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Sara Seale - Beggars May Sing

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Gina and her brother Sebastian weren't literally beggars - but they were financially dependent on Mark Proctor though he was no relation to them, merely their stepmother's brother. Sebastian, at 18 well on his way to becoming a charming waster, saw nothing amiss in the situation, but Gina found her dependence galling and worrying. Particularly when she realized that she was in love with Mark

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Page 1: Sara Seale - Beggars May Sing

BeggarsMaySing(1968)

SaraSeale

GinaandherbrotherSebastianweren'tliterallybeggars—buttheyweredependentfinanciallyonMarkProctor,thoughhewasnorelationtothem.Sebastian,acharmingwaster,sawnothingamissinthesituation,butGinafoundherdependencegallingandworrying.ParticularlywhensherealizedthatshewasinlovewithMark.

CHAPTERI

SEBASTIANbegantoplaytheDeadMarchinSaulveryloudly.Almostatonce,oneofthedoorswhichopenedontothegalleryabovehimbanged,andagirl,wearingnothingbutaman'soldbath-robe,leanedoverthebanisters,herthickredhairfallingwildlyoverherface.

"Who'sitfor?"sheinquiredfiercely.

Herbrotherlookedupatherandgrinned."TheJudgeiscoming,"hesaid.

"Oh,lord!"Shecameslowlydownthestairs,clutchingherbath-robetightlyroundher,itssuperfluousfoldstrailingbehind.Sheswungherselfontothegrandpiano,andthrustingoutalongthinleg,shecontemplatedtheoldslipperdanglingfromherbarefoot."I'minrags,"sheremarkedirrelevantly."What'shecomingfor?Itisn'tFriday."

Heshrugged,introducedaveinofsyncopationintotheDeadMarch,andsaidregretfully,"Sebastianfailstotakehisscholarship.Georginaaidsandabets.Argal:CaneforSebastian,gruelforGeorgina."

"Oh,lord!"shesaidagain.

Shecrossedherarms,intheirenvelopingsleeves,tightlyoverhernarrowchest,andfrownedheavily.Whenshefrowned,shelookedlikeayoungwitch,withherpointedchinthrustforwardandhershortflaminghairspringingfromahigh,ratherdelicateforehead.ShesharedwithSebastianthetiltedeyesandbitter-sweetmouthwhichwerethecharacteristicsofalltheGales,butherwholebodyhadanervous,half-suppressedairoftensionwhichhisentirelylacked.Hehadabouthimanaliveawarenesswhichmadehimacharmingcompanionwhenhechose,buthetooklifemoreeasily,charmedwithlesseffortthandidhissister.

Ginasaidslowly,"Yes,theydotreatuslikethat."

"Rot,Icallit,"Sebastianremarkedgood-naturedly.

"Well,Idon'tknow.Idofeelmostfrightfullyoldattimes,butI'mnineteenreally;you'reeighteen,soIsupposetothemwemustseemquiteyoung,"shesaid,and

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frownedmoredeeply.

Sebastianbeganplayingawaltz,anelaborationofhisfirsttheme,breakingoffhalfwaywithaquick,"No—likethis,"andrepeatingaphrasewithafreshharmony.Whenhehadfinished,heliftedhisbroadsquare-tippedhandsfromthekeysandlookedexpectantlyathissister."Anygood?"

"Yes,good,butchangetothemajorinthelastphrase,andthenbackagaintotheminorinthelastbar.That'llgiveitatwist."

"CleverlittleGinny,"hesaid,usinghisoldnick-nameforher,thentriedthewaltzagainwiththenewvariation.

"Can'tyoumakeJulieseethatthisiswhatyoumustdoinsteadofwastingtimeatOxford?"Ginasaidimpatientlywhenhehadfinished."Shegenerallylistenstoyou.Ifyoucouldgetheronyourside,theJudgemightbemoreamenableinsteadofmakingourlivesaburdentous."

"Oh,IlikeoldMark,"saidSebastianeasily."Afterall,hehasalottoputupwith,Isuppose."

Shewassilent,thenburstoutsuddenly,"Iwishwe'dnevercometolivehere."

"Why,darling?It'smuchmorecomfortablethanlivingonnothingayear."

"Iknow.Butalwaysundersomeobligation."

"Oh,Idon'tlookatitlikethatatall.TheJudgehadthehouseonhishands.HisunclemightjustaswellhaveleftittoJulie,anyway,onlyhedidn't.MuchbettertohaveJulierunningitforhim.Afterall,she'shisownsister,andsinceshewouldmarryFather,wehavetocometoo."

"That'swhatseemssorotten."

"Rubbish!Markhasmoney,wehaven't.It'saverygoodarrangement.IcouldalwayshavetoldJuliethatourfatherwoulddieinsolvent.Shedoesn'tcomplain."

Ginawasstillspeculative."Julie'sstillverygood-looking,"sheremarkedthoughtfully.

"Ialwayssaidso,"retortedherbrother.

"Butnotintheleast'appealingwithal,"shecontinuedcalmly.

"Ohwell,thatdependsonhowyoulookatthesethings.Alittleunimaginativeperhaps—alackofsubtletynowandagain,butstill—thegoodVictorhashisideas,anyway."

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"Oh,thatbounder!Ican'tthinkwhyshedoesn'tseeit.Butshelikestheman!"Ginaexclaimed."Oh,goon,darling!That'sgoingtobegood.Playitagain."

Theybecameengrossedinthemusic,inventingridiculousrhymestofititandshoutingwithlaughterateachnewabsurdity.

Itwasalreadyafterhalf-pastseven,andtheJulyeveningwasresolvingintothechilly,ratherdepressinggrey-nessthatcharacterizedtheendofmostofthedaysofthatwetsummer.Ginawasjustbeginningtoshiveralittlewhensheheardthesoundofacardrawingupoutside,andafewminuteslaterthefrontdooropenedtoadmitthetallfigureofamancarryingasuit-case.

Sebastianstoppedplayingabruptly,andtheybothturnedtostareatthenewcomer,whoputdownhissuit-case,threwhishatandglovesontoatableandadvancedintothehall,limpingslightlyashewalked.

"Hullo!Stillatit?"heremarked.

Thelittlesilencewhichfollowedwascuriouslyhostile,thenSebastianlaughed."Hullo,Mark,"hesaideasily,butheshutdownthelidofthepianowithagestureoffinality.

"You'llbelatefordinnerifyoudon'tgoandchangesoon,"Marksaid,andasheturnedtoGinasittingmotionlessonthepiano-top,thelongbath-robeslippingoffherbareshoulders,hisvoicebecamesuddenlywarmer."Well,Gina?YoulooklikeanAugustusJohnmodel!Agarmentofmine,Isee."

Sheflushedfaintly."Mine'sinholes,"shesaidquickly.

"Isit?I'msorry.AskJulietogetyouanother,"hesaid.

AtthatmomentadarkgracefulyoungwomanleanedoverthebanistersabovethemandcalledGina'sname.Shesoundedveryangry.

"Youleftyourbathrunning—itmusthavebeenagesago,andit'soverflowedandthewholeplaceisflooded.It'scomingthroughunderneath,"shesaidsharply."Really,Gina,youmightthink!"

"Gripes!"saidGina,andleaptoffthepiano.

"Iwishyouwouldn'tsay'Christ,'"Marksaidquickly.

Shewheeledroundonhimwithhotcheeks."Ididn't!Isaid'cripes,'andIgotitfromSweeny,"shecriedfuriously,andtanupthestairsasfastasherdraperieswouldlether.

Markwatchedherdisappear,thenturnedwithaslightshrug."Stupidofme,"hesaidquietly.

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Sebastiangottohisfeetandstretched."She'sbeenknowntosayitallthesame,"heremarkedwithagrin,andfollowedhissisterupthestairs.

II

TheBarnHouse,'asitsnameimplied,wasoriginallyanoldbarnwhichhadsincebeenconvertedintoahouse.Itwasnotabighouse,andtheroomswereallrathersmall,offeringtheunusualcuriosityofmakingnearlyeverydoorvisiblefromthehallitself.ThusSebastian,whoalwaysmanagedtoeffectachangeofdressquickerthananyoneelse,wasfirstdown,andwatchedfromhisseatatthepianotheotheroccupantsofthehouseemergefromtheirrooms.

FirstSweeny,groom-handyman,andonoccasionscook-parlour-maidoranythingelserequiredofhim,descendedthestairs,havingcompletedsomeerrandorother.Itwashisdayforwaitinginthedining-room,sincethemaidwasout,andhecrossedthehallmutteringtohimselfandshakinghishead.Sweenywasbeginningtolookhisageoflate.HehadneverreallysettleddownsincetheyhadbroughthimwiththemfromIrelandnearlytwoyearsago.

NextcameJulie,tallinherlongblackgown,stillverygood-looking,asGinahadremarked;probablymorehandsomeatthirty-fourthanshehadeverbeenattwenty.

Markfollowedsoonafter,tallanddarklikehissister,butwithasensitivenessoffacethatshehadneverpossessed.OnlyayearmadehimJulie'ssenior,buthelookedolder,andhislamenessmadehismovementsappearratherdeliberate.

LastofallcameGina,verylateandwearinganoldfrockwhichwastooshortforpresentfashion,makingherlooklikealong-leggedchildassheflungherselfviolentlydownthestaircase.

"Thefishhasbeenwaitingthisfifteenminutes,mam.WillIgiveitabitofawarm?"saidSweeny'splaintivevoicefromthedining-roomdoor.

"Ohdear,Sweeny!Youshouldhavekeptitinthekitchenuntilwecamein.I'malwaystellingyouthat,"saidJulieimpatiently.

"Yes,mam.Butcooklockedthedooronme,mam.Willyouatenow,mam?"

"InEnglandyouhavetosay'eat,'Sweeny,"Ginasaidinahoarsewhisperastheywentintothedining-room,andJuliefrowned.

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Sheglancedacrossatherbrotherattheoppositeendofthetable."Youlooktired,Mark.Haveyoubeenworkingveryhardlately?"sheasked.

"Yes,Ihavebeenprettybusy,"headmitted."Thisarbitrationcasestillgoeson,andthereareseveralotherthingspilingupaswell."

"Youlawyersmustrakeitinwhenyougetgoing."Sebastianobservedcheerfully."Isawapictureofyouinsomepapertheotherday,Mark.Mr.Proctor,well-knowncounsel,etcetera,etcetera.Won'tyoubetakingsilksoon?"

Marksmiledandshookhishead."Notformanyayearyet.Apartfromanythingelseitcostsmoney,youknow,"hesaid.

Sebastianmadeasmallgrimaceandsaid,"Theeverfilthylucrebarstheway."ButGina,sittingsilentonMark'sright,lookedupquicklyfromherplate,bitherlipandlookeddownagain.Mark,whoseobservanteyemissedverylittle,glancedathersharplyandchangedthesubject.

"It'scoldtonight,soIhadafirelitinthestudy,Mark,'andIthoughtwe'dallsitthere,"Juliesaidastheyroseattheendofthemeal.

Shelefttheroom,followedbyGina,andbegantomakecoffeeatasmallspirit-lampinMark'sstudy.SheallowedthecoffeetocometwicetotheboilbeforeshesaidpleasantlytoGina:

"IaskedMarktocometonightspecially,becauseIthinkhe'sstoppingintownthisweek-end,andIwanthimtotalkoverthisscholarshipbusinesswithSebastian."Shepouredoutacupofcoffeeandhandedittothegirl,liftingherdarkeyestoGina'sforamoment."Idowantthisthingdiscussedamicably,Gina,"shewenton,"soplease,willyoutrynottointerruptormakethingsdifficultinanyway?Sebastianreallydidratherdisgracehimselfinhisexams,andsomefuturearrangementhasgottobemade."

"Julie—I—you—can'twe—"Ginabegan,butbrokeoffabruptlytosayquietly,"Allright,Iwon'tutter."ShesatsippinghercoffeeandexchangingdesultorysmalltalkwithherstepmotheruntilMarkandSebastianjoinedthem.

WhenSweenyhadfinallytakenawaythecoffee-cups,Markfilledapipeandsatsmokinginsilenceforalittlebeforetacklinghissubject.Hedidn'talwaysenjoythepositionwhichtherecentre-arrangementofhishouseholdhadthrustuponhim.

"Nowwhataboutthisscholarship?"hesaidatlast.

Sebastianbeamed."Well,Ijustdidn'tgetit,"hesaidhappily.

"Iknow.Butwhydidn'tyou?"

Sebastianshrugged."Idunno.Toostupid,Isuppose."

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"Nonsense!That'sjustwhatyouaren't,andyouknowitaswellasIdo,"saidMarkbrusquely,andleantforwardinhischair.Hisgreyeyes,astheylookeddirectlyatSebastian,werethekeen,penetratingeyesofashrewd,verywide-awakeman,andtheboybegantofidget."Nowlookhere,Sebastian.I'mnotgoingtosaymuchaboutyourperformance.Youhavebrainsenoughtogetascholarshipeasily,andyougaveabadexhibitionwhichwasentirelyduetoslacknessandlackofconcentration.Butthat'sdonewithnow.You'vefinishedwithschoolandyoumustbegintomakesomethingofyourlife."

"Well,Ihaven'thadachanceyet.Hangit,I'mnotveryold!"Sebastianexpostulated.

"Mydear,ofcourse.Weknowthat.Butthat'swhatwewanttodiscussnow."Juliespokepleasantlyandpersuasively.SheinstinctivelytookmoretroublewithSebastianthanshedidwithGina.

"Well,whatdoyouwantmetodo?"hesaidalittleresentfully.

"YoumusttakeyourscholarshipagaininDecemberforsomeothercollege,"saidMark."Andthistimetheremustbenononsenseaboutwinningit.You'vegottogetdowntowork,Sebastian.Itshouldn'tbedifficultforyou.You'vegotoverfourmonths,andI'llcoachyouinthelongvacation.Ishallbeathomemostofthetime."

"Oh,lord!"groanedSebastian,glancingacross'atGina,whowascrouchingsilentlyoverthefireandsmokingendlesscigarettes."Whycan'tyouletmealone,Mark?I'mnotcutoutforOxford,reallyI'mnot."

"But,Sebastian,you'vegottodosomething,"saidJuliequickly."Youdon'tseemtohaveanyideaofwhatyouwanttodoeventually,andOxfordwillgiveyoutimetoreadjustyourideas.Youcan'thangabouthereallthetime,makingupyourmind."

"Idon'twanttohangabout.Iwanttogoabroad,"Sebastiansaidalittlesulkily."Youknowallaboutit,Julie."

"Oh,thisjazz!Iknowthat,"sheretorted."Thatphasewillpass;youcan'texpectustotakethatseriously."

Markglancedacrossathissisterandraisedaneyebrowslightly."Butthepointis,Sebastian,"hesaid,turningbacktotheboy,"Ican'taffordtokeepyouatOxford,I'mafraid,unlessyougetascholarship,andanyotheralternativesuchasgoing'abroadisnotcateredforinthatway."

"Thepointis,Sebastian,"saidJulierathersharply,"thatMarkisundernoobligationtokeepeitherofyou."

"Itisn'taquestionofthatatall,"Marksaidratherimpatiently."Notanawfullykindwayofputtingiteither,Julie."Hesmiledathissister."I'mnotapoorman,Sebastian,but

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I'mnotricheither.There'sthishousetokeepup,thoughitisn'tlarge,andJulierunsitadmirably.Thenthere'smyflatintheTemple.Verytiny,it'strue,butitallcostsmoney.IdowellenoughattheBar,butI'mnotoneofthebignoises,andneverwillbe.Soyousee,I'mafraiditisuptoyoutohelpabit.Itmayseemawasteoftimeandaboretoyou,butyou'llgainsomethingbyitallthesame.Whatdoyousay?"

Sebastianlaughedalittleuncomfortably."I'venotmuchchoice,haveI?"hesaid,gettingupandmovingrestlesslyabouttheroom."You'vebeenawfullydecenttousreally,Mark."

Sweeny'smelancholyfaceappearedroundthedoor."Dogsbodyhastakenaturnonyourbed,mam,"hesaid."WillIchangetheblanketthisnight?"

Juliewenttothedoorsaying,"I'dbettergoandseetothings,"andGinaandSebastianfollowedherwithalacrity.

Markcaughtthegirl'shandasshepassedhim,andsaidquickly,"No,notyou,Gina.Iwanttospeaktoyouamoment."

"Me?"saidGinainstartledtones,andwatchedwithresignationthedoorclosingfinallyupontheothertwo.

Markknockedouthispipeandputitonthemantelpiece.Helookedatthegirlwaitingnervouslyforhimtospeak,andpicturedheragainasshewasthefirsttimehehadeverseenher.ShehadbeenfinishingherlastyearataschoolinDublinwhenherfatherhaddied,leavingthementirelyunprovidedfor,sothatthemovetoEnglandandtheBarnHousehadbeenaccomplishedbythetimeshehadleftschoolforgoodandfollowedherfamilyfromIreland.HehadgonetoEustontomeettheboat-train,andhadescortedathin,ratherresentfullittleschoolgirlbacktoSussex.Thecrossinghadbeenrough,andGina,alwaysabadsailor,lookedwhiteandplain.Herschoolclotheswereunbecoming,andshehadalost,unhappylookinspiteofherairofdefiance.

"Awfullydifficult,Markdear,"Juliehadsaidofherbeforeshearrived,buttherehadalwaysbeensomethingaboutherwhichhadappealedtohim,eveninhermostunprepossessingmoments.

"Whywon'tyoubefriendswithme,Gina?"heaskedhersuddenly.

Shelookedalarmed."Oh,I—Mark—Iamfriends,"shesaidlamely.

Heraisedaneyebrowdoubtfullyandsmiled."Well—Idon'tknowaboutthat,"hebegan,thenbrokeofftosaykindly,"You'reamassofnervestonight,child.What'supsetyou?"

Herfacealteredathistone;shesmiled—thatsuddensweetsmilewhichshehadincommonwithherbrother,butusedsomuchmorerarely.

"I'mallright,"shesaidquickly."Whatdidyouwanttotalktomeabout?"

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"IwantyoutohelpmewithSebastian,"herepliedatonce."Doyouknowitwasyourfaultasmuchashisownthathefailed?"

"Myfault?Buthewasatschool!"sheexclaimed.

"Yes,Iknow.Butyouwerebehindhim.Youdidn'twanthimtogetascholarshipanymorethanhedidhimself.Youdon'twanthimtogotoOxford,doyou?"

Hewaswatchingherintentlynow,ashehadwatchedSebastian.

"No,"shesaid.

"No.NowI'mgoingtobequitefrankwithyou,Gina.Sebastianatthemomentissettingouttobejustacharmingwaster.That'swhyIconsiderOxfordwillbeinvaluabletohim.He'llhavetoshiftforhimselfabit,andhe'llmeetotherpeopleofhisownageandsex.Butifyouholdhimbackallthetimebypanderingtoeveryridiculousideahemayget,he'llneverdoanything.Whydon'tyoupushhimoninsteadofsidingwithhimagainstJulieandmyselfallthetime?"

Shecameacrosstheroomtohischair,andstoodoverhim,herlittlepointedfacesharpwithtension.

"Mark,whywon'tyoulethimdowhathewants?"shecrieddesperately."Surelyit'sthebestway.Itcan'teverdogoodtoforcesomeoneoutoftheirrightchannelandleavethemforeverunsatisfied."

"But,mydear,"hesaidgently,"youcan'tapplyallthisanguishtoacareerofjazz!"

"Oh,don'tsneerlikeJulie,"shesaid,andignoringhisquickgestureofdenial,droppedonherkneesbesidehischair,andrestedherelbowsonthearm,andherchinonherhands."Mark,youhaveimagination,whichsofewpeopleseemtopossess.Can'tyouunderstandalittle?"

"I'lltry,"hesaidsimply.

"Sebastianisgoodinhisownline—reallygood,"shewenton."Hedoesn'twanttowritethingsaboutsugarbabiesandbluebirds,exceptperhapsaspot-boilers.Hebelievesinthefutureofjazz.He'sworkingonajazzsymphonynow.Andhisthingswillselleventually.Hisworkismarketable.Thatoughttoappealtoyou,"shefinishedalittlebitterly.

"I'mafraidyouandSebastianthinkthatIonlyconsiderthemoneyaspect,"hesaidquietly."Butyouatleasthaveintelligenceenoughtoknowthatisn'tso.Youmakeoutagoodcaseforhim,Gina,andIappreciateyoursideofthething.Idon'tprofesstoknowanythingaboutmodernmusicoritsfuture,butSebastianisveryyoungandhasplentyoftimetoconsidertheposition.EvensupposingIcouldaffordtosendhimtoParisandpayforhistrainingandhiskeep,he'satthestagenowwhenhedoesn'tknowwhathe

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wants.Hewouldbejustaslikelyafterayeartodiscoverthathehadaflairforsculpture."

"Youhavenofaith,Mark.Icanseefarther."

"Mydear,itisn'tonlyaquestionoffaith,"hesaidwithasmile."Onehastolookaheadinotherways.Ihadtoworkterriblyhard,Gina,togetwhereI'amnow.Whenrayfatherdied,JulieandIwereeachleftwithtwohundredandfiftyayeartoliveon.Juliegotajobandwebothslavedtomakeendsmeet.NowI'mdoingreasonablywell,butImustlookaheadforyouandSebastian,and,frankly,wecannoneofusaffordtoplayabout."

Shesatbackonherheelsandregardedhimbitterly."Don'tthinkthatI,atanyrate,don'tseehowbeholdenwearetoyou,Mark,"shesaid."It'stheIrishtemperamenttothinkthatotherpeople'smoneyisasgoodasyourown.Sebastiandoesn'tmeanit.Whyshouldyoukeepuslikethis?Whyshouldyou?It'ssohumiliating."

Marklookedreallystartledforthemoment."Gina,forheaven'ssake,child,don'tbegintotalklikethat,"hesaidindistressedtones."I'veoftenthoughtyouwererathersensitiveaboutourfinancialarrangements,butIcan'tbearyoutofeellikethis.Whenyouallcametolivehere,Isimplyhandedovermyshareofourfather'smoneytoJulie,sinceIscarcelyneeditnow,soyouneedn'tthinkyouareentirelydependentonme.Withherownshare,thatgivesherfivehundredtoplayaboutwith.That'snottoobad."

"I'mnotsuchafool,Mark,thatIdon'tknowthatthereareahundredandonethingsyoudoforus,"sheretorted."Well,supposingthereare.Doesitmattersoverymuch?"

"Tomeitdoes.Sebastiancanrepayyouifheworks.Ican'tever.I'mnogoodtoyouas'abusinessproposition."

"Ginadear!"Hisvoicewasgentle."It'sfoolishtotakethesethingssohardly.Idon'twantyoutorepaymeforwhatI'mverygladtodo.Butifyoufeellikethataboutit,howaboutcominginwithmeonthisscholarshipquestion?Youcanhelpmealotbyworkingwithmeinsteadofagainstme,ifyouonlywill.Afterall,Sebastiancanstillworkathismusicwhenhe'satOxford.He'llfindplentyofscopefornewideasthere,andifattheendof,say,acoupleofyearshewasstilldissatisfied,wemightseewhatcouldbedone.Howaboutit?"

Shehadbeenfrowningdeeplyallthetimehewasspeaking,andshewassilentforamoment,thenshesmiledsuddenly,andheldoutherhandtohim."Allright.Youwin,Judge.I'llseethathegetshisscholarshipthistime,"shesaid,andtheyshookhandsformally.

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CHAPTERII

I

GINAandSebastianhungoverthepaddockgateandcontemplatedtheSouthernBelle.Nowthatthehuntingseasonwasoverandthemaresafelyturnedouttograss,theycouldaffordtobejocular.

"Honestly,Gina,whydowedoit?"

"Idunno—Markthinksweenjoyit.NosonofIrelandcouldeverbehappywithoutahorse."

Dogsbody,anAlsatianofimpeccablepedigree,whoseearshadneverbecomeerect,whichGinasaidmadehimlooksimple,stretchedhislovelyblackandsilverbodyandyawned.

"DogsbodywasaTurkishSultaninanotherlife,"saidGinaproudly.

"Yousaidyesterdayhewasatrapezeartist,"Sebastianremindedher."It'safterten.IsupposeI'dbetterbegoingback.Teacherwillbewaiting.Whatareyougoingtodo?"

"GoingwithSweenyandthedonkeytoseeMickyDooley."

"LookoutJuliedoesn'tcatchyou,then.Thisisn'tIreland.Farewell,youblisteringfemale!"SebastiansalutedtheSouthernBelle,whoregardedhimwithadubiouseye,thenhewalkedbacktothehousearm-in-armwithGina.

ItwasthesecondweekinAugust,andtheybothbemoanedthefactthatitwasaweekofrealhotweatherwhenSebastianhadtobeginhisworkunderMark'ssupervision.Markwashomefortwomonthsnow,rathertiredafterastrenuousterm,

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andneitheroftheyoungGalesrealizedthathehadforgoneaholidayabroadinordertokeepafriendlyeyeonSebastian.Theboywasresignedtohispositionnow,andalthoughhekickedattheworkinvolved,hehadmadeuphismindtogetstarted.

GinametSweenydowntheroad,inordernottobeseenstartingfromtheyard,andsheperchedherselfbesidetheoldmanontheplankwhichdidjusticeforaseat,andtheyrattledawaydownthecountryroad,thedonkey'slittlehoofstwinklinginthesun,Dogsbodylopingbehind.

MickyDooleylivedaloneinameanlittlecottageontheothersideofthevillage.HewasaknownpoacherandlivedtooneartheClevelandsestatesforthepeaceofmindofthekeepers,buthecouldn'tbeevictedandhewastooclevertogetcaught.SweenyhadknownhiminWicklow,twenty-fiveyearsbefore,whentheyhadbothbeenyoungmenofthevillage,andhelikedayarnaboutolddaysonceinawhile.Gina,whostillcouldfeelhomesickforthelandofherbirth,lovedtositlisteningtothetwooldmenoutdoingeachotherwithtalesoftheiryouthfulprowess.

GinaarrivedhomejustbeforelunchtofindtheHunterswereguests.

TheHunterswerenearneighboursofMark'sandhadanonlysonnowfinishinghislastyearatCambridge.

"WeleftEvanlime-washingthekennel,"Mrs.Huntersaid,astheyfinallyfoldeduptheirtable-napkins."Hewonderedifyouwouldcomebacktoteawithusandhelphimfinishit.Barbaraexpectsherpuppiesanytimenow."

"I'dloveto,"saidGinawithalacrity."CanIbringDogsbody?"

"Can'tstandAlsatians.Treacherousbrutes.Yellowstreak.Halfwolves,"saidthecolonelinaseriesofstaccatojerksratherlikemachine-gunfire.

"ButDogsbody'sbeautiful!Imustgoandgetthedustoffhim,"Ginasaid,andvanishedintothegarden.

TheHunterslivedin'apleasantGeorgianhouseamiletheothersideofWesthamStreetvillage,andGina,lookingfresh'andcoolinacleansummerfrock,rodejoyfullythereinthedickyofColonelHunter'stwo-seater,Dogsbodysittingregallybesideher,hisfloppyearsstandinguplikebrokenstalksinavainattempttoprickcorrectly.

ShefoundEvaninthestableyardsurroundedbypailsoflimeandbrushes,andthought,asshealwaysdid,comingsuddenlyuponhimatanytime,howhandsomehewas.Standingfullintheafternoonsun,hepresentedagoldenaspect,withhisthickfairhairandeyebrowsbleachedtoanevenlightershade,hislonggoldlashesandsmoothgoldskin.Hisfriendly,candideyeswerevividlyblueinafacethatwasalmosttoogentleforaman's,andhismouthhadthesweetnessofawoman's.

"Hullo,Gina!"hecalledassoonashesawher."Sogladyoucame.I'vedonetheceiling.Wouldyouliketotakeawall?"Hehandedherabrush,andtheysettowork,

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splashingonthelimewithenjoymentwhiletheydiscussedthetriflingnewsofthevillage.Whentheywentbacktothehousefortea,therewasasmallsportscardrawnupbeforethefrontdoorandGinagroaned.

"TheSprat'scometotea,"shesaid.

"Ididn'tknow,"saidEvan."Shemusthavejustdroppedin.Iratherwantedtoseeheranywayaboutthatnewcarshewantstoget."

Theywentintothesquarehighdrawing-room,madecoolandpleasantwithafadedchintz.AgirlwastalkingvivaciouslytoMrs.Hunteronthesofa.

NancyPratt,whowasatpainstochangeherunlovelysurnameassoonaspossible,wasconsideredthebeautyofthedistrict.Indeed,shewassoprettythatshescarcelylookedreal.Withhergoldencurlsandpeach-likecomplexion,heroverworkeddimplesandlittlewhiteteethflashingtogether,shemighthavesteppedstraightfromthecoverofoneofAmerica'smoreexpensivemagazines.Herfather,whoseoriginwasdim,hadplentyofmoney,andherclothesweretheenvyofeverygirlroundWest-hamStreet.

"Hullo,Nancy,"Evansaid,smilingdownintohercharmingface."Niceofyoutolookin.Wemighttalkaboutthecaraftertea.GinaandIhavebeenlime-washingBarbara'skennel."

"Oh,haveyou?Howawfullymessy;butyouloveallthoseunfemininethings,don'tyou,Gina?"Nancylaughed.Dogsbodyenteredbythelongwindowatthatmoment,andstretchedhimselfbesideGina'schair,wherehelayregardinghercakehopefully,littledropsofmoisturerunningofftheendofhistongue."Oh!You'vegotthatdogwithyou.Ialwaysthinkyou'resobravetohaveanAlsatian."NancygavealittleshiverandacceptedherteafromEvan'shandswithasmileofthanks.

"Oh,butGinaisbrave.She'slikeaboyinlotsofways,"saidEvan.

Ginagotuptohelpherselftoabiscuit."Isthatsupposedtobeacompliment?"sheremarkedalittlewryly.

ShelistenedtoEvanandNancydiscussingcars,andrealizedthatNancyhadnogenuinedesiretolearnthemeritsanddemeritsofdifferentmakesforherfutureguidance.Shemerelywantedthesatisfactionofagood-lookingyoungmantakingherinterestssomuchtoheart.

ShesatontalkingtoEvanlongafterthetea-thingshadbeenclearedaway,andMrs.Hunter,withsomevagueremarkaboutleavingtheyoungpeopletochatter,hustledthecoloneloutthroughtheFrenchwindowtolookatthegreen-houses.

Nancy,havingendeavouredinvaintoout-sitGina,rosetoherfeetwitharegretfulair,andpulledoutasmallpowder-compact.

"IsupposeIreallyoughttobegoing,"shesaid,powderinghernosedelicately."I

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cangiveyoualifthome,Gina."

"I'vegotDogsbody,soIshallwalk,thanksallthesame,"saidGina,sittingwhereshewas.

"Oh!—well,good-byeforthepresent.IsupposeIshallseeyounextatthechurchfete.Don'tforgettobeingoodtimetohelpdecoratethestall.Mumsie'ssingingduringtea.Youmustbuyheapsofthingsfromourstall,Evan.Don'tforget."

"Rathernot.Ishallcomeandsupportyou,"helaughed,andGinawatchedhimescortNancytothedoorandlistenedcrosslytotheirvoicesinthedrive.

"ShelooksawfullywellinthatAlvis,"Evansaidwhenhecamebacktothedrawing-room."Thatpaleblueandcreamisfrightfullyeffective."

II

GinametherstepmotherjustasshewasenteringtheBarnHouseatseveno'clock.Juliewasgoingupstairstochangefordinner,butwhenshesawGina,sheturnedbackagain,saying,"Really,Gina!Justlookatyoucoveredinpaint!Pleasetrytorealiseyoucan'tbehavenowasyoudidwhenyouweretwelve."

Ginalookedatherstepmother'suncompromisingmouthwithoutspeakingatonce,thenshesaidalittleforlornly,"Julie,Iknowwe'reterriblethornsinyourflesh,butwecan'thelpit.Whydoyoutrytochangeusallthetime?"

Julietuckedahairpinmorefirmlyintoherdarkhairbeforesheansweredalittlecontemptuously,"MydearGina,yousurelydon'tthinkthatyouandSebastianaresouniqueastoneverneedcorrection?Irishcharmdoesn'tcarryyouthatfar,youknow."Gina'spalecheeksflamedintosuddenbrightcolour."Idon'tknowwhyyou'realwayssneeringatIreland,"shesaidinlowtones,"butifyoufeltlikethat,whydidyoumarryFather?Hewasnolesspeculiarthanweare.YoucameintomylifewhenIwasnearlyfifteen,andyouthinkthatgivesyoutherighttointerfereandsneerandaltermywholenature."Hervoicebegantoriseexcitedly."Butyoucan'tchangepeoplelikethat,Itellyou.You'llhurtyourselfintheend."

"Mydear—really!"Juliedrawled."AndallthisbecauseIventuredtocomplainthatyouwerealittle—injudiciousinyourbehaviour."

TherewasaslightsoundbehindthemandtheyturnedtoseeMarkstanding

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motionlessinthedoorway.Theyneitherofthemhadanyideahowlonghehadbeenthere,andJuliesaidinasnaturalavoiceasshecouldmanage,"You'dbettergoupandchange,Gina;time'sgettingon."

ThegirlnevergaveanotherlookinMark'sdirection,butwentquitequietlyupthestairsandalongthegallerytoherownroom.

Markstoodlookingathissisterintently,hishandsinhispockets."Julie,mydear,that'snottheway,"hesaidgently.

Shegaveanexclamationofimpatience,andhercolourheightenedalittle."It'sallverywellforyou,Mark.Youdon'thavetocontendwiththingsasIdo,"shesaidquickly."It'snothingbutcomplaining,complainingfrommorningtillnight."

"Iknow.Butwhyshoulditbe?"hesaid."Surelyyoucanletsomethingspass?"

"Butthegirlmustbetaught."

"Yes,butthequestioniswhatisworthteachingandwhatisn't?She'sright,youknow,youcan't'alterpeople'snatures,andIdon'tknowthatyouhaveanyrighttotry."

Sheregardedhimwithacuriousexpressionforamomentortwobeforeshesaid,"Oh,mydearMark,Iknowthatyou'dalwaysstickupforGina,whatevershedid.Isupposeifitcametoacaseofherwordagainstmine,you'dbelieveherfirst."

"That'sabsurd,"hesaidimpatiently."Youmustn'tconfusetheissuelikethis.You'retalkingnowasifthechildhaddonesomethingseriousinsteadofmerelybeingyoungandabitobstreperous."

"Well,youhearhowshetalkstome."

"Yes,mydear,andIhearhowyoutalktoher,"heansweredquietly."Youshouldn'tspeakasyoudo,Julie.You'reverysharpwiththatlittlegirl.It'snotfairtoletyourpersonalfeelingsgetthebetterofyourgoodjudgement.She'squiteright.You'llonlyendinhurtingyourself."

Shewassilent,thenshesaidmoregently,"Oh,IsupposeI'mnogoodatcopingwithmyownsex.IcanmanageSebastianallright.Evenathismosttiresomemomentshemanagestobecharming."

Marksmiledinspiteofhimself,thenhesaidseriously,"ObviouslyyouandGinarubeachotherthewrongwayallthetime,anyonecanseethat.Butit'suptoyoutotry,Julie.Ithinkthechildismuchmoresensitiveandeasilyhurtthanyouimagine.She'sveryrepressed."

"Repressed!MydearMark,that'sjustwhatshe'snot!"Juliecried."She'shadtoomuchfreedom,that'shertrouble."

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"No,mydear,youmistookmymeaning.Nevermind,"herbrotherreturned,andwentintohisstudyandshutthedoor.

III

SebastianlayinthehighgrassoftheLongMeadow'andtriedtoconcentrateonCicero'sLetters.

Hewasheartilyboredwithhiswork,regrettedbitterlyhisdecisiontositagainforhisscholarship,andthoughtseriouslyofcuttingloose'altogetherandsettingouttomakehiswayintheworldasajazzmusician.HecametotheconclusionthatMarkwasnobetterthanJuliewhenitcametotryingtoexplainoneself,andGina,whohadofoldbeenasuresupportonalloccasions,hadsuddenlysidedagainsthim.Presentlyheheardtheswishingnoisethatgrassmakesassomeobjectmovesthroughit,andsawthewavingtipsofDogsbody'sblackearscomingtowardhim.Inaminuteheemergedcompletelyandflunghimselfdownpanting,besideSebastian,followedcloselybyGina.

SebastianjoyfullythrewawayCicero,andpreparedtobelazy."Youlookblue,"heremarked."What'sup?"

Hissistersatbunchedtogether,herthinbarearmsclaspedtightlyaboutherknees.Sheworeafadedgreenlinenfrockandnostockings,

"Oh,Idon'tknow.Lifeingeneralisbecomingtoomuchforme,"shesaidgloomily.

"Markbeenupsettingyouagain?"

"Oh,Mark'sreallyverydecent.Julie'stheonewhodislikesmeso."

"Oh,Julie—Ishouldn'tletherworryme."

Ginasmiled."Youdon'tanyhow.Consequentlyshedoesn'ttrysohard."

"Yes,she'sprettyhardonyouattimes."Sebastianadmitted."Butwhatdoyoucare?"

"Ishouldn't,ofcourse,"sheagreedpromptly,"Idon'tinthesensethatIwanthertolikeme.Icanseeshecouldneverdothat.Idon'tblameher.ButIcan'tstandbeingeternallynagged'at.Ifthey'donlyleavemealone."

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"They?"

"Oh,Mark'sdecentenough,"shesaidagain."IsupposeInaturallylumphiminwithJulie.AtleastyoucanappealtoMarkasaperson.Youcan'ttoJulie."

"Ifindjusttheopposite.JuliewilloftenlistentomewhereMarkwon't."

Ginalaughedalittleshortly."Weeachfindthestrainlesswithoppositemembersofoursexes,"shesaid."Allitamountstoisthis.Theybothgetheartilyfedupwithus,onlyJuliehidesitbestwhenshe'sdealingwithyou,andMarkwhenandifhe'sdealingwithme,onlyit'sgenerallyJulie,unfortunatelyforme."

"Oh,oldMarkisfondofyou,Ginny,there'snogettingawayfromthat,"saidherbrothershrewdly."Itisn'tonlydutywithhim.Ineverknowwhetheryoureallydislikehimasyouseemto."

Shewassilentamoment,pullingastrandofgrassandchewingit."SometimesIdislikehim,"shesaidslowly."Principallyasabenefactor,Ithink.Ihatebeingunderanobligation."

"Meeknessofspiritandachastenedyokeiswhatyouneed,darling,"Sebastiangibed.

Shefelluponhim,rollinghiminthecoolgrassandticklinghimmercilessly.

"Let'schuckeverythingandgoofffortheday,"shesaidquickly."Justbunk,andletthemstew."

"Whereto?"

"Anywhere.Let'stakeabusintoEastcliffandbatheandeatwinklesandputpenniesintheslot-machinesonthepier."

"Howaboutteacher?"

"Oh,lethimrot.Hewon'twaitforyoumorethanhalfanhour.Ifwesneakinthroughthekitchen,wecanleaveDogsbodythereandborrowsomemoneyoffSweeny."

"Right!Comeon!"criedSebastian,springingjoyouslytohisfeet."Iwasfeelingexactlylikethisbeforeyouturnedup."

Itwasnearlyteno'clockwhentheygotbackintheevening,andSebastianswaggeredalittleastheywentintothedrawing-room.Julielookedupquicklyastheycamein,andhereyeshardened,butshesaidnothing.

"Hullo!"saidSebastiangenerally."Hopeyoudidn'tworryaboutus.We'vebeentoEastcliffandhadagrandtime."Hehaddrunkthreecocktailsonthewayhomeandwasfeelingtalkative."YoushouldhaveseenGinnyinherhiredbathing-suit!Itsaggedin

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frontandbehindandwashardlydecent.She'snotbuiltforcomfort,youknow.Youwouldhavebeenamused,Julie.Webehavedjustliketrippers."

StillJuliesaidnothing,whichwassounusualthatGinaconcludedMarkmusthaveenjoinedsilence.Sheglancedacrossathisthin,darkface.Hehadrisenwhensheenteredtheroom,acourtesywhichshefelttobeoutofplaceinthisridiculousatmosphereofchildishbravadotheyhadbroughtinwiththem.

"Whenyoudisappearfortheentiredayanothertime,youmightleaveamessagewiththeservants.It'smoreconsiderate,"hesaidquitequietly,andsatdown'againwithabook.

TheyshuffledfromonefoottotheotherwaitingforJulietospeak,butasshestillsaidnothingbutwentonwithsomeembroideryshewasdoing,theylefttheroom.

"Whatfoolsweare,"saidGina.

"Oh,well,whatdowecare?"Sebastianretorted,andwentoutintothegarden.

ButGinahungaboutuntilbed-time,andwhenJuliehadpassedheratthefootofthestairswithacurt"Goodnight,"sheturnedandwatchedMarkwhileheattendedtothelockingup,waitinguntilhehadfinished.

"I'msorry,Mark,"shesaidsoftly."Wearestupidlittlebeasts."

"It'sofnoconsequenceatall,"hesaidpolitely,andstoodasidetoallowhertoprecedehimupthestairs.

CHAPTERIII

I

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GINAstoodbehindherstall,andlistenedtoLadyNapierdeclaringopenthechurchfete.TheNapiershadgraciouslylentClevelandsfortheoccasion,andthevastlawnsweresprinkledwithmarqueesandlittletentsandgailydeckedbooths.Yesterdaytheweatherhadunfortunatelybrokenagain,and,atthemoment,everyonewasdubiouslygratefulforachillandwaterysunwhichshoneuponthem,andwaspreparedtodashforshelteratanymoment.

Theopeningceremonyover,theusualtwitteringbabelarose,andbusinessbegan.

Gina,shiveringinherthinthings,glancedatNancyPrattandhatedherownclothes.NancywasdressedasifforAscotandahugecartwheelhatframedhercharmingface.Goldencurls,flashingdimples,exquisiteskinwereattheirverybestforanyonetosee,andthestallsoonhadasmallcrowdroundit.

TherewasnodoubtaboutitthatNancyknewherjob.Shewascharmingtoeveryone,butsawthateveryonespentmoney."Weshan'thaveanythingleftatthisrate,"shesaidhappily."Iadorebazaars,don'tyou,Gina?"

Gina,hatingeveryminuteofit,saidsoungraciously,andNancysmiledinanirritatingwayandsaidnothing.

LadyNapierwasbuyingatJulie'sstallnextdoor,andGinaheardhersay,"I'mafraidI'venevercalled,Mrs.Gale.It'sdifficulttofitinallonewantstodothesedays,isitnot?ImusttryandgetovertotheBarnHousesoon."

Juliewasgraciousandconciliatory,andtheNapiersmovedontoGina'sstall."Youseemtobedoinggoodtradehere,MissPratt,"LadyNapiersaid,andNancysmiledandsparkled.

"Peopleareverygenerous,"sherepliedcharmingly."Thistea-cosy?Ithinkit'smarkedtenshillings,LadyNapier.Oh,thankyou,soverymuch."ShesawSirCh'arlesstaringratherhardatGina,andsaidonimpulse,"ThisisGinaGalewho'shelpingme."

LadyNapierturnedtosmile'atGina,thenpassedon,sayingalittlestiffly,"IthinkI'veseenyouabouttheplace."

ButSirCharlesdistinctlytwitchedaneyelid,andputapoundnoteintoGina'scollecting-box.

"Doyouknowthem,then?"askedNancycuriously."Sheseemedrathersniffy.Mydear,shespentfivepoundshere.Ibelieveweshallmakemorethananyoftheotherstalls."

Sebastianturnedupaboutfouro'clockandfoundhissisterinchargealone.She

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wasstillsmartingfromEvanHunter'sunintentionalrebuff,whenhehadcarriedoffNancytoteawithscarcelyaglanceinherdirection,saying:"Youmustcomeandtakenourishmentbeforeyoudieofoverwork,Nancy.Ginawilllookafterthestallforyou.Comeon."

Nancy,flutteringandalittleembarrassed,said,"Oh,wouldGinamind?IdowanttohearMumsie'sfirstsongs."Andtheyhaddashedawaytothehouse,EvanlaughingatsomethingamusingwhichNancyhadsaid.

"TheSpratleftyouthedonkeywork'asusual,"Sebastianremarked,knowinghissister'sfrownonlytoowell."Oh,she'sdonehershare,"saidGinacrossly.

Juliereturnedfromtea,accompaniedbyMark,andcameoverforamomenttoaskhowGinawasdoing.

"Splendid!"sheexclaimedwhenGinatoldher."Theywillbepleased.Nancyisawonderfullittleworker.She'slookingsoverypretty,don'tyouthink,Mark?"

"Ratheroverdressed,Ithought,"Marksaid,andGinacouldhavehuggedhim.

"I'mcomingbacklaterontotakeyouoffforanice,Gina,"hesaidashemovedawaywithJulie.

"Comeon,there'stheSprat.Nowwe'llhavetea,"saidSebastian,andseizinghissisterbythehand,hemarchedherawaywithoutevenwaitingforNancytotakeover.

Whentheygotbacktothestall,theyfoundNancytryingtofleeceherfatherintheinterestsofthechurch,andheostentatiouslyputaten-poundnoteintothebox.Hewasabig,snub-nosedmanwithastomachandacigar,knowntohisfellowmembersofthegolf-clubasPortWinePrattowingtohisdistressinghabitofboastingabouthiscellar.AtthesametimeMrs.Prattjoinedherfamilyandbrokeintorapidspeech.Shewaslargeandself-importantlikeherhusband,andworeaperpetualsmile.Shewassmilingnow,eventhoughshewasangry.

"Iwillnever,"shesaidemphatically,"Iwillneversingagainatanaffairofthiskind.Peoplerattletheirteacupsandturntheirbacksonone.It'soutrageous!"

"YoucanscarcelyblametheSpratwhenyouseethem,canyou?"whisperedGina.

Sebastiandeparted,sayinghecouldn'tstanditanylonger,andGinabegansellingagain.

Businesswasslacknow.Allthebestthingshadgone,andNancyhadlostinterestinherstallandwasflirtingprettilywithEvan.

Quitesuddenlyastormofraindescendeduponthem,andpeoplehurriedforshelterandstall-holdersfrenziedlycoveredtheirstallswithtarpaulins.

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"Myclotheswillberuined,"wailedNancy,strugglingwithherendofaground-sheet."Ican'tuntiethis.Oh,thanks,Evan.Imustgoin.Gina,couldyoucollectthemoneyandbringit'afterme?"

"Whatdoyouthinkmyclothesaremadeof?Oilskin?"Ginainquiredsweetly.

WithMark'shelpshecoveredupeverythingthatmattered,andtuckingthecollection-boxesoneundereacharm,sheranforthenearestmarquee.

"You'veearnedyourice,"hesaidashefollowedherin."Let'sfindatable."

"Wemusthavemadeanawfullotofmoney,"shesaid,asshesatoppositehimeatingastrawberryice,andhewatchedhereatingwiththefrankenjoymentofaschoolgirl,andthoughthowdifferentshelookedwhenshewashappy.

"Ilikeyou,Gina,"hesaidimpulsively."There'snopretenceaboutyou."

Sheglancedupathimswiftly,hertiltedeyesgreenandvivid,andcolouredalittle."Ihopethat'snotthesamethingasbeinglikeaboyinlotsofways,"shesaidwithafunnylittletwisttoherlips.

"Whotoldyouathinglikethat?"heaskedquickly.

"Oh,ithasbeensaid,"sherepliedwithhersuddenwidesmile.

Heregardedherquizzicallyforamomentortwo,thensaidseriously,"You'renotlikeaboyinanywaythatdetractsfromyourbeing'agirl."

Sheconsideredthis,decidedthatshewassuddenlyalittleoutofherdepthwithhim,andrelapsedintosilence,herprincipaldefenceinmomentsofdoubt.

Notverylongafterthis,theyheardthebandplaying"GodSavetheKing"fromaneighbouringmarquee,andthefetecametoanend.

II

Ginasatinfrontofhermirror,brushingherhair.Sheworeagreenandyellowsilkdressing-gown,withalargerentdowntheback,andSebastian,cominginforamomenttoborrowsometooth-paste,stoodstaringatherinamazement.Shewasbrushingherhairwithearnestdeliberation,whichsightwassounusualinitselfthathestoodwatching

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herforsomemomentswithoutspeaking.

"Hallo!What'sthetime?"sheaskedwithoutturninground.

"Abouteleven—later,Ithink.CanIpinchyourtoothpaste?"Hewentovertothewash-stand,pausingonhiswaytopickupthefrockwhichshehadwornatthefetethatafternoonandwhichstilllayinaheaponthecarpet."What'stheidea,darling?"

"Sebastian,doyouthink,ifIdidmyhairdifferently,itwouldimproveme?"shesaidintently,peeringintothemirrorandcloselyregardinghersmallface.Intheglareoftheelectriclight,herthickhair,springingstronglyfromherhighforehead,gleamedmagnificentlyafteritsintensivebrushing.Shepresseditclosetoherheadwithherhands,tryingitthiswayandthat."DoyouthinkitwouldlookbetterifIhaditcutshorter?"shecontinued."It'ssowildandbushy."

Sebastiancameandstoodbehindherwithhisheadononeside."Idunno.Perhapsitwould,"hesaidcritically,"Ineverthoughtaboutitreally."

"IfIgotthemtocutitquiteclosetomyhead,itwouldcurlintomyneckandroundmyears,andstayshinyontopinsteadofgettingliketow,"shedecided."Don'tyouthinkthen,Sebastian,thatwouldmakealotofdifferencetomyface?"

"Well,Idunno,"hesaidagain."Yes,Isupposeitwould.Youwouldn'tlooksowitch-like."

"DoIlookwitch-like?"

"Whenyoufrownyoudo."

"Oh,forgetit,Ican'tbebothered!What'sitmatteranyway?"sheexclaimed,andsuddenlyranherfingersupwardsthroughherhair,makingitstandwildlyonend.

"Itdoesn't!"Sebastianagreed,andsatdownonGina'sbed."TheSwanniscomingfortheweek-end."

"Oh,lord!"saidGina,wheelingroundonherstooltofacehim."IsthatwhyJulie'sbeengoingaboutlookingaSaintofGodalltheevening?Wouldshereallymarrytheman,doyouthink?"

"WouldhemarryJulie?"counteredSebastian.

"Yes,Ithinkso.He'sthesortofmanwhowouldlikeagood-lookingwifeofsensibleageandbettersocialpositionthanhimselftomindhismillionswhilehehasagoodtime,"Ginasaidshrewdly."Andouryoungstep-mammaisjustthesortoffooltodoittoo."

"Still,themanhasmoney,"saidSebastianwithunconsciousrespect.

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"Andheneedsit,"retortedGina.

"ThosePrattsareprettygrim,"Sebastiansaid,chuckling."Givethemselvessuchairstoo."

"Juliesaysthey'reclimbershopingtogetintoheavenbywayofthenewchurchhall."

"Ohwell,Tdon'tsupposeitwilleverbebuilt,"saidSebastiancheerfully."Thesethingsneverare.NancyseemswellawaywithEvanHunter."

"Yes."Ginapaused,thencontinuedwithafrown,"Shealwaysmakesmefeelperfectlysexless,Sebastian."

"Sexless?Whatonearthdoyoumean?"

"WhatIsay.She'ssoterriblyfemininesheseemstotakeitalloutofme.Ifeelperfectlyhopelessbesideher."

"Iknow.DoyouwanttofeelfemininewithEvanthen?"

"Well,onelikestobedesiredbyhandsomeyoungmen,"saidGinafrankly.

Herbrotherlookedatherthoughtfullyforamoment,thensaidwithunexpectedshrewdness,"You'llneverattractveryyoungmen,Ginny.Theylikesomethingfarmoreobvious.Youmustaimyourdeadlyshaftsatmenoverthirty."

III

Theweek-endwasunfortunatelywet,sothattheyall,withthepossibleexceptionofJulie,hadfartoomuchofVictorSwann.

Hewasavirile,verydarkmanofthirty-eightorso,withtheflamboyant,slightlyoverripegoodlooksofhistype.Hewasthesortofmanwhoisathisbestplaying"sardines,"agameatwhichheexcelled.Ginahadamostintensedislikeofhim,mixedwithcontemptforJuliewhocouldnotseethroughhim.Whatshedidn'tappreciatewasthefactthatJuliesawthroughhimperfectlyanddidn'tcare.

MarkenduredhimforJulie'ssake.Interm-timehealwaysavoidedtheweek-endswhichbroughtthedashingVictor,andremainedintown.

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BythetimeteawasoveronSunday,Markwasfeelingsomuchonedgethatheshuthimselfupinhisstudy,andtriedtoconcentrateonwritingsomeover-dueletters.VictorandJulieweredancinginthehall,andthegramophoneblaredceaselesslyfornearlyanhour.Atlast,whensilencereignedandtheywentintothedrawing-roomtoindulgeinmildflirtation,thepeacewasrentbySebastianworkingveryloudlyonhislatestcomposition.Markboreitaslongashecould,thenhepushedbackhischairwithanexclamationandwentintothehall.

"Can'tweeverhaveanypeaceinthishouse?"hedemandedirritably."It'simpossibletoconcentrateonanythingwithsuchaninfernaldingoingon.Can'tyouamuseyourselfsomewhereelse?"

Sebastianlookedsurprised.Markwasnotasaruleimpatient."Whatisthereintheworldtodo?"hecomplained,"it'spouredallday,andwecan'tgointhedrawing-roomforfearofdisturbingthelovers."

HesawfromMark'sexpressionthathehadgonealittletoofar,andturnedbacktothepianoandbeganstrummingwithonefinger.

"Whyonearthcan'tyougoawayanddosomeworkinsteadofloafingaboutallday?"Marksaid."You'relazyenoughasitis,andyoudidpracticallynothinglastweek."

"It'stheSabbath,Mark,"saidGinapiouslyfromthestairs,whereshehadbeensittingallthetime.

"Oh,Ican'tworktoday,Mark,"Sebastiansaid.

"Well,you'llonlyhaveadoubledosetomorow,"Markrepliedindifferently."You'llhavetoworkwithmeintheafternoon'aswellasthemorning.We'vegottogetthroughit."

"Sebastiancan'tpossiblyworktomorrow,"criedGinahigh-handedly."We'vearrangedapicnicwiththeNeillsandawholecrowdoftheirfriends.Itwasfixedweeksago."

Markturnedtoregardheralittlecuriously,thenhesaid:

"IquitethoughtyouunderstoodhowimportantitwasforSebastiantogethisscholarshipthistime."

"Oh,he'llgetit,easyasspittinginaduckpond,"shedeclared.

"That'saveryfoolishthingtosay,"Marksaidquietly."Hedidn'tfinditsoeasylasttime."

"That'sbecausehedidn'ttroubletowork."

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"Itdoesn'tseemtomethathe'stroublingverymuchnow."

Ginaexperiencedoneofhersuddenlittlespasmsofrageagainsthim,andawaveofunreasonabledislikesweptoverhermomentarily.

"Goodlord,Mark!You'renotourbloomingkeeper!"shecriedlikeaboy,thenbecamescarletassherealizedthatshehadrepudiatedthatwhichwasactuallythetruth.Didn'tMarkvirtuallykeepthemboth,whenitcametohardfacts?

Shehadjumpeduponherlastwords,andnowstoodirresolute,staringathimandbitingherlips.

Helookedatherwithanoddexpressionforamoment,andsawhergreeneyessuddenlyfillwithtears.

"Thinkitover,Gina,"hesaidgently,andwentbacktohisroomandshutthedoor.

IV

VictorSwanndepartedthenextdayafterbreakfastandwentbacktohisvaguebusinessinLondon.Noonehadyetdiscoveredwhathedid,orevenifhedidanything.Hehadmanagedtomakeagreatdealofmoneyjustafterthewar,andonthathesubsistedverycomfortablyasabachelor.

Itwasalovelydayafterthewetweek-end,andSebastianspokecheerfullyoftheassuredsuccessoftheirpicnic.

"Butyouaren'tgoing,Sebastian,"Ginaprotested,pausinginhergroomingofDogsbodyinthestableyard.

"Whyevernot?Wefixeditweeksago."

"Yes,butafterwhatMarksaidyesterday—"

"Oh,Mark!Hedidn'tmeanit."

Ginapushedheruntidyhairoffherforeheadwiththebackofthedandybrush."Sebastian,ofcoursehemeantit.He'llstickintodaywaitingforyoujustashedidthatdaywewenttoEastcliff.He'llexpectyoutowork."

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"Oh,well—"Sebastiankickedataloosebrick."Heshouldn't,that'sall.Blessedishe,etcetera.Youknow."

"You'vegottoworktoday,Sebastian,"saidGina,resumingherbrushing."What'sapicnic,anyway?—Rollover,boy."

"Itisn'tthat,it'stheprincipleofthething.Wecan'tbeforeveryokedtoauthority.Besides,you'llbeenjoyingyourself.WhyshouldIsweatawayindoors?"

"I'mnotgoing,"saidGina.

"Oh,well,perhaps—Ithinkyou'rean'awfulfool,Ginny.

Seeyoulater,then—"Sebastianlefttheyardandwentbacktothehouse.

GinawenttolunchwiththeHunters,andafterwardsEvanwalkedhomewithher.Theirpathlaypleasantlythroughwoodsandfields,andtheyidledalong,enjoyingtherichearthysmellsgivenupbythesoakedland.Theyclimbedastileintoacornfieldandwalked,arminarm,betweenthetallgolden-greenblades.

"Let'ssitdown,"saidEvan.

"It'llberatherwet."

"Youcanhavemycoat."Hetookitoffandspreaditonthegroundforher,andshes'atdownwithalittlelaugh.

"Howdoyoumanagetolooksocoolonadaylikethis?"heaskedher.

"Cool?Withhairlikemine!"shelaughed.

"'Redhair,troublenear,'"heteasedher."Butyouhaveaqueerremotelittleface,Gina,andgenerallysopale."

Hewasnotoldenoughyettoreadwhatwasalreadywrittenplainlyinhermouth,inhersensitivenostrils,inthequickcolourwhichevennowwasrisingtohercheeks.Forperhapsthefirsttime,henoticedhoweasilysheblushed.Thisintriguedhim.Hebegansayingallthemostpersonalthingshecouldthinkof,forthepleasureofwatchingherchangecolour.Butonceitwasplaintoherthathewasonlyshamming,shebecameimmune,andhefinallygaveitup.

"Nancy'salovelycreatureforthoseparentsofherstohaveproduced,"hesaidsuddenly.

"She'sterriblypretty,"Ginaagreedwithaneffort.

Helookedatherhalflyingagainstthecoolbackgroundofwheat.Herfacewasturnedfromhim,andtherewasamomentaryunexpectedbeautyinthelonglinefrom

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chintobreast,theyoungsharpcurveofhershouldersasshesupportedherweightonheroutspreadhands.Heleantoverherimpulsivelyandsaid:

"You'reratherattractiveyourself,Gina—I'dneverthoughtaboutitbefore."Sheturnedastartledfacetowardshim,andhesaidsimply,"I'mgladwe'refriends,"andkissedhergentlyonthelips.

Shesatquitestillforamoment,thenjumpedupquickly.

"IoughttobebackbynowincaseSebastianfinishesearly,"shesaidunhurriedly."Don'tcomeanyfartherwithme,Evan.Iwanttorun."

"Allright,ifyou'dratherIdidn't."Hescrambledtohisfeetandstoodlookingatherwithapuzzledexpression."Youdidn'tmindmykissingyou,Gina?"hestammeredawkwardly.

"Ofcoursenot.Itdoesn'tmeananything,"shesaidlightly.

"No,ofcoursenot,"hesaidinrelievedtones."Well,solong.I'llbeoverfortennisonThursday."

Shewatchedhimwalkawaythroughthecorn,hiscoatslungoverhisshoulder,hishairandskingleaminginthesun,andbeganslowlytowalkintheoppositedirection.Shewasfilledwithaninexplicabledesiretositdowninthegrassandcry.SheknewthathadshebeenNancyPratt,hewouldnothavekissedherlikethat,andshewasbitterlydisappointedinanexperiencewhichhadheldnodelightforeitherofthem.

JuliewascuttingrosesinfrontofthehousewhenGinagotback,andshepausedtoasksharply,"Where'sSebastian?"

Ginastoppedandlooked'atherstepmotherinsurprise."Isn'thehere?"shesaid.

"Youknowverywellheisn't,"Juliereplied."Hewentoffinthemiddleofthemorningandhasn'tbeenseensince-.Goneonhispreciouspicnic,Isuppose.What'sthepointinyoucomingbackwithouthim?"

"Oh,Julie,I'msorry.Iquitethoughthemeanttostopinandworktoday,"Ginasaid,distressed."Ididn'tgototheNeillsatall.I'vebeenattheHuntersallthistime.Ihaven'tseenSebastian."

"Well,Mark'sbeenhangingaboutalldayforhim,"saidJulie,determinedtogetherirritationoffhermind."Really,Gina,it'sabittoomuch!Mark'sgivenupaholidayabroadtoremainhereandcoachSebastian,andthisisallthethankshegets.Youneitherofyouhaveanyknowledgeofthemeaningofthewordgratitude."Herhandsomeeyesbrightenedangrily,andshesnippedoffadeadbloomwithaviciousgesture.

"Well,I'mterriblysorry,Julie,"Ginasaidagain,"butitreallyisn'tmyfault.Igaveupthepicnicmyself,soasnottogowithoutSebastian."

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"Well,youneedn'tmakeamartyrofyourselfoverit.Sebastianisn'ttheonlyoffenderbyanymeans,"snappedJulie,andGina,withaslightshrugofherthinshoulders,turnedawayandwentintothehouse.Shefelttiredanddispirited,andshewasfuriouswithSebastianforhavingletherdownafterall.

ShemetMarkonthestairsandbegantoexplainalloveragain.

"Ididn'tknow—weneitherofusknewyouhadgivenupgoingabroadinordertocoachSebastian,"shefinishedup."Thatmakesmefeelperfectlyfrightfulabouteverything.IwishIwasSebastian.I'dworksothatthere'dneverbeanobligationononesideonly."

Hestoodlookingdownatheralittlegravely."IthinkyouhavetheIrishdifficultyinacceptingfavoursgracefully,"hesaid."WhydoyoualwaysthinkofanythingIdoforyouinsuchaconcreteform?"Shewassilent."IsitthefactthatIhelpyoumateriallywhichmakesyoudislikeme?"

"Idon'tdislikeyou,"saidGinainlowtones.

Hesmiled."I'mafraidyoudo,"hesaid,thengaveheragentlepatontheshoulder."Nevermind.Perhapsyouwon'talwaysfeellikethis.Letmetalktotheboywhenhecomesin,willyou?"

CHAPTERIV

ATthebeginningofSeptember,MarkwentuptoScotlandforthreeweeksshootingbeforetermbeganagain,andJulieannouncedunexpectedlythatshewastakingGinauptotownforanighttobuyclothes.

"You'rereallyadisgrace,"shesaidtoGinaquitegraciously."Iwanttohaveyouproperlyfittedout,andIshalltakeyoutoadecenthairdressertoo."

IfGinasuspectedMark'shandinthis,shesaidnothingexcept,"Where'sallthe

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cashcomingfrom,Julie?"

"It'smyjobtoclotheyou,"Juliesaid,thinkingagainofherbrother'swordsbeforehewentnorth.

"I'mmakingoveranotherhundredayeartoyouforGina'sspecificuse,"hehadsaid."Seethatshehasthesortofthingsgirlsofheragewant,givehersomepocket-money,andforheaven'ssakedon'tletherfindoutit'smymoney.Letherthinkyou'vebeenkeepinghertightforanallowanceandhavechangedyourmind,orsomething."

ThiswasnearenoughtothetruthtomakeJulieblushslightly,andsheagreed,thinkingthatthegirlwouldprobablybeagooddealmorebearableifshewaspresentablethanifshewasnot.

Evenswornenemiescanbecometemporaryfriendsoverthesubjectofclothes,iftheyarewomen,andJulieandherstepdaughterwerealmostunitedduringtheirbrieftoLondon.Ginatookakeeninterestinshopping,andwasperfectlywillingtoacceptadvicefromJulieonallmattersofherpersonalappearance.ThusshemadenoobjectionwhenJuliedecreedshemustwearthinshoeswithhighheels,andsmallfloweryhats;norwhenJulie'shairdressercutoffmostofherhairtosuitthehat.Thesuperciliousmillinerhaddeclaredthatthehatbecamemodom'spiquantstyle,whilethehairdresseradmiredthecolourofherhair.

Julie,doingthethingproperly,boughtcreamsandpowderandlipstick,morepairsofstockingsthanGinahadeverownedinherlife,andanewhandbagwhichsmeltlikeaprayer-book.

"Butcanweaffordallthis?"Ginaaskedseveraltimes.

"Ofcourse,mydear.ItoldyouIhaven'tbeenspendingnearlyenoughonyourclothesuptodate,andthemoney'sjustlainthere,"JuliesaidVaguely,wonderingwithaflashofinterestwhatMarkwouldthinkoftheresultsofhisexpenditure.Probablyhewouldn'tevennotice.Menweresohopelessaboutclothes.ShethoughtofGina'sfather,whohadlivedinoldtweedshimselfandhadnevernoticed,yearinoryearout,whatshehadworn.Victor,now,knewagreatdealaboutwomen'sdress.SheglancedatGinatryingonhernewthingsinfrontofthelongmirrorintheirhotelbedroom,andwonderedalittledubiouslyifVictorwouldnoticeGina.

Sebastianatanyratehadsomethingtosay."Iapprove,"heaffirmedupontheirreturn."Youhavestylenow,Ginny.Youdon'tlooksomuchliketheEnglishideaofanIrishcolleennow.Juliehastaste."

"Och!MissGina,yelooktheelegantladyentirely!"wasSweeny'scontribution.

Juliewaspleased.Ginaseemedmuchquieteroflate,andSebastianhadworkedwellduringMark'sabsence.

Sebastian,however,wastheninnohurrytothinkofwork.Hehadmanagedtosell

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Paupers'Paradefortenpoundsoutright,andhisoldinterestinhismusicwasrevivedwithaburningfervour.

"Howdidyoudoit?"demandedGinaexcitedly,disturbingtheprecisionofhernewly-arrangedhairbythrustingherfingersthroughitagitatedly.

"Well,yourememberFredDoylewhomwemetoverthereatEaster?"Sebastiansaid."HetoldmethentosendhimanythingIdidandhe'dtryandgetitplaced.He'soverherenow,playinginsomeLondonband,andIsenthimPaupers’Paradeaboutafortnightago,onlyIdidn'tsayanythingtoyouincasenothingcameofit.Doyle'sbosshasboughtitforthebandandit'sgoingtobebroadcast!"

"Oh,Sebastian!Buttosellitoutrightfortenpounds!"criedGina."Idothinkthatwassilly.Yououghttobegettingroyaltiesandthings.Itmightbeahugesuccess."

"Yes,Ithoughtofthatafterwards,"Sebastianadmitted."ButwhatdoIcare?Iftheywantanythingelsethey'llhavetopayforit.What'sthat,anyway,tothefunofgettingitplaced?"

"IalwaysthoughtFredDoylehadajollygoodbusinessinstinct,"Ginasaidsignificantly.

"You'renotgoingtoneglectyourexam,Ihope,Sebastian,"saidJulieanxiously."AfterallMark'sdone—"

"Oh,it'sallright,Julie.Youneedn'ttellmeallMark'sdone—I'vehaditallfromGina,"hesaidreluctantly."Butyoumustadmitthatathingofthiskinddoesinspireonewithasenseofone'sownability."

"WhatIlikeaboutyou,Sebastian,isyourcharmingmodesty,"Julieobservedalittletartly,butshesmiledallthesameasshesaidit.

Markwrotethathewascomingsouthbynight,onthe29th,andwouldcomedowntoSussexforafewdaysbeforestartingworkagain.Thedaybeforehewastoarrive,Ginareceivedatelegramwhichsaid:"Cometotown30thmeetmelunchQuaglino's1.15.Returntogetherevening.Proctor."

"Hemustbeloopy!"wasGina'scomment,asingenuinebewildermentshehandedthemessagetoJulie.Juliecompressedherlipsandcrumpledthetelegramuprathersuddenly.WhatonearthhadpossessedMark?

"You'dbettergoupbythe11.5,"shesaidshortly."Andforheaven'ssake,Gina,don'tgowanderingoffsomewhereinLondonandloseyourselfbeforeyoueverfindMark."

"Butwhyshouldhepickonme?"saidGina,stillpuzzled,andJuliewasirritated.

"Iexpecthesimplywantstotakeyoutoamatinee,"shesaid."It'squiteausual

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thingtodo.Youneedn'tmakeasongaboutit."

Ginacolouredalittleathertone,andSebastiansaidwithfrankdisappointment,"Whyonearthdidn'theincludeme?Thenwemighthavehadaday!"

GinaarrivedinLondonfeelingratherlost.Shedidn'tknowherwayaboutverywell,andwasatalosstoknowwhattodowithherselfforthethree-quartersofanhourlefttoherbeforegoingtomeetMark.AkindlypolicemanpointedouttheNationalGallery,andsinceitwasfreeandshehadn'tmuchmoney,shewentinandlookedabout.

"Ofalltheplaces!"sheconfidedafterwardstoSebastian."Idon'twonderit'sfree.Ishouldn'tthinkthey'dhavethenervetochargeforwhatyouseethere!"

Later,however,shediscoveredthatthepictureswhichboastedbothglassanddarkbackgroundsprovedtobeadmirablemirrors,andsheamusedherselfforsometimebyviewingherselfatdifferentandunexpectedangles,andwonderingwhatimpressionshewouldmakeuponMark.

ShetookataxitoQuaglino's,havingverylittleideawhereitwas,andenteredalittletimidly.Shewasmuchtooearly,andsatdownrathernervouslytowait,tryingnottoappearsoterriblyconsciousofthewaitersandthepeopledrinkingcocktailsasshefelt.

WhenMarkcamein,shehadtohailhim,sincehehadonlygivenheracursoryglanceandhadobviouslynotrecognizedher.

"Goodlord,you'rehere!"heexclaimed,andshookhandswithher."Comeandhaveacocktail,thenwe'llgoin."Hegavehisorder,thensatdownbesideher,andshesuddenlyfeltalittleshyofhim.Whiletheysippedtheirdrinks,shewasconsciousofhiseyescontinuallyuponher,andwhen,inthedining-room,theywereseatedoppositeeachotheratacornertable,shesaid:"I'veletJulietakemeinhand.DoyouthinkI'manimprovementnow?"

Hesmiledatherwayofputtingit."I'vetoldyoubeforethatyouwereattractive,"hesaid."Nowyou'vesimplyemphasizedthefactinsteadofhidingitup.Incidentallyyou'reoneofthefewpeopleIlikeinthoseludicroushats."

"Oh,Mark,youarenice,"shesaidimpulsively."Iwillsaythehatgivesmeanillusionofcharm,anyway."

Heleanedforwardandstudiedherface,thenhelaughed."Oh,Gina!Lipsticktoo!"hesaid,andthatseemedtoamusehimmorethananything.

Hetookhertoamatineeafterlunch,andwhentheyemergedfromthetheatreatfiveo'clock,hesaidsuddenly,"IthinkImustaddsomethingtoallthismagnificence.Come'along."

Theywenttoajeweller'sinJermynStreet,andheboughtheranecklaceofsmall,perfectlymatched,polishedjadebeads,whichsheinsisteduponwearingstraightaway.

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"Oh,thankyou,Mark.Howperfectlyheavenlyofyou,"shesaidgratefullywhentheygotoutside."I'vealwayslongedtopossessjade,andneverthoughtIshould.Itwasterriblyextravagantofyou."

"Nevermind,Green-Eyes,yourgreenbeadsareverysuitable,"helaughed,ashehailedataxi.

They'arrivedhomeintimefordinner,andbothJulieandSebastiannoticedthenecklace,butwhileSebastiancommentedonitfreely,Juliesaidnothing.Shewatchedherbrothercarefullyallthroughdinner,andsnubbedGinawhenshebecameexcited.

MarksawGinanowwithout'ahat,andlookedonseveraloccasionsathersmallhead,whoseexcellentshapewasnowrevealedforthefirsttime.

"DoyoulikeGinny'snewstyleofcoiffure?"askedSebastianinterestedly."Shehasn'tbeenleftverymuch,hasshe?"

"Theywere'abitruthless!"Markagreed."Verybecoming,allthesame."

Sebastiangrinned,butJuliefrowned."Ifyou'vequitefinished,Gina,shallweleavethem?"shesaidinherprecisetones.

Theeveningswereverycoldnow,andtheysatroundafireinthedrawingroomlisteningtoMark'saccountofScotland.LaterSebastianwentintothehalltoturnonthewireless,andpresentlyhecamerushingin,crying:"Ginny,they'replayingmytune!Now!Comequick,andlisten."

Shejumpedupandranintothehall.ItwasthrillingtohearSebastian'sworkcomingovertheether,playedbyafirst-classdance-band.Shelistenedwithraptattention,herfeetintheirnewhigh-heeledslippersmovingtotherhythm.Ayoungmanwithawailingnasalvoiceandapronouncedbroguewhinedoutthechorus,andattheendavoiceannouncedpleasantly:

"YouarelisteningtoBudBrownandhisboysplayingfromtheGrandHotel,Mayfair.Wehavejustplayedyouanumber,Paupers'Parade.NowFredDoyleisgoingtosingtoyoualittlecomedynumberentitled—"

"Oh,Sebastian!"Ginacriedasherbrotherswitchedofftheinstrument."It'sgood.Iknewitwas.Youmighthavemadealotofmoneyoverit.Youwereafool!"

"Itisagoodtune,"saidMarkfromthedoorway,wherehehadbeenstandingandlistening."Didsomebodydoyou,Sebastian?"

Ginaexplainedindignantly,andMarklaughed."I'mafraidGina'sright,"headmitted."Ifearyou'venotmuchbusinesssense."

"Oh,well,whatdoIcare?"returnedSebastianasusual,andhesatdownatthe

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pianoandplungedintohislatestcomposition.

CHAPTERV

OCTOBERwasalovelymonth.ArealSt.Luke'ssummerlayoverthecountry,alasttardyreparationforthecoldwetmonthsofJulyandAugust.Thecubbingseasonwaswelladvanced,andGinaenjoyedtheearlymistymorningsbeforebreakfast,havingafewlongcantersontheSouthernBellestillalittleblownoutfromgrass,anddoingverylittleinthewayofactualhunting,asisthewaywithSussexpacks.Sebastian,preferringhisbedanydaytogettingupearlyandbestridingahorse,gladlygavehisshareofthemaretohissister,andsleptuntilthegongrang.Hewasworkingveryspasmodicallyinthesedays,alwaysmore'anxioustositatthepianothanathisdesk.Thehouseechoedwithsyncopation,and,oneSunday,FredDoylewasinviteddowntoSussextospendthedayattheBarnHouse.

Doylewasafreckled,sandy-hairedindividualoftwenty-twoorso,withthedisturbingeyesofhisrace.Buthisbroguewasrich,hismannersvile,andhisnailswantedcleaning.HetreatedSebastianwithaneasyairofcondescension,andspentmostofthedayatthepiano,playinghisowncompositions,whichheobviouslygreatlyadmired.

Juliewasfranklydisgusted,butMarkderivedmuchamusementfromwatchingGina'sflankattacksindefenceofherbrother.EachtimetheconversationswungroundtoDoyle'sachievements,shedraggeditbackagaintoSebastian.Whenheplayedsomethingofhisownandpausedforcommendation,shesaid:"NowplayPaupers'Parade."SheremarkedpointedlyonseveraloccasionsthatSebastianshouldneverhavesoldthethingoutright,andthatheshouldbegettingroyaltiesoneachbroadcastperformance.

"Notatall,"Doylesaid."Wejustboughtitfortheband.Theboys'llplayittillthey'retiredofit,thenthey'lldropit.Youmustwriteussomethingelse,Gale."

"Itoughttobepublishedproperlyandputonsale,"saidGina,bristlingwithindignation.

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"Oh,itwouldn'tbeworthyourwhile.It'snothingatall,really,andwouldn'tmakeanymoney,"herepliedairily,sayingalmostinthesamebreath,"Whatdoyouwanttobeworkingatbuksfor,Gale,whenyoumightbemakinghundthredswritingdancestuff?Itisn'trightatall,andIthinkyou'reafool."

"Itisverynecessaryformybrothertogetthroughhisexams,Mr.Doyle,"Ginasaidfiercely."Soit'snousetalkingtohim'aboutthehundredshe'llmaketillhe'sdoneit."

"Examinations!Andwhatshouldhewantwiththem?"Doyleexclaimed,openinghisthicklylashedeyeswidely."Divilapennywilltheyputinhispocket,andhimwithatasteforthejazz.You'vechanged,MissGina,sincewemetintheouldcounthry."

"Ican'tstandthatyoungman,"GinasaidtoMark,havingleftDoyleandherbrothertotheirowndevices."He'salloverthehouseatonce,andhasn'tthemannersofalouse."

"He'snotexactlyprepossessing,Iagree,"laughedMark."Comeforawalk,Gina.That'llgiveusbreathing-spacetilltea-time."

TheywalkedbrisklyalongthecountryroadsinthewarmOctobersun,Dogsbodyfollowinghappilyattheirheels.Marksmokedapipeashelimpedalongcontentedly,andGinastrodeoutbesidehim,herhandsthrustintothepocketsofanewtweedjacket,andfeltmoreatpeace.

"I'msoafraidhe'llunsettleSebastianagain,"shesaid,referringtoDoyle."Sebastian'sbeenabitrestlesseversincehesoldPaupers'Parade,andhe'llbetentimesworseaftertoday,withDoyletellinghimoneminutehisstuff'sworthnothing,andthenextthathe'llmakeafortune.Hedithersenoughasitis."

Markglanceddownatherinamusement."You'vechangedyourviewssincewefirstdiscussedSebastian'sfuture,"heremarked.

Shenodded."Well,Idoseeyoursideofthething,andI'mnotsureyouaren'tperhapsrightaboutSebastiannotknowinghisownmindyet,"shesaid,addingquicklyandalittlefiercely,"NotthatIdon'tthinkhewouldn'tbebetterworkingatthethinghereallylikes,andIdobelievehehasafutureifhestickstoit.ButsometimesI'mawfullyafraidSebastianwillthrowchancesawayjustwhenthey'reunderhishand."

"Well,he'llhavetimetothinkthingswelloveratOxford,"Marksaid."Andhecanstillgooncomposingandsellinghisstuffifit'smarketable."

"Yes,Isupposeyou'reright.Ionlyhopehe'llbeabletostickitouttillDecember.Sebastian'ssounaccountable.Hemightthroweverythingupatthelastminute."Ginasighed.

"Nonsense!Havinggotasfarasthis,there'dbenopointinnotgoingthroughwithit,"saidMark."BesidesIrelyonyoutokeephimgoing,Gina."

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"Well,Idomybest,"shesaid,callingtoDogsbody."Butyoucan'tmakeanasslepthatwon't.Oh,lord!Howwesuffer!Doylethisweek-end,theSwannthenext."

ShescarcelyevermentionedVictor'svisitstothehouse,sincehewasJulie'sguest,andMarksaidquickly,"Youdon'tlikehim?"

"Well,doyou?"

"Iconfesshe'snotmuchinmyline."

"Normine.Anyhow,youcanstayaway.Ican't.Areyoucomingdownnextweek-end?"

"Well,I'mafraid"beganMarkwithasmile,andhecuthimshortwith"Ofcourseyou'renot."

Shekickedastoneviolentlyoutofherpathandwalkedalonginsilenceforalittle,thenshesaid,asifshecouldkeepitinnolonger,"Mark,isJuliegoingtomarrytheSwann?"

Hedidn'treplyatonce,wonderingwhatshewasreallythinking,thenhesaidcarelessly,"Ireallydon'tknow,Gina.You'dbetteraskher."

"Wasthatimpertinent?"shesaid,flushingalittle.

"No,ofcoursenot,"Marksaidquickly."Ididn'tmeantosnubyou.ButreallyI'masmuchinthedarkaboutJulie'saffairsasyouare.Whyshouldyouthinksheshouldnecessarilymeantomarrytheman,though?"

"Well,he'stheonlymanfriendofherswhocomestothehouseasaregularthing,orwhomsheseemstotaketheslightestinterestin,"Ginasaidshrewdlyenough."Andshedoesseemtobefondofhiminaqueersortofway."

"Oh,well,thatdoesn'talwaysmeananything."

"WouldyouhateJulietomarryVictor?"

"Well,Ican'tsayIfrightfullywanthimasabrother-in-law,"Marksaidwithalaugh.

"Butyouwouldn'tmindJuliemarryingagain?"persistedGina.

Helookedamused."Onthecontrary,Ialwayshopedshewould.She'syoungstill,andverygood-looking.Yousee,JulieandIhaven'tkepthousetogethersinceourverypoverty-strickendayswhenweweren'tmucholderthanyouarenow.Thatwasn'tforverylongeither."

"No,youwereneverlikeSebastianandme,wereyou?"shesaidthoughtfully.

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"No,"heagreedwitharatherwrysmile,"wewereneverlikeSebastianandyou,"andGinaglancedathimswiftly,thinkingthatJuliecouldneverhavebroughtverymuchaffectionintotheirrelationship,althoughshewasfondofherbrotherinherodd,undemonstrativefashion.

"Iwishyouwerecominghomenextweek-end,"shesaidalittleunhappily.

Helookedathersharply."Why?"

"Oh,Idon'tknow.Ijustwishyouwere."

MarkhadwonderedforsometimeifGinawastroubledbySwann'sattentions.Hesoobviouslycouldn'tkeephishandsoffanywomanforlong,andsinceJuliehadtakenthegirlinhand,shehadlostalotofthefledgelingaspect,whichinhiscasemighthavebeenherprotection.

"Gina—themandoesn'tworryyou,doeshe?"heasked,findingitalittledifficulttodiscussthethingwithouttakingforgranteddetailswhichmightnotinfactexist.

Ginathoughtamomentbeforeshereplied.She,too,founditdifficulttoputforthhintswithoutrevealingtoomuch.Sosheendedbyhedging."Whatdoyoumeanexactly—worryme?"

"Well,doeshemakelovetoyou?"askedMarkbluntly.

"Oh,no,"repliedGina,whowouldneverhavedreamedofapplyingsuchatermtoVictor'scovertstrokingsandsqueezings.

Theywalkedoninsilence,eachbusywiththeirthoughts.MarkwasattimesalittleworriedaboutGina.Girlsweresuchodd,secretivecreatures,'andsomuchcouldhurtthem.HereflectedthatJuliewasn'treallymuchsanctuaryforGina.Thatdistressingantagonismbetweenthemdidn'talloweitherforconfidenceorunderstanding.HewonderedagainwhyJuliedislikedthegirlsomuch.Sooftensheseemedtogooutofherwaytoscoldandsnub.HesupposedthatJulieandGinashouldn'treallyliveinthesamehousetogetherbutitwas'alittledifficulttomakeanyotherarrangementwhenGinawasasyoungasthis.EvensupposingshewasCapableofearningherownliving,shecouldnotpossiblylivealone,andforthepresenttherewasalwaysSebastian.

II

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Ginawasright.SebastianwasstillfurtherunsettledbyDoyle'svisit.Allthefollowingweekhewasrestless,anddiscontented,cursingMarkforthemostpartformakinghimsitforhisscholarship.ItwashardforGinatourgehimtowork,sinceherowninclinationsweresomuchinsympathy.TherewasverylittletotakeherawayfromtheBarnHousejustnow,exceptoncubbingmornings,forEvanwasbackathisUniversity,likewisethefewyoungmenofhisagewhosepeoplelivedintheplace.ItwasaborenottobeabletogooffforthedaysomewherewithSebastianwhenevertheyfeltinclinedand,unlessshewentoffbyherself,itmeantshewasleftmuchinJulie'scompany.

Shedreadedtheweek-endswhenVictorSwannwasaguestinthehouse.Hecameratherfrequentlynow,anditwasnotalwayspossibletokeepoutofhisway.GinahadlittleexperienceofmenasoldasVictor,andhefrightenedher.ShedidnotdaretoconfideