspiledthemselvesinamountainousdisarray;stockingsthatoughttobemended,seedlingsthatoughttobeplantedout,gardentoolsthatoughttobeputaway,packsofcards,almanacs,ballsofwool,knitting-needles,flower-pots,photograph-frames,everythingthathadbeenmomentarilypickedupby

MèreGontraninthecourseofherrestlessdayhadtakenrefugehere.Thedining-roomitselfwaslong,low,anddark,withasmellofbird-cagesandwitheringgeraniums;sometimeswhenMèreGontranhadmanagedtoconcentratehermindlongenoughuponthetrimmingofalamp,therewouldbealampwithashadelikeadraggledpetticoat;morefrequentlytheeveningmeal(dinnerwastoostringentadefinition)waslightedbytwocandles,thewicksofwhicheveryfiveminutesassumedtheformoflargefieryflies'headsanddancedupanddownwithdelightlikechildrenwhohavedressedthemselvesup,untilMèreGontranattackedthemwithaweaponthatwasusedindifferentlyasanutcrackerandasnuffer,butwhichhadbeendesignedbyitsmakertoextractnails.Undertheserepeatedassaultsthecandlesthemselvesdeliquescedandformedstalagmitesandstalactitesofgrease,whichsheusedto

breakoff,rollupintoballs,anddroponthefloor,wheretheyperplexedthegreedofthevariouscats,whosetails,uprightwithanexpectationoffood,coulddimlybeseenwavingintheshadowslikeseaweed.

OnthefirstnightofSylvia'sarrivalshehadbeentootiredtositupwithMèreGontranandattendtheconversationwithherdeceasedhusband,nordidthewidowoverpersuadeher,becauseitwasimportanttosettlethefutureofherthreesonsbythreateningGontranwithavisittotheEmbassy,athreatthatmightdisturbevenhisastralliberty.Sylvia



gatheredfromMèreGontran'saccountoftheinterview,nextmorning,thatithadledtowords,ifthephrasemightbeusedofcommunicationbyraps,anditseemedthatthespirithadretiredtosulkinsomecelestialnookasyetunvexedbyearthlycommunications;hisbehaviorasnarratedbyhiswiferemindedSylviaofanirritatedtelephonesubscriber.

"Buthe'llbesorryforitnow,"saidMèreGontran."I'mexpectinghimtocomeandsaysoeverymoment."

Gontran,however,musthavespentthedaywalkingoffhiswife'sill-temperinaparadisalexcursionwithakindredspirit,fornothingwasheardofhim,andshewaslefttohersolitarygardening,asmaybeofteninlifeshehadbeenleft.

"Ihopenothing'shappenedtoGontran,"shesaid,gravely,whenSylviaandshesatdowntotheeveningmeal.

"Isn'ttheliabilitytoaccidentratherreducedbygettingridofmatter?"Sylviasuggested.

"Oh,I'mnotworryingaboutabrokenlegoranythinglikethat,"MèreGontranexplained."Butsupposinghe'sreachedanotherplane?"

"Ah,Ihadn'tthoughtofthat.""Thecommunicationsgetmoredifficulteveryearsincehedied,"thewidowcomplained."Thefirstfewmonthsafterhisdeath,hardlyfiveminutesusedtopasswithoutawordfromhim,andallnightlongheusedtorapontheheadofmybed,untilJamesusedtogetquitefidgety."JameswasthebulldogwhosleptwithMèreGontran.

"Andnowherapsnolonger?"

"Ohyes,hestillraps,"MèreGontranreplied,"butmuchmorefaintly.Butthereagain,he'salreadymovedtothreedifferentplanessincehisdeath.Hush!What'sthat?"

Shestaredintothedarkestcornerofthedining-room.

"Isthatyou,Gontran?"

"Ithinkitwasoneofthebirds,"Sylviasaid.

MèreGontranwavedherhandforsilence.

"Gontran!Isthatyou?Wherehaveyoubeenallday?Thisisafriendofminewho'sstayinghere.You'lllikeherverymuchwhenyouknowher.Gontran!Iwanttotalktoyouafterdinner.Nowmind,don'tforget.I'mgladyou'vegotback.IwantyoutomakesomeinquiriesinEngland

to-morrow."

Sylviawasdistinctlyawareofadeep-seatedamusementallthetimeatMèreGontran'smatter-of-factwayofdealingwithherhusband'sspirit,andshecouldnevermakeuphermindhowwithhersenseofamusementcouldexistsimultaneouslyacredulitythatledhertohearattheconclusionofMèreGontran'slastspeechthreeloudrapsupontheairoftheroom.

"He'sgotoverlastnight,"saidMèreGontraninasatisfiedvoice."But



thereagain,healwayshadakindnatureatbottom.Threenicecheerfulrapslikethatalwaysmeanhe'sgoingtogiveuphiseveningtome."

Sylvia'sfirstinstinctwastofindinwhatwayMèreGontranhadtrickedherintohearingthosethreeraps;somethingintheseer'struegazeforbadethenotionoftrickery,andashiverrousedbytheinexplicable,theshiverthatmakesadogrunawayfromanopenumbrellablownacrossalawn,slippedthroughherbeing.

AlthoughMèreGontranwaspuffingathersoupasifnothinghadhappened,thehousehadchanged,orratherithadnotchangedsomuchasrevealeditselfinabriefinstant.Allthattherewasofqueernessinthistumble-down_pension_becameendowedwithdeliberatemeaning,anditwasnolongerpossibletoascribetheatmospheretotheeffectofweakenednervesuponaweakenedbody.Sylviabegantowonderiftheformherdeliriumhadtakenhadnotbeendirectlyduetothisatmosphere;morethanevershewasinclinedtoattachaprofoundsignificancetoherdeliriumandperceiveinitthediabolicrevelationwithwhichithadoriginallybeenfraught.

WhenafterdinnerMèreGontrantookapackofcardsandbegantotellherfortune,Sylviahadanewimpulsetodread;butsheshookitoffalmostirritablyandlistenedtothetale.

"Alongjourneybyland.Alongjourneybysea.Adarkman.Afairwoman.Afairman.Adarkwoman.Aletter."

Thefamiliarrigmaroleofahundredsuchtellingsdroneditscourse,accompaniedbytheflip-flap,flip-flapofthecards.Theinformationwasgeneralenoughforanyhumanbeingonearthtohaveextractedfromitsomethingapplicabletohimself;yet,againstherwill,andasitwerebewitchedbytheteller'ssolemnity,Sylviabegantoendowthecardswiththepersonalitiesthatmightaffectherlife.TheKingofHeartslosthisrubicundcomplacencyandtookonthelineamentsofArthur:theKingofClubspartedwithhisfiercenessandassumedthegracefulseverityofMichaelFane:withakindofimpassionedegotismSylviawatchedthejourneyingsoftheQueenofHearts,notingthe

contactsandbitingherlipswhenshefoundherprototypeassociatedwithunfavorablecards.

"Come,Idon'tthinktheoutlook'ssobad,"saidMèreGontranattheendofthefinaldisposition."Ifyourbed'sabitdoubtful,yourstreetandyourhousearebothverygood,andyourroadliessouth.Butthereagain,thisblessedwarupsetseverything,andeventhecardsmustbereadwithhalfaneyeonthewar."

Whenthecardshadbeenputaway,MèreGontranproducedthe_planchette_ andsetituponasmalltablecoveredinredbaizeroundthebindingofwhichhungnumerouslittlewoolenpompons.

"NowweshallfindoutsomethingaboutyourfriendsinEngland,"sheannounced,cheerfully.

SylviahadnotthehearttodisappointMèreGontran,andsheplacedherhandsupontheheart-shapedboard,whichtrembledsomuchunderMèreGontran'seagertouchthatthepencilaffixedmadesmallsquigglesuponthepaperbeneath.The_planchette_wentonfidgetingmoreandmoreundertheirfourhandslikearestlessanimaltryingtoescape,andfromtimetotimeitwouldskaterightacrossthepaper,leavingalongpenciledtrailinitspath,whichMèreGontranwouldexaminewithgreat



intentness.

"ItlooksalittlebitlikeaY,"shewouldsay.

"Averylittlebit,"Sylviawouldthink.

"OritmaybeanA.Nevermind.Italwaysbeginsratherdoubtfully.I _won't_losemytemperwithitto-night."

The_planchette_mighthavebeenatenderlylovedchildlearningtowriteforthefirsttime,bythewayMèreGontranencourageditandtriedtoawardashapeandpurposetoitsmostamorphoustracks.Whenithadcoveredthesheetofpaperwithanimpossiblycomplicatedriver-system,MèreGontranfetchedacleansheetandtoldSylviaseverelythatshemusttrynottourgethe_planchette_.Anyattemptaturginghadaverybadeffectonitswillingness.

"Ididn'tthinkIwasurgingit,"saidSylvia,humbly.

"Tryandsitmorestill,dear.Ifyoulike,I'llputmyfeetonyourtoesandthenyouwon'tbesotemptedtojig.Wemayhavetositallnight,ifwearen'tcareful."

Sylviastrainedeverynervetositasstillaspossibleinorderto

avoidhavinghertoesimprisonedallnightbyMèreGontran'sfeet,whichwereparticularlylarge,evenforsotallawoman.Sheconcentrateduponpreventingherhandsfromleading_planchette_totracethecourseofanymoreriverstowardtheseaofbaize,andaftersittingfortwentyminuteslikethisshefeltthatalltherestofherbodyhadgoneintoherhands.Shehadneverthoughtthatherhandsweresmall,butshehadcertainlyneverrealizedthattheywereaslargeandasuglyastheywere;asforMèreGontran's,theyhadforsometimelostanylikenesstohandsandlayuponthe_planchette_liketwouncookedchops.AtlastwhenSylviahadreachedthestateoffeelinglikealargepincushionthatwasbeingrapidlyprickedbythousandsofpins,MèreGontranmurmured:

"It'sgoingtostart."

Immediatelyafterwardthe_planchette_careeredacrossthepaperandwroteasentence.

"_Dick'spickedadaisy,_"MèreGontranreadout."Dratthething!Nevermind,we'llhaveonemoretry."

Againasentencewaswritten,andagainitrepeatedthatDickhadpickedadaisy.

SuddenlySamuelthecolliemadeanoddnoise.

"He'sgoingtospeakthroughSamuel,"MèreGontrandeclared."Whatisit,dear?Tellmewhatitis?"

Thedog,whohadprobablybeenstungbyagnat,gotupand,puttinghisheaduponhismistress'sknee,gazedforthineffablesorrows.

"Youheardhimtryingtotalk?"sheasked.

"Hecertainlymadeanoise,"Sylviaadmitted.



Therewasaloudrapontheair--anunmistakablerap,forthefivecatswhichhadremainedintheroomalltwitchedtheirearstowardthesound.

"Goneforthenight,"saidMèreGontran."Andhe'sveryangryaboutsomething.IsupposethisdaisythatDickpickedmeanssomethingimportanttohim,thoughwecan'tunderstand.Perhapshe'llcomebacklateronwhenI'vegonetobedandtellmemoreaboutit."

"MèreGontran,"saidSylvia,earnestly,"doyoureallybelieveinspirits?Doyoureallythinkwecantalkwiththedead?"

"OfcourseIdo.Listen!They'reallroundus.Ifyouwanttofeelthedead,walkupthegardenwithmenow.You'llfeelthespiritswhizzingroundyoulikemoths."

"Oh,Iwonder,Iwonderifit'strue,"Sylviacried."Ican'tbelieveit,andyet...."

"Listentome,"saidMèreGontran,solemnly."Thirty-fiveyearsagoIleftEnglandtocometoPetersburg.Iwastwentyyearsoldandverybeautiful.YoucanimaginehowIwasrunafterbymen.You'veseensomethingofthewaymenrunafterwomenhere.Well,onesummerIwentwithmyfamilytoFinland,andIfoolishlyarrangedtomeetPrincePaulintheforestaftersupper.Hewasafine,handsomeyoungman,asbold

andaswickedasthedevilhimself.Butthereagain,Ihaven'tgottogivedetails.Anyway,hesaidtome:'Whatareyouafraidof?Yourparents?'Icanhearhislaughnowafteralltheseyears,andIremembertheboughofatreewasjustwavingveryslightlyandthemoonlightkeptglintinginandoutofhiseyes.IthoughtofmyparentsinEnglandwhenhesaidthis,andIrememberchallengingtheminasortofdefiantwaytointerfere.Yousee,I'dnevergotonwellathome.Iwasaverywaywardgirlandtheywereexceptionallyold-fashioned.AndwhenPrincePaulheldmeinhisarmsIreproachedthem.It'sdifficulttoexplain,butIwastryingtoconjurethemupbeforemetoseeifthethoughtofhomewouldhaveanyeffect.AndthenPrincePaullaughedandsaid,'Oranotherlover?'NowwiththeexceptionofflirtingwithPrincePaulandPrinceGeorge,thetwoeldestsons,I'dneverthoughtmuchaboutlovers.

EveninthosedaysIwasmoreinterestedinanimals,really,andofcourseIwasveryfondofchildren.ButwhenPrincePaulsaid,'Oranotherlover?'IsawGontranleaningagainstatreeintheforest.Hewaslookingatme,andIpushedPrincePaulawayandranbacktowardthehouse.

"NowwhenthishappenedI'dneverseenmyhusband.HewasworkingattheEmbassyeveninthosedays,andneverwenttoFinlandinhislife.ThenextdaythefamilywascalledbacktoPetersburgonaccountofthedeathofthegrandmother,andImetGontranatsomefriends'!Weweremarriedaboutsixmonthsafterward.

"Sothereagain,ifIcouldseeGontranwhenhewasalivebeforeI'd

evermethim,youdon'tsupposeI'mnotgoingtobelievethatI'veseenhimanynumberoftimessincehewasdead?Untilquiterecentlywhenhereachedthisnewplane,wetalkedtogetherascomfortablyaswhenhewasstillaliveandsittinginthatchair."

Sylvialookedatthechairuneasily.

"It'sonlysincehe'smetthisDickthatthecommunicationsaresounsatisfactory.Why,ofcourseIknowwhat'shappened,"criedMèreGontran,inaraptureofdiscovery."Whydidn'tIthinkofitsooner?



It'sthewar!"

"Thewar?"Sylviaechoed.

"Aren'ttherethousandsofspiritsbeingsetfreeeveryday?Justasallthecommunicationsonearthhavebrokendown,inthesamewaytheymusthavebrokendownwiththespirits.Fancymynothavingunderstoodthatbefore!Well,aren'tIdense?"

Fiverapsofsurpassingloudnesssignaledupontheair.

"Gontran'sdelighted,"sheexclaimed."HewasalwaysdelightedwhenIfoundoutsomethingformyself."

SoonafterthisMèreGontran,havinggatheredupfromthecrowdedtableavarietyofimplementsthatcouldnotpossiblyserveanypurposethatnight,wanderedoutintothegarden,followedbySamuelandthefivecats;Sylviathoughtofherhauntedpassagethroughthedarkautumnalgrowthofleavestowardthatstrangeroomsheoccupied,andwentup-stairstobedrathertremulously.YetonthewholeshewasgladthatMèreGontranleftherlikethiseverynightatthe_pension_withtheTartarservantinhercupboardunderthestairs,andwiththethreeungainlysons,whousedtosleepinabarrackattheendofthelongpassageonthegroundfloor.Sylviahadpeepedintothisroomwhenthe

youngmenwereoutandhadbeensurprisedbyitswantofresemblancetoasleeping-chamber.Therewere,tobesure,threebeds,buttheyhadtheappearanceofbedsthathadbeenlongstowedawayinaremotepartofawarehousefordisusedfurniture:thewholeroomwaslikethat,withnothinghumanappertainingtoitsavethesmellofstaletobacco-smoke.Yet,really,nowthatthemigratoryguestshadgoneontheirway,itwouldhavebeenevenmoresurprisingtofindinthe_pension_signsofhumanity,somuchhaditspermanentinhabitants,bothanimalsandhumanbeings,approximatedtooneanother.Theanimalswerealittlemorelikehumanbeings;thehumanbeingswerealittlemorelikeanimals:themarginbetweenmenandanimalswasnarrowenoughinthemostdistinguishingcircumstances,andatthe_pension_thesecircumstanceswerelacking.

BeforeSylviaundressedsheopenedthewindowofherbedroomandlookeddownintothemoonlitgarden.MèreGontran'slightwasalreadylit,butshewasstillwanderingaboutoutsidewithhercats.Eccentricthoughshewas,Sylviathought,shewasneverthelesstypical.Lookingbackatthepeoplewhohadcrossedherpath,shecouldrememberseveraladumbrationsofMèreGontran--superstitiouswomenwithaloveofanimals.OfsuchakindhadbeenMrs.Meares;andattachedtoeverycabaretandtheatertherehadalwaysbeenanelderlywomanwhohadservedascommissionagenttothecareless_artistes_,whetheritwasaquestionofsellingthemselvestoanewloverorbuyingsomebodyelse'solddress.Theseelderlywomenhadinvariablyhadtheknackoftellingfortuneswiththecards,hadbeenabletointerpretdreamsandomens,

andhadalwaysbeentheslavesofdogsandbirds.Thesuperficialascriptionoftheirpassionforanimalswouldhavebeentoastifledorsterilematernity;butaswithMèreGontranandherthreesons,Sylviacouldrecallthatmanyoftheseelderlywomenhadbeenthepreyoftheirchildren.Ifonewentbackbeyondone'sactualexperienceofthistype,itwassignificantthatthewitchesofoldentimeswerealwayscreditedwiththepossessionoffamiliarspiritsintheshapeofanimals;shecouldrecollectnohistoryofawitchthatdidnotincludeherblackcat.Wasthat,too,astifledmaternalinstinct,orwoulditnotbetruertofindinthemagicartstheypractisednothingbutadescent



fromhumanmethodsofintelligencetothoseofanimals,adescent(ifindeeditcouldbecalledadescent)fromreasontoinstinct?

HerewasMèreGontranfulfillingineveryparticulartheoldconventionalideaofawitch,andmightnotallthiscommunionwithspiritsbenothingbutthecommunionofananimalwithscentsandsoundsimperceptibletocivilizedman?Itcouldbeakindofatavism,really,areturntodisusedsenses,solongobsoletethattheirrevivalhadasupernaturaleffect.SylviathoughtoftheunusualsuccessthatMèreGontranalwayshadwithhergardening;nomatterwhereshesowedinthegreatdarkjungle,shegatheredbettervegetablesthanagardener,whowouldhavewastedhisenergyinwrestlingwiththeweedsthatseemedtoforbidanygrowthbuttheirown.MèreGontranalwayspaidgreaterattentiontotheaspectsofthemoonandtheplanetsthantothelawsofhorticulture,andhergardeninggavetheimpressionofbeingnothingbutameaninglessritual:yetitwasfruitful.Mighttherenotbesomelawsofattractionofwhichinthecourseofdependenceuponhisowninventionsmanhadlostsight,somelawsofwhichanimalswerecognizantandbywhichmanyofthemarvelsofinstinctmightbeexplained?Beyondwitchesandtheirfamiliarspiritswerefaunsandcentaurs,moreprimitivemanifestationsofthiscommunionbetweenmenandanimals,withwhomeventheoutwardshapewasstillahybrid.Hadscientistsinpursuingtheanticsofmoleculesandatomsbeneaththemicroscopebecomeblindtotheapplicationoftheirtheories?Mightnotastronomyhave

displacedastrologyunjustly?Sylviawishedshehadreadmorewidelyandmoredeeply,thatshemightknowifherspeculationswere,afterall,nothingbutthecommonplacesofempiricalthought.Somuchcouldbeexplainedbythistheoryofattraction,notleastofallthemysteryofloveandtheinscrutablecapricesoffortune.

BeholdMèreGontranoutthereinthegarden,bobbingtothemoon.Wereallthesegesturesmeaninglesslikeanidiot'smutterings?Andwasevenanidiot'smutteringreallymeaningless?BeholdMèreGontraninthemoonlitgardenwithcats:itwouldbehardtosaythatherbehaviorwasmorefutilethantheirs:theywerecertainlyallenjoyingthemselves.

SylviawasconsciousoftryingtoarriveatanexplanationofMère

Gontranthat,whileitallowedherbehavioracertainamountofreasonableness,wouldpreventherselffromacceptingMèreGontran'sownexplanationofit.Therewassomethingdistasteful,somethingcheapandvulgar,intheconceptionofGontran'sspiritualexistenceasaninfiniteprolongationofhislifeuponearth;therewassomethingradicallyfatuousintheimaginationofhimattheendofaghostlytelephone-wirestillatthebeckandcallofhumancuriosity.If,indeed,insomemysteriouswaytheessentialGontranwascommunicatingwithhiswife,thetranslationofhiswilltocommunicatemustbeasubjectivecreationofhers;itwassomehowludicrous,andevenunpleasant,toacceptDick'sgatheringofadaisyasademonstrationoftheactivityofmankindinanotherworld;itwastoomuchafiniteconceptionaltogether.WithouthesitationSylviarejectedspiritualism

asausefuladventureforhumanintelligence.Itwasimpossibletoacceptitsmoreelaboratemanifestationswithbellsandtambourinesandmaterializingmediums,whenoneknewtheuniversalinstinctofmankindtolie;andinitssimplermanifestations,aswithMèreGontran,whereconsciousordeliberatedeceitwasoutofthequestion,itwasmerelyawasteoftime,beingboundbythelimitationsofanindividualsoulthatwouldalwaysbeabnormalandprobablyinmostcasesidiotic.

Sylviapulleddowntheblind,and,leavingMèreGontrantohernocturnalcontemplation,wenttobed.



Notwithstandingherabruptrejectionofspiritualism,Sylviafound,whenshewasinbed,thattheincidentsoftheeveningandtheaccessoriesofthehousewereaffectinghertosleeplessness.Thatsuccessionofrapsdeclinedtocomewithinthenaturalexplanationthatshehadattempted.Weretheyduetosomeactionofoverchargedatmosphere,akindofminiaturethunderclapfromthemeetingoftwoso-calledelectricalcurrentsgeneratedbyherselfandMèreGontran?Weretheymerelycoincidentalcreakingsoffurnitureinresponsetothewarmthofthestove?OrhadMèreGontranmesmerizedherintohearingrapsthatwerenevermade?Thecatshadalsoheardthem;butMèreGontran'sintimacywithheranimalsmightwellhaveestablishedsuchamentaldomination,evenoverthem.

Naturally,withsomuchofherattentionfixedupontherapsdown-stairs,Sylviabegantofancyrenewedrappingsallroundherinthedarkness,andnotmerelyrappings,butallsortsofnocturnalshufflingsandscrapingsandwhisperingsandscratchings,untilshehadtorelighthercandle.Thenoisesbecameless,butopticaldelusionsweresubstitutedfortricksofhearing,andtherewasnotapieceoffurnitureintheroomthatdidnotprojectfromitsoutwardformthesenseofitsindependentreality.Thewardrobe,forinstance,seemedtochallengeherwiththethoughtthatitwasnolongerthereceptacleofherskirtsandpetticoats:itseemedtobeassertingitsessential

"wardrobishness"forbeingthereceptacleforanythingitliked.Sylviasetasideastooobviouslyandparticularlysillythefancythatsomeonemightbehiddeninthewardrobe,butshecouldnotgetridofthefancythatthepieceoffurniturehadanexistenceoutsideherownconsciousness.ItwasamereHansAndersenkindoffancy,butittookherbacktoremotechildishapprehensionsofinanimateobjects,andafterhermeditationuponinstinctshebegantowonderwhether,afterall,thechildwasnotquiterighttobeafraidofeverything,whichgrown-upscalledbeingafraidofnothing;andwhetherthatescapefromchildishterrorswhichwascalledknowledgewasnothingbutadrugthatbluntedtheperceptionsandimpededthecapacityforesteemingwhateverapproximatedtotruth.Yetwhyshouldachildbeafraidofawardrobe?Whyshouldachildbeafraidofeverything?Becauseineverythingthere

wasevil.Sylviarecalled--andinthisroomitwasimpossibletoridherselfofthatdiabolicobsession--thatthedevilwasknownastheFatherofLies.Wasnotallevilanti-truth,anddidnotman,withhispreferenceforanti-truth,createthematerialevilthatwasusedasanargumentagainstthedivineorderingofmatter?Paradoxicalasitmightseem,theworseorderedtheworldappearedthemoredidsuchanappearanceofpessimisminvolvetheexistenceofGod.Whitherledallthistheosophistry?TowardtheonlyperfectrevelationofGodinman:towardJesusChrist.

Howfoolishitwastoprefertosuchdivinespeechthestammeringofspiritualists.ForthefirsttimeinherlifeSylviaprayeddeliberatelythatwhatshesawasinaglassdarklymightberevealedtohermore

clearly;andwhilesheprayed,thererecurredfromthehospitalthatwhisperedconfessionofthelittleEnglishgoverness.ItwasimpossiblenottocompareitwiththestoryofMèreGontran:thecoincidenceofthenamesandthesimilarityofthesituationweretooremarkable.ThenwhyhadMèreGontranbeengrantedwhat,ifherstorywereaccepted,wasasupernaturalinterventiontosavehersoul?ByherownadmissionshehadpracticallysurrenderedtoPrincePaulwhenshehadthevisionofherfuturehusband.ItseemedveryunjustthatMissSavageshouldhavebeenutterlycorruptedandthatMèreGontranshouldhaveescapedcorruption.SylviawentbackinherthoughtstothetimewhensheleftPhilipand



abandonedherselftoevil.Yetshehadneverreallyabandonedherselftoevil,forshehadneverhadanywilltosin;theimpulsehadbeentosavehersoul,nottoloseit.Ithadbeenahumiliationofherbodylikepain,andadegradationofherpersonalitylikedeath.Pridewhichhadcastherouthadbeenherundoing.Lookingbacknow,shecouldseethateverythingevilinherlifehadcomefromherpride:pride,bytheway,wasanotherattributeofthedevil.

SylviahadalongingtogobacktoEnglandandtalktotheVicarofGreenLanes.Fromthepastkeptrecurringisolatedfragmentsofhissermons,textsmostly,whichhadlainallthiswhiledormantwithinherconsciousness,untilthefirstonehadsprunguptofloweramidherdelirium.InallherreadingshehadneverpaidproperattentiontothedoctrinesofChristianity,andshelongedtoknowifsomeofthesedimfactsafterwhichshewasnowgropingwerenottheresetforthwithtransparentbrightnessandundeniableclarity.Goodandevilmustpresentthemselvestoeverysoulinadifferentway,anditwassurelyimprobablethattheaccumulatedexperienceofthehumanmindgatheredtogetherinChristianwritingswouldnotcontainaparallelbywhichshemightbeledtowardthetruth,oratleastbegrantedthevisionofanotherlonelysoulseekingforitselfsalvation.

Thesenseofherloneliness--physical,spiritual,andintellectual--overwhelmedSylvia'saspirations.Howcouldtruthorfaith

orhopeorloveconcernheruntilshecouldescapefromthisisolation?Shehadalwaysbeenlonely,evenbeforeshecametoRussia;yetithadalwaysbeenpossibleuptoapointtocheatherselfwiththeillusionofcompany,becausethelonelinesshadbeenspiritualandintellectual,alonelinessthatwouldbeimmanentinanywomanwhoselifewasorderedonherlinesandwhohadfailedtofindwhatwasvulgarlycalledthe"rightman."Nowtherewasaddedtothisthepositivephysicallonelinessofherpresentposition.Itwouldhavebeenbadenoughtorecoverfromanillnessandwakeinafamiliarworld;buttowakelikethisinaworldtransformedbywarwasindeedlikewakinginhell.TheremembranceofEngland,ofpeoplelikeJackandOlive,wasscarcelymoredistinctnowthantheremembranceofLille;everythinginherpasthadrecededtothesameimmeasurabledistance.NewsofEnglandinanyfamiliarformnow

reachedRussiabysuchdeviouswaysthatinaperiodofviolentdailyeventsthepapershad,whentheydidarrive,theairofsomeancient,bloody,andfantasticchronicle.Noletterscame,becausenobodycouldknowwhereshewas;herfriendsmustthinkthatshewasdead,andmusthaveacceptedherdeathasthedeathofasparrowamidtheslaughterthatwasnowproceeding.To-morrowsheshouldsendacablegram,whichmightsomedayarrive,tosaythatshewasaliveandwell.Andthenshehadarevulsionfromsuchapieceofegotisminthemidstofaworld'scatastrophe.WhocouldwishtoberemindedofSylviaScarlettatsuchamoment?Besides,ifthisdeterminationofherstobeginherlifeoveragainwastobemadeeffective,SylviaScarlettmustpreservethisisolationandacceptitasthegraceofGod.Howwhathadoncebeenphraseswerenowendowedwithlife!Anycommunicationbetweenherand

thepeopleshehadknownwouldbelikecommunicationbetweenGontranandhiswife;itwouldbethestammeringofspiritualismcomparablewiththatabsurdDickgatheringhisdaisiesintheElysianFields.Unlessallthese"soul-spasms,"asonceshewouldhavecalledthem,weretheweaknessofawomanwhohadbeensickuntodeath,meaninglessbabblingswithoutsignificance,herwaywouldbeindicated.Whateverthelogiciansmightsay,itwasuselesstoexpectfaith,hope,orloveunlessonewenttomeetthem:thewilltoreceivethemmustoutweighthesuspicionofreceiving.Faith,likeanyothergift-horse,mustnotbelookedinthemouth;pridehadrobbedherlongenough,andforachangeshewouldtry



humility.

Whenshemadethisdecision,itseemedtoSylviathatwhathadformerlybeenevilandterrifyingintheinanimateobjectsofhercandle-litroomnowlosttheirmenacingaspectandwishedherwell.Suddenlysheaccusedherselfofthemostoutrageousprideinhavingallthistimethoughtofnothingbutherself,whosemiseryamidtheuniversalhavocwasindeedonlythetwitteringofasparrow.Anapocalypseoftheworld'sdespairblazeduponher.Thiswasnotthetimetolamentherposition,butrathertobegladveryhumblythatatthemomentwhenshehadbeengiventhisrevelationofherpride,thisreturnofherself,shewasgivenalsothemomenttoputtherestoredselftothetestofaction.

WhenSylviawokeinthemorning,herideasthatduringthenighthadstatedthemselveswithsuchconvincinglogicseemedlessconvincing;thefirstelationhadbeensucceededbythediscouragementoftheartistatseeinghowillhisexecutionsupportshisintention.Riddleshadsolvedthemselvesoneafteranotherwithsucheaseinthedarknessthatwhenshehadfallenasleepshehadbeenmusingwithastonishmentatthefailureofhumannaturetoappreciatethesimplicityoflife'sintention;nowallthosedarklingrapturesburnedlikeasicklyfireinthesunlight.Yetitwasconsolingtorememberthatthesundidnotreallyputoutthefire,andthereforethatthefirekindledwithin

herselflastnightmightburnnotlessbrightlyandwarmlyforallitsappearanceofbeingextinguishedbythesunofaction.

Thesefierymetaphorswereillsuitedtothenewday,whichwaswetenoughtomakeSylviawonderiftherehadeverbeensocompletelywetaday.Theviewfromherwindowincludedalargepieceofskywhichlackedeventhunder-cloudsorwindtobreakitsleadenmonotony.Thevegetationofthegardenhadassumedauniversalhueofdullgreen,thedepressingeffectofwhichwasintensifiedbytheabsenceofanylargetreestomarkautumnaldecaywiththeirmoreprecociousdissolution.WeatherdidnotseemtoaffectMèreGontran,whoseclothesevenuponthefinestdayshadtheappearanceofabundleofdrenchedrags;andifthedogsandcatspreferredtoremainindoors,shewasabletopaddleaboutthe

gardenwithherducksanddevotetotheirtriumphantquackingasympatheticattention.

"I'mgoingtoseetheambassadorthismorning,"shecalleduptoSylvia."Somethingmustbedecidedabouttheboys'nationalityandit'sboundtobedecidedmorequicklyiftheyseemedrippingalloverthemarbleentranceoftheEmbassy."

NoteventhesightofthatelderlyNaiadhauntingthedesksofoverworked_chanceliers_couldsecureadeterminationtowhichcountryhersons'militaryservicewasowed;itseemedasiftheywouldremainunclassifiedtotheendofthewar,borrowingmoneyfortram-ticketsandsmokingcigaretteswhilehusbandsweretornfromthearmsofwives,

whileloversandparentsmournedeternalpartings.

Autumndrewon,andhereinRussiaharduponitsheelswaswinter;alreadyearlyinOctobertherewastalkatthe_pension_ofthesnow'scomingsoon,andSylviadidnotfeelinclinedtostayhereinthesolitudethatsnowwouldcreate.Moreover,shewasanxiousnottoletMèreGontranwishforhergoingonaccountoftheexpense,andshewouldnothavestayedaslongasshehadifherhostesshadnotbeensoobviouslydistressedattheideaofherleavingbeforeshecouldbeaccountedperfectlywellagain.Inordertorepayherhospitality,



Sylviaassistedgravely--andonemightsayreverently--atallherfolliesofmagic.Nor,undertheinfluenceofMèreGontran'searnestness,wasitalwayspossibletobesureaboutthefoolishside.TherewereoftenmomentswhenSylviawasfrightenedinthesefast-closingdaylightsandlongwintryevesbytheunendingprovocationofthedeadthatwasasnearasMèreGontrangottoevocation,althoughsheclaimedtobealwaysseeingapparitions,ofwhichSylvia,fortunatelyforhernerves,wasnevergrantedavision.

Theclimaxwasreachedonthenightofthefirstsnowfall,soonafterthemiddleofOctober,whenMèreGontrancametoSylvia'sbedroom,hercrimsondressing-gowndustedwithdryflakesofsnow,andbeggedhertocomeoutinthegardentohearGontrancommunicatingwithherfromalilac-bush.ItwasinvainthatSylviaprotestedagainstbeingdraggedoutofbedonsuchacoldnight;MèreGontran,candleinhand,toweredupaboveherwithsuchadominatingexcitementthatSylvialetherselfbeover-persuadedandfollowedheroutintothegarden.FromwhathadformerlybeenCarrier'sroomtheowlshootedatthemoon;Samuel,thetalkingcollie,wasbayingdolefully;thesnowfall,toolighttogivetothenocturnallandscapeapureandcrystallinebeauty,wasenoughtodestroythefamiliaraspectofthesceneandtoinfectitwithawitheredpaperylook,turninghouseandgardentothecolorofdrybones.

"He'sinthelilac-bushbytheouthouse,"MèreGontranwhispered."WhenIwentpast,oneoftheboughscaughtholdofmyhand,andhespokeinaqueer,cracklingvoice,asofcoursesomebodywouldspeakifhewerespeakingthroughabush."

Sylviacouldnotbearitanylonger;shesuddenlyturnedbackandranuptoherbedroom,vowingthatto-morrowshewouldmakeaseriousefforttoleavePetrograd.

"Howevershortmyhair,"shelaughed,"there'snoreasonwhyitshouldbemadetostandonendlikethat."

ShesupposedthatPetrogradhadnotyetsufficientlyrecoveredfromthe

shockofwartomakeanengagementtherepleasantorprofitable;besides,afterherexperienceatthecabaretshewasdisinclinedtofaceanotherhumiliationofthesamekind.TheJewishagentwhomsheconsultedsuggestedKieff,Odessa,andConstantinopleasagoodtour;fromConstantinopleshewouldbeabletoreturnhomemoreeasilyandcomfortablyifshewishedtoreturn.HehelduphishandsattheideaoftravelingtoEnglandbyArchangelatthisseason.ShecouldsingforaweekatKieffjusttobreakthejourney,taketwomonthsatOdessa,andbealmostsureofatleastfourmonthsatConstantinople:itwasagreatnuisancethiswar,buthewasexpectingeverydaytohearthattheEnglishfleethadblownPolatopieces,andperhapsafterChristmastherewouldbeanopportunityofanengagementatVienna.Withsomanytroopsinthecitysuchanengagementwouldbehighlyremunerative;and

hewinkedatSylvia.Shewassurprisedtofindthatitwassoeasytosecureanengagementinwar-time,andstillmoresurprisedtolearnthatshewouldbebetterpaidthanbeforethewar.Indeed,ifshehadbeenwillingtoremaininPetrograd,shecouldhaveearnedasmuchasathousandfrancsamonthforsinging,somanyoftheFrenchgirlshadfledtoFranceandsorarenowwereforeign_artistes_.Asitwas,shewouldbepaideighthundredfrancsamonthatKieffandOdessa.FortheamountofhersalaryinConstantinopletheagentwouldnotanswer,becauseonsecondthoughtshemightobservethattherewasjustachanceofwarbetweenRussiaandTurkey,averysmallchance;butinthe



circumstancesitwouldbeimpossibletoarrangeacontract.

Sylviareturnedtothe_pension_toannouncehersuccess.

"Well,ifyougetill,"saidMèreGontran,"mindyoucomebackhereatonce.You're_not_agoodmedium;infact,Ibelieveyou'readeterrent;butIliketoseeyouabouttheplace,andofcourseI_do_liketotalkEnglish,butthereagain,whenshallIeverseeEngland?"

WhenSylviahadheardMèreGontranspeakofhernativecountryformerly,ithadalwaysbeenastheplacewhereanunhappychildhoodhadbeenspent,andshehadseemedtogloryinherexpatriation.MèreGontranansweredherunspokenastonishment:

"Ithinkit'sthewar,"sheexplained."It'sseeingsomuchaboutEnglandinthenewspapers;I'vegotafeelingI'dliketogoback,andIwillgobackafterthewar,"sheproclaimed."Somekindofnationalitymythreesonsshallhave,ifit'sonlytheirmother's.Whichremindsme.PoorCarrierhasbeenkilled."

"Killed,"Sylviarepeated."Already?"

Intheclutchofapprehensionsherealizedthatotheranddearerfriendsthanhemightalreadybedead.

"Ithoughtwecouldcelebrateyourlastnightbytryingtogetintocommunicationwithhim,"saidMèreGontran.

ItwasasifshehadrepliedtoSylvia'sunvoicedfear.

"No,no,"shecried."Iftheyaredead,Idon'twanttoknow."

SoCarrierwithallhismascotshadfallenatlast,andhewouldnevercultivatethatlittlefarmintheLyonnais;sherememberedhowhehadboastedoftheviewacrossthevalleyoftheSaônetothelonglineoftheAlps:farwidernowwashisview,andhisroomatthe_pension_wastheabodeofowls.ShereadtheparagraphintheFrenchpaper:hehad

beenkilledearlyinSeptemberverygloriously.IfParadisemightbetheeternalpresentofawell-beloveddream,hewouldhavefoundhisfarm;ifhumanwisheswerenotvanity,hewasatpeace.

Thebriefsnowhadmelted,andthroughadrenchingafternoonofrainSylviapackedup;itwaspleasanttothinkthatatanyratesheshouldtravelsouthward,forthe_pension_wasunbearableonthesewinterdaysandlongnightsfilledwithasoundofshadows.AgainSylviawasmindedtobravethejourneynorthandreturntoEngland,butagainanovermasteringimpulseforbadeher.Herdestinywaswrittenotherwise,andifshefoughtagainsttheimpulsenottogoback,shefeltthatsheshouldbecastupandrejectedbytheseaoflife.

MèreGontran,havingcaughtaslightchill,wenttobedimmediatelyafterdinner,andinvitedSylviatocomeandtalktoheronherlastevening.Itwasanoddplace,thisbedroomthatshehadchosen;andveryoddshelookedlyingintheoldfour-poster,herheadtiedupinabandanascarfandbesideher,withhiswrinkledheadonthepillow,Jamesthebulldog.Thefour-posterseemedoutofplaceagainstthematch-boardingwithwhichtheroomwaslined,andtherestofthefurnituregaveonetheimpressionofhavingbeenransackedbyburglarsinagreathurry.OnthewalloppositethebedwasaportraitofGontran,whichbysheerbadpaintingpossessedasinisterpowerlike



thatofsomeblackByzantineVirgin;oneithersideofhimwerehungthecats'boxes,fromwhichtheysurveyedtheirmistresswiththesamefixedstareasherpaintedhusband.

"OfcourseIshouldgomadifIsleptinthisroomallbymyself,andtwohundredyardsawayfromanyhabitation,"Sylviaexclaimed.

"Oh,I'mveryfondofmyroom,"saidMèreGontran."Butthereagain,Iliketobealonewithonefootinthegrave."

"Iwanttothankyouforallyourkindness,"Sylviabegan.

"Ifyoustartthankingme,you'llmakemefidget;andifIfidget,itworriesJames."

"Still,evenattheriskofupsettingJames,ImusttellyouthatIdon'tknowwhatIshouldhavedonewithoutyouthesesixweeks.Perhapsonedaywhenthewarisoveryou'llcometoEnglandandthenyou'llhavetostaywithmeinmycottage."

"Ah,Ishallneverbeabletoleavethecats,nottomentionthepony.IjusthappenedtohaveafancyforEnglandto-day,butit'stoolate;I'mestablishedhere;I'mknown.PeopleinEnglandmightstare,andIshoulddislikethatverymuch."

SylviawantedrathertotalkagainaboutspiritualisminordertofindoutifMèreGontran'sspeculationscoincidedatanypointwithherown;butadiscussionofspiritualexperiencewithherwaslikeadiscussionoftheliver;shewasalmostgrosslyinsistentupontheorganicmachinery,almostbrutalinherzestforthepractical,onemightalmostsaythetechnicaldetails.Themysteriesofhumanconductonearthleftherutterlyuninterestedexceptwhenshecouldobtainacommentaryuponthemfromthespiritsforapracticalpurpose;thespiritstooktheplaceforherofthesolicitorandthedoctorratherthanofthepriest.SystemsofphilosophyandreligionhadnomeaningforMèreGontran;herspiritualadviceneverconcerneditselfwiththem;andtheultimateintentionofimmortalitywasaswellconcealedfromherasthe

justificationoflifeonearth.ItwasthisveryabsenceofthehighfalutinwhichimpressedSylviawiththegenuinenessofthemanifestationsthatsheprocured,butwhichatthetimediscouragedherwiththesensethatdeathmerelysubstitutedoneirrationalformofbeingforanother.

"What'sitallfor?"Sylviahadonceasked.

"For?"MèreGontranhadrepeatedinperplexity:shehadneverconsideredtheutilityofthisquestionhitherto.

"Yes,why,forinstance,didyoumarryGontran?Didyoulovehim?Areyourchildrendestinedtofulfilanypartintheworld?And_their_

childrenafterthem?"

"Whydoyouwanttoworryyourheadwithsuchquestions?"MèreGontranhadasked,compassionately.

"Butyoudenymetheconsolationofoblivion.Youacceptthisendlessexistenceafterdeathwithitsapparentlymeaninglessprolongationofhumanvapidityandpettiness,andyou'resurprisedthatIresentit."

Butitwasimpossibletocarryonthediscussionwithsomebodywhowas



ascontentedwithwhatisasananimalandwhoseonlyprayerwas_Giveusthisdayourdailybread_.Itwasadisappointingcontributiontotheproblemoflifefromonewhohadspentsolongontheborderlandofthegrave.YetitwasMèreGontran'sdevotiontothisaspirationthathadmadeherlodgeSylviaalltheseweeks.

"Howcanyou,whoaresokind,wanttoseeyoursonsgotothewar,notforanymotivesofhonororpatriotism,butapparentlyjusttokeepthemawayfromcigarettesandidleness?Whatdoestheirnationalityreallymatter?"

"Theymustdosomethingforthemselves,"MèreGontranreplied."Justatthemomentthewaroffersagoodopening."

"Butsupposetheyarekilled?"

"Ihopetheywillbe.IshallbeonmuchbettertermswiththemthenthanIamnow.GontrantalkstomeinEnglishnowadays;sowouldthey,andwemightgettoknowoneanother.Catsdon'tworryabouttheirkittens,afterthey'regrownup;infact,they'reanxioustogetridofthem.Andkingfisherschasetheiryoungonesaway,orsoIwasinformedbyanEnglishventriloquistwhowasinterestedinnaturalhistory."

"Well,Ialwayscongratulatedmyselfonbeingfreefromsentimentality,"

Sylviasaid."ButbesideyouI'mlikeakeepsake-album.""Ifyou'dgetoutofthehabitofthinkingthatdeathisofanymoreimportancethangoingtosleep,youwouldn'tbotheraboutanything,"MèreGontrandeclared.

"Oh,itisn'tdeaththatworriesme,"Sylviaanswered."It'slife."

VeryearlyinthetwilightofawetdawnSylviastartedforKieff.Alldayshewatchedtheraindropstricklingdownthewindowsoftherailwaycarriageandwonderedifherimpulsetotravelsouthwasinspiredbyanyprofounderreason.

CHAPTERIII

OnthedayaftershereachedKieffSylviawentforawalkbyherself.Sinceshewasgoingtostayonlyaweekinthiscityandsinceshestillfeltsomewhatremotefromtheworldafterherlongseclusion,shehadnotbotheredtomakefriendswithanyofherfellow-_artistes_.

Presentlyshegrewtiredofwalkingaloneand,lookingabouther,shesawontheothersideoftheroadacinematheater,whereshedecidedto

spendtherestofadrearyafternoon.Shewassurprisedtofindthatthelowestchargeforentrancewastworubles;butwhenshewentinsideandsawthefilm,sheunderstoodthereason.Thetheaterwasfullofmen,andshecouldhearthemwhisperingtooneanothertheirastonishmentatseeingawomanentertheplace;shewasthankfulthatthedimredlightconcealedherblushes,andsheescapedasquicklyaspossible,quenchingtheimpulsetoabusethedoorkeeperfornotwarningherwhatkindofanentertainmentwastakingplaceinside.

ThisabruptandviolentreminderofhumanbeastlinessshockedSylvia



verydeeplyatamomentwhenshewastryingtoinduceinherselfanattitudeofhumility;itwasimpossiblenottofeelangrilysuperiortothoseswinegrovelingintheirmess.Ordinarilyshemighthaveobliteratedtheincidentwithdisdain,oratanyratehaveseenitsproportiontothewholeofhumanlife.Butnowwithwarclosinginupontheworld,andwithallthewillshehadtoidealizetheabnegationoftheindividualthatwasbegottenfromthemonstrouscrimeofthemass,itwasterribletobebroughtupsharplylikethisbytheunendingandapparentlyunassailablerampartofhumanvileness.Itseemedtoherthattheshameshehadfeltonfindingherselfinsidethatplacemustevennowbemarkeduponhercountenance,andtherewasnotapasser-bywhosecriticismandcuriosityshecouldkeepfromfancyingintentlydirectedtowardherself.Anxioustoeludethesensationofthiscommentaryuponheraction,sheturnedasidefromthepavementtostareintothefirstshop-windowthatpresenteditself,untilherblusheshadburnedthemselvesout.Theshopshechosehappenedtobeajeweler's,andSylvia,whonevercaredmuchforpreciousstones,wasnowlessthanevermovedbyanyinterestinthebarbaricdisplaythatwinkedandglitteredundertheartificialstimulusofshadedelectriclamps.Shetriedtoseeifshecouldsomehowcatchthereflectionofhercheeksandascertainifindeedtheywereflamingashighasshesupposed.Presentlyavoiceaddressedherfrombehind,and,lookinground,shesawaslimyoungsoldierwelloversixfeettall,withslantingalmondeyesandwidenostrils.Hepointedtoarowofgoldenhand-bagssetwithvarious

arrangementsofpreciousstonesandaskedherinverybadFrenchifsheadmiredthem.Sylvia'sfirstimpulse,whenherattentionwasdrawntothesebagsforthefirsttime,wastosaythatshethoughtthemhideous;butasympatheticintuitionthatthesoldieradmiredthemverymuchandwouldbehurtbyherdisapprovaltemptedhertoagreewithhiminpraisingtheirbeauty.Heaskedherwhichofthemallshelikedthebest;andinordernottospoilthischildishgameofstandingoutsideashop-windowandmakingimaginarypurchases,sheconsideredtherowforawhileandatlastfixedupononethatwassetwithemeralds,thegoldofwhichhadagreenishtint.Thesoldiersaidthathepreferredtheoneinthemiddlethatwassetwithrubies,sapphires,diamonds,andemeralds,whichwasobviouslythemostexpensiveandcertainlythemostbarbaricofthewholecollection.WasSylviasurethatshehadchosentheoneshe

likedthebest?Sheassuredhimthatherchoicewasunalterable,andthesoldier,takingherbythearm,badeherentertheshopwithhim.

"Ican'taffordtobuyabag,"Sylviaprotested.

"Ican,"hereplied."Iwanttobuyyouthebagyouwant."

"Butit'simpossible,"Sylviaargued."EvenifIcouldgiveyouanythinginreturn,itwouldstillbeimpossible.Thatbagwouldcosttwothousandrublesatleast."

"Ihavethreethousandrubles,"saidthesoldier."Ofwhatusearetheytome?To-nightIgotothefront.Youlikethebag.Iliketogiveit

toyou.Come.Donotletusargueinthestreetlikethis.Wewillbuythebag,andafterwardwewillhaveteatogether,andthenIshallgomywayandyouwillgoyourway.ItisbetterthatIspendtwothousandrublesonbuyingyouabagthatyouwantthantogamblethemaway.YouareFrench.ItisnecessarythatIdosomethingforyou."

"I'mEnglish,"Sylviacorrected."HalfEnglish--halfFrench."

"Somuchthebetter,"thesoldiersaid."IhavenevermetanEnglishwoman.Noneofthesoldiersinmycompanyhaveevermetan



Englishwoman.WhenItellthemthatinKieffImetanEnglishwomanandgaveheragoldenbag,theywillenvymemygoodfortune.Arewenotsufferingallofustogether?AndisthatnotareasonwhyIshouldgiveyousomethingthatyouverymuchwant?"

"WhydoyouthinkIamsuffering?"sheasked.

"Thereissorrowinyoureyes,"thesoldieranswered,gravely.

Thesimplicityofthemanovercameherscruples;shefeltthatheracceptanceofhisgiftwouldgivehimaprofoundpleasureofwhichforamotiveofpettyprideshehadnorighttorobhim.Asforherself,themeetingwiththisyoungsoldierhadwashedawaylikepurestwatereverystainwithwhichRussiahadmarkedher--fromthebrutalityofthedrunkenofficertothevilenessofthatcinematheater.Sylviahesitatednolonger;sheaccompaniedhimintotheshopandcameoutagainwiththegoldenbaguponherwrist.Thentheywenttoaconfectioner'sshopandatecakestogether;outsideinthedarknesssleetwasfalling,butinhermoodofelationSylviathoughtthateverythingwasbeautiful.

"Itistimeformetogobacktothebarracks,"thesoldierannouncedatlast.

Whiletheywerehavingtea,Sylviahadtoldhimofmanyeventsinher

life,andhehadlistenedveryseriously,thoughshedoubtedifhewasabletounderstandhalfofwhatshetoldhim.Heinhisturnhadnottoldhermuch;buthewasstillveryyoung,onlytwenty-one,andheexplainedthatinhisvillagenotmuchcouldhavehappenedtohim.Soonafterwarwasdeclared,hisfatherhaddied,and,havingnobrothersorsistersormother,hehadsoldallhehadandquittedhisvillagewiththirty-fivehundredrublesinhispocket.Fivehundredrubleshehadspentriotouslyandwithoutsatisfaction;andhestillrejoicedinthemoneyhehadspentonthebagandwasevenanxioustogiveSylviathethousandrublesthatwereleft,butshebeggedhimtokeepthem.

"Andsoyoumustreallygo?"shesaid.

Shewalkedwithhimthroughthedarknessandsleettowardthebarracks;soontherewasasoundofbugles,andheexclaimedthathemusthurry.

"Good-by,"Sylviasaid."Ishallneverforgetthismeeting."Shestoodontiptoeand,puttingherarmroundhisneck,pulledhimtowardherandkissedhim.

"Good-by.Mayyoubefortunateandhappy,"sherepeated.

"ItrestswithGod,"saidthesoldier;andhevanishedintothenoiseofbuglesandtheconfusionofaregimentalmuster.

ThememoryofthiscasualencounterrestedinSylvia'sheartwithall

thewarmthithadoriginallykindled;nay,rather,itrestedtherewithawarmththatincreasedastimewenton,andthegoldenbagcametoberegardedwiththatmostessentialandsacredaffectionwhichmaybebestoweduponarelicofchildhood,anaffectionthatisnotsentimentalorcomparableinanywaytotheemotionsarousedbythesouvenirsofanoldlove.Thebagpossessed,indeed,therecreativequalityofart;itwasemotionrememberedintranquillity,andassuchfiercelycherishedbyitsowner.Itwasatruemascot,amonstranceofhumanlove;forSylviaithadasacramental,almostadivinesignificance.



FromKieff,muchheartenedbytheomenoffortune'sfavor,SylviatraveledgladlytowardOdessathroughleaguesofmonotonouscountryshroudedinmistandrain,which,seenthusbyanunfamiliarvisitant,wasofsuchsurpassinggloomthatthenotionofwaracquiredincontrastanadventurouscheerfulness.OftenatrailwaystationsthatappearedtoexistalongthetrackwithoutanyhumanreasonforexistenceSylviausedtoalightwiththerestofthepassengersanddrinkglassesofteasweetenedbyspoonfulsofraspberryjam;inaluxuryofdespairshewouldimagineherselfleftbehindbythetrainandbesometimeshalftemptedtomaketheexperimentinordertoseehowlifewouldadaptitselftosucheccentricity.Theonlydiversionuponthisendlessjourneywaswhenthetrainstoppedbeforecrossingabridgetoletsoldierswithfixedbayonetsmountitandstandinthecorridorsthattheymightpreventanytravelerfromleavinghisseatorevenfromlookingoutofthewindow.Theseprecautionsagainstoutrageswithdynamiteaffectedheratfirstwithasenseofgreateventshappeningbeyondthesemournfulsteppes;butwhenshesawthatthebayonetsweresolongthatinanyscuffletheywouldhavebeenunmanageable,shehadarevulsionfromromanticfanciesandtoldherselfalittlescornfullywhatchildrenmenwereandhowmuchplayingatwarwentonbehindthebloodyscenesofaction.

SylviareachedOdessaonOctober28th,andthelongfrontlookingtowardaleadenseaheldathoughtofEnglandinitssaltrain.Thecabaretat

whichshewasgoingtoworkwaslikeallothercabarets,but,beingsituatedinsomegardensthatopenedonthesea,ithadnowasadandwintryappearanceofdisuse.Afewdraggledshrubs,afewchairsnotworththetroubleofputtingintoshelter,adesertedband-standandopen-airtheater,servedtoforbidratherthaninvitegaiety.However,sincethecabaretitselfcouldbereachedfromastreetbehindthesea-frontandvisitorswerenotcompelledtopassthroughtheghostsofadeadsummer,thismelancholyatmospherewasobviated.The_pensiond'artistes_atwhichSylviastayedwaskeptbyacertainMadameEliane,awomanofpersonalityandcharm,withaclear-cut,rosyfaceandsnow-whitehair,wholimpedslightlyandsupportedherselfupontwoebonycanes.MadameElianeobjectedtobeingcalled_Mère_,whichwouldhavebeentheusualprefixofironicalaffectionawardedtotheownerof

sucha_pension_;althoughshemusthavebeennearlysixty,shehadanintensehatredofageandaremarkablefacultyforremainingyoungwithoutlosingherdignity.Forallthegirlsunderherroofshefeltagenuineaffectionthatdemandednothinginreturnexcepttheacceptanceofherselfasacontemporary,thefirsttokenofwhichwastocallherEliane;fromthemenshealwaysexacted_Madame_.HernationalitywasbelievedtohaveoriginallybeenAustrian,butshehadbecomenaturalizedasaRussianmanyyearsbeforethewar,whenshewasthemistressofanofficialwhohadendowedherwiththe_pension_beforehedepartedtoaremoteBalticprovinceandtherespectabilityofmarriage.SylviafoundthatElianewasregardedbyallthegirlsasanillustrationofthemostperfectsuccesstowhichanyoneoftheirprofessionmightaspire.

"She'slucky,"saidasmallcockneycalledRubyArnold,whosanginEnglishpopularsongsoffouryearsagothatwhenSylviafirstheardthemshockedherwiththeirviolentresuscitationofthepast."Yes,Ireckonshe'slucky,"Rubywenton."Thereisn'tnoonethatdoesn'trespecther,asyoumightsay.Isn'tshecunning,too,toletherhairgowhiteinsteadofkeepingitgoldlikewhatitwasonce?Anybodycan'thelptakingtoanybodywithwhitehair.IreckonwithwhitehairandahouseofmyownI'dchuckupthislifeto-morrow,_I_would._N'est-cepasquej'airaison?_"sheadded,inFrench,withamorebrutal



disregardofpronunciationthanSylviahadeverheard.

"_Oui,petite,tuasraison_,"agreedOdette,avastFrenchblondewithbrilliant,prominenteyes,thosebulgingmyopiceyesthataregenerallythemirrorsofvanityandhysteria."Ihaveafriendhere,"shecontinuedinFrench,"_unefemmedumondeavecdesidéestrès-larges_,whoassuredmethatifshedidnotknowwhatElianewas,shemighteasilyhavemistakenherfora_femmedumonde_likeherself."

"Sheandherladyfriends,"Rubymuttered,contemptuouslytoSylvia."Ifyouaskme,theseFrenchgirlsdon'tknowaladywhentheyseeone.Shehadthenervetobringherinheretoteaoneday,anoldcrowwithabonnetthatlookedasifadoghadworriedit.She'sboundtoaskyoutomeether.Shecan'ttalkofanythingelsesinceshemetherinatram."

"Well,how'sthewargettingon?Whatdotheysayaboutitnow?"askedadancercalledFlora,flashingamaliciousglanceatherpartner,ayoungBelgianofabouttwenty-fivewithapaleandunpleasantlydebauchedface,whoglaredangrilyinresponse."Armandcannotsufferustotalkaboutthewar,"sheexplainedtoSylvia.

"Shehateshim,"Rubywhispered."Andwhenevershecanshegetsinadigbecausehehasn'ttriedtofightforhiscountry.Funnythingfortwopeopletolivetogetherforthreeyearsandhateeachotherlikethey

do."SylviasaidthatshehadnomoreinformationaboutthewarthantheyhadinOdessa,andtherefollowedgroansfromallthe_artistes_gatheredtogetherovercoffeeforthehavocwhichthewarhadbroughtintheirprofession.

"Iwasalways_anti-militariste_,"Armandproclaimed,"evenbeforethewar.Why,onceinFranceIwasarrestedforsingingasongthatmadefunofthearmy.It'safinethingtotalkaboutvalorandgloryand_lapatrie_whenyou're_dupremiergrade_,butwhenyou'renot--"Heshookhisfistataworldofgenerals."_Enfin_,Belgiumnolongerexists.AndwhofirstthoughtofstoppingtheGermans?Theking!Doeshehaveto

danceforaliving?_Ah,nonalors!_Sheisalwaystalkingaboutthewar,"hewenton,lookingatFlora."ButifIappliedforapassporttogoback,she'dbethefirsttomakearow."

"_Menteur!_"Florasnapped."_Jem'enfiche._"

"_Alors,cesoirjen'iraipasaucabaret._"

"_Tantmieux!Qu'est-cequeçapeutmeficher?BonDieu!_"

"_Alors,nousverrons,magosse._"

"_Insoumis!_"shespatforth."_Commet'eslâche._"

"Theyalwayscarryonlikethat,"Rubywhispered."Butthey'llbedancingtogetherto-nightjustthesameasusual."

WhenSylviacamedownfromthedressing-roomforherturnshefoundthatRubyhadprophesiedtruly.ArmandandFloraweredancingtogetheronthestage,but,thoughtheirlipsweresmiling,theeyesofbothweresullenandhateful.TheperformanceattheCabaretdel'Aubecouldnotbesaidtodifferinanyparticularfromthatofanyothercabaret.Sylvia,whenshewasbroughtfacetofacewithsuchevidencesofinternationalbad



taste,wonderedhowtheworldhadevergonetowar.AlloverEuropepeoplesleptinthesamekindofwagon-lits(thoughhereinRussiawithabroadgaugetheysleptmorecomfortably),atethesamekindoffoodinthesamekindofhotel,clappedthesamemediocre_artistes_,anddrankthesamesweetchampagne:yettheycouldtalkabouttheindividualityofnations.HowremotewarseemedhereinOdessa:itwasperhapswrongofhertoescapefromitlikethis,andsheponderedthedetachedpointofviewofArmand.Hadshetherighttodespisehispointofview?Didshenotherselfmeritequalcontempt?

"I'mtoocomfortable,"shedecided,"whilethereissomuchmiseryinthedistance."

HowevercomfortableSylviafeltwhenataquarterpastthreesheletherselfintothe_PensionEliane_,shefeltextremelyuncomfortableaboutanhourlater,whenthesoundofanexplosionandthecrashoffallingglassmadethoseinmatesofthe_pension_whowerestillgossipingdown-stairsinthedining-roomdroptheircigarettesandstareatoneanotherinastonishment.

"Whatever'sthat?"Rubycried.

"Itmustbethegas,"saidArmand,whocouldnotturnpalerthanhewas,butwhoselipstrembled.

Anothercrashfollowed;outsideinthestreetroseamoanoffrightenedvoicesandtheclatteroffrightenedfeet.

Twomoreexplosionsstillnearerdroveeverybodythatwasinthe _pension_outofdoors,andwhenitbecamecertainthatwar-shipswerebombardingOdessatherewasarushtojointheinhabitantswhowerefleeingtowhattheysupposedwasgreatersafetyintheheartofthetown.InvainSylviaprotestedthatifthetownwasreallybeingbombarded,theywerejustassafeina_pension_nearthesea-frontasanywhereelse;themereideaofpropinquitytotheseaseteverybodyrunningfasterthaneverawayfromit.Shecouldhearnowtheshellswhinnyinglikenervoushorses,andwitheverycrashshekeptsayingto

herselfinafoolishway:

"Well,atanyrate,there'snomoredangerfromthatone."

Atfirstintherushofpanicshehadnotobservedanyparticularincident;butnow,asshellaftershellexplodedwithoutanyvisiblesignofdamage,shebegantolookwithinterestatnon-combatanthumanityinthepresenceofdanger.Shedidnotknowwhethertobegladorsorrythat,onthewhole,themenbehavedworsethanthewomen;sheputthisobservationononesidetobearguedoutlaterwithArmand,whohadcertainlyrunfasterthananyoneelseinthe_pension_.Thenumberoftheshellswasalreadygettingless,yettherewerenosignsofthepopulace'srecovery.Fearwasbegettingfearwithsuchrapiditythatto

standstillandlistentothemoansandgroansoftheuninjuredwasawe-inspiring.Inonedoorwayadistraughtmanwithnothingonbutashirtandslipperswasdancingaboutwithalightedcandle,evidentlyinaquandaryofterrorwhethertojointheonflowingmobortostaywherehewas.Anexplosionquiteclosemadeuphismind,andhediveddownthestepsintothestreet,wherethecandlewasimmediatelyextinguished;nevertheless,hecontinuedtoholditasifitwerestillalightwhileheranwiththecrowd.Inanotherdoorwaystoodawomanconfrontedwithatripleproblem.Wearingnothingbutawrapperandcarryinginherarmsapetdog,shewastryingatthesametimetokeepherwrapperfastened,



toavoidlettingthedogdrop,andtoshutthedoorbehindher.Theproblemwasaniceone:shecouldeitherkeepherwrapperfastened,maintainthedog,andleavethedooropen,inwhichcaseshewouldlosehersilver;orshecouldkeepherwrapperclose,shutthedoor,anddropthedog,inwhichcaseshewouldlosethedog;orshecouldkeepthedog,shutthedoor,andletgoofherwrapper,inwhichcaseshewouldlosehermodesty.Sylvia'sanxietytoseehowshewouldsolvetheproblemmadeherforgetallabouttheshells;anditwasonlywhentheperplexedladyinalastdesperateattemptslammedthedoor,sothatherwrappercameflyingopenandthedogwentboltingdownthestreet,thatSylviarealizedthebombardmentwasover.Sheturnedbacktowardthe _pension_withalastlookoverhershoulderatthelady,whowasvanishingintothedarkness,gatheringthewrapperroundhernakednessassheran,andcallingwildlytoherpet.

NextdaythemilitaryandcivilpopulationsetouttofindwhocouldpossiblyhavetoldtheTurkishdestroyersthatsuchaplaceasOdessaexisted.Armand,theBelgiandancer,wasparticularlyloudonthesubjectofspies;SylviasuspecteditwashewhohadsuggestedtothepolicethatMadameEliane,asareputedAustrian,shouldbeseverelyexaminedwithaviewtofindingoutifthesignalsofwhichallweretalkingcouldbetracedtoherwindows.Ifhedidinformthepolice,hismeannessrecoileduponhisownhead,fortheexaminationofMadameElianewassucceededbyanexaminationofallherguests,inthecourse

ofwhichArmand'spassportwasfoundtobeslightlyirregular,andhewasnearlyexpelledtoRumaniainconsequence.TheauthoritiesmadeuptheirmindsthatnoTurkishdestroyershouldeveragaindiscoverthewhereaboutsoftheirtown,andthemoststringentordinancesagainstshowinglightswerepromulgated;butamoreimportantresultofthedeclarationofwarbyTurkeythanthelightingofOdessawasitsinterferencewiththefutureplansofthemountebanksattheCabaretdel'Aube.TherewasnotoneofthemwhohadnotintendedtoproceedfromheretoConstantinople,amuchmoreprofitablewinterengagementthanthisBlackSeaport.

"_C'estassommant_,"Armanddeclared."_Zut!Onnepeutpasrestericitoutl'hiver.Oncrevera._"

"Butatanyrateoneshouldbethankfulthatonewasnothitbyan _obus_,"saidOdette."Inearlydiedoffright."

"Itwasn'tthefaultoftheTurksthatweweren'thit,"Armandgrumbled."Theydidtheirbest."

"Luckilytheshellsdidn'ttravelsofastasyou,"Sylviaputin.

Floralaughedatthis;butwheneverybodybegantoteaseArmandabouthiscowardiceshegotangry,andinvitedanygirlpresenttoproduceamanthatwouldhavebehaveddifferently.

Atlasttheflotsamthathadbeenstirredupbythealarmofthebombardmentdriftedtogetheragainandstayedidlyinwhatwas,afterall,stillabackwatertothegeneralEuropeanunrest.Themanagerofthecabaretwasgladenoughtokeephiscompanytogetherforaslongastheywouldstay.Itwasgettingmoredifficultallthetimetoimportnewattractions;andsinceasmuchmoneywasbeingmadeoutofhumanmiseryinOdessaaseverywhereelse,thechampagneflowednotmuchlessfreelybecause,sincetheImperialedict,somebriberyofthepolicewasrequiredinordertoprocureit.Sylviawaspuzzledtofindwhatwasfate'sintentioninthuskeepingherfrommovingfarthersouth:it



seemedatameendtoallherexpectationtobestrandedhere,losttoeverythingexceptthepettylifeofherfellow-players.However,shesanghersongseverynight;somehowherpersonalityattractedthefrequentersofthecabaret,andwhenafteramonthsheinformedthemanagerthatshemustleaveandgonorthagain,hebeggedhertostayatanyrateforanothertwomonths--afterthathewouldarrangeforhertotravelnorthandsingatKieff,Warsaw,andPetrograd,whenceshecouldmakeherwaybacktoEngland.

"OryoumightgotoSiberia,"hesuggested.

"Siberia?"sheechoed.

ThatanyoneshouldproposeatourinSiberiaseemedajokeatfirst;whenSylviafoundthesuggestionwasserious,sheplungedbackwithashiverintothewarmerbackwaterofOdessa.Decidingthatwithacomfortable_pension_,afriendlymanagement,andanappreciativeaudience,itwouldbefoolishtoriskherhealthbymovingabouttoomuch,shesettleddowntoreadRussiannovelsandstudythecharactersofherassociates.

"Youareafunnygirl,"Rubysaid."Don'tyoucareaboutfellows?"

"WhyshouldI?"Sylviacountered.

"Oh,Idon'tknow.Itseemsmorenatural,somehow.IlefthomeoverafellowandwentwithamusicalcomedytoParis.That'showIstartedtouringthecontinong.FunnyyouandIshouldmeetlikethisinOdessa."

"Why?"

"Well,Idon'tknow.We'rebothEnglish.TalkabouttheWorld'sEnd,Chelsea!Iwonderwhatthey'dcallthis?Doyouknow,Sylvia,Isometimessaytomyself--supposingifIwastogobacktoEnglandandfinditdidn'treallyexistanymore?I'mafunnygirl.IthinkalotwhenI'mbymyself,whichisn'toften,thankGod,orIshouldgetthewilliesworsethanwhatIdo.Idon'tknow:whenIlookroundandsee

thatI'minOdessa,Ican'tsomehowbelievethatthereissuchaplaceasLondon.Doyouknow,sometimesI'dgomadtohearabus-drivercallouttoacabby,'Youbloody----,wherethe----helldoyouthinkyou'reshovingyerself!'Well,aftersevenyearswithoutseeingEngland,anyonedoesgetfunnyfancies."

"Therearen'tanycab-driversnow,"Sylviasaid.

"Isupposethat'safact.TaxiswereonlyjustbeginningtobobupwhenIwentaway.Oh,well,Ireckonthelanguageisstilljustaschoice.ButIwouldlovetohearit.OfcourseImighthearyouswearinthedressing-roomoveryourcorsetsoranything,butit'sthetoneofvoiceIhankerafter.Oh,well,it'llallcomeoutinthewash,andIdon't

supposetheynoticethewarmuchinEngland.Still,Ihopethesquareheadswon'tblowLondontopieces.IoncedidatourinGermany,andafellowwithamustachelikeaflyingtrapezewantedtosleepwithmefortenmarks.They'vegotnerveenoughforanything.What'sthisword'boche'?Isupposeit'sFrenchforrubbish."Shebegantosingsoftly:

"TakemebacktoLondonTown,Londontown,Londontown!That'swhereIwanttobe,



Wherethefolksarekindtome.TrafalgarSquare,oh,ain'titgrand?OxfordStreet,thedearoldStrand!Anywhere,anywhere,Idon'tcare....

OGod,itgivesanyonethehumptothinkaboutit.FancyEnglandatwar.Wonderswillnevercease.IreckonmybrotherAlf'swellinit.Hewasneverhappywithouthewasfightingsomebody."

Itwascurious,thoughtSylviathatevening,asshewatchedRubyArnoldsingingherfour-year-oldsongs,howeventothatcynical,rat-facedlittlecockneyinherred-velvetbaby'sfrockthethoughtofEnglandatwarshouldbringsuchaviolentlongingforhome.ShetriedtobecomeintimatewithRuby;butafterthatsingleunfoldingofsecretaspirationsandregrets,shedrewawayfromSylvia,whoaskedthereasonofhersuddenreserve.

"It'snotthatIdon'tlikeyou,"Rubyexplained."Ireckonnogirlcouldwantabetterpalthanyouifshewasyoursort.OnlyI'mnot.Ilikefellows.Youdon't.Besides,you'redifferent.Iwon'tsayyou'realady,becausewhenall'ssaidanddonewe'rebothofusworking-girls.ButIdon'tknow.Perhapsit'sbecauseyou'reolderthanme,onlysomehowyoumakemefeelfidgety.That'sflat,asthecooksaidtothepancake;butyouaskedmewhyIwasabitstand-offishandI'vegotto

speakthetruthtogirls.IshouldgobalmyotherwisewithalltheliesItelltomen.Ireckonyou'dgetonbetterwithOdetteandherFamdeemond."

SylviawasvexedbyherinabilitytobridgethegulfbetweenherselfandRuby;itneveroccurredtoherthatthefaultlaywithanyonebutherself,andshefelthumiliatedbythisfailurethatwassocrushingtoherwilltolove;itseemedabsurdthatinafewminutessheshouldhavebeenabletogetsomuchnearertheheartofthatRussiansoldierwhoaccostedherinKieffthantooneofherowncountrywomen.

"PerhapsI'velearnedhowtoreceivegood-will,"shetoldherself,"butnotyethowtoofferit."

ItwasmerelytoamuseherselfthatSylviaapproachedOdetteforanintroductiontoherfamous_femmedumonde_.Thesuggestion,whileitgratifiedOdette'ssenseofimportance,causedher,nevertheless,severalqualmsaboutSylvia'sfitnessforpresentationtoMadameCorvelis.

"_Elleadesidéestrès-larges,tusais,mais--_"Odettepaused.ShecouldnotbringherselftobelievethatMadameCorvelis'sbroad-mindednesswasbroadenoughtoincludeSylvia."_Pourtant_,Iwillaskherquitefrankly.Iwillsaytoher,'_Madame_,thereisan _artiste_whowishestomeeta_femmedumonde_.'_Sesidéessonttellementlargesquepeut-êtreelleseraenchantéedefaireta

connaissance._ShehasbeensocharmingtomethatifImakea_gaffe_ shemustforgiveme._Enfin_,shecametotaketeawithme_chezEliane_,andthoughofcourseIwascarefulnottointroduceanybodyelsetoher,sheassuredmeafterwardthatshehadenjoyedherself. _Alors,nousverrons._"

MadameCorveliswasalittleFrenchLevantinewhohadmarriedaGreekofConstantinople.Odettehadmadeheracquaintanceoneafternoonbyhelpingtounhitchherpetticoats,whichhadmanagedtogetcaughtupwhileshewasalightingfromatram.HergratitudetoOdettefor



rescuingherfromsuchablushfulsituationwasprofuseandhadculminatedinaninvitationtotaketeawithher"inthewretchedlittlehousesheandherhusbandtemporarilyoccupiedinOdessa,"owingtotheirflightfromConstantinopleattherumorofwar.

"WhatwasM.Corvelis?"Sylviaasked,whensheandOdetteweremakingtheirwaytovisit_madame_.

"Oh,hewasamanofbusiness.Ibelievehewassecretarytosomelargecompany.Youmustnotjudgethembythehousetheyliveinhere;theylefteverythingbehindinConstantinople.Butdon'tbefrightenedofM.Corvelis.Iassureyouthatforamaninhispositionheisverysimple."

"I'lltrynottobeveryfrightened,"Sylviapromised.

"And_madame_ischarming.Shehastheperfectmannersofawomanoffortyaccustomedtothebestsociety.WhenIthinkthateightyearsago--don'ttellanybodyelsethis--buteightyearsago,_chérie_,"Odetteexclaimed,dramatically,"_jefaisaislemichéautourdesboulevardsextérieurs!Machérie_,whenIthinkofmy_mauvaisdébut_,IcanhardlybelievethatIamonmywaytotaketeawithafemme_dumonde_._Enfin,onarrive!_"

Odetteflungproudglancesallroundher;Sylviamarveledathersatisfiedachievementofalife'sambition,nordidshemarvellesswhenshewaspresentedtoMadameCorvelis,surelythemostinsignificantpieceofrespectabilitythathadeveradornedacocotte'sdream.Itwaspathetictoseethewayinwhichthegreat,flauntingcreatureworshipedthisplump_bourgeoise_withhermetallicLevantineaccent:anxiouslestOdette'sdeferenceshouldseemtooeffusive,Sylviafoundherselfaffectinganequallyexaggerateddemeanortokeepherfriendincountenance,thoughwhenshelookedattheirhostessshenearlylaughedaloud,somuchdidsheresemblealittlesquatidolreceivingthecomplimentaryadorationofsomesplendidsavage.

"Iamreallyashamedtoreceiveyouinthismiserablelittlehouse,"

MadameCorvelisprotested."_Maisquevoulez-vous?_EverythingisinConstantinople.Carpets,mirrors,china,silver.Wecameawaylikebeggars._Maisquevoulez-vous?_Myhusbandissonervous.Hefearedtheworst.Butofcoursehe'snervous._Quevoulez-vous?_ThemanagerofoneofthelargestcompaniesintheEast!Well,Isaymanager,butofcoursewhenacompanyisaslargeashis,oneoughttosaysecretary.'LetusgotoOdessa,Alceste,'hebegged.MynameisAlceste,butI'venoGreekbloodmyself.Ohno,myfatherandmotherwerebothParisian._Enfin_,myfathercameundertheglamouroftheEastandcalledmeAlceste._Quevoulez-vous?_"

AllthetimethatMadameCorveliswastalking,OdettewasaskingSylviainanunbrokenwhisperifshedidnotthinkthat_madame_was

_charmante_,_aimable_,_gentille_,andeveryothergraciousthingshecouldbe.

"HaveyoueverbeentoConstantinople?HaveyoueverseentheBosphorus?"MadameCorveliswenton,turningtoSylvia."What,you'veneverseenthemostenchantingcityintheworld?Oh,butyoumust!Notnow,ofcourse.Thewar!Itrobsusallofsomething.Don't,pleasedon'tthinkthatOdessaresemblesConstantinople."

Sylviapromisedshewouldnot.



"_Maisnon_,Odessaisnothing.Lookatthishouse!Ah,whenIthinkofwhatwe'veleftbehindinConstantinople.ButM.Corvelisinsisted,andhewasright.Atanyrate,we'vebroughtafewclotheswithus,thoughofcoursewhenwecametothisdreadfulplaceweneverthoughtthatweshouldn'tbebackhomeinamonth.Itwasmerelyaprecaution.Buthewasrighttobenervous,yousee:theTurkshavedeclaredwar.WhenIthinkofthepoorambassador.Youneversawtheambassador?"

Sylviashookherhead.

"Irememberhetrodonmytoe--byaccident,ofcourse--ohyes,itwasentirelyanaccident.Buthewassoapologetic.Whatmanners!ButthenIalwayssay,ifyouwanttoseegoodmannersyoumustfrequentgoodsociety.Whatapityyouneversawtheambassador!"

"_N'est-cepasquec'estmerveilleux?_"Odettedemanded.

"_Merveilleux_,"Sylviaagreed,fervently.

"_Encore,madame!_"Odettebegged."_Voshistoiressonttellementintéressantes._"

"Ah,well,onecan'tliveallone'slifeinConstantinoplewithout

pickingupafewstories.""Adhesiveasburs,"Sylviathought.

"Butreallythebeststoryofall,"MadameCorveliswenton,"istofindmyselfhereinthismiserablelittlehouse.That'saprettybagyouhave,"sheaddedtoSylvia."Averyprettybag.Ah,_monDieu_,whenIthinkofthejewelryI'veleftbehind."

AtthismomentM.Corveliscameinwiththecunninglydetachedexpressionofahusbandwhohasbeenhustledoutoftheroombyhiswifeatthesoundofabellinordertoconveyanimpression,whenhehashadtimetochangehisclothes,thathehabituallydresses_engrande

tenue_.ItwasthusthatOdettedescribedherownpreparatorytoilet,andshewasravishedbyM.Corvelis'sreciprocity,whisperingtoSylviahersenseofthecomplimenttohishumblevisitors.

"_Hommechic!hommedumonde!hommeélégant!Maisçasevoit.Dis,t'escontente?_"

Sylviasmiledandnodded.

Themoldofformwhohaddrawnsuchanecstasyofself-congratulatoryadmirationfromOdettetreatedthetwoactressesaspolitelyashiswifehaddone,andaskedSylviathesamequestions.Whenhisreduplicationofthefirstcatechismwaspracticallycomplete,Odettegavethesignalfor

departure,andinacycloneoffarewellsandcomplimentstheyleft.

"_Elleestvraimentunefemmedumonde?_"Odettedemanded.

"_Depiedencap_,"Sylviareplied.

"_Tonsacenorluiplaisaitbeaucoup_,"saidOdette,alittleenviously."Ah,whenIthinkofmyselfeightyearsago,"shewenton,"itseems_incroyable_.Ishouldliketoinvitethembothtoteaagain _chezEliane_.Ifonlytheothergirlswerelikeyou!AndlasttimeI



puttoomuchsugarinhertea!_Non,jen'osepas!_Oneseestheopportunitytoraiseoneself,butonedoesnotdaregraspit._C'estlavie_,"shesighed.

Movedbythevisionofherselfthwartedfromadvancinganyhigher,OdettepouredouttoSylviathestoryofherlife--asad,squalidstory,lituphereandtherebytheflashesofmelodramaticeventsandculminatingintherevelationofthisparadisethatwasdeniedher.

"WhatwouldyouhavedoneifyouhadbeeninvitedtoherhouseinConstantinoplewherethecarpetsandthemirrorsare?"

"Shewouldneverhaveinvitedmethere,"Odettesighed."Heresheisnotknown.Howeverbroadherideas,shecouldnotdefypublicopinionathome._Àlaguerrecommeàlaguerre!Enfin,jesuisfilledupeuple,maisonmeregarde;c'estdéjàquelquechose._"

The_pension_thattoOdetteappearedsomeanafterthegloriesofMadameCorvelis'slittlehousehadneverbeensowelcometoSylvia,anditwasstrangetothinkthatanyonecouldbemoreimpressedbythatpretentiouslittle_bourgeoise_withherfigurelikeapplesinastringbagthanbyMadameEliane,whoresembledamysteriousladyinthebackgroundofapicturebyWatteau.

ItwasinmeditationuponsuchqueercontraststhatSylviapassedawayhertimeinOdessa,thusandinponderingthemoreterrifyingprofunditiesofthehumansoulinthenovelsofDostoievskiandTolstoi.Shewasnotsorry,however,whenthetimecametoleave;shecouldneverexcludefromherimaginationthehopeofsomeamazingeventimmemoriallypredestinatethatshoulddecidethecourseoftheyearsstilltocome.Itwouldhavebeendifficultforhertoexplainorjustifyherconviction,butitwouldhavebeenimpossibletorejectit,anditwaswithanoddlysuperstitiousmisgivingthatshefoundherselftravelingnorthagain,sostronghadbeenheroriginalimpulsetogosouth.Ifanythinghadbeenwantingtoconfirmthisbelief,herarrivalinWarsawatthebeginningofFebruarywouldhavebeenenough.

SylvialeftKieffonthereturnvisitwithoutanynewrevelationofhumanvilenessorhumanvirtue,andreachedWarsawtofindamadpopulacestreamingforthatthesoundoftheGermanguns.Shehadpositivelythesensationofmeetingagreatdarkwavethatdroveherback,andherinterviewwiththedistractedJewwhomanagedthecabaretforwhichshehadbeenengagedwaslikeoneofthosescenesplayedinafrontsetofaprovincialdramatothesoundsoffeverishpreparationbehindthecloth.

"Don'ttalktomeaboutsongs,"themanagercried."Getout!Can'tyouheartheguns?Everything'sclosed.Oh,myGod!MyGod!WherehaveIputit?Ihaditinmyhandsamomentago.Getout,Isay."

"Whereto?"Sylviademanded.

"Anywhere.Listen.Don'tyouthinktheysoundalittlenearereveninthesefewminutes?Oh,theGermans!They'retoostrong.Whatareyouwaitingfor?Can'tyouunderstandmewhenIsaythateverything'sclosed?"

Hewipedtheperspirationfromhisbignosewithadusterthatleftlongblackstreaksinitswake.



"ButwhereshallIgo?"Sylviapersisted.

"Whydon'tyougotoBucharest?Whyinthedevil'snamedoesanyonewanttobeanywherebutinaneutralcountryinthesetimes?GototheRumanianconsulandgetyourpassport_visé_forBucharest,andfortheloveofGodleavemeinpeace!Can'tyouseeI'mbusythisevening?"

Sylviaacceptedthemanager'ssuggestionandsetouttofindtheconsul:bythistimeitwastoolatetoobtaina_visa_thatnight,andshewasforcedtosleepinWarsaw--agrimexperiencethatremainedasamemoryofdistantgunsboomingthroughapenetratingreekofonions.Inthemorningthegunswerequieter,andtherewasarumorthatforthethirdtimetheGermanthrustforWarsawhadbeendefinitelyfoiled.Sylvia,however,couldnotgetovertheimpressionoftheeveningbefore,andwhatthemanagerhadsuggestedtoridhimselfofanimportunatewomansheacceptedasaclearindicationofthedirectionsheoughttofollow.

Inthewaiting-roomoftheRumanianConsulatetherewasanexcessivelyfatgirlwhotoldSylviathatshewasanaccompanistanxious,likeherself,togettoBucharest.SylviatooktheoccasiontoaskherifshethoughttherewasacertaintyofbeingengagedinBucharest,andthefatgirlwasfairlyencouraging.ShetoldSylviathatshewasaBohemianfromPraguewhohadbeenwarnedbytheRussianpolicethatshewoulddowelltoseekanothercountry.

"Andwillyougetanengagement?"Sylviaasked.

"Oh,well,ifIdon't,ImayaswellstarveinBucharestasinWarsaw,"shereplied.

Thereseemedsomethingludicrousinthenotionofanyonesofatasthisstarving;theaccompanistseemedtodivineSylvia'sthoughts,forshelaughedbitterly.

"IdaresayyouthinkI'mpretending,buteversinceIwaswarned,I'vebeenscrapingtogetherthemoneytoreachBucharestsomehow;Ihaven'teatenapropermealforamonth.ButthelessIeatthefatterIseemto

get."

Sylviawasvexedthatthepoorgirlshouldhaveguessedwhatshewasthinking,andshewentoutofherwaytoaskheradviceonthesmallestdetailsoftheproposedjourney;sheknewthattherewasnothingthatrestoredaperson'sself-respectlikearequestforadvice.Thefatgirl,whosenameinappropriatelyforaBohemianappearedtobeLottie,cheeredup,asSylviahadanticipated,andbrimmedoverwithrecommendationsaboutworkinBucharest.

"You'dbettergotothemanagementofthePetitMaxim.You'reasinger,aren'tyou?OfcourseBucharestisverygayandterriblyexpensive.You'reEnglish,aren'tyou?Youarelucky.ButfancyleavingEngland

now!Still,ifyoudon'tgetanyworkyou'llbeabletogotoyourconsulandhe'llsendyouhome.I'llbeabletogethome,too,fromBucharest,butIdon'tknowifIwantto.AllmyfriendsusedtobeFrenchandEnglishgirls.InevercaredmuchforAustriansandGermans.ButnowIgetcalled_saleboche_ifIopenmymouth.Howdoyouexplainthiswar?Itseemsveryunnecessary,doesn'tit?"

"Idon'twanttobeinquisitive,"saidSylvia."ButIwishyou'dtellmewhyyou'recalledLottie."



"Ah,lotsofpeopleaskthat."Itwasevidentbythewayshespokethattheabilityofhernametoarousethecuriosityofstrangerswasoneofthechiefpleasureslifehadbroughttothisfatgirl."Well,Ihadan _amantdecœur_oncewhowasEnglish.AtleasthismotherwasEnglish:hisfatherwasfromHamburg;infact,IthinkhewasmoreJewishthananything.Hedidn'ttreatmeverywell,andhethrewmeoverforanEnglishdancercalledLottie,whodiedofconsumption.Itseemsafunnythingtotellyou,buttheonlywayIcouldberevengedwastotakehernamewhenshedied.You'dhavebeensurprisedtoseehowmuchmytakinghernameseemedtoannoyhim.Hethreatenedmewithapistolonce,butIstucktothename,andthenIgotfondofit,becauseIfounditcreated _beaucoupderéclame_.Yousee,I'vetraveledalloverEurope,andpeopleremembermeasthefatgirlLottie;soI'venevergonebacktomyownname.It'sjustaswell,becausenobodycanpronounceBohemiannames."

ThelongformalitiesattheConsulatewerefinishedatlast,andastheycameoutSylviasuggestedtothefatgirlthattheyshouldtraveltogether.ShelookedatSylviainastonishment.

"ButI'manAustrian."

"Yes,Iknow.Idaresayit'sveryreprehensible,but,unfortunately,Ican'tfeelatwarwithyou."

"Thankyouforyourkindness,"saidLottie,"whichI'mnotgoingtorepaybytravelingwithyou.AfterwegetoutofRussia,yes.Buttillwe'reoverthefrontier,Isha'n'tknowyouforyourownsake.You'donlyhavetroublewiththeRussianpolice."

"Evenpolicecouldsurelynotbesostupidasthat?"Sylviaargued.

"_Àlaguerrecommeàlaguerre_,"thefatgirllaughed."_Aurevoir,petitechose._"

SylvialeftWarsawthatnight.Havingonlyjustenoughmoneytopayherfaresecond-class,shefoundthejourneydownthroughRussiaalmost

unendurable,especiallythefirstpartwhenthetrainwasswarmedwithfugitivesfromWarsaw,notwithstandingthenewsoftheGermanfailuretopiercethelineoftheBzura,whichwasnowconfirmed.Yetwithallthediscomfortshewassustainedbyanexultantreliefatturningsouthagain;andherfacultieswerepositivelystrainedtoattentionforthedisclosureofherfate.Shewassqueezedsotightlyintoherseat,andtheatmosphereofthecompartmentwassoheavywiththesmellofdisturbedhumanitythatitwasluckyshehadthisinnerassuranceoverwhichshecouldbroodhourafterhour.Shewaswithoutsleepfortwonights,andwhentowardduskofadrearyFebruaryafternoonthefrontierstationofUnghenywasreachedandshealightedfromthethirdtraininwhichshehadtraveledduringthisjourney,shefeltdazedforamomentwiththedisappointmentofsomebodywhoarrivesatajourney'send

withoutbeingmet.

However,therewasnowthefrontierexaminationbytheRussianauthoritiesofpassengersleavingthecountrytooccupySylvia'smind,andshepassedwithanagitatedherdtowardatin-roofedshedinthemiddleofwhichaverylargestovewasburning.ShehadnoticedLottieseveraltimesinthecourseofthejourney,andnow,findingherselfnextherinthecrowd,shegreetedhercheerfully;butthefatgirlfrownedandwhispered:



"I'mnotgoingtospeaktoyouforyourownsake.Can'tyouunderstand?"

Sylviawonderedifshewereaspy,whofromsomemotiveofcharitywishedtoavoidcompromisingher;buttherewasnotimetothinkaboutsuchproblems,becauseanofficialwastakingherpassportandwavingheracrosstothestacked-upheapsofluggage.Therewassomethingredolentofoldsensationalnovelsinthisfrontierexamination,somethingtheatricallysinisterabouttheattitudeoftheofficialswhentheycommandedeverybodytoturneverythingoutofhistrunksandbags.Theshedtookontheappearanceofavastrag-heap,andtheaccumulatedagitationofthetravelerswaspitiableinitssubserviencetothesemachinesofthestate;itseemedincrediblethathumanbeingsshouldconsenttobetreatedthus.Presentlyitbecameevidentthattheobjectofthisrelentlesssearchwaspaper;everyscrapofpaper,whetheritwaslooseorusedforwrappingandpacking,wastakenawayanddroppedintothestove.ThesenseofhumanignominybecameoverwhelmingwhenSylviasawmengoingdownontheirkneesandweepingforpermissiontokeepimportantdocuments;yetnoappealmovedtheofficials,andthestoveburnedfiercelywiththemixedrecordsofmoney,love,andbusiness;withcontractsandreceiptsandtitle-deeds;evenwithtoilet-paperandoldgreasyjournals.Sylviafoughthardfortherighttokeephermusic,andproclaimedherEnglishnationalitysoinsistentlythatforaminuteortwotheofficialshesitatedandwentouttoconsulttheauthoritieswhohadtakenchargeofherpassport;butwhen

itwasfoundthatshewasenteredthereasamusic-hall_artiste_,themusicwasflungintothestoveatonce.Confrontedwiththeproofsofherrighttocarrymusic,thisfilthyspawnofman'swilltobeenslavedtookfromhertheonlytoolsofhercraft:orang-outangswouldhavebeenmorelogical.Andallovertheworldthehumanmindwasbeingdebauchedlikethisbywar,orwoulditbetruertosaythatwarwasturningordinarystupidityintocriminalstupidity?Oh,whatdiditmatter?Sylviaclaspedhergoldenbagtoreassureherselfthatnobilitystillenduredinspiteofwar.Nowtheywerethrowingbooksintothestove!Sylviasatdownandlaughedsoloudlythattwosoldierscameacrossandtookherarmstoleadheroutside:theyevidentlythoughtshewasgoingtohavehysterics,whichwoulddoubtlesshavebeenunlawfulintheshed.Shewavedasidetheirattentionsandwentacrosstopickupherluggage.

WhenSylviahadfinishedandwaspassingouttofindtheofficewhereshehadtoreceivebackherpassportinscribedwithillegiblepermitstoleaveRussia,shesawLottiebeingledthroughacurtaineddooronthefarsideoftheshed.Thesightmadeherfeelsick:itbroughtbackwithhorriblevividnessheremotionwhen,yearsago,shehadseenontheFrenchfrontierthewomanwiththelacebeingledawayforsmugglingcontraband.Whatweretheygoingtodo?Shepaused,expectingtohearascreamissuefromthatcurtaineddoorway.Shecouldnotbringherselftogoaway,and,withanexcuseofhavingleftsomethingbehindintheshed,shewentback.Thecurtainwaspulledasideamomentforsomeonewithintocalltheassistanceofsomeonewithout,andSylviahadabriefvisionofthefatgirl,halfundressed,withherarmsheld,high

aboveherheadwhiletwopoliceofficersproddedherlikeasheepinafair.

"OGod!"Sylviamurmured."God!God!Grantthesepeopletheirrevengesomeday!"

Thepassengerswereatlastfreetomountanothertrain,andSylviasawwithreliefthatLottiewastakingherplacewiththerest.Sheavoidedspeakingtoher,becauseshewassufferingherselffromthehumiliationinflicteduponthefatgirl,andfeltawedattheideaofanyintrusion



uponhershame.Thetrainsteamedoutofthestation,crossedalongbridge,andpulledupinRumanianUngheny,whereeverybodyhadtoalightagainfortheRumanianofficialstolookfortheold-fashionedcontrabandofthedaysbeforethewar.Theydidthisasperfunctorilyasinthosehappydays;andthequietoftheneutralrailwaystationwaslikethesuddenlullthatshelteringlandgivestothestormiestseas.Ifonlyshehadnotlostallhermusic,ifonlyshehadnotseenthefatgirlbehindthatcurtain,Sylviacouldhaveclappedherhandsforpleasureatthisunimpressivelittlestation,which,merelybecauseitbelongedtoacountryatpeace,hadakindofinnocenceandjollitythatgaveitarealbeauty.

"Well,aren'tyougladIwouldn'thaveanythingtodowithyou?"saidLottie,cominguptoherwithasmile."You'dhavehadtogothroughthesame,probably.TheRussianpolicearebrutes."

"Allpolicemenarebrutes,"Sylviadeclared.

"Isupposetheyhavetheirorders,butIthinktheymighthaveawomansearcher."

"Oh,don'ttalkaboutit!"Sylviacried."Suchthingscrucifythesoul."

"You'revery_exagérée_foranEnglishgirl,"saidLottie."Aouyes!Aou

yes!InevermetanEnglishgirlwhotalkedlikeyou."ThetrainarrivedatJassyaboutnineo'clock;heretheyhadtochangeagain,and,sincethetrainforBucharestdidnotleavetillaboutelevenandshewasfeelinghungry,SylviainvitedLottietohavedinnerwithher.Whiletheywerewalkingalongtheplatformtowardtherestauranttherewasasoundofhurriedfootstepsbehindthem,andamomentlaterabreathlessvoicecalledoutinEnglish:

"Excuseme,please!Excuseme,please!TheytoldmetherewasbeinganEnglish_artiste_onthetrain."

ThatvoicereproducedsomanytimesbySylviaatthePierianHallwas

thevoiceofConcettaand,turninground,shesawher.

"Concetta!"

Thegirldrewinherbreathsharply.

"Howwasyouknowingme?MynameisQueenieWalters.HowwasyoucallingmeConcetta?Ah,theEnglishgirl!Oh,mydear,Iamsocontenttoseeyou."

Sylviatookherinherarmsandkissedher.

"Oh,Sylvia!YouseeIrememberyourname.Ican'tgetawayfromJassy.

IwasbeingexpelledfromMoscow,andIhadnomoneytocomemorethanhere,andthemanIamwithhereIhate.IwanttogotoBucharest,butheisn'twantingtoletmegoandgivestomeonlyfurs,nomoney."

"You'renotstillwithZozo?"

"_Ach_,no!He--howdoyousay--heshootedmeinthelegthreeyearsfromnowandafterwardwewerenomorefriends.ThemanIamwithherewasofJassy.Ihadnomoney.WhatelsemustIdo?"



Sylviahadnotmuchmoney,either;butshehadjustenoughtopayConcetta'sfaretoBucharest,whitheratmidnighttheysetout.

"Andletnooneevertellmeagainthatpresentimentsdon'texist,"murmuredSylvia,fallingasleepforthefirsttimeinforty-eighthours.

CHAPTERIV

Concetta'shistory--orratherQueenie's,foritwasbythisnamethatshebeggedSylviatocallhernow--hadbeenamixtureofsplendor,misery,andviolenceduringthesixyearsthat,almosttoaday,hadelapsedsincetheymetforthefirsttimeatGranada.Shetolditinthecreepinglightofawetdawnwhilethetrainwaspassingthroughaflat,colorlesscountry,andwhileinacornerofthecompartmentLottie'ssnoresroseabovethenoise,tolditinthebreathless,disjointedstylethatwassopoignantlyfamiliartotheonewholistened.TherewassomethingghostlyforSylviainthisexperience;itwasasifshesatoppositeaGalateaofherowncreation,adoublegangerfromherownbrain,adreamprolongedintothecoldrealityofthemorning.Allthe

timethatshewaslisteningshehadasensationofbeingtoldabouteventsthatsheoughttoknowalready,asifinatrancesheherselfhadlivedthishistorythroughbefore;andsovividwasthesensationthatwhentherewereunexplainedgapsinQueenie'snarrativeshefoundherselfpuzzlingherownbraintofilltheminfromexperienceofherown,therecollectionofwhichhadbeencloudedbysomeaccident.

WhenQueenietoldhowshewascarriedawaybyZozofromMrs.GainsboroughattherailwaystationofGranada,shegavetheimpressionofhavingyieldedtoamagicalandirresistibleinfluence,anditwasevidentthatforalongwhilethepersonalityofthejugglerhadswayedherdestinybyahypnoticpowerthatwasonlybrokenwhenhewoundedherwiththepistol-shot.Evennow,afterthreeyearsoffreedom,his

influence,whenshebegantotalkofhim,seemedtoregatheritsvolumeandtobeabouttopouritselfoncemoreoverhermind.Sylviaperceivedthisdanger,andforbadehertotalkanymoreaboutZozo.Thisinjunctionwasevidentlyarelieftothechild--shemustbetwenty-onebynow,thoughsheseemedstillachild--butitwastantalizingtoSylvia,whocouldnotpenetratebeyondherownimpressionofthejugglerasanincrediblefigure,incrediblebecauseonlydrawnwithakindofimmatureortiredfancy.HepassedintothecategoryoftheSvengalis,andbecameoneofalonglineofromanticimpossibilitieswithwhomtheircreatorshadfailedtodomuchmorethancanbedonebyapracticaljokerwithaturnip,asheet,andsomephosphorus.ZozohadalwaysbeentheweakestpartofSylvia'simprovisationofConcetta,amelodramaticclimaxthatforherhadspoiledthemoresimplehorrorof

thechildhood;shedeterminedthatlateronshewouldtrytoextractfromQueenie,bitbybit,enoughtocompleteherperformance.

AlthoughQueeniehadmanagedtobreakawayfromthemanhimself,shehadpaidinfullforhisdirectionofherlife,andSylviarebelledagainstthewhimofdestinywhichatthecriticalmomentinthischild'scareerhadsnatchedherfromherselfandhandedherovertothepossessionofaZozo.Whatcouldhavebeentheintentionoffateinpointingawaytosafetyandthenimmediatelyafterwardbarringitagainstherprogress?Theoldargumentoffreewillcouldnotapplyinhercase,becauseit



wasthelackofthat,andofthatalone,whichhadcausedherruin.WhatbutasavageandundiscerningfatecouldbeheldaccountableforthistalethathadforfitbackgroundtheprofitableanduglyfieldsthroughwhichonthistristfulRumaniandaythetrainwassweeping?Queenieseemedtohavehadnoloversapartfromthepurchasersofyouth,andtobeabletolookbackwithprideandpleasureatnothingexceptthefursanddressesandjewelrywithwhichshehadbeenpurchased.IntheragethatSylviafeltforthiswantoncorruptionofasoul,shesuddenlyrememberedhow,longago,shehadwatchedwithahopelessequanimityandacynicaltolerancetheprogressofLilyalongthesameroadasQueenie;andthismemoryofherselfassheoncewasandfeltrevivedthetormentsofself-reproachthathadhauntedherdeliriuminPetrograd.Then,asQueenie'stalewenton,theregraduallyemergedfromallthepurposelessconfusionofitoneclearambitioninthegirl'smind,whichwasapassiontobeEnglish--apassionfeverish,intense,absorbing.

WheninFranceSylviahadfirstencounteredcontinentalmusic-hall _artistes_,shehadfoundamongthemauniversalprejudiceagainstEnglishgirls;lateron,whenshemetincabaretstheexpatriatedandcosmopolitanmountebanksthatweretheslavesratherthantheservantsofthepublic,shehadoftenbeenenviedforherEnglishnationality:Lottiesleepingoverthereinthecornerwasaninstanceinpoint.ButshehadneverfoundthisfleetingenvycrystallizedtosuchapassionateambitionasitwasbecomeforQueenie.Thecircumstancesofherbirthin

GermanyfromanItalianfatherofaFlemishmother,herflightfromacruelstepmother,herlifewiththejugglerwhosenationalityseemedasindeterminateasherown,herspeechcompoundedofEnglish,French,German,andItalianeachspokenwithaforeignaccent,herabsenceofanykindofpapers,herlackofanysortofhome,hadallcombinedtogiveherapositivebeliefthatshewaswithoutnationality,whichshecovetedassomeUndinemightcovetasoul.

"ButwhydoyouwanttobeEnglishsoparticularly?"Sylviaasked.

"Don'tyouknow?Why,yes,ofcourseyouknow.Itwasyouwasfirstmakingmetowant.Youweresosweet,thesweetestpersonIwasevermeeting,andwhenIlostyouIwasalwayswantingtobeEnglish."

So,afterall,herownswiftpassagethroughQueenie'slifehadnotbeenwithoutconsequence.

"PeoplewerealwayssayingthatIlookedlikeanEnglishgirl,"Queeniewenton."AndIwasalwaystalkingEnglish.Iwillneverspeakotherlanguagesagain.Iwillnotknowotherlanguages.Untilthiswarcameitwaseasy;butwhentheyaskedmeformypassportIhadonlya_billetdeséjour_giventomebytheRussianpolice,andaftersixmonthsIwasexpelled.WhenIwascomingtoRumania,therewasamerchantonthetrainwhowaskindtome,buthemademepromisethatifhehelpedmeIwasnevertoleavehimuntilhewaswanting.Hewasverykind.Hegavemethesefurs.Theyaresonice,yes.ButIwasalwaysgoingtothe

stationatJassytoseeifsomeEnglishgirlwouldbemysister.TherewasonceinConstantinopleanEnglishgirlwhowouldbemysister--butZozowasjealous.IfIwasbecominghersister,Iwouldbehavingapassportnow,andEnglandissosweet!"

"Butyou'veneverbeeninEngland,"Sylviaobserved.

"Ohyes,IwasgoingtherewithanotherEnglishgirl,andwelivedtherethreemonths.Iwasdancingintoaclub--aniceclub,allthemenwaswearingsmokings--butshewasillandIwantedtobegivinghermoney,



soIwasgoingtoRussia,andthencamethewar.Andnowyoumustbemysister,becausethatothersisterwillbeperhapsdead,soillshewas. _Ach_yes,soill,soveryill!WhenIwillhavemyEnglishpassportwewillgotoEnglandtogetherandnevercomeawayagain.ThenforthefirsttimeIwillbehappy."

SylviapromisedthatshewoulddoallshecouldtoachieveQueenie'spurpose.

"Tellme,whydidyoucallyourselfQueenieWalters?"sheasked.

"BecausethegirlwhowasmysisterinEnglandhadonceareallittlebabysisterwhowascalledQueenie.Oh,deadlongago,longago!Hermother,whoIwascalling_my_mother,toldmeaboutthisbabyQueenie.SoIwasQueenieWaltersandmysisterwasElsieWalters."

"AndyourrealbrotherFrancesco?"Sylviaasked."Didyoueverseehimagain?"

ThatdreamlikeandinexplicablemeetingbetweenthebrotherandthesisterinthestreetsofMilanhadalwaysremainedinSylvia'smemory.

"No,neveryetagain.ButIamsosureheisbeinginEnglandandthatwhenwegotherewewillfindhim.AndifheisEnglish,too,whatfun

wewillhave."SylvialookedatthesetwocompanionswhohadbothassumedEnglishnames.NoteventhecoldandmercilessgraylightoftheRumanianmorningcoulddestroyQueenie'sunearthlycharm,andthelongershelookedatherthemorelikeanUndineshethoughther.Hereyeswereageless,limpidasachild's;andthatherexperienceofevilshouldhaveleftnosignofitshabitationSylviawastemptedtoascribetotheabsenceofasoulforeviltomar.TheonlyindicationthatshewassixyearsolderthanwhentheymetinGranadawasheraddedgracefulnessofmovement,theimpulsivegracefulnessofagazelleratherthanthatserenegracefulnessofacatwhichhadbeenLily'sbeauty.Herhair,ofanaturalpalegold,hadnotbeendimmedbythefumesofcabarets,and

evennow,alltangledafteranightinthetrain,ithadalookofhoveringinthisrailwaycarriagelikeawintrysunbeam.IntheothercornersatLottie,snoringwithwide-openmouth,whosebody,relaxedinsleep,seemedfatterthanever.She,too,hadsuffered,perhapsmoredeeplythanQueenie,certainlymoremarkedly;andnowindreamswhatfierceBohemianpassionswerearousedinthevastairsofsleep,whatdarkrevengesofthespiritfortheinsultsthatgrotesquebodymustalwaysendure?

AtthispointinSylvia'scontemplationLottiewokeupandpreparedforthearrivalofthetrainatBucharestbymakinghertoilet.

"Where'sthebestplacetostay?"Sylviainquired.

"Well,thebestplacetostayisinsomehotel,"Lottiereplied."Butthehotelsaresohorriblyexpensive.Ofcourse,thereareplentyofpensionsd'artistes_,and--"shebrokeoffandlookedatSylvia_ curiously,whoaskedherwhyshedidso.

"Iwasthinkingthatit'sapityyoucan'tsharearoomtogether,"shesaidafteramomentaryhesitation.

"Sowecan,"Sylviaanswered,sharply.



"Well,inthatcaseIshouldgotoasmallhotel,"Lottieadvised."Becauseallthe_pensions_herearerunbyoldthieves.There'sMèreValérie--she'sFrenchandalmosttheworstofthelot--andthere'sonekeptbyaGreekwho'snotsobad,buttheysaymostofherbedroomshavebugs."

"We'llgotoahotel,"Sylviadecided."Whereareyougoingyourself?"

"Oh,Ishallfindmyselfaroomsomewhere.Idon'tstandachanceofbeingengagedatanyfirst-ratecabaretandIsha'n'thavemuchmoneytospendonrooms._Entrenous,jenedisplusrienauxhommes.Jesuistropgrasse.Àquoisertunejoliechambre?_"

SylviahadafeelingthatsheoughttoaskLottietosharearoomwithQueenieandherself,andafterastruggleagainstthenotionofthisfatgirl'sungainlypresenceshekeyedherselftothepitchofinvitingher.

"No,no,"saidLottie."Itwouldn'tdofortwoEnglishgirlstolivewithanAustrian."

Sylviacouldnothelpbeingrelievedatherrefusal;perhapssheshowedit,forLottiesmiledcynically.

"Ithinkyou'llfeelalittlelesscharitabletoeverybody,"shesaid,"beforemuchlonger.You'vekeptoutofthiswarsofar,butyouwon'tbeabletokeepoutofitforever.I'veoftennoticedaboutEnglishgirlsthattheybeginbythinkingsuchalotofthemselvesthattheyhavequiteastoreofpityforthepoorpeoplewhoaren'tlikethem;andthenallofasuddentheyturnroundandbecomeveryunpleasant;becausetheydiscoverthatotherpeoplethinkthemselvesasgoodastheyare.Mindyou,I'mnotsayingyou'lldothat,butIdon'twanttofindmyself _detrop_afterbeingwithyouaweek.Let'spartasfriends."

Sylvia,intheflurryofarrival,didnotpaymuchattentiontoLottie'sprophecies,andshewasgladtobealoneagainwithQueenie.TheydiscoveredasmallhotelkeptbyItalians,whichseemedcleanand,if

theyobtainedareasonablesalaryatthePetitMaxim,nottooexpensive.Whentheyhaddressedthemselvesuptoimpressthemanagerofthecabaretandwerestartingouttoseekanengagement,thewifeoftheproprietorcalledSylviaaside.

"Youmustn'tbringgentlemenbacktothehotelexceptintheafternoon."

"Wedon'twanttobringanybodybackatanytime,"saidSylvia,indignantly.

Thewomanshruggedhershouldersandmutteredaskepticalapology.

Theinterviewwiththemanagerofthecabaretwasratherhumiliatingfor

Sylvia,thoughshelaughedatitwhenitwasallover.HewasquitereadytoengageQueeniebothtodance_enscène_andafterward,buthedeclaredhehadnothingtoofferSylvia;sheproposedtosinghimoneofhersongs,buthescarcelylistenedtoher,andwhenshehadfinishedrepeatedthathehadnothingtoofferher.WhereuponQueenieannouncedthatunlesshersisterwasengagedthePetitMaximwouldhavetoforgoherownperformance.Themanagerarguedforatime,buthewasevidentlymuchimpressedbyQueenie'sattractionasatypicalEnglishgirl,andfinally,ratherthanloseher,heagreedtoengageSylviaaswell.



"It'sapityyoulooksounlikeanEnglishgirl,"hesaidtoSylviainanaggrievedvoice."Thepublicwillbedisappointed.TheyexpectanEnglishgirltolookEnglish.You'llhavetosingatthebeginningoftheevening,andIcan'tpayyoumorethanthreehundred_lei_--threehundredfrancs,thatis."

"IwasgettingeighthundredinRussia,"Sylviaobjected.

"Idaresayyouwere,butgirlsarescarcerthere.We'vegotthousandsoftheminBucharest."

Sylviawasfuriousatbeingofferedsolittle,butQueeniepromptlyaskedsixhundred,andwhenthemanagerobjected,suggestedthathemightengagethembothfortwelvehundred:itwasstrangetofindQueeniesosharpatbusiness.IntheendSylviawasofferedthreehundredandfifty_lei_andQueeniesevenhundredandfifty,whichtheyaccepted.

"Youcanhaveabandrehearsalto-morrow,"hesaid,"andopenonMondayweek."

Sylviaexplainedaboutthelossofhermusic;andthemanagerbegantocurse,demandinghowsheexpectedanorchestratoaccompanyherwithoutbandparts.

"I'llaccompanymyself,"sheanswered.

"Oh,well,"heagreed,"beingthefirstitemontheprogram,itdoesn'treallymatterwhatyoudo."

ItwasimpossibleforthemomentnotfeelthestingofthiswhenSylviarememberedherselfayearago,freshfromhersuccessatthePierianandinclinedtowonderifshewerenotdimminghereffulgenceasamoderatelylargestarbyappearingatEnglishmusic-halls.Nowhereshewasbeingengagedforthesakeofanothergirlandallowedonsufferancetoentertainthemeager,listlessaudienceatthebeginningofacabaretperformance--forthesakeofanothergirlwhoowedtoherthefareto

Bucharestandwhomallthewayinthetrainshehadbeenpityingwhileshemadeplanstorescueherfromadegradingexistence.Therewasabriefmomentofbitternessandjealousy;butitpassedalmostatonce,andshebegantolaughatherself.

"There'snodoubtyou'llhavetoestablishyourEnglishnationality,"shetoldQueenie,astheyleftthemanager'soffice."IreallybelievehethoughtitwasIwhowaspretending."

"It'swhatIwassayingyou,"Queenieanswered."TheywasallthinkingthatIwasEnglish."

"Well,nowwemustdecideaboutourrelationship.Ofcourse,youdon't

looktheleastlikemysister,butIthinkthebestwaywillbeforyoutopassasmysister.Mynameisn'treallySylviaScarlett,butSylviaSnow;sowhatIsuggestisthatyoushallgooncallingyourselfQueenieWaltersonthestage,thoughwhenwetrytogetyourpassportyoumustbeQueenieSnow.TrustmetogetroundtheEnglishauthoritieshere,ifit'snecessary.WecanalwaysgobacktoEnglandthroughBulgariaandGreece,butwemustsaveupenoughmoney,andit'llthatmightbefallhermoreacutelythanshewouldhavefearedforherself.

"Whichmustshebegivenfirst?"Sylviaaskedherself."Asoulora



nationality?Theultimatereasonofnationalityiscivilization,andtheobjectofcivilizationistheprogressandsafetyofthestate.Themoreprogressiveandsecureisthestatethemoreutterlyistheindividualsouldestroyed,becausethestatecompelstheindividualtocommitcrimesforwhichasanindividualhewouldbeexecrated.Hencethecrimeofwar,towhichtheindividualisluredbyavirtuecreatedbyappealingtomankind'ssenseofproperty,avirtuecalledpatriotismthatsomehoworotherI'mperfectlysuremustbeanti-divine,thoughit'savirtueforwhichIhaveagreatrespect._Whatshallitprofitamanifheshallgainthewholeworldandlosehisownsoul?_That'ssurelytheanswertocivilization,which,afterall,hasnoobjectexceptthephysicalcomfortofhumanity.Isupposeonemightcallthecivilizationthatisofthespiritandnotoftheflesh'salvation.'IwonderwhattheGermansmeanby_Kultur_--reallyIsupposetheaggregatesouloftheGermanpeople.Ithink_Kultur_intheirsensemustbeahybridvirtuelikepatriotism.Ithinkit'stheirownascriptionofadivineorigintoacivilizationwhichhasbeenasrapidandaspoisonousandasuglyasatoadstool.WeothercivilizednationsreviletheGermansasbarbarians,particularlyweEnglish,becauseinEngland,thankHeaven,we'vealwayshadanuncomfortablefeelingthatmanisagreaterthingthanmen,andweperceiveinwarasacrificeoftheindividualthatnostatehastherighttodemand.IwonderwhytheRussianswenttowar.Ican'tunderstandacountrythathasproducedTolstoiandDostoievskigoingtowar.IfIhadnotmetthatsoldierin

KieffImighthavebeenskepticalaboutRussianidealismaftermyadventuresinPetrograd,afterthatfilthycinema,andthesceneinthestationatUngheny;but,havingmethim,IknowthatTolstoiandDostoievski_are_Russia.

"AllofwhichhastakenmealongwayfromQueenie,whoisneitherreadyforcivilizationnorforsalvation.It'samostextraordinarything,butI'vesuddenlygotanideathatshehasneverbeenbaptized.Ifshehasnot,Ishallpersuadehertobebaptized.Baptism--thekeytosalvation!Apassport--thekeytocivilization!Theantithesisisnotsoludicrousnorsoextravagantasitsoundsatfirst.WithoutapassportQueeniehasnonationalityanddoesnotpossesselementarycivicrights.Sheisliabletobeexpelledfromanycountryatanymoment,andthereisno

certaintythatanyothercountrywillreceiveher.InthatcaseshewillspendtherestofherlifeonearthinakindofLimbocomparabletotheLimbowhichIbelieveisreservedforthesoulsofthoseunbaptizedthroughnofaultoftheirown.Ishallbeabletoprocureherapassportandintroducehertothegloriesofnationalitybyperjuringmyself,butIcan'tgiveherasoulbyperjuringmyself,andI'vegotsostronglythisintuitionthatshewasneverbaptizedthatIshalldigoutapriestandtalktohimaboutit.AndyetwhyamIbotheringwhethershewasbaptizedornot?WhathaveItodowithchurchesandtheirceremonies?NodoubtIwasbaptized,confirmed,andmademycommunion;yetformorethantwentyyearsIhaveneverenteredachurchexceptasanonlooker.IsthisanxietyaboutQueenie'ssoulonlyanotherwayofexpressingananxietyaboutmyownsoul?Yes,Ibelieveitis.Ibelievethatbya

processofsheerintellectualexhaustionIambeingdrivenintoChristianity.Oh,IwishIcouldtalkitallout!It'sadamneddishonestwayofsatisfyingmyownconscience,togotoapriestandaskquestionsaboutQueenie.Whycan'tIgoandaskhimstraightoutaboutmyself?ButsheisjustasimportantasIam.Ithinkthatwasbroughthometomeratherwell,whenthemanagerengagedmebecausehewantedher.TherewasIinaconditionofodiouspridebecauseIhadbeengiventhechanceofhelpingherbypayingthebeggarlyfaretoBucharest,and,boomph!asdearGainsboroughusedtosay,therewasshegiventhechanceofpayingmebackahundredfoldwithintwenty-four



hours."

Queeniewasout,andSylviawaslyingdownwithaheadachewhichwasnotimprovedbytheprocessionofthesevagrantspeculationsroundandroundherbrain.Shegotuppresentlytolookforsomeaspirin,and,openingthedrawerofthetablebetweenthetwobeds,shefoundabundleofpictures--littlecoloredlithographsofoldmasters.ShewasturningthemoveridlywhenQueeniecameback.

"_Ach_,youwaslookingatmypictures.Theyaresonice,yes?See,thisistheoneIlovethebest."

Itwasthe"Primavera,"andSylviawasastonishedforamomentthatQueenie'schildlikeandundevelopedtasteshouldcareforsomethingsoremotefromthecruditiesthatusuallyappealedtosuchamind.ThensherememberedthatBotticelliasapaintermusthaveappealedtocontemporarieswhobymodernstandardswereequallychildlikeandundeveloped;andalsothatQueenie,whosenationalitybythestandardsofcivilizationdidnotexist,hadanItalianfather,theinheritorperhapsofBotticelli'sblood.Queeniesatonthebedandlookedatherpictureswiththeraptexpressionofachildporingoverhersimpletreasures.FromtimetotimeshewouldholdoneupforSylvia'sadmiration.

"Seehowsweet,"shewouldsay,kissingthegravelittleMadonnaordiminishedlandscapethatwasdrawingheroutofBucharestintoanotherworld.

"I'vegotabooksomewhereaboutpictures,"Sylviasaid."Youmustreadit."

Queeniehidherfaceinherarms;whenshelookedupagainshewascrimsonasacarnation.

"Ican'tread,"shewhispered.

"Notread?"Sylviaechoed.

"Ican'treadorwrite,"shewenton."_Ach!_Nowyouhateme,yes?BecauseIwasbeingsostupid."

"ButwhenyouwenttotheschoolinDantzig,didn'ttheyteachyouanything?"

"Theytaughtmeballetdancingandacrobaticdancingandstepdancing.NowImustgotohavemyhairwashed,yes?"

Queeniegotoffthebedandhurriedaway,leavingSylviainastateofbewildermentbeforethemagnitudeoftheresponsibilitythatsherepresented.

"It'slikegivingbirthtoagrown-upbaby,"shesaidtoherself;onasuddenirresistibleimpulse,shekneltdownuponthefloorandbegantopray,withthatmostintenseprayerofwhichahumanbeingiscapable,thatprayerwhichtranscendsallwords,allspace,alltime,allthought,thatprayerwhichsubstitutesitselfforthepoorcreaturewhomakesit.Themomentofprayerpassed,andSylvia,risingfromherknees,dressedherselfandwentinsearchofapriest.

WhenshereachedthedoorofthelittleCatholicmissionchurchtowhich



theproprietorofthehotelhaddirectedher,shepausedupontheinnerthresholdbeforeabaizedoorandaskedherselfifshewerenotactinginadream.ShehadnotbeenlongenoughinBucharestforthecitytobereassuringlyfamiliar;bylettingherfancyplayaroundtheunrealityofherpresentstateofmindshewaseasilyabletotransformBucharesttoacitydimlyapprehendedinatrancedvoyageofthespiritandtoimagineallthepassers-byasthefantasticdenizensofanotherworld.Shestooduponthethresholdandyieldedamomenttowhatseemedlikeafaintingofreason,whileallnaturalexistenceswayedroundhermindandwhilethebaizedoorstuckthickwithpiousnotices,funerealobjurgations,andthepettygossip,asitwere,ofanewhabitationatwhichshewaslookingwithstrangeeyes,seemedtoattendhernextstepwithaconsciousexpectancy.Shepusheditopenandenteredthechurch;abeardedpriest,escapingtheimportunitiesofanagedparishionerwithavolublegrievance,wascomingtowardher;perceivingthatSylviawaslookingroundinbewilderment,hetooktheoccasiontogetridoftheoldwomanbyaskingherinFrenchifhecoulddoanythingtohelp.

"Iwanttoseeapriest,"shereplied.

Althoughsheknewthathewasapriest,inanattempttocheattheforcethatwasimpellinghershesnatchedathislackofresemblancetotheconventionalpriestlyfigureofhermemoryanddeludedherselfwithvainhesitations.

"Doyouwanttomakeyourconfession?"heasked.

Sylvianodded,andlookedoverhershoulderinaffright;itseemedthatthevoiceofawraithhadwhispered"Yes."Thepriestpointedtotheconfessional,andSylvia,withafinalefforttopostponehersurrender,asked,withaglanceattheoldwoman,ifhewerenottoobusynow.HeshookhisheadquicklyandspokesharplyinItaliantotheparishioner,whoretired,grumbling;Sylviasmiledtoseewithwhatanostentationofinjureddignityshetooktheholywaterandcrossedherselfbeforepassingoutthroughthebaizedoor.Theoldwoman'schallenginghumanityrestoredtoSylviahersenseofreality;emotiondiedawaylikeafallinggaleateve,andshewalkedtotheconfessionalimbuedwithan

intentionaspracticalasifshehadbeenwalkingup-stairstotidyherhair.Thepriestcomposedhimselfintoanon-committalattitudeandwaitedforSylvia,who,nowthatshewaskneeling,feltasifsheweregoingtoplayanunrehearsedpart.

"IoughttosaybeforeIbeginthat,thoughIwasbroughtupaCatholic,I'venotbeeninsideachurchforanyreligiousdutiessinceIwasnineyearsold.I'mnowthirty-one.Iknowthatthereissomesetformofwords,butI'veforgottenit."

Sylviahalfexpectedthathewouldtellhertogoawayandcomebackwhenshehadlearnedhowtobehaveintheconfessional;nowthatshewashere,shefeltthatthiswouldbeapity,andshewasrelievedwhenhe

beganthe_Confiteor_inanimpersonalvoice,waitingforhertorepeateverysentenceafterhim.Hispatienceseemedtoheralmostmiraculousinthewayitsmoothedherdifficulties.

"Ishallhavetogiveyouashorthistoryofmylife,"Sylviabegan."Ican'tjustsaybaldlythatI'vedonethisornotdonethat,becausenearlyallthesinsI'vecommittedweren'tcommittedintheirusualclassification."

Asshesaidthis,shehadamomentofacuteself-consciousnessand



wonderedifthepriestweresmiling,buthemerelysaidinthatfar-away,impersonalvoice:

"Iamlistening,mydaughter."

"IwasbroughtupaCatholic.IwasbaptizedandconfirmedandImademyfirstcommunion.ItwastheonlycommunionIevermade,becausesomehoworotherathometherewasalwaysworktobedoneinthehouseinsteadofgoingtoMass.MymotherwasFrenchandshemarriedanEnglishmanmuchyoungerthanherself.OfthismarriageIwastheonlychild.Mymotherhadsixotherdaughters,twobyaloverwhodied,andfourbyherfirsthusband,whowasaFrenchman.Mymotherwasillegitimate;herfatherwasalsoanEnglishman.Ionlyknewthisaftershedied.Themanwhomarriedmygrandmotheralwaysacknowledgedherashisowndaughter.Mymotherwasverystrictand,thoughshewasnotatallreligious,shewasverygood.Idon'twanttogivetheideathatshewasresponsibleforanythingIdid.Theonlythingis,perhaps,that,beingpassionatelyinlovewithmyfather,shewasverydemonstrativeinfrontofme,whichmadetheideaofpassionshockingtomewhenIwasstillyoung.Therefore,forwhateversinsofthefleshIhavecommittedIcannotpleadanaturalpropensity.Idon'tknowwhetherthiswouldbeconsideredtomakethemworseornot.Myfatherwasaweakman;whenmymotherdied,herobbedhisemployersandhadtoleaveFrance,takingmewithhim.Iwastwelveatthetime.IsupposeifIwantedtojustify

myself,Icouldsaythatnochildcouldhavespentamoredemoralizingchildhoodfromthatmoment.Butthough,whenIlookbackatitnowandrealizesomeofthehorribleactionsthatmyfatherandafriendofhiswholivedwithuscommitted,Ican'tthinkthatatthetimetheyinfluencedmetowardevil.Isupposethatanykindofmoralcallousness _is_abadexample,andcertainlyIhadnoconceptionthatswindlingpeopleoutofmoneywasanythingbutaperfectlyrightandnormalprocedureforanybodywhowaswithoutmoney.MymotherwasangrywithmeoncebecausebyaccidentIspentsomemoneyofhers,butshewasangrywithmebecauseitwasaseriouslosstothehouseholdaccounts:therewasnosuggestionofmyhavingspentmoneythatdidnotbelongtome.OtherthingsthatmyfatherandhisfrienddidIneverunderstoodatthetime,andsoIcan'tpretendthattheysetmeabadexample.Myfather

tookawomantolivewithhim,andIwasangrybecauseitupsetwhathadhithertoseemedacomfortableexistence,buttherevelationofthepassionatesideofitdisgustedmestillmorewiththeflesh.Iwasamixtureofprecocityandinnocence.Lookingbackatmyselfasachild,IamamazedattheamountIknewandthelittleIunderstood--theamountIunderstoodandthelittleIknew.IreadallsortsofbooksandacceptedeverythingIreadasthetruth;Ireaddozensofnovels,forinstance,beforeIunderstoodthemeaningoffiction.Ishouldsaythatnochildwaseverexposedsonaturallytothefulltideofhumanexistence,andwhyorhowImanagedtoescapedegradationanddamnationI'veneverbeenabletoexplainuntilnow.Asamatteroffact,it'snottruereallytosaythatIdidescapedegradation,butIwillcometothatpresently.

"Well,myfatherkilledhimselfonaccountofthiswoman,andIwasleftwithhisfriendwhenIwasfifteen.OnceIhappenedtobeleftaltogetheralonewhenthismanwasawayturningadishonestpennysomewhere,andIsupposeIfellmildlyinlovewithayouthtwoyearsolderthanmyself.Thismademyfather'sfriendjealous,andonenighthetriedtomakelovetome.IwasasmuchdisgustedbythisasifIhadreallybeentheinnocentchildImighthavebeen.Iranawaywiththeyouth,andnothinghappened.IranawayfromhimandlivedwithayoungJew,butnothinghappened.Imetthewomanwhohadlivedwithmyfather,and--whichshowshowutterlyunmoralIwas--Imadegreatfriendswith



herandevenwenttolivewithher.Sheusedtohaveallsortsofmen,andIjustacceptedherbehaviorasapersonaltasteofherownwhichIcouldneitherunderstandnorshare.ThenImetagentleman,amanfifteenyearsolderthanmyself,whowasattractedbymyunusualnessandsentmetoschoolwiththeideaofmarryingme.Well,Imarriedhim,andIthinkthatwasthefirstsinIcommitted.Iwasseventeenatthetime.Ithinkifmyhusbandhadunderstoodhowstuntedmyemotionaldevelopmentwasinproportiontomymentalacquisitivenesshewouldhavebehaveddifferently.ButhewasfascinatedbymycapacityforcynicismandencouragedmetothinkasIliked,withhimselfforaudience;atthesametimehetriedtomakemeforoutsiders'eyesaconventionalyoungmisswhomhehadratherapologeticallymarried.Hedemandedfrommetheemotionalwisdomtosustainthispart,andofcourseIcouldseenothinginhissolicitudebutasortofsnobbishegotism.Hewasdelightedbymycompleteindifferencetoanykindofreligion,supernaturalornatural,andwhenImadefriendswithanEnglishpriest--notaCatholic--buthalfaCatholic--it'simpossibletoexplaintoaforeigner--Idon'tthinkanybodywouldunderstandtheChurchofEnglandoutofEngland,andveryfewpeoplecanthere--hewasafraidofmyturningreligious.Idon'tknow--perhapsImighthavedone;butsomebodysentananonymouslettertomyhusbandsuggestingthatthispriestandIwerehavingalove-affair,andmyhusbandforbademetoseehimagain.SoIranaway.Isupposemyrunningawaywasthedirectresultofmybringingup,becausewheneverIhadbeenbroughtfacetofacewithadifficult

situationIranaway.However,thistimeIwasdeterminedfromsomepervertedpridetomakemyselfmoreutterlymyselfthanIhadeverdone.It'shardtoexplainhowmymindworked.YoumustrememberIwasonlynineteen,andalreadyatthirty-oneIamasfarfromunderstandingallmymotivesthenasifIweretryingtounderstandsomebodywhowasnotmyselfatall.Anyhow,Isimplywentonthestreets.ForthreemonthsImortifiedmyfleshbybeingaharlot.Canyouunderstandthat?Canyoupossiblyunderstandthedeliberateinflictionofsuchadiscipline,nottohumiliateone'spride,buttoexaltit?CanyouunderstandthatIemergedfromthatthreemonthsofincrediblehorrorwithacompletepersonality?Iwasdefiled:Iwasdegraded:Iwasembittered:Ihatedmankind:Ivowedtorevengemyselfontheworld:Iscoffedatlove:andyetnow,whenIfeelthatIhaveatlastbrushedfrommyselfthelast

speckofmudthatwasstillclingingtome,Ifeelthatsomehowallthatmudhaspreservedmeagainstamoredestructivecorruption.ThisdoesnotmeanthatIdonotrepentofwhatIdid,butcanyouunderstandhowwithoutapridethatcouldleadmetosuchdepthsIcouldnothavecomethroughhumilitytoasightofGod?"

Sylviadidnotwaitforthepriesttoanswerthisquestion,partlybecauseshedidnotwanttobedisillusionedbyfindingsosoonthathehadnotcomprehendedanythingofheremotionsoractions,partlybecausethereseemedmoreimportantrevelationsofherselfstilltobemade.

"IstayedacommonharlotuntilIwasofferedbychanceanopportunitytorescuemyselfbygoingonthestage.ThenIsentmyhusbandasmuch

moneyasIhadsavedandtheevidencesofmyinfidelity,sothathemightdivorceme,whichhedid.Nowcomesanimportanteventinmylife.Imetagirl--averybeautifulgirldoomedfromthecreationoftheuniversetobeaplaythingofman."

Thepriesthelduphishandtoprotest.

"Ah,Iknowyou'llsaythatnoonecanpossiblybesoforedoomed,andindeedIknowthesamemyselfnow,orratherI'mtryinghardtobelieveit,becausepredestinationwithoutfreewillseemstomeadoctrineof



devils.Atthetime,however,Icouldseenothingthatwouldsavethisgirl,andwithapervertedidealismIdeterminedthatsheshouldstepgracefullydownhill.Ithinkthehardestthingtodoistogodownhillgracefully.Wecanclimbuphill,andacertainawkwardnessisimmaterial,becausethevisibleeffortlendsadignitytoourprogress,andtheairofsuccessblowsfreshlyatthesummit.Wecanwalkalongthelevelroadofmediocritywithanacquiredgracefulnessthatistaughtusbyourmastersofthegoldenmean--particularlyinEngland,whereit'sparticularlyeasytowalkgracefullyalongtheflat.Verywell,insteadofusingmyinfluencetopreventthisgirldescendingatall,Iwasentirelyoccupiedwiththeestheticaspectsofherdescent.I'mnotgoingtopretendthatIcouldhavestoppedher--abetterpersonthanItriedandfailed--butthatdoesn'texcusemyattitude.Andthere'sworsetomyaccount.Whenthisotherpersonwantedtomarryher,IdidallIcouldtostopthemarriageatfirst,anditwasnotuntiltheengagementbetweenthemwasbrokenoffthatIdiscoveredthatmytruereasonsforhatingitsprangentirelyfrommyownjealousy.Ifeltthatifthismanhadlovedme,Icouldhaveregainedmyself,theselfthatwasmyselfbeforethosethreemonthsofprostitution.IshouldsayherethatIhadnothingtododirectlywiththedestructionoftheothermarriage,butIholdmyselftoblameultimately,because,iffromthebeginningIhadbentmywholewilltoitsbeingcarriedthrough,it _would_havebeencarriedthrough.Lookingbackatthebusinessnow,Iamconvincedthatwhathappenedhappenedforthebest,andthatsucha

marriagewouldhavebeenfataltothehappinessofthemananduselesstothegirl,butthatdoesnotexcusemyownshareinthesmash.

"Well,themanleftthisgirlinmycharge,andfinallyshethrewmeoverandmarriedaforeigner,sincewhenIhaveneverheardthatsheevenstilllives.Ihadthegoodfortunetobegivenenoughmoneybysomebodytoenablemetobeindependent,andfortwoorthreeyearsIlookedatlifefromtheoutside.Ihadnothingtodowithmen,andasaresultIbegantobeafraidthatyouthwouldpasswithoutmyeverknowingwhatitwastolove.Friendsofminemarriedandwerehappy.OnlyIseemedfatedtobealwaysalone.

"Iwondersometimesifwhenwejudgethebehaviorofotherswepay

enoughattentiontothislonelinessthathauntsthelivesofsomanymenandwomen.YouwillsaythatnoonecanbelonelywithGod;unfortunately,thousandsoflonelysoulsaredestituteofthesenseofGodfrombirthtodeath,andtheselonelysoulsarefarmoreexposedtotemptationthantherest.Faiththeyhavenot:hopehasdiedintheirhearts:loveslowlywithers.Allthevicesofself-destructionsurroundtheirpath.Prideflourishesinsuchsoil,andjealousyandenvy.Ibelievetheironlycompensationisthefactthatliesandself-deceptionfindsmallnourishmentinsuchspiritualwastes.I'msurethatiftheprideofsuchpeoplecouldbepierced,therewouldgushforthacryofdespairthatascribedeverythinginthislifetoafeelingofloneliness.Inmyowncase,inadditiontotheinevitablelonelinessfosteredbysuchachildhoodasmine--thenaturallonelinesscausedby

livingwithtwomenwhowereperpetuallyonthevergeofimprisonment--therewasthelonelinessofmyowntemperament.Iknowthateveryhumanbeingclaimsforhimselftherighttobemisunderstoodandunappreciated;it'snotthatkindoflonelinessofwhichIspeak.Minewasthelonelinessofsomeonewhoissomasculineandsofemininesimultaneouslythatreasonissappedbyemotionandemotionissterilizedbyreason.Theonlychanceforsuchatemperamentisself-expressioneitherinlove,art,orreligion.Itriedvaguelytoexpressmyselfinart,butwithoutsuccessatfirst;andIwastooproudandnotvainenoughtopersevere.Ithenfellbackonlove.Ilet



myselfgetintoaconditionofwantingtobeinlove,andatthismomentofemotionalcollapseImetbyaccidenttheyouth--nowamanofthirty--withwhomIhadeffectedoneofmychildishelopements.WiththismanIlivedforayear.Ican'tpretendthatIdidnottakepleasureinthepassionaterelationship,thoughIalwaysfeltitwasatemporarysurrendertothemostfemininesideofmethatIdespised.IthinkIcanbestexplainmyemotionsbysayingthatallthetimeIwaswithhimIwaslikeapersonundertheinfluenceofasedativedrug.

"Nowtherearepeoplewhopassfromdrugtodrugwithincreaseofpleasure,butthereareotherstowhomthenotionofbeingdruggedbecomessuddenlyobnoxiousandinwhomthereactioncreatesanabnormalactivity.QuitesuddenlyIabandonedmypleasureandbecameambitioustoexpressmyselfinart.Isucceeded.Iwas,foronewhobeginssolateinlife,exceptionallysuccessful,andthenbehold,myverysuccesstookontheaspectofyieldingtoanothersedativedrug.Itneverseemedanythingbutatemporaryexpedienttodefeattheclaimsofexistence.Justaslovehadseemedasurrendertotheexclusivelyfemininesideofme,soartseemedasurrendertotheexclusivelymasculineside.Therewasalwaysanunsatisfied,unexpressedpartofmethatgirdedatthesatisfiedpart.Asaresultofthis,Imadeupmymindthatahappymarriagewithchildrenandahouseholdtolookafterwasabetterthingthanartisticsuccess.Herewasobviouslyanotherexperimentforthebenefitofthefeminineside.IknewperfectlywellthatifIhad

carriedoutmyintentionIshouldnothaveremainedcontentwhenthesedativeactionofthenewdrugbegantocease,andIamgratefulnowthatcircumstancesinterfered.Iwasjiltedbythemanwhowasgoingtomarryme,andthefactthatIhadalreadylivedwithhimandrefusedtomarryhimdozensoftimesmadetheinjurytomyprideintolerable.InafitofrageIflungbehindmeeverything--success,love,marriage,friends--andleftEnglandtotakeupagainattheageofthirty-onealifeIhadforsakenforseveralyears.AndnowIfoundthateventhemereexternalsofsuchalifewerehorrible.Icouldnotbeartheideaofbeingforsale;whileIhadnointentionofevergivingmyselftoamanagain,Ihadtodrinkformylivinganddancewithdrunkardsformycabfare,which,thoughitmaynotbeatechnicalprostitution,differsonlyindegreefromthecompletesaleofthebody.

"ScarcelyamonthhadpassedwhenIbecameseriouslyill,andinthedreadfuldeliriumofmyfeverIimaginedthatIwasdamned.Idonotthinkthatanybodyhastherighttoacceptseriouslythementalrevelationsthataremadetoamindbesideitself;Ithink,indeed,itwouldbeablasphemytoaccuseGodoftakingsuchamethodtorouseasoultoasenseofitsbeing,itsduties,anditsdangers;andIdreadtoclaimformyselfanysupernaturalinterventionatsuchatime,partlybecausemyreasonshiesatsuchathoughtandpartlybecauseIthinkitispresumptuoustosupposethatGodshouldinterestHimselfsopeculiarlyinanindividual.Itseemstomealmostvulgarlyanthropomorphic."

"Arenotfivesparrowssoldfortwofarthings,andnotoneofthemisforgottenbeforeGod?"thepriestmurmured.

"Yes,yes,"Sylviaagreed."Ihaveexpressedmyselfbadly,andofcoursewhenIthinkofitIhavebeendriveneversincethedeliriumreallytoacceptjustthat.Youcanunderstand,can'tyou,thedreadofpresumptioninmyrevoltagainstpride?

"ButbyinsistinguponwhatseemedtohappeninmydeliriumIamgivingyouawrongimpression.ItwaswhenIcametomyselfagaininthe



hospitalthatIfeltchanged.IlongedthenforknowledgeofGod,butIwasafraidthatmyfeelingwassimplythenaturalresultofweaknessafterasevereillness.IalmostrejectedGodinmyfearofsupposingmyselfhystericalandegotistical.However,Ididtryhardtoputmyselfintoastateofresignation,andwhenIcameoutofthehospitalIfeltcuriouslyawaketothesenseofGodandsimultaneouslyanutterindifferencetoanythinginmyoldlifethatmightinterruptmyquestbyrestoringmetowhatIwasbeforethisillness.WhileIwasillwarhadbrokenout,andIfoundmyselfutterlyalone.OrdinarilyIamsurethatsuchadiscoverywouldhaveterrifiedme;nowIrejoicedinsuchloneliness.IdeliberatelyturnedmybackonEnglandandwaitedforsomethingfrommynewlifetofillthisloneliness.Ifeltlikesomeonewhohassweptandgarnishedaroomthathemayreceiveguests.Mychiefemotionwasatremendousloveofthewholeworldandanillimitabledesiretomakeupforallmycynicisminthepastbythedepthofthislove.Iwentbacktothe_pension_whereIhadlivedbeforeIwasill,anditseemedtomeacoincidencethatthewomanwhokeptitshouldbeaspiritualistandthatfortwomonthsmymindshouldbecontinuouslyoccupiedbywhatImightcallthemagicsideofthings.Theresultwasthat,thoughIwasoftenpuzzledbyinexplicablehappenings,Iconceivedadistasteforallthismeddlingwiththeunknowable,thiskindofkeyholepeepingatinfinity:itseemedtomevulgarandunpleasant.Nevertheless,IwasdrivenbackallthetimeinmymeditationsontheonlysatisfactoryrevelationofGod,theonlyrationalmanifestation,

whichwasJesusChrist.Everyotherexplanationcrumbledawayinmybrainexceptthatonefact.Then,althoughIbelieveitwasonlysomefortune-tellingwithcardsthatfirstputthenotionintomyhead,IwasobsessedwiththeideathatImustgosouth.OnmywayImetasoldieratKieffwhoboughtmeagoldenbagfornootherreasonthanbecauseitseemedtohimthattogivepleasuretosomebodyelsewasabetterwayofspendinghismoneythaningamblingorself-indulgence.InthestateofmindIwasinIacceptedthisasasignthatIwasrighttogosouth.SoyouseethatIhadreallyarrivedatthepointofviewofacceptingthetheoryofadivineinterventioninmyfavor.

"AfterthreemonthsatOdessa--whereIreadTolstoiandDostoievskiandfoundinthem,ah,suchprofunditiesofthehumansoullighted

up--againstmyinstinctIwentnorthagain;theGermanswereadvancinguponWarsaw,andcircumstancesbroughtmehere.Ontheway,atJassy,anextraordinarythinghappened.ImetagirlwhomIhadtriedtoadoptsixyearsagoatGranada,butwhowastakenfrommebyablackguardandwhosincethenhaswhatpeoplecallsunkverylow.Itseemedtomethatinfindingthischildagain,forsheisstillreallyachild,IwasbeinggivenanopportunityofdoingwhatIhadfailedtodoforthatfirstgirlofwhomItoldyou.ThensuddenlyIconceivedtheideathatshehadneverbeenbaptized;whenIbegantothinkabouthersoul,Iwasdrivenbyanunknownforcetothischurch.WhenIcameinIdidnotknowwhattodo,andwhenyouaskedmeifIwantedtomakemyconfessiontheforceseemedtosay'Yes.'"

Sylviawassilent,andthepriestfinishedthe_Confiteor_,whichsherepeatedafterhim.

"Mydaughter,"hesaid,"itisthegraceofGod.Idonotfeelthatinthissolemnmoment--amomentthatfillsmeasapriestwithhumilityatbeingallowedtoregardsuchawonderfulmanifestationofGod'sinfinitemercy--anypoorwordsofminecanaddanything.ItisthegraceofGod:letthatsuffice.But,wonderfulashasbeenGod'smercytoasoulthatwasdeafsolongtoHisvoice,donotforgetthatyourgreatestdanger,yourgreatesttemptation,maybetorelytoomuchuponyourself.Donot



forgetatthissolemnmomentthatyoucanonlyenjoythisdivinegracethroughtheSacraments.DonotforgetthatonlyintheChurchcanyoupreservethenewsenseofsecuritythatyounowfeel.Onewhohasbeengrantedsuchmercymustexpectharderstrugglesthanlessfortunatesouls.Donot,byfallingbackintoindifferenceandneglectofyourreligiousduties,succumbtothesinofpride.Bytheheightofyourupliftingwillbemeasuredthedepthofyourfall,ifinyourprideyouthinktostandalone."

Whenthepriesthadgivenherabsolution,SylviaaskedhimaboutQueenie;andwhenheseemedalittledoubtfulofQueenie'swillingnesstobeacatechumen,shewonderedifheweredeliberatelytryingtodiscourageherinordertomortifythatpridehehadseemedtofearsomuch.

"Butifshewantstobebaptized?"Sylviapersisted.

"OfcourseIwillbaptizeher."

"YouthinkthatI'mtoomuchoccupiedwithherwhenIhavestillsomuchtolearnmyself?"shechallenged.

Theywerewalkingdownthechurchtowardthedoor,andSylviafeltratherliketheimportunateparishionerwhomshehadinterruptedbyher

entrance."No,no,Ithinkyouarequiteright.ButIfearthatyouwillexpectmiraclesofGod'sgraceallroundyou,"saidthepriest."Whathashappenedtoyoumaynothappentoher."

"Butitmust,"Sylviadeclared."Itshall."

Thepriestshookhishead,andtherewasasmileatthebackofhiseyes.

"Ifyoufail?"

"Isha'n'tfail."

"IsGodalreadyputononeside?"

"Ishallpray,"saidSylvia.

"Yes,Ithinkthatisalmostbetterthanrelyingtoomuchuponthehumanwill."

TwothingsstruckSylviawhenshehadleftthechurchandwaswalkingbacktothehotel:thefirstwasthatthepriesthadreallysaidverylittleinresponsetothatlongoutpouringofherhistory,andthesecondwasthathereinthisstreetitdidnotseemnearlyaseasyto

solvetheproblemofQueenie'ssoulasithadseemedinthechurch.Yet,whenshecametothinkoverthepriest'swords,shecouldnotimaginehowhecouldhavespokendifferently.

"IsupposeIexpectedtobecongratulatedasoneiscongratulateduponasuccessfulperformance,"shesaidtoherself."That'stheworstofahistrioniccareerlikemine:onecan'tgetridofthefootlightsevenintheconfessional.Asamatteroffact,Ioughttobegratefulthatheacceptedthespiritofmyconfessionwithouthagglingovertheform,asfromhispointofviewhemighthavedonemostjustifiably.Perhapshe



wastiredanddidn'twanttostartanargument.Andyetno,Idon'tthinkitwasthat.Hecamedownlikeahammeronthemainobjectiontome--mypride.Hewasreallywonderfullyunecclesiastical.It'safunnything,butIseemtobemuchlessspirituallyexaltedthanIoughttobeaftersuchareconciliation.Iseemtohavelostforthemomentthatfirstfinecarelessraptureofconversion.DoesthatmeanthatthewholebusinesswasanemotionalblunderandthatI'mfeelingdisappointed?No,Idon'tfeeldisappointed:Ifeelpractical.Isupposemyfriendthepriestwouldn'tacceptthecomparison,butitremindsmeofhowIfeltwhen,afterIhadfirstconceivedtheideaofmyImprovisations,Ihadtosetaboutdoingthem.Everythinghasitsdrudgery:loveproduceshouseholdcares;art,endlesswork;religion,religiousduties.Themomentofattraction,themomentofinspiration,themomentofconversion--iftheycouldonlyendure!Perhapsheavenistheinfiniteprolongationofsuchmoments.

"Andthenthere'sQueenie.It'snotmuchusemyleadinghertothefontasoneleadsahorsetowater,because,thoughIshouldregarditasInfantBaptism,thepriestwouldnot.YetIdon'tseewhyheshouldn'tinstructherlikeachild.Poorpriest!HecouldhardlyhaveexpectedsuchproblemsasmyselfandQueeniewhenhewassoanxioustogetridofthatoldwomanwhowaspesteringhim.IthinkIwon'tbotheraboutQueenieforabit,untilIhavepractisedalittlesubordinationofmyselffirst.She'sgottoacquireasoulofherown;it'snousemy

presentingherwithapieceofmine."Queeniehadbeenbackfromthehairdresser'sforalongtimewhenSylviareachedthehotel,andwaswonderingwhathadbecomeofherfriend.

"You'vebeenoutalone,"shesaid,reproachfully."Yourheadacheisbetter,Ithink.Yes?"

"Myheadache?"Sylviarepeated."Yes,it'smuchbetter.I'vebeenindulginginspiritualaspirin."

"I'mgladit'sbetter,becauseitisourfirstnightatthePetitMaxim

to-night.IwonderifIwillbehavingmuchapplause."

"Soitis,"Sylviasaid."I'dforgottenmyapproachingtriumphwiththewaiters;it'snotlikelythatthere'llbeanyaudiencewhenIappear.AtnineP.M.sharptheprogramofthePetitMaximopenedwithMissSylviaScarlett'sthreesongs.Thegiftedyounglady--I'vereachedtheagewhenit'sagreatercomplimenttobecalledyoungthanbeautiful--playedandsangwithmuch_verve_.Severalwaitersceasedfromdustingtheemptytablestolisten,andatthecloseherexitwashailedbyaloudflourishof_serviettes_.Thesolitaryvisitorwhoclappedhishandsexplainedafterwardthathewastryingtosecuresomeattentiontohimself,andthatthirst,notenthusiasm,haddictatedhisaction."

"Howyouwerealwaysgoingon,Sylvia,"saidQueenie."Nobodywasevergoingtounderstandyouwhenyoutalksoquickasthat."

"MissSylviaScarlett'sfirstsongwasanoldEnglishballadsettothemusicofHandel's'DeadMarch.'"

"Ifwewereevergoingtohaveanydinner,wemustgoandeatnow,"Queenieinterrupted.

"Yes,Idon'twanttomissthesunsetwithmylastsong."



"Butwhatdoesitmatter,ifyouarepaidtosing,ifyousingfirstorlast?"

"Thebrighteststar,mydear,cannotshinebydaylight."

"Butyouarestupid,Sylvia.Itisnomoredaylightatnineo'clock."

"Yes,Iamverystupid,"Sylviaagreed,and,catchingholdofQueenie'sarms,shelookeddeepintohereyes."Believeme,youlittlefairything,thatIshouldbemuchmoreangryifyouwereputfirstonaprogramthanbecauseIam."

ThecabaretPetitMaximaimedatexpressinginminiaturetheessenceofallthebestcabaretsinParis,justasBucharestaimedatexpressinginminiaturetheessenceofParis.Theresult,thoughpleasantandcomfortableenough,wasineithercaseaslittlelikeParisasascenefromoneofitsownlightoperasislikeVienna.WhatBucharestandthePetitMaximdidbothmanagetoeffect,however,wasanexcellentresemblancetooneofthoselightoperas.Sylviainthecourseofherwanderingshadonceclassifiedthecapitalsshehadvisitedasmetropolitan,cosmopolitan,andneapolitan.Bucharestbelongedverydefinitelytothelastgroup;itstooduplikeasubstantiallybuiltexhibitioninthemiddleofaringofindustrialsuburbswhichbytheir

realsqualorheightenedtheillusionofitsunreality.Thecupolasofshiningbronzeandthetileddomesshimmeringinthesunlikepeacocks'tailsdazzledtheonlookerwithanillusionofbarbaricsplendor;butthecityneverescapedfromtheself-consciousnessofanexhibition,whichwasheightenedbythepaleblueandsilveruniformsoftheofficers,thesplendidequipagesforhire,andthepolicemendressedinchocolatelike_commissionnaires_,andaccentuatedbytheinhabitants'prideintheexpensivenessand"naughtiness"oftheirside-shows,ofwhichnottheleastexpensiveand"naughty"werethehotels.OnemightconceivethepromoteroftheexhibitiontakingoneasideandaskingifonedidnotthinkhehadbeensuccessfulingivingParistotheBalkans,andonemightconceivehisdisappointmentonbeingtoldthat,magnificentthoughitalllooked,itwasnomoreParisthanOffenbach

wasMolière.

AtthetimewhenSylviavisitedBucharestthesenseofbeingoneofthechorusinalightoperawasintensifiedbythedramaticplotthatwasprovidedbytheEuropeanwar.FactionsalwaysgrewmorepicturesquewitheverymileawayfromEngland,themotherofparliaments,wheretheyceasedtobepicturesquethreehundredyearsagowhenthechiefPunchinello'sheadtumbledintothebasketatWhitehall.ThecomedyofkingshiphadbeenprolongedforanothercenturyandahalfinFrance,andinFrancetheywereacenturyandahalfnearertothepicturesqueandalreadytwoorthreehundredmilesawayfromEngland.InItalythepicturesquenessgrewstillmorestrikingwithsuchanachronismsastheCamorraandtheMafia.ButitwasnotuntiltheBalkansthatfactions

couldbesaidtobevitalinthegoodoldway.Serbiahadshownnotsolongagowhatcouldstillbedonewithathoroughlytheatricalregalmurder;andnowherewasRumaniajiggingtothemanipulationoftheFrenchfactionandtheGermanfaction,withjustenoughpossibilityofalltheplotsandcounterplotsendingseriouslybyplungingthecountryintowarononesideortheothertogiveabackgroundofrealdramatotheoperaticform.

AtthePetitMaximtheMontaguesandCapuletscametoblowsnightly.EverythingherewaseitherEntentophileorGermanophile:therewere



pro-Germanwaiters,pro-Germantables,pro-Germantunes,forthebenefitoftheGermansandpro-GermanswhooccupiedonehalfofthecabaretandapplaudedtheAustrianperformers.EquallytherewastheEntentistcomplement.Ifthefirstviolinwaspro-FrenchandplayedsharpforanAustriansinger,thecornetwaspro-GermanreadytobreaktimetodisconcertaFrenchdancer.Onthewhole,aswasnaturalinwhatiscalled"acenterofamusement,"thepro-Frenchelementpredominated,and,thoughitwaspossibletosingthe"_Marseillaise_"atthecostofafewbrokenglasses,thesolitaryoccasionwhen"_DeutschlandüberAlles_"wasattemptedendedinseveralbrokenheads,asmashedchandelier,andsixweeksinbedforanAustriancontraltowhosefacewasscratchedwithacombbyaFrench_artiste_undertheinfluenceofetherandpatriotism.

Norwasthisatmosphereofplotandfactionconfinedtogeneraldemonstrationsoffriendlinessorhostility.Bucharestwastoosmallacitytoallowdeepramificationstoeitherparty;thegossipofthecourtonthedaybeforebecamethegossipofthecabaretontheeveningafter;scarcelyonesuccessfulconveyanceofwarmaterialfromGermanytoTurkeybutwasopenlydiscussedatthePetitMaxim.Intriguesandflirtationswiththegreatpowersincreasedtheself-esteemofRumania,whotookontheairofacoquettishschool-girlthatfindsherselfsurroundedbytheadmirationofhalfadozenelderlyrakes.Herdowryandgoodlooksseemedbothsosecurethatanylittleloosenessof

behaviorwouldalwaysbeoverlookedbythemanshechosetomarryintheend.

SylviacouldnothelpteasingsomeoftheyoungofficersthatfrequentedthePetitMaxim.Theychangedtheirexquisiteoperaticuniformssomanytimesintheday:theyacceptedwithsuchsublimeeffronterythesaluteofthegoosestepfromasquadofmagnificentpeasantsdressedupassoldiers;theypaintedandpowderedtheirfaces,worepinkvelvetbandsroundtheir_képis_undernodding_panaches_;andnotonebutcoulddisplayuponhisbreasttheribbonofthebloodlesscampaignagainstBulgariaoftwoyearsbefore.Whentheycamejanglingintothecabaret,onefeltthatthedestiniesofEuropewereattachedtotheirsword-belts,ascomforthangsuponthetinklingofahousekeeper's

_châtelaine_.

"IfItalydeclareswar,weshalldeclarewar;forwearemoreRomanthantheyare.IfItalyremainsneutral,weshallremainneutral,becausetheLatinracesmustholdtogether,"thepatronsoftheEntenteavowed.

"Italywillnotdeclarewar,andweshallhavetofighttheRussians.WewonPlevnaforthemandlostBessarabiaasareward.AssoonasAustriarealizesthatshemustgiveusTransylvaniaweshalldeclarewar,"saidthepatronsoftheCentralPowers.

"Weshallremainneutral.Ourneutralityisprecioustobothsides,"murmuredathirdset.

And,afterall,Sylviathought,thelastwasprobablythewisestview,foritwouldbeashametospoiltheprettyuniformsoftheofficersandacrimetomaimthebodiesofthenoblerpeasantstheycommanded.

InsuchanatmosphereSylviahadtopostponeanysolutionofthespiritualsideofQueenie'sproblemandconcentrateuponkeepingheroutofimmediatemischief.ThemanagerofthePetitMaximhadjudgedthetastesofhisclientsaccurately,andQueeniehadnotbeendancingatthecabaretforafortnightwhenonereadontheprograms,QUEENIE,LA



JEUNEDANSEUSEANGLAISEETL'ENFANTGÂTÉEDEBUCURESTI.Chocolatesandflowerswereshowereduponher,andherfaintestsmilewoulduncorkabottleofchampagne.Buteverymorningatthreeo'clock,whenthecabaretclosed,Sylviasnatchedherawayfromallthesuitorsandtookherhomeasquicklyaspossibletotheirhotel.SheusedtodreadnightlythearrivalofthemomentwhenQueeniewouldrefusetogowithher,butthemomentdidnotcome;andthechildneveroncegrumbledatSylvia'ssighofrelieftofindthemselvesbackintheirownbedroom.Inorderasmuchaspossibletodistractherfromtheimportunitiesofhopefullovers,SylviawouldalwaysaimatsurroundingherselfandQueeniewiththepoliticalschemers,sothattheeveningmightpassawayinspeculationuponthefutureofthewarandtheimminenceofRumanianintervention.SheimpresseduponQueeniethenecessityofseeminginterestedinthefateofthecountryofwhichshewassupposedtobeanative.TheyweretheonlyEnglishgirlsinthecabaret;infact,theonlyEnglishactressesapparentlyanywhereinBucharest.Sylvia,findingthatmanismuchmoreofapoliticalanimalintheBalkansthanelsewhere,tookadvantageofthegeneralcuriosityaboutEngland'spersonalitytogetasmanybottlesofchampagneopenedforinformationfromherownlipsasoutofadmirationanddesireforQueenie's.

Fromgeneralpoliticaldiscussionsitwasashortwaytothemoreintimatediscussionsoffaction'sintrigue;andSylviabecameanexpertonthewaysandmeansoftheswarmofGermanagentswhocorrupted

Bucharestasblue-bottlestaintfreshmeat.ShesometimeswonderedifsheoughtnottoconveysomeoftheknowledgethusacquiredtotheBritishLegation;butshesupposed,onsecondthoughts,thatshewasunlikelytoknowanythingthattheauthoritiesthereindidnotalreadyknowmuchbetter,and,beingaversefromseemingtoputherselfforwardforpersonaladvantage,shedidnotmoveinthematter.

Oneofthechieffrequentersoftheircompanywasayounglieutenantofthecavalry,calledPhilidor,withwhomSylviamadefriends.HewasanenthusiastforthecauseoftheEntente,andshelearnedfromhimagreatdealaboutthepointofviewofaBalkanstate,sothatwhenshehadknownhimforatimeshewasabletojudgebothRumaniaasawholeandtheindividualextravagancesandvanitiesofRumaniansmore

generously.

"Idon'tthinkyouquiteunderstand,"heoncesaidtoher,"thefearfulresponsibilitythatwillrestupontheBalkanstatesmanwhodecidesthepolicyofhiscountryinthiscrisis.Whateverhappens,EnglandwillremainEngland,FrancewillremainFrance,GermanywillremainGermany;butinRumania,althoughoursympathiesarewithyou,ourgeographicalpositionmakesusthenaturalalliesoftheGermans.Supposewemarchwithyouandsomethinggoeswrong.NothingcanpreventusfrombeingGermanizedfortherestofourhistory.Youmustn'tpaytoomuchattentiontothetalkyouhearaboutthegreatpowerofRumaniaandtheinfluenceweshallhaveuponthecourseofthewar.Suchtalkspringsfromahalf-expressednervousnessatthepositioninwhichwefind

ourselves.Wearetryingtobolsterourselvesupwiththesenseofourownimportanceinthehopethatweshallhavethewisdomtodirectourpolicyrightly.Wearenotagreatpower;wearealittlepower;andouronlychanceofbecomingagreatpowerwouldbethatAustriashouldbreakup,thatRussiashouldcrumbleaway,andthatthewholevilecountryofBulgariashouldbeobliteratedfromthesurfaceoftheearth.ItiscertainthatBulgariawillmarchwithGermany;nothingcanstopthatexceptthedefeatofGermanythisyear.PossiblyItalymaycomeinonyoursidethisspring,buttiedaswearetoherbyblood,weareseparatedfromherbymilesofalienpopulations,andItalycannothelp



us.Greeceisinthesameplightasweare--notquite,perhaps,becauseshecandependforsuccoruponthesea:wecan't.Ah,ifyoucouldonlyopentheDardanelles!Ifyouonlyhadastatesmantoseethatthereliesthekeytocertainvictoryinthiswar.Butstatesmennolongerexistamongyougreatpowers.You'vebecometoobigforstatesmenandcanonlyproducepoliticians.TheonlystatesmeninEuropenowadaysaretobefoundintheBalkans,becausesinceeverymanhereisapoliticianitrequiresastatesmantoriseabovetheruck.Paradoxthoughitmayseem,statesmencreatestates;theyarenotcreatedbythem.WehaveallourhistorybeforeusintheBalkans,ifwecanonlysurvivebeingswallowedupinthiscataclysm;butIdoubtifwecan.Toyouthiscountryofmineislikeacomicopera,buttome,oneoftheplayers,itisastragicas'Pagliacci.'

"Youarerightinawaytomockatouraristocracy,thoughmuchofthataristocracyisnottrulyRumanian,butbastardGreek;yetwehavesuchawonderfulpeasantry,andanidealistlikemyselfdreadstheeffectofthiswar.Allourplansofemancipation,allourschemesfordestroyingthepowerofthegreatlandowners,"andinawhisperheadded,"allourhopesofarepublicaredoomedtofailure.Itellyou,mydear,it'stragicopera,notcomicopera."

"Butifyouarearepublican,whydoyouweartheuniformofacrackcavalryregiment?"Sylviaasked.

"Oh,I'vethoughtthatout,"Philidorreplied."Ibelongtoagoodfamily.IfIproclaimedmyopinionsopenly,Ishouldmerelybeputononeside.AristocraticruleismorepowerfulinRumaniathananywhereinEuropeexceptPrussia.Thearistocratshaveliterallyallthecapitalofthecountryintheirhands;ourpeasantsareserfs.AsanavowedrepublicanIcoulddonothingtospreadtheopinionsthatIbelievetobethesalvationofmycountryandthepreservationofhertrueindependence;weareayoungstate--notastateatall,infact,butalimitedliabilitycompanywithadirectorimportedfromthechiefEuropeanfirmofking-exporters--andwehavestilltorealizeoursoulasbyfire."

"Thesoulofacountry,"Sylviamurmured."It'sonlytheaggregateofthehumansoulsthatmakeit,buteachsoulcouldbethemicrocosmoftheuniverse."

"True,true,"Philidoragreed."AndthesoulofRumaniaisthesoulofagirlwho'sjustout,orofaboyinhisfirstyearatcollege.Hencealltheprettinessandallthecomplacentnaughtinessandalltheimitationofolderandmoreworldlypeopleandallthetyrannyandcontemptfortherightsofthepoor,thewantofconsiderationforservantsreally.ThoughImustbeyoungliketherestanddressmyselfupandleadthelifeofmyfriends,Iamalwayshopingtoinfluencethemgradually,verygradually.PerhapsifIweretrulyagreatsoulIshouldflingoverallthispretense;butIknowmyownlimitations,andallIprayisthat

whenthemanariseswhoisworthytoleadRumaniatowardlibertyandjusticeIshallhavethewittorecognizehimandthecouragetofollowhislead."

"Butyousaidjustnow,"Sylviaremindedhim,"thatalltheEuropeanstatesmenweretobefoundintheBalkans."

"Istillsaythat,butourstatesmen--wehaveonlytwo--darenotinthepresenceofthiswarthinkofanythingexceptthesafetyofthecountry.RepublicanismwouldbeoflittleusetoaRumaniaabsorbed



eitherintotheDualMonarchyorintotheCzardomofRussiaorravagedbythehellishBulgarians.Itellyouthatweseeprecipicesbeforeourstepswhicheverwayweturnforthepath;butbecauseweareyoungwedressourselvesupandgambleandsinganddanceandswaggerandboast;weareyoung,mydeargirl--very,veryyoung,perhapsnotoldenoughforourdeathtobeanythingbutpathetic."

"You'reinaverypessimisticmoodto-night,"Sylviasaid.

"Whocouldbeanythingbutgloomywhenhelooksroundaroomlikethis?AcrowdofFrench,Rumanian,andAustriancocottesdancingto'Tipperary'inthisinfernaltinklingdin--forgivemyfrankness,butyouknowIdon'tinclude_you_inthe_galère_--whileoverthereIseeacousinofmyown,amemberofoneofourgreatestfamilies,hagglingwithadirtyGermanagentoverthepriceofsendinganothersixaeroplanestoTurkeydisguisedasagriculturalimplements;andoverthereIseeaman,whoIhadalwayshopedwasanhonesteditor,sellinghispentothefatlittleGermanbaronthatwillsubstitutepoisonforinkandbank-notesforhonestopinions;andovertherearethreebrotherofficerswiththreegirlsontheirkneessingingthewordsof'Tipperary'withasmuchintelligenceasapes,whiletheybragtotheircompanionsofhowinsixweekstheywillbemarchingtosaveFrance."

"Theydon'tmissmuchbynotunderstandingthewords,"Sylviasaid,with

asmile."Idon'tunderstandhowawomanlikeyoucantolerateorendurethislife,"Philidorexclaimed,fanatically."Whydon'tyoutakethatprettylittlesisterofyoursoutofitandbacktoEngland?Idon'tunderstandhowyoucanstayherewithyourcountryatwar."

"That'stoolongastorytotellyounow,"Sylviasaid."Butbetweenourselvesshe'snotreallymysister."

"Ineversupposedshewas,"Philidoranswered."She'snotEnglish,either,isshe?"

Sylvialookedathimsharply.

"Haveyouheardanyoneelsesaythat?"sheasked.

"NobodyelsehereknowsEnglishaswellasIdo."

Thedancestopped,andQueenie,leavingherpartner,cameuptotheirtablewithasmile.

"You'rehappy,anyway,"saidPhilidor.

"Ohyes.I'msohappy.Sheissosweettome,"Queeniecried,embracingSylviaimpulsively.

AFrenchgirlsittingatthenexttablelaughedandmurmuredanepithetinargot.Sylvia'scheeksflamed;shewasabouttospringupandmakeaquarrel,butPhilidorrestrainedher.

"DoyouwonderthatIprotestagainstyourexposingyourselftothatsortofthing?"hesaid."Whatareyougoingtodo?Itwouldn'tbequiteyou,wouldit,tohitherovertheheadwithachampagne-bottle?Lettheviletonguesaywhatitpleases."



"Yes,butit'ssooutrageous,it'sso--ah,I'venowordsforthebeastlinessofpeople,"Sylviaexclaimed.

"MayIdancethisdance?"Queenieinterrupted,timidly.

"Goodheavens!Whydoyouaskme,girl?Whathasittodowithme?Dancewiththedevilifyoulike."

QueenielookedbewilderedbySylvia'semphasisandwentoffagaininsilence.

"Andnowyouseetheonlypersonthat'sreallyhurtisyourlittlefriend,"Philidorobserved."You'remuchtoosureofyourselftocareaboutasneerlikethat,andshedidn'thearwhatthewomancalledyou,orperhapsunderstanditifsheheard."

Sylviawassilent;shewasthinkingofoncelongagowhenLilyhadaskedherifshecoulddancewithMichael;nowsheblushedafternineyearslesthemighthavethoughtforamomentwhatthatwomanhadsaid.

"You'requiteright,"sheagreedwithPhilidor."Thisisadamnablelife.WouldyouliketohearQueenie'sstory?"

"There'snoneedforyoutodefendyourselftome,"helaughed.

"Ah,don'tlaughaboutit.Youmustn'tlaughaboutcertainthings.You'llmakemethinklessofyou."

"Iwasonlybeing_gauche_,"heapologized."Yes,tellmeherstory."

SoSylviatoldhimthesadhistory,andwhenshehadfinishedaskedhisadviceaboutQueenie.

"Youweretalkingjustnowaboutyourcountryasifshewereachild,"shesaid,eagerly."Youwereimaginingherindividualityandindependencedestroyed.Ifeelthesameaboutthisgirl.IwanttomakeherreallyEnglish.DoyouthinkthatIshallbeabletogethera

passport?We'resavingupourmoneynowtogotoEngland."

PhilidorsaidhedidnotknowmuchaboutEnglishregulations,butthathecouldnotimaginethatanyconsulwouldrefusetohelpwhenheheardthestory.

"AndthesooneryouleaveRumaniathebetter.Lookhere.I'lllendyouthemoneytogethome."

Sylviashookherhead.

"No,becausethatwouldinterferewithmypartofthestory.I'vegottogetbackwithouthelp.IhaveastrongbeliefthatifIaccepthelpI

shallmissmydestiny.It'snogoodtryingtoarguemeoutofasuperstition,forI'vetriedtoarguemyselfoutofitadozentimesandfailed.No,ifyouwanttohelpme,comeandtalktomeeverynightandopenabottleortwoofchampagnetokeepthemanagerinagoodtemper;andstandbymeifthere'severarow.Iwon'tanswerformyselfifI'maloneandIhearthingssaidlikewhatwassaidto-night."

PhilidorpromisedhewoulddothatforheraslongashewasquarteredinBucharest,andpresentlyQueeniecameback.



"Don'tlooksofrightened.I'msorryIwascrosstoyoujustnow."

"Youwerebeingsosavage,"saidQueenie,withwide-open,wonderingeyes."Whatwashappening?"

"Somethingstungme."

"Where?"

"Overtheheart,"Sylviaanswered.

WhentheywerebackintheirroomQueeniereturnedtothesubjectofSylvia'sill-temper.

"Icouldnotbethinkingitwasyou,"shemurmured."Icouldnotbethinkingit."

"Itwassomethingthatpassedasquicklyasitcame,"Sylviasaid."Forgetaboutit,child."

"WereyouangrybecauseIwasbeingtoomuchwiththatboy?Ifyoulike,Ishallsaytohimto-morrowthatIcannotdancewithhimlonger."

"Please,Queenie,forgetaboutit.Somebodysaidsomethingthatmademe

angry,andIventedmyangeronyou.Itwasofnoimportance."Queenielookedonlyhalfconvinced,andwhenshewasinbedsheturnedforconsolationtothelittlechromolithographsthatwerealwaysathand.Shehadthecustomofwearingalacenightcap,and,sittingupthusinbedwhileherraptgazesoughtinthosefairylandscapesthereflectionofherownvisions,shewasremoteandimpersonalasapaintedfigureinsomeadoringangeliccompany.SylviafeltthatthemomentwascometoraisethequestionofthespiritualmoodwithwhichQueenie'soutwardappearanceseemedinharmony,andthatitwasherdutytosuggestawayofpositivelycapturingandforeverenshriningthehalf-revealedwondersofwhichthesepicturesspoketoher.SylviafanciedthatQueenie'sdevelopmenthadnowonlyreachedasfarasher

ownataboutfifteen,and,lookingbacktoherselfatthatage,shethoughthowmuchitmighthavemeanttoherifsomebodycouldhavegivenexpressiontohercapacityforwonderthen.Moreover,itwasimprobablethatQueeniewouldgrowmucholdermentally,anditwasimpossibleforQueenietoreachherownpresentpointofviewbyherownlongprocessofrejectingeveryotherpointofviewinturn.Queeniewouldneverrejectanythingofherownaccord,anditseemedurgenttofortifyherwiththesimpleandinsomeeyeschildishexternalsofreligion,whichprecisely,onaccountofsuchsouls,havemanagedtoendure.

"ThegreatargumentinfavoroftheChurchseemstome,"Sylviathought,"thatitmeasureshumanitybytheweakestandnotbythestrongestlink,whichofcoursemeansthatitneveroverestimatesitspowerandsurvives

assaultsthatshattermoreambitiousandprogressiveorganizationsofhumanbelief.Well,Queenieisaweakenoughlink,andIsha'n'tfeelhappyuntilIhavesecuredherincorporationfirstintotheChurch,and,secondly--Isupposeintothestate.YetwhyshouldIwanttogivehernationality?Whatistheaimofastate?Materialcomfort,really--nothingelse.I'mtemptedtogivehertotheChurch,butdenyhertothestate.Alas!it'samaterialworld,andit'snotgoingtobespiritualizedbyme.Thedevilwassick,etc.Nodoubtatpresenteverythingpromiseswellforaspiritualrevivalafterthisorgyofinsanedestructiveness.Buthistorywithitsmaniaforrepetitionisn't



encouragingabouttheresultsofwar.Asamatteroffact,I'vegotnorighttotalkaboutthewaratpresent.Ichokedandsplutteredforawhileinsomeofitsvileback-wash,andBucharesthasn'tmanagedtogetthetasteoutofmymouth.Queenie,"shesaid,aloud,"youknowthatduringtheselastweeksI'vebeengoingtochurchregularly?"

QueenieextricatedherselffromwhateverpathshewasfollowinginherpicturesandlookedatSylviawithblueeyesthatwereintenselywillingtobelieveanythingherfriendtoldher.

"Iknewyouwerealwaysgoingout,"shesaid."ButIthoughtitwastoseeaboy."

"Greatheavens!child,doyouseriouslythinkthatIshouldsomuchobjecttomen'sgettingholdofyouifIweredoingthesamethingmyselfinsecret?Haven'tyouyetrealizedthatIcan'tdothingsinsecret?"

"Don'tbecrosswithmeagain.Ithinkyouarecross,yes?"

Sylviashookherhead."WhatIwanttoknowis:didyouevergotochurchinyourlife,andifyoudiddoyoueverthinkaboutwantingtogoagain?"

"IwasgoingtochurchwithmymotherwhenIwasfour;mystepmotherwasnevergoingtochurch,andsoIwasnevergoingmyselfuntiltwoyearsagoatChristmas.Therewasagirlwhoaskedmetogowithher,anditwassosweet.Welookedatallthedolls,andtherewasacow,butsomewomansaid,quiteloudly:'Well,ifthisisthesortofwomenwewasmeetingonChristmasnight,I'mgladChristmasonlycomesonceintheyear.'Myfriendwithmewasvery_maquillée_.Toomuchpaintshewashaving,really,andshesaidtothiswomansuchrudethings,andamancameandwasaskingustomovealongfarther.Andthenoutsidemyfriendsatdownonthestepsandcriedandcried._Ach_,itwasdreadful!Shewasmakingascene.SoIwasnotgoingmoretochurch,becauseIwasalwaysrememberingthisandbeingunhappy."

OnthenextdaySylviatookQueenietothemissionchurchandintroducedhertothepriest;afterwardtheyoftenwenttoMasstogether.Itwasliketakingachild;Queenieaskedthereasonofeveryceremony,andSylvia,whohadneverbotheredherheadwithceremonies,begantowishshehadneverexposedherselftosomanyunanswerablequestions.ItseemedtoherthatshehadgivenQueenienothingexceptanothershadowylandinwhichhervaguemindwouldwanderwithoutdirection;butthepriestwasmorehopeful,andundertooktogiveherinstructionsothatshemightbeconfirmedpresently.Whenthequestionwasgoneinto,therewasnodoubtthatshehadbeenbaptized,forbysomefreakofmemoryshewasabletoshowthatsheunderstoodthereasonofherbeingcalledConcettafrombeingbornonthe8thofDecember.However,therevelationofhertruenametothepriestgaveQueenieahorrorofhiscompany,and

nothingwouldinducehertogonearhimagain,oreventoenterthechurch.

"Thiswasgoingtobringmebadluck,"shetoldSylvia."Thatname!thatname!Howwasyousounkindtotellhimthatname?"

Sylviawasdistressedbythethoughtofthefearshehadrousedandexplainedthecircumstancestothepriest,who,rathertoherirritation,seemedinclinedtoresortplacidlytoprayer.



"ButIcanonlypraywhenIaminthemoodtopray,"sheprotested;andthoughshewasawareoftheweaknessofsuchahabitofmind,shewasanxioustoshakethepriestoutofwhatsheconsideredhisundueresignationtoherfailurewithQueenie.

ThefactwasthattheatmosphereofthePetitMaximwasgettingonSylvia'snerves.Apartfromthephysicalrevoltthatitwasimpossiblenottofeelagainstthefumesoftobaccoandwine,thescentofEaudeChypreandQuelquesFleurs,theraucouschatterofconversationandthejangleoffidgetytunes,therewastheperpetualinnerresentmentagainstthegossipaboutherselfandQueenie.SylviadidnotloseanyofherownjoyatbeingabletorestinthehighairsofChristianthoughtawayfromallthisbyreadingthebooksofdoctrineandecclesiasticalhistorythatthepriestlenther;butshewasdisappointedatherinabilitytoprovideanyalternativeforQueenieexceptabsolutedependenceuponherself.Shewasquitepreparedtoacceptthefinalresponsibilityofguardianship,andshemadeitcleartothechildthatherambitiontohaveapermanentsistermightbeconsideredachieved.WhatshewasnotpreparedtodowastoinvokeexterioraidtogetthembothbacktoEngland.Shereproachedherselfsometimeswithanunreasonableegotism;yetwhenitcametothepointofacceptingPhilidor'soffertolendherenoughmoneytoreturnhome,shealwaysdrewback.LifewithQueenieatMulberryCottageshonesteadilyuponthehorizonofherhopes,butshehadnobeliefinthevalueofthatlife

unlessshecouldreachitunaidedandofferitsfreedomasthefruitofherownperseveranceandindomitableness.ShewasannoyedbyQueenie'sforebodingsovertherevelationofhername,andherannoyancewasnotanythelessbecauseshehadtoadmitthatherownbehaviorinholdingoutagainstacceptingthemeansofescapefromRumaniawasbaseduponnothingmoresecurethanasuperstitiousfancy.

ThePetitMaximclosedatEaster;atthebeginningofMaythewholecompanywasre-engagedforanopen-airtheatercalledthePetitTrianon.SylviaandQueeniewerestillmanyfrancsshortoftheirfarestoEnglandandwereforcedtore-engagethemselvesforthesummer.Thenewplacewasanimprovementonthecabaretbecause,atanyrateduringthefirsthalfofMay,itwastoocoldforthepublictoenjoysittingabout

inagardenanddrinkingsweetchampagne.Afteramonth,however,allSylvia'sfriendswentaway,sometoSinaia,whitherthecourthadmoved;others,andamongthemPhilidor,weresenttotheAustrianfrontier;theexpeditiontotheDardanellesandtheinterventionofItalyhadbroughtRumaniamuchnearertotheprospectofenteringthewar.MeanwhileinBucharesttheGermanagentsworkedmoreassiduouslythanevertopromoteneutralityandsecurethepassageofarmsandmunitionstoTurkey.

AttheendofMaythemanagerofthePetitTrianon,observingthatSylviahadforsometimefailedtotakeadvantageofthewarmerweatherbygatheringtohertableapropernumberofchampagne-drinkers,andhavingreceivedcomplaintsfromsomeofhisclientsthatshemadeitimpossibletocultivateQueenie'scompanytotheextenttheywouldhave

liked,announcedtoherthatshewasnolongerwanted.Hersongsatthebeginningoftheeveningwerenoattractiontothethinaudiencescatteredaboutunderthetrees,andhecouldgetacheaperfirstnumber.ThishappenedtobeLottie,whowasengagedtothumponthepianoforhalfanhourattwohundredfrancsamonth.

"IneverknewthatIwascuttingyouout,"Lottieexplained."ButI'vebeenplayingfornearlyfourmonthsatadancing-hallinalowpartofthetownandIonlyaskedtwohundredindesperation.He'llprobablyengageyouagainifyou'lltakeless."



Sylviaforcedherselftoaskthemanagerifhewouldnotchangehismind.ShehintedasafinalthreatthatshewouldmakeQueenieleaveifhedidnot,andheagreedatlasttoengageheragainatthreehundredfrancsinsteadofthreehundredandfifty,whichmeantthatshecouldnotsaveasoutowardhergoinghome.AtthesametimethemanagerdismissedLottie,andeverybodysaidthatSylviahadplayedameantrick.Shewouldnothavemindedsomuchifshehadnotfeltreallysadaboutthefatgirl,whowasdrivenbacktoplayinalowdancing-saloonatlessthanshehadearnedbefore;butshefeltthattherewasnotimetobelostingettingQueenieawayfromthislife,andifitwereaquestionofsacrificingQueenieorLottie,itwascertainlythefatgirlwhomustgounder.

Sincethemanager'scomplaintofthewayshekeptadmirersawayfromherfriend,Sylviahadforboththeirsakestorelaxsomeofherdiscouragingstiffnessofdemeanor.OneyoungmanwashopefulenoughofultimatesuccesstosendQueenieabunchofcarnationswrappedupinathousand-francnote.Normally,Sylviawouldhavecompelledhertorefusesuchalargeearnestoffutureliberality;butthesemonthsuponthevergeofpenuryhadhardenedher,andshebadeQueeniekeepthemoney,orrathershekeptitforhertopreventitsbeingfritteredawayinpettyextravagance.Queeniecouldnotholdhertongueabouttheoffering;andtheyoungman,whenhefoundthatthethousandfrancshad

broughthimnonearertohisgoalthanabottleofchampagnewouldhavedone,wasloudinhisadvertisementofthewaySylviahadletQueenietakethemoneyandgivenothinginreturn.EverybodyatthePetitTrianonwaspositivethatSylviawaslivinguponherfriend,andmuchunpleasantgossipwasbroughtbacktothembypeoplewhoofcoursedidnotbelieveitthemselves,butthoughtitrightthattheyshouldknowwhatalltheworldwassaying.

ThismalicioustalkhadnoeffectuponQueenie'sdevotion,butitaddedgreatlytoSylvia'sdisgustforthetawdryexistencetheywerebothleading,andshebegantoplaywiththeideaofusingthethousandfrancstoescapefromitandgetbacktoEngland.Shewasstillsomewayfrombringingherselftothepointofsuchasurrenderaswouldbe

involvedbytemporarilyusingthismoney,buteachtimethatshearguedoutthepointwithherselfthenecessityofdoingsopresenteditselfmoreinsistently.InthemiddleofJulysomethingoccurredwhichsweptononesideeveryconsiderationbutimmediateflight.

AlldaylongawarmandmelancholyfoghadsuffusedthesuburbsofBucharest,fromwhichoccasionalscarvesofmistdetachedthemselvestofloatthroughthehighcenterofthetown,dislusteringtheairastheywent,likesteamuponashiningmetal.SylviahadbeenintendingforsometimetovisitLottieandexplaintoherthecircumstancesinwhichshehadbeensupplantedbyherself;suchadayasthisaccordedwellwithsuchanerrand.Aswithallcitiesofitsclass,afewminutesafteroneleftthemainstreetsofBucharesttogodownhillonewas

awareoftheartificialityofitsmetropolitanclaims.WithinfivehundredyardsofthesumptuousCaleaVictorieitheside-turningswerefullofchildrenplayinginthegutter,ofuntidywomengossipingtooneanotherfromuntidywindows,andofsmallrubbishheapsalongthepavement:andalittlefartheronweresignsoftheunquietnewnessofthecityinthenumberofhalf-constructedstreetsandhalf-builthouses.

Lottielivedinoneoftheseunfinishedstreetsinatumble-downhousethathadsurvivedthefieldsbywhichnotlongagoithadbeen



surrounded.Acreeper-covereddoorwayopenedintoapavedtriangularcourtyardshadedbyanunwieldytree,alongonesideofwhich,atanelevationofabouttwofeet,ranLottie'sroom.AsSylviacrossedthecourtyardshecouldseeindistinctformsmovingaboutwithin,andshestoppedforamomentlisteningtothedripofthefogabovethemurmurofhumanvoices.ShedidnotwishtotalktoLottieinfrontofstrangersandturnedtogoback;butthefatgirlhadalreadyobservedherapproachandwasstandingontherottenthresholdtoreceiveher.

"You'rebusy,"Sylviasuggested.

"No,no.Comein.OneofmyfriendsisanEnglishgirl."

"ButIwantedtotalktoyoualone.IwantedtoexplainthatIcouldn'trefusetosingagainattheTrianon;I'vebeenworryingaboutyouallthistime."

"Oh,that'sallright,"Lottiesaid,cheerfully."Ineverexpectedanythingelse."

"Buttheothergirls--"

"Oh,theothergirls,"sherepeated,withacontemptuouslaugh."Don'tworryabouttheothergirls.Peoplecanalwaysaffordtobegenerousin

thisworldifitdoesn'thurtthemselvesanddoeshurtsomebodyelse.Oneortwoofthemcameheretocondolewithme,andI'msuretheygotmorepleasureoutofseeingmywretchedlodgingthanIgotoutoftheirsympathy.Comeinandforgetallaboutthem."

Sylviasqueezedherpudgyhandgratefully;itwasarelieftofindthattheobjectofsomuchcommiserationhadgraspedtheshallownessofit.

"Whoareyourfriends?"shewhispered.

"Theman'sajugglerwhowantsanengagementattheTrianon.He'saSwisscalledKrebs.Thegirl'sanEnglishdancerandsingercalledMaud.You'llseethembothupthereto-nightforcertain.Youmayaswellcome

in.Whatadrearyday,isn'tit?"

SylviaagreedandwasawareofascribingtotheweatherthefaintmalaisethatsheexperiencedonfollowingLottieintoherroom,whichsmelledofstalewall-paperandmustywood,andwhich,onaccountoftheoverhangingtreeandthedirtyFrenchwindows,wasdarkandmiserableenough.

"Excusemegettinguptoshakehands,"saidKrebs,inexcellentEnglish."Butthisfurnitureistooluxurious."

Hewaslyingback,smokingacigaretteinanarmchairallthelegsofwhichweremissingandtherestofitcoveredwithexudationsof

flocculencethatresembleddingycauliflowers.Sylviasawthathewasalargemanwithalargeundefinedfaceofdarkcomplexion.Heofferedahugehand,brutalandclumsyinappearance,aninappropriatehandforajuggler,shethought,vaguely.Hiscompanion,crudelycoloredandshapelessasaquilt,sprawledonanotherchair.Everythingaboutthiswomanwasdefiant;herharshaccent,thefeathersinherhat,herloosemouth,hermagentacheeks,herwhiteboa,andherwhitebootsaffrontedtheworldlikeanangryhousemaid.

"Thisisafinehole,thisRumania,"sheshrilled."Gawd!Iwenttothe



EnglishconsulatGalantza,expectingtobetreatedwithalittleconsideration,andthe----pushedmeoutofhisoffice.Yes,wereadagreatdealaboutEnglandnowadays,butI'vebeenbettertreatedbyeverybodythanwhatIhavebytheEnglish.Stuck-upla-di-dasetof----,that'swhattheyare,andanybodyaslikescanhearmesayso."

Sheraisedhervoiceforthebenefitofthelistenerswithoutthatmightbewaitinganxiouslyuponherwords.

"Don'tkickupsucharow,"Krebscommanded;butMaudpaidnoattentiontohimandwenton.

"England!Yes,IleftEnglandtenyearsago,andifitwasn'tformypooroldmotherI'dnevergoback.Treatyouasdirt,that'swhattheEnglishdo.Thatconsulthrewmeoutofhisofficethesameasa _commissionnaire_mightthrowanyoldtwo-and-fouroutoftheEmpire.Yes,theytalkalotaboutpatriotismandallpullingoneway,butwhenyouaskaconsultolendyouthepriceofyourfaretoBucharest,youdon'thearnomoreaboutpatriotism.AsIsaidtohim,'Isupposeyoudon'tthinkI'mEnglish?'andhesattheregrinningforanswer.Yes,IreckonwhentheychristenedthattalkingchimpanzeeattheHippodrome'Consul'itwasdonebysomebodywho'dhadabitofconsulinhistime.What'saconsulfor?That'swhatI'masking.AsIsaidtohim,'Whatareyoufor?Areyoupaid,'Isaid,'tosittheresmokingcigarettesforthe

goodofyourcountry?''Thisain'taworkhouse,'heanswered,verysnotty.'You'reright,'Isaid.'Nofearaboutanyoneevermakingthatmistake.Why,Ireckonit'sabloodysleeping-car,Ido.'AndwiththatIslungmyhookoutofit.Yes,Icouldhavebeenveryrudetohim;onlyitwasbeneathme,theuneducatedla-di-dasavage!Well,allhe'sdoneistoputmeagainstmyowncountry.That's_his_warwork."

Thetiradeexhausteditself,andSylvia,unwillingtobeMaud'ssponsoratthePetitTrianonthatevening,madesomeexcusetoleave.WhileshewaswalkingacrossthecourtyardwithLottie,sheheard:

"Andwho'sshe?I'llhavetotell_her_off,that'sveryplain.Didyouseethewayshelookeddownhernoseatme?Nicethingifanyonecan't

saywhattheythinkofaconsulwithoutbeingstaredatlikeamummyby _her_."

SylviaaskedLottieifshehadknownthiscouplelong.

"I'veknownhimayearortwo,butshe'snew.Imetthemcomingupfromtherailwaystationthismorning.ThegirlwasstrandedwithoutanymoneyatGalantza,andKrebsbroughtheronhere.He'safinejugglerandconjurer.Zozohecallshimselfonthestage."

Sylvia'sheartthrobbedassheclimbedthestreetsthatledtowardthehighcenterofthecityawayfromthehotmistsbelow:itwasimperativetogetQueenieoutofRumaniaatonce,andwhileshewalkedalongshe

begantowonderifshecouldnotprocureanEnglishpassport,thedelightofpossessingwhichwouldcounterbalanceforQueenietheshockofhearingthatthedreadedZozowasinBucharest.

"It'ssucharidiculousnameforabogy,"Sylviathought."AndthemanhimselfwasnotabitasIpicturedhim.I'dalwaysimaginedsomeonelitheandsubtle.Iwonderwhathisobjectwasinhelpingthatpaintedhussyhewaswith.Queer,rather."

ShereachedtheBritishConsulate,butwastoldratherseverelyto



directherselftothespecialofficethatoccupieditselfwithpassports.

"DoyouwantavisaforEngland?"theclerkinquired.

"Yes,andIalsowanttoinquireaboutanewpassportformysister,who'slosthers."

"Lostherpassport?"theclerkechoed;heshudderedattheinformation.

"Itseemstoupsetyou,"Sylviasaid.

"Well,it'saprettyseriousmatterinwar-time,"heexplained."However,wehavenothingtodowithpassportsattheConsulate."

TheclerkwashedhishandsofSylvia'spastandfuture,andshelefttheConsulatetodiscovertheotheroffice.Bythetimeshearriveditwasnearlyfiveo'clock,andtheclerklookedhurtatreceivingavisitorsolate.

"DoyouwantavisaforEngland?"heasked.

Shenodded,andhepointedtoaprintednoticethathungabovehisdesk.

"Themorningisthetimetomakesuchapplications,"hetoldher,fretfully.

"Thenwhyareyouopenintheafternoon?"Sylviaasked.

"Iftheapplicationisfavorablyentertained,therecommendationisgrantedintheafternoon.YoumustthentakeyourpassporttotheConsulatefortheconsularvisa,whichcanonlybedoneinthemorningbetweentwelveandone."

Itwasliketheeternalcompetitionbetweenthetube-liftsandthetube-trains,shethought.

"ButtheytoldmeattheConsulatethattheyhavenothingtodowithpassports."

"TheConsulate_has_nothingtodowithpassportsuntiltheapplicantforavisahasbeenapprovedhere."

"ThenImustcomeagainto-morrowmorning?"Sylviaasked.

"To-morrowmorning,"theclerkrepeated,bendingoverwithintrepidfervortotheresponsibletaskuponwhichhewasengaged.Sylviawonderedwhatitwas:thewholetrafficofEuropemighthanguponthesefewminutes.

"I'msorrytointerruptyouagain,"shesaid."Butinadditiontorequiringavisa,mysisterwantsanewpassport."

Shedecidednottosayanythingaboutalostpassport,therevelationofwhichhadsomuchshockedthemanattheConsulate.

"MissJohnstone,"theclerkcalledinawearyvoicetosomebodyinaninneroffice,"kindlybringFormAQ--applicationforrenewalofexpiredpassport."



Avague-lookingyoungwoman,whoseemedtohavebeencollectingnativejewelrysinceherarrivalinBucharest,tinkledintotheoffice.

"Therearen'tanyAQformsleft,Mr.Mathers,"shesaid,plaiting,asshespoke,anecklaceofcoinsintoanotherofwhatlookedlikebrokenpiecesofmosaic.

"Itreallyistoobadthattheformsarenotgivenoutmoreregularly,"Mr.Matherscried,inexasperation."HowamItofinishtransferringtheseGreeksbeginningwith_C_to_K_?YouknowhowanxiousMr.Iredaleistogettheindexinorder,andthe_F_'shaven'tbeencheckedwiththe_Ph_'syet."

"Well,it'sMissHenson'sdayoff,"saidMissJohnstone,"soit'snotmyfault,isit?I'msureIhatetheforms!They'realwaysabother.Won'tanAPonedoforthislady?We'vealotofthemleft,andthere'sonlyadifferenceinonequestion."

"Excuseme,"Sylviaasked."DidyoumentionaMr.Iredale?"

"Mr.IredaleistheO.C.P.T.N.C.forBucharest,"saidMr.Mathers.

"NotMr.PhilipIredale,bychance?"shewenton.

ThattranspositionofGreekinitialshadsoundeduncommonlylikePhilip."That'sright,"theclerkreplied.

"Ohwell,Iknowhim.Ishouldliketoseehimpersonally."

"SeeMr.Iredale?Buthe'stheO.C.P.T.N.C."

"Doesthatconferinvisibility?"sheasked."ItellyouI'mafriendofhis.IfyousendupmycardI'msurehe'llseeme."

"Butheneverseesanybody,"Mr.Mathersobjected."I'mafraidyoudidn'tunderstandthathe'stheOfficerControllingPassengerTraffic

fromNeutralCountriesinBucharest.Ifhewastoseeeverybodythatcametothisoffice,hewouldn'tbeabletocontrol_himself_,letalonepassengertraffic.No,really,jokingapart,madam,Mr.Iredaleisverybusyandbynomeanswell."

"He'swornout,"putinMissJohnstone,who,havingbynowplaitedfournecklacesintoasinglecoil,wasswingingtheresultroundandroundlikeaskipping-rope."Hisnervesarewornout.Butifyoulike,I'lltakeupyourcard."

"YoumightaskhimatthesametimeifhewantsalltheGreeknamesenteredunder_Y_transferredto_G_,willyou?"saidMr.Mathers."Oh,andMissJohnstone,"hecalledafterher,"thereseemstobesome

confusionbetween_Tch_and_Ts_.Askhimifhe'sgotanypreference.AwfulnamesthepeopleinthispartofEuropegetholdof,"headdedtoSylvia."EvenMr.Iredalecan'ttransposetheRussians,andofcoursetheWarOfficelikesaccuracy.TherewasratherastrafetheotherdaybecauseamantravelingfromheretoSpaingotarrestedthreetimesontheway,owingtohisnamebeingratherlikeasuspectspelleddifferentlybyus,theFrench,andtheItalians.Asamatteroffact,theoriginalsuspect'sdead,buthisnamewasspelledafourthwayinthenotificationthatwassentaround,andsoit'snotrealizedyet."



"Itmustberatherlikethatwhisperinggame,"Sylviasaid."Youknow,wheresomebodyatoneendoftheroomstartsasentenceanditcomesoutquitedifferentlyattheother."

SylviacouldnotmakeoutwhyshedidnotfeelmorenervouswhenshewasfollowingMissJohnstoneup-stairstomeetPhilipforthefirsttimesinceshehadrunawayfromhim,thirteenyearsago.ThefactwasthatheranxietytoescapefromRumaniawithQueenieoutweighedeverythingelse,andshewassogladtofindsomebodysheknewinapositionofauthoritywhowouldbeabletohelpherinthematterofQueenie'spassportthatanyawkwardnesswasquenchedinrelief.ThediscoveryofPhilipwassuchanencouraginganswerbydestinytothereappearanceofZozo.

Hecameforwardtogreetherfrombehindalargeroll-topdesk,andshesawthathelookedtiredandill,yet,exceptforhisbaldness,notreallymucholder.

"Wouldyouhaverecognizedme,Philip?"sheasked.

Hewasfarmorenervousthanshewas,andhestumbledagooddealoverMr.Mathers'squestions.

"I'lltellhimyou'retoobusynowtoanswer,"saidMissJohnstoneat

lastinacheerfulvoice.Thiswasahappysolutionoftheproblemof_Ts_and_Tch_,andPhilipgratefullyacceptedit.

"AndIdaresayImightfindtimetohelphimwiththetranspositions,ifyou'reveryanxioustogetthemdone."

"Oh,willyou?Yes,thankyou,thatwouldbeexcellent."

MissJohnstoneturnedtoleavetheroom;oneofhernecklacesbrokeunderthestrainofcontinuousplaiting,andanumberoftinygreenshellspepperedthefloor.

"There,that'sthethirdtimeit'sdonethatto-day,"sheexclaimed."I'msosorry."

Sylvia,Philip,andshegatheredupasmanyaswerenottroddenuponinthesearch,andatlastMissJohnstonemanagedtogetoutoftheroom.

"Nowonderyou'rewornout,"saidSylvia,withasmile.ItseemedquitenaturaltocommentratherintimatelylikethisuponPhilip'shealth."Butyouhaven'tansweredmyquestion.Wouldyouhaverecognizedme?"

"Ohyes,Ishouldhaverecognizedyou.IonlysawyoulastyearatthePierianHall."

"Didyougotoseemethere?"sheexclaimed,touchedbyhishavingwantedtoseeheractwithoutlettingherknowanythingabouthisvisit.

"Yes,Ienjoyedtheperformance;itwasexcellent.Iwonderwhyyou'reinBucharest.Wouldn'tyoubebetterinEnglandinwar-time?"

"Ithinkit'smuchmoresurprisingtofindyouhere,"shesaid.

"Oh,Iwassentoutheretolookafterpassports."



"But,Philip,whywereyouchosenasanexpertonhumannature?"

Shecouldnotresistthelittlestab;andhesmiledsadly.

"Iknewthecountry,"heexplained."I'ddonesomeexcavatinghere,sotheWarOfficemademeanhonorarycaptainandsentmeout."

"Areyouacaptain?Whatfun!DoyourememberwhenIwantedyoutoenlistfortheSouthAfricanWarandyouweresoannoyed?ButIsupposeyou'reshockedbymyrevivingoldmemorieslikethis.Areyoushocked,Philip?"

"No,no,I'mnotshocked.I'mstillratherovercomebythesuddennessofyourvisit.Whatareyoudoinghere?"

"I'msingingattheTrianon.AllthewinterIwasatthePetitMaxim."

"Thoseplaces,"hesaid,withalookofdistaste.

"Itwouldtaketoolongtoexplaintoyouwhy,"shewenton."Butyoucan'tdisapproveofmybeingtheremorethanIdomyself;andit'sforthatveryreasonthatIwantavisaforEngland."

"Ofcourseyoushallhaveoneimmediately.You'remuchbetterathomeinthesedetestabletimes."

"ButIalsowantsomethingelse.Iwantapassportforafriend--anEnglishgirl."

"Hasn'tshegotapassport?Doesshewanthersrenewed?"

"I'dbettertellyouthewholestory.Iexpectthatsinceyou'vebecometheU.V.W.X.Y.Z.ofBucharestyou'velistenedtoplentyofsadstories,butyoumustpayspecialattentiontothisoneformysake.Idon'tknowwhyIsay'formysake'--it'sratheranimproperremarkforadivorcedwife.Philip,doyourememberinmyshowatthePieriananImprovisation

aboutagirlwhohadbeenhorriblyilltreatedasachildandwassupposedtobelostinagreatcity?"

"Yes,IthinkIdo;infact,I'msureIdo.IrememberthatatthetimeIwasremindedofourfirstmeetinginBromptonCemetery."Heblinkedonceortwiceveryquickly,andcoughedinhisoldembarrassedway.

"Well,that'sthegirlforwhomIwantapassport."

SylviatoldhimQueenie'sstoryindetailfromthetimeshemetherfirstinGranadatothepresentmomentundertheshadowofZozo'sreturn.

"But,mydearSylvia,Ican'tpossiblyprocureanEnglishpassportforher.She'snotEnglish."

"Iwanthertobemysister,"Sylviapursued."I'mpreparedtoadoptherandtoberesponsibleforher.Anydifferenceinthenameshehasbeengenerallyknownbycaneasilybeputdowntotheneedsofthestage.Imyselfwanttotakeoncemoremyownname,SylviaSnow,andIthoughtyoucouldissuetwopassports,onetoSylviaSnow,professionallyknownasSylviaScarlett,andtheothertoQueenieSnow,knownprofessionallyasQueenieWalters.Surelyyouwon'tletmerepedantryinterferewitha



deedofcharity?"

"It'snotaquestionofpedantry.Thisiswar-time.Ishouldrendermyselfliableto--to--acourtmartialfordoingathinglikethat.Besides,theprincipleofthethingisallwrong."

"Butyoudon'tseemtounderstand."

"IndeedIunderstandperfectly,"Philipinterrupted."ThisgirlwasborninGermany."

"OfanItalianfather."

"Whatpapershasshe?"heasked.

"Noneatall.That'sthewholepoint.Shecouldn'tgetevenaGermanpassportifshewantedto.Butshedoesn'twantone.ShelongstobeEnglish.It'sthesolitaryclearambitionthatshehas.ShewaslivinginEnglandbeforewarbrokeout,andsheonlycameawaytohelpthisgirlwhowaskindtoher.Surelythemostrigidrulecanbeunbenttofitaspecialcase?"

"Icouldnotpossiblyassumetheresponsibility,"Philipdeclared.

"Thenyoumeantosayyou'llcondemnthischildtodamnation--forthat'swhatyou'redoingwithyourinfernalrulesandregulations?You'reafraidofwhatwillhappentoyou."

"Excuseme,evenifIwerecertainthatnothingcouldpossiblybeknownaboutthecircumstancesinwhichthispassportwasissued,Ishouldstillrefusetheapplication.Everybodysuffersinthiswar;IsuffermyselfinaminordegreebyhavingtoabandonmyownworkandmasqueradeinthiscountryaswhatyouwellcallaU.V.W.X.Y.Z."

"Butevenifwegrantthatinsomecasessufferingisinevitable,"Sylviaurged,eagerly,"here'sacasewhereitisnot.Here'sacasewhere,byapplyingatouchofhumanity,youcansaveasoul.ButIwon't

putitthatway,becauseIknowyouhavenouseforsouls.Here'sacasewhereyoucansaveabodyforcivilization,forthatfetishonwhoseaccountyoufindyourselfinBucharestandhalfEuropeisslaughteringtheotherhalf.Youarenotappealingtoanydivinelawwhenyourefusetograntthispassport:youareappealingtoahumanlaw.Verywell,then.YouareinyourownwayatthismomentfightingforEngland;yetwhensomebodylongstobeEnglishyourefuseher.Ifthereisanyrealitybehindyourpatriotism,ifitisnotmerelythebasesttrucklingtoaname,alowandcowardlyimitationofyournext-doorneighborwhoseopinionofyourselfyoufearasmuchashefearsyouropinionofhim,ifyourpatriotismisnotjustthis,you'llbegladtogivethischildthefreedomofyourcountry.Philip,youandImadeamessofthings.Iwastoblameforhalfthemess;butwhenyoumarried

me,thoughyoumarriedmeprimarilytopleaseyourself,therewasanothermotivebehind--thedesiretogivealonelylittlegirlachancetodealwiththelifethatwassurgingroundhermoreandmoredangerouslyeveryday.Nowyouhaveanotheropportunityofdoingthesamething,andthistimewithoutanypersonalgratification.Itisn'tasifIwereaskingyoutodosomethingthatcouldpossiblyhurtEngland.ItellyouIwillberesponsibleforher.Iftheworstcametotheworstandanythingwerefoundout,Icouldalwaystaketheblameandyoucouldneverbeevencensuredforacceptingmywordinsuchacase."



SylviacouldseebyPhilip'sfacethatherargumentsweredoingnothingtoconvincehim,yetshewenton,desperately:

"Andifyourefusethis,youdon'tmerelycondemnher,youcondemnme,too.Nothingwillinducemetoabandonhertothatman.Byyourbowingdowntotheletteroftheregulationyouexposemeforthesecondtimetothelifethatyoudrovemetobefore."

Philipmadeagestureofprotest.

"Verywell,thenIwon'taccuseyouofbeingresponsibleonthefirstoccasion,certainlynotwantonly.Butthistime,ifI'mdriventothesamelife,it_will_beyourfaultandyourfaultalone.I'mnotgoingtobotheraboutmybodyifIthinkthatbydestroyingitIcansaveasoul.IshallstickatnothingtopreserveQueenie--atnothing,doyouhear?YouhavethechancetosendusbothsafelybacktoEngland.Philip,youwon'trefuse!"

"I'msorry.It'sterriblypainfulformetosay'no.'Butit'simpossible.OnlyquiterecentlytheForeignOfficesentroundawarningthatweweretobespeciallycarefulinthispartoftheworld.Nopapersofnaturalizationareissuedintimeofwar.Why,I'msentheretoBucharestfortheexpresspurposeofpreventingpeoplelikeyourfriendobtainingfraudulentpassports."

"TheForeignOffice!"Sylviascoffed."HowcanyouexpectpeoplenottobeChristians?ItwasjusttoredeemmankindfromthesinthatcreatesForeignOfficesandWarOfficesandbureaucratsandshoddykingsandlawyersandpoliticiansthatChristdied.Oh,youcansneer!butyourbeliefiscondemnedoutofyourownmouth.YoupunylittleU.V.W.X.Y.Z.withyournoseburiedinyourownwaste-paperbasket,witharedtapewormgnawingatyourvitals,withsomedamnedfoolofanarrow-headedgeneralforanidol,youhavetheimpertinencetosneeratChristianity.Doyouthinkthatafterthiswarpeoplearegoingtobecontentwiththekindofcriminalstatethatyourepresent?Lifeisnotaseriesofrules,butasetofexceptions.Philip,forgivemeifIhavebeenrude,andletthisgirlhaveapassport,please,please!"

"Youmustnotthink,"Philipanswered,"thatbecauseIpleadthenecessitiesofwarindefenseofwhatstrikesyouasmerebureaucraticobscurantismthatthereforeIamdefendingwaritself;Iloathewarfromthebottomofmyheart.Butjustaspainfuloperationsareoftennecessaryinaccidentswhichmighteasilyhavebeenavoided,yetwhichhavinghappenedmustbecuredintheswiftestway,soinwar-timeforthegoodofthemajoritythewrongsofthenationmusttakeprecedenceoverthewrongsoftheindividual.Isympathizeprofoundlywiththeindignationthatyoufeelonaccountofthisgirl,buttheauthoritiesinEngland,afterdueconsiderationofthedangerlikelytoaccruetothestatefromtheabuseofBritishnationalitybyaliens,havedecidedtoenforcewiththegreateststrictnesstherulesaboutthegrantingof

passports."

"Oh,don'texplainthereasonstomeasifIwereababy,"Sylviaburstin."ThepropositionoftheForeignOfficeisself-evidentinitsgeneralapplication.Mypointiswithyoupersonally.Youarenotaprofessionalbureaucratwhodependsforhislivingonhiscapacityfordehumanizinghimself.Inthiscaseyouhaveaspecialreasontoexerciseyourrightsandyourdutiesasanamateur.Youareaspositiveasyoucaneverhopetobepositiveaboutanything,evenyourabsurdpositivistcreed,thatwhilenoharmcanresulttoyourcountry,agreatmercywill



beconferreduponanindividualastheresultofenlightenedaction."

"Itispreciselythisintroductionofthepersonalelement,"Philipsaid,"thatconfirmsmeinrefusingyourrequest.Youaretakingadvantageof--our--ofknowingmetogainyourpoint.Asastrangeryouwouldnotstandtheleastchanceofdoingthis,andyouhavenobusinesstomakethematterapersonalone.Youdon'tseemtorealizewhatsuchaproceedingwouldinvolve.Itisnotmerelyaquestionofissuingapassportaspassportsusedtobeissuedbeforethewarontheapplicant'sbareword.Awholesetofsearchingquestionshastobeansweredinwriting,andyouaskmetoputmynametoatissueoflies.GobacktoEnglandyourself.Youhavedoneyourbestforthisgirl,andyoumustbowbeforecircumstances.ShehasreachedRumania,andifshedoesnottrytoleaveit,shewillbeperfectlyallright."

"ButhaveyouappreciatedwhatItoldyouaboutthismanwhohasjustarrived?He'saGerman-Swiss,andifhe'snotaspy,hehasallthemakingsofone.SupposehegetsholdofQueenieagain?Can'tyouseethatonthelowestgroundofmaterialadvantageyouarejustified--morethanjustified,youoweittoyourcountrytoavoidtheriskofcreatinganotherenemy?"

"MydearSylvia,"saidPhilip,moreimpatientlythanhehadspokenyet,"itisnoneofmybusinesstointerferewithpotentialagentsofthe

enemy.Ihavequiteenoughtodotokeeppacewiththecompletearticle.Ifyourlittlefriendisindangerofbeingturnedintoaspy,itseemstomethatyouhavestatedthefinalargumentagainstgrantingyourrequest."

"Ifshewerewithme,shecouldneverbecomeaspy;butifIweretoleaveherhelplesshere,anythingmighthappen.Iamstrugglingforthischild'ssoul,Philip,morebitterlythanIeverstruggledformyown.Yourmindisoccupiedwiththemurderofhumanbodies:mymindisobsessedwiththedestructionofhumansouls."

"Well,ifIacceptyourowndefinitionofyourattitude,"Philipanswered,"perhapsyouwilladmitthatlogicallyapassportoccupies

itselfwiththebody,andthatChristiansdonotconsidernationalitynecessarytosalvation.Ican'tmakeoutyourexaltedframeofmind.Youusedtoberathersensibleonthissubject.Butif,asIgather,youhavetakenrefugeinthatcommonweaknessofhumanity--religion--letmerecommendyoutofindthereintheremedyforyourfriend'sfuture."

"Yes,Isupposelogicallyyou'vescored,"Sylviasaid,slowly.

"Butpleasedon'tthinkIwanttoscore,"Philipwentoninadistressedvoice."Pleaseunderstandthatformetorefuseistorture.I'veoftenwonderedaboutajudge'semotionswhenheputsontheblackcap;butsinceI'vefadedoutofreallifeintothispaperworldI'vewornmyselfoutwithworryingoverprivategriefsandmiseries.It'sonlybecauseI

feelthat,ifeveryoneonoursidedoesnotmartyrhimselfforayearorso,thefutureoftheworldwillbehandedovertothiskindofthing;andthatisanunbearablethought."

"You'reveryoptimisticabouttheeffectuponyourownside,"Sylviasaid."Haveyousuchfaithinhumanityastosupposethatthiswarwillcureitmoreradicallythanallthewarsthathavegonebefore?Idoubtit.WhenIlistenedtoourargumentsthisafternoon,Ibegantowonderifeithersideisfightingforanythingbutasterilenominalism.Ican'targueanymore.It'snotyourfault,Philip.Youlackthecreative



instinct.I'llfightoutthisQueeniebusinessbymyselfwithoutinvokingstateaid.Iamratherashamedofmyself,really.IfeelasifI'dbeencompelledtoaskapolicemantheway.PerhapsI'vegoteverythingoutofproportion.Womenusuallymanagetodothat,somehow.Theremustbesomethingverysatisfyingaboutpersonalconflict--bayonettobayonet,Imean:buteveninthetrenchesIsupposemengettakenoutandshotforcowardice.Eventhereyouwouldn'tescapefromthegrimabstractheartlessnessthathangslikeafogoverageneralizedhumanity--generalizedisdoublyappropriateinthisconnection.Whatawretchedthingmanisinthemassandhowrareandwonderfulintheindividual!Themasscreatesthatarch-bureaucrat,God,andtheindividualseekstheheartofChrist.Good-by,Philip,I'msorryyoulooksoill.I'mafraidI'vetiredyou.No,no,"sheadded,seeingthathewasbracinghimselfuptotalkaboutthemselves."Thiswasn'treallythepersonalintrusionyouaccusemeofmaking.Wewereneververyneartooneanother,andwearemoreremotethanevernow."

"Butwhataboutyourownvisa?"heasked.

"It'snousetomeatpresent.WhenIwantit,I'llapplyinthemorningtoMr.Mathersandcomeforitintheafternoon,mostcorrectly.Ipromisetoattemptnomorebreachesintheformalityofyouroffice.Bytheway,onefavorIwouldask:pleasedon'tcometotheTrianon.Youwouldn'tunderstandtheargotinmysongs,andifyoudidyouwouldn't

understandmybeingabletosingthem.Getbetter.""Yes,I'mtakingSanatogen,"Philipsaid,hopefully.AtthismomentMissJohnstoneenteredwithacuponasmalltray,which,justescapingbeinglassoedbyoneofherchains,wassetdownonhisdesk.

"I'mafraidIhaven'tgotitquitesosmoothasMissHensondoes,"saidMissJohnstone.

"Oh,nevermind,please.Itwassokindofyoutoremember."

"Well,Ididn'tthinkyououghttomissitonMissHenson'sdayoff."

SylviawavedherhandandlefthimwithMissJohnstone;heseemedtobehesitatingbetweentheinjurytoherfeelingsifhedidnottakethelumpymixtureandtheharmtohisdigestionifhedid.

"Evenofficesaresubjecttotheclashoftemperamentontemperament,"saidSylviatoherself."AcuriousthingreallythatPhilipshouldbepreparedtochokehimselfoveracupofbadlymixedSanatogenratherthanwoundthatyoungwoman'sfeelings,andyetthatheshouldbeabletorefusemewhatIaskedhimtodothisafternoon."

ShenoddedtoMr.Mathersasshepassedthroughtheouteroffice,whojumpedupandopenedthedoorforher.HehadevidentlybeenimpressedbythelengthofherinterviewwiththeO.C.P.T.N.C.inBucharest.

"IbelieveI'vehadthepleasureofhearingyousing,"hemurmured."AreyoustayinglongattheTrianon?"

"Ihopenot,"sheanswered.

"Quite,quite,"hemurmured,noddinghisheadwithanairofdeepcomprehension,whilehebowedherforthwithmarkedcourtesy.

ThefoghadclearedawaywhenSylviastartedtowalkbacktoherhotel,



andthoughitwasstillveryhot,therewasasparkleintheairthatmadeitseemfresherthanitreallywas.TheargumentwithPhiliphadbracedherpointofviewtoaccordwiththelighteningoftheweather;ithadthrownhersoentirelybackuponherownresourcesthatthenotionofeverhavingsupposedforaninstantthathecouldhelpherinthefightforQueenienowappearedludicrous.Althoughherargumentshadbeenunavailing,andalthoughattheendPhiliphadactuallydefeatedherbytheverylogiconwhichshepridedherself,sheneverthelessfeltwonderfullyelatedattheprospectofastrugglewithZozoandnolongerintheleastsensibleofthatforebodingdejectionwhichwaslyingsoheavilyuponherheartwhensheleftLottie'shousethreehoursago.

PoorPhilip!Hehadspokenofhisownsufferingsinaminordegreefromthewar.Yettoberootedupathisage--hewasnearlyfifty,afterall--andtobesetdowninRumaniatodigforhumanmotives,hewhohadnoinstincttodigforanythingbutdrybonesandancientpottery,itwassurelyforhimsufferinginamajordegree.Hehadbeensopatheticallyproudofbeingacaptain,andatthesametimesoobviouslyconsciousoftheradicalabsurdityofhimselfinsuchaposition;itwaslikeaprematurelyoldchildplayingwithsoldierstogratifyhisparents.Andhereinaneutralcountryhewasevendebarredfromdressingupinuniform.Whenshefirstsawhimshehadbeensurprisedtofindthathedidnotappearmucholderthanthirteenyearsago;now,

lookingbackathiminhisoffice,heseemedtoheraveryoldman.PoorPhilip,hedidnotbelongtothetypethatisrejuvenatedinwar-timebyasenseofhisofficialimportance.SylviahadseenillustrationsinEnglishnewspapersofbeamingoldgentlemen"doing,"asitwascalled,"theirbit,"proudofthenuisancetheymustbemakingofthemselves,incorrigibleoptimistsaboutthetoniceffectsofwarbecausetheyhadsucceededinmakingtheirbeltsmeetroundtheirfatpaunches,pantaloonsthatshouldhaveburiedthemselvesoutofsightinsteadofpirouettingwhileyoungmenwerebeingkilledinawarforwhichtheyandtheiraccursedVictorianismwereresponsiblebylickingthebootsofPrussiaforfiftyyears.

SylviafoundQueenieinastateofagitationatherlongabsence;she

didnottellheranythingaboutZozoatonce,inthehopethathewouldnotcometotheTrianononthefirstnightofhisarrival.Shedidthinkitadvisable,however,totellQueenieofherfailuretosecurethepassport.

"Thenwecan'tbegoingtoEngland?"Queenieasked.

"Well,notdirectlyfromhere,"Sylviaanswered."Butwe'llmoveonassoonaswecanintoBulgaria.WecangetdowntothePiræusfromDedeagatch.Idon'tthinktheseneutralcountriesareverystrictaboutpassports.We'llmanagesomehowtogetawayfromhere."

"ButifwecannotbegoingtoEnglandwhymustwebegoingfrom

Bucharest?Bettertostay,Ithink.Yes?"

"Wemightwanttogo,"Sylviasaid."WemightgettiredoftheTrianon.Itwouldn'tbedifficult."

"IshallneverbegoingtoEnglandnow,"saidQueenie,inatonelessvoice."NevershallIbegoing!Ishalllearnanewsongandanewdance,yes?"

Sylviafelttiredafterherlongafternoonandthoughtshewouldrest



foranhourbeforegettingreadyfortheevening'swork.Themistgatheredagainatsunset,andthegardensofthetheater,thoughtheywereunusuallyfull,lackedanykindofgaiety.Whentheywerewalkingdownthenarrowlaurel-borderedpaththatscreenedtheactorsfromthepeoplesittingattheirtablesunderthetrees,SylviawassurethatZozowouldbestandingbythestagedoorattheendofit;buthewasnowheretobeseen.Aftertheperformance,however,whentheycameout,asthecustomwas,totaketheirseatsintheaudience,thejugglermadeadramaticappearancefrombehindatree;Queenieseemedtoloseallherfairycharmandbecomeaterrifiedlittleanimal.

"Idon'tthinkthere'sroomatourtableforyou,"Sylviasaid.

"Thereareplentyofchairs,"Maudinsisted,stridently;shehadfollowedthejugglerintothelamplightroundthetable.

"I'mquitesurethere'snoroomforyou,"saidSylvia,sharply;and,takingadvantageofQueenie'scompletelimpness,shedraggedherawaybythewristandexplainedquicklytothemanager,whowaswalkingupanddownbytheentrancegate,thatQueeniewasillandmustgohomeatonce.

"Ill!"heexclaimed,skeptically."Well,Ishallhavetofineyoubothyourevening'ssalary.Why,it'sonlyhalfpasteleven!"

Sylviadidnotwaittoarguewithhim,buthurriedQueenietoacarriage,inwhichtheydrovebackimmediatelytotheirhotel.

"Isaidtoyouthatitwasgoingtobringmebadluckwhenyousaidtothatpriestmyrealname._Ach!_whatshallIbedoing?WhatshallIbedoingnow?"Queeniewailed.

"Youmustpaynoattentiontohim,"Sylviatoldher;butshefoundthatQueeniedidnotrecoverherselfassheusuallydidatthetoneofcommand."Whatcanhedotoyouwhileyou'rewithme?"shecontinued.

"Youdon'tknowhim,"Queeniemoaned."He'sverystrong.Lookatthe

markonmylegwherehewasshootingme._Ach_,ifwecouldbegoingtoEngland,butwecannot.Wearehereandheishere.Youarenotstronglikehewas,Sylvia."

"Ifyou'regoingtogivewaylikethisbeforehehastouchedyouandfrightenyourselftodeathinadvance,ofcoursehe'lldowhathelikes,becauseIcandonothingwithoutsupportfromyou.Butifyou'lltrytobealittlebitbraveandrememberthatIcanprotectyou,everythingwillbeallrightandwe'llgetawayfromRumaniaatthefirstopportunity."

"_Ach_,youhavepapers.YouareEnglish.Nobodywillprotectme.Anyonewasbeingabletodowhattheywaslikingtodowithme."

Sylviatriedtoarguecourageintoheruntilearlymorning;butQueenieadoptedanattitudeofdespair,anditwasimpossibletoconvinceherthatZozocouldnotatwhatevermomenthechosetakeheraway,and,ifhewished,murderherwithoutanyone'sinterferingorbeingabletointerfere.IntheendSylviafellasleepexhausted,resolvingthatifQueeniewasnotinamorecourageousframeofmindnextdaysheshouldnotmovefromthehotel.WhenSylviawokeupshefoundthatQueeniewasalreadydressedtogoout,andforaninstantshefearedthatthejuggler'spoweroverherwasstrongenoughtowillhertogobacktohim



bythemeresenseofhisbeingnearathand.Sheaskedheralmostangrilywhyshehaddressedherselfsoquietlyandwhereshewasgoing.

"Tothehairdresser's,"Queenieanswered,inanormalvoice.

Sylviawaspuzzledwhattodo.ShedidnotliketoputtheideaintoQueenie'sheadofthejuggler'sbeingabletomesmerizeherintofollowinghimapparentlyofherownaccord,andifshereallyintendedtogotothehairdresser's,itmightimplythattheterrorofthenightbeforehadburneditselfout.Certainlyshedidnotseemverynervousthismorning.Itwastakingarisk,butprobablytheonlywayoutofthesituationwasbytakingrisks,andintheendshedecidednottoopposehergoingoutbyherself.

Twohourspassed;whenQueeniehadnotreturnedtothehotelSylviawentoutandmadeinquiriesatthehairdresser's.Yes,shehadbeenthereearlierthatmorningandhadboughtseveralbottlesofscent.Sylviamadeagestureofdisapproval;scentwasanextravaganceofQueenie's,andshewasstrictlyrationedinthisregardonaccountoftheurgencyofsavingallthemoneytheycouldfortheirjourney.Shereturnedtothehotel;Queeniewasstillabsent,andsheopenedherbagtolookfortheaddressofagirlwhomQueenieoccasionallyvisited;shefoundthecard,butthethousand-francnotethatshewasguardingforherhadvanished.QueeniemusthavejoinedthatinfernalSwiss,afterall,and

theoldinstinctofpropitiatinghimwithmoneyhadbeentoostrongforher.

"FoolthatIwastolethergothismorning,"Sylviacried.Asshespoke,Queeniecamein,hercheeksflushedwithexcitement,herarmsfullofpackages.

"Wherehaveyoubeenandwhathaveyoubeendoing?"shedemanded.

"Oh,youmustpardonmefortakingthemoneyfromyourbag,"Queeniecried."Iwastakingittobuypresentsforallthegirls."

"Presentsforthegirls?"Sylviaechoed,inamazement.

"Yes,yes,itwastheonlywaytomakethemonmysideagainsthim.To-nightinthedressing-roomIshallgivethesebeautifulpresents.Iwasspendingallofmythousandfrancs.Itwasnouseanylonger,becausewecannotbegoingtoEngland.BetterthatIwasbuyingthesepresentstomakeallthegirlsbeonmyside."

Sylviawasbetweenlaughterandtears,butshecouldnotbringherselftobeangrywiththechild;atleastheractionshowedthatshewastakingherownpartagainstthejuggler.Queeniespenttherestofthedayquitehappily,arranginghowthepresentsweretobeallotted.Thosethatweresmallenoughsheputintochocolate-boxesthatshehadboughtforthispurpose;thelargeronesweretiedupwithadditionalpinkand

bluesilkribbonstocompensateforthelackofabox.Toeachpresent--therewerefifteenofthem--apicturepost-cardwastied,onwhichSylviahadtowritethenameofthegirlforwhomitwasintended _withheapsofloveandkissesfromQueenie_;itwaslikeachildpreparingforherChristmasparty.

TheywentdowntotheTrianonearlierthanusualinorderthatQueeniemightgetreadyintimetositattheentranceofthedressing-roomandhandeachgirlherpresentasshecamein.Sylviatriedtolookascheerfulaspossibleundertheordeal,forshedidnotwanttoconfirm



thetalethatshewaslivingonQueenie'searningsbyseemingtogrudgeherdisplayofgenerosity.Thegirlswerenaturallyeagertoknowthereasonoftheunexpectedentertainment.WhenQueenietookeachofthemasideinturnandwhisperedalongconfidenceinherear,SylviasupposedthatshewasexplainingabouttheadventofZozo;butitturnedoutQueeniewasexplainingthat,havingnolongeranyneedforthemoneysinceshecouldnotgetapassportforEngland,shewasdoingnowwhatshehadwantedtodobefore,buthadbeenunabletodoonaccountofsavingupforthejourney.Sylviaremonstratedwithherforthisindiscretion,andshesaid:

"Ithinkitwasyouthatwasbeingsilly,notme,yes?IfIsaytothesegirls,'Hereisasilverbrush,helpmeagainstZozo,'theywasthinkingthatIwasbuyingthemtohelpme.Butwhenhetriestotakeme,Ishallcallouttothemandtheywillbelovingmeforthesepresentsandwillbefightingagainsthim,Ithink,yes?"

Sylviahadherdoubts,butshehadnotthehearttodiscouragesuchtrustinthegratefulappreciationofhercompanions.

NeitherZozonorMaudcametotheTrianonthatevening;nevertheless,outsideontheplaybillwasanannouncementthatnextSundaywouldappearZozo:LEMEILLEURPRESTIDIGITATEURDUMONDE.

"Itwasalwayssothathewaswritinghimself,"saidQueenie,whenSylviareadhertheannouncement;shespokeinavoiceofaweasiftheplaybillhadbeeninscribedbyawarningfate.Induecoursethejugglermadeasuccessfulfirstappearance,dressedingreen,withasnakeofshimmeringtinselwoundroundhim.Theywatchedtheperformancefromthewings;whenhecameoffheaskedQueeniewithalaughifshewouldstandforhisdaggeract,asintheolddaysshehadstood.

"You'vegotMaudforthat,"Sylviainterposedquickly.

"Maud!"hescoffed.

Earlierintheeveningshehadthunderedaboutthestageinwhatwas

describedastheworld-famousstep-danceoftheworld-famousAmericancowgirlMaudMoffat,totheauthenticandoriginalnativemelody,whichhappenedthisyeartobe"OntheMississippi,"andmightjustaseasilyhavebeen"ALifeontheOceanWave."

SylviawaspuzzledbytherelationshipbetweenZozoandMaud,fortherewasevidentlynothingeveninthenatureofaffectionbetweenthem,andasfarasshecouldmakeouttheyhadnevermetuntilthedayhepaidherfarefromGalantzatoBucharest.HerfirstideahadbeenthathewasaGermanagentandintendedtouseMaudinthatcapacity,herpatriotism,judgingbyherlouddenunciationsofEnglandandeverythingEnglish,notbeingverydeep.ButSylviahadalreadyoutlivedthehabitofexplainingasaspyeveryoneinwar-timethatisnotimmediatelyand

blatantlyobvious.ShecouldimaginenobodylessfittedtobeaspythanMaud,whowasattractiveneithertohercompatriotsnortoforeigners,andwho,evenhadshepossessedattraction,wouldhavehadnobrainstotakeadvantageofit.YetshecamebacktothetheorythatZozowasaGermanagentwhenshesawwithwhomheconsortedinBucharest,andshedecidedthatwhenhehadbroughtMaudherehehaddonesointhehopeofhavingfoundausefulrecruit,butthatondiscoveringherdullcoarsenesshehadcometotheconclusionthatherhostilitytoEnglandwascounterbalancedbyEngland'shostilitytoher.Sylviadecidedthatifhersurmiseswereatallneartobeingcorrectshemustbe



particularlyonherguardagainstanyattemptonthepartoftheSwisstocorruptQueenie.Shehadsupposedatfirstthatsheshouldonlyhavetocontendwithhislustorwithhisdesireofpersonaldomination;nowitseemedthattheargumentshehadusedwithPhiliptoprocureQueenieapassporthadreallybeenasoundargument.SuperficiallyQueeniemightnotstrikeanybodyasavaluableagent;knowinghercharmformen,hercompletemalleableness,andheralmostpainfulsimplicity,SylviacouldimaginethatshemightbeapracticalweaponinthehandsofanunscrupulousadventurerliketheSwiss,whowasfinding,likesomanyotherrascalsofhistype,thatinwarnaturaldishonestyisalucrativeasset.ShewonderedtowhatextentherideasabouthisintentionswerebaseduponhisbehavioratGranada,andwhether,afterall,shewasnotattributingtohimallsortsofschemesofwhichhewasentirelyinnocent.Reallyhehadalwaysbeenforherasymbolofevilthatshewasinclinedtoturnintoacrudepersonification.Itwasstrangethewaythatonewasapt,inchangingone'smodeoflife,toabandonsimultaneouslytheexperienceonehadgatheredformerly.Mostprobablyshewasgivingthisjugglerwithanabsurdnameanimportancequitebeyondhispower,simplybecausesheherselfwasgivingherpresentsurroundingsapermanencefarmoredurableandextensivethantheyactuallypossessed.Afterall,couldonebutrealizeit,thewayfromthePetitTrianontoMulberryCottagedidexistasamaterialfact:therewasnoimpassablegulfofspaceortimebetweenthem.

AfterZozohadbeenjugglingforaboutafortnightinBucharestwithouthavinggiventheleastsignofwantingtointerferewithQueenie,Sylviabegantothinkthatshehadworkedherselfupfornothing,thoughtheproblemofhisrelationshiptoMaud,withwhomheremainedontermsofcontemptuousintimacy,stillpuzzledher.ShethoughtofmakingareportonthequeerassociationtoPhilip,butshewasafraidhemightthinkitwasanexcusetomeethimagain;andsincePhiliphimselfhadmadenoefforttofollowuptheirinterview,shegaveupspeculatinguponZozoandMaudandtooktospeculatinginsteaduponPhilip'swantofcuriosity,asshecalledit.Unreasonableassheadmittedtoherselfthattheemotionwas,shecouldnothelpbeingpiquedbyhisindifference,andsheresentednowthecompassionshehadfeltforhimwhenshelefttheofficethatafternoon.Shecouldnotunderstandany

man,howeverbadlyawomanhadtreatedhim--andshehadnottreatedPhilipbadly--beingabletocontemplatesocalmlythatwoman'sexistenceasacabaretsingerwithoutwantingtoknowwhathadbroughthertoitsoshortatimeafterhersuccess.No,certainlysheshouldnottroublePhilipwithhersuspicionsofZozoandMaud;itwasinvitingarebuff.

JustwhenSylviawasbeginningtofeelreassuredaboutQueenieandnottoworryaboutanythingexceptthewasteofthatthousandfrancsandthecontinuousdifficultiesinthewayofsavinganymoney,thegirlsattheTrianonbegantowhisperamongthemselves.Queenie'spresentshadgivenherabriefpopularitythatbegantofadewhenitwasevidentthatnomorepresentswerecoming;herattempttosecurethefriendshipofhercompanions,inasmuchasitseemedatokenofweakness,reactedagainst

herandmadeherintheendlesspopularthanbefore.ThestoryabouttherefusalofapassportbytheBritishauthoritieswassoonmagnifiedintoademandforherexpulsionfromRumaniaasaGermanagentmasqueradingasanEnglishgirl.Hencethewhispers.TheFrenchgirlswerenaturallythemostvenomous;buttheAustriangirlswerenearlyasbad,because,havinglivedformonthsundertheperpetualtauntofbeingspies,theywereanxioustore-establishtheirownvirtueatQueenie'sexpense.Zozocommiseratedwithherontheunfairnessofthewhispers,andoneevening,toSylvia'sdismay,Queenietoldherthathehadofferedtosecureherapassportandtakeherwithhimwhenheleft



Bucharest.

"Hewasreallybeingverynicetome,"Queeniesaid."Oh,Sylvia,whatshallIdo?Icannotbestayingherewiththesegirlswhoaresounkindtome."

ThefollowingeveningSylviaaskedZozostraightoutaboutthekindofpassportheproposedtofindforQueenieandwhereheproposedtotakeher.

Thejugglersneered.

"That'smybusiness,Ithink.Whatcanyoudoforher?Ifthekid'sanything,she'sGerman.Whatthehell'sthegoodofyoutryingtomakeherEnglish?Whydon'tyouletheraloneinsteadofstoppingherfromearninggoodmoney?"

SylviakepthertemperwithagreateffortandcontentedherselfwithdenyingthatQueeniewasGermanandwithaskingwhohadfirstmadetheassertion.Thejugglerspatonthefloorandwalkedawaywithoutreplying.

Aftertheperformancethatnight,ahot,thunderousnightinAugust,Zozo,withMaudandtwowell-knownpro-Germannatives,tookthenext

tabletoSylviaandQueenie.Maudwasdrinkingheavilyandpresentlyshebegantotalkinaloudvoice:

"Well,ImayhavespokenagainstEnglandonceortwice,but,thankGawd,I'mnotabloodylittleyellow-hairedGermanpretendingtobeEnglish.IneverwentandtriedtopassoffadirtylittleGermanasmysisterthesameaswhatsomepeoplewho'sproudofbeingEnglishdoes.Yes,Iearnmylivinghonestly.I'veneverheardanyonecallmeaspy,andany----asdidwouldn'tdoittwice.Myname'sMaudMoffat,bornandbredacockney,andproudIamwhenIseesomepeoplewhothinktheirselvessuperiorandallthetimeisdirtyGermanspiesbetrayingtheircountry.DoesanyonepresumetosayI'mnotEnglish?"sheshouted,risingunsteadilytoherfeet."Andifhedoes,whereishesoasIcanshow

himhe'sabloodyliarbybreakinghisheadopen?"

Hercompanionsmadeapretenseofrestrainingher,butitwasplainthattheywereenjoyingthescene,andMaudcontinuedtoholdforth.

"German!AndcallsherselfEnglish.Goesroundgivingpresentstohonestworking-girlssoasshecancarryonherdirtyworkofspying.Goesroundtryingtogetagirl'sboyawayfromherbylow,dirty,meantricksasshe'slearntfromthebloodyGermanswhoshebelongsto.Yes,it'syouI'mtalkingto,"sheshriekedatQueenie.

Whiteaspaper,shesprangupfromherseatandbegantoanswerMaud,notwithstandingSylvia'seffortstosilenceher.

"Youwasbeingabadwickedgirl,"shepanted."YoudaretosayIwasbeingGerman!IhatetheGermans!I_am_English.I_am_English.YoudaretosayIwasbeingGerman!"

UponthisanAustriangirlatanothertablebegantorevileQueeniefromherpointofviewforabusingtheGermans;beforetensecondshadpassedthegardenswereinanuproar.

AfatFrenchJewessstoodonatableandshouted:



"_Oh,lessalesboches!Oh,lessalesboches!_"

WhereuponanAustriangirlpushedherfrombehind,andshecrasheddownintoapartyofFrancophileyoungRumanianswhoinstantlybegantothroweverythingwithinreachatapartyofGermanophileyoungRumanians.Glasseswereshivered;fairylampswerepulledoutofthetreesandhurtledthroughtheairlikeRomancandles;somebodysnatchedaviolinfromtheorchestraandbrokeitontheheadofhisassailant;somebodyelseclimbedonthestageandmadeaspeechinRumanian,callinguponthecountrytointerveneonbehalfoftheEntente,untiltwopro-Germansseizedhimandflunghimdownontopofthemelancholydotardwhoplayedthedouble-bass;themanagerandthewaitersrushedintothestreettofindthepolice;everybodyarguedwitheverybodyelse.

"_Tudisquejesuisboche,moi?M--epourtoi!_"

"Laferme!Laferme!Espionne!Typeinfecte!"

"_Moi,jesuisroumaine.Situdisquejesuishongroise,jedisquet'esunesalope.Tum'entends?_"

"_Oh,lavache!Ellem'apiquée!_"

"_Elleabienfait!Elleabienfait!_"SomeFrenchgirlsbegantosing:

"_Lesvoyez-vous?Leshussards!Lesdragons!Lagar-rrde!Glorieuxfous_...."

andaveryshrilllittlesopranowhowasprobablyaGerman,butdeclaredshewasaDane,sang:

"It'salarwaytoTipperary,It'salarwaytogo,

It'salarwaytoTipperary,It'sala-a-waytogo!Gooba,Piccadilli,Farwalar-sasca-aa!It'salar-lar-waytoTipperaryBa-ma-ha'sra-tha."

Afterwhichsomebodyhitheronthenosewithavanillaice:thenthepolicecameinandquietedtheuproarbyarrestingseveralpeopleontheoutskirtsoftheriot.

Thenextevening,whenSylviaandQueeniepresentedthemselvesfortheperformance,themanagertoldthemthattheyweredismissed:hecould

notaffordtoletthePetitTrianongainadisorderlyreputation.Sylviawasgladthatthedecisionoftakingadefinitestephadbeensettledoverherhead.Astheywerepassingout,theymetLottielookingveryhappy.

"I'vebeenengagedforthreehundredfrancstoplaythepianointheorchestra.Theaccompanistbrokehiswristlastnightintherow,"shetoldthem."Sotheysentformeinahurry."

"We'vebeensacked,"Sylviasaid.



"Oh,Iamsorry!"thefatgirlexclaimed,tryingtocurbherownpleasure."Whatwillyoudo?"

Sylviashruggedhershoulders.

"Whydon'tyougotoGalantzaandBralatzandAvereshti?Yououghttobeabletogetengagementsthereinthesummer-time--especiallyatAvereshti."

Sylvianoddedthoughtfully."Yes,that'sratheranidea.But,Lottie,don'ttellZozowherewe'vegone.Good-by!Goodluck!I'mgladyou'vegotanengagement."

"Yes,Ishallleavethatroomnow.Itsmells,rather,asthesummergetson."

ThenextmorningSylviaandQueenieleftBucharestforGalantza.

CHAPTERV

NEITHERinGalantzanorinBralatzdidSylviaandQueenieperceiveanyindicationofafortune.TheyperformedforaweekattheVariétésHighLifeinBralatz;buttheaudienceandthesalarywereequallylow,theweatherwashotandmisty,andthetwohotelstheytriedwerefullofbugs.InGalantzatheyperformedfortwodaysattheVariétésTiptop;buthereboththeaudienceandthesalarywerelowerstill,theweatherwashotterandmoremisty,andtherewereasmanybugsintheonehotelasinthetwohotelsatBralatzputtogether.SylviathoughtsheshouldliketovisittheBritishvice-consulwhohadangeredMaudsomuchbyhisindifferencetoherfuture.Hewasapleasantyoungman,notrecognizablefromherdescriptionofhimexceptbythefactthathecertainlydidsmokeincessantly.Heinvitedthembothtodineand

grumbledloudlyatthefatewhichhadplantedhimdowninthisGod-forsakencornerofRumaniainwar-time.HewasdisappointedtohearthattheycouldnotstayinGalantza,butagreedwiththemabouttheaudienceandthesalary.

"Ican'tthinkwhoadvisedyoutocomehere,"heexclaimed."ThoughI'mgladyoudidcome;ithascheeredmeupabit."

"Itwasn'tMaud,"Sylviasaid,withasmile.

"Maud?"herepeated."Whoisshe?"

"AnEnglishgirlwhotookagreatfancytoyou.Shewantedyoutopay

herfaretoBucharest."

"Oh,myhat!amostfearfulcreature,"helaughed."Agreat,pink,blowsywomanwithavoiceliketwotrainsshunting.Ihadaterribletimewithher.Uponmyword,IhadactuallytopushheroutoftheConsulate.Oh,analtogetheroutrageousphenomenon!Whatbecameofherfinally?InBucharest,isshe?Well,she'snotagoodadvertisementofourcountryinthesetimes.WhatpartofEnglanddoyoucomefrom?"headded,turningtoQueenie.



"London,"Sylviasaid,quickly.ShealwaysansweredthiskindofquestionbeforeQueeniecouldblushandstammersomethingunintelligible."Butshe'sbeenontheContinentsinceshewasalittlegirl,andcan'tspeakanylanguageexceptwiththeaccentoftheoneshespokelast."Thenshechangedthesubjectbyaskinghimwhereheadvisedthemtogonext.

"IshouldadviseyoutogobacktoEngland.ThesearenotimesfortwogirlstoberoamingaboutEurope."

"You'dhardlydescribemeasagirl,"Sylvialaughed."EvenIcannolongerdescribemyselfasone.Passportshavebeenfataltosomecherishedsecrets.No,wecan'tgetbacktoEngland,chieflybecausewehaven'tsavedenoughmoneyforthefare,andsecondlybecausethepassport-officeinBucharestdidn'tconsidermeagoodenoughvoucherforQueenie'srighttoaBritishpassport."

"Wouldn'ttheyrecommendtheconsultoissueone?"

Sylviashookherhead.

"Toobad,"saidthevice-consul,inacheerfulvoice."Butthat'soneoftheminorhorrorsofwar,thisaccumulationofanewsetofofficialsbegottenbythemilitaryuponthemartialenthusiasmofnon-combatants.

It'sratherridiculous,isn'tit,toassumethatallconsulsareincapableoftheirownjob?...ButIsupposeI'venobusinesstobedisplayingprofessionaljealousyatsuchamoment,"hebrokeoff.

"Wouldyouhavegivenherapassport?"Sylviaasked.

Thevice-consullookedatQueeniewithasmile."Icouldhardlyhaverefused,eh?"

ButSylviaknewthat,onceinsidehisConsulate,hewouldprobablybeevenmorepedanticthanPhilip,andthisaffectationofgallantryovercoffeeratherannoyedher.

"Butwhat_are_yougoingtodo?"hewenton.

"Oh,Idon'tknow,"saidSylvia,curtly."Leavethingstoarrangethemselves,Isuppose."

"Yes,that'saverygoodattitudetotakeupwhenyourdeskisuntidy,but,seriously,Ishouldn'tadviseyoutoleavethingstoarrangethemselvesbytouringroundRumania.Theseprovincialtownsarewretchedholes."

"What'sAvereshtilike?"

"Idon'tknow.I'veneverbeenthere.It'snotlikelytobeanybetter

thanGalantzaorBralatz,exceptforbeingagooddealnearertoBucharest.Ohdear!everything'sverygloomy.ThatSuvlabusinesswillkeepouttheRumaniansforsometime.Infact,Idon'tthinkmyselfthey'llevercomeinnow,unlesstheycomeinwiththeGermans.Whydon'tyoutakeaweek'sholidayhere?"

Butthevice-consul,whohadseemedagreeableatfirst,wasgettingonSylvia'snerveswithhisadmirationforQueenie,andshetoldhimthattheyshouldleavenextday.



"Toobad,"heexclaimed."Butthat'sthewayoftheworld.Whenaconsulwouldliketobethoroughlybotheredbysomebody,nothingwillinducethatpersontowastefiveminutesofhisprecioustime.YourfriendMaud,onthecontrary,hauntedmelikeabluebottle."

AvereshtiturnedouttobeamuchsmallerplacethanSylviahadexpected.ShehadhearditspokenofinBucharestasafavoritesummerresort,andhadpictureditsomehowwithacasino,gardens,goodhotels,andprettyscenery:theverynamehadappealedtoherwithasuggestionofquietude.ShehaddeliberatelynotgonethereatoncewithQueeniewhentheyleftBucharestbecause,beingnotmorethansixtykilometersfromthecapital,shehadhadanideathatZozomightthinkitalikelyplaceforthemtovisitandtakeitintohisheadtoseekthemout.EveninthetraincomingbackfromGalantzashehaddoubtsofthewisdomofturningontheirtrackssosoon;buttheirtasteofGalantzaandBralatzhadbeensodispleasingthatAvereshtiwithitsprefiguredcharmofsituationpromisedahavenwithwhichtheriskofbeingworriedbytheirenemycouldnotinterfere.Theywouldtakeaweek'sholidaybeforeengagingthemselvestoappearatthecasinoorwhateverthehomeofamusementwascalledinAvereshti;thenafterashortengagementtheymightperhapsventurebacktoBucharestandstartsavingupmoneyagain.

"Forwhatgood?"Queenieasked,sadly.

"Oh,somethingwillturnup,"Sylviareplied."Perhapsthewarwillcometoasuddenend,andyou'llbeabletogotoEnglandwithoutapassport."

"Youwasalwaysdreaming,Sylvia.Happythingscannotcometomesoeasilyasyouwasthinking."

SincethenightoftherowattheTrianonQueeniehadsettleddowntoasteadydespairaboutthewholeofherfuture,anditwaspartlySylvia'spowerlessnesstorestorehertothechildishgaietythatwassoattractiveinonewhomshewasconsciousofprotectingwhichhadmadeherconceivesuchadistasteforthetwotownstheyhadjustleft.Shewasbeginning,indeed,todoubtifherinterventionbetweenQueenieand

thelifeshehadbeenleadingwasreallyworthwhile.Sheupbraidedherselfwithapoorspirit,withafacilediscouragement,withselfishnessandwantoffaith;yetallthewayinthetrainshewasonthevergeofproposingthattheyshouldgobackatoncetoBucharestandtheredefinitelypartcompany.ThedrearycountrythroughwhichtheyweretravelingandthemoistheatoftheSeptemberafternooncreatedsuchadesireforEnglandthatthethoughtofremainingfiveminuteslongerinRumaniawasbecomingintolerable.Sylviabegantomakeplanstotelegraphhomeformoney,andwhilesheponderedtheseshebegantothinkaboutJackandOliveandthetwins.Jack,ofcourse,wouldbeasoldierbynow;butOlivewouldbeinWarwickshire.PerhapsatthismomentshewaswalkingthroughaleafypathinArdenandwonderingwhatherlostfriendwasdoing.SylviatriedtoconjurefamiliarEnglish

scents--thesmellofblue-bellsandyoungleaves,thesmellofearthinaLondonwindow-boxafterbeingwatered,and,mostwistfullyofall,thesmelloftheseasideonabreathlessdayoflatesummerwhenthesunwasrainingdiamondsintothepale-bluewater--thatsopoignantlyEnglishseasidesmellofsaltsandandpearsinpaperbags,ofmuslinfrocksanddustyshrubsandwarmasphalt.ItmightbesuchadayinEnglandnow,suchadayatEastbourneorHastings.ThenotionofenduringanylongertheseflatRumanianfields,thisrestlessanduncertainexistenceuponthefringeofreality,thispilgrimageinchargeofabutterflythatmustsoonorlatebecaught,cloudedherimagination.



"InseekingtodirectQueenie'scourseIamdoingsomethingthatiscontrarytomydearesttheoryofbehavior.WhenImetheragainatJassyIwasinanabnormalandhystericalcondition.Thesenseofhavingfailedmyselfledmetoseizedesperatelyuponhersalvationtojustifythislongwithdrawalfromtheactivityofmyownworld.Thisworldofgipsiesisnolongermyworld.Why,IbelievethattherealreasonIfeelannoyedwithPhilipisbecause,havingrousedinmeasenseofmyunsuitablenesstomypresentconditionsandactions,hedoesnottroubletounderstandtheeffectthattalkingtohimhaduponme.HereIamatthirty-twothinkinglikean_exaltée_school-girl.Thirty-two!JustwhenIoughttobemakingthemosttremendouseffortstoanchormyselftosomestablesocietythatwillcarrymethroughtheyearstocome,theyearsthatwithoutintellectualandspiritualpleasureswillbenothingbutapurgatoryformyyouth,Ifindmyselfmorehopelesslyadriftthaneverbefore.Itwillendinmybecomingacontemplativenuninonelastdesperatestruggletoavoidfutility.Itisatragedyforthemanorwomanwhorealizesfutilitywithoutbeingabletoescapefromit.That'swheretheMiddleAgeswerewiserthanwe.Futilitywasimpossiblethen.That'swherewesufferfromthatponderousbogofVictorianism.WhenonepausestomeditateuponthecrimesoftheVictorianera!Andit'simpossiblenottodreadarevivalofVictorianismafterthiswar.It'sobviousthatunlesswedefeattheTeutonquickly--andthere'snosignofit--weshallbeTeutonizedinordertodoit.Andthenindeed,Ograve

whereisthyvictory?WilltheKelticbloodinEnglandbeenoughtosaveherintenyears'timefromabasealliancewiththeseinfernalGermansinorderthatthetwostupidestnationsintheworldmaycombinetooverlayit?WillthiswaratlastbringhometoEuropethesinofhandingherselfovertolawyers?BettertheMiddleAgespriest-riddenthanTo-daylawyer-ridden.Atleastifwearegoingtopaytheserascalswhoexploittheircountry,letushaveitwellexploited.Don'tletuscallinonepoliticalplumberafteranotherwhoseonlyobjectistomuddlethestateforhissuccessortomuddleitstillmorethathemaybecalledinagaintomuddleitagain--andmuddle--andmuddleeternally!Whenonereadsinthepapersthespeechesofpoliticians,ofwhatcanoneberemindedbutofchildrenplayingcat's-cradleoverthetorturedbodyoftheirmother?YetwhatbusinesshaveItobeabusinglawyerand

politicianwhenIlackthestrengthofmindtopersevereinataskwhichIsetmyselfwithmyeyesopen?UnlessIsufferinachievingit,itwillnotbeworththeachievement.Surelythehumansoulthathassuffereddeeplycanneveragainacknowledgefutility?OEngland,perhapsitisapoorlittlepaintobeawayfromyounow,ameanlittleegotisticalacheatthebest,butawayfromyouIseeyourfaultssomuchmoreclearlyandloveyouforthemallthemore."

Thetrainenteredthestation,andSylviaperceivedthattherewasnothingbeautifulaboutAvereshtiinthewayshehadfancied.YetshewasashamednowofthetemptationtodesertQueenie;therefore,thoughthetrainwasgoingontoBucharest,shehurriedheroutontheplatform,andwhentheyreachedtheHotelMoldaviashetookaroomfor

twoweeks,payingforitinadvancelestsheshouldbetemptedbyherdisappointmentwithAvereshtitohurrybacktoBucharestagain,theinevitableresultofwhichinherpresentmoodwouldbetoabandonherfriend.

Avereshti,insteadofbeingsituatedamidtheromanticscenerythatoneexpectedfromacelebratedsummerresort,wassurroundedbyoil-fieldswhichdisfiguredstillmoretheflatenvironment.Itwastoolargeforgenuinerusticity,toosmallforitsassumptionofEuropeancivilization,andtoocommercialforgaiety.Possiblyduringtheseason



theshareholdersandownersoftheoil-fieldscameheretogloatforaweekuponthesourcesoftheirprosperity;iftheydid,theyhadallofthemleftbythemiddleofSeptember;theVariétésAlcazarwasclosedandtheplaybillswerealreadybeginningtopeeloffthewalls.WhateverlifetherewasinAvereshtidisplayeditselfinthePiatzaCarolI,thepavementofwhichwasplantedwithtreesclippedoutofanycapacitytocastapleasantshade.TheHotelMoldavia,flankedbycafés,occupiedonesideofit,arowofrespectableshopsanother,alargemunicipalhallofthecrudestGermanicarchitecturefrontedthehotel,andalongtheremainingsideranarowofmarketbooths,theinsultofwhichtotheprogressofAvereshtiwasgreatlyresentedbytheinhabitantsandalwaysapologizedforandexplainedinthefirstfewminutesofconversation.

TheappearanceofSylviaandQueenieinthissquareonthemorningaftertheirarrivalcreatedaninterestthatsoondevelopedintoapertinaciousanddisconcertingcuriosity.Iftheyenteredashoptomakesomesmallpurchases,acrowdgatheredoutsideandfollowedthemtothenextshop,andfinallybecamesuchanuisancethattheyretiredtothebalconyoutsidetheirroom--alongwoodedbalconyofafadedtintofgreen--andwatchedthepopulacegatheringtostareatthemfrombelow.Whenthesunbecametoohotforthisentertainment,theytookrefugeinthebigbedroomwhichhadtheunusualmeritofbeingfreefrombugs.Queeniedreamedawaythemorningwithherlithographs;Sylviaread_War

andPeace_.Lateintheafternoontheywentoutagainonthebalconyandwereamusedtoseethatthefrequentersofthecafésoneithersideofthehotelhadmovedtheirchairshornwisefarenoughoutintothesquaretoobtainaviewoftheirmovements.Sylviasuggestedtothewaiterthattheyshouldgiveamusicalperformancefromthebalcony,buthereplied,quiteseriously,thatitwasnotstrongenough:otherwise,heleftthemtounderstand,therewouldhavebeennoobjection.

"Yetreally,afterall,it'snotsobadhere,"Sylviadeclared."We'llstayafewdays,andthenI'llgointoBucharestandprospect.PerhapsZozowillbegonebynow."

Avereshtipossessed,atanyrate,thecharmofmakingonefeellazy;to

feellazyandtobeabletogratifyone'slazinesswas,afternearlyayearofceaselesswork,pleasantenough.Onthethirdafternoonthewaitercameupwithsixvisiting-cardsfromlocalgentlemenwhodesiredtheiracquaintance.Sylviatoldhimthattheywerenotanxioustomakeanyfriends;hesmiledandindicatedtwonamesasthosethatwouldbestrepaytheirchoice.

"Wewishtobeleftquitealone,"Sylviarepeated,irritably.

"Thenwhydoyouwalkaboutonthebalcony?"thewaiterasked.

"Wewalkaboutonthebalconybecauseit'stheonlyplacewherewecanwalkaboutwithoutbeingannoyedbyacrowd.Youdon'texpectusto

remaininourroomdayandnight,doyou?"

Thewaitersmiledandagaincalledattentiontothedesirablequalificationsofthetwovisiting-cardshehadfirstthrustintoprominence.Headdedthatboththegentlemen,M.StefanFlorilorandM.TomaEnescu,wereparticularlyanxioustomaketheacquaintanceofthefairyounglady;thatM.Florilorwasyoung,handsome,andthesonoftherichestmaninAvereshti;andthat,thoughM.Enescuwasnotyoung,hewasveryrich.Perhapstheladieswouldinvitethemtotakecoffee?Itwouldbeeasytogetridoftheotherfourvisiting-cards.



Sylviatoldthewaitertogetridofallsixandneveragaintohavetheimpudencetorefertothesubject;buthecontinuedtoextolhisclients,untilatlastSylviainarageknockedthecard-trayoutofhishandwiththevolumeof_WarandPeace_thathewasinterrupting,uponwhichheretired,mutteringabuse.

AbouttenminutesafterwardthewaitercamebackandtoldSylviathatallthegentlemenweregoneawayexceptM.Florilor,whoinsisteduponbeingreceived.

"Insists?"criedSylvia."ButishethecrownprinceofAvereshti?"

Thewaitershruggedhisshoulders.

"Hisfatherhasamortgageonthehotel,"heexplained."Andtheproprietorwouldbeverymuchupsettothinkthatanydiscourtesyhadbeenshowntotheson."

"Havewepaidforthisroom?"Sylviademanded.

Thewaiteragreedwithherthattheyhadpaidforit.

"Verywell,whenweaskforfreeboardandlodgingitwillbetime

enoughtotalkabouttheproprietor'sannoyanceatourrefusaltoreceivehiscreditors."

Sheindicatedthedirectionofthedoorwithacontemptuousinclinationofthehead,andthewaiterretired.

"Idon'tknowhowyoucanbesostrongtotalklikethat,"Queeniemarveled."IfIwasbeingalonehereIshouldbetoofrightenedtospeaksotothewaiter.Supposetheywasalltomurderusto-night?"

WhenQueeniespokelikethis,Sylvia'soldsenseofguardianshipflowedagainasfastasever,andanyimpulsetoabandonherwasdrownedinafloodofrageagainstthearroganceofmoneywithitssaleandpurchase

ofhumanlives.TherewassomethinglessdistastefulaboutthedominationofZozothanabouttheattempteddominationofthisyoungRumanianpuppyyelpinginhisbackyardofatown.IfthejugglerweretoarriveinAvereshtito-nightandinafrenzyofbalkedpassionweretomurderbothherselfandQueenie,therewouldbeakindofcompletenessabouttheactionthatmadethepresentimentofitasaneandfeasibleterror;butthatQueenieshouldhavebeenreducedtoaconditionofsemi-idiocymerelybythefactthattheaccidentsofherchildhoodhadputherforsaleonthemarketoflifedidseemtoSylviainexpressiblyrevolting.

"Andwecreditourselveswiththeabolitionofslavery!Iamnotsurethatthefrankslaveryofthepastwasnotmoremoralthanthe

unadmittedslaveryofthepresent.Atanyrate,itcarriedwithititsownpenaltyinthedemoralizationanddecayoftheowners;butIperceivenoprospectivepenaltyforthissortofthing.Ayoungbarbarianwhosefatherhasgrownrichandfatuponpetroleumseesagirlthattakeshisfancyandsendsuphiscard;theproprietorofthehotelthreatensusthroughthatpimpingwaiterwiththeenmityofhisfather'sdebtor.Thishappenstobeacrudecasebecausewearelivingtemporarilyinacrudecountry;butlesscrudelythesamethinggoesoninEngland.Itistruethatweshrinktherefromthelicensedbrothel,andthatwearestillabletoshrinkfromthatissomethingtobe



gratefulfor;yet,thoughwerefrainfrominflictinganopenshameuponwomanhood,wepayverylittleattentiontotherightsoftheindividualwomanandchild,or,forthematterofthat,totherightsoftheindividualman.Wenolongerallowthebodiesofchildrentobeslowlymurderedinfactories,butweoffernottheleastobjectiontotheiremploymentinnicehealthyamusingoccupationssuchassellingnewspapersforgreatmonopoliesordancinginthetheaters.Therecanbenodefenseofemployingchildlabor,andthemanwhodefendsitistheequalofthemostbrutalizedandhardened_souteneur_.Istillthinkthatthegreaterpartofhumanityissonaturallyinclinedtobeenslavedthatthebestowaloffreedomwillinashorttimelandtheworldinthesamestateasbefore;butwhatIdon'tunderstandisthenecessityforareformerorthephilanthropisttobeanythingexceptprofoundlycynical.Italwaysseemstobeassumedthatadesiretohelpotherpeopleimpliesabeliefthatotherpeoplewillbenefitfromthehelp.Ishouldliketomeetanunadvertisingphilanthropistwhowaswillingtoadmitthathisphilanthropywasavicelikesecretdrinking.Oneoccasionallyperceivessignsofasickconscienceinsomelargeanonymouscontributiontocharity;Ialwayssuspectthedonorofexpiatingamonstrouscrime.IcanimaginebeinghauntedbythefearofapeerageinreturnfortheexpenditureuponaLordMayor'sfundofthesuperfluoussavingsofawickedlife."

"Ofwhatareyouthinking?"Queenieasked.

"I'mthinking,mydear,thatvisitsfromthe_jeunessedorée_ofAvereshtitendtoinfectmewithanodiousfeelingofself-righteousness.TheresultofreadingTolstoiandarguingwithawaiteraboutthesaleofyourbodytoM.Florilorhasreducedmetoastateofmorbidindignationwiththehumanrace.Buttheproblemthat'sbotheringmeismyultimateineffectiveness.I'mlikeachained-updog,andIamrealizingthatnoise,tobearealweaponofdefense,requireslisteners.I'malittleafraid,Queenie,thatunlessIcandomorethanbark,Ishallloseyou."

"Whenshallyouloseme?"

"WhenthewebofmytheoryinwhichI'msittinglikeaspidergetssweptawaybysomethingmorepowerfulthanyou,mybutterfly,whomevenwithoutinterferenceIcanscarcelyretain.You'llescapemethenandbecaughtfinallyinanet,andIshallscuttleoffandhidemyselfinadarkcorneruntilIdieofinanitionandchagrin."

"Iwasnotunderstandingonewordofwhatyouweresaying,"saidQueenie."Firstyouwerebeingadog.Afteryouwerebeingaspider.Whowasevertounderstandyou?"

"Whoindeed?"Sylviamurmuredwithhalfasigh,asshewentoutonthebalconyandlookeddownuponthefrequentersofthecafés,whoseheads,whensheappeared,weresimultaneouslyliftedtoregardherwitha

curiositythatherelevatedpositionmadeimpersonalastheslowglancesofcattleatpasture.

Thateveningafterdinnerthefirstsignoftheproprietor'sdispleasureatthesnubadministeredtotheheirofhischiefcreditorwasvisibleinabillfortheirboardofthreedays.Thesumwasnotlarge,butbyusinguptheirsmallcashitinvolvedbreakingintothefive-hundred-francnotethatrepresentedthelastofthemoneytheyhadsavedsinceFebruary.Sylviahadalwayskeptthisnoteinapocketofhervalise;nowwhenshewentuptotheirroomtofetchititwasgone.



ThediscoveryofthelosswassuchablowatthismomentthatshecouldnotspeakofittoQueeniewhenshecamedown-stairsagain;shepaidwhatwasowingwiththelasthalfpennytheyhad,andsatbackrevolvinginternallyinhermindhow,when,andwherethatfive-hundred-francnotecouldpossiblyhavebeenlost.Suddenlyshehadanideathatshemighthavemovedittoanotherpocketand,leavingahalf-smokedcigarettebalancedagainstthesaucerofhercoffee-cup,sheranup-stairsagaintoverifytheconjecture.Alas!itwastheemptiestofconjectures,andinafeverofexasperationshesearchedwildlyinallsortsofunlikelyplacesforthemissingmoney.Whenthebedroomwasscatteredwithherclothestonopurpose,shewentbacktothedining-room,whereshefoundthatthewaiterhadtakenthehalf-smokedcigaretteinclearingawaythecoffee-cups.

"Didn'tyoukeepthatcigarette?"shedemanded.

Queenielookedatherinsurprise.

"Whytokeepacigarette?"sheasked.

"BecauseIhaven'tanother."

"Well,ringforthewaiter.Heshallbringoneforyou."

"No,no,itdoesn'tmatter,"Sylviamuttered;butthewasteofthatlastpreciouscigarettebroughthometohermorethananythingelsethattherewasabsolutelynotevenahalfpennyleftinherpurseafterpayingforthefoodtheyhadhad,andabruptlywiththetransmutationofthatinsignificantobjecttosomethingofimmensevaluearrivedacorrespondingchangeinSylvia'sattitudetothewholeoflife.

Inthefirstcasethelargershareofthemoneyshehadlostsocarelessly--withaneffortshedrovefromherbraintherevolvingproblemofhow,when,andwhere--belongedtoQueenie.HenceherresponsibilitytowardQueeniewasdoubled,becauseifincertainmoodsofdisillusionmentshehadbeenabletosetasideherformerresponsibilityasnothingbutawhim,therewasnowapositiveand

materialobligationthatnochangeofsentimentcouldobliterate.AnyharmthatthreatenedQueenienowmustbeavertedbyherself,nomatteratwhatcosttoherself;somehowmoneymustbeobtained.Itwasplainthattheycouldexpectnoconsiderationfromtheproprietorofthehotel;thewayinwhichhehaddemandedpaymentfortheirday'sboardprovedasmuch.Havingacceptedthemoneyinadvanceforthisroom,hecouldnotejectthemintothestreet;butunlessitsuitedhimhewasundernoobligationtofeedthem.Whataprecipitatefoolshehadbeentopayforafortnight'slodginginadvance!Seventyfrancsflungaway!Shemightaskforthemback,oratanyrateforthefiftyfrancs'worthoflodgingofwhichtheywouldnothaveavailedthemselvesiftheyleftto-morrow.WithfiftyfrancstheywouldreachBucharest,wheresomethingmightturnup.Butsupposenothingdidturnup?Supposethatdamned

jugglerfoundQueenieandherselfwithoutahalfpenny?EventhatwasbetterthanstarvinghereorsurrenderingtoM.StefanFlorilor.

Sylviawentouttoasktheproprietorifhewouldgiveherbackthemoneyshehadpaidinadvanceforaroomsheandherfriendfoundthemselvesunableanylongertooccupy.Theproprietorshruggedhisshoulders,informedherinhisvileFrenchthathehadneverdemandedthesuminadvance,assuredherthathehadrefusedtheroomtwicetoimportantclientswhohadwanteditfornextweek,andaltogethershowedbyhisattitudethathehadbeentoomuchembitteredbythereception



ofM.Florilortostanduponanythingexcepthisstrictrights.Itwasclearthattheserightswouldincluderefusalofanyfoodthatwasnotpaidforatthetime.Suchbehaviormightbeunjustandunreasonable,shethought,but,afterall,itwasnottobeexpectedthatanemptypocketwasgoingtotemptthefinersideofhumannature.SylviawentbacktoQueenie,whowaslookinginbewildermentattheclothesstrewnaboutthebedroom.Sheexplainedwhathadhappened,andQueenieejaculated:

"There,fancy!Wehavenomoneynow.Nevermind,Icanbefriendswiththatgentlemanwhowasaskingtoknowme.Hewillgivemethemoney,becauseifhewantsmeverymuchhewillhavetogivemuchmoney.Yes,Ithink?"

Sylviacouldhavescreamedaloudherrejectionofsuchacourse.

"What,afterkeepingyouawayfrommenforsixmonths,toletyougobacktothemonaccountofmycarelessness?Child,youmustbemadtothinkofit."

"Yes,butIhavebeenthinking,Sylvia.Ihavebeenthinkingverymuch.WhenIwasgoingtobeEnglishandyouweresayingtomethatIshouldhaveapassportandbegoingtoEnglandandbeEnglishmyself,itwasgoodformetocarenothingatallformen;butnowwhatdoesitmatter?

Iamnothing.Iamjustbeingsomebodylost,andifIamgoingwithmenornotgoingwithmenIamstillnothing.Whytobeworriedformoney?Ishallshowyouhoweasyitisformetohavemoney.ItistruewhatIamspeaking.YoucouldbehavingnoideahowmuchmoneyIcanhave.AndifIamnothing,alwaysnothing,whymustIbeworryinganymoreaboutmoney?Youaresosweettome,Sylvia,sokind.Noonewaseverbeingsokindtomebefore.SoImustbekindtoyounow.Yes,Ithink?Areyoucryingaboutthatmoney?Ithinkyouarestupidtocryforsuchalittlethingasmoney."

"Therearethings,myrose,thatmustnot,thatshallnothappen,"Sylviacried,claspingthechildinherarms."Andthatyoushouldeveragainsellyourselftoamanisoneofthem."

"ButIamnothing."

"Ah,"thoughtSylvia,"hereisthemomentwhenIshouldbeabletosaythateveryonetoGodiseverything;butifIsayitshewillnotunderstand.Whathopeisthereforthischild?"Thenaloudsheadded,"Areyounothingtome?"

"No,toyouIamsomething,andifmybrotherwashereIwouldbesomethingtohim."

"Verywell,then,youmustnotthinkofsellingyourself.Ilostthemoney.Ishallfindawayofgettingmoremoney.Ihaveafriendin

Bucharest.Iwilltelegraphtohimto-morrowandhewillsendusmoney."Andtoherselfshethought:"Thisisindeedtheultimateirony,thatIshouldaskafavorofPhilip.YetperhapsIamglad,forifIdidhimtheleastinjuryyearsago,nopriestcouldhaveimaginedamoreappropriatepenance.Yes,perhapsIdeservethis."

Thenextmorning,whenSylviaorderedcoffee,thewaiterpresentedthebillforitatthesametime,andwhenshetoreitupheseemedinclinedtotakeawaythecoffee;heretreatedfinallywithathreatthatinfuturenothingshouldbeservedtothemthatwasnotpaidforin



advance.

"Theyarebeingnastywithus,"Queeniesolemnlyenunciated.

"Nevermind.Weshallhavesomemoneyto-night,oratanyrateto-morrowmorning.Wemustputupwithfastingto-day.It'sFriday,appropriatelyenough.Goodheavens!"Sylviaexclaimed."Ihaven'tevengotthemoneytosendatelegram.Wemustraiseafewfrancs.PerhapsIcouldborrowsomemoneywithatrinket.Goodgracious!IneverrealizeduntilthismomentthatIhaven'tasinglepieceofjewelry!Ittakesthesuddenafflictionofextremepovertytodiscoverone'sabnormalityandtoprovehowessentialitisnottobedifferentfromeverybodyelse.Come,Queenie,youmustlendmeyourtwobrooches."

Sylviatookthedaisyofbrilliantssetroundatopaz,andtheswallowofsapphires--allthatQueeniehadkeptafterherdisastrousexpulsionfromRussia--andvisitedthechieflocaljeweler,whoshruggedhisshouldersandrefusedtobuythem.

"Butatleastyoucanlendmetwentyfrancsuponthemuntilto-morrow,"Sylviaurged.

Heshruggedhisshouldersagainandbentovertopickattheinsideofawatchwiththatmaddeningindifferenceoftheunwillingpurchaser.

Sylviacouldnotbringherselftobelieveinhisrefusalandsuggestedaloanoffifteenfrancs.Nothingansweredherexceptthetickingofadozenclocksandthescrapingofasmallfile.Therewasasmellofdroughtintheshopthatseemedtosymbolizethepersonalityofitsowner.

"Tenfrancs?"Sylviabegged.

Thejewelerlookedupslowlyfromhisworkandregardedherwithafishyeye,thefishinessofwhichwasmanytimesmagnifiedbytheglassthatoccupiedit.Heraisedhischininacoldnegativeandbentoverhisworkmoreintently.Everyclockintheshoptoldadifferenttimeandtickedawaymoreloudlythanever.Sylviagatheredupthetrinketsand

wentaway.Shetriedtwootherjewelerswithoutsuccess,andsheevenproposedtheloantoachemistwhohadapleasantexterior;finallyshehadtogobacktothehotelwithoutobtainingthemoney.Thedaydraggeditselfalong;noteven_WarandPeace_couldoutlastit,andSylviawonderedwhyshehadnevergraspedbeforehowmuchofliferadiatedfromlunch,theabsenceofwhichdislocatedtimeitself.Towardsixo'clockshecametoasuddenresolution,and,goingoutintothesquare,shebegantosingoutsidethecafé.Fourleandogscameandbarked;awaitertoldherthatthesingingwasnotrequired.Somebodythrewastoneatoneofthedogsandcutopenitsleg;whereupontheotherthreesetuponit,untilitbrokeawayandfledhowlingacrossthesquare,leavingatrailofbloodinitswake.ThedrinkersoutsidethecafélookedatSylviaoverthetopsoftheirnewspapers,untilshewentbacktothe

hotel.Sucharetirementwouldordinarilyhavemadeherhotwithshame;butshewasalreadyhardenedbythefirstpangsofhungerandhadonlyasavagecontemptforthepeoplewhohadthoughttohumiliateher;shehadnotbeenhungrylongenoughtofeelthepathosofabrokenspirit;afterall,shehadonlymissedherlunch.

DinnerconsistedoftwostalechocolatecreamsthatwerefoundinapocketofoneofQueenie'sjackets;eventhebitsofsilverpaperadheringtothemseemedtopossessanutritivevalue.



"Butwecannotbegoingonlikethis,"Queenieprotested.

"TheremustbesomewayofraisingmoneyenoughtogettoBucharest,"Sylviainsisted."Theremustbe.Theremustbe.Ifwereallystarve,thepolicewillsendustheretoavoidadeathinthiscursedholeofatown."

"Wemustaskthatgentlemantoteawithusto-morrow,"Queeniedeclared,assheputoutthelight.

WantoffoodpreventedSylviafromsleeping,andinheroverwroughtspiritthosegood-nightwordsofQueenieseemedtopresagethecollapseofeverything.

"Itshallnotbe.Itshallnotbe,"shevowedtoherself."IwillnotbedefeatedbysqualidcircumstancesinthisdrearylittleRumaniantown.IfthirteenyearsagoIcouldsellmybodytosavemysoul,nowIcansellmybodytosavethesoulofanother.Surelythatsacrificewilldefeatfutility.IhadapresentimentofthissituationwhenIwasarguingwithPhilipthatafternoon.Iwarnedhimthatnothingshouldstandinmywayoverthisgirl.Andnothingshall!To-morrowIwillinvitethisyouthwhoisthesonoftherichestmaninAvereshti.Hewillnotrefusemetwentyfrancsformybody.IfIcannotdothisIamworthnomorethanthosetrinketsthatthejewelerrefusedtobuyfor

tenfrancs.Iwilldothis,andacceptitsaccomplishmentasthesignthatIhavefoughtlongenough.ThenIwillgotoPhilipandtellhimwhathisrefusalhasbroughtabout.Iwill_make_himgivemethepassport.Butsupposethatheisnolongercapableofbeinghorrified?Supposethatmybehaviorofthirteenyearsagohasrenderedhimproofagainstsuchanemotion?Ohwell,weshallsee.AmIlight-headed?No,no,no.Onthecontrary,hungermakesoneclear-sighted.Itmustbe.Itshallbe.Thedutyofthehumansoulliesinsuchacomplete,suchareckless,sucharelentless,suchavictoriousself-willascanonlybeassuagedbyself-sacrifice.Thisisthegreatparadoxoflife.Thisisthedivineegotism."

TowarddawnSylviaslept,andwokeatsunrisefromdreamsthatwere

strangelysereneincontrastwiththetormentingfeversofthenight,tofindthatQueeniewasstillfastasleep.Thebeautyofherlyingthereinthislucidandgoldenmornwaslikethebeautyofaflowerthatbloomsatdaybreakinaremotegarden.ItwasabeautythatcaughtatSylvia'sheart,abeautythatcouldonlybeexpressedwithtearswhichweresilentasthedewandwhich,likethedew,sparkledinthedaybreakofthesoul.

"Itisthroughsuchtearsthatpeoplehaveseenthefairies,"shemurmured.

Sylviahalfraisedherselfinbed,and,leaninguponherelbow,shewatchedthesleepinggirlsointentlythatitseemedasifsomeof

herselfwaspassingawaytoQueenie.Thisstillandvirginalhourwasindeedtimetransmutedtothetimelessnessofdreams,inwhichabsolutelovelikeanoteofmusicrosequiveringuponitsownshedsweetnesstosuchanecstasyofsustainedemotionthatthebarestmemoryofitwouldsecurethewakefuloneforeveragainstdisillusionment.

"Callithungerorthedivinevision,theresultisthesame,"shemurmured."Iwasliftedoutofmyself,andItakeitthatisthewaymartyrsdiedfortheirfaith.Fromanoutsider'spointofviewImaybeonlyworthyofafoot-noteinamanualofpsychology;butI'onhoneydew



havefedanddrunkthemilkofParadise.'Anotherqueerthought:thefastingsaintandthedrunkensinnerbothachieveecstasybysubduingthebody,theonewithmortification,theotherwithindulgence.Thosewhomthegodslovedieyoung--theydrinktoodeepandtoooftenofhoneydewandbecomeintoxicatedevenuntodeath.Winemustservethemanwhowouldlivelong.PerhapsIamoneofthoselessrarespiritsthatdependtoomuchonpurelymaterialbeauty;yetevenindefenseofsolittleIcanact.Somenightingalesloveroses:therestofthemloveothernightingales.WhichdoIlove?Ah,whetherQueenieberoseornightingale,whatdoesitmatter?Nobodythatwouldnotstooptosaveawood-louseinhispathcanclaimtolove.AndIwillstoopaslowashelltosavethisrosebudthathasalreadybeengatheredandwiredandworninabuttonholeanddroppedbytheroadside,butsurelynotyettroddenunderfoot."

Queeniewokewithabadheadache,andSylviawentdown-stairstoseeifshecouldpersuadethewaitertoletherhavesomecoffee.Hewasgoingtorefuse,butwhensheaskedhimifhewouldtellM.Florilorthatavisitwouldbewelcomedthatafternoon,hismannerchanged,andpresentlyhecamebackfromaninterviewwiththeproprietortosaythathewouldservecoffeeatonce.Atthesametimehebroughtthebilloffareforlunch,andseemedanxiousthattheyshouldchoosesomespecialdelicacytofortifythemselvesagainsttheilleffectsofthedaybefore.Therewasnotalkofpayingforthemeal,andthebestwinewas

indicatedwiththatassumptionofsubservientgreedwhichiscommontoallgoodwaiters.

AfterlunchSylviatoldQueeniethatshewasgoingouttosendoffthedelayedtelegramtoBucharest,andleftherlyingdownwithherpictures.Thensheconsultedthewaiteraboutaroom.ThewaiteragreedthatitwouldbeinconvenienttoreceiveM.Florilorintheirown,andinformedherthatthebestroominthehotelwasready,addingthathehadorderedplentyofcakesandputflowersinthevases.

"I'llgotherenow,"Sylviaannounced."Whenhecomes,bringhimstraightup."

Thebrightnessoftheearlymorninghadbeendimmedbyawetmist,andtheroomallottedforthereceptionofM.Florilor,whichwasontheothersideofthehotel,lookedoutoverhousescoveredwithsoddencreepersanddownintogardensofdisheveledsunflowers;itwasaviewthatsuitedthemoodSylviawasin,andforalongtimeshestoodgazingoutofthewindow,tryingtodetectbeyondtheimmediatesurroundingsofthehotelsomedefinitionofalandscapeinthedistance.Inthelightofthemorningherresolutionhadnotpresenteditselfasmorbidlyasnow;thenithadappearedessentiallypoetic--ademonstrationreallyofthecreativepowerofthehumanwill;now,likethedejectedflowersinthegardensbelow,ithunglimpandcolorless.Sheturnedawayfromthewindowandsatdowninatightnewarmchair,thebackofwhichseemedtobeinclosedincorsets.Everythinginthisroomwasnew,and,likeall

hotelrooms,itdepressedonewiththatindeterminatebleaknesswhichisthepropertyofneverhavingbeentouchedbythewarmthofpersonality.Itwasbleakasanabandonedshellonthebeach,andstirredbynothingsavetheendofthetide'sebbandflow.Thewaiter'sattempttogiveitthesignificanceofhumanlifebycrammingbunchesofdahliasintoapairofflutedvasesonlyaddedtothedesolateeffect.ForwantofsomethingtodoSylviabegantoarrangetheflowerswithalittleconsiderationfortheirnativeugliness,asonetriestosmartenanuntidywomanwithabadfigure;butwhenshepouredsomewaterintoachinabowlandsawfloatinguponitssurfacetheendsofburned-out



matchesandcigarettes,shegaveupthetask.Theseburned-outrelicsoftransitoryoccupantsseemedtypicaloftheroom'seffectuponthepensiveobserver.Aconfusedprocessionofpersonalitiesmadeupitshistory,andasthesehadcastawaytheirburned-outcigarettesandmatches,sohadtheycastbehindthemtheroomwheretheyhadlodged,preservingnomemoryofitsexistenceandleavingbehindnotasingleemotiontovitalizethebleakimpersonalshelltheyhadthankfullyforsaken.

YetSylvia,waitinghereforthebeginningoftheheartlessdramathatwouldbewroughtofherheart'sbloodpulsingtoreinforceherwill,rejoicedinthissterilityofthesetting;ithelpedhertoachieveasimilareffectinherownattitude.Justasthisroomhadsucceededinpreservingitselffromanyimpressionofhavingeverbeenlivedinbyhumanbeings,soshe,whenthedramawasplayedthrough,shouldretainofitnotrace.Thatinitwhichwasreal--thelustofman--shouldbeleftbehind,anignominiousburned-outthinglessthanacigarettestumpatthebottomofachinabowl.

Thewaitercameinwithabasketofcakes,thecoldandsugaryformsofwhichwerenomorecapablethanthedahliasofimpartinglifetothemercifuldeadness.Andhowdeaditallwas!Thosered-plushcurtainseternallytiedbackinsymmetricalhideousness--theyhadneverlivedsincethetimewhensomestarvedandwitheredsoulhadsewnthose

pomponsalongtheiredgesoneafteranother,pomponsasnumerousandmonotonousasthedaysoftheirmaker.Indeed,therewasnotasinglepieceoffurniture,notanornamentnoradrapery,thatwasnotstampedwiththehatredofitsmaker.Therewasnotraceofthecraftsman'sjoyinhishandiworkeitherinthreadortileorknob.Therewasnothingexcepttheinsolenceofprofitandthedrearylaborofslaves.Yetaworldstifledbysuchuglinesstalkedwithdistastefulsurpriseofmenwhoprofitedbywar.Withtheexploitationoftheherdandthesacrificeoftheindividualthatwascalledcivilizationwhatelsecouldbeexpected?Nowadaysevenman'slusthadtobeguaranteedpureandunadulteratedlikehisbeer.Betterthatthewholehumanraceshouldrotondunghillswiththediseasestheymeritedthanthattheyshouldprofitfromanaddedshameimposeduponthemeanestandmostmiserable

tinker'sdrab.Peoplewereshockedatmakingahundredpercent.uponashelltoblowaGermantopieces;buttheyregardedwithequanimitythesameprofitattheexpenseofachild'sfuture.Whereveronelooked,therewasnothingbutmaterialcomfortsetasthehighestaimoflifeatthecostofbeauty,religion,love,childhood,womanhood,virtue--everything.Thentwoherdsmetinopposition,andtherewaswar;theresulthadmadeeverybodyuncomfortable,andeverybodyhaddeclaredtheremustneveragainbewar.Butsolongastheindividualsubmittedtotheherd,warwouldgoon;andthemostefficientherdwiththegreatestwillforwarwouldsucceedbecauseitwouldbeabletooffergreatercomfortatthetimeandhigherprofitsafterward.Yettheindividualhadnearlyalwaysmuchthatwasadmirable;themostsordidprofiteerpossessedamarvelousenergyandperceptionthatmightbe

turnedtogood,ifhecouldbutrealizethatvirtueisthetrueegotismandthatviceisonlyadistortedaltruism.

"I'vealwayshatedantsandloathedbees,"Sylviacried."Andincertainaspectsthehumanracemakesoneshudderwiththatsenseofco-operativeeffortrunningoveronewhichIbelieveiscalledformication."

ThewaitercameintoannounceM.Florilor'sarrival.

"NowwegettheindividualathisworstjustwhenI'vebeenbackinghim



againsttheherd.Thisisformicationspelledwithan'n.'"

StefanFlorilorresembledafigureinapicturebyGuidoReni.Asuperficialglancewouldhaveestablishedhimasasingularlyhandsome,well-built,robust,andattractiveyoungman;acloserregardshowedthathisgoodlooksowedtoomuchtosoftandfemininecontours,thattherobustnessofhisframewasonlytheoutwardformofstrengthwithallthecurvesbutnothingofthehardnessofmuscle,andthathiseyesflashednotasthemirrorsofaninwardfire,butwithliquidgleamsofsensuousimpressionscaughtfromoutside.HereallywasextremelylikeoneofGuidoReni'striumphantandladylikearchangels.

TheytalkedinFrench,alanguagethatFlorilorspokewithoutdistinction,butwithapothousefluency--nodoubtmuchasoneofGuidoReni'sarchangelsmighthavepickeditupfromoneofGuidoReni'sdevils.

"Whatafatallyseductivelanguageitis!"Sylviaexclaimedatlast,whenshehadcomplimentedhimasheevidentlyexpectedtobecomplimenteduponhisease."WheneverIhearatea-tableconversationinFrenchIsuspecteveryoneofbeingapoetoraphilosopher:wheneverIreadaFrenchpoetIwanttoaskhimifhelikeshisteastrongorweak."

"YourfriendisEnglishalso?"Florilorinquired.Hetookadvantageoftheethnicalturnintheconversationtoexpresshisowninterestinaproblemofnationality.

"Yes,sheisEnglish."

"Andnodoubtshewillbecomingdownsoon?"

"She'snotcomingdown.Shehasaheadache."

"Butperhapsshewillbewellenoughtodinethiseveningwithme?"

"No,Idon'tthinkshewillbewellenough,"saidSylvia.

Theyoungman'sfacecloudedwiththedisappointment;hisfeaturesseemedtothicken,somuchdidtheirfinenessowetothevitalityofsensualanticipation.

"Perhapsto-morrow,then?"

"No,Idon'tthinkshewilleverbewellenough,"Sylviacontinued.Thenabruptlysheputherwilltothejumpandcleareditbreathlessly."You'llhavetomakethebestofmeasasubstitute."

Afterwardwhentherealitythatstoodatthebackofthisscenehaddied

awaySylviausedtolaughattheremembranceofthealarminFlorilor'sexpressionwhenshemadethisannouncement.Shemusthavemadeitinawaysoutterlydifferentfromanysolicitationthathehadeverknown.Atthemomentshewasabsurdlypositivethatshehadofferedherselftohimwithasmuchfreedomandasmuchallurementashisexperiencewasabletoconjectureinawoman.When,therefore,heshowedbyhistemperthathehadnowishtoaccepttheoffer,itneverstruckherthat,evenhadhefelttheleastdesire,hermannerofencouragementwouldhavefrozenit.Asecondaryemotionwasoneofswiftprideinthedetachmentofherposition,whichwasbroughthometoherbythecompleteabsence



ofanychagrin--suchasalmosteverywomanwouldhavefelt--attheobviousdismaycausedbyherproposaltosubstituteherselfforherfriend.

"I'mafraidImustgo.I'mbusy,"hemuttered.

"Butyouhaven'thadanycake,"Sylviaprotested.

"_Vousvousfichezdemoi_,"hegrowled."_Vousm'avezposéunsalelapin._"

Helookedlikeagreedyboy,aplumpspoiledchildthathasbeendeprivedofapromisedtreat.

"Whatdidshecomeherefor,"hedemanded,"ifshe'snotpreparedtobehavelikeanyothergirl?Youcantellherfrommethatfinergirls--girlsinParis--havebeengladenoughtobefriendswithme."

"Capriceandmysteryaretheprerogativesofwoman,"Sylviasaid.

"I'mgladshecanaffordtobecapriciouswhenshehasnotenoughmoneytopayforherfood."

"I'mnotgoingtoarguewithyouaboutyourbehavior,thoughIcouldsay

agooddealaboutit.AtpresentIcan'tbeasrudeasIshouldlike.Yousee,you'vejustpaidmethecomplimentofdecliningtoaccepttheofferofmyself.ThefactthateitherIamsufficientlyinhumanorthatyouaretoobestialforthenotionofanyintercoursebetweenusleavesmewitharealhopeinmyheartthatthereisadifferencebetweenyouandme.You'venoideaoftheloweringeffect,naymore,oftheabsolutedespairitwouldcastovermyviewoflife,hadItoregardyouasbelongingtothesamenaturalorderasmyself.Itwouldinvolvebeliefintheuniversaldepravityofman."

"_Ah,vousm'emmerdez!_"heshouted,asheranfromtheroom.SylviacriedafterhimtorememberthefateoftheGadareneshrineandtoavoidgoingdown-stairstoofast.Thentoherselfsheadded:

"Ecstasiesanddreamsofself-abnegation!Whataretheybesidethepleasureofconflictfacetoface?Thepleasurewouldhavebeenkeener,though,ifIcouldhavehurthimphysically."

InthefirstelationofescapingfromthefulfilmentofherintentionSylviaoverlookedalltheconsequencesinvolvedinFlorilor'swithdrawal.Sooninthestillnessshedbythisbleakroom,inthesightofthefrozencakesuponthetable,inthecreepingobscurityoftheafternoon,shewasmoresharplyawarethanbeforeofthefuture,awareofitnotasavagueandfaintlydisturbinghorizontoofarawaystilltoaffectanythingexcepthermoodsofdepression,butastheimmediatefutureintheshapeofachasmatherfeet,afuturesoimpassablethat

shecouldscarcelythinkofitinothertermsthanthoseofspace.Ithadpositivelylostthenebulousoutlinesoftimeandacquiredintheirsteadthesharpmaterialismofhostilespace.Thefuture!CalculationsofhowtobridgeorleapthisgapwentwhirlingthroughSylvia'sbrain,calculationsthatevenincludedprojectsoffantasticviolence,butneveronethatenvisagedthesurrenderofasinglescrupleaboutQueenie.Theresolveshehadmadethatmorning,howeveritspracticaleffectseemedtohavebeennullifiedbyFlorilor'srejectionofhersacrifice,hadwoveneachseparatestrandofherthoughtandemotionsotightlyroundthesteelwireofherwillthatnothingcouldhavesnapped



theresult.Therewasnotaboneinherbody,notanervenoracorpuscle,thatdidnotthrilltothecommandofherwillandwaituponitsfreshintentionwithaloyaltythatmustendowitwithaninvincibletenacityofpurpose.

ThesenseofanomnipotentforceexistinginherselfwassostrongthatwhenSylviasawagoldenten-francpiecelyingintheverymiddleofthefiddle-backedarmchaironwhichFlorilorhadbeensitting,shehadforamomenttheillusionofhavingcreatedthecoinoutofairbythealchemyofherownwill.

"Manymiracleshavedeservedthenamelessthanthis,"shemurmured,pickingupthepieceofgold.Forthesecondtimeinherlifeshewasabletoenjoythesensationofillimitablewealth;byacuriouscoincidencethesumhadbeenthesameonbothoccasions.Shepreenedhernailalongthefigurededge,takingdelightinthefaintluxuriousvibration.

"MisersmaygetveryneartoParadisebyfingeringtheirgold,"shethought."ButthefingeringofgoldpreparatorytospendingitisParadiseindeed."

ShewentbacktoQueenie,claspingthecoinsotightlythatevenwhenshehadputitinherpurseitstillseemedtoberestinginherpalm.

"Willyoubeleavingmehere?"Queenieexclaimed,indismay,whensheheardofSylvia'splanforgoingtoBucharestto-morrowmorningandinterviewingPhilip.

"There'snotenoughmoneytotakeusboththere,butIshallcomebackto-morrowevening;andthenwe'llflauntourwealthinthefacesofthesebruteshere."

"ButIshallbesohungryto-morrow,"Queeniecomplained.

"FoolthatIam,"Sylviacried."Thecakes!"

Sherushedawayandreachedtheotherroomamomentbeforethewaiterarrivedwithhistray.

"Thesecakesbelongtome,"sheproclaimed,snatchingupthechinabasketandhuggingittoherbreast.

Thewaiterprotestedthattheyhadnotbeenpaidfor;butsheswepthimandhisremonstrancesaside,andpassedouttriumphantlyintothecorridor,wheretheproprietorofthehotel,ashort,greasyman,begantoabuseherforthewayshehadtreatedFlorilor.

"_Va-t-en_,"shesaid,scornfully.

"_Quoi?Quoiditez?Moibâton?Non!Vousbâton!Comprenez?_"

HewasinsucharageattheideaofSylvia'sthreateninghimwithastick,whichwasthewayheunderstoodherFrench,thathebegantodribble;allhiswordsweredrownedinafoamofsaliva,andtheonlywayhecouldexpresshisopinionofherbehaviorwasbyrapidexpectoration.AgainSylviatriedtopasshiminthenarrowcorridor,instinctivelyholdingupthecakesbeyondhisreach.Theproprietorevidentlythoughtshewasgoingtobringdownthebasketuponhishead,andinanaccessoffearandfuryhemanagedtoknockitoutofher



hands.

"Thosecakesaremine,"Sylviareallyscreamed.Shefeltlikeacatdefendingherkittenswhensheplungeddownuponthefloortopickthemup.Theproprietorjumpedrightoverher,stampinguponthecakesandthepiecesofbrokenchinaandgrindingthemunderfootintothecarpetuntilitlookedlikeapavementofbrokenmosaics.Sylviacompletelylosthertemperatthesightofthedestructionofherdinner;andwhentheproprietortroduponherhandinthecourseofhisviolenceshepickedupthebrokenhandleofthebasketandjabbedhisinstep,whichmadehimyellsoloudlythatallthehiddenpopulationofthekitchenscameoutlikedisturbedanimals,holdingintheirhandstheimplementsofthetasksuponwhichtheyhadbeenengaged.

"_Vouspayez!Vouspayeztout!Oui,oui,vouspayez_!"theproprietorshouted.

Theintensityofhisangermadehisveinsswellandhisnosebleed,and,notbeingabletofindahandkerchief,hebegantobellowfortheattentionsofhisstaff.Thisseemedanappropriatemomentforthewaitertogethimselfbackintohismaster'sgoodgraces,andwithatowelinonehandandachamber-potintheotherhecamerunningoutoftheroomwherehehadbeenhiding.AtthesightofmorechinatheproprietorutteredastupendousRumanianoathandkickedthepotoutof

thewaiter'shandwithsuchforcethatapieceofitflewupandcuthischeek.Sylvialeftamomentarilyincreasingconcourseofservantschatteringroundtheirmasterandtheman,eachofwhomwasstanchingbloodwithhisownendofthetoweltheyheldbetweenthem:theywereallshovelingasidebitsofchinawhiletheytalked,sothattheyseemedlikenoisyhensscratchinginagarden.

Queeniewasstandingwithbig,frightenedeyeswhenSylviagotbacktotheirroom.

"Whateverwashappening?"

"Anargumentoverourdinner,"Sylvialaughed.

Thensuddenlyshebegantocry,becauseatsuchamomentthelossofthecakeswastrulyadisasterandthethoughtofQueeniealonewithoutfoodwaitinghereforhertoreturnfromBucharestwastoomuchafterthestrainoftheafternoon.ShecaughtthechildtoherheartandtoldthestoryofwhathadhappenedwithFlorilor.

"Nowdoyouunderstand?"sheasked,fiercely."NowdoyouunderstandhowmuchIwantyounever--butnever,neveragain--evensomuchastothinkofthepossibilityofsellingyourselftoaman?Youmustalwaysremember,whenthetemptationcomes,whatIwasreadytodoforyoutopreventsuchahorror.YoumustalwaysbelievethatIamyourfriendandthatifthewargoesonfortwentyyearsIwillneverleaveyou.You

_shall_comebacktoEnglandwithme.WiththemoneythatI'mgoingtoborrowinBucharestwe'llgetasfarasGreece,anyway.Butwhateverhappens,Iwillneverleaveyou,child,becauseIbearonmyheartthestigmataofwhatIwasreadytodoforyou."

"Iwasnotunderstandingmuchofwhatyouaretalking,"Queeniesighed.

"Thereisonlyonethingtounderstand--thatIloveyou.Youseethisgoldenbag?Themanwhogaveittomeleftinsideitapartofhissoul;andifhehasbeenkilled,ifheislyingatthismomentadreadfuland



disfiguredcorpse,whatdoesitmatter?Helivesforeverwithmehere.Hewalksbesidemealways,becauseheobeyedtheinstinctofpurelove.ForyouIwasreadytodoanactiontoaccountforwhich,whenIsearchdeepdownintomyself,Icanfindnomotivebutlove.Youmustrememberthatandletthememoryofthatwalkbesideyoualways.Letmegoontalkingtoyou.YouneednotunderstandanythingexceptthatIloveyouandthatImustnotloseyou.Ishallbethinkingofyouto-morrowwhenI'minBucharest,andIshalleatnothingallday,becauseIcouldnoteatwhileyouarewaitingherehungry.Itwon'tbeforlong.Ishallbebackto-morrownightwithmoney.Youdon'tmindmyleavingyou?Andpromiseme,promisemethatyouwon'tunlockyourdoorforamoment.Don'tletthathorribleyouthhavehiswaywhenI'mgoneforthesakeofalunch.Youwon't,willyou?Promiseme,promiseme."

"OfcourseIwouldneverdoanythingwithhim,"Queeniesaid.

Sylviahelduptheten-francpiece.

"Isn'titawonderfullittlecoin?"shelaughed."Itwilltakeussofarfromhere.OncewhenIwasaverysmallgirlIfoundjustsuchanother."

"Youwerebeingasmallgirllongago,"Queenieexclaimed."Fancy!Iwasalwaysforgettingthatanybodyelseexceptmewaseverbeingsmall."

"Whatalonelyworldshelivesin,"Sylviathought."Sheisconsciousofnothingbutherself,whichiswhatmakesherdesiretobeEnglishsuchatragedy,becausesheisfeelingallthetimethatshehasnorealexistence.Sheislikeaghosthauntingtheearthwithincommunicabledesires."

SylviapassedawaythesupperlesseveningforQueeniebytellingherstoriesaboutherownchildhood,tryingtoinstilintohersomeapprehensionofthecontinuityofexistence,tryingtopopulatethegreatvoidsstretchingbetweenherthoughtsthatsoterrifiedherwiththeideaofbeinglost.Queeniereallyhadnoconceptionofherownactuality,sothatattimesshebecamepositivelyadoll,dependentupontheimaginationofanotherforherverylife.Inthepresentstageof

herdevelopmentshemightbetheplaythingofmenwithoutsuffering;butSylviawasafraidthatifsheagainexposedhertotheliabilitybydesertingheratthispoint,Queeniemightonedaysuddenlywakeuptoasenseofidentityandfindherselfatthemomentinabrothel.Peoplealwaysurgedindefenseofcagingbirdsthatiftheywerecagedfromthenesttheydidnotsuffer.Yetitwashardtoimagineanythingmorelamentablethanthecelestialdreamsofalarkthatneverhadflown.SylviaknewthatatleastshehadbeenabletoframeclearlythefearshehadforQueenie;itlentnewstrengthtoherpurpose.Thehorrorofthebrothelhadbecomeanobsessioneversinceearlierintheyearshehadpassedbyavastandgloomybuildingwhichseemedaprison,butwhichshehadbeentoldwastherecognizedpleasure-houseofsoldiers.Inthisbuildingbehindhighwallsweretwohundredwomen,mostofwhom

inaCatholiccountrywouldhavebeencherishedaspenitentsbynuns.Insteadofthattheyweredoomedtoexpiatetheirfirstfaultbyservingthestateandslakingthelustofsoldiersattherateofafrancorafrancandahalf.Thesewomenwerefedbythestate;theywereexamineddailybystatedoctors;everybodyagreedthatsuchforethoughtbythestatewaslaudable.Peoplewhoprotestedagainstsuchadebasementofwomanhoodwereregardedassentimentalists:sowerepeoplewhobelievedinhell.

"ThisPrometheanmoralitythatenchainstheworldandsetsits



bureaucraticeagletognawthevitalsofhumanity,"Sylviacried."PrometheushimselfwassurelyonlyanotherpersonificationofSatan,andthisishisinfernalrevengeforwhathesufferedintheCaucasus.Thefutureoftherace!OrismypointofviewdistortedandamIwronginmockingatthefutureofthemajority?No,no,itcannotberighttosecurethemanybydebasingthefew.AmIbeingPrometheanmyselfintryingtokeepholdofyou,Queenie?YoucamebackintomylifeatsuchamomentthatIfeelasifyouwereapartofmyself.YetIcan'thelpdiviningthatthere'saweaknessinmylogicsomewhere."

ThenextmorningSylviawenttoBucharest.ShedidnotrememberuntilshewasinthetrainthatitwasSunday;butthepassport-officewasopenandMr.Matherswasatworkasusual.SheaskedifMr.Iredalewastoobusytoseeher.

"Mr.Iredale?"theclerkrepeated."I'msorrytosaythatMr.Iredale'sdead."

Sylviastaredathim;foramomentthewordshadnomoremeaningthanaconventionalexcusetounwelcomevisitors.

"Buthowcanhebedead?"sheexclaimed.

"I'msorrytosaythathediedverysuddenly.Infact,hewastakenill

almostimmediatelyafteryouwereherelast.Itwasastroke.Heneverrecoveredconsciousness.Mr.Abernethyisinchargetemporarily.Ifyou'reanxiousaboutyourvisa,I'msureMr.Abernethywilldoeverythinginhispower--subject,ofcourse,totheregulations.Oh,certainly,yes,everythinginhispower."

Mr.Matherstriedbythetoneofhisvoicetoconveythat,thoughhislatechiefwasdead,hecouldnotforgetthelengthoftheinterviewhehadgrantedtoSylviaandthatthepresentrulersoftheofficewouldpayatributetothedeadbytreatingherwithequalcondescension.

"No,IwantedtoseeMr.Iredaleprivately."

Theclerksighedhissympathywithherpositioninfaceoftheunattainable.

"PerhapsIshallbewantingavisapresently,"sheadded.

Theclerkbrightened.Sylviafanciedthatintheremoteandhappydaysbeforethewarhemusthavehadexperienceofthecounter.HehadofferedhertheprospectofobtainingavisainsteadofseeingPhilipagainmuchasashopassistantmightofferoneshadeofribbonintheplaceofanothernolongerinstock.

Sylvialeftthepassport-officeand,withoutpayinganyheedinwhatdirectionshewalked,shecametotheCimisgiuGardensandsatdownupon

aseatbesidetheornamentallake.Itwasahotmorning,andtherewasenoughmistintheatmospheretoblurtheoutlinesofmaterialobjectsandtosetuponthebuildingsofthecityacharmofdistancethatwasasnearasBucharesteverapproximatedtothemellowingoftime.Theshockofthenewsthatshehadjustheard,comingontopofthefatiguecausedbyherjourneywithoutevenacupofcoffeetosustainherbody,blurredtheoutlinesofhermentalattitudeandmadehergladofthefaintinglandscapethataccordedwithhermoodanddidnotjaruponherwiththeturmoilofaworldinsistently,almostwantonlyalive.



SoPhilipwasdead.Sylviatriedtoimaginehowthenewsofhisdeathwouldhaveaffectedher,ifhehadnotlatelyre-enteredherlife.PoorPhilip!Deathouthereseemedtocrownthepathosofhisposition,andshewishedthatshehadnotpartedfromhimsoabruptly,thatshehadnottriedsohardtomakehimawareofhisincongruityinBucharest,andnow,mostofall,thatshehadlethimtalk,ashehadwantedtotalk,abouttheirlifetogether.Ifshehadonlyknownthathewasneartodeathsheshouldhavetoldhimofhergratitudeformuchthathehaddoneforher;hadhelivedtoheartherequestthatshehadbeengoingtomakehimthismorning,shewassurethathewouldhavetakenpleasureinhisabilitytobeofuseoncemore.ShehadbeenwrongtoblamehimforhisattitudetowardQueenie.Afterall,hisexperimentwithherselfhadnotencouragedhimtomakeotherexperimentsinthedirectionofobeyingimpulsesthattookhimoffthelineshehadlaiddownforhisprogressthroughlife.ShewasreallythelastpersonwhoshouldhaveaskedhimtoforgoanotherconventioninfavorofagirllikeQueenie.HowhadhebeenpaidformarryingachildwhomhehadmetcasuallyinaLondoncemetery?Veryill,hemightconsider.PoorPhilip!Earlynextmonthitwouldbethefifteenthanniversaryoftheirmarriage.Hehadneverknownhowtomanageher;yethowpreposterousitshouldhavebeentoexpectanythingelse.ThemoreSylviameditatedupontheirmarriagethemoreshefeltinclinedtoblameherselfforitscollapse;andinherpresentstateofweaknessthethoughtthatitwasnowforevertoolatetotellPhiliphowsorryshewasfrettedherwiththepoignancyof

missedopportunity.Beneaththatweightofpedagogicashestherehadalwaysbeentheglowofhumanity;ifonlyshecouldhavefannedittoaflamebeforesheleftBucharestbygivinghimthechanceoffeelingthathewashelpingher!Yetshehadregardedthefavorshewasabouttoaskassuchahumiliationthatalmostshehadbeeninclinedtoputitonthesamelevelofself-sacrificeastheofferofherselftothatRumanianyouth.Nowthatshehadfailedwithbothherself-imposedresolves,howeasyitwastoseethedifferenceintheirdegree!HerappealtoPhilipwouldhavebeenthejustpaymentsheowedhimforthatlettershewrotewhensheranaway;itwouldhavewashedoutthatcallowpieceofcruelty.ButPhilipwasdead,andtherelationbetweenthemmustremaineternallyunadjusted.

Inmeditatinguponhermarriedlifeandinconjuringscenesthathadlongbeentossedasideintothelumber-roomofimagination,Sylvia'sspiritwanderedagaininthegreenEnglishcountryandforgotitsexile.Thewarmthandmysteryoftheautumnalairdrowsedallurgencywithdreamsofthepast;foraminuteortwosheactuallyslept.Shewassoondisturbedbythevoicesofpassingchildren,andshewokeupwithashivertotheimperativeandtormentingfactsofthepresent--tothecompletelackofmoney,tothethoughtofQueeniewaitinghungryinAvereshti,andtoRumaniacloudingwiththefogofwar.

"WhatonearthamIgoingtodo?"shemurmured."Imustsellmybag."

Thedecisionseemedtobemadefromwithout;itwaslikethevoiceofa

wraiththathadlongbeenwaitingincapableofspeech,andinvoluntarilysheturnedroundasifshecouldcatchthespiritintheactofinterferingwithheraffairs.

"WereIanaturalliar,IshouldvowitwasaghostandframetheepisodeofPhilip'sdeathwithasupernaturaldecoration.Howmanypeoplewhohavepenetratedtotheultimateconfinesofthemselveshavepreferredtoperceivethesupernaturalandindoingsodestroyedthewholevalueoftheirdiscovery!Yetlyingisthefirstqualificationofeveryexplorer."



Butsettingasideconsiderationsofthesubconsciousself,Sylviawasforawhilehorrifiedatthedamnableclaritywithwhichhercourseofactionpresenteditself.Therewasnopossibleargumentagainstsellingthebag,andyettosellitwoulddemandagreatersacrificethanborrowingmoneyfromPhiliporsellingherselftoFlorilor.Thefactthatduringallthistimeofstraintheideahadneversuggesteditselfbeforeshowedtowhatdepthsofherbeingithadbeennecessarytopiercebeforeshecouldcontemplatetheaction.Herfeelingforthebagfartranscendedanythinginthenatureofsentiment;withoutblasphemyshecouldaffirmthatshewouldassoonhaveattributedhersenseofGodinthesacrificeoftheMasstosentiment.Butwithoutincurringanimputationofidolatrybysuchacomparisonshecouldatleastawardthebagasmuchvalueasdevoutwomenawardedawedding-ring;forthisgoldenbagpositivelywastheoutwardsignthatshehadaffirmedherbeliefinhumanlove.Inwhatevertiradesshemightindulgeagainstthenaturaldepravityofmanwhenconfrontedbytheevidenceofitsorepeatedlyaslatelyshehadbeen,thisbagwasacontinualreminderofhispotentialnobility.Certainlyacriticofherextravagantreverencemighturgethatthevalueofthebagwascreatedbythemanwhogaveit,andthatanytransferenceofsuchanemotiontoanaturalobjectwasnothingbutasurrendertosentimentwhichinvolvedherinthecommonfaultofseekingtoexpresstheeternalintermsofthetemporal.Butcertainactsofworshiplayoutsidethedestructivelogicofanunmoved

critic;thecircumstancesinwhichthegifthadbeenmadewereexceptionalandherattitudetowarditmustremainequallyexceptional.Andnowitmustgo;itstalismanicandsacramentalpowermustrestunappreciatedinthehandsofanother.Yetinsellingthebagwasshenotgivingfinalandpracticalexpressiontotheimpulseofthedonor?Hehadtoldher,whenshehadprotestedagainsthisgenerosity,thatbeforehewaslostinthewarhismoneywouldbebetterspentingivingsomeonesomethingthatwasdesiredthaningamblingitallaway.EquallynowwouldhenotsaytoherthatthemoneywerebetterspentinhelpingaQueeniethaninservingasasymbolratherthanasaninstrumentoflove?OrwastheintrusionofQueenieintothisintimacyofpersonalcommunionakindofsacrilege?Thesoldierhadneverintendedthebagtoacquireanyredemptivesignification;hehadmerely

chosenSylviabychanceasthevehicleofoneofthoseactsofsacredegotismwhichilluminatethedivinepurpose.Itwasnottobesupposedthatthewomanwiththecruseofointmentwasactuatedbyanythingexceptself-expression,whichwaspreciselywhatgaveherimpulsevalueasanactofworship.ThecommonplaceandutilitarianpointofviewonthatoccasionwasperfectlyexpressedbyJudas.

"AndmyownpointofviewaboutQueenieisnotintheleastaltruistic.IwanttogivehersomethingofwhichIhavemorethanmyfairshare.Iamburdenedwithanoverflowingsenseofexistence.IhaveattachedQueenietomyselfandassumedaresponsibilityforherinexactlythesamewayasifIhadbroughtachildintotheworld.Thereisnofalseredemptionismaboutthemother'srelationtoherchild:thereismerely

apassiontobequeathtothechildthesumofherownexperience.MyfeelingaboutQueeniepartakesofthepassionateguardianshipwithwhichaloosewomansooftenshieldsherchild.CertainlyImustsellthebag.Whoknowswhatchainofgoodmaynotweaveitselffromthatsoldier'saction?Tomehegaveanimperishablestoreofloveattheverymomentwhenwithouttheassuranceoflovemyfaithmusthavewithered.I,inturn,giveallthatIcangivetobalanceQueenie'slifeinthewayIthinkitshouldbebalanced.Thenextpurchaserofthebagmay,Ishouldliketothinkwithoutsuperstition,inheritwithitasacramentaloflovethatwillcarryontheinfluence.Andtheonewho



firstgaveittome?Thatalmond-eyedsoldiersweptlikeagrainofchaffbeforethewinnowing-fanofwar?Atthisverymomentperhapsthebullethasstruckhim.Hehasfallen.Hiscompanypressesforwardorispressedback.Hewilllierottingfordaysbetweenearthandsky,andwhenatlasttheycometoburyhimtheywilllaughatthepoorscarecrowthatwasaman.Theywillspeculateneitherwhencehecamenorwhomayweepforhim;buthisrewardwillbeinhishandiwork,forhewillhaveshownlovetoawomanandhewillhavediedforhiscountry;suchmen,likestars,maylightaverylittleoftheworld'sdarkness,buttheyproclaimthemysteriesofGod."

Withallherconvictionthatshewasrightinsellingthebag,itwaswithaheavyheartthatSylvialefttheCimisgiuGardenstoseekajeweler'sshop;whenshefoundthatalltheshopswereshutexceptthoseopenfortheincidentalamusementsoftheSundayholiday,shenearlyabandonedinrelieftheideaofsellingthebaginordertogobacktoAvereshtiandtrusttofateforawayoutofherdifficulties.Onreflection,however,sheadmittedthelevityofsuchbehavior,ifshewishedtoregardherstruggleasworthanythingatall,andshesharplybroughtherselfbacktothegravityofthepositionbyremindingherselfthatitwasshewhohadlostthefivehundredfrancs,apieceofcarelessnessthatwastheoccasion,ifnotthecause,ofwhathadhappenedafterward.Ifanythingwastobelefttohazard,itmustbeQueenieto-nightaloneinthathotel;besides,iffurtherargumentwere

necessary,therewasnotenoughchangefromthetenfrancstogetback.SylviahadpromisedQueeniethatshewouldnoteatuntilshesawheragain,butshehadnotcountedupontheeffectofthislongday,tobefollowedbyanotherlongdayto-morrow.Howmuchmoneyhadshe?Threefrancstwenty-five.Oh,shemusteat;andshemustalsosendatelegramtoQueenie!Otherwisethechildmightdoanything.Butshe_must_eat;andsuddenlyshefoundherselfsittingatatableoutsideacafé,withawaiterstandingbyontiptoeforhercommands.Thecoffeetastedincrediblydelicious,butthemomentshehadfinisheditshewasovercomebyasensationofnauseaandpiercedbyremorseforherweaknessingivingway.Sheleftthecaféandwenttothepost-office,whereshespentallthatwasleftofhermoneyinalongtelegramofexhortationandencouragementtoQueenie.

Theproblemofhowtopasstherestofthedayweigheduponher.ShedidnotwanttomeetanyofthegirlsattheTrianon;shedidnotwanttomeetanybodysheknewuntilshecouldmeethimwithmoneyinherpocket.To-nightshewouldstayattheiroldhotelinBucharest;shewouldsaythatshehadmissedthetrainbacktoAvereshti,iftheywonderedattheabsenceofluggage.Oh,butwhatdiditmatteriftheydidwonder?ItwashersensitivenesstosuchtriflesasthesethatbroughthometoSylviahowmuchthestrainofthelastweekhadtolduponher.Walkingaimlesslyalong,shefoundherselfnearthelittlemissionchurchandturnedasidetoenterit.Atsuchanearlyhouroftheafternoonthechurchwasempty,andtheincenseofthemorningMasswasstillpungent.Therewasthesamesortofatmospherethatexistsinatheaterbetweena

matinéeandaneveningperformance;theemotionofthedepartedworshiperswasmingledwiththeexpectationofmoreworshiperstocome.Sylviasatcontemplatingtheimagesandwonderingabouttheappealtheycouldmake.ShetriedtoputherselfinthepositionofthehumbleandfaithfulsoulthatcouldderiveconsolationandhelpfromprayingbeforethattawdryimageoftheSacredHeart.ShewishedthatshecouldbegiventhementalityofapoorItaliangirlwhosesenseofawewassoeasilysatisfiedandwhocouldbeholdthoseflamesofcheapgoldpaintaroundtheHeartburningliketheeyesofSeraphim.



"Yet,afterall,"shethought,"arewesuperiorpeople,whosupposethatsuchrepresentationshurtthemajestyofGod,anynearertoHimwithourequallypretentioustheoriesofHismanifestation?Whatintheultimatesumofthisworld'shistory,whentheworlditselfhangsintheskylikeapoorburned-outmoon,willmarkthedifferencebetweenthegreatphilosopherwithhiswordsandthemostdegradedsavagewithhisidols?AndamIwithmyperceptionofGod'sloveinagoldenbaglesshopelesslymaterialthanthepoorItaliangirlwhobowsbeforethatpaintedheart?"

TheinfluenceofthechurchbegantopenetrateSylvia'smindwithatranquilizingassuranceofcontinuity,orratherwiththeassuranceofsilentanduniversalforcesundisturbedbywar.Thesenseoftheindividual'sextinctioninthestrifeofherdwithherdhadbeenboundtoaffectherverydeeply,coming,asitdid,atatimewhenshehadonceagainchallengedlifeasanindividualbyrefusinganyco-operationwiththepast.

"Theworstoffeelingregenerated,"shethought,"isthatsuchanemotionorconditionofmindimpliesthedestructionofallformerexperience.Ofcourse,formerexperiencemuststillproduceitseffectunconsciously;butoneistoosensibleoftryingtobringthepastintopositivelythesamepurifiedstateasthepresent.WhenIwasthinkingaboutPhilipthismorningandrelivingbygonemoments,Iwasallthe

timeapplyingtothemstandardswhichIhaveonlypossessedforaboutayear.CertainlyIperceivethatwhatIcallmyregenerationmustbethefruitofpastexperience--otherwisethedescriptionwouldbemeaningless--butitisthefruitofindividualexperienceripeningattheverymomentwhenindividualexperiencecountsforlessthanithasevercountedsincethebeginningoftheworld.HadIalwaysbeenasocialandpoliticalanimaltheideaofthewarwouldnothavepreyedonmymindasitdoes;Ishouldhavebeeneducateduptothepointofexpectingit.IrememberwhenIwasfirsttoldinthePetrogradhospitalthatawarhadbrokenout,whatatriflingimpressionthenewsmadecomparedwithmyowndiscoveryofthechangeinmyself.GraduallyduringthispastyearIhavefoundateveryturnmynewprogressbarredbythewar.Myindividualeffortsperpetuallyshrinkintoinsignificancebefore

thewar,andIambeginningtoperceive,unlessIcaninsomewayfallintostepwiththerestofmankind,thatwhatIconsideredprogressisreallytheretreatofmypersonalityalongadisusedbypathwhereIamexpendingmyenergyincuttingawaybriersthatwerebetterleftalone,atanyrate,atsuchamomentinhistory.Certainlyoneoftheeffectsofanorderedreligionistorestoretheindividualtothebroadpathsalongwhichmankindismarching.Anorderedreligionisequallyopposedeithertoshortcutsortocul-de-sacs,ortowhatbytheirimpenetrabilitytotheindividualareequivalenttocul-de-sacs.MyfirstinstinctaboutQueeniewascertainlyrightwhenIwasanxioustointrusthertoreligionratherthantorelyuponmypersonalinfluence.IthinkImusthavelackedconvictioninthewayIapproachedthesubject.Imusthavebeentimidandself-conscious;andtheskeptical

sideofmethathasjustbeenwonderingabouttheappealofthatimageoftheSacredHeartmayhavedefeatedmypurposewithoutmynoticingitsintrusion.Iwasallthetimelikeagrown-uppersonwhoplayswithchildreninordertogetpleasurefromtheirenjoymentratherthanfromhisown.

"Yes,sittinghereinthistawdrylittlechurch,Iambeginningtomakeafewdiscoveries.ImustpositivelylosetheslightestconsciousnessofbeingsuperiortoQueenieinanywaywhatsoever.Equally,Imustgetovertheslightestconsciousnessofbeingsuperiortoanyofthe



worshipersinthischurch.ImustgetoverthehabitofbeinginjuredbythemonstrousnessofthiswaruntilIhavebeenpersonallyinjuredbyitinthecourseofsharingitswoeswiththerestofmankind.Ihavegottofindanindividualismthatwhileitabatesnothingofitsunwillingnesstobeinjuredbythestateissimultaneouslyalwayscarefulinitsturnnevertoinjureorimpedethestate,whichfromtheindividual'spointofviewmustberegardednotasastate,butasanotherindividual.Presumablythechieffunctionofanorderedreligionisbyactingthroughtheindividualtoapplythesumofmankind'sfaith,hope,andloveundertheguidanceoftheHolyGhosttothefulfilmentofthedivinepurpose.Insuchawaytheself-perfectionoftheindividualwillcreatetheself-perfectionofthestate,and,oh,whatalongtimeitwilltake!Godisagreatconservative;yetwhenHewasincarnateHewasagreatradical.IwonderifIhadeverhadareallogicaltraining,orindeedanyformaleducationatall,whetherIshouldbetossedabout,asIam,fromoneparadoxtoanother.TheChurchwas,significantlyenough,builtuponPeter,notuponJohnnoruponThomas;itwasfoundeduponthemosthumanoftheapostles.IfonemightadmitinGodwhatinmenwouldbecalledanafterthought,itmightbepermissibletolookuponPaulasanafterthoughttoleavensomeoftheponderousnessofPeter'shumanity.Anyway,thepointisthattheparadoxesbeganintheverybeginning,andit'squiteobviousthatI'mnotgoingtohelpmyselforanybodyelsebyexposingmyselftothemratherthantothemightymoral,intellectual,andspiritualfabricintowhichtheyhaveallbeen

absorbedorbywhichtheyhaveallbeenrejected."DuringSylvia'smeditationthechurchhadgraduallyfilledwithworshiperstoreceivetheBenedictionoftheBlessedSacrament.Generally,thatstrangelywistfulconcessiontothepatheticsideofhumannaturehadnotmadeadeepappealtoSylvia'sinstinctforworship;butthisafternoonthebraveryofselfhadfallenfromher.Forthefirsttimeshefeltinallitsforce--notmerelyapprehendingitasavaguediscomfort--theutterdesolationofthesoulwithoutGod.Insuchastateofmindfaithshranktoinfatuatespeculation,hopeswelledtoarrogance,andevenloveshiveredinachillandviewlessfutility,untilthemysticalsympathyofothersouls,thehumblestofwhomwasasecretonlyknowntoGod,ledhertoidentifyherselfwiththemandto

crywiththem:

_"OsalutarisHostia,_ _Quæcœlipandisostium:_ _Bellapremunthostilia,_ _Darobur,fer,auxilium."_

Theywereverypoorpeople,theseAlbaniansandItalianswhokneltroundherinthischurch;andSylviabowedbeforethethoughtthatallovertheworldinallthewarringnationssomewhereaboutthishourpoorpeoplewerecryingouttoGodthesamewordsinthesamegraveLatin.Thehelplessnessofhumanityragedthroughherlikeastrongwind,andherself-reliancebecameasthedustthatwasscatteredbeforeit.When

thepriestheldthemonstrancealoft,andgavetheBenedictionitseemedthatthewinddiedaway;uponhersoulthecompanyofGodwasshedlikeagentlerain,whichleftbehinditfaithblossominglikeaflower,andhopesinginglikeabird,andabovethembothloveshininglikeasun.

Sylviawentoutofthechurchthatafternoonwithasenseofhavingbeenpersonallycomforted;shewasintenselyawareofhavingmademorespiritualprogressinthelasthourthaninalltheyearsthathadgonebysincethefirstrevelationofGod.



"WithoutHimIamnothing,Iamnothing,Iamnothing,"shemurmured.

Thatevening--aneveningthatshehaddreadedindescribably--shesatbythewindowofherbedroom,happierthanshecouldrememberthatshehadeverbeen;whenthechambermaid,onherwaytobed,cametoaskherifshewantedanything,Sylvianearlykissedherinorderthatperhapssoshemightexpressalittleofherlovetowardallthosewhointhisworldserve.

"Forsuchagirl,withtheeyesofanymph,tobeservingyou,andforyoutohavepresumedtoconsideryourselfaboveallservicethatdidnotgratifyyouregotism,"sheexclaimedaloudtoherreflectionintheglass.

ThenextmorningSylviasoldhergoldenbagforfifteenhundredfrancs.Onthewaytothestationshefeltveryfaint,andfinding,whenshearrived,thatshewouldhavetowaitanhourforthetraintoAvereshti,shedranksomecoffee.ShetoldherselfthatitwasonlytheweaknesscausedbyfastingwhichmadeherregardsoseriouslythissecondbreachofherpromisetoQueenie;nevertheless,nothingcouldputoutofherheadthesuperstitiousdreadthatthesurrendercausedher.Thedrinkingofcoffeewhileherfriendwasstillhungrytookonasignificancequiteoutofproportiontowhatitactuallypossessed;shefeltliketheheroineofafairystorywhodisobeysthewarningsofherfairy

godmother.Whileshewaswaitinginthe_salled'attente_andreproachingherselfforwhatshehaddone,sheheardafamiliarvoicebehindher,and,lookinground,sawPhilidorinuniform.HewastravelingtoBralatzonmilitaryduty,andshewasgladofhiscompanyasfarasAvereshti,forallsortsoffearsaboutwhatmighthavehappenedtoQueenieduringherabsencewereassailingherfancy.PhilidorwassurprisedtofindherstillinRumaniaandspokeseriouslytoheraboutthenecessityofleavingatonceifshedidnotwanttotravelhomebyRussia.

"Youmustgetaway.NooneknowswhatmayhappenintheBalkanspresently.Youmustgetwithinsightofthesea.YouEnglisharelostawayfromthesea.IassureyouthatBulgariawillcomeinsoon.There

isnodoubtofit.IcannotunderstandthemadnessofyourEnglishpoliticiansinmakingspeechestodeceiveeverybodythatthemobilizationisinself-defense.Itisinself-defense,butnotonthesideoftheEntente.YouhavebeenpoisonedinEnglandbythecriminalstupidityoftheEnglishmenwhocomeouthereandseereflectedintheeyesoftheBulgarianpeasanttheirownliberalideals.ItisatraditioninheritedfromyourGladstone.Tousoutheresuchdensityofvisionisincomprehensible.TheBulgarianisthePrussianoftheBalkans;heisaproductofuncompromisingmaterialism.OneofyourchiefBulgarianpropagandistswasshotinthejawtheotherday;itwasagoodplacetowoundhim,butit'sapityhewasn'thittherebeforehedidsomuchharmwithitsactivities.WeinRumaniawereblamedbyidealisticpoliticiansforthewaywestabbedBulgariainthebackin

1913;youmightaswellblameamanforshootingataslightlyinjuredwildbeast.YouhavealwaysbeentoosportinginEngland,asyousay;andnotevenwarwithGermanyseemstohavecuredyouofit.TheAustriansarepreparingtoinvadeSerbia,andthistimetherewillbenomistake.GetoutofRumaniaandgetthroughBulgariabeforethecarnagebegins."

TheconvictionwithwhichhespokegaveSylviaathrill;forthefirsttimetheactivesideofthewarseemedtobeapproachingher.



"AndwhatisRumaniagoingtodo?"sheasked.

Theyoungofficermadeagestureofbewilderment.

"Whoknows?Whoknows?Itwillbeastrugglebetweensentimentandexpediency.Iwishthatthecryoftherightsofsmallnationswasnotbeingsoloudlyshoutedbythebignations.Battle-criesareapttodiedownwhenthebattleisover.Anideathatpresentsitselfchieflyasaweaponofoffensehaslittlevitality;ideas,whichareabstractionsofliberty,donotliketobetheslavesofotherideas.Thereisoneideaintheworldatthismomentwhichovershadowsalltherest--theideaofvictory:theideaoftherightsofsmallnationsdoesnotstandmuchchanceagainstthat.Godfightsonthesideofthebigbattalions.PerhapsI'mtoopessimistic.WeshallseewhathappensinSerbia.Buttoputasideideasforthemoment,don'twastetimeinfollowingmyadvice.YoumustleaveRumanianow,ifyouwanttoleaveatall.AndIdonotrecommendyoutostay.Awomanlikeyoufollowingyourprofessionshouldbeinherowncountryintimesofwar.Youaretoomuchexposedtothemaliceofanyprivateperson,andinwarjustice,likeeverythingelse,isonlyregardedasacontributiontomilitaryefficiency."

"YoumeanImightbedenouncedasaspy?"

"Anybodywithoutprotectionmaybedenouncedasaspy.Probablynothing

wouldfollowfromitexceptexpulsion,butexpulsionwouldbeunpleasant."

"Iwonderwhatisthefundamentalreasonforspy-mania,"saidSylvia."Isitduetocheapromanticismorauniversalsenseofguilt?Orisittheopportunityforthefirsttimetogiveeffecttovulgargossip?Ithinkit'sthelast,probably.Itmustbeveryunpleasanttoglorifythemeanestvicewiththeinspirationofapatrioticimpulse."

"Isaidthatjusticewassubordinatedtomilitaryefficiency."

"Yes,andevenslanderhasatemporarycommissionandisdressedupinaromanticuniformandarmedwithanonymousletters.Bulletsarenotthe

onlythingswithlongnoses."

"Isupposeyoucangetaway?Youhavemoney?"Philidorasked.

"Oh,I'mrich,"shedeclared.

"Andyourlittlefriend,howisshe?"

"She'swaitingformeatAvereshti."

Sylviagaveanaccountofheradventures,andPhilidorshookhishead.

"Butithasallendedsatisfactorily,"hesaid.

"Ihopeso."

"ItonlyshowshowrightIwastowarnyouofthespydanger--thedoubledangerofbeingmadethevictimofagenuineagentandtheriskofafrivolousaccusation.Youmaybesurethatnow,whenyougobacktothehotelwithmoney,youwillbeaccusedeverywhereofbeingaspy.IfyouhaveanytroubletelegraphtomeatBralatz.Here'smyaddress."

"Andhere'sAvereshti,"Sylviasaid."Good-byandgoodluck._Etvivela



Roumanie!_"

Shewavedherhandtohimandwalkedquicklyfromthestationtothehotel.Itwasgoodtoseethewaiteronthethresholdandtobeconsciousofbeingabletorulehimwiththeprospectofatip.Howsecond-ratethehotellooked,withmoneyinone'spocket!Howobsequiouslyitseemedtobegone'spatronage!Therewasnotasinglewindowthatdidnothavetheairofcringingtothenewarrival.

"Lunchfortwoatonce,"Sylviacried,flinginghimatwenty-francnote.

"Fortwo?"thewaiterrepeated.

"FormyselfandMademoiselleWalters--myfriendup-stairs,"sheadded,whenthewaiterstaredfirstatherandthenatthemoney."What'sthematter?Issheill?_Crétin_,ifshe'sillyouandyourmastershallpay."

"Theladywhowasstayingherewith_madame_leftthismorningwithagentleman."

"_Crapule,tumens!_"

"Madamemaylookforherself.Theroomisempty."

Sylviacaughtthewaiterbythethroatandshookhim.

"Youlie!Youlie!Confessthatyouarelying.Shewasstarvedbyyou.Shehasdied,andyouarepretendingthatshehasgoneaway."

Shethrewthewaiterfromherandranup-stairs.Herownluggagewasstillintheroom;ofQueenie'snothingremainedexceptafewpiecesofpinktissue-papertremblingfaintlyinthedraught.Sylviarangthebell,butbeforeanyonecouldanswerhersummonsshehadfainted.

Whenshecametoherselfherfirstaction--anactionthatseemed,whenafterwardshethoughtaboutit,tomarkwellthedepthsofher

disillusionment--wastofeelforhermoneylestshemighthavebeenrobbedduringherunconsciousness.Thewadofnoteshadnotshrunk;thewaiterwaslookingatherwithallthesympathythatcouldbeboughtfortwentyfrancs;ablowsychambermaid,draggedfortheoperationfromacoal-cellar,tojudgebyherappearance,wassprinklingwateroverher.

"Whatwasthemanlike?"shemurmured.

Thewaiterbustledforward.

"Atallgentleman.Heleftnoname.Hesaidhebroughtamessage.Hepaidafewlittleitemsonthebillthatwerenotpaidby_madame_.TheytookthetrainforBucharest._Mademoiselle_waslookingill."

Sylviamusteredallthatwillofhers,whichlatelyhadbeentriedhardlyenough,toobliterateQueenieandeverythingthatconcernedQueeniefromherconsciousness.ShefoughtdowneachsuperstitiousreproachfornothavingkeptherwordbydrinkingthecoffeeinBucharest:shedroveforthfromhermindeveryspeculationaboutQueenie'sfuture:shedriedupeveryregretforanycarelessnessinthepast.

"Clearawayallthispaper,please,"shetoldthechambermaid;thenshe



askedthewaiterforthemenu.

Hedustedthegrimycardandhandedittoher.

"_J'aitellementfaim_,"saidSylvia,"_quejesauraismangermêmetoisansbeurre_."

Thewaiterinclinedhisheadrespectfully,asifhewouldintimatehiswillingnesstobeeaten;buthetemperedhisassentwithasmiletoshowthathewassensiblethatthesacrificewouldnotbeexacted.

"Andthewine?"heasked.

Shechosehalfabottleofthebestnativewine;andthewaiterhurriedawaylikealamerook.

AfterlunchSylviacarefullypackedherthingsandputallherprofessionaldressesawayatthebottomofherlargetrunk.Inthecourseofpacking,thegoldenshawlthatcontainedtherecordsofherancestrywasleftoutofthetrunkbyaccident,andsheputitinthevalise,whichsofaronherjourneysshehadalwaysmanagedtokeepwithher.Philidor'ssolemnwarningaboutthepoliticalsituationintheBalkanshadmadeanimpression,and,thinkingitwaspossiblethatshemighthavetoabandonhertrunkatanymoment,shewasgladofthe

oversightthathadledhertomakingthischange;thoughifshehadbeenaskedtogiveareasonforpayinganyheedtotheshawlnowshewouldhavefounditdifficult.WhenshehadfinishedherpackingshesatdownandwrotealettertoOlive.

HOTELMOLDAVIA,AVERESHTI,_September27,1915_.

MYDARLINGOLIVE,--Thisisnotacommunicationfromtheotherworld,asyoumightverywellthink.It'sSylviaherselfwritingtoyoufromRumaniawithagooddealofpenitence,butstillverymuchthesameSylvia.I'mnotgoingtoaskyouforyournews,becausebythetimeyougetthisyoumayquiteeasilyhavegotmewithit.Atanyrate,youcanexpectmealmostontop.IshalltelegraphwhenI

reachFrance,iftelegramshaven'tbeenmadeacapitaloffensebythattime.I'vewondereddreadfullyaboutyouandJack.I'veafeelingthedearoldboyisinFlandersorlikelysoontogothere.Dearestthing,Ineednottellyouthat,thoughI'venotwritten,I'vethoughtterriblyaboutyoubothduringallthisghastlytime.Andthedearbabies!I'mlongingtoseethem.IfIstartedtotellyoumyadventuresIshouldn'tknowwheretostop,soIwon'tbegin.ButI'mverywell.Givemylovetoanybodyyouseewhoremembersyourlong-lostSylvia.

Howcolorlesstheletterwas,shethought,onreadingitthrough.Itgaveaslittleindicationofherselfasanelectricbellgivesofthecharacterofaguestwhenheiswaitingonthedoor-step.Butitwould

serveitspurpose,likethebell,tosecureattention.

SylviaintendedtoleaveAvereshtithatevening,but,feelingtired,shelaydownuponherbedandfellfastasleep.Shewaswokenupthreehourslaterbythewaiter,whoannouncedwithanairofexcitementthatMr.Porterhadarrivedatthehotelandwasintendingtospendthenight.

"Whatofit?"shesaid,coldly."I'mleavingbythenine-o'clocktrainforBucharest."



"Oh,butMr.Porterwillinviteyoutodinner."

"WhoisMr.Porter?"

"He'soneoftherichestmeninRumania.Heistheheadofmanybigpetroleumcompanies.ItoldhimthattherewasanEnglishladystayingwithus,andhewasdelighted.Youcan'tleaveto-night.Mr.Porterwillneverforgiveus."

"Lookhere.IsthisFlorilortheSecond?"

Thewaiterhelduphishandsinprotest.

"Ah,no,_madame_!ThisisanEnglishman.HecouldbuyupM.Florilortentimesover.ShallIsaythat_madame_willbedelightedtodrinkacockatailwithhim?"

"Getout,"saidSylvia,pointingtothedoor.

Butafterwardshefeltdisinclinedtomakeajourneythatnight,and,notwithstandingPhilidor'surgency,shedecidedtowasteonemorenightinAvereshti.Moreover,thenotionofmeetinganEnglishmanwasnotsodull,afterall.Tenminuteslatershestrolleddown-stairstohavealookathim.

Mr.Porterwasastoutmanofaboutsixty,whowassometimesratherlikeMr.Pickwickinappearance,butgenerallyboreagreaterresemblancetoTweedledum.Hewasdressedinawell-cutsuitofpepper-and-saltcheckandworeaglossycollarwithafullblackcravat,inwhichafinediamondtwinkledmodestly;aclear,somewhatfloridfacewiththatpriestlyglimmerofaverycloseshave,well-brushedboots,whitespats,andapositiveimpressionofhavingcleancuffscompletedafigurethatexhaledallthemoreprosperityandcheerfulnessbecausethebackgroundofthehotelwassounsuitable.

"Goingtointroducemyself.Ha-ha!ApsleyPorter'smyname.Wellknownhereabouts.Ha-ha!Didn'texpecttomeetacompatriotinthesetimesat

Avereshti.Uglylittlehole.Businessbeforepleasure,though,byGeorge!Idon'tseewhypleasureshouldbeleftoutinthecoldaltogether.Whatareyougoingtohave?OrderedaMartiniheretheotherday.'What'sthat?'Isaidtothescoundrelwhoservedit.'Martini?Pah!AlmostasdangerousasaMartini-Henry,'Isaid.Ha-ha-ha-ha!Butofcoursetheblackguarddidn'tunderstandme.Goingtohavedinnerwithme,Ihope.I'veorderedafewspecialdishes.Alwaysbringmyownchampagnewithmeincaseofaccidents.Iforcedthemtogeticehere,though.Ha-ha!ByGeorge,Idid.Isaidthatiftherewasn'ticewheneverIcameIshouldclosedownoneoftheprincipalwellsIcontrol.DidItellyoumyname?Ah,gladIdid.I'vegotadeucedbadhabitoftalkingawaywithoutintroducingmyself.Herecomesthevillainwithyourcocktail.Youmustginandbearit.What?Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!"

SylvialikedMr.Porterandacceptedhisinvitationtodinner.Hewasdistressedtohearthatafriendhadbeenstayingwithherinthehotelsorecentlyasthismorningandthathehadhadthebadlucktomissentertainingher.

"What,anotherlittleEnglishwomaninAvereshti?ByGeorge!whatapityIdidn'tturnupyesterday!Isha'n'tforgivemyself.Comealong,waiter.Hurryupwiththatchampagne.Fancy!AnotherjollylittleEnglishwomanandImissedher.Toobad!"



TherewasironyinmeetinguponthevigilofherreturntoEnglandthisEnglishmanredolentoftheMonico.Sylviahadspentsomuchofhertimeintimatelywithpeopleattheotherpoleofpleasurethatshehadforgottenhowtotalktothistypeandcouldonlyrespondwithmonosyllablestohisboisterousassaultsuponthepresent.HewassomuchlikeafineafternooninLondonthatshesunnedherself,asitwere,inhiseffluence,andlethersensesoccupythemselveswiththenoiseofthetraffic,asifshehadsuddenlybeentransplantedtotheStrandandwasfindingtheexperienceimmediatelyontopofAvereshtipleasant,butratherbewildering.Andnowhewastalkingaboutthewar.

"Nothingtoworryabout.Nothingtoworryaboutatall.PityabouttheDardanelles.Greatpity,butwehadnoluck.TheyaremakingagreatfusshereoverthiscomingAustrianattackuponSerbia.Don'tbelieveinit.Sha'n'tbelieveinituntilithappens.Butitwon'thappen,andifitdoeshappen--waiter,where'sthatchampagne?--ifitdoeshappen,itwon'talterthecourseofthewar.Notabitofit.I'manoptimist.AndintimesliketheseIconsiderthatoptimismisofasmuchusetomycountryatmyageasariflewouldhavebeenifIwereayoungerman.Pessimismintimesliketheseisapoison."

"Butisn'toptimismapttobeanintoxicant?"Sylviasuggested.

ShefeltinclinedtoimpressuponMr.Porterthedifferencebetweenfacingmisfortunewithmoneyandwithoutit,andshetoldhimafewofheradventuresinthepastyear,windingupwithanaccountofthebehavioroftheproprietorofthisveryhotel.

"Youdon'tmeantosayoldAndrescurefusedtoserveyouwithanythingtoeat?"

ThenotionseemedtoshakeMr.Portertothedepthsofhisbeing.

"Why,Ineverheardanythinglikeit!Waiter,goandtellM.Andrescutocomeandspeaktomeatonce.Ishallgivehimapieceofmymind."

Thejovialcurvesofhisfacehadallhardened:hisbrightlittleeyeswerelikesteel:eventhedimpleinhischinhaddisappearedinthecontractionofhismouth.WhenAndrescucamein,hebegantoabusehiminrapidRumanian,whilehiscomplexionturnedfrompinktocrimson,andfromcrimsoninwavesofcolortoauniformpurple.Intheendhestoppedtalkingforamoment,andtheproprietorbeggedSylvia'sintercession.

"That'sthewaytodealwithrascallyhotelkeepers,"saidMr.Porter,fanninghimselfwithared-and-yellowbandanahandkerchiefanddrinkingtwoglassesofchampagne.

"Whatannoyedmemostofall,"headded,"wasthathisbehaviorshould

havemadememissthechanceofaskinganotherjollylittleEnglishgirltodinner.Toobad!"

Sylviahadnottoldhimmorethanthebareoutlinesofthestory;shehadnotconfidedinhimaboutFlorilororthesaleofherbag,orthefactthatshehadlostQueenieforever.Hertalecouldhaveseemednotmuchmorethanataleoftemporaryinconvenience,andshewasthereforeonlyamusedwhenMr.PorterdeducedfromitasthemostimportantresulthisownfailuretoentertainQueenie.



Afterdinnersheandherhostsattalkingforawhile,orrathershesatlisteningtohisnarrativesofholidaysspentinEngland,whichevidentlyappealedtohimasamuchmorevitalpartofhiscareerthanhissuccessintheRumanianoil-fields.When,abouteleveno'clock,shegotuptotakeherleaveandgotobed,heexpressedhisprofounddismayatthenotionofthusbreakingupajollyevening.

"Tellyouwhatwe'lldo,"heannounced."We'llmakeanightofit.Wewill,byGeorge!wewill!Anightofit.We'llhavehalfadozenbottlesputoniceandtakethemuptomyroom.Icantalkallnightonchampagne.Nowdon'tsayno.It'sapatrioticduty.ByGeorge!it'sapatrioticdutywhentwoEnglishpeoplemeetinaGod-forsakenplacelikethis;it'sapatrioticdutytomakeanightofit.Eatanddrinkto-day,forto-morrowwedie."

Sylviawasfeelingwearyenough,butthefatuoustalkhadcheeredherbyitssheerinanity,andthethoughtofgoingtobedinthathauntedroom--herwillwasstrong,butthememoryofwhatshehadenduredforQueeniewasnotentirelyquenched--andofperhapsnotbeingabletosleepwastoodismal.Shemightjustaswellhelpthisamiableoldbuffoon'sillusionthatchampagnewastheelixirofeternallifeandthatpleasurewasnothingbutlaughingloudlyenough.

"Allright,"saidSylvia."ButI'dratherwemadethenightofitinmy

room.I'llgetintoawrapperandmakemyselfcomfortable,andwhendawnbreaksIcantumbleintobed."

Mr.Porterhesitatedamoment."Rightyouare,mydeargirl.Ofcourse.Waiter!Where'stheruffianhiddenhimself?"

"I'llleaveyoutomakethearrangements.Ishallbereadyinaboutaquarterofanhour,"Sylviasaid.

Shelefthimandwentup-stairs.

"IbelievethesillyoldfoolthoughtIwasmakingoverturestohimwhenIsuggestedweshouldmakemerryinmyroom,"shelaughedtoherself.

"Ohdear,itshowshowmuchonecantellandhowlittleofoneselfneedberevealedinthetellingofit.Stupidoldass!Butratherpleasantinaway.He'slikefindinganoldChristmasnumberofthe _Graphic_--coloredheartiness,conventionalmirth,realitymercifullyabsent,and_Omihiprœteritos_printedinGothiccapitalsonthecover.Isupposethesepre-warfiguresstillaboundinEngland.AndI'mnotsureheisn'trightinbelievingthathisoutlookonlifeisworthpreservingaslongaspossible.Timberedhouses,crustedport,andDickensarenearertofairylandthananythingelsethat'sleftnowadays.Towhatoldagewillthisblackened,mutilated,andagonizedgenerationgrow?Efficiencyandprogresshavenotsparedthemonumentsofbygoneartexcepttoimprisontheminlibraries,museums,andironrailings.WillitsparetheEnglishman?Orwillthegenerationsofacenturyhence

readofhimonly,andmurmur,'ThiswasaMan'?Willtheypraisehimasthelastandnoblestindividual,turningwithrepulsionandremorsefromthesightofthemselvesandtheirfellows,theproductofthetriumphantherdeternallysowingwhereitdoesnotreap?Nightthoughtsoftheyoungonperceivingarelicofinsulargrandeurinanexceptionallyfinestateofpreservation--preservedinoil!Andherehecomestointerruptmysadsoliloquy."

Thenightpassedawayastheeveninghadpassedaway.Mr.PortersustainedhisjovialityinafashionthatwouldhaveastoundedSylvia,



ifallcapacityforbeingastoundedhadnotbeenexhaustedinwatchinghimdrinkchampagne.Itwasincrediblenotsomuchthathisheadcouldwithstandthefumesasthathisbody,fatthoughitwas,shouldbeexpansiveenoughtocontainthecubicquantityofliquor.Itwasfouro'clockbeforehehadfinishedthelastdropandwasshakingSylvia'shandincordialfarewell.

"Haven'tenjoyedaneveningsomuchformonths.ByGeorge!Ihaven't.Ha-ha-ha!Well,you'llforgiveanoldman--alwaysaccusemyselfofbeingoldwhenthewineislow,butIshallbeasyoungasachickenagainafterthreehours'sleep--you'llexcuseanoldman.Littlepresentprobablydamnedusefulinthesehardtimes.Ha-ha-ha!Underyourpillow.Goodgirl.Nevermademefeelanoldmanbyexpectingmetomakelove.I'veoftensetouttomakeanightofit,andonlysucceededinmakingadamnedfoolofmyself.Sixty-fournextmonth.Youth'sthetime!Ha-ha-ha!Good-by.Godblessyou.Sha'n'tseeyouinthemorning.ByGeorge!I_shall_haveabusyday."

Heshookherwarmlybythehand,avoidedtheice-standwithagravebow,andleftherwithasmellofcigar-smoke.Underthepillowshefoundfourfive-hundred-francnotes.

"Really,"Sylviaexclaimed,"Imightbeexcusedforthinkingmyselfaleadingcharacterinafarcebyfate.Ifailtomakeahalfpennyby

offeringmyselfwhenthenecessityisurgent,andmaketwothousandfrancsbynotembarrassinganoldgentleman'simpotence.Meanwhile,it'stoolate--it'sjusttoolate.ButIshallbeabletobuybackmygoldenbag.Isupposefatethinksthat'sasgoodacurtainasI'mentitledtoinafarce."

SylvialeftAvereshtinextmorningwithaprofoundconvictionthat,whateverthefutureheld,nothingshouldinducehertoputfootinthattownagain.Therewassomesatisfactioninachievingevensomuchsenseoffinality,negativethoughtheachievementmightbe.

"Idon'tadviseyoutogotoDedeagatch,"saidMr.MatherswhenSylviapresentedherselfatthepassport-officefortherecommendationfora

visa."ImaytellyouinconfidencethatthesituationinBulgariaisverygrave--verygraveindeed.Anythingmayhappenthisweek.Thefeelinghereisverytense,too.IfyouaredeterminedtotaketheriskofbeingheldupinBulgaria,IcounselyoutotravelbyRustchuk,GornaOrechovitza,andSofiatoNish.FromNishyou'llgetdowntoSalonika,andfromtheretothePiræus.AtthesametimeIstronglyadviseyoutokeepawayfromBulgaria.Withthemobilization,passengertrafficisliabletobeveryuncertain."

"ButifIgobackthroughRussiaImayfinditisjustashardtogetbacktoEngland.No,no.I'llriskBulgaria.To-day'sTuesdaythe28th.WhencanIhavemyvisa?"

"Well,strictlyspeaking,it'salreadytoolateto-daytoentertainapplications,butasyouwereafriendofMr.Iredale,I'llaskMr.Abernethytoputitthroughforyou.Ifyoucomeinto-morrowmorningatten,IwillgiveyoualetterfortheConsulate.Therewillbetheusualfeetopaythere.Ohdearme,youhaven'tbroughtthefourphotographsthatarenecessary.Imusthavethem,I'mafraid.Twoforus,onefortheConsulate,andonefortheFrenchauthorities.TheItaliansdon'tinsistuponaphotographatpresent.I'mafraidIsha'n'tbeabletoputitthroughforyouto-day.TheFrenchareverystrictandinsistonaminimumoffourdays.ButinviewoftheBulgariancrisisI'llgetthem



torelaxtherule.LuckilyoneoftheFrenchofficersisafriendofmine--averynicefellow."

ThreedayselapsedbeforeSylviawasfinallyequippedwithherpassport _visé_forBulgaria,Serbia,Greece,Italy,France,andEngland.Therepresentativesofthefirsttwonations,whoseemedmostimmediatelyconcernedwithherjourney,madetheleastbother;therepresentativeofItaly,thenationthatseemedleastconcernedwithit,madethemost.

Whileshewaswaitingfortheresultoftheaccumulatedcontemplationuponherage,hersex,herlineaments,andherpasthistory,Sylviaboughtbackhergoldbagforeighteenhundredfrancs,whichleftherwithjustoverfifteenhundredfrancsforthejourney--nonetoomuch,butsheshouldnolongerhaveanyscruplesintelegraphingtoEnglandforhelpifshefoundherselfstranded.

OnFridayafternoonshecalledforthelasttimeatthepassport-officetogetaletterofintroductionthatMr.MathershadinsistedonwritingforhertoafriendofhisintheAmericanTobaccoCompanyatCavalla.

"You'renotlikelytogothere,"hesaid,"butifyoudo,itmaybeuseful."

Theclerkhandedhertheletter,andtherewassomethingmagnificently

protectiveintheaccompanyinggesture;hemighthavebeenhandingherapersonallettertothePrimeMinisterandgivingheranassurancethattheForeignSecretarywouldpersonallymeetheratWaterlooandseethatshedidnotgetintothewrongtube.

WhenSylviawasleavingtheoffice,MaudMoffatcamein,atthesightofwhomMr.Mathers'sspectacledbenevolenceturnedtoanaspectofhateforthewholeofhumanity.

"It'stoolate,madam,to-day.Nothingcanbedoneuntilfurtherinquirieshavebeenmade,"hesaid,sharply.

"Toolatebedamned!"Maudshouted."I'mnotgoingtobe----aboutany

longer.Mypassport'sbeenstolenandIwantanother.I'manhonestEnglishgirlwho'sbeenearningherlivingontheContinentandIwanttogohomeandseemypooroldmother.Perhapsyou'llsaynextthatI'mnotEnglish?"

"Nobodysaysthatyou'renotEnglish,"Mr.Mathersrepliedthroughsetteeth."Andpleasecontrolyourlanguage."

AtthismomentMaudrecognizedSylvia.

"Oh,you'vecomeback,haveyou?Isupposeyoudidn'thaveanydifficultywithyourpassport.Ohno,peopleasfrequentsthecompanyofGermanspiescangetpassportsfornothing,butmewho'straveledfor

sevenyearsontheContinentwithouteverhavinganyonegivemesomuchasafunnylook,me,Irepeat,getscross-examinedandmessedaboutasifIwasamurdererinsteadofanartiste.Yes,war'safinethingforsomepeople,"shewenton."Youngfellowsthatoughttobefightingfortheircountryinsteadofbullyingpoorgirlsfromtheothersideofatablethoroughlyenjoys_theirselves_.NicethingwhenanhonestEnglishgirl--andnotaGermanspy--can'tmislayherpassportwithoutbeing--"

"Imustrepeat,madam,"Mr.Mathersinterrupted,"thatthecircumstanceshavetobegoneinto."



"Circumstances?I'minverygoodcircumstances,thankyou.ButIsha'n'tbeifyoukeepmemuckingaboutinBucharestsoasIforfeitmyengagementattheWhiteTower,Saloniker.You'lllookveryfunny,Mr.NoseyParker,whenmyfriendtheMajorwhoIknowinEgyptandstillwritestomelodgesacomplaintaboutyourconduct.Whydon'tyouaskthisyoungladyaboutme?SheknowsI'mEnglish."

"Ikeeptellingyouthatnobodyquestionsyournationality."

"Well,you'veaskedmeenoughquestions.YouknowthesizeofmycorsetsandthecolorofmychemiseandhowmanymolesI'vegot,andwhethermygrandmotherwasmarried,andifit'struemyuncleBillranawaytoAfricabecausehecouldn'tstandmyauntJane'svoice.Nationality!Ireckonyoucouldn'tthinkofanymorequestions,unlessyoubecameamedicalstudentandstartedonmyinside.Whydon'tyoutellhimyouknowallaboutme?"sheadded,turningtoSylvia.

"BecauseIdon't,"Sylviareplied,coldly.

"Well,there'sabrazen-facedbitch!"MissMoffatgasped.

Sylviasaidgood-byhurriedlytoMr.MathersandlefthimtoMaud.WhenshewasinthetrainonthewaytoRustchuk,itsuddenlystruckherthat

Zozomightbeabletoexplainthemissingpassport.

CHAPTERVI

ThemoreSylviaponderedthecoincidenceofQueenie'sflightwiththelossofMaud'spassportthemorepositiveshebecamethatZozohadcommittedthetheft.Andwithwhatobject?ItseemedunlikelythatthepassportcouldbealteredplausiblyenoughtobeacceptedasQueenie'sownpropertyinthesedayswhensomuchattentionwasbeinggivento

passportsandtheirreputedowners.Probablyhehadonlyuseditasabaitwithwhichtolureherinthefirstinstance;hewouldhaveknownthatshecouldnotreadandmighthavecounteduponthelionandtheunicorntoimpressherwithhisabilitytodosomethingforherthatSylviahadfailedtodo.QueeniemusthavebeeninastateofdiscouragementthroughhernothavingcomebacktoAvereshtiontheSundayevening,asshehadpromised.Thetelegramshesenthadreallybeenamistake,becauseQueeniewouldneverhaveaskedanyoneinthehoteltoreaditforher,andZozowouldassuredlyhavepretendedwhateversuitedhispurposeifbychanceithadbeenshowntohim.

AtfirstSylviahadbeenregrettingthatshehadnotdivinedsoonertheexplanationofMaud'smissingpassport,sothatshecouldhavewarned

Mr.Mathers;butnowshewasglad,becausewhateverQueeniedid,theblamemustbesharedbyherselfandtheBritishregulations.ShereproachedherselffortheattitudeshehadtakentowardQueenie'sdisappearance;shehaddonenothinginthesedaysatBucharesttohelpthepoorchild,notevensomuchastofindoutwhereshehadgone.IfZozowereindeedaGermanagent,whatmightnotbetheresultofthatcallousness?Yet,afterall,hemightnotbeanythingofthekind;hemightmerelyhavebeenrousedbyherownoppositiontoregainpossessionofQueenie.Reallyitwasdifficulttosaywhichexplanationwasmoregallingtoherownconscience.However,itwasuselesstodoanything



now;therewasaslittleprobabilityofQueenie'sbeingstillinBucharestasofherbeinganywhereelse.IfZozowereinGermanpayhewouldfinditeasyenoughtosecureQueenie'sentranceintoaneutralcountry;andifhewereoncemoreenamouredofhispoweroverher,hewouldcertainlyhavetakenprecautionsagainstanynewinterventionbyherself.

LateintheafternoonofSaturday,the3dofOctober,SylviaarrivedatGiurgiu,thelaststationinRumaniabeforecrossingtheDanubetoenterBulgaria.Ithadbeenaslowjourney,owingtothecongestionoftrafficcausedbytheconcentrationofRumaniantroopsuponthefrontier.WhenshewasleavingthestationtotaketheferryshecaughtsightofPhilidorupontheplatform.

"Youhere?IthoughtyouwereatBralatz,"shecried.

ShewasthinkingthatPhilidor'spresencewasofgoodomentoherjourney;andastheywalkedtogetherdowntothequayshewasgladthatherlastmemoryofRumaniashouldbeofthistallfigureinhislight-bluecloakappearingindeedofheroicmoldinthetransumingfogoftheDanubethatenmeshedthem.

"You'veleftitverylate,"hesaid."WeexpecteveryhourtheBulgariandeclarationofwarupontheEntente.Ah,thisdisastroussummer!The

failureattheDardanelles!ThefailureoftheRussians!AndnowIdoubtifweshalldoanythingbutclusterhereuponthefrontierlikebirdsgatheringtogosouth."

"Iamgoingsouth,"Sylviamurmured.

"IwishthatIwere,"hesighed."Nowisthemomenttostrike.WhenIthinkoftheBulgariansontheothersideoftheriver,andofmytroop--suchsplendidfellows--waitingandwaiting!Sylvia,Iamfilledwithintuitionsofmycountry'sfate.WhereverIlookthecloudsareblack.IfwhenyouarebackinEnglandyoureadonedaythatRumaniaisfightingwithyou,donotrememberthetawdrysideofher,butthinkofuswaitinghereinthefog,waitingandwaiting.If--andGodforbidthat

youshouldreadthis--ifyoureadthatRumaniaisfightingagainstyou,thinkthatoneinsignificantlieutenantofcavalrywillhopetofallveryearlyuponaRussianbayonet."

Heheldherforamomentinthefoldsofhisbedewedcloak,whiletheylistenedtotheslowlappingoftheriver;thenshemountedthegangway,andtheferryglidedintothefog.

TherewasaverylongwaitatRustchuk;butSylviadidnotfindtheBulgarianofficialsdiscourteous;infact,fortherepresentativesofacountryuponthevergeofgoingtowarwithherown,theywerepleasantandobliging.ItwasaftermidnightbeforethetrainleftRustchuk,andsometimebeforedawnthatitreachedGornaOrechovitza,whereitseemed

likelytowaitforever.AchillwindwasblowingdownfromtheBalkans,whichhadsweptthejunctionclearofeverybodyexceptasquatBulgariansoldierwhomarchedupanddowninhisdark-greenovercoat,stampinghisfeet;solittleprospectwasthereofthetrainstartingagain,thatallthestationofficialsweredozingroundastoveinthebuffet,andthepassengershadgonebacktotheir_couchettes_.ToSylviathedesolationwasexhilaratingwithasenseofadventure.Rumaniahadalreadyrecededfaraway--atanyrate,thetawdrysideofit--andtheonlypicturethatremainedwasofPhilidoruponthebankofthatmistyriver.Itseemedtohernowthatthewholeofthepasteighteenmonthshadbeenamorbid



night,suchanewandbitingsenseofrealitywasblowndownfromthemountainsuponthiswindyOctoberdawn,suchmagicalhorizonswerebeingwrittenacrossthiscrimsonsky.

ThetraindidnotreachSofiauntiltheafternoon;thestationwasmurmurouswithexcitementonaccountoftherumorofanultimatumpresentedthatmorningbytheRussianMinister;Sylvia,asanEnglishwoman,becametheobjectofacontemplativestareofcuriosity,inwhichwasnothinginsolentorhostile,butwhichgaveherthesensationofbeingjustamaterialaidtodimunskilfulmeditations,likearosaryinthehandsofaconvertedsavage.TherewasnotsuchalongwaitatSofiaasshehadexpected,andtowarddusk,afterchangingtrains,theyreachedPlevna;butatZaribrod,thelaststationbeforecrossingtheSerbianfrontier,thetrainpulledupandshowednosignofproceeding.TheplatformwasthrongedwithBulgariantroops,thesoundofwhom,alltalkingexcitedly,waslikeaprolongedsneeze.

AtPlevnaatall,fairmanhadgotintoSylvia'scompartment.InexcellentFrenchhetoldherthathisnamewasRakoffandthathewasarose-grower.SylviaexpressedherastonishmentthataBulgarianrose-growershouldtraveltoSerbiaatsuchatime,buthelaughedatthenotionofwarbetweenBulgariaandtheEntente,avowedthattheagrarianpartytowhichhebelongedwasunanimouslyagainstsuchadisastrousstep,andspokecheerfullyofdoinggoodbusinessin

Salonika.AtZaribrodhewentofftomakeinquiriesaboutthechanceofgettingonthatnight,buthecouldobtainnoinformation,andinvitedSylviatodinewithhimatthestationbuffet.Healsohelpedhertochangeher_lei_and_lewa_intoSerbianmoneyandgenerallymadehimselfusefulinmattersofdetail,suchasputtingherclockbackanhourtomid-Europeantime.UpontheseslightcourtesiesSylviaandhebuiltup,astravelersarewont,oneofthosebriefandviolentfriendshipsthatcolorthememoryofavoyagelikebrilliantfugaciousblooms.Rakoffexpressedloudlyhisdisgustatseeingthesoldiersswarminguponthefrontier;theyhadquiteenoughofwarinBulgariatwoyearsago,anditwasmadnesstothinkoflosingtheadvantagesofneutrality,especiallyonbehalfoftheGermans.Hetalkedofhisacresofroses,ofthescentofthemintheearlymorning,ofthecolorof

thematnoon,andgaveSylviaasmallbottleofattarthatdrenchedwithitsstored-upsweetnesseventhesmellofthemassedsoldiery.Sylvia,inherturn,talkedtohimofherlifeonthestage,describedhersuccessinLondon,andevenconfidedinhimherreasonforabandoningitall.

"Onehastheseimpulses,"heagreed."Butitisbetternottogivewaytothem.Thatistheadvantageofmylifeasarose-grower.Thereisalwayssomethingtodo.Itisatranquilandbeautifulexistence.Onebecomesalmostaroseoneself.Ihatetoleavemyfields,butmybrotherwaskilledinthelastwar,andIhavetotraveloccasionallysincehisdeath.Ah,war!Itisthesportofkings;yetourKingFerdinandisagreatgardener.Heisonlyhappywithhisplants.Itisterriblethata

smallgroupof_arrivistes_shoulddeflectthewholecourseofournationallife,forI'msurethatagardenermustloathewar."

SylviathoughtofPhilidor'sdenunciationsofEnglishmenwhohadfoundthattheBulgarianswereidealists,andsympathizedwiththeirpartialitywhenshelistenedtothisgentlerose-grower.

Atlast,abouttwoo'clockinthemorning,thetrainwasallowedtoproceedtoSerbia.AsitleftthestationtheBulgariansoldiersshouted:"Hourrah!Hourrah!Hourrah!"inaccentsbetweenmenaceand



triumph.Sheturnedtohercompanion,withliftedeyebrows.

"Theydon'tsoundverypastoral,"shesaid.

"SomeSerbiansinthetrainmusthaveannoyedthem,"Rakoffexplained.

"Well,IhopeforthesakeoftheSerbiansthatwe'renotmerelyshunting,"Sylvialaughed.

ThetrainwentmoreslowlythaneveraftertheyleftPirot,thefirststationinSerbia,wheretherehadbeenanendlesssearchingofhalfthepassengers,ofwhich,apparently,everybodyhadsuddenlygottired,becausethepassengersintheirportionofthetrainwerenotexaminedatall.

"IdoubtifthistrainwillgobeyondNish,"saidRakoff."TheAustriansareadvancingmorerapidlythanwasexpected.ThereisagreatfeelinginSerbiaagainstus.IshalltravelbackbyseafromSalonika."

TheyreachedNishataboutseveno'clockinthemorning.WhenRakoffwasstandingoutsidethewindowofthecompartmenttohelpSylviawithherluggagehewastouchedontheshoulderbyaSerbianofficer,whosaidsomethingtohimatwhichhestartedperceptibly.Amomentlater,however,hecalledouttoSylviathatheshouldbebackinamomentand

hewouldseehertothehotel.Hewavedhishandandpassedonwiththeofficer.

Sylviaturnedroundtogooutbythecorridor,butwasmetintheentrancebyanotherSerbianofficerwhoaskedhertokeepherseat.

"_MaisjesuisAnglaise_,"sheprotested.

"Nodoubtthere'ssomemistake,"heanswered,politely,inexcellentEnglish."ButImustrequestyoutostayinthecompartment."

Heseatedhimselfandaskedherpermissiontosmoke.Thepassengershadallalightedandthetrainseemedverystill.Presentlyanotherofficer

cameanddemandedherpapers,whichhetookawaywithhim.HalfanhourwentbyandSylviabegantofeelhungry.Sheaskedtheofficerinthecompartmentifitwouldbepossibletogetsomecoffee.

"Ofcourse,"heanswered,withasmile,callingtosomeoneinthecorridor.Asoldierwithfixedbayonetcamealongandtookhiscommands;presentlytwocupsofblackcoffeeandapacketofcigarettesarrived.

Theofficerwasyoungandhadapleasantface,buthedeclinedtobedrawnintoconversationbeyondofferingSylviahercoffeeandthecigarettes.Anhourpassedinthisway.

"HowlongamIlikelytobekepthere?"sheasked,irritably.

Theyoungofficerlookeduncomfortableandinvitedhertohaveanothercupofcoffee,buthedidnotanswerherquestion.Atlast,whenSylviawasbeginningtofeelthoroughlymiserable,therewasasoundofvoicesinthecorridor,andanEnglishcaptaininmuch-stainedkhakiappearedintheentrancetothecompartment.

"Goodmorning,"hesaid."Sorryyou'vebeenkeptwaitinglikethis.Myfault,I'mafraid.Factis,Iwonabathatpiquetlastnight,andnoteventhedetentionofacompatriotwouldmakemeforgooneexquisite



momentofit."

Hewasatall,thinmanintheearlythirties,withalanguidmannerofspeechandmovementthat,thoughitseemedatfirstoutofkeepingwiththesubstanceofhisconversation,neverthelessoddlyenhanceditsomehow.Sylviahadanimpressionthathispointofviewabouteverythingwaswornandstainedlikehisuniform,butthat,likehisuniform,itpreservedafundamentallygoodqualityofclothandcut.Hisarrivalsmoothedawaymuchofherannoyancebecauseshediscernedinhimacapacityforapproachingacaseuponitsownmeritsandacompleteindifferencetoanyprofessionalismrealorassumedforthedurationofthewar.Inaword,shefoundhispersonalitysympathetic,andlongexperiencehadgivenhertheassurancethatwhereverthiswassoshecouldcountuponrousingareciprocalconfidence.

"Goodmorning,Antitch,"hewassayingtotheyoungSerbianofficerwhohadbeenkeepingguardoverher.AndtoSylviaheadded:"AntitchwasatOxfordandspeaksEnglishlikeanEnglishman."

"I'vehadverylittlechanceofknowingifhecouldevenspeakhisownlanguage,"shesaid,sharply.

HerpleasureinfindinganEnglishofficeratNishwasnowbeingmarred,assomanypleasuresaremarredforwomen,byconsciousnessofthesight

shemustpresentatthismoderatelyearlyhourofthemorningafterthirty-sixhoursinthetrain.

TheEnglishmanlaughed.

"Antitchtakesanoccasionlikethisveryseriously,"hesaid.

"It'stheonlywaytotreathalfpasteightinthemorning,"Sylviaanswered."Evenafterabath."

"Iknow.Imustapologizeformyeffervescenceatsuchanhour.Wetrytoassumethiskindofattitudetowardlifewhenweassumetemporarycommissions.I'maparvenutosuchanhouranddon'treallyknowhowto

behavemyself.Nowatdawnyouwouldhavefoundmymanneraseasyasadoctor'sbyabedside.Well,whathaveyoubeendoing?"

"Really,Ithinkthat'sforyoutotellme,"Sylviareplied.

"Wheredidyoumeetyourfellow-traveler--theBulgarian?"

"Therose-grower?"

"Oh,youthinkhe_is_arose-grower?"

"Ididn'tspeculateupontheproblem.HegotintothetrainatPlevnaanddidallhecouldtomakehimselfusefulandagreeable,"Sylviasaid.

"That'soneforyou,Antitch,"theEnglishmanlaughed."AnotherBulgarophile.We'rehopeless,aren'twe?Uponmysoul,peoplelikePrussiansandBulgariansarejustifiedinthinkingthatwe'retraitorstoourconvictionswhentheywitnesstheimmediateaffinitybetweenmostofthemandmostofus.Isay,youmustforgivemeforbeingsofullofvolublebuckthismorning,"hewentontoSylvia."Itreallyistheeffectofthebath.Ifeellikeageneralwho'sbeenmadeaknightcommanderofthatmosthonorableorderforlosinganimpregnablepositionandkeepinghistemper.Well,I'msorrytobotheryou,butI



thinkyou'dbetterbeconfrontedbyyouraccomplice.Wehavereasontodoubthisbonafides,andColonelMichailovitch,ourcriminalexpert,wouldliketohaveyourtestimony.You'llintrustthisladytome?"heaskedAntitch,whosalutedceremoniously."Allright,oldthing,you'llbarkyourknucklesifyoutrytobetoopoliteinarailwaycarriage.Comealong,then,andwe'lltacklethecolonel."

"IthinkIwillcomeaswell,"saidAntitch.

"Ofcourse,ofcourse.Idon'tknowifit'setiquettetointroduceasuspectedspytohertemporaryjailer,butthisisLieutenantAntitch,andmyname'sHazlewood.You'vecomefromRumania,haven'tyou?Here,letmecarryyourvalise.Evenifyouarecondemnedbythecourt,youwon'tbecondemnedtotravelanymoreinthistrain.Whatanatrocioussentence!_Voyagesforcés_fortwentyyears!"

"Rumaniawasverywell,"saidSylvia,astheypassedalongthecorridortotheplatform.

"Stillflirtingwithintervention,Isuppose?"Hazlewoodwenton."Oddeffectthiswarhasofmakingonethinkofcountriesasacquaintances.AllEuropehasbeenreducedtoasuburb.IwassentupherefromGallipoli,andIfindNish--whichwithdeeprespecttoAntitchIhadalwaysregardedasanunknowntownconsistingofmudandpigs,orasone

ofthestationswhereitwaspossibletoeatbetweenViennaandConstantinople--ascrowdedandcosmopolitanasMonteCarlo.Thewholeworldandhisfuturewifeishere."

SylviawastryingtorememberhowthenameHazlewoodwasfaintlyfamiliartoher,buttherecollectionwaselusive,andsheaskedaboutherbigtrunk.

"Ifyou'regoingontoSalonika,"headvised,"you'dbettergetonassoonaspossibleafterthestainofsuspicionhasbeenerasedfromyourpassport.Nishisfullupnow,butpresently--"Hebrokeoff,andlookedacrossatAntitchwithanexpressionoftenderness.

TheyoungSerbianshruggedhisshoulders;andtheypassedintotheofficeofColonelMichailovitch,whowasexaminingSylvia'spassportwiththeraptconcentrationofgazethatcouldonlybeachievedbysomeonewhowasincapableofunderstandingasinglewordofwhathewasapparentlyreading.ThecolonelbowedtoSylviawhensheentered,andinvitedhertositdown.Hazlewoodaskedhimifhemightlookatthepassport.

"It'squiteinorder,Ithink,moncolonel,"hesaidinFrench.Thecolonelagreedwithhim.

"Youhavenoobjectiontoitsbeingreturned?"

"_Pasdutout,pasdutout!Plaisir,plaisir!_"exclaimedthecolonel.

"AndIthinkyouwouldliketohearfrom--"Hazlewoodglancedatthepassport--"fromMissScarlett?SylviaScarlett?"herepeated,lookingather."Why,Ibelievewehaveafriendincommon.Aren'tyouafriendofMichaelFane?"

Sylviarealizedhowfamiliarhisnameshouldbetoher;andshefeltthathereyesbrightenedinassent.



"He'sinSerbia,youknow,"saidHazlewood.

"Now?"sheasked.

"Yes.I'lltellyouabouthim._Jedemandepardon,moncolonel,maisjeconnaiscettedame._"

"_Enchanté,enchanté_,"saidthecolonel,gettingupandshakinghandscordially."_LeCapitaineAntonivitch.LeLieutenantLazarevitch_,"headded,indicatingtheotherofficers,whosalutedandshookhandswithher.

"They'reawfuldears,aren'tthey?"murmuredHazlewood.ThenhewentoninFrench,"But,moncolonel,IbegyouwillaskMissScarlettanyquestionsyouwanttoaskaboutthismanRakoff."

"_Vousmepermittez,madame?_"thecolonelinquired."_Desolé,maisvouscomprenez,laguerrec'estcommeça,n'est-cepas?Ahoui,laguerre._"

Everybodyintheofficesighedinecho,"_Ahoui,laguerre!_"

"Wheredidthismangetintothetrain?"

"AtPlevna,Ibelieve."

"Didhetalkaboutanythinginparticular?"

"Aboutrosesmostly.HesaidhedidnotbelievetherecouldbewarwithSerbia.HespokeverybitterlyagainstGermany."

Sylviaansweredmanymorequestionsinfavorofherfellow-traveler.ThecoloneltalkedforafewmomentsinSerbiantohisassistants;presentlyagrubby-lookingpeasantwasbroughtin,atwhomthecolonelshoutedanumberofquestions,theanswerstowhichseemedtoreducehimtoastateofnervousdespair.OneoftheofficersretiredandcamebackwiththeBulgarianrose-grower;afteragreatdealoftalkingthepeasantwassentawayandRakoff'spassportwashandedbacktohim.

"_Jesuislibre?_"askedtheBulgarian,lookingroundhim.

Thecolonelbowedstiffly.

"Thisladyhasspokenofyourhorticulturalpassion,"saidHazlewood,lookingatRakoffstraightintheeyes.

"_Jesuisinfinimentreconnaissant_,"theBulgarianmurmured,withabow.Thenhesalutedthecompanyandwentout.

"Idaren'tprecipitatethesituation,"thecoloneltoldHazlewood."HemustleaveNishatonce,butifhetriestoalightbeforetheGreek

frontier,hecanalwaysbearrested."

RenewedapologiesfromthecolonelandmuchcordialsalutingfromhisstaffusheredSylviaoutoftheoffice,whenceshewasfollowedbyHazlewoodandAntitch,thelatterofwhombeggedhertoshowherforgivenessbydiningwithhimthatnight.

"Mydearfellow,"Hazlewoodprotested,"MissScarletthaspromisedtodinewithme."



Intheendsheagreedtodinewithboth,andbeggedthemnottobotheraboutheranymore,lestworkshouldsuffer.

"No,I'llseeyouintothetown,"Hazlewoodsaid,"becauseIdon'tknowifthere'saroominanyhotel.YououghtreallytogoontoSalonikaatonce,butIsupposeyouwanttoseeNishontheeveofitscalvary."

Shelookedathiminsurprise:therewassuchadepthofbitternessinhistone.

"Ishouldhatetobeameresightseer."

"No,forgivemefortalkinglikethat.I'msureyou'renot,andtoshowmypenitencefortheimputationletmehelpyouaboutyourroom."

SylviaandHazlewoodbowedtoAntitchandwalkedoutofthestation.

"They'vestartedtocommandeereveryvehicleandeveryanimal,"Hazlewoodexplained,"soweshallhavetowalk.It'snotfar.Thisyouthwillcarryyourbag.Yourheavyluggagehadbetterremaininthe _consigne_.IsupposeyoumoreorlessguessedwhatwasMichailovitch'sdifficultyaboutyourfriendtheBulgarianrose-grower?"

"No,Idon'tthinkIdidreally."

SylviadidnotcareanythingabouttheBulgarianorthecolonel;shewasonlyanxioustohearsomethingaboutMichaelFane;butbecauseshewassoanxious,shecouldnotbringherselftostartthetopicandmustwaitforHazlewood.

"Well,thisfellowRakoffwasidentifiedbythatpeasantchapwhowasbroughtin--oratanyratesoalmostcertainlyrecognizedastoamounttoidentification--asoneofthemostbloodthirsty_comitadji_leaders."

"Whatdotheydo?"

ShefeltthatshemustappeartotakesomeinterestinwhatHazlewood

wastellingher,afterthewayhehadhelpedandwashelpingherandperhapswouldhelpher.

"Theirchiefmissioninlife,"heexplained,"istheBulgarizationofMacedonia,whichtheyeffectinthesimplestwaypossiblebymurderingeverybodywhoisnotBulgarian.They'realsoratherfondofBulgarizingtownsandchurchesbymeansofdynamite.AltogetherthemostunpleasantruffiansleftinEurope,andinyieldingthemthesuperlativeI'mnotforgettingOrangemenandJunkers.Thecoloneldidnotbelievethathewasarose-grower,buthewasafraidtoarresthim,becauseatthismomentitisessentialnottogivetheleastexcuseforprecipitatingthesituation.WeexpecttohearatanymomentthatBulgariahasdeclaredwaronSerbia;butallsortsofnegotiationsarestillin

progress.Oneofthecharacteristicsofourpolicyduringthiswaristogiveafrenziedattentiontothemoldingofasituationafterithashopelesslyhardened.ThisAustrianadvanceisbadenough,butthere'sprobablyworsetofollow,andwedon'twanttheworstyet.ThepeopleherearecountingonFrenchandEnglishhelp,andtheyarefrightenedtodeathofdoinganythingthatwillupsetus.Asamatteroffact,yourevidencewasagodsendtothecolonel,becauseitgavehimanexcusetoletRakoffgowithoutlosinghisdignity.Andofcoursethere'salwaysachancethatthefellowiswhatheclaimstobe--apeacefulrose-grower,thoughIdoubtit:Ican'timagineanyoneofthattradetraveling



throughSerbiaatsuchamoment.IbelievemyselfthattheGermansfurnishcondemnedcriminalswithsufficientlysuspiciousaccessoriestooccupytheAlliedIntelligence,whiletheygetawaywiththerealgoods.Doyoueverreadspy-novels?Ourspy-novelsandspy-playsmusthavebeenofpricelessassistancetotheGermansinlettingthemknowhowtocoachtheircondemnedcriminalsforthepart.There'sonlyonethingonearththatbearslessresemblancetoitsoriginalthantheEnglishnovelist'sspy,andthatishisdetective."

"WhereisMichaelFane?"Sylviaasked;shecouldbearitnolonger.

"He'southerewithLadyWhat's-her-name'sRedCrossunit.Idon'treallyknowwhereheisatthemoment--probablybeingjoltedbyamuleonatractleadingsouthfromBelgrade.Hissister'southere,too.Herhusband--anawfullyjollyfellow--waskilledatYpres.WhendidyouseeMichaellast?"

"Oh,notfor--notfornearlynineyears,"sheanswered.

Therewasasilence;SylviawishednowthatshehadletHazlewoodleaduptothesubjectofMichael;hemustbethinkingofthetimewhenhisfriendwasengagedtoLily;hemustbewonderingaboutherself,forthathehadrememberedhernameaftersomanyyearsshowedthatMichael'saccountofherhadimpresseditselfuponhim.

"Ifhe'sonhiswaysouth,he'llbeinNishsoon,"Hazlewoodsaid,breakingthesilenceabruptly."You'dbetterwaitandseehim.Nineyearslastmonth:September,nineteen-six."

"No,itwasJune,"Sylviasaid."EarlyJune."

"Sorry,"hesaid."IwasthinkingofMichaelinrelationtomyself."

Hesighed,andatthatmomentcomingdownthesqualidstreetappearedabandofchildrenshepherdedbyafussyschoolmasterandcarryingbouquetsofflowers,who,atthesightofHazlewood,cheeredshrilly.

"Youseemtobeverypopularherealready,"Sylviaobserved.

"Doyouknowwhatthoseflowersarefor?"heasked,gravely.

Sheshookherhead.

"They'refortheBritishandFrenchtroopsthatthesepoordearsareexpectingtoarrivebyeverytraintohelpthemagainsttheAustrians.Itellyouitmakesmefeelthegreatesthumbugonearth.Theyaregoingtodecoratethestationto-morrow.It'slikeputtingflowersontheircountry'stomb.Ah,don'tlet'stalkaboutit--don'tlet'sthinkaboutit,"hebrokeout,passionately."Serbiahasbeenoneofmyrefugesduringthelastnineyears,andIstandherenowlikeamuteata

funeral."

Hewalkedon,tuggingsavagelyathismustache,untilhecouldturnroundtoSylviawithalaughagain.

"Mymustacherepresentsthebadgeofmyservitude.ItugatitasintheoldGreekdaysslavesmusthavetuggedattheirleadencollars.ThedayIshaveitoffIshallbefreeagain.Here'sthehotelwhereIhangout--almostliterally,formyroomissosmallandsodirtythatIgenerallyputmypillowonthewindow-sill.Thehotelisfullofbugs



anddiplomats,butthecoffeeisgood.However,it'snogoodraisingyourhopes,becauseIknowthatthereisn'taspareroom.Nevermind,"headded,"I'vegotanotherroomatanotherhotelwhichisequallyfullofbugs,butunfrequentedbydiplomats.Itisbeingreservedformyladysecretary,butshehasn'tturnedupyet,andsoImakeyouapresentofittillshedoes."

"Whyareyoubeingsokind?"Sylviaasked.

"Idon'tknow,"Hazlewoodreplied."Youamusedme,Ithink,sittingthereinthatrailwaycarriagewithAntitch.It'ssucharelieftoarrestsomebodywhodoesn'tinstantlybegintoshriek'Consul!Consul!'MostwomenregardconsulsasGievewaistcoats,thatistosay,somethingwhichiseasilyinflatedbyawoman'sbreath,hasaflaskofbrandyinonepocket,andaffordsendlesssupport.No,seriously,ithappensthatMichaelFanetalkedagreatdealaboutyouonamemorableoccasioninmylife,andsincehe'safriendofmineI'dliketodoallIcanforyou.Forthemoment--here'stheotherhotel,nothingisfarapartinNish,notevenlifeanddeath--forthemomentImustleaveyou,orratherforthewholeday,I'mafraid,becauseI'vegotthedickensofalottodo.However,it'sjustaswelltheladysecretaryhasn'tturnedup,becauseit'sreallyimpossibletofeelverysecurelyestablishedinNish.Iexpect,asamatteroffact,she'sbeenkidnappedbysomewhiteslaveryofthestaffenroute.MissPotberryishername.It'sadepressingname

forasecretary,buttrueromanceknowsnolawsofnomenclature,soIstillhavehope.Poorlady.

"MissPotberrymuttered,'Oh,squish!Idon'twanttogoontoNish.IlikeMaltabetter!'Thegeneralsaid,'LetherRemainhere,ifthatisherwish,

andsendatelegramtoLondontosaythatshehasbeentakenillandisunabletoproceedfarther,butthatherservicescanbeusefullyemployedhere.'Isay,Imustrun!I'llcomeandfetchyoufordinnerabouthalfpastseven."

Hehandedherovertothecareofthehotelporterandvanished.

TheroomthatHazlewoodhadlenttoSylviapossessedabasin,abed,fivehooks,achair,theremainsofatable,anoleographofabattlebetweenSerbiansandBulgariansthatresembledafireatacircus,andabalcony.AtsuchatimeinNishabalconymadeupforanyabsenceofcomfort,somuchwastheretolookatinthesquarefullofstuntedtreesandmud,surroundedbystuntedhouses,andcrammedwithcarts,bullocks,donkeys,horses,diplomats,soldiers,princes,refugees,peasants,poultry,newspapercorrespondents,andchildren,thewholemassflushedbyasprayofEnglishnurses,asapigstybyaDorothyPerkinsrambler.

SylviasearchedthecrowdforaglimpseofMichaelFane,thoughsheknewthathewasalmostcertainlynotyetarrived.YetiftheSerbianswereevacuatingBelgradeandifMichaelhadbeeninBelgrade,hewasboundtoarriveultimatelyinNish.ShewonderedhowlongshecouldkeepthisroomandprayedthatMissPotberrywouldnotappear.ThenotionoftravelingallthewayherefromPetrograd,onlytomisshimattheend,wasnottobecontemplated;hissisterwasinSerbia,too,thatcharmingsisterwhohadflashedthroughherdressing-roomatthePierianlikealovelyviewseenfromatrain.Afterthelasteighteenmonthsshewas



surelyjustifiedinleavingnothingundonethatmightbringaboutanothermeeting.Hazlewoodhadspokenofbeingoverworked.CouldshenotofferherservicesinplaceofMissPotberry?Anything,anythingtohaveanexcusetolingerinNish,anexcusethatwouldabsolveherfromthechargeofafrivolousegotisminoccupyingspacethatwouldsoonbemorethaneverbadlyneeded.ShehadthoughtthatdestinyhaddrivenhersouthfromPetrogradtoKieff,fromKiefftoOdessa,fromOdessatoBucharest,fromBucharesttoNishforQueenieandforPhilip,butsurelyitwasformorethanwasrepresentedbyeitherofthem.

"IncredibleassthatIam,"shethought."WhatisMichaeltomeandwhatamItoMichael?Notsoeasilyistime'sslowruinrepaired.Ifwemeet,weshallmeetforperhapsadinnertogether;thatwillbeall.Whatromancesmustthiswarhavewovenandwhatromancesmustitnothaveshatteredasswiftly!Romances!Yet,howdareIusesuchawordaboutmyself?Nineyears,nineremorselessdeadeningyears,lieontopofwhatwasnevermorethanastillbornfancy,andIamexpectingtoseeitburstforthtobloominNish.It'stheeffectofisolation.Timegoesbymoreslowlywhenoneonlylooksatoneself,andoneforgetsthecountlessinfluencesinotherpeople'slives.ButIshouldliketoseehimagain.Ohyes,quiteordinarilyandunemotionallyIshouldliketoshakehandswithhimandperhapstalkforalittlewhile.Thereisnothingextravagantlysentimentalinthinkingsomuch."

Sylviahadoftenenoughbeenconsciousofherisolationfromtheworldandoftenenoughshehadtriedtoassuagethissenseoflonelinessbyindulgingittotheutmost--tosuchanextentindeedthatshehadreachedthepointofhatingnotmerelyanythingthatinterferedwithherownisolation,butevenanythingthatinterferedwiththeisolationofotherpeople.Shehadturnedthearmorofself-defenseintoameansofaggression,althoughbydoingsoshehaddestroyedthestrengthofherposition.Herlonelinessthatduringtheselastmonthsseemedtohaveacquiredthemorepositivequalitiesofindependencewasnowonlytoomiserablyevidentasloneliness;andunlessshecouldapplythevitalsufferingshehadundergonerecently,sothattheyearsofherprimemightbearmanifestfruit,sheknewthatthesenseoffutilityinanothernineyearswouldbeirreparableindeed.Atpresentthetreasure

ofeighteenmonthsofcontinuousanddeliberateefforttoavoidfutilitywasstillrichwithpotentiality;butthehumanheartwasadeceptivetreasure-houseneververystrongagainstthecorruptionoftime,which,whenunlocked,mightatanymomentdisplaynothingexceptcoffersfilledwithdust.

"ButwhydoIinvitedisillusionmentbycountinguponthismeetingwithMichaelFane?Whyshouldhecurethislonelinessandhowwillhecureit?Why,intwowords,doIwanttomeethimagain?Partly,Ithink,it'sduetothehauntingincompletenessofourfirstintercourse,towhichisaddedtheknowledgethatnowIamqualifiedtocompletethatintercourse,atanyrate,sofarasmyattitudetowardhimisconcerned.AndthewayIwanttoshowmycomprehensionofhimistoexplainabout

myself.Iamreallydesperatelyanxiousthatheshouldhearwhathappenedtomeafterweparted.Foronething,heisboundtobesympatheticwiththiscravingforanassuranceofthevalueoffaith.Iwanttofindhowfarhehastraveledinthesamedirectionasmyselfbyadifferentroad.Idivinesomehowthathisexperiencewillbethecomplementtomyown,thatitwillilluminethewretchedcross-countrypathwhichI'vetakenthroughlife.IfIfindthathe,relyingalmostentirelyupontheadventuresofthought,hasarrivedatapointofwhichIamalsoinsight,notwithstandingthatIhavetakentheworstandroughestroad,aroad,moreover,thatwasalmostallthetime



trespassinguponforbiddenterritory,thenIshallbeabletothrowoffthisoppressionofloneliness.ButwhyshouldIrelymoreuponhisjudgmentthananybodyelse's?"

Sylviashruggedhershoulders.

"Whatisattraction?"sheaskedherself."Itexists,andthere'sanendofit.Ihadthesamesenseofintimacywithhissisterinaconversationoffiveminutes.ThenamIinlovewithhim?Butisn'tbeinginloveaconditionthatisbroughtaboutbycircumstancesoutofattraction?Beinginloveismerelythebestwayofillustratingaffinity.Ah,thatword!Whenawomanofthirty-twobeginstotalkaboutaffinities,shehasperformedhalfheremotionalvoyage;thesunkenrocksandeddiesofthedangerousagemaynolongerbedisregarded.Thirty-two,andyetIfeelyoungerthanIdidattwenty-three.Attwenty-threeexperiencemostlybitterwasweighingmedown;atthirty-twoIknowthatexperiencemustnotberegardedasanythingmoreimportantthanfoodordrinkortravelinginatrainoranyoftheincidentalaidstomaterialexistence.Thenwhatisimportant?IshouldberashtohazardastatementwhileIamlookingatthisheterogeneousmobbelow.Onecannothelpsupposingthatthewarwillbringaboutareadjustmentofvalues."

ThefeelingofunrestandinsecurityinthesquareatNishonthat

Mondaymorningwasalmostfrightfulinitsemotionalactuality;itgaveSylviaanenvytoflingherselfintothemiddleofit,aswhenonesitsuponarocklashedbyangryseasandlongstoglutaninsanecuriosityabouttheextentofone'shelplessness.ThissqualidSerbiantowngavehertheillusionofhavingforthemomentconcentrateduponitselfthegreatforcesthatwereagitatingtheworld.

"Idon'tbelieveanybodyrealizesyethowmuchwasletslipwiththedogsofwar,"shesaidtoherself."Peoplearealwaystalkingaboutthevastnessofthiswar,buttheyarealwaysthinkingintermsofavoirdupois;theyhaveneverdoubtedthatthedecimalsystemwillexpresstheirmostgrandiosecalculations.Thebiggestcasualtylistthatwaseverknown,thelongestbattle,theheaviestgun,allthese

flatterpoorhumanitywithasenseofitsimportance:butwhenalltherecordshavebeenbrokenandwhenallthecongratulationsuponoutdoingthepasthavebeenwornthin,towhatwillhumanityturnfromthenewchaosithascreated?Andthisisoneofthefruitsofthegreatnineteenthcentury,thismiserablesquarepackedwiththeevidenceofcivilization.PerhapsI'mtooparochial:attheotherendoftheuniverseplanetsmaybewarringuponplanets.Ifthatbeso,weloseeventheconsolationofauniversalrecordandmustfallbackuponamereworldrecord;ineternityourgreatestwarwillhavesunktoabrawlinaslum.Howcanmankindbelieveinman?HowcanmankindrejectGod?"shedemanded,passionately.

SylviadidnotdinewithHazlewoodorAntitchthatevening,becausethey

werebothtoobusy.Hazlewoodbeggedhertostayonintheroomandpromisedthathewouldtrytomakeuseofher,thoughhewastoobusyatpresenttofindtimetoexplainhowshecouldbeuseful.SylviadidnotliketoworryhimwithinquiriesaboutMichael,andshespentthenextfewdayswatchingfromherbalconytheconcourseofdistractedhumanbeingsinthesquare.OnSaturdaywhennewshadarrivedthattheAustrianshadenteredBelgrade,andwheneveryhourwasbringingconvoysofrefugeesfromthenorth,arumorsuddenlysprangupthatthousandsofBritishandFrenchtroopswereontheirwayfromSalonika,thattheGreekshadinvadedBulgaria,andthatTurkeyhadmadepeace.Suchan



accumulationofgoodnewsmeantthatthemiseriesofSerbiawouldsoonbeover.Therailwaystationwashungwithmoreflagsandscatteredwithmoreflowersthanever;andanenterprisingcoffee-housekeeperanticipatedthearrivalofBritishtroopsbyhangingoutasigninscribed,GUDBIIRISFORSELPLISTOCOMOLDENGLANDBIRHOUS.

SylviawasreadingthisnoticewhenHazlewoodcameupandaskedhertodinewithhimthatevening.

"I'msosorryI'vehadtoleaveyouentirelytoyourself,butI'venothadamoment,andIhatediningwhenIcan'ttalk.To-nightthereseemsalullinthestreamoftelegraphicquestionstowhichI'vebeensubjectedallthisweek."

"Butpleasedon'tapologize.Ifeelguiltyinstayinghereatall,especiallywhenI'mdoingnothingbutstare."

"Well,Iwasgoingtotalktoyouaboutthat.Yououghttoleaveto-morroworthenextday.TheBulgariansaresuretomove,nowthattheAustrianshavegotBelgrade,andthatmeansfreshswarmsoffugitivesfromtheeast;itmayalsomeanthatcommunicationswithGreecewillbecut."

"ButtheBritishadvance?"

Hazlewoodlookedather.

"Ahyes,theBritishadvance,"hemurmured.

"Andyoupromisedthatyou'dfindmesomework,"Sylviasaid.

"Frankly,it'snogoodyourbeginningtolearnnow."

Shemusthaveshownasmuchdisappointmentasshefelt,forheadded:

"Well,afterdinnerto-nightyoushalltakedownthefiguresofoneortwolongtelegrams."

"Anything,"offeredSylvia,eagerly.

"It'sallthatMissPotberrycouldhavedoneatpresent.I'mnotwritinganyreports,soherexpertshorthandofwhichIwasassuredwouldhavebeenwasted.Reports!Oneoftherevelationsofthiswartomewastheextraordinaryvaluethatprofessionalsoldiersattachtothetypewrittenword.Isupposeit'saminormanifestationoftheimpulsethatmadeWolfesayhewouldratherhavewrittenGray's'Elegy'thantakeQuebec.Iftypewritershadbeeninventedinhistimehemighthavesaid,'IwouldratherbeintheWarOfficeandbeabletoreadmyreportofthecaptureofQuebecthantakeit.'I'msurethatthechiefreasonofaknowledgeofLatinbeingstilldemandedforadmissiontoSandhurstis

thehopeuniversallycherishedinthearmythateverycadet'shaversackcontainsanewlongLatinintransitiveverbwhichcanbeusedtransitivelytosupplantoneoftheshortSaxonverbsthatstilldisfiguremilitarycorrespondence.Icanimaginesuchacadetsaying,'Sir,IwouldsoonerhavebeenthefirstmanthatwroteofevacuatingwoundedthantakeBerlin.'Thetroublewithmenofactionisthatsomethingwrittenmeansforthemsomethingdone.Thelaborofwritingissotremendousandtheconsequentmentalfatiguesooverwhelmingthattheycannotbringthemselvestobelieveotherwise.Thegeneralpublic,evenafterfifteenmonthsofwar,hasthesamekindofrespectforthe



printedword.Howlongdoesittakeyoutoreadaletter?Iimaginethattworeadingswouldgiveyouthegistofit?Well,ittakesaBritishgeneralatleastfivereadings,andeventhenheonlyunderstandsawordhereandthere,unlessit'swritteninhisownbarbaricdepartmentalEnglish.IfIhadageneralovermehere--which,thankHeaven,I'venot--andIweretomakeasimplesuggestion,hewouldinvitemetoputitonpaper.Thishewoulddobecausehewouldpresumethatlifewouldbetooshortformetosucceed,andthat,therefore,heshouldbeforeversparedhavingtomakeuphismindinresponsetoanypromptingonmyside.If,ontheotherhand,Ididbychanceembodymysuggestionintypescript,hewouldbeamazedattheresult,andbysomealchemyofthought,ifhecouldwriteonthetop'Concur,'hewouldfeelthathehadcreatedthesuggestionhimself.Theefforteventowrite'Concur'representsfortheaverageBritishgeneraltheamountoflaborinvolvedbyawomaninproducingachild,and...butlookhere--to-nightathalfpastseven.Solong!"

Hazlewoodhurriedaway;atdinnerthatnighthewentonwithhisdiscourse.

"YouknowthatamongsavagescertainwordsaretabooandthatintheMiddleAgescertainwordspossessedmagicproperties?Thesamethingappliestothearmyandtothenavy.Forinstance,thenavyhasawordofpowerthatwillopenanything.Thatwordis'submit'.Ifyouwrote

'submitted'atthetopofacommunicationIbelieveyoucouldtellanadmiralthathewasadamnfool,butifyouwrote'suggested'you'dbeshotatdawn.Inthesamewayanavalofficerindorsesyour'submission'bywriting'approved'whereasasoldierwrites'concur.'I'veoftenwonderedwhatwouldhappentoageneralwhowrote'agree'.Certainlyanyjuniorofficerwhowrote'begin'for'commence'or'allow'for'permit'wouldbecashiered.Iwasratherluckybecause,afterbeingsuspectedforthesimplicityofmyreports,Imanagedtousetheword'connote'once.Mydearwoman,myreputationwasmade.Generalscameupandcongratulatedmepersonally,andI'mcrediblyinformedthatallthenewmilitarycipherswillincludetheword,whichwasjustwhatwaswantedtosupplant'mean,'amonosyllablethathadbeenablotonmilitarycorrespondenceforyears."

"Areyoutalkingseriously?"Sylviaasked."Youcan'treallyconnotewhatyousay."

Hazlewoodindicatedtheroomwheretheyweredining.

"WhicharetheEnglishdiplomats?"hedemanded.

"That'sperfectlyeasytotell,"shereplied.

"Andwhy?"hewenton."Simplybecausethey'vemadenoconcessiontobeinginNishatamomentofcrisis.IinviteyoutoregardmyfriendHarryVereker.SeehowhedefiesanyHoratianregretforlapsedyears.

PositivelyheisstillatOxford.Can'tyouhearaboveallthisclatterofcosmopolitanisminapigstythesuaveinsistencyofhisvoiceimpressinguponyoubyitsqualityofimmutableself-assurancethat,whateverhappenstotherestoftheworld,nothingvitallydeformativeeverhappenstoEngland?"

"ButwhathasthevoiceofasecretarytodowiththemilitaryabuseofLatinderivations?"

"Notmuch,Iadmit,exceptinitssereneruthlessness.AnEnglish



officercompelsaLatinverbtofitinwithhisnotionofwhataLatinverboughttodojustinthesamewayasheexpectsaSpaniardtoregardwithpleasurehisoccupationofGibraltar:anyprotestbyagrammarianoranidealisticpoliticianwouldstrikehimasimpertinent.HarryVereker'svoiceisastillmoreineradicablemanifestationofthespirit.Listen!HeisaskingthewaiterinSerbianforsalt,buthedoessoinawaythatremindsoneofmankind'sconcessiontoanimalsinusingformsofcommunicationthatthelattercanunderstand.Itisnottobesupposedthatthedoginventedpatting:Harry'sSerbianishiswayofpattingthewaiter:itishislanguage,notthewaiter's.PersonallyIcan'thelpconfessingthatIadmirethisattitudetotheworld,andIonlywishthatitcouldbeeternallypreserved.Thegreathistoricaltragedyofthiswar--I'mputtingononesideforthemomentthecountlesspersonaltragediesthatareincludedinit,andtryingtoregardthewarasMr.Buckleregardedcivilization--thegreathistoricaltragedywillbetheEnglishman'slossofhispersonality.WhenwelookbackatthehistoricaltragedyofthefalloftheRomanEmpire,wethinklessofthe_civisRomanussum_thanofthemonumentsofarchitecture,law,politicalcraft,andtherestthatremainimperishablypartofhumanprogress.InthesamewayathousandyearshenceIassumethattheBritishEmpirewillbeconsideredtohaveplayedapartonlysecondtotheRomanEmpireinthemanifestresultsofitsdomination.ButwhathasbeenlostandwhatwillbelostistheindividualRoman'sattitudeandtheindividualEnglishman's.NotalltheremainsoftheRomanEmpire

havebeenenoughreallytopreserveforustheindefinableflavorofbeingaRoman,andwithmuchmorematerialathisdisposalIdefytheperfectcosmopolitanofmixedAryan,Mongol,andSemiticbloodtorealizeathousandyearsfromnowHarryVereker'stoneofvoiceinaskingthatwaiterforthesalt.No,no,thecosmopolitanofthefuturewillturnasidefromtherecordsofthepastandinEsperantomurmursadlytohimselfthatsomethingismissingfromhisappreciation.PerhapsIcanillustratemymeaningbetterifIcomparetheAthenianswiththeFrench.Ifeelthattheartofbothenduringthroughtimetocomewillbeenough.IhavenoregretforthepersonalattitudeoftheAthenian,andinthesamewayIdon'tfeelthatthecosmopolitanofathousandyearshencewillloseanythingbynotmeetingtheFrenchmanofto-day.ItisAthensandFranceratherthantheAthenianorthe

Frenchmanofwhichtheworldisenamoured.HowoftenhaveIheardaforeignersay:'ThepoliticsofEnglanddonotpleaseme:Ifinditabrigandpolicy,buttheindividualEnglishmanisalwaysagentleman.'AnindividualEnglishmanlikeByronisworthmoretoEnglandthantwentyChamberlainsorGreys,whoyethavemorerighttorepresenttheircountry:hecomesassucharomanticsurprise.AFrenchmanlikeLafayetteistakenforgranted.ThewordofanEnglishmanisproverbial;theperfidyofAlbionequallyso."

"AndtheGermans?"Sylviaasked.

"Oh,theyhaveneverbeenthoughtworthyofageneralization.Wehaveapprehendedthemvaguelyasoneapprehendspigs--asanationofgross

feedersandbadlydressedwomendrinkingamixtureoftreacleandonionstheycallbeer,withareputationforgutturalperegrinationandphilosophy."

"Theirmusic,"Sylviaprotested.

"Yes,thatisdifficulttoexplain.Yes,Ithinkwemustgivethemthat;butwhenwerememberBachandSchumann,wemustnotforgetWagnerandtheGermanband."



"Ithinkyourcharacterizationisrathercrude,"Sylviasaid.

"Itiscrude.ButthereisnobygonecivilizationwithwhichGermanic _Kultur_canbecompared.Soaswithanynoveltyonedependsuponasneertohideone'sownignorance."

"TheItaliansinterestmemore,"Sylviasaid.

"TheItaliansseemtomerathertoresembletheEnglish,andnaturally,becausetheyarethemostdirectheirsofRome.I'mboundtosaythatIdon'tbelieveinanimperialfutureforthemnow.It'ssurelyimpossibletoreviveRome.Theystillpreserveanimmensecapacityforpoliticalcraft,butitisanegotismthatlacksthesublimeunconsciousnessofEnglishegotism.TheItalianshaveneverrecoveredfrom_IlPrincipe_ofMachiavelli.It'saneclecticstatecraft;liketheirpaintingfromRaphaelonward,it'stoo_soigné_.Moreover,ItalysuffersfromtheperpetualsacrificeofthesouthernItaliantothenorthern.TherealItaliansbelongtothesouth,andformethe_risorgimento_hasalwaysbeenaphenixrisingfromtheashesofthesouth;thebirdismostefficient,butIdistrustitsaquilineappearance.Oneofthemostremarkablesurprisesofthiswarhasbeenthesuperiorfightingquality--themorequicklybeatingheart--oftheNeapolitansandSicilians.IfoundthesamesurprisingqualityintheGreeksduringthelastBalkanwar.Tome,whoregardtheMediterraneanasstill_the_

civilizedseaoftheworld,thetriumphofNapleshasbeenadelight.""AndtheRussians?"Sylviawenton.

"Ah,thefutureofRussiaisasmuchanunknownquantityasthefutureofwomanhood.PersonallyIamconvincedthatthenextgreatcivilizationwillbeSlavonic,andmychiefgrudgeagainstmortalityisthatImustdielongbeforeitevenbeginstodrawnear,foritisstillasfarawayasJohannineChristianitywillbefromthePetrineChristianitytowhichwehavebeentoolongdevoted.Butwhenitdoescome,Iamsurethatitwilleasilysurpassallpreviouscivilizations,becauseIbelieveitwillresolvetheeternaldualisminhumanitythathithertowehaveexpressedroughlybyEmpireandPapacyorbyChurchandState.I

envisageRussiaascontainingthecivilizationofthesoul,thoughGodknowsthroughwhatagonyofbloodandtearsitmayhavetopassbeforeitcanexpresswhatitcontains.InRussiatherestillexistsagenuineworshipoftheCzarasasuperiorbeing,andanationthatrespectsthedivinityaboutakingisstillasdeepinthemireoffetichismasthemostdebasedMelanesians.WeworshipkingsinEngland,Iadmit,butonlysnobbishly;wesignificantlycallthepoundasovereign.Notevenourmostexaltedsnobsdreamofpayingdivinehonorstokingship;wearetoomuchheirsofImperialRomeforthat.IalwaysattributeMagnaChartatoaninheritedconsciousnessofCæsarianexcesses."

"Andnowyou'veonlyAustrialeft,"saidSylvia.

"Austria,"Hazlewoodexclaimed."Abatteredcocottewhosustainsherselfbydevotingtopietismthesettlementsofhernumerouslovers--acocottewithaloveoffinery,aprofoundcynicism,andanacquireddeportment.Austria!rougedandraddled,plumpedandcorseted,asuitablemistressforthatlicentiousbutstilltragicoldbuffoonwhorulesher."

"Whatawonderfulsermononsoslightatextasafriend'saskingaSerbianwaiterforsalt,"Sylviasaid.

"Ah,youledmeawayfromthemainthreadbyaskingmedirectquestions.



ImeanttoconfinemyselftoEngland."

"_Onpeuttoujoursrevenirauxmoutons_"Sylviasaid.

"NewZealandmutton,eh?"Hazlewoodlaughed."Wasn'titaNewZealanderwhowastomeditateupontheBritishEmpireathousandyearshenceamidtheruinsofSt.Paul's?"

"Well,goon,"sheurged.

"You'reoneofthoselisteningsirenssomuchmorefatalthanthesingingvariety,"helaughed.

"Oh,butI'mveryrarelyagoodlistener,"sheprotested.

Hazlewoodbowed.

"Anddon'tforgetthatsirenshavealwaysan_arrière-pensée_,"shewenton."Howeverwellyoutalk,you'llfindthatIshalldemandsomethinginreturnformyattention.Don'tlookalarmed;itwon'tinvolveyoupersonally."

Sylviawasgettingagooddealofpleasureoutofhismonologue;itwasjustwhathernervesneeded,thissenseofbeingentertainedwhileall

thetimeshepreserved,sofarasanyrealityofpersonalintercoursewasconcerned,acompletedetachment.ShewasquitedefinitelyawareofwantingHazlewoodtoexhausthimselfthatshemighteitherbringherpartoftheconversationroundtoMichaelor,atanyrate,exactfromhimanexcuseforlingeringinNishuntilMichaelshouldcomethere.Nowherhostwasoffagain:

"Haveyoueverthought,"hewasaskingher,"abouttheappropriatenessofournationalanimal--theBritishlion?Weareratherapttoregardthelionasabluff,heartysortofbeastwithaloudroarandaconsciousnessofbeingthefinestbeastanywhereabout.But,afterall,thelionisoneofthegreatcats.He'ssomethingmuchfinerthantheBritishbulldog,which,withmostunnecessaryself-depreciation,wehave

electedasoursecondarypatternorprototypeamongtheanimals.Therearefewanimalssoprofoundly,sodensely,sohopelesslystupidasthebulldog.Itschiefvirtueisallegedtobeitsneverknowingwhenitisbeaten,butthisisonlyanincidentalignorancemergedinitsignoranceofeverything.WhyadogthatapproximatesincharactertoamuleandinappearancetoahippopotamusshouldbeacceptedastherepresentativeofEnglishcharacterIdon'tknow.Theattributiontakesitsplacewithsomeofthegreatfundamentalmysteriesofhumanconduct;itiscomparablewiththoseotherriddlesofwhyachauffeuralwayswaitstillyougetintothecaragainbeforeheturnsround,orwhykidneysaresorareinbeefsteak-and-kidneypudding,orwhyeverymaninthecourseofhislifehaseitherwantedtobuyorhasboughtarusticsummer-house.Thelion,however,reallyistypicaloftheEnglishman:somewhatblond

andveryagile,physicallycourageous,morallytimid,fierce,fullofdomesticvirtues,tolerantofjackals,generous,cunning,graceful,arrogant,andacquisitive:heseemstomeaperfectsymboloftheBritishrace."

"Isyourfriendatthediplomats'tablesoveryleonine?"Sylviaasked.

"Ohno,HarryistheindividualEnglishman;thelionrepresentstherace."



"Buttheraceisanaccumulationofindividuals."

"Isay,don'tlistentoointelligently,"Hazlewoodbegged."It'snotfaireithertomybabblingortoyourowndinner."

"Well,Iwanttobringyoubacktothepointyoumadewhenyoutalkedaboutthehistoricaltragedyofthiswar."

Hazlewoodlookedserious.

"ImeantwhatIsaid.I'vejustcomefromthegraveofwhatwasEngland,andalreadythedeedsatGallipolihavetakenontheaspectofaheroicfrieze.WemighthaverepeatedGallipolihereinSerbia,butwesha'n't;we'velearnedourlesson;Idonotthinkthatonsuchascalesuchdecorativeheroismcaneverhappenagain.Gallipolisawthedeathoftheamateur;andaconservativelikemyselffeelsthehistoricaltragedyofsuchadeath.Isupposetherearefewpeoplewhowouldbepreparedtoarguethatsuchaspiritoughttobepurchasedatsuchaprice,andyetIdon'tknow--IbelieveIwould.Iwasn'tinFlandersatthebeginning;butIimaginethesamespiritexistedthere.Don'tyourememberthechildlike,amateurishpleasurethatallthesoldierstookinbeingferriedacrosstheChannelwithoutanybody'sknowingtheyhadgone?ThesuccessfulsecrecycompensatedthemforallthathellofMons.You'llneveragainhearofthatchildlikeenjoyment.Verysoonweshall

haveconscription,andfromthatmomenttheamateurinapositionofresponsibilitywhosacrificesanyman'slifetohisownsenseofexteriorformwillbecomeacriminal.Surelyitisanappallingtragedythatwesha'n'tbeabletocarryonsuchawarasthiswithoutconscription?England,ourEngland,disappearswithconscription:nothingwilleverbethesameagain.Theyaccusedusofdecadence,buthadyouseenthatlandinglastApril--hadyouseenthatimmortaldivisionofEnglishmen,Scotsmen,Irishmen,andWelshmenliterallydyeingtheseawiththeirblood,youcouldneverhavethoughtofdecadenceagain.Andyet,markmywords,somuchofEnglandwaslostuponthatdaythatalreadytheunthinkingherdledbythenewspapers,whicharealwayswaitingtohailthenewking,talksofthelandingasfamouschieflyfortheAustralianshareinit.MyGod,itenragesmeto

readabouttheAustralianswhenIthinkofthatdeathlessdeaddivision.Whateverelsemayhappeninthiswar,whateverourfateatthehandsofintriguingpoliticiansandbackbitinggenerals,Englandwasherselfuponthatday:itstandswithTrafalgarandAgincourtinatrinityofimperishableglory."

"ButwhydoyousaythatsomuchofEnglandwaslost?Youdon'tthinkweshalldisgraceourselveshenceforthinthiswar?"

"WehavealreadydonesomorallyinfailingtocometothehelpoftheSerbians.Gallipoliturnedusintoprofessionals,andthoughI'mnotsayingthatthereisasinglegoodprofessionalargumentinfavorofhelpingSerbia,Istillbelieveagainstallprofessionalsthatweshall

payforourfailureinbitteryearsofprolongedwar.TheDardanellescouldhavebeenforced.Whatstoppedit?Professionaljealousyathome."

"It'sahardthingofwhichtoaccusethepeopleathome."

"ItwasahardthingtolandthatdayatSedd-el-bahr,butitwasdone.No,we'vefallenapreytotheglamourofTeutonism,andofbeingexpedientandHunnish.BythetimethewarisoverIdon'tdoubtweshallbeaveryprettyimitationoftherealarticlethatwe'resettingouttodestroy.But,thankHeaven,weshallalwaysbeabletopointto



MonsandtoAntwerpandtoGallipoli:thoughwearefastforgettingtobegentlemen,we'vealreadyforgottenmorethantheGermanseverdreamedofinthatdirection.Mindyou,I'mnotattemptingtosaythatwehaven'tgottohitbelowthebelt:wehave,becausewearefightingwithfoulfighters;butthatiswhatIconceivetobethehistoricaltragedyofthiswar--thedebasementofouridealsinorderthatwemaycompetewiththeGermans,andwiththeoldmeninmorocco-chairsathome,andwiththegutturalpress.IrememberhowthewaningmoonofdawncameupoutofAsiawhilewewerestillwaitingfornewsoftheSuvlalanding.Therewasatattooofmusketryoverthesea,alispofwindinthesandygrass;andinamomentofapprehensivechillIdivinedthatwithafailureatSuvlathiswaningmoonwasthelastmoonthatwouldriseupontheoldwayofthinking,therareoldwayofacting,theold,oldmerryEnglandbuiltinathousandyears."

"ButagreaterEnglandmayarisefromthatfailure."

"Yes,butitwon'tbeourEngland.ThegraveofourEnglandwasdugbytheVictorians;thisgenerationhasplantedtheflowersuponit;themonumentwillberaisedbythenewgeneration.Ohyes,Iknow,it'sanegotisticalregret,asuperficialandsentimentalregret,ifyouwill,butyoumustallowsomeofustocherishit;otherwisewecouldnotgoon.AndintheendIbelievehistorywillindorsetheschoolofthoughtIfollow.IntheendI'mconvincedthatitwillblamethemenwhofailed

toseethatEnglandwasgreatbythemeasureofhergreatness,andthattherealwaytowinthiswarwasbywhatweresneeringlycalledside-shows.Allourhistoryhasbeenthealternatefailureandtriumphofourside-shows;wemadeourselveswhatwearebyside-shows."

Hazlewoodsweptfromthetablethepileofcrumbshehadbeenbuildingwhilehewastalking,andsmiledatSylvia.

"It'syourturnnow,"hesaid.

"You'vedeprivedmeofanycapacityforgeneralization.Ithinkperhapsyoumayhavegotthingsoutoffocus.Iknowit'saplatitude,butisn'tonealwaysinevitablyoutoffocusnowadays?WhenIwasstillata

distancefromthewarthewholeperspectivewasblurredtomyvisionbytheintrusionofindividualhumiliationsandsufferings.NowI'mnearertoitIfeelthatmyvisionisequallyfaultyfromanindifferencetothem,"Sylviasaid,earnestly.

ThenshetoldHazlewoodthestoryofQueenieandthepassport,andaskedforhisopinion.

"Well,ofcourse,there'saninstancetohandofsterileprofessionalism.Naturally,hadIbeentheofficialinBucharest,Ishouldhavegiventhegirlherpassport.AtsuchamomentIshouldhavebeentoomuchmovedbyherdesireofEnglandtohavedoneotherwise.Moreover,ifherdesireofEnglandwasnotmerelust,Ishouldhavebeen

righttodoso."

SylviafinishedherstorybytellinghimofQueenie'sescapewiththejuggleraftertheprobabletheftofMaud'spassport.

"ByJove!"heexclaimed."I'llbetthey'vegonetoSalonika.We'llsendatelegramtoourpeoplethereandwarnthemtokeepalookout."

"Whataparadoxhumansympathyis,"Sylviamurmured."EversinceIgottoNishit'sbeenonmyconsciencethatIdidn'ttellyouaboutthis



girlbefore,andyetinBucharestthenotionofdoinganythinglikethatwaspositivelydisgustingtomysenseofdecency.Andlookatyou!AmomentagoyouwereabusingtheofficialinBucharestforhisredtape,andnowyoureyesareflashingwiththeprospectofhuntingherdown."

"NotevenHeraclitusdivinedquitetherapiditywithwhicheverythingdissolvesinflux,"saidHazlewood."That'sanotherthingthatwillbebroughthometopeoplebeforethewar'sover--theintensityandrapidityofchange,ofcourseconsiderablystrengthenedandacceleratedbytheimpulsethatwarhasgiventopuredestruction.Youcanseeiteveninbroadideas.Webeganbyfightingforascrapofpaper;weshallgoonfightingfordifferentideasuntilwerealizewearefightingforourexistence.Thensuddenlyweshallthinkwearefightingaboutnothing,andthewarwillbeover."

Hazlewoodsatsilent;mostofthedinershadfinishedandlefttheroom,whichaccentuatedhissilencewithanansweringstillness.

"Well,whatistobeyourrewardforlistening?"heaskedatlength.

"TostayoninNishforthepresent,"sheanswered,firmly.

"No,no,"heobjected,withasuddenfretfulnessthatwasthemoreconspicuousafterhislateexuberance."No,no,wedon'twantmorewomen

thanarenecessary.You'dbettergetdowntoSalonikaonMonday.Lookhere,Imustsendatelegramaboutthatfriendofyours.Comeroundtomyofficeandgivemethedetails."

Sylviaaccompaniedhiminastateofconsiderabledepression;shecouldnotbeartheideaofrevealingsomuchofherselfastoaskhimdirectlytogiveheranexcusetoremaininNishbecauseshewantedtoseeMichael;itwasseemingimpossibletointroducethepersonalelementinthiswar-cursedtown,andparticularlynowwhenshewasquenchingsoutterlythepersonalelementbythusallyingherselfwithHazlewoodagainstQueenie.Shewaitedwhilehedecipheredashorttelegramwhichhadarrivedduringhisabsenceandwhileheoccupiedhimselfwithwritinganother.

"Howwillthisdofortheirdescription?"heread:

"AcertainKrebsknownprofessionallyasZozo,acrobaticjugglerandconjurer,allegedSwissnationality,tall,largeface,cleanshaven,verylargehands,speakingEnglishwell,accompaniedbyQueenieWaltersofGermanoriginpossiblycarryingstolenpassportofMaudMoffat,Englishvarietyartiste.Description,slim,veryfair,blueeyes,pale,delicate,speaksGerman,Italian,French,andEnglish,leftBucharestatendofSeptember.ProbablytraveledviaDedeagatchandSalonika.Nothingdefiniteknownagainstthem,butmanfrequentedcompanyofnotoriousenemyagentsinBucharestandisknowntobebadcharacter.Suggestheislikelytousewoman

togetintouchwithBritishofficers."

"Butwhatwilltheydotoher?"Sylviaasked,dismayedbythismetamorphosisofQueenieintoapolice-courtcase.

"Oh,theywon'tdoanything,"Hazlewoodreplied,irritably."She'llbeaddedtothegreatarmyofsuspectswhosehistoriesinalltheirdiscrepanciesarebuildinguptheGoldenLegendofthiswar.She'llexistincardindexesfortherestofherlife;andherreputationwillcirculateonlyalittlemorefreelythanherself.Infact,reallyI'm



doingherafavorbyputtingherdownfortheobservationofourmilitarypsychologistsandcriminologists;herlifewillbecomemucheasierhenceforth.Thewarhasnotcuredhumannatureofapassionforbric-à-brac,andasacataloguedarticle_devirtu_--orshouldIsay_device_?--shewillbewelllookedafter."

"Then,ifthat'sall,whydoyousendthetelegram?"Sylviaasked.

"Ireallydon'tknow--probablybecauseI'vejoinedintheMay-poledanceforribbonswiththerestofthedepartmentalwarriors.Cardindexesarethecasualtylistsofofficerscommanding_embusqués_;thelongerthelistofnamesthelongertherowofribbons."

"You'vebecomeverybitter,"Sylviasaid."It'slikeasuddenchangeofwind.Ifeelquitechilled."

"Well,youshallwarmyourselfbytakingdownafewhundredgroups.Comealong."

SylvialistenedforanhourtotheendlessgroupsoffivefiguresthatHazlewooddictatedtoher,duringwhichtimehisvoicethatbegancalmlyandmurmurouslyreachedalevelofraspingandlaceratingboredombeforehehaddone.

"ThankHeaventhat'soverandwecangotobed,"hesaid.Heseemedtobeanxioustoberidofher,andshewentawayinsomedisconsolationathisabruptchangeofmanner.Nothingthatshecouldthinkofoccurredtocauseit,andultimatelyshecouldonlyascribeittonerves.

"And,afterall,whynotnerves?"shesaidtoherself."Whowilleveragainbeabletoblamepeopleforhavingnerves?"

ThenextmorninganotecamefromHazlewoodapologizingforhisrudenessandthankingherforherhelp.

Iwasinavilehumor[hewrote],becausewhenIgotbacktomyroomIfoundarefusaltoletmeleaveNishandjointheSerbianHeadquartersontheeasternfrontier.Thismorningthey'vechangedtheirmindsandI'moffatonce.Keeptheroom,ifyouinsistuponstayinginNish.IfMissPotberrybyanyunluckychanceturnsup,sayI'vebeenkilledandthatshehadbetterreportinSalonikaassoonaspossible.IfIseeMichaelFane,whichisveryunlikely,I'lltellhimyouwanttoseehim.

WithallhistalkHazlewoodhadplumbedherdesire;withallhistalkaboutnationshehadnotlosthiscapacityfordiviningtheindividual.SylviawishednowthathewasnotuponhiswaytotheBulgarianfrontier;sheshouldliketowatchherselfprecipitatedbyhisacid.Did

acidsprecipitate?Itdidnotmatter;therewasnosecondperson'scomprehensiontobeconsideredatthemoment.Sylviastayedonintheroom,watchingfromthebalconythenowunceasingpressofrefugees.

ThreedaysaftershehaddinedwithHazlewoodtherewasamurmurinthesquare,aheightenedagitationthatmadeapositiveimpactupontheatmosphere:Bulgariahaddeclaredwar.Shehadthesenseofacurtain'srisinguponthelastandcrucialact,thesenseofanaudiencestrungtosuchapitchofexpectancy,dread,andwoethatitwasbecomeapartofthedrama.Duringthenextthreedaystheinfluxofpalefugitiveswas



likeasceneuponthebanksoftheStyx.Theodorofpersecutedhumanityhungupontheairinapositivelyvisiblemiasma;whiteexhaustedwomensuckledtheirbabiesinthemud;witheredcronesdraggedfrombedsatnursingtheirulcers;broken-heartedoldmenbowedtheirheadsbetweentheirknees,seemingactuallytohavebeentrampledunderfootintheconfusedterrorthathadbroughtthemhere;thewailingoftiredandhungrychildrenneverceasedforasingleinstant.TheonlythingthatseemedtokeepthisdejectedmultitudefromrottingindeathwheretheylaywastheassurancethateveryonegavehisneighboroftheBritishandFrenchadvancetosavethem.TwoFrenchofficerssentuponsomebusinessfromSalonikawalkedthroughthesquareintheircelestialuniformslikeangelsofGod,forthepeoplefelldownbeforethemandgavethanks;fadedflowerswereflungintheirpath,andwomencaughtattheirhandstokissthemastheywentby.Oncetherewasasoundofcavalry'sapproach,andthedespairingmobshoutedforjoyandpressedforwardtogreetthevanguardofrescue;butitwasaSerbianpatrolcoveredwithbloodanddustwhichhadbeenorderedbacktoguardtherailwayline.Thetroopersrodethroughsullenlyandthepeopledidnotevenwhisperaboutthem,sodeepwastheirdisillusion,sobittertheirresentment.AndthroughallthisfetidandpitifulmobtheEnglishnurseswoundtheirwaylikeaDorothyPerkinsrambler.

AweekafterHazlewoodhadleftNishSylviasawfromherbalconyafairyoungEnglishwomanfollowedbyaraggedboycarryingatypewriterina

tincase.Itstruckherasthelargesttypewriterthatshehadeverseen,andshewasthinkingvaguelywhataridiculousweaponitwastocarryaboutatsuchamomentwhenitsuddenlyflasheduponherthatthismightbethelong-expectedMissPotberry.Shehurrieddown-stairsandheardheraskinginthehallifanyoneknewwhereCaptainHazlewoodcouldbefound.Sylviacameforwardandexplainedhisabsence.

"Hedidnotreallyexpectyou,buthetoldmetotellyouthatifyoudidcomeyououghttogobackimmediatelytoSalonika."

"Idon'tthinkIcangobacktoSalonika,"saidMissPotberry."SomebodywasfiringatthetrainIcamein,andtheytoldmeatthestationthattherewouldbenomoretrainstoSalonika,becausethelinehadbeen

cut."

Theboyhadputhertypewriteruponatableinthehall;shestoodby,embracingitwithakindofserenedeterminationthatremindedSylviaoftheimagesofpatronsaintsthatholdintheirarmsthecathedraltheyprotect.

"I'msurprisedtheyletyoucomeupfromSalonika,"Sylviasaid."Didn'ttheyknowthelinewaslikelytobecut?"

"IhadtoreporttoCaptainHazlewood,"MissPotberryreplied,firmly."AndasIhadalreadybeenratherdelayeduponmyjourney,Iwasanxioustogetonassoonaspossible."

TheconsciousnessofbeingneededbyEnglandradiatedfromhereyes;itwasevidentthatnothingwouldmakeherbudgefromNishuntilshehadreportedherselftoherunknownchief.

"You'dbettersharemyroom,"Sylviasaid.ShenearlyblushedatherownimpudencewhenMissPotberrygratefullyacceptedtheoffer.However,shecouldnolongerreproachherselfforstayingoninNishwithoutjustification,fornowitwasimpossibletogoawayinordinaryfashion.



"ItseemsfunnythatCaptainHazlewoodshouldn'thaveleftanywritteninstructionsforme,"saidMissPotberry,whenshehadwaitedthreedaysinNishwithoutanynewsexcepttherumoredfallofVeles."I'mnotsureifIoughtn'ttotryandjoinhimwhereverheis."

"Buthe'satthefront,"Sylviaobjected.

"Ihadinstructionstoreporttohim,"saidMissPotberry,seriously."IthinkI'mwastingtimeanddrawingmysalaryfornothinghere._That_ isn'tpatriotism.Ifhe'dleftsomethingformetotype--buttowaitherelikethis,doingnothing,seemsalmostwickedatsuchatime."

Twomoredayswentby;Uskubhadfallen;everybodygaveuptheideaofAnglo-FrenchtroopsarrivingtorelieveNish,andeverybodybegantotalkaboutevacuation.Aboutsixo'clockofastormydusk,fourdaysafterthefallofUskub,aSerbiansoldiercametothehoteltoaskSylviatocomeatoncetoahospital.ShewonderedifsomethinghadhappenedtoMichael,ifsomehowhehadheardshewasinNish,andthathehadsentforher.Butwhenshereachedtheschool-roomthatwasservingasanimprovisedwardshefoundHazlewoodlyingbackuponaheapofstrawthatwascalledabed.

"Doneadamnedstupidthing,"hemurmured."Gothit,andtheyinsistedonmybeingsentbacktoNish.ThinkI'mratherbad.Whyhaven'tyou

left?""Thelineiscut."

"Iknow.Yououghttohavebeengonebynow.Youcantakemyhorse.EveryonewillevacuateNish.Nochance.TheAustrianshavejoinedupwiththeBulgarians.Boundtofall.Iwantyoutotakethekeysofmysafeandburnallmypapers.Don'tforgetthecipher.Goanddoitnowandletmeknowit'sdone.Quick,it'sworryingme.Nothingimportant,butit'sworryingme."

SylviadecidedtosaynothingtohimaboutMissPotberry'sarrivalinordernottoworryhimanymore.MissPotberryshouldhavehishorse:

Nishmightbeemptyasatomb,butsheherselfshouldstayonfornewsofMichaelFane.

"Whatareyouwaitingfor?"heasked,fretfully."Damnit!Isha'n'tlastforever.That'sAntitchyou'restaringatinthenextbed."

Sylvialookedatthefiguremuffledinbandages.Apparentlyallthelowerpartofhisfacehadbeenshotaway,andshecouldseenothingbutapairofdarkandtroubledeyeswanderingrestlesslyinthecandle-light.

"Wetookourfinalstogether,"saidHazlewood.

Sylviawentawayquickly;ifshehadpausedtocomparethismeetingwiththefirstmeetingintherailwaycarriagenotyetthreeweeksago,sheshouldhavebrokendown.

WhenMissPotberryheardofherchief'sarrivalinNishsheinsistedupongoingtoseehim.

"But,mydearwoman,hemaybedying.What'sthegoodofbotheringhimnow?I'llfindoutwhateverhecantellme.YoumustgetreadytoleaveNish.Packupyourthings."



"Hemaybegladtodictatesomething,"MissPotberryargued."Pleaseletmecome.IamanxioustoreporttoCaptainHazlewood.I'msureifyouhadtoldhimthatIwasherehewouldhavewishedtoseeme."

Sylviadidnotfeelthatshecouldcontestanything;withMissPotberry'shelpsheburnedthefewpapersthatremainedinthesafe,togetherwiththecipher,whichglowedandsmolderedinthebasinforwhatseemedaninterminabletime.WhennotasinglerecordofHazlewood'spresenceinSerbiaremained,SylviaandMissPotberrywentbacktothehospital.

"You'veburnedeverything?"heasked.

Sylvianodded.

"Isthatanurse?Ican'tseeinthisinfernalcandle-light,andI'mchockfulofmorphia,whichmakesmyeye-lidstwitch."

"It'sI,CaptainHazlewood--MissPotberry.IhadinstructionsfromtheWarOfficetoreporttoyou.Iwasunfortunatelydelayeduponmyjourney,andwhenIarrivedfromSalonikayouhadleft.Isthereanythingyouwouldlikedone?"

"Oh,myGod!"hehalfgroaned,halflaughed."Iseethatevenmydeath-bedisgoingtobehauntedbydepartmentalimbecility.WhoonearthsentyoutoNishfromSalonika?"

"ColonelBullingham-Jones,towhomIreportedinSalonika,knewnothingaboutmeandadvisedmetocomeonhereassoonaspossible."

"Officiousass!"Hazlewoodmuttered."Whydidn'tyougobackwhenyoufoundIwasn'there?"headdedtohissecretary.

"Therewasnowayofgettingback,CaptainHazlewood.Ibelievethattheenemyhascuttheline."

"I'msorryyou'vehadallthistroublefornothing,"hesaid."However,youandMissScarlettmustsettlebetweenyouhowtogetaway.You'dbetterhangontooneoftheRedCrossunits."

"I'mafraidImayhavetoleavemytypewriterbehind,"saidMissPotberry."HaveIyourpermission?"

"Youhave,"hesaid,smilingwithhiseyesthroughtheglazeofthedrug.

"Youcouldn'tgivemeawrittenauthorization?"askedMissPotberry."Beinggovernmentproperty--"

"No,Icanonlygiveyouverbalinstructions.Bothmyarmshavebeenshotaway,orasnearlyshotawayasdoesn'tmakeitpossibletowrite."

"Oh,Ibegyourpardon.ThentowhomshouldIreportnext?"

"Idon'tknow.ItmightbeSt.Peter,withwintercomingonandAlbaniatobecrossed.No,no,don'tyoubotheraboutreporting.Justfollowthecrowdandyou'llbeallright.Good-by,MissPotberry.Sorryyou'vehadsuchalongjourneyfornothing.Sorryabouteverything."



HebeckonedSylviaclosetohimwithhiseyes.

"ForChrist'ssakegetridofherorIshallhaveanotherhemorrhage."

SylviaaskedMissPotberrytogobacktothehotelandgetpacked.Whenthesecretaryhadgone,shekneltbyHazlewood.

"MichaelFanearrivedyet?"heasked.

Sheshookherhead.

"Ihadsomethingtogivehim."

Thewoundedman'sfacebecamemoredefinitelylinedwithpaininthenewworryofFane'snon-appearance.

"Iwantyoutogivehimaletter.It'sundermypillow.Ifbychancehedoesn'tcome,perhapsyou'dbegoodenoughtopostitwhenyougetanopportunity.MissPaulineGrey,WychfordRectory,Oxfordshire."

Sylviafoundtheletter,whichwasstillunaddressed.

"IfMichaelcomes,I'dlikehimtotakeittoherhimselfwhenhegetstoEngland.Thanksawfully.Givehimmylove.Hewasagreatfriendof

mine.Yes,agreatfriend.Thanksawfullyforhelpingme.Idon'tliketoworrythepoordevilshere.They'vegotsuchalottoworrythem.Antitchdiedwhileyouwereburningmypapers."

Sylvialookedatthemuffledfigurewhoseeyesnolongerstaredwithtroubledimperception.

"OfcourseImaylastfortwoorthreedays,"hewenton."AndinthatcaseImayseeMichael.Mindyoubringhimifhecomesintime.Greatfriendofmine,andI'dlikehimtoexplainsomethingtosomebody.Bytheway,don'ttakeallmytalktheothernighttooseriously.Ioftentalklikethat.Idon'tmeanhalfIsay.England'sallright,really.Perhapsyou'lllookmeupinthemorningifI'mstillhere?Good-by.

Thanksverymuch.I'msorryIcan'tshakehands."

"Wouldyoulikeapriest?"Sylviaasked.

"Apriest?"herepeated,inapuzzledvoice."Ohno,thanksverymuch;priestshavealwaysboredme.I'mgoingtoliehereandthink.Theannoyingthingis,youknow,thatI'venottheslightestdesiretodie.Somepeoplesaythatyouhaveattheend,butIfeelasifIwasmissingatrain.PerhapsI'llseeyouinthemorning.Solong."

Butshedidnotseehiminthemorning,becausehediedinthenight,andhisbedwaswantedimmediatelyforanotherwoundedman.

"Whatadreadfulthingwaris!"sighedMissPotberry."I'velosttwofirstcousinsandfoursecondcousins,andmybrotherissoongoingtoFrance."

TheevacuationofNishwasdesperatelyhastenedbythenewsoftheswiftadvanceoftheenemyonthreesides.Sylvia,withthehelpofColonelMichailovitch,managedtoestablishherrightsoverHazlewood'shorse,andMissPotberry,firedwiththeurgencyofreportingtosomebodyelseandofexplainingwhyshehadabandonedhertypewriter,waspersuadedtoattachherselftoaparticularlyefflorescentbranchofDorothyPerkins



thathadwounditselfroundHarryVerekertobetrainedintosafetyontheothersideofthemountains.ThelastthatSylviasawofherwaswhenshedroveoutofNishinabullock-cart,stillpinkandprim,becausethejoltinghadnotyetreallybegun.ThelastSylviaheardofHarryVerekerwashisunruffledvoiceleavinginstructionsthatifsomewhitecorduroyriding-breecheswhichhehadbeenexpectingbyspecialcourierfromAthensshouldbychancearrivebeforetheBulgarians,theyweretofollowhim.OnehadtheimpressionofhismessengerandhisbreechesasequallyimportantentitiesmarchingarminarmtowardtheBlackDrininobediencetohisinstructions.ThenextdaycamenewsofthefallofKragujevatz,followinguponthatofPirot,andthefeverofflightwasaggravatedtopanic.

IntheeveningwhenSylviawaswatchingthetormentedsquare,listeningtotheabuseandblasphemythatwasrousedbythescarcityoftransport,andtryingtoacceptinspiteofthedisappointmenttheirremediablefactofMichael'sfailuretoarrive,shesuddenlycaughtsightofhissisterpushingherwaythroughthemobbelow.HerappearancealonelikethiscouldonlymeanthatMichaelhadbeenkilled;Sylviacursedtheflatteringlampoffortune,whichhadlightedhertoNishonlytoextinguishitselfinthismomentofconfusionandhorror.Howpalethatsisterlooked,howdeeplyringedhereyes,howtornandsplashedherdress:shemusthaveheardthenewsofherbrotherandfledindespairbeforethememory.AllSylvia'slateindifferencetosufferinginthe

actualpresenceofwarwasrekindledtoafuryofresentmentagainsttheunreasonableforcesthattheworldhadletlooseuponitself;eventheenvelopethatHazlewoodhadgiventohernowburnedherheartwithwhatitinclosedofeternallyunquenchedregret,ofeternalunfulfilment.Shehurrieddown-stairsandoutintothemad,screaming,weepingmobandbathedherselfinthestenchofwetandfilthyragsandinthemiasmaofsick,starved,andverminousbodies.Achildwassuckingtherawheadofahen;ithappenedthatSylviaknockedagainstitinherhurry,whereuponthechildgrabbedthemorselofbloodandmud,snarlingatherlikeafamishedhound.Wherevershelookedtherewerechildrensearchingonall-foursamongthefilthlodgedinthecracksoftheroughpaving-stones;itwasanexistencewherenothingcountedexcepttheabilitytotrampleoverone'sneighbortoreachfoodorsafety;andshe

herselfwassearchingforMichael'ssisterinthefetidswarm,justasthesechildrenwereshriekingandscratchingforthecabbage-stalkstheyfoundamongthedung.Atlastthetwowomenmet,andSylviacaughtholdofMrs.Merivale'sarm.

"Whatdoyouwant?Whatdoyouwant?"shecried."CanIhelpyou?"

TheotherturnedandlookedatSylviawithoutrecognizingher.

"You'reMrs.Merivale--Michael'ssister,"Sylviawenton."Don'tyourememberme?SylviaScarlett.Whathashappenedtohim?"

"Can'twegetoutofthiscrowd?"Mrs.Merivalereplied."I'mtryingto

findanEnglishofficer--CaptainHazlewood."

BeforeSylviacouldtellherwhathadhappenedacartdrawnbyadonkeycoveredwithsoresinterposedbetweenthem;itwasimpossibleforeitherwomantoaskoransweranythinginthisabominationofhumanitythatoozedandwrithedlikeabunchofearthwormsonaspade.Somehowtheyemergedfromitall,andSylviabroughtherup-stairstoherroom.

"IsMichaeldead?"sheasked.



"No,buthe'spracticallydying.I'vegothimintoadesertedhouse.HefellillwithtyphusinKragujevatz.Theenemywasadvancingterriblyfast,andIgothimhere,Heavenknowshow,inabullock-cart--I'veprobablykilledhimindoingso;hecertainlycan'tbemovedagain.Imustfindthisfriendofours--GuyHazlewood.He'llbeabletotellmehowlongwecanstayinNish."

SylviabrokethenewsofHazlewood'sdeathandwasmomentarilyastonishedtoseehowcasuallyshetookit.Thensherememberedthatshehadalreadylostherhusband,thatherbrotherwasdying,andthatprobablyshehadheardsuchtidingsofmanyfriends.Thiswasawomanwhowasbeholdingthesocietyinwhichshehadlivedfallingtopiecesroundhereveryday;shewasnot,likeherself,cloisteredinvagrancy,oneforwhomlifeanddeathhadwavedateachotherfromeveryplatformandeveryquayinpartingsthatwerenotlessfinal.ThereoccurredtoSylviathelastutteranceofHazlewoodaboutmissingatrain;heperhapshadfoundexistencetobeadestructivebusiness;but,evenso,shecouldnotthinkthathehadloveditmorecharily.

"Everybodyisdying,"saidMrs.Merivale."Thosewhosurvivethiswarwillreallyhavebeengrantedasecondlifeandwillhavetobeginalloveragainlikechildren--orlunatics,"sheaddedtoherself.

"CouldIcomewithyoutoseehim?"Sylviaasked."Ihadtyphusmyself

lastyearinPetrogradandIcouldnursehim.""Idon'tthinkit'sanylongeramatterfornursing,"theotheranswered,hopelessly."It'sjustleavinghimaloneandnotworryinghimanymore.Oh,IwonderhowlongwecancountonNishnotbeingattacked."

"Notverylong,I'mafraid,"saidSylvia."Hardlyanytimeatall,infact."

Theyleftthehotelwiththatsenseofmechanicalactionwhichsometimesrelievesastrainofaccumulatedemotion.SylviahadthenotionoffindingaSerbiandoctorwhomsheknewslightly,andwassuccessfulin

bringinghimalongtothehousewhereMichaelwaslying.Itwasdarkwhentheyarrivedinthedesertedside-streetnowstrewnwiththerubbishofmanyfamilies'flight.

Michaelwaslyingonacampbedinthemiddleoftheroom.OntheflooraSerbianpeasantwearingaRedCrossbrassardwassquattingbyhisheadandfromtimetotimemoisteninghisforeheadwithadampsponge.InacornertwootherSerbiansarmedwithfantasticweaponssatcross-leggeduponthefloor,awinkingcandleandstrewnplaying-cardsbetweenthem.Sylviafeltasuddenaweoflookingathimdirectly,andshewaitedinthedoorwaywhilethedoctorwentforwardwithhissistertomakehisexamination.Afterashorttimethedoctorturnedawaywithashrug;heandMrs.MerivalerejoinedSylviainthedoorwayandtogethertheywent

inanotherroom,wherethedoctorinsibilantFrenchconfirmedtheimpossibilityofmovinghimifhislifewastobesaved.HeaddedthattheBulgarianswouldbeinNishwithinafewdaysandthatthetownwouldbeemptylongbeforethat.Then,aftergivingafewconventionaldirectionsforthecareofthepatient,hesalutedthetwowomenandwentaway.

SylviaandMrs.Merivalelookedateachotheracrossabaretableonwhichwassetalanterncoveredwithcobwebs;itwastheonlypieceoffurnitureleft,andSylviahadasenseofdramaticunrealityabouttheir



conversation:standingupinthisdimroom,shewasconsciousofamake-believeintensitythattoretheemotionsmorecompletelyintoragsthananynormalprocedureorexpressionofpassionatefeeling.Yetitwasonlybecauseshedivinedanapproachtotheclimaxofherlifethatshefeltthus;itwassoimportantthatsheshouldhaveherwayinwhatsheintendedtodothatitwasimpossibleforhertoavoidregardingMichael'ssisternotmerelyasapartnerinthescene,butalsoastheaudienceonwhoseapprovalsuccessultimatelydepended.Thebarenessoftheroomwaslikeastage,andthestandinguplikethiswaslikeascene;itseemedrighttoexaggeratethegesturestokeeppacewiththeemotionalwilltoachieveherdesire.

"Mrs.Merivale,"shebegan,"IbegyoutoletmestaybehindinNishandlookafterMichaelsofarasanythingcanbedone--andofcourseitwillbebetterforhimthatawomanshouldoverseethedevotionofhisorderly.NothingwillinducemetoleaveNish.Nothing.Youmustunderstandthatnow.Thereisnothingtopreventmefromstayinghere;youmusttakeCaptainHazlewood'shorseandgoto-morrow."

"Leavemybrother?Why,theideaisabsurd.ItellyouIalmostdraggedthatcartthroughthemudfromKragujevatz.Besides,I'mamoreorlessqualifiednurse.You'renot."

"I'mqualifiedtonursehimthroughthisfeverbecauseIknowexactly

whatiswanted.Ifanynewcomplicationarose,youcoulddonomorethanIcoulddountiltheBulgariandoctorsarrived.Ifyoustayhere,youwillbetakentoBulgaria."

"Andwhynot?"demandedtheother."I'dmuchratherbetakenprisonerwithMichaelthangoridingoffonmyownandleavehimhere.No,no,theidea'simpossible."

"Youhaveyourmother--hismother--tothinkof.Youhaveyourson,"Sylviaargued.

"NeithermothernorsoncouldbeanyexcuseforleavingMichaelatsuchamoment."

"Certainlynot,ifyoucouldnotfindasubstitute.ButIshallstayhereinanycase,andyou'venorighttodesertotherobligations,"Sylviaaffirmed.

"You'retalkingtomeinaridiculousway.Thereisonlyoneobligation,whichistohim."

"DoyouthinkyoucandomoreforhimthanIcando?"Sylviachallenged."Youcandoless.Youhavealreadyhadthefearfulstrainofgettinghimherefromthenorth.Youarewornout.Youarenotfittonursehimashemustbenursed.YouarenotfittodealwiththeBulgarianswhentheycome.Youarealreadybreakingdown.Why,thereisnoforceinyour

arguments!Theyareastameandconventionalasifyouwereinventinganexcusetobreakasocialengagement."

"Butbywhatrightdoyoumakethis--thisviolentdemand?"askedtheother.

TheresuddenlycameoverSylviathefutilityofdiscussingthequestioninthisfashion:thisflickeringroom,echoingfaintlytotheshoutsoftheaffrightedfugitivesinthedistance,lackedanyatmospheretohidethetruth,forwhichinitsbarenessandmiseryitseemedtocryaloud.



Thequestionthathissisterhadputdemandedananswerthatwouldevadenothingintheexplanationofherrequest;andifthatanswershouldleavehersoulstrippedanddesolateforthecontemptuousregardofawomanwhocouldnotcomprehend,whythenthuswasherdestinywrittenandsheshouldstandhumiliatedwhilethelifethatshehadnotbeengreatenoughtoseizepassedoutofherreach.

"Ifmydemandisviolent,myneedisviolent,"shecried."Once,inmydressing-room--theonlytimewemet--youtoldmethatyouhalfregrettedyourrejectionofart;youenviedmemyhappinessinsuccess.Yourenvyseemedtomethenthebitterestirony,forIcouldnotfindinartthatwhichIdemanded.Ihaveneverfoundituntilnowinthechancetosaveyourbrother'slife.Thatisexaggerating,you'llsay.YetIdobelieve--andifyoucouldknowmyhistoryyouwouldbelieveit,too--Idobelievethatmywillcansavehimnownotmerelyfromdeath,butfromthecaptivitythatwillfollow.Iknowwhatitfeelsliketorecoverfromthisfever;andIknowthathewillnotwishtoseeyouandhimselfprisoners.Hewillfrethimselfillagainaboutyourposition.Iamnothingtohim.Hewillneverknowthatwechangedplacesdeliberately.Hewillacceptmeasacompanioninmisfortune,andIwillgiveallthatlovecangive,lovethatfeedsuponandinflamesitselfwithoutdemandingfuelexceptfromtheheartoftheonewholoves.Youcannotrefusemenow,mydear--sodeartomebecauseyouarehissister.YoucannotrefusemewhenIaskyoutoletmestaybecauseIlovehim."

"DoyouloveMichael?"askedtheother,wonderingly.

"Ilovehim,Ilovehim,andonedoesnotspeaklightlyofloveatamomentlikethis.Doyourememberwhenyouaskedmetocomeandstaywithyouinthecountrytomeethim?Itwaseighteenmonthsago.YourletterarrivedwhenIhadjustbeenjiltedbythemanIwasgoingtomarryinadesperateefforttopersuademyselfthatdomesticitywasthecureformydiscontent.Mydiscontentwasloveforyourbrother.Ithasneverbeenanythingelsesincethemomentwemet,thoughIcriedout'Never'whenIreadyourinvitation.Iabandonedeverything.Ihavelivedeversinceasamountebank,drivenalwaysbyasingleinstinctthatsustainedme.Thatinstinctwasmerelyasuperstitiontotravel

south.WheneverItraveledon,Ihadalwaysthesenseofanobject.Ihavefoundthatobjectatlast,andIknowabsolutelythatfatestoodatyourelbowanddraggedwithyouatthosewearybullocksinthemudtobringMichaelhereintime.IknowthatfatechainedmetomybalconyatNish,wherefornearlyamonthIhavebeenwatchingforyourarrival.Youarewise;youhavesuffered;youhaveloved:Ibeseechyouthat,justforthesakeofyourpride,youwillnotrobmeofthismomenttowhichmywholelifehasbeenthemadoverture."

"Whatyousayaboutmybeingaworrytohimwhenherecoversconsciousnessistrue,"saidthesister."It'stheonlygoodargumentyou'vebroughtforward.Ah,butIwon'tbesoungenerous.Staythen.To-nightIwillwaithereandto-morrowyoushalltakemyplace."

TheflickeringbarenessoftheroomflasheduponSylviawithunimaginableglory;thedarknightofhersoulwasbecomeday.

"Ithinkyoucanhearthejoyinmyheart,"shewhispered."Ican'tsayanymore."

Sylviafelluponherknees;bowingherheaduponthetable,shewepttearsthatseemedtogushlikemelodiousfountainsinanewworld.



"Youhavemademebelievethathewillnotdie,"thesistermurmured."IdidnotthinkthatIshouldbeabletobelievethat;butIdonow,Sylvia."

Anassurancethatpositivelyseemedtocontainlifecameoverbothofthem.Sylviarosefromherkneesandabruptlytheybegantotalkpracticallyofwhatshouldbedonethatnightandofwhatitwouldbewisetoprovideto-morrow.PresentlySylvialeftthehouse,andsleptinherhoteloneofthoseraresleepswhencewakingisadescentuponairyplumesfromheightswhereactionandaspirationarefusedinaravishing,unutterableaffirmative,ofwhich,somehow,arememberedconsciousnessisaccordedtothefavoredsoul.

ThenextmorningMichael'ssistermountedherhorse.ThegunsofthedesperatearmyofStephanovitchconfrontingtheBulgarianadvancewerenowaudible;theirboominggavepowerofflighttotheweakestthatremainedinNish;andthecoiloffugitiveswrithedoverthemuddyplaintowardthemountains.

"Ithinkheseemedalittlebetterthismorning,"shesaid,wistfully.

"Don'tbejealousofleavingme,"Sylviabegged."Youshallneverregretthatimpulse.Willyoutakethisgoldenbagwithyou?Idon'twantittoadornaBulgarian;itwasatokentomeoflove,andithasbeenatrue

token.AttheendofyourjourneysellitandgivethemoneytopoorSerbians.Willyou?AndthisletterforCaptainHazlewood.PleasepostitinEngland.Good-by,mydear,mydear."

Michael'ssistertookthebagandtheletter.Inthelightofthisgraymorninghergrayeyeswereprofoundlakesofgrief.

"Iamenvyingyouforthesecondtime,"shesaid.Thenshewavedhercropandrodequicklyaway.Sylviawatchedheroutofsight,thinkingwhatitmusthavecostthatproudsistertomakethissacrifice.Herheartachedwithaweightofunexpressedgratitude,andyetshecouldnotkeepitfrombeatingwithafierceandtriumphantgladnesswhenshewentuptowhereMichaelwaslyingandfoundhimalone.Theorderlyand

servantshadfledfromthefearthatclungtoNishlikethecloudsofthisheavyday,andSylvia,takinghishand,bathedhisforeheadwithatendernessthatshehalfdreadedtouse,somuchdiditseemaflamethatwouldfanthefeverinwhoseembracehetossedunconsciousofallbutaworldofshadows.

Foraweekshestayedbesidehim,sleepingsometimeswithherheadagainsthisarm,listeningtothesombercolloquiesofdelirium,strivingtokeepthesoulthatofteninthelongtrancesseemedtoflutterdisconsolatelyawayfromtheexhaustedbody.TherewasnolongeranysoundofpeopleinNish:therewasnothingbutthegunscomingnearerandnearereveryhour.Thensuddenlythefiringceased:therewasaclatterandasplashofcavalryuponthemuddypaving-stones.The

noisepassed.Michaelsatupandsaid:

"Listen!"

Shethoughthewasawayuponsomeadventureofdeliriumandtoldhimnottoworry,buttoliestill.Hewassoemaciatedthatsheaskedherselfifhecouldreallybeliving:itwaslikebrushingacobwebfromone'spathtomakehimliedownagain.Awoman'sscream,thethinscreamofanoldwoman,shuddereduponthesilenceoutside;butthenoisedidnotdisturbhim,andhelayperfectlystillwithhiseyesfixeduponthe



ceiling.Afewminuteslaterheagainsatupinbed.

"AmImad,orisitSylviaScarlett?"heasked.

"Yes,it'sSylvia.You'reveryill.Youmustkeepstill."

"Whatanextraordinarything!"hemurmured,seriously,tohimself."IsupposeIshallhearallaboutitto-morrow."

Helaybackagainwithoutseemingtoworryabouttheproblemofherpresence;nordidheaskwherehissisterwas.Sylviarememberedherowndivinecontentinthehospitalwhenthefeverlefther,andshewantedhimtolieaslongaspossiblethus.Presently,however,hesatupagainandsaid:

"Listen,Sylvia,IthoughtIwasn'twrong.Doyouhearakindofwhisperintheair?"

Shelistenedtopleasehim,andthenuponthesilencesheheardthesound.Fromawhisperitgrewtoasigh,fromasighitrosetoarustlingofmanyleaves:itwastheBulgarianarmymarchingintoNish,aprocessionofsilent-footeddevils,mysterious,remorseless,innumerable.

CHAPTERVII

TOSylvia'ssurpriseandrelief,theconquerorspaidnoattentiontothehousethatnight.Michael,afterhehadlistenedforawhiletothedamperedprogressofthatsoft-shodarmy,fellbackuponhispillowwithoutcommentandsleptverytranquilly.Sylvia,whohadnownottheleastdoubtofhisrecovery,busiedherselfwithchoosingwhatsheconceivedtobeabsolutenecessitiesfortheimmediatefutureandpackingthemintohervalise.Inthecourseofherpreparationssheput

ononesidefordestructionorabandonmentthecontentsofthegoldenshawl.Daguerreotypesandphotographs;aramblingdeclarationofthecircumstancesinwhichherallegedgrandfatherhadmarriedthatghostlyAdèlehergrandmother,andavarietyoflettersthatillustratedhermother'searlylife:allthesemightaswellbeburned.Shelaydownuponherbedofovercoatsandskirtspileduponthefloorandfoundtheshawlapleasantadditiontotherubberhot-water-bottleshehadbeenusingasapillow.Michaelwasstillsleeping;itseemedwisetoblowoutthecandleand,althoughitwasscarcelyseveno'clock,totrytosleepherself.Itwasthefirsttimeforaweekthatshehadbeenabletofeelthedeliciousandinvitingfreedomofuntrammeledsleep.WhatdidtheoccupationofaBulgarianarmysignifyincomparisonwiththeassuranceshefeltofherpatient'sconvalescence?Thebrazierglowed

beforeherpathtowardadivineoblivion.

WhenSylviawokeupandheardMichael'svoicecallingtoher,itwassixo'clockinthemorning.Sheblewupthedullbraziertorenewedwarmth,setwatertoboil,andinarealexultationlightedfourcandlestocelebratewithasmuchgaietyaspossiblethenewatmosphereofjoyandhopeinthestarkroom.

"It'sallverymysterious,"Michaelwassaying."It'sallsodelightfullymysteriousthatIcanhardlybeartoaskanyquestionslest



Idestroythemystery.I'vebeenlyingawake,exquisitelyandself-admiringlyawakeforanhour,tryingtoworkoutwhereIam,whyI'mwhereIam,whyyou'rewhereyouare,andwhereStellais."

Sylviatoldhimoftheimmediateoccasionofhissister'sdeparture,andwhenshehaddonesohadamomentofdismaylesthisaffectionorhisprideshouldbehurtbyherwillingnesstoleavehiminthecareofonewhowaspracticallyastranger.

"Howverykindofyou!"hesaid."Mymotherwouldhavebeendistractedbyhavingtolookafterhergrandsoninthewhirlpoolofwar-workuponwhichsheisengaged.Soyouhadtyphus,too?It'sarottenbusiness,isn'tit?Didyoufeelveryweakafterit?"

"Ofcourse."

"Andwe'reprisoners?"

"Isupposeso."

Thewaterdidnotseemtobegettingon,andSylviapickedupherfamilypaperstothrowintothebrazier.

"Oh,Isay,don'tdestroywithoutdueconsideration,"Michaelprotested.

"Thewarhasdevelopedinmeapassionateconservatismforlittlethings."

"Iamdestroyingnothingofanyimportance,"Sylviasaid.

"Love-letters?"hemurmured,withasmile.

Sheflushedangrilyanddiscoveredinherselfaridiculousreadinesstoprovehisspeculationbesidethemark.

"IfIeverhadanylove-lettersIcertainlyneverkeptthem,"sheavowed."Theseareonlymustyrecordsofapasttheinfluenceofwhichhasalreadyexhausteditself."

"Butphotographs?"hepersisted."Letmelook.Oldphotographsalwaysthrillme."

Sheshowedhimoneortwoofhermother.

"Odd,"hecommented."Sheratherremindsmeofmysister.Somethingaboutthewaytheeyesareset."

"You'reworryingabouther?"Sylviaputin,quickly.

"No,no.OfcourseIshallbegladtohearshe'ssafelybytheseaontheotherside,butI'mnotworryingabouthertotheextentoffancying

anon-existentlikeness.Therereallyisone;andifitcomestothat,you'renotunlikeheryourself."

"MyfatherandmygrandfatherwerebothEnglish,"Sylviasaid."MymotherwasFrenchandmygrandmotherwasPolish.Mygrandfather'snamewasCunningham."

"What?"Michaelasked,sharply."That'sodd."

"QuiteadistinguishedpersonaccordingtotheoldFrenchmanwhomthe



worldregardedasmygrandfather."

ShehandedhimBassompierre'sramblingstatementaboutthecircumstancesofhermother'sbirth,whichhereadandputdownwithanexclamation.

"Well,thisisreallyextraordinary!Doyouknowthatwe'resecondcousins?ThisCharlesCunninghambecamethetwelfthLordSaxby.Myfatherwasthethirteenthandlastearl.Whatatrickforfatetoplayuponusboth!Nowonderthere'salikenessbetweenyouandStella.HowstrangeitmakesthattimeatMulberryCottageseem.Butyouknow,Ialwaysfeltthatunderneathouropenandviolenthostilitytherewasaradicalsympathyquiteinexplicable.Thisexplainsit."

Sylviawasnotatallsurethatshefeltgratefultowardtheexplanation;merekinshiphadneverstoodformuchinherlife.

"Youmusttrytosleepagainnow,"shesaid,sternly.

"Butyoudon'tseematallamazedatthiscoincidence,"Michaelprotested."Youacceptitasifitwasaperfectlyordinaryoccurrence."

"Iwantyoutosleep.Takethismilk.Wearesuretohaveanerve-rackingdaywiththeseBulgarians."

"Sylvia,what'sthematter?"hepersisted."Whyshouldmydiscoveryofourrelationshipannoyyou?"

"Itdoesn'tannoyme,butIwantyoutosleep.Dorememberthatyou'veonlyjustreturnedtoyourselfandthatyou'llsoonwantallyourstrength."

"You'venotlostyourbafflingqualityinalltheseyears,"hesaid,andlaysilentwhenhehaddrunkthewarmmilkshegavehimandwhileshetidiedthefloorofthecoatsthatservedherforabed.Thelettersandthephotographsshethrewintothebrazieranddrovethemdeepintothecokewithastick,lookingrounddefiantlyatMichaelwhentheywereashes.Heshookhisheadwithasmile,buthedidnotsayanything.

Sylviawasreallygladwhenthesoundofloudknockinguponthedoordown-stairspreventedanyfurtherdiscussionoftheaccidentoftheirrelationship;nevertheless,shefoundapleasureinannouncingtotheBulgarianofficerherrighttobefoundherewiththesickEnglishman,hercousin:itseemedtolaunchheroncemoreupontheflowofordinaryexistence,thiskinshipwithonewhowithoutdoubtbelongedtotheworldactivelyatwar.TheinterviewwiththeBulgarianofficertookplaceinthatstarkanddustyroomwhereshehadarguedwithStellafortherighttostaybehindwithherbrother.Now,inthelightofearlymorning,itstillpreserveditsscenicquality,andSylviawasabsurdlyawareofherresemblancetothepleadingheroineofamelodrama,whenshebeggedthisgrimy,shaggycreature,whoseslate-grayovercoatwasmarbledbytime

andweather,toletherpatientstayhereforthepresent,and,furthermore,toaccordherfacilitiestoprocureforhimwhateverwasnecessaryandobtainable.Intheendtheofficerwentawaywithoutgivingamoredecisiveanswerthanwasimpliedbythesoldierheleftbehind.SylviadidnotthinkhecouldhaveunderstoodmuchofherFrench,solittlehadsheunderstoodofhis,andthepresenceofthissoldierwithfixedbayonetandsquashedMongoliancountenanceoppressedher.Shewonderedwhatopinionofthemtheofficerhadreached,andachedatthethoughtofhow,perhaps,inafewminutes,sheandMichaelshouldbeseparated,intolerablyseparatedforever.Shemadeasignto



theguardforleavetogoup-stairsagain;butheforbadeherwithagesture,andshestoodleaningagainstthetable,whilehestaredbeforehimwithanexpressionofsuchunutterablenothingnessasbysheernebulosityacquiredasinisterandmenacingforce.Hewasasincomprehensibleasasavagebeastencounteredinaforest,andthefancythathehadeverexistedwithhisownlittleambitionsinahumansocietyrefusedtostateitself.Sylviacouldmakeofhimnothingbutasymboloftheblind,madforcesthatwereinoppositionthroughouttheoldfamiliarworld,theblindnessandmadnessofwhichwerefitlyexpressedbysuchaninstrument.

Halfanhourofstrainedindifferencepassed,andthentheofficercamebackwithanotherwhospokeEnglish.PerhapstheconsciousnessofspeakingEnglishwellandfluentlymadethenew-comeranxioustobepleasant;onefeltthathewouldhaveregardeditasaslightuponhisownproficiencytoberudeorintransigent.ApartfromhisEnglishtherewasnothingremarkableinhisappearanceorhispersonality.Hewentup-stairsandsawforhimselfMichael'scondition,camedownagainwithSylvia,andpromisedherthat,ifshewouldobservetherulesimposeduponthecapturedcity,nothingwithintheextentofhisinfluenceshouldbedonetoimperilthesickman'sconvalescence.Then,aftersigninganumberofformsthatwouldenablehertomoveaboutincertainareastoobtainprovisionsandtocalluponmedicalhelp,heaskedherifsheknewSunbury-on-Thames.Sherepliedinthenegative,whichseemed

todisappointhim.WhereuponsheaskedhimifheknewMaidenhead,andhebrightenedupagain.

"IhavehadgooddaysintheThames,"hesaid,anddepartedinabrightcloudofriversidememories.

ThenextfortnightpassedinaseclusionthatwasverydeartoSylvia.Thehoursrolledalongontheeasywheelsofreminiscentconversations,andMichaelwasgraduallymadeawareofallherhistory.Yetattheendofit,shetoldherselfthathewasawareofnothingexceptthevoyagesofthebody;ofhersoul'spilgrimagehewasasignorantasiftheyhadnevermet.Shereproachedherselfforthisandwantedtobeginoveragaintherealhistory;butherownfeelingstowardhimstoodintheway

offrankness,andshefearedtobetrayherselfbytheemotionthatanydeliberatesinceritymusthaverevealed.Yet,assheassuredherselfratherbitterly,hewassoobviouslyblindtoanythingbutthecoincidenceoftheirrelationshipthatshemightwithimpunityhavestrippedhersoulbare.ItwasunreasonableforhertoresenthisshowinghimselfmoremovedbythenewsofHazlewood'sdeaththanbyanythinginherownhistory,becauseanythinginherownhistorythatmighthavemovedhimshehadomitted,andhisimpressionofhernowmustbewhathisimpressionofherhadbeennineyearsago--thatofahardandcynicalwomanwithabafflingcapacityforpracticalkindliness.Shehadoftenbeforebeendismayedbyasenseoflifeslippingoutofherreach,butshehadneverbeforebeendismayedbytheurgentescapeofhoursandminutes.Shehadneverbeforesaid_ruithora_withherwill

tosnatchtheopportunitypalsied,asifshestoodpantinginthestiflingimpotenceofadream.Alreadyhewasabletowalkabouttheroom,and,likeallthosewhoarerecoveringfromaseriousillness,wasperforminglittlefeatsofagilitywiththeobjectiveself-absorptionofachild.

"Dopeople--orrather,"shecorrectedherself,quickly,"doesexistenceseemsomethingutterlydifferentfromwhatitwasbeforeyousawitfadeoutfromyourconsciousnessatKragujevatz?"



"Well,theonlypersonI'vereallyseenisyourself,"heanswered."AndIcan'thelpstaringatyouinsomebewilderment,duelesstofeverthantotheconcatenationsoffortune.Whatseemstomesoamusingandoddisthat,ifyouhadknownwewerecousins,youcouldn'thavebehavedinamorecousinlywaythanyoudidoverLily."

"WhenIfoundmyselfinthathospitalatPetrograd,"Sylviadeclared,"IfeltliketheSleepingBeautybeingwakedbythemagickiss--"shebrokeoff,blushinghotlyandcursinginwardlyherdamnedself-consciousness;andthenblushedagainbecauseshehadstoppedtowonderifhehadnoticedherblush.

"Idon'tthinkanythingthathappenedduringthiswartomepersonally,"Michaelsaid,"couldevermakeanyimpressionnow.Thewaritselfalwayspresentsitselftomeasamightyfever,caught,ifyouwill,bytakingfoolishrisksorignoringsimpleprecautions,butultimatelyandprofoundlyinevitableinthewaythatonefeelsallillnesstobeinevitable.Anythingparticularthathappenstotheindividualmustloseitssignificanceinthechangethathemustsufferfromthegeneralcalamity.IthinkperhapsthatasaCatholicIamtemptedtobelesshopefulofmenandmorehopefulofGod,butyetIfirmlybelievethatIammorehopefulofmenthantheaverage--shallwecallhimhumanitarian,whoperceivesinthiswarnothingbutacrimeagainsthumanbrotherhoodcommittedbyafewambitiousknaveshelpedbyacrowdofambitious

fools?I'mperfectlysure,forinstance,thatthereisnoonealiveandnoonedeadthatdoesnotpartakeoftheresponsibility.Howeverlittleitmayberealizedinthecaseofindividuals,nothingwilleverpersuademethatoneofthechiefmotiveforcesthatmaintainthisstateofdestructiontowhichtheworldisbeingdevotedisnotasenseofguiltandadeterminationtoexpiateit.Markyou,I'mnottryingtourgethatGodhasjudiciallysentencedtheworldtowar,dealingouthorrortoBelgiumforthehorroroftheCongo,horrortoSerbiaforthehorroroftheroyalassassination,horrortoFrance,England,Germany,Austria,Italy,andRussiafortheirnationallapsesfromgrace--IshouldbeverysorrytoimplicateAlmightyGodinanyconceptionbaseduponourprimitivenotionsofjustice.TheonlytimeIfeelthatGodeverinterferedwithhumanitywaswhenHewasincarnateamongus,and

thestoryofthatseemstoforbidusourattributiontoHimofanythinginthenatureoffretfulcastigation.ThemostpresumptuousattitudeinthiswarseemstometheGermanideaofGodina_pickelhaube_,ofChristboundtoanIronCross,andoftheDoveasabloody-mindedEagle;buttheAllies'notionofthePopeasakindofdiplomatwithalicensetoexcommunicateseemstomeonlylesspresumptuous."

"Thenyouthinkthewarisineveryhumanheart?"Sylviaasked.

"WhenIlookatmyownI'mpositiveitis."

"Butdoyouthinkitwasinevitablebecauseitwassalutary?"

"Ithinkblood-lettingisold-fashionedsurgery:aren'tyouconfusingthediseasewiththeremedy?Surelynodiseaseissalutary,andIthinkit'smorallydangeroustoconfuseeffectwithcause.AtthesametimeI'mnotgoingtolaydownpositivelythatthiswarmaynotbeextremelysalutary.Ithinkitwillbe,butIacquitGodofanyhandinitsdeliberateordering.Freewillmustapplytonations.Idon'tbelievethatwarwhich,whileitbringsoutoftenthebestofpeople,bringsoutmuchmoreoftentheworstistoberegardedasanythingbutavileexhibitionofhumansin.Theselflessnessofthosewhohavediedisterriblystainedbytheselfishnessofthosewhohaveletthemdie.Yet



theyoungergeneration,orsuchofitassurvives,willhavethecompensationwhenitisalloverofsuchamazingopportunitiesforlivingaswereneverknown,andtheoldergenerationthatmadethewarwilldielesslamentedthananymenthathaveeverdiedsincetheworldbegan.AndIbelievethattheirpurgatorywillbethegrayestandthelongestofallthepurgatories.ButassoonasIhavesaidthatIregretmywords,becauseIthinkitwillbefatalfortheyoungergenerationtobecomeprecociousPharisees;andsoIreiteratethatthewarisineveryhumanheart,andyou'renottotemptmeanymoreintomakingharshjudgmentsaboutanyone."

"NoteventhegreatVictorians?"saidSylvia.

"Well,thatwillbeadifficultandverypenitentialpieceofself-denial,Iadmit.AnditishardnottohopethatCarlyleisinhell.However,Icanjustavoiddoingso,becauseIshallcertainlygotohellmyselfifIdo,wherehisTeutonicborborygmiwouldbeanaddedwoe,giganticgeniusthoughhewas.Butdon'tlet'sjokeabouthell.It's--infernallycrediblesinceAugust,1914.Whatwerewetalkingaboutbeforewebegantotalkaboutthewar?Oh,Iremember--thenewworldthatonegetsuptofaceafterabadillness."

"Perhapsmyexperiencewaspeculiar,"Sylviasaid.

Butwhatdiditmatterhowheregardedtheworld,shethought,unlessheregardedher?Alreadythetopicwasexhausted;hewastiredbyhisvehemence;oncemoretheruthlessandprecipitatehourhadgoneby.

DuringthisperiodofseclusionSylviaoftenhadtoencounterinitsvariouscapacitiesthearmyofoccupation,bywhichgenerallyshewastreatedwithconsiderationandevenwithpositivekindness.Nishhadbeensocompletelyevacuatedthat,afterthemedleywhichhadthrongedthestreetsandsquares,itnowseemedstrangelyempty.TheuniformityoftheBulgariancharacteristicsaddedtotheimpressionofviolentchange;therewasneveramomentinwhichonecoulddeludeoneselfwiththecontinuationofnormalexistence.AttheendofthefortnighttheEnglish-speakingofficercametomakeavisitofinspectioninorderto

givehisadviceatheadquartersaboutthefutureoftheprisoners.Michaelwasstillveryweak,andlookedaskeleton,somuchso,indeed,thattheofficerwentoffandfetchedasquatlittledoctortohelphisdeliberation;thelatterrecommendedanotherweek,andtheprisonerswereoncemorelefttothemselves.Sylviawashalfsorryforsuchconsiderateaction;thecompanyofMichaelwhichhadseemedtopromisesomuchandhadinfactyieldedsolittlewasbeginningtofretherwiththeultimatefutilityofsuchanassociation.Sheresentedtheemotionshehadgiventoitintheprospectofamoredefinitelyemptyfuturethatwasnowopeningbeforeher,andshegavewaytothereactionagainstherexaggerateddevotionbycriticizingherselfseverely.Thesuperventionofsuchanattitudemadeirksomewhathadbeensodearaseclusion,and,goingbeyondself-criticism,shebegantotellherself

thatMichaelwascold,inhuman,andremote;thatshefeltillateasewithhimandunabletotalk,andthatthesoonertheirseparationcameaboutthebetter.Perhapssheshouldbereleased,inwhichcasesheshouldmakeherwaybacktoEnglandandbecomeanurse.

AttheendofthethirdweekSylviadesperatelytriedtoarresttheprecipitatehour.

"IthinkIsufferfromatoorapiddigestion,"sheannounced.



Helookedatherwithaquestioninhiseyes.

"Youweretalkingtometheotherday,"shewenton,"aboutyourcontemplativeexperiences,andyouweresayinghowentirelyyourpurelyintellectualandspiritualprogressconformedtothewell-troddenmysticalway.Youadded,ofcourse,thatyoudidnotwishtosuggestanycomparisonwiththepathofgreatermen,but,allowingforconventionalself-depreciation,youleftmetosupposethatyouwerecontentwithyourachievement.Atthemomentwarbrokeoutyoufeltthatyouwereripeforaction,andinsteadofbecomingapriestafterthosenineyearsofcontemplativepreparation,youjoinedahospitalunitforSerbia.Youfeelquitesecureaboutthewar;youacceptyourfever,yourpossibleinternmentforyearsinBulgaria,andindeedanythingthataffectsyoupersonallywithouttheleastregret.Infact,you'rewhatanAmericanmightcallintunewiththeinfinite.I'mnot!Andit'sallamatterofdigestion."

"Myillnesshascloudedmybrain,"Michaelmurmured."I'malongwayfromunderstandingwhatyou'redrivingat."

"Well,keepquietandlistentomyproblems.We'reonthevergeofseparation,butyou'restillmypatientandyouowemeyourattention."

"Ioweyoumorethanthat,"heputin.

"Howfeeble,"shescoffed."Youmighthavesparedmesuchapretty-prettysentence."

"Isurrenderunconditionally,"heprotested."Yourfiercenessissuperfluous."

"Isupposeyou'veoftenlabeledhumanityinbulk?Imean,forinstance,youmusthaveoftensaidandcertainlythoughtthatallmenareeitherknavesorfools."

"Imusthavethoughtsoatsometimeoranother,"Michaelagreed.

"Well,I'vegotanewdivision.Ithinkthatallmenhaveeithernormaldigestions,slowdigestions,rapiddigestions,ornodigestionsatall.Extendthephysicalfactintoametaphorandapplyittothehumanmind."

"DearSylvia,IfeelasifIwerebeingpoulticed.Howadmirablyyoumaintainthenursingmanner.I'vemadetheapplication.WhatdoIdonow?"

"Listenwithoutinterrupting,orIshalllosethethreadofmyargument.Isupposethatyou'lladmitthattheoptimistsoutnumberthepessimists?Obviouslytheymust,ortheworldwouldcometoanend.Verywell,then,we'llsaythatthepessimistsarethepeoplewithnodigestionsatall:

ontopofthemwillbethepeoplewithslowdigestions,thegreatunthinkingherdthatisoptimisticbecausetheoptimistsshoutmostloudly.Thepeoplewithgoodnormaldigestionsareofcoursetheshoutingoptimists.Finallycomethepeoplewhosedigestionsaretoorapid.Ibelongtothatclass."

"Aretheyoptimists?"

"They'reoptimistsuntilthey'vefinisheddigesting,butbetweenmealsthey'reoutrageouslypessimistic.Theonlywaytoillustratemytheory



istotalkaboutmyself.Imagineyou'realadypalmistandprepareforadebauchofegotismfromoneofyourclients.Allthroughmylife,Michael,I'vebeenamartyrtoquickdigestion.YourfriendGuyHazlewoodsufferedfromthatcomplaint,judgingbythewayhetalkedaboutthewar.Icanimaginethathislifehasbeenmadeofbrief,exquisiteillusionsfollowedbylongvacuums.AmIright?"

Michaelnodded.

"Cassandra,totakeamoreremoteinstance,sufferedfromrapiddigestion--infact,allprophetshavethemalady.Isn'titphysiologicallytruetosaythattheunbornchildperformsinitsmother'swombthedramaofman'sevolution?I'msureit'sequallytruethatthelifeoftheindividualafterbirthanduntildeathisamicrocosmofman'slaterhistory,orratherIoughttosaythatitmightbe,foronlyexceptionalindividualsreproducethehistoryofhumanityuptocontemporarydevelopment.Agenius--agreatcreativegenius--seemstomeamanwhoseactiveabsorptioncankeeppacewiththerapidityofhisdigestion.Howoftendowehearofpeoplewhowereinadvanceoftheirtime!Thisfigureofspeechisliterallytrue,butonlygreatcreativegeniuseshavetheconsolationofprojectingthemselvesbeyondtheirambientintime.Thereremainanumberofsterilegeniuses,whomNature,withherusualprodigality,hasputonthemarketinreserve,butforwhomlateronshefindsshehasnouseonaccountoftheeconomy

thatalwayssucceedsextravagance.Thesesterilegeniusesarelefttofendforthemselvesandsomehowtoextractfromahostileandsuspiciousenvironmentfoodtomaintainthemduringthelong,drearyemptinessthatsucceedstheirtoooptimisticabsorption.Doyouagreewithme?"

"AtoneendofthepoleyouwouldputShakespeare,attheothertheJubileeJuggins?"Michaelsuggested.

"That'sit,"sheagreed."Althoughalessconspicuouswastrelwouldservefortheotherend."

"AndIsupposeifyou'researchingfortheeternalrhythmoftheuniverse,you'dhavetoapplytonationsthesameclassificationasto

individuals?"hewenton.

"Ofcourse."

"SothatEnglandwouldhaveagoodnormaldigestionandIrelandatoorapiddigestion?Orbetter,letussaythatallTeutonseatheartilyanddigestslowly,andthatallKeltsaretoorapid.Butcomebacktoyourself."

Sylviapausedforamoment,andthencontinued,withswiftgesturesofself-agreement:

"Icertainlyascribeeverymistakeinmyownlifetoarapiddigestion.

Why,I'veevendigestedthiswarthat,ifwethinkonalargescale,wasevidentlydesignedtostirupthesluggishliverofaworld.I'msicktodeathofthedamnedwaralready,andithasn'tbegunyetreally.Andtocomedowntomyownlittleparticularwoes,I'velaboredtowardreligion,digesteditwithhorriblerapidity,andseenothinginitnowbutahalf-truthformyself.Inartthesame,inhumanassociationsthesame,ineverythingthesame.Ah,don'tlet'stalkanymoreaboutanything."

Inthesilencethatfollowedshethoughttoherselfaboutthe



inspirationofherlatetheories;andlookingatMichael,paleandhollow-eyedinthegrimNovemberdusk,sherailedatherselfbecausewithallherwilltomakeuseofthequalityshehadattributedtoherselfshecouldnotshakeoffthislovethatwasgrowingeveryday.

"WhyinGod'sname,"shealmostgroanedaloud,"can'titgothewayofeverythingelse?Butitwon't.Itwon't.Itneverwill.AndIshallneverbehappyagain."

Arainynightfallsymbolizedforherthedarknessofthefuture,andwhen,inthemiddleoftheireveningmeal,whiletheywerehackingatatinofsardines,amessagecamefromheadquartersthatto-morrowtheymustbereadytoleaveNish,shewasglad.However,thesympathyoftheEnglish-speakingofficerhadexerciseditselfsomuchonbehalfofthetwoprisonersthattheseparationwhichSylviahadregardedasimmediatewaslikelytobepostponedforsometime.TheofficerexplainedthatitwasinconvenientforthemtoremainanylongerinNish,butthatarrangementshadbeenmadebywhichtheyweretobemovedtoSofiaandthereforethatMichael'sconvalescencewouldbesafeagainstanyprematurestrain.TheywouldrealizethatBulgariawasnotunmindfulofthemanylinks,nowunfortunatelybroken,whichhadformerlyboundhertoEngland,andtheywouldadmitinthefaceoftheircourteoustreatmenthowfaradvancedhiscountrywasupontheroadofcivilization.

"Splendid,"Michaelexclaimed."Sowesha'n'tbeseparatedyetforawhileandweshallbeabletoprosecuteourphilosophicaldiscoveries.Theriddleoflifefinallysolvedin1915bytwoprisonersoftheBulgarianarmy!Itwouldalmostmakethewarworthwhile.Sylvia,I'msoexcitedatourjourney."

"You'retiredofbeingcoopeduphere,"shesaid,sharply.Andthentomaskwhateveremotionmighthaveescaped,sheadded:"I'mcertainlysicktodeathofitmyself."

"Iknow,"heagreed,"itmusthavebeenagreatboreforyou.Theinvalidisalwaysblissfullyunconsciousoftime,andforgetsthatthe

pleasantlittleserviceswhichencouragehimtogoonbeingillarenotnaturaleventslikesunriseandsunset.Youdowelltokeepmeuptothemark;I'mnotreallyforgetful."

"Youseemtohaveforgottenthatwemayhavemonths,evenyearsofimprisonmentinBulgaria,"Sylviasaid.

Helookedsofrailinhiskhakiovercoatthatshewasseizedwithpenitencefortheharshthoughtsofhimshehadindulged,andwithafondlinggesturetriedtoatone.

"Youreallyfeelthatyoucanmakethisjourney?Ifyoudon't,I'llgooutandroutoutourofficerandbeghimforanotherweek."

Michaelshookhishead.

"I'mratherafraud.Really,youknow,Ifeelperfectlywell.Quiteexcitedaboutthisjourney,asItoldyou."

Shewaschilledbyhissoimpersonallycordialmannerandlookedathimregretfully.

"Everydayhegetsfartheraway,"shethought."Innineyearshehas



beendoingnothingbutplacelayerafterlayeroverhissensitiveness.He'sakindofmentalcoralisland.Iknowthattheremuststillexistacapacityforsuffering,buthe'llneveragainletmeseeit.Hewantstoconvincemeofhiseternalserenity."

Shewaslookingathimwithanunusualintentness,andheturnedawayinembarrassment,whichmadeherjeerathimtocoverherownshyness.

"Itwasjustthereverseofembarrassment,really,"hesaid."ButIdon'twanttospoilthings."

"Bydoingwhat?"shedemanded.

"Well,ifItoldyou--"Hestoppedabruptly.

"Ihaveahorrorofincompleteorambiguousconditionals.Nowyou'vebegunyoumustfinish."

"Nothingwillinducemeto.I'llsaywhatIthoughtofsayingbeforeweseparate.Ipromisethat."

"Perhapswenevershallseparate."

"ThenIshallhavenoneedtofinishmysentence."

SylvialayawakeforalongtimethatlastnightinNish,wondering,withsupremefutilityasshecontinuallyremindedherself,whatMichaelcouldhavenearlysaid.Somewhereabouttwoo'clockshedecidedthathehadbeengoingtosuggestadoptingherintohisfamily.

"Damnedfool,"shemuttered,pullingandshakingherimprovisedbedasifitwereanaughtychild."Nevertheless,hehadthewittounderstandhowmuchitwouldannoyme.Itshowsthelagoonisnotquiteencircledyet."

Thesoldierswhoarrivedtoescortthemtotherailwaystationwerelikegrotesquesofhotelporters;theyweresoreadytohelpwiththeluggage

thatitseemedabsurdfortheirmovementstobehamperedbyrifleswithfixedbayonets.TheEnglish-speakingofficeraccompaniedthemtothestationandexpressedhisregretsthathecouldnottraveltoSofia;hehadnodoubtthatlateronheshouldseethemagain,and,inanycase,whenthewarwasoverhehopedtorevisitEngland.Sylviasuddenlyrememberedherbigtrunk,whichshehadleftintheconsignewhenshefirstreachedNishnearlytwomonthsago.TheEnglish-speakingofficershruggedhisshouldersatherproposaltotakeitwithhertoSofia.

"ThestationwaslootedbytheSerbsbeforewearrived,"heexplained."Theyareabarbarousnation,manyyearsbehindusincivilization.Weneverplunder.AndofcourseyouunderstandthatNishisreallyBulgarian?Thatmakesusparticularlygentlehere.Youheard,perhaps,

thatwhentheEntenteLegationsleftwegavethemachampagnelunchforthefarewellatDedeagatch?WearefarinfrontoftheGermans,whoareaverystrongbutprimitivenation.TheyarenotmuchlikedinBulgaria:weprefertheEnglish.But,alas,poorEngland!"hesighed.

"Whypoor?"Sylviademanded,indignantly.

Hesmiledcompassionatelyforanswer,andsoonafterward,inafirst-classcompartmenttothemselves,MichaelandsheleftNish.



"Really,"Michaelobserved,"whentheconditionsarefavorable,travelingasaprisonerofwaristhemostluxurioustravelingofall.I'veneverexperiencedtheservilityofaprivatecourier,butit'swonderfultofeelthatotherpeopleareunderanobligationtolookafteryou.However,atpresentwehavetheadvantagesofbeingnewtoys.OurfriendfromSunbury-on-ThamesmaybeascompassionateashelikesaboutEngland,butthere'snodoubtitconfersonthepossessoraquitepeculiarthrilltoownEnglishpeople--eventwosuchnon-combatantcreaturesasourselves.It'stypicaloftheGermans'newnesstoEuropeansocietythattheyshouldhavethoughttherightwaytotreatEnglishprisonerswastospitatthem.IrememberonceseeingagrandeeofSpainwho'dbeenhiredassecretarybyaBarcelonaJew,andbyJove!hewasn'tallowedtoforgetit.TheBulgarians,ontheotherhand,haveasuperficialairofbreeding,whichthey'veeithercopiedfromtheTurksorinheritedfromtheChinese.Didn'tyoulovethetouchaboutthechampagnelunchatDedeagatch?There'saluxurioushospitalityaboutthatwhichyouwon'tfindoutsidethe_ArabianNights_orChicago.ReallytheEnglishnationshouldgivethankseverySunday,murmuringwithalleyesontheeastwindowandGermany:'There,butforthegraceofGodblowinginthewestwind,goesJohnBull.'YetIwonderiftheheartswouldbehumbleenoughtokeepthePhariseeoutofthethanksgiving."

Thetrainwentslowly,withfrequentstoppages,ofteninwildcountry

farfromanyrailwaystation,whereinsuchsurroundingsitsexistenceseemedutterlyimprobable.Occasionallysmallbandsof_comitadjis_ wouldrideupandmenacetheatricallythedejectedSerbianprisonerswhowerebeingmovedintoBulgaria.Therewasacoldwind,andsnowwaslyingthinlyonthehills.

IntherapidduskMichaelfellasleep;soonafter,thetrainseemedtohavestoppedforthenight.Sylviadidnotwakehimup,butsatfortwohoursbythelightofonecandlestuckuponhervaliseandporeduponthemoonlessnightthatpressedagainstthewindow-panesofthecompartmentwithscarcelyendurabledesolation.Therewasnosoundofthosemurmurousvoicesthatmakemysteriousevensuburbantunnelswhentrainswaitinthemonfoggynights.Thewindowswerescrewedup;the

doorintothecorridorwaslocked;inthedarknessandsilenceSylviafeltforthefirsttimeinallitsforcethemeaningofimprisonment.Suddenlyaflaringtorchcarriedswiftlyalongthepermanentwaythrewshadowygrotesquesupontheceilingofthecompartment,andMichael,wakingupwithastart,askedtheirwhereabouts.

"SomewherenearZaribrod,asfarasIcanmakeout,butit'simpossibletotellforcertain.Ican'tthinkwhatthey'redoing.We'vebeenherefortwohourswithoutmoving,andIcan'thearasoundexceptthewind.Itwassomebody'scarryingatorchpastthewindowthatwokeyouup."

Theyspeculatedidlyforawhileonthecauseofthedelay,andthengraduallyunderthedepressionofthesilencetheirvoicesdiedaway

intooccasionalsighsofimpatience.

"Whatabouteating?"Sylviasuggestedatlast."I'mnothungry,butitwillgiveussomethingtodo."

Sotheystruggledwithtinnedfoods,gladofthelifethatthefussymovementgavetothecompartment.

"Onefeelsthatmomentssuchastheseshouldbedevotedtothemostintimateconfidences,"Michaelsaid,whentheyhadfinishedtheirdinner



andwereoncemoreenmeshedbythesilence.

"There'sasortofportentousnessaboutthem,youmean?"

"Yes,butasamatteroffact,onecan'teventalkaboutcommonplacethings,becauseoneisallthetimefidgetingwiththesilence."

"Iknow,"Sylviaagreed."Onegetsahintofmadnessinthewayone'spersonalityseemstoshrinktonothing.Isupposetherereallyissomebodyleftaliveintheworld?I'mbeginningtofeelasifitwerejustyouandIagainsttheuniverse."

"Deathmustcomelikethatsometimes,"hemurmured.

"Likewhat?"

"Likethatthickdarknessoutsideandoneselfagainsttheuniverse."

"I'dgiveanythingforaguitar,"Sylviaexclaimed.

"Whatwouldyouplayfirst?"heinquired,gravely.

Shesanggently:

_"Ladonnaèmobilequalpiumaalvento,_ _Mutad'accentoedipensiero,_ _Sempreunamabileleggiadroviso,_ _Inpiantooinriso,èmenzognero--_

andthat'sallIcanrememberofit,"shesaid,breakingoff.

"Iwonderwhyyouchosetosingthat."

"Itremindsmeofmyfather,"sheanswered."Whenhewasdrunk,faircousin,healwaysusedtosingthat.Whatacharmingson-in-lawhewouldhavemadeforourgrandfather!Oh,areweevergoingtomoveagain?"shecried,jumpingupandpressingherfaceagainsttheviewlesspane.

"Hark!Ihearhorses."

Michaelroseandjoinedher.Presentlyflamesleapedupintothedarkness,andarmedmenwerevisibleinsilhouetteagainstthebonfiretheyhadkindled,solargeabonfire,indeed,that,intheshadowsbeyond,thestonyoutcropofarough,steepcountryseemedincontrasttobethethresholdoftitanicchasms.Anoiseofshoutingreachedthetrain,andpresentlyBulgarianregulars,theescortoftheprisoners,joinedthemerrymakersroundthefire.Slowmusicrumbledupontheair,andacircleofmenshouldertoshoulderwithinterwovenarmsperformedastately,swayingdance.

"Oraretheyjustholdingoneanotherupbecausethey'redrunk?"Sylvia

asked.

"No,it'sreallyadance,thoughtheymaybedrunk,too.Iwishwecouldgetthiswindowopen.Itlooksasifallthesoldiershadjoinedtheparty."

Thedancecametoanendwithshoutsofapplause,andoneortworifleswerefiredatthestars.Thenthecompanysquattedroundthefire,andthewinecirculatedagain.



"Butwherearetheofficersincharge?"Michaelasked.

"Playingcards,probably.Orperhapsthey'redrinkingwiththerest.Anyway,ifwe'regoingtostayhereallnight,it'sjustaswelltohavetheentertainmentofthis_alfresco_supper-party.Anythingisbetterthanthatintolerablesilence."

Sylviablewoutthestumpofcandle,andtheysatindarkness,watchingthefire-fleckedrevel.Theshoutinggrewlouderwiththefrequentpassingofthewine-skins;afteranhourgroupsof_comitadjis_andregularsleftthebonfireandwanderedalongthepermanentway,singingdrunkenchoruses.Whathappenedpresentlyatthefarendofthetraintheycouldnotsee,buttherewasasoundofsmashedglassfollowedbyaman'sscream.Thosewhowerestillsittingroundthefiresnatcheduptheirweaponsandstumbledinloudexcitementtowardthecenterofthedisturbance.Therewereaboutadozenshots,theraspoftornwoodwork,andacontinuouscrashofbrokenglass,withcurses,cries,andallthesoundsofquarrelsomeconfusion.

"Thedrunkenbrutesarebreakingupthetrain,"Michaelexclaimed."We'dbettersitbackfromthewindowforawhile."

Sylviacriedouttohimthatitwasworseandthattheyweredraggingalongbytheheelsthebodiesofmenandkickingthemastheywent.

"GoodGod!"hedeclared,standingupnowinhorror."They'remurderingthewretchedSerbianprisoners.Here,wemustgetoutandprotest."

"Sitdown,fool,"Sylviacommanded."Whatgoodwillyourprotestingdo?"

Butasshespokeshegaveashudderingshriekandheldherhandsuptohereyes:theyhadthrownawrithing,mutilatedshapeintothefire.

"Thebrutes!Thefilthybrutes!"Michaelshouted,and,jumpingupontheseatofthecompartment,hekickedatthewindow-panesuntiltherewasnotafragmentofglassleft."Shout,Sylvia,shout!Oh,hell!Ican'trememberawordoftheirbloodylanguage.Wemuststopthem.Stop,I

tellyou.Stop!"

Oneoftheprisonershadbrokenawayfromhistormentorsandwasrunningalongthepermanentway,butthebloodfromagashintheforeheadblindedhimandhefellonhisfacejustoutsidethecompartment.Two _comitadjis_bangedouthisbrainsontherailwayline;withclasp-knivestheyhackedtheheadfromthecorpseandmerrilytosseditinatthewindow,whereitfellonthefloorbetweenSylviaandMichael.

"MyGod!"Michaelmuttered."It'sbettertobekilledourselvesthantostayhereandendurethis."

Hebegantoscrambleoutofthewindow,andshe,seeingthathewas

nearlymadwithhorrorathispowerlessness,followedhiminthehopeofdeflectinganyrashaction.Strangelyenough,nobodyinterferedwiththeirantics,andtheyhadrunnearlythewholelengthofthetrain,inordertofindtheofficersincharge,beforeatallmandescendingfromoneofthecarriagesbarredtheirprogress.

"Why,it'syou!"Sylvialaughed,hysterically."It'smyrose-grower!Michael,doyouhear?Myrose-grower."

ItreallywasRakoff,deckedoutwithbarbarictrappingsofsilverand



bristlingwithweapons,buthismannershadnotchangedwithhisprofession,andassoonasherecognizedherhebowedpolitelyandaskedifhecouldbeofanyhelp.

"Can'tyoustopthismassacre?"shebegged."Keepquiet,Michael;it'snogoodtalkingabouttheRedCross."

"ItwasthefaultoftheSerbians,"Rakoffexplained."Theyinsultedmymen.Butwhatareyoudoinghere?"

Theviolenceofthedrunkensoldiersandcomitadjishadsoonwornitselfout,andmostofthemwerebackagainroundthefire,drinkingandsingingasifnothinghadhappened.SylviaperceivedthatRakoffwassincerelyanxioustomakehimselfagreeable,and,treadingonMichael'sfoot(hewasinafumeofthreats),sheexplainedtheirposition.

Rakofflookedupatthecarriagefromwhichhehadjustdescended.

"Theofficersincommandaredrunkandinsensible,"hemurmured."I'munderanobligationtoyou.DoyouwanttostayinBulgaria?Haveyougivenyourparole?"heaskedMichael.

"Givemyparoletomurderersandtorturers?"shoutedMichael."Certainlynot,andIneverwill."

"Mycousinhasonlyjustrecoveredfromtyphus,"SylviaremindedRakoff."Theslaughterhasupsethim."

Inheranxietytotakeadvantageofthemeetingshehadcastasideherownhorrorandforgottenherowninclinationtobehysterical.

"HemustunderstandthatintheBalkanswedonotregardviolenceasyoudoinEurope.HeshouldrememberthattheSerbianswoulddothesameandworsetoBulgarians."

Rakoffspokeinatoneofinjuredsensibility,whichwouldhavebeencomictoSylviawithoutthesmellofburnedfleshuponthewind,and

withoutthefoulblood-stainsuponherownskirt.

"Quiteso._Àlaguerrecommeàlaguerre_,"sheagreed."Whatwillyoudoforus?"

"I'mreallyanxioustoreturnyourkindnessatNish,"Rakoffsaid,gravely."Ifyoucomewithmeandmymen,weshallberidingsouthward,andyoucouldperhapsfindanopportunitytogetovertheGreekfrontier.Theofficercommandingthistraindeservestobepunishedforgettingdrunk.I'mnotdrunk,thoughIcapturedaFrenchoutpostaweekagoandhavesomereasontocelebratemysuccess.ItwasIwhocutthelineatVrania._Alors,c'estentendu?Vousvenezavecmoi?_"

"_Vousêtestropgentìl,monsieur._"

"_Rìendutout.Plaisir!Plaisir!_Gobacktoyourcarriagenow,andI'llsendtwoofmymenpresentlytoshowyouthewayout.What'sthat?Thedoorislockedontheoutside?Comewithme,then."

Theywalkedbackalongthetrain,andenteredtheircompartmentfromtheotherside,onwhichthedoorhadbeenbrokenin.

"Youcan'tbringmuchluggage.Wrapupwell._Ilfaittrès-froid._Is



yourcousinstrongenoughtoride?"

AtthispointRakoffstumbledovertheseveredheadonthefloor,andstruckamatch.

"Whatbabiesmymenare!"heexclaimed,withasmile.

Hepickeduptheheadandthrewitoutonthetrack.ThenhetoldSylviaandMichaeltopreparefortheirescape,andleftthem.

"WhatdoyouthinkofmyestheticBulgarian?"sheasked.

"It'sextraordinaryhowcertainpersonalitieshavethepowertotwistone'sstandards,"Michaelanswered,emphatically."AfewminutesagoIwassickwithhorror--thewholeworldseemedtobetumblingtopiecesbeforehumanbestiality--andnow,beforethebloodisdryontherailwaysleepers,I'veaccepteditasafact,and--Sylvia--doyouknowwhatIwasthinkingthelastminuteortwo?I'minawayappalledbymyowncallousnessinbeingabletosmile--butIreallywasthinkingwithamusementwhatapityitwaswecouldn'thandoverafewnoisystay-at-homeEnglishmentothesensitiveRakoff."

"Michael,"Sylviademanded,anxiously,"doyouthinkyouarestrongenoughtoride?I'mnotsurehowfarwearefromtheGreekfrontier,but

it'ssuretomeanatleastaweekinthesaddle.Itseemsmadnessforyoutoattemptit."

"Mydear,I'mnotgoingtostayinthisaccursedtrain."

"I'vealetterofintroductionforaclerkinCavalla,"Sylviaremindedhim,withasmile.

"Let'shopeheinvitesustolunchwhenwepresentit,"Michaellaughed.

Thetensionofwaitingfortheescaperequiredthiskindoffeeblejoking;anybreakintheconversationgavethemtimetothinkofthecorpsesscatteredaboutinthedarkness,whichwiththeslowdeathof

thefirewasreconqueringitsterritory.TheyfollowedRakoff'sadviceandheapedextraclothesuponthemselves,fillingthepocketswithvictuals.SylviaborrowedacapfromMichaelandtiedthegoldenshawlroundherhead;Michaeldidthesamewithanoldcollegescarf.ThenhetoretheRedCrossbrassardfromhissleeve:

"Ihaven'ttheimpudencetowearthatduringourpilgrimagewiththisgangofmurderers.I'vetuckedawaywhatpapermoneyIhaveinmyboots,andI'vegottwentysovereignssewninmycholerabelt."

Twosmiling_comitadjis_appearedfromthecorridorandbeckonedtheprisonerstofollowthemtowhere,ontheothersideofthetrain,ponieswerewaiting;withinfiveminutes,thewindblowingicycold

upontheircheeks,thesmellofdampearthandsaddlesandvinousbreath,theraggedstarshinehighoverhead,thewillingmotionofthehorses,allcombinedtoobliterateeverythingexceptdrowsyintimationsofadventure.Rakoffwasnotvisibleinthecavalcade,butSylviasupposedthathewassomewhereinfront.Afterridingforthreehoursahaltwascalledatadesertedfarm-house,andinthebigliving-roomhewastheretoreceivehisguestswithpointedcourtesy.

"Youareathomehere,"heobserved,withalaugh."ThisfarmbelongedtoanEnglishmanbeforethewarwithGreeceandSerbia.Hewasagreat



friendofBulgaria;theSerbiansknewitandleftverylittlewhentheirarmypassedthrough.Weshallsleephereto-night.Areyouhungry?"

The_comitadjis_hadalreadywrappedthemselvesintheirsheepskinsandwerelyinginthedarkcornersoftheroom,exhaustedbythelongrideontopofthewine.Acoupleofmen,however,preparedaroughmealtowhichRakoffinvitedSylviaandMichael.Theyhadscarcelysatdownwhen,totheirsurprise,ayoungwomandressedinaveryshorttweedskirtandNorfolkjacketandwearingaTyrolesehatovertwolongplaitsofflaxenhaircameandjoinedthem.ShenoddedcurtlytoRakoffandbegantoeatwithoutaword.

"ZiskadisapprovesoftheEnglish,"Rakoffexplained."Infact,theonlythingshereallycaresforisdynamite.Butsheisoneofthegreat _comitadji_leadersandactsasmysecondincommand.SheunderstandsFrench,butdeclinestospeakitonpatrioticgrounds,beinghalfaPrussian."

Theyoungwomanlookedcoldlyatthetwostrangers;thenshewentoneating.Hersilentpresencewasnotfavorabletoconversation;andasuddenjealousyofthisself-satisfiedandcontemptuouscreatureovercameSylvia.SherememberedhowshehadtoldMichael'ssisterthesecretofherloveforhim,andthethoughtofmeetingheragaininEnglandbecameintolerable.Shehadamadfancytokilltheotherwoman

andtotakeherplaceinthiswildbandbesideRakoff,toseizeherbythosetightflaxenplaitsandholdherfacedownwardonthetable,whileshestabbedherandstabbedheragain.Onlybysuchaduelcouldsheassertherownpersonality,rescuingitfromtheignominyofthepresentandthegreaterignominyofthefuture.Shehadactuallygraspedalongknifethatlayinfrontofher,andshemighthavegivenexpressiontothemadnotionifatthatmomentMichaelhadnotcollapsed.

Inamomentherfantasticpassionsdiedaway;evenZiska'ssidelongglanceofscornattheprostratefigurewasincapableofrousingtheleastresentment.

"Heshouldsleep,"saidRakoff."To-morrowhewillhavealongand

tiringday."

Soonintheshadowyroomofthedesertedfarm-housetheywereallasleepexceptSylvia,whowatchedforalongtimethedustylantern-lightflickeringuponZiska'smotionlessform;asherthoughtswaveredinthetwilightbetweenwakefulnessanddreamssheoncemorehadalongingtogripthatsmoothpinkneckandcrackitliketheneckofawaxdoll.Thenitwasmorning;theroomwasfullofsmokeandsmellofcoffee.

Sylvia'sforecastofaweek'sjourneyingwiththecomitadjiswastoooptimistic;asamatteroffact,theywereinthesaddleforamonth,anditwasonlyadayortwobeforeChristmas,newstyle,whentheypitchedtheircampontheslopesofavalleyshelteredfromthefierce

windsofRhodopeabouttwentykilometersfromtheBulgarianoutpostsbeyondXanthi.

"Wearenotfarfromtheseahere,"Rakoffsaid,significantly.

Whateverwindreachedthisslopehaddroppedatnightfall,andinthedarknessSylviafeltlikeakissuponhercheekthesaltbreathofthemightymothertowhichherheartrespondedinaweastothebreathofliberty.



Ithadbeenastrangeexperience,thismonthwithRakoffandhisband,andseemedalready,thoughthesoundoftheridinghadscarcelydiedawayfromhersenses,theleastcredibleepisodeofavariedlife.Yet,lookingbackattheincidentsofeachday,SylviacouldnotrememberthatherwildcompanionshadeverbeenconsciousofMichaelandherselfasintrudersupontheirmonotonouslyviolentbehavior.EvenZiska,thatriddleofflaxenwomanhood,hadgraduallyreachedakindofremotecordialitytowardtheircompany.Tobesure,shehadnotinvitedSylviatograsp,orevenfaintlytoguess,thereasonsthatmighthaveinducedhertoadoptsuchamodeoflife;shehadneveraffordedtheleasthintofherrelationshiptoRakoff;shehadneverattemptedtojustifyhercold,almostitmighthavebeencalledherprimmercilessness.YetshehadsometimesadvisedSylviatowithdrawfromaprospectiveexhibitionofatrocity,andthisnotfromanymotiveofshame,butalwaysobviouslybecauseshehadbeenconsideringtheemotionsofherguest.Itwasinthisspirit,whenonceadesperateSerbianpeasanthadflungastoneatthedepartingtroop,thatsheadvisedSylviatorideonandavoidthefallofmangledlimbsthatwaslikelytooccuraftershuttingtwentyvillagersinabarnandblowingthemupwithachargeofdynamite.Shehadspokenoftheunpleasantsequelassimplyasameteorologistmighthavespokenoftheweather'sbreakingup.MichaelandSylviausedtowondertoeachotherwhatpreventedthemfromturningtheirponies'headsandgallopingoffanywheretoescapethisdailyexposuretothesightofuncheckedbarbarity;buttheycouldneverbringthemselvesto

passthelimitsofexpediencyandlosethemselvesintheuncertaintiesofanidealmorality;ultimatelytheyalwayscamebacktothefundamentalparadoxofwarandagreedthatinastateofwarthelifeoftheindividualincreasedinvalueinthesameproportionasitdeteriorated.Rakoffhadtakenpleasureincommentingupontheirattitude,andonceortwicehehadbeenatpainstoconvincethemoftheadvantagestheynowenjoyedofanintellectualhonestyfromwhichinEngland,sofarashehadbeenabletoappreciatecriticismofthatcountry,theywouldhavebeeneternallydebarred.Butperhapsnoamountofintellectualhonestywouldhaveenabledthemtoremainquiescentbeforetherapineandslaughterofwhichtheywerecompelledtobecognizantifnotactuallytosee,hadnotthejourneyitselfhealedtheirwoundedconsciencewithacharmagainstwhichtheywerepowerless.

Theairofthemountainssweptawaythetaintofdeaththatwouldotherwisehavereekedintheveryaccoutrementsoftheequipage.Thelightoftheirbivouacfiresstainedsuchaninfinitesimalfragmentofthevaultednightabovethattheday'sviolenceusedtoshrinkintoaninsignificancewhicheffectedinitswaytheirpurification.Howeverrudeandsavagetheircompanions,itwasimpossibletoeliminatethegifttheyofferedofhumancompanionshipinthesedesolatetractsofmountainouscountry.Inthestormydarknesstheywouldlistenwithakindofaffectiontothebreathingoftheponiesandtothebrokenmurmursofconversationbetweenriderandriderallroundthem.Therewasalwayssomethingofsympathyinthetouchofasheep-skincoat,somethingofawistfulconsolationintheflickerofalightedcigarette,somethingoftendernessintheofferofawater-flask;and

whenthemoonshonefrostilyoverheadsothatallthecompanywasvisible,therewasneverfarawayanemotionofwonderattheirveryselvesbeingapartofthishurryingsilvercavalcade,awonderthateasilywasmergedingratitudeforsomuchbeautyaftersomuchhorror.

ForSylviatherewasaboveeverythingthejoyofseeingMichaelgrowingstrongerfromdaytoday,anduponthisjoyhermindfeditselfandforgotthatshehadeverimaginedagreaterjoybeyond.HercontentmentmayhavebeenofapiecewithherindifferencetothesackedvillagesandmurderedSerbs;butsheputawayfromherthecertaintyofthe



journey'sendandsurrenderedtotheentrancingmotionthroughthesewindsofThracerattlingandbattlingsouthwardtothesea.

Andnowthejourneywasover.SylviaknewbythetoneofRakoff'svoicethatsheandMichaelmustsoonshiftforthemselves.Shewonderedifhemeanttohinthissurpriseattheirnothavingmadeanattempttodosoalready,andshetriedtorecallanypreviousoccasionwhentheywouldhavebeenjustifiedinsupposingthattheywereintendedtoescapefromtheescort.ShecouldnotrememberthatRakoffhadeverbeforegivenanimpressionofexpectingtoberidofthem,andafancycameintoherheadthatperhapshedidnotmeanthemtoescapeatall,thathehadmerelytakenthemalongwithhimtowileawayhistimeuntilhewasboredwiththem.SoinsistentwasthefancythatshelookeduptoseeifanycomitadjiswerebeingdespatchedtowardtheBulgarianlines,andwhenatthatmomentRakoffdidgivesomeordertofourofhismenshedecidedthatherinstincthadnotbeenatfault.Someofherapprehensionmusthavebetrayeditselfinherface,forshesawRakofflookingathercuriously,andtoherfirstfancysucceededanothermoreinstantlyalarmingthathewouldgiveordersforMichaelandherselftobekillednow.HemighthavechosenthiswaytogratifyZiska:nodoubtitwouldbeaverygratifyingspectacle,andpossiblysomethinglesspassivelydivertingthanaspectacleforthatfiercedoll.Sylviawasnotreallyterrifiedbytheprospectinherimagination;inaway,shewasratherattractedtoit.Herdramaticsensetookholdofthescene,

andshefoundherselfcomposingalastduologuebetweenMichaelandherself.PresumablyRakoffwouldbegentlemanenoughtohavethemkilleddecentlybyafiring-party;hewouldnotgofarthertowardgratifyingZiskathanbyallowinghertotakeariflewiththerest.Shedecidedthatsheshoulddeclinetolethereyesbebandaged;thoughshepausedforamomentbeforetheironicalpleasureofusinghergoldenshawltoveiltheapproachtodeath.SheshouldturntoMichaelwhentheystoodagainstarockinthedawn,andwhentherifleswereleveledsheshouldtellhimthatshehadlovedhimsincetheyhadmetatthemasqueradeinRedcliffeHallandwalkedhomethroughthefogoftheFulhamRoadtoMulberryCottage.ButhadMulberryCottageeverexisted?

AtthismomentMichaelwhisperedtoheraquestionsoabsurdlyredolent

oftheproblemsofreallifeandyetsoridiculoussomehowinpresentsurroundingsthatallgloomyfanciesfloatedawayonlaughter.

"Sylvia,it'squiteobviousthatheexpectsustomakeaboltfortheGreekfrontierassoonaspossible.HowmuchdoyouthinkIoughttotipeachofthesefellows?"

"I'mnotverywellversedincountry-housemanners,"Sylvialaughed,"butIwasalwaysundertheimpressionthatonetippedtheheadgamekeeperanddidnotbotheroneselfaboutthelocalpoachers."

"Butitdoesseemwrongsomehowtoslipawayinthedarknesswithoutawordofthanks,"Michaelsaid,withasmile."Ireallycan'thelpliking

theseruffians."

AtthatmomentRakoffsteppedforwardintotheirconversation.

"I'mgoingtorideovertoourlinespresently,"heannounced."You'dbettercomewithme,andyou'llnotbemuchmorethanafewhundredmetersfromtheGreekoutposts.TheGreeksoldierswearkhaki.Youwon'tbecalledupontogiveanyexplanations."

Michaelbegantothankhim,buttheBulgarianwavedasidehiswords.



"Youareincludedinthefulfilmentofanobligation,_monsieur_,andbeingstillindebtto_mademoiselle_,Ishouldbeembarrassedbyanyexpressionfromherofgratitude.Come,itistimeforsupper."

Throughoutthemeal,whichwaseateninaruinedchapel,Rakofftalkedofhisrose-gardens,andSylviafanciedthathewastryingtoreproduceinhermindherfirstimpressionofhiminordertomakethislastmealseembuttherealconclusionoftheirlongrailwayjourneytogether.ShewonderedifZiskaknewthatthiswasthelastmealandifsheapprovedofherleader'sactioninhelpingtwoenemiestoescape.However,itwaswasteoftimetospeculateaboutZiska'sfeelings:shehadnofeelings:shewasnothingbutafinelyperfectedinstrumentofdestruction;andSylvianoddedacasualgood-nighttoherwhensupperwasover,turningroundtotakeafinalglanceatherbendingoverherrifleinthedim,tumble-downchapelasshemighthavelookedbackatsomeinanimateobjectwhichhadmomentarilycaughtherattentioninamuseum.

TheyrodedownhillmostofthewaytowardtheBulgarianlines,andabouttwohoursaftermidnightsawthetents,likemushrooms,underthelightofahazyanddecrescentmoon.

"Herewebidoneanotherfarewell,"saidRakoff,reiningup.

Inthehumidstillnesstheysatpensiveforalittlewhile,listeningtotheponiesnuzzlingforgrass,tastinginthenightthenearnessofthesea,andstrainingfortheshimmerofituponthesouthernhorizon.

"Merci,monsieur.Adieu,"Michaelsaid.

"_Merci,monsieur,vousavezétéplusquegentilpournous.Adieu_,"Sylviacontinued.

"_Enchanté_,"theBulgarianmurmured:MichaelandSylviadismounted."Keepwellsouthofthosetentsandthemoonoveryourrightshoulders.Youareaboutthreekilometersfromtheshore.Thesentriesshouldbeeasyenoughtoavoid.WearenotyetatwarwithGreece."

Helaughed,andspurredawayinthedirectionoftheBulgariantents;MichaelandSylviawalkedsilentlytowardfreedomacrossabrokencountrywherethedwarfedtrees,likethedwarfedBulgariansthemselves,seemedfitonlyforsavagehoursandpatheticallyoutofkeepingwiththistranquilnight.Theyhadwalkedforabouthalfanhourwhen,fromthecoverofabeltofsquatpines,theysawaheadofthemtwofigureseasilyrecognizableasGreeksoldiers.

"Shallwehailthem?"Sylviawhispered.

"No,we'llkeeptheminview.I'msurewehaven'tcrossedthefrontieryet.We'llslipacrossintheirwake.They'dbeworsethanuselesstous

ifwe'renotontherightsideofthefrontier."

TheGreeksdisappearedoverthebrowofasmallhill;whenSylviaandMichaelreachedthetoptheysawthattheyhadenteredwhatlookedlikeaguard-houseatthefootoftheslopeonthefartherside.

"Perhapswe'vecrossedthefrontierwithoutknowingit,"Michaelsuggested.

Sylviathoughtitwasimprudenttomakeanyattempttofindoutfor



certain;buthewasobstinatelydeterminedtoexploreandshehadtowaitinatormentofanxietywhileheworkedhiswaydownhillandtooktheriskofpeepingthroughaloopholeatthebackofthebuilding.Presentlyhecameback,crawlingupthehillonall-foursuntilhewasbesideheragain.

"Mostextraordinarything,"hedeclared."OurfriendRakoffisintherewithtwoorthreeBulgarianofficers.Thefellowswesaw_were_ Greeks--oneisanofficer,theotherisacorporal.Theofficerispointingoutvariousspotsonalargemap.Ofcourseonesays'traitor'atfirst,buttraitorsdon'tgoattendedbycorporals.Ican'tmakeitout.However,it'sclearthatwe'restillinBulgaria."

"Oh,dolet'sgetonandleaveitbehindus,"Sylviapleaded,nervously.

ButMichaelarguedtheadvisablenessofwaitinguntiltheGreekscameoutandofusingthemasguidestotheirownterritory.

"Butifthey'retraitorstheywon'twelcomeus,"sheobjected.

"Oh,theycan'tbetraitors.Itmustbesomemilitarybusinessthatthey'retransacting."

Intheendtheydecidedtowait;afteraboutanhourtheGreeksemerged,

passingoncemorethebeltofpineswhereSylviaandMichaelwerewaitinginconcealment.Theyallowedthevisitorstogetalongenoughlead,andthenfollowedthem,hurryingupinclineswhiletheywerecovered,andlyingdownonthesummitstowatchtheirguides'direction.Theyhadbeenmovinglikethisforsometimeandwerewaitingabovethesteepbankofaravine,thestonybedofwhichtheGreekswerecrossing,whensuddenlythecorporalleapedonthebackoftheofficer,whofellinaheap.Thecorporalrose,lookeddownattheprostrateformamoment,thenkneltbesidehimandbegantoperformsomelaboriousoperation,whichwasinvisibletothewatchers.Atlasthestoodupright,andwithoutspreadfingersflungamaledictionatthebody,kickingitcontemptuously;then,withagestureofdespairtothesky,hecollapsedagainstaboulderandbegantoweeploudly.

SylviahadseenenoughviolenceinthelastmonthtoacceptthemurderofoneGreekofficerasamereincidentonsuchanight;butsomehowshewasconsciousofaforceofpassionbehindthecorporal'sactionthatlifteditfaraboveherrecentexperienceofbloodshed.ShepausedtoseeifMichaelwasgoingtothinkthesame,unwillingtoletheremotionrunawaywithhernowinsuchawayastodeprivethemofmakinguseofthedeedfortheirownpurpose.Michaellayonthebrowofthecliff,gazinginperplexityatthemanbelow,whoseformshookwithsobsinthegraymoonlightandwhosevictimseemedalreadynothingmoreimportantthanoneofthestonesintherockybedoftheravine.

"I'mhangedifIknowwhattodo,"Michaelwhisperedatlast.

"Personally,"Sylviawhisperedback,"it'salmostworthwhiletospendtherestofourlifeinaBulgarianprison-camp,ifwecanonlyfindoutfirstthemeaningofthismurder."

"Yes,Iwasrathercomingtothatconclusion,"heagreed.

"Don'tthinkmeabsurd,"shewenton,hurriedly."ButI'vegotaquitedefinitefancythathe'sgoingtoplayanimportantpartinourescape.WouldyoumindifIwentdownandspoketohim?"



"No,I'llgo,"Michaelsaid."Youdon'tknowGreek."

"Doyou?"sheretorted.

"No.Buthemightbealarmedandattackyou."

"He'llbelesslikelytoattackagentlefemalevoice,"Sylviaargued;andbeforeMichaelcouldsayanotherwordshebegantoslidedownthesideofthegully,repeatingveryquickly,"Don'tmakeanoise;we'reEnglish,"laughingatherselffortheprobableuselessnessoftheexplanation,andyetallthetimelaughingwithaninwardconvictionthattherewasnothingtofearfromtheencounter.

Thecorporaljumpedupandheldhighhisbayonet,whichwasgleamingblackwithmoonlitblood.

"English?"herepeated,doubtfully,inanasalvoice.

"Yes,EnglishprisonersescapedfromtheBulgarians,"Sylviapantedasshereachedhim.

"That'sallright,"saidthecorporal."Yougotnothingtobefrightenedof.I'manAmericancitizenfromNewYorkCity."

SylviacalledtoMichaeltocomedown,whereuponthecorporaltookholdofherwristandremindedherthattheywerestillinBulgaria.

"Don'tyoustartholleringsoloud,"hesaid,severely.

Sheapologized,andpresentlyMichaelreachedthem.

"Wal,mister,"saidtheGreek,"Iguessyousawmekillthatdog.Comeandlookathim."

Heturnedthedeadman'sfacetothemoon.Ontheforehead,onthechin,andoneachcheekthefleshhadbeenslicedawaytoformΠ.

"Προδὁτης,"explainedthecorporal."TraitorinAmerican.I'manAmericancitizen,butI'maGreekman,too.IfoughtinthelastwarandwasinThessaloniki.IkilledfourToiksandnineVoulgarsinthelastwar.Seehere?"Hepointedtothepale-blueribbonsonhischest."IwenttoNewYorkandwasinashoe-shineparlor.ThenIlearnedthebarber-shop.Iwasdoingwell.ThenIcomehomeandfoughttheToiks.ThenIfoughttheVoulgars.ThenIwentbacktoNewYork.ThenlastSeptembercomethemobilizingtofightthemagain.Yes,mister,IputmyrazorinmypocketandcomeovertoPiræus.Ididn'tcareforsubmarines.HundredsofGreekmenscomewithmetofighttheVoulgars.TheGreekmenshatetheVoulgars.Butthingsisdifferentthistime.TheywastellingtaleshowourofficerswaschummywiththeVoulgar

officers.Ididn'tbelieveit.Notme.Butitwastrue.WithmyowneyesIseethisdogshowingtheplansofRupelandotherforts.WithmyownearsIheardthissunnavabitchtellingtheVoulgarstheGreekmenswouldn'tfight.Myheartswelleduplikeawatermelon.MyeyeswasburstingandIcursedhiminsideofme,saying,'Iwishyourbrainsfortobecomebeansinyourhead.'ButwhenwewasaloneIthoughtofwhatbigmenstheGreekswasinoldtimes,andIsaidtohim,'κὑριελὁχαγε,'w

¡ ¢ isMisterCaptaininAmerican,'whatmeansthiswhatwehavedoneto-night?'Andhesaystome,'ItmeanstheGreekmenain'tgoingtofightforVenizelo,whoisaSenegaleseandπροδὁτηςofhiscountry.'



AndhecursedtheFrenchandcursedtheBritishandhesaidthattheVoulgarsmustbeletdrivethemintothesea.ButIsaidnothing.Ijustspit.Then,afterabit,Isaid,κὑριελὁχαγε,doestheotherofficersthinklikeyouwas?'AndhesaysallGreekmenswhatisnottraitorsthinklikehim,andifItellhimwhoisforVenizeloinourregimentIwillbeasergeantgoodandquick.ButIdidn'tsaynothing:Iamonlyspittingtomyself.Thenwecometothisplace,andmyheartwasburstingoutofmybody,andIkilledhim.ThenItookmyrazorandmarkedhisfaceforaπροδὁτης."

T

£

corporalthrewuphisarmstoheavenindenunciationofthedeadman.Theyaskedhimwhathewoulddo,andhetoldthemthatheshouldhideonhisownnativeislandofSamothraceuntilhecouldbeaninterpretertoanEnglishshipatMudros,oruntilGreeceshouldturnupontheBulgariansandfreehissoulfromthestainofthecaptain'streachery.

"CanyouhelpusgettoSamothrace?"theyasked.

"Yes,Icanhelpyou.Butwhatyouhaveseento-nightswearnottotell,forIamcryinglikeawomanformycountry;andotherpeoplesandmensmustnotlaughatHellas,becauseto-nightthisskylakiσκυλἁκι,thisdog,hashadthemoonforeats."

"AndhowshallwegettoSamothrace?"theyasked,whentheyhadpromisedtheirsilence.

"IwillfindacaiqueandyouwillhidebytheseawhereIshowyou.WecannotgobackovertherivertoGreece.Buthowmuchcanyoupayforthecaique?Fiftydollars?ThereareGreekfish-mens,sure,whowasgoingtotakeus."

Michaelatonceagreedtotheprice.

"Thenitwillbeeasy,"saidthecorporal,afterhehadcalculatedhisownprofituponthetransaction.

"Andtendollarsforyourself,"Michaeladded.

"Idon'twantnothingoutofitformyself,"thecorporaldeclared,indignantly;butafteraminute'shesitationhetoldthemthathedidnotthinkitwouldbepossibletohirethecaiqueforlessthansixtydollars,andlookedsadwhenMichaeldidnottrytocontestthehigherfigure.

Theyhadstartedtowalkseawardalongthebedoftheravinewhenthecorporalranbackwithanexclamationofcontempttowherethedeadofficerwaslying.

"IfIain'tdippy!"helaughed."Gee!I'mostforgottoseewhatwasin

hispockets."

Hemadeupfortheoversightbyathoroughsearchandcamebackpresently,smilingandslippingtheholsteroftheofficer'srevolveronhisownbelt.Thenhepattedhisownpockets,whichwerebulgingwithwhathehadfound,andtheywalkedforwardinsilence.Theendoftheravinebroughtthemtoanexposedupland,whichtheycrossedwarily,flittingfromstuntedtreetostuntedtree,becausethemoonlightwasseemingtoobrighthereforsafety.Theuplandgaveplacetosandydunes,thehollowsofwhichweremarshyandmadethegoingdifficult;



butthenightwasbreathlessandnotaleafstirredintheoleanderthicketstoalarmtheirprogress.

"Notmuchwindforsailing,"Michaelmurmured.

"That'sallright,"saidthecorporal,whosenamewasYanniPsaradelis."Ifwefindacaique,wecanwaitforthewind."

SylviawaspuzzledbyRakoff'snothavingsaidawordaboutanyrivertocrossatthefrontier.Shewonderedifhehadsalvedhisloyaltythereby,countingupontheirrecapture,orifbychancetheyweretogetaway,throwingtheblameonProvidence.Yethadhetimeforsuchsubtleties?Itwashardtothinkhehad,butbyYanni'saccountoftheriveritseemedimprobablethattheywouldeverhaveescapedwithouthishelp,anditwascertainlystrangethatRakoff,ifhisbenevolencehadbeengenuine,shouldnothavewarnedthem.Andnowactuallythedunesweredippingtothesea;onasimultaneousimpulsetheyrandownthelastsandyslopeandkneltuponthebeachbytheedgeofthetide,scoopingupthewaterasthoughitwereofgold.

"Say,that'snotthewaytogoescapingfromtheVoulgars,"Yannitoldthem,reproachfully."Wegottogoslowandkeepoutofsight."

Thebeachwasverynarrowandslopedrapidlyuptolowcliffsofsand

continuallybrokenbywidedriftsandwatercourses;buttheywerehighenoughtomaskthemoonlightifonekeptcloseundertheirleeandone'sfootstepsweremuffledbythesand.TheymusthavewalkedinthisfashionforacoupleofmileswhenYannistoppedthemwithagestureand,bendingdown,pickedupthecorkofafishing-netandanoldshoe.

"Guessthere'sfolkaroundhere,"hewhispered."I'mgoingtosee.Yousitdownandrestyourselves."

Hewalkedoncautiously;thesandycliffsapparentlytumbledawaytoaflatcountryalmostatonce,forYanni'sfigurelosttheprotectionoftheirshadowandcameintoviewlikeagrayghostinthenowcompletelycloudedmoonlight.Presumablytheywerestandingneartheedgeofthe

marshyestuaryoftheriverbetweenBulgariaandGreece.

"Howwillheexplainhimselftoanyoftheenemyonguard?"Sylviawhispered.

"Hemusthavehadthecountersigntogetacrossearlierto-night,"Michaelreplied.

"It'snearlyfiveo'clock,"shesaid."Wehaven'tgotsoverymuchlongerbeforedawn."

Theywaitedforages,itseemed,beforeYannicamebackandtoldthemthattherewasnolikelihoodofgettingacaiqueonthissideofthe

river,butthatheshouldcrossoverinaboatandtakethechanceoffindingoneonthefartherbeachbeforehiscaptain'sabsencewasremarked.HeshouldhavetobecarefulbecausetheGreeksentrieswouldbemenfromhisownregimentandhispresencesofardownthelinemightarousesuspicion.

"Butifyoufindacaique,howarewegoingtogetacrosstherivertojoinyou?"Michaelasked.

"Say,givemetwentydollars,"Yannianswered,afteraminute'sthought.



"Thefish-menswon'tdonothingformeunlessIshowthemthemoneyfirst.I'llsaytwoBritishpeopleswanttogoThaso.Wecangivethemmorewhenwe'reontheseatogoSamothraki.They'dbeafraidtogoSamothrakiatfirst.Youmustgobacktowherewecomedowntothesea.Gotme?Hideinthebushesallday,andbeforetheφεγγἁρι,whatisit,beforethemoonisbeginningto-morrownight,comerightdowntothebeachandstrikeonematch;thenwaittillyouseeme,butnottillafterthemoonisbeginning.IfIdon'tcometo-morrow,gobackandhideandcomerightdownthenextnighttillthemoonisbeginning.AndifIdon'tcomethenextnight--"Hestopped."Sure,Yanniwillbedead."

Michaelgavehimfivesovereigns;hewalkedquicklyaway,andthefugitivesturnedontheirtracesinthesand.

"Doyoufeelanydoubtabouthim?"Sylviawhispered,afteraspellofsilence.

"Abouthishonesty?Nottheleast.Ifhecancome,hewillcome."

"That'swhatIthink."

Theyfoundbytheiroldfootprintsthegapinthecliffsthroughwhichtheyhadfirstdescended,andtooktheprecautionofscramblingbackfartheralongsothatthereshouldremainonlythemarksoftheir

descent.Inthefirstoleanderthickettheyhidthemselvesbylyingflatonthemarshyground;sotiredweretheythattheybothfellasleepuntiltheywereawakenedbymorningandadrenchofrain.

"Onefeelsmoresecludedandsafesomehowinsuchweather,"saidSylvia,withanattemptatoptimism.

"Yes,andwe'vegotaboxofTurkish-delight,"saidMichael.

"Turkish-delight?"sherepeated,inastonishment.

"Yes;oneofRakoff'smengaveittomeaboutaweekago,andIkeptitwithavaguenotionofitsbringingusluckorsomething.Besides,

anotherthingintherain'sfavoristhatitservesasakindofbath."

"AverycompletebathIshouldsay,"laughedSylvia.

TheyateTurkish-delightatintervalsduringthatlongday,whenfornotasinglemomentdidtherainceasetofall.SylviatoldMichaelabouttheEarl'sCourtExhibitionandMabelBannerman.

"IrememberagirlcalledMabelwhousedtosellTurkish-delightthere,butshehadastallofherown."

"SodidmyMabeltheyearafterward,"shesaid.

SoontheydecideditmustbethesameMabel.SylviathoughtwhatagoodopeningthiswastotellMichaelsomeofhermoreintimateexperiences,butshedreadedthathewould,inspiteofhimself,showhisdistasteforthatearlylifeofhers,andshecouldnotbeartheideaofcreatingsuchanatmospherenow--orinthefuture,shethought,withasigh.Nevertheless,shedidbeginanapostropheagainstthepast,buthecuthershort.

"Thepast?Whatdoesthepastmatter?Withoutapast,mydearSylvia,youwouldhavenopresent."



"And,afterall,"shethought,"heknowsalreadyIhaveapast."

Oncetheirhandsmetbyaccident,andMichaelwithdrewhiswithaquicknessthatmortifiedher,sothatshesimulatedadeeppreoccupationinordertohideherchagrin,forshehadoutgrownhercapacitytostingbackwithbitterwords,andcouldonlyawaittheslowreturnofhercomposurebeforeshecouldtalknaturallyagain.

"Butnevermind,theadventureisdrawingtoaclose,"shetoldherself,"andhe'llsoonberidofme."

ThenhebegantotalkagainabouttheirdamnedrelationshipandtospeculateupontheextentofStella'ssurprisewhensheshouldhearaboutit.

"Ithink,youknow,whenIwasyoung,"Michaelsaid,presently,"thatImusthavebeenratherlikeyourhusband.I'msureIshouldhavefalleninlovewithyouandmarriedyou."

"Youcouldn'thavebeenintheleastlikehim,"shecontradicted,angrily.

Foramoment,sopoignantinitsrevelationofadivinepossibilityas

tostopherheartwhileitlasted,Sylviafanciedthatheseemeddisappointedatherabruptdisposalofthenotionthathemighthavelovedher.ButevenasthethoughtwasbornitdieduponhisofferofanotherpieceofTurkish-delightandofhissaying:

"Ithinkit'stimefortheeighthpieceeach."

Sothatwasthecalculationhehadbeenmaking,unless,indeed,theirproximityandsolitudethroughthislongdayinthefaceofdangerhadinducedinhimasentimentaldesiretoexpressanaffectionbornofaconventionalinstincttoaccordwithfavoringcircumstance,bredofakindofpityforawastedsituation.Ifthatwereso,shemustbemorethanevercarefulofherpride;andfortherestofthedayshekeptthe

conversationtopolitics,forcingitawayfromanytopicthatintheleastconcernedthempersonally.

Anightofintenseblacknessandheavyrainsucceededthatlongdayintheoleanderthicket.Moonrisecouldnotbeexpectedbytheirreckoningmuchbeforethreeinthemorning.Thewethoursdraggedsointerminablythatprudencewassacrificedtoalongingforaction;feelingthatitwasimpossibletoliehereanylonger,sodden,hungry,andapprehensive,theydecidedtogodowntothebeachandstrikethefirstmatchatmidnight,and,notwithstandingtherisk,tostrikematcheseveryhalf-hour.Thefirstmatchevokednoresponse;buttheplashofthelittlewavesbrokethemonotonyoftherain,andthesand,wetthoughitwas,cameasareliefaftertheslimeinwhichtheyhadbeenlyingfor

eighteenhours.Thesecondmatchgainednoansweringsignal;neitherdidthethirdnorthefourth.TheyconsoledthemselvesbywhisperingthatYannihadarrangedhisrescueforthehourbeforemoonrise.Thefifthandsixthmatchesflamedandwentoutindrearyineffectiveness;sothickwasthedarknessovertheseaitbegantoseemunimaginableforanythingtohappenoutthere.SuddenlyMichaelwhisperedthathecouldheartheclumpingofoars,andstrucktheseventhmatch.Therewassilence;thentheoarsdefinitelygrewlouder;afaintwhistlecameoverthewater:thedarknessbeforethembecametremulouswithahintoflife,andtheirstrainingeyestriedtofancytheoutlineofaboat



standingofffromtheshore.Presentlylowvoiceswereaudible;thenthenoiseofafallingplankandahurriedoathforsomeone'sclumsiness;alittleboatgrounded,andYannijumpedout.

"Quick!"hebreathed."IbelieveIheardfootstepscomingrightdowntotheshore."

Theypushedofftheboat;andwhentheywereabouttwentystrokesfromthebeach,whatseemedaftersomuchwhisperingandstillnessademoniacshoutrentthedarknessinland.Yanniandthefishermenbesidehimpullednowwithoutregardforthenoiseoftheoars;theycouldhearthesoundofpeople'sslidingdownthecliff;thereweremoreshouts,andarifleflashed.

"ThoseVoulgars,"Yannipanted,"won'tdonothingexceptholler.Theycan'tseeus."

Anotherriflebanged,andSylviawasthrilledbythewaytheirescapewasconformingtotherulesofthegame;shereveledintheconfusedsoundsofangerandpursuitonland.

"Theydon'tknowwhereweare,"laughedYanni.

Butthenoiseofthefugitivesscramblingonboardthecaiqueandthe

hoistingofthelittleboatbroughtroundthemashowerofbullets,thesplashofwhichwasheardabovetherain.Oneofthesebrokeajarofwine,andeverymanaboardbenttothelongoars,drivingtheperfumedcaiquedeeperintothedarkness.

"Ihadafunnytimegettingthiscaique,"Yanniexplained,when,withsomedifficulty,hehadbeendissuadedfromfiringhislatecaptain'srevolveratthecountryofBulgaria,bythistimeatleasttwomilesaway."Ididn'thavenodifficultytogetacross,butIhadtowalkhalf-waytoCavallabeforeIfoundtheoldfish-manwhoownsthiscaique.ItoldhimtwoBritishpeopleswantedhimandhesays,'ArethemMr.B.'sfellowsforCavalla?'Ididn'tknowwhoMr.B.was,anyway,soIsays,'Sure,they'reMr.B.'sfellows,'butwhenwegotoffatdusk,

hesayshisorderswasforPortoLagosandtoletgothelittleboatwhenhecouldhearabirdcalling.Hedidn'tgiveadernfornomatches.Wal,Mr.B.'sfellowsdidn'tanswerfromroundaboutLagos,andhesaidbadwords,andhowitwasthreedaystoosoon,andwhoinhelldidIthinkIwas,anyway,tellinghimMr.B.'sfellowswaswaiting?SoItoldhimtherewasamistakesomewheres,andaskedhimwhatabouttakingyouThasofortwentydollars.Wetalkedforabitandhesaid,'Yes.'NowwegottomakehimgoSamothraki."

Atthispointthecaptainofthecaique,abrownandshriveledoldmanseemingallthemoreshriveledinthefull-seatedbreechesoftheGreekislander,joinedthembelowforanargumentwithYannithatsoundedmorethanusuallyacrimoniousandvoluble.Whenitwasfinished,thecaptain

hadagreed,subjecttoawindymoonrise,tolandthematSamothrakionpaymentofanothertenpoundsingold.Theywentondeckandsatastern,fortherainwasovernow.Aslim,rustymoonwascreepingoutoftheseaandconjuringfromthedarknessforwardtheshadowybulkofThasos;presently,withisolatedpuffsthatfrilledthesurfaceofthewaterlikethewingsofalightingbirds,thewindbegantoblow;thelongoarswereshipped,andthecrewsetthecurvedmainsailthatcrouchedinadefiantbowagainstwhateveronslaughtmightprepareitself;fromeverymountaingorgeinThracethenorthernblastsrusheddownwithlifeforthestagnantsea,andlifeforthedull,decrescentmoon,whichina



sprayofstarstheydroveglitteringupthesky.

"Howgloriouslyeverythinghumsandgurgles!"SylviashoutedinMichael'sear."WhenshallwegettoSamothrace?"

HeshruggedhisshouldersandleanedovertoYanni,whotoldthemthatitmightbeaboutmiddayifthewindheldlikethis.

ForallSylvia'sexultation,thevisionofenchantedspacethatseemedtoforbidsleeponsuchanightsoonfadedfromherconsciousness,andshedidnotrouseherselffromdreamsuntildawnwasscatteringitsrosesandvioletstothewind.

"Isimplycan'tshave,"Michaeldeclared,"butSamothraceisinsight."

ThesunwasrisinginafumeofspindriftandfinegoldwhenSylviascrambledforwardintothebows.Huddleduponacoilofwetrope,shefirstsawSamothracefaintlyrelucentlikeanuncutsapphire,wherealreadyittowereduponthehorizon,thoughtheremightbethirtythunderingmilesbetween.

"I'mgladweendedouradventurewiththisglorioussearace,"shoutedMichael,whohadjoinedherinthebows."Areyoufeelingquiteallright?"

Shenoddedindignantly.

"Seehowgraytheskyisnow,"hewenton."It'sgoingtoblowevenharder,andthey'reshorteningsail."

Theylookedafttowherethecrew,whoseimprecationswereonlyvisible,soloudwasthedrummingofthewind,weregettingdownthemainsail;andpresentlytheywererunningeastsoutheastunderasmalljib,withthewindroaringupontheportquarterandthewaveschampingatthetaffrail.ItdidnotstrikeeitherofthemthattherewasanyreasontobeanxiousuntilYannicameforwardwithafrightenedyellowfaceandsaidthatthecaptainwasprayingtoSt.Nicholasinthecabinbelow.

"Samothrakibadplacetogo,"Yannitoldthem,dismally."Manyfish-mensdrownedthere."

Aparticularlyviolentsquallshriekedassenttohisforebodings,andthehelmsman,lookingoverhisshoulder,crossedhimselfasthesquallleftthemandtoreahead,decapitatingthewavesinitscoursesothatthesurfaceofthewater,blownintoanappearanceofsmoothness,resembledthepowderydamasceneoficeinaskater'strack.

"It'sterrible,ain'tit?"Yannimoaned.

"Cheerup,"Michaelsaid."I'mlookingforwardtoyourshavingmebefore

lunchinyournativeisland."

"Wesha'n'tnevercomeSamothraki,"Yannisaid."AndIcan'tpraynomoresomehowssinceIwentawaytoAmerica.ElseI'dgoandprayalongwiththecaptain.SupposingIwastogiveasilvershiptotheπαναγἱἱα

¡

¤

Teno,wouldyoulendmethemoneyfortheworkmenstodoit?"

"I'llpayhalf,"Michaelvolunteered."AsilvershiptoOurLadyofTenos,"heexplainedtoSylvia.



"Gee!"Yannishouted,morecheerfully."I'mgoingtopraysomerightnow.IguesswhenIgetkneelingthetrick'llcomebacktome.IdidsomuchkneelinginNewYorktoshinebootsthatIusedtolieinbedonaSunday.Butthisgoddamstorm'sregularmakingmykneesitch."

Hehurriedaftinapanicofreligiousdevotion,whitherMichaelandSylviapresentlyfollowedhiminthehopeofcoffee.Everyoneonboardexceptthehelmsmanwaspraying,andtherewasnosignsoffire;eventhesacredflamebeforeSt.Nicholashadgoneout.Thecabinwasinaconfusionofsupplicatingmarinersprostrateamidonions,oranges,andcheese;theverycockroachesseemedtolistenanxiouslyinthewildmotion.Thehelmsmanwasnotsteeringtoowell,orelsetheseawasgrowingwilder,foronceortwiceastreamofwaterpoureddownthecompanionanddrenchedtheoccupants,untilatlastthecaptainrushedondecktocursetheoffender,callingdownuponhisheadthepainsofhellshouldtheysinkandhebedrowned.

MichaelandSylviafoundthemostshelteredspotinthecaiqueandatesomecheese.Theterrorofthecrewhadreactedupontheirspirits;thegroaningofthewindintheshrouds,theseethingofthewaves,andthefrightenedlitanybelowquenchedtheirexultationandsilencedtheirlaughter.

Yanni,moreyellowthanever,cameupandaskedMichaelifhewouldmind

payingthecaptainnow."Hesayshedon'tbelievehecangetintoport,butifhecan't,he'sgoingtotryandgetaroundonthesouthsideofSamothraki,onlyhe'dliketohavehismoneyincaseanythingshouldhappen."

Threehourstossedthemselvesfreefromtime;andnowinallitsmajestyandinallitsmenacetheislandrosedarkbeforethem,girdledwithfoamandcrownedwithsnowabovesixthousandfeetofchasms,gorges,cliffs,andforests.

"Whatafearfulleeshore!"Michaelexclaimed,withashudder.

"Yes,butwhatasublimeform!"Sylviacried."Atanyrate,tobewreckedonsuchacoastisnotameandeath."

Yanniexplainedthattheonlyportoftheislandlayonthissideofthelow-lyingpromontorythatranouttoseaontheirstarboardbow.Inordertomakethis,thecaptainwouldhavetobeatuptowindwardfirst,whichwiththepresentfuryofthegaleandsoloftyacoastwasimpossible.Thecaptainevidentlycametothesameconclusion,thoughatfirstitlookedasifhehadchangedhismindtoolatetoavoidrunningthecaiqueashorebeforehecouldgainthesoutherlyleeoftheisland.Sylviaheldherbreathwhenthemastlostitselfagainstthedarknessoflandandbreathedagainwhenanonitstoodoutclearagainstthesky.Yetsofrailseemedthecaiqueinrelationtothevastbulkbeforethem

thatitwasincrediblethishauntofTitansshouldnotexactanothersacrifice.

"Ithink,aswegetnearer,thatthemastshowsitselflessoftenagainstthesky,"SylviashoutedtoMichael.

"Aboutequal,Ithink,"heshoutedback.

Certainlythecaiquestilllaboredon,anditmightbethat,afterall,theywouldclearthepromontoryandgainshelter.



"DoyouknowwhatI'mthinkingof?"Michaelyelled.

Sheshookherhead,blinkinginthespray.

"TheRoundPond!"heyelledagain.

"Ican'timaginethateventheRoundPond'sreallycalmatpresent,"sheshoutedback.

Suddenlyasterntherewasacryofdespairthatrosehighabovethehowlingofthewind;thetillerhadbroken,andimmediatelytheprowofthecaique,swervingawayfromthesky,drovestraightfortheshore.Twomenleapedforwardtocuttheropesofthejib,whichflappedmadlyaloft;thenitgaveitselftothewindanddancedbeforethemtillitwasnomorethanagull'swingagainstdarkandmightySamothrace.

Thecaiquerockedalarminglyuntiltheoarssteadiedher;thestrengthoftherowersenduredlongenoughtoclearthepromontory,but,unfortunately,theexpectedshelterontheothersideprovedtobeanillusion,and,thoughanewtillerhadbeenprovidedbythistime,itwasimpossiblefortheexhaustedmentodotheirpart.Thecaiquebegantoshipwater,soheavily,indeed,thatthecaptaingaveorderstorunherashorewherethesandofanarrowcoveglimmeredbetweenhugetowers

ofrock.Thebeachingwouldhavebeeneffectedsafelyhaditnotbeenforasunkenreefthatrippedoutthebottomofthecaique,whichcrumpledupandshriekedherhorrorlikealive,sentientthing.Sylviafoundherself,aftershehadrolledinadizzyswitchbackfromthesummitofonewavetoanother,clingingheaddownwardtoaslipperyledgeofrock,herfingersinamushofsea-anemones,herfeetwedgedinacrevice;thenanotherwaveliftedheroffandshewassweptoverandoveringreensomersaultsoffoam,untiltherecameablowasfromahammer,aloudroaring,andsilence.

WhenSylviarecoveredconsciousnessshewaslyingonasandyslopewithMichael'sarmsroundher.

"WasIdrowned?"sheasked;thencommonsenseaddeditselftomereconsciousnessandshebegantolaugh."Idon'tmeanactually,butnearly?"

"No,Ithinkyouhityourheadratherathumponthebeach.You'veonlybeenlyinghereabouttwentyminutes."

"AndYanniandthecaptainandthecrew?"

"Theyallgotsafelyashore.Rathercutabout,ofcourse,butnothingserious.YanniandthecaptainarearguingwhetherOurLadyofTenosorSt.Nicholasisresponsibleforsavingourlives.Theothersaremakingafire."

Shetriedtositup;butherheadwasgoinground,andshefellback.

"Keepquiet,"Michaeltoldher."We'reinanarrow,sandycovefromwhichagorgerunsupintotheheartofthemountains.There'saconvenientcavehigherupfullofdriedgrass--agoatherd's,Isuppose--andwhenthefire'salighttheothersaregoingtoscrambleacrosssomehowtothevillageandsendaguideforusto-morrow.Therewon'tbetimebeforedarkto-night.Doyoumindbeingleftforafewminutes?"



Shesmiledhercontentment,and,closinghereyes,listenedtotheechoesofhumanspeechamongtherocksabove,andtothebeatingofthesurfbelow.

PresentlyYanniandMichaelappearedinordertocarryheruptothecave;butshefoundherselfeasilyabletowalkwiththehelpofanarm,andMichaeltoldYannitohurryofftothevillage.

Sylviaandheweresoonleftaloneontheparapetofsmoke-blackenedearthinfrontofthecave,whencetheywatchedthesailorstoilingupthegorgeinsearchofatrackoverthemountain.Thentheytookoffnearlyalltheirclothesandwanderedaboutinovercoats,breakingoffboughsofjunipertofeedthefirefortheirdrying.

"Nothingtoeatbutcheese,"Michaellaughed."OurdietsinceweleftRakoffhasalwaysruntoexcessofonearticle.Still,cheeseismorenutritiousthanTurkish-delight,andthere'splentyofwaterinthattheatricalcascade.Thewindisdropping;thoughinanycaseweshouldn'tfeelithere."

Shortlybeforesunsetthegorgeechoedwithliquidtinklings,andanagedgoatherdappearedwithhisflockofbrownsheepandtawnygoats,whichwiththehelpofawild-eyedboyhepennedinanotherbigcaveon

theoppositeside.ThenhejoinedSylviaandMichaelattheirfireandgavethemanunintelligible,butobviouslycordial,salutation,afterwhichheenteredwhatwasevidentlyhisdwelling-placeandcameoutwithbottlesofwineandfreshcheese.Hedidnotseeminanywaysurprisedbytheirpresenceinhissolitude,andwhendarknessfellheandtheboypipedancienttunesinthefirelightuntiltheyalllaydownonheapsofdrygrass.Sylviaremainedawakeforalongwhileinaharmonyofdistantwavesandfallingwaterandofsuddenrestlesstinklingsfromthepennedflock.Inthemorningtheoldmangavethemmilkandmadethemastatelyfarewell;heandhisgoatsandhisboydisappearedupthegorgefortheday'spasturageinajanglingtintinnabulationthatbecamefainterandfainter,untilthelastandmostmelodiousbellstinkledatrareintervalsfarawayinthedimheartofthemountain.

Thecoveandthegorgewerestillindeepshadow;butontheslopesabovetowardtheeastbrightsunlightwashangingthetreeswithemeraldsbeneathabluesky,andseawardthehalcyonhadlulledthewavesforherazurenesting.

"Can'twegetupintothesunlight?"Michaelproposed.

Forallthesparklingairsabovethem,itwaschillyenoughdownhere,andtheyweregladtoscrambleupthroughthicketsofholm-oak,arbutus,andaromaticscrubtoagrassypeakinthesun'seye.Herenoteventhebuzzingofaninsectbrokethewarm,wintrypeaceoftheSouth,anditwashardtothinkthattherestlesscontinentofAsiawaslappedbythat

tenderandplacidseabelow.Thedark,bluewavylineofImbrosandthedove-graybulkofLemnosweretheonlyislandsinsight,though,likelinesofclouduponthehorizon,theycouldfancythecliffsofGallipoliandhear,sobreathlesswasthecalm,thefaintgrumblingoftheguns.

"ItwasinSamothracetheysetuptheWingedVictory,"Michaelsaid.ThensuddenlyheturnedtoSylviaandtookherhand."Mydear,whenIdraggedyouupthebeachyesterdayIthoughtyouweredead,andIcursedmyselfforacowardbecauseIhadletyoudiewithouttellingyou.



Sylvia,thisadventureofours,neediteverstop?"

"Everythingcomestoanend,"shesighed.

"Exceptonething--andthatsetsalltherestgoingagain."

"Whatisyourmagickey?"

"Sylvia,I'mafraidtoaskyoutomarryme,butwillyou?"

Shestaredathim;thenshesawhiseyes,andforalongwhileshewascryinginhisarmswithhappiness.

"Mydear,mydear,you'velostyouryellowshawlinthewreck."

"Themermaidscanhaveit,"shemurmured."Ishallwrapuptherestofmymemoriesinyou."

Thenshestoppedinsuddenaffright.

"But,Michael,howcanImarryyou?Ihaven'ttoldyouanythingreallyaboutmyself."

"Foolishone,you'vetoldmeeverythingthatmattersinthesetwomonths

ofthemostperfectcompanionshippossibleforhumanbeings.""Companionship?"sheechoed,lookingathimfiercely."Andcousinship,eh?"

"No,no,mydear,youcan'tfrightenmeanylonger,"helaughed."Surely,tellingthingsbelongstothecompanionshipofalifetogether--lovehasnowordsexceptwhenoneisstillveryyoungandeloquent."

"But,Michael,"shewenton,"allthesenineyearsofmysticalspeculation,aretheygoingtoendinthecommonplaceofmarriage?"

"Itwon'tbecommonplace,andbesides,thewarisn'toveryet,andafterthewartherewillbeanemptyworldtofillwithallwehavelearned.Ah,howpooroldGuywouldhavelovedtofillitwithhisSpanishcastles."

"Itseemswrongforustwoupheretobesohappy,"Sylviasighed.

"Thisisjustahalcyonday,buttherewillsoonbestormydaysagain."

"Youmeanyou'llgobacknowto--"Shestoppedinadesperateapprehension."But,ofcourse,wecan'tliveforeverinthesedaysofwarbetweenablueskyandabluesea.Yet,somehow,oh,mydearestanddearest,Idon'tbelieveIshalllose_you_."

Likebirdscallingtooneanother,inthegreenthicketsfarawaytwobellstinkledtheirmonotone;andasmallgraycraftflyingthewhiteensignglidedoverthecharmedseatowardSamothrace.

THEEND

*****

BOOKSBY



BASILKING

_THECITYOFCOMRADES

ABRAHAM'SBOSOM

THEHIGHHEART

THELIFTEDVEIL

THEINNERSHRINE

THEWILDOLIVE

THESTREETCALLEDSTRAIGHT

THESIDEOFTHEANGELS

THEWAYHOME

THELETTEROFTHECONTRACT

INTHEGARDENOFCHARITY

THESTEPSOFHONOR

LETNOTMANPUTASUNDER_

HARPER&BROTHERSNEWYORK[ESTABLISHED1817]LONDON

*****

BOOKSBY

ZANEGREY

THEU.P.TRAIL

THEDESERTOFWHEAT

WILDFIRE

THEHERITAGEOFTHEDESERT

RIDERSOFTHEPURPLESAGE

DESERTGOLD

THELIGHTOFWESTERNSTARS

THELONESTARRANGER

THERAINBOWTRAIL

THEBORDERLEGION

KENWARDINTHEJUNGLE

THEYOUNGLIONHUNTER



THEYOUNGFORESTER

THEYOUNGPITCHER

HARPER&BROTHERS

NEWYORK[ESTABLISHED1817]LONDON

*****

Typographicalerrorscorrectedbytheetexttranscriber:

whenshewaspresentedtoMadema=>whenshewaspresentedtoMadame

thelasthourthaninalltheyearthathadgonebysince=>thelasthourthaninalltheyearsthathadgonebysince

TheAustrainsareadvancingmorerapidly=>TheAustriansareadvancingmorerapidly

eventheenvelopthatHazlewoodhadgiventoher=>eventheenvelopethatHazlewoodhadgiventoher

willbedelightedtodrinkacockatailawithhim=>willbedelightedtodrinkacockatailwithhim

TheFrenchspelling&punctuationhavenotbeencorrected.

*****

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Sylvia & Michael by Compton MacKenzie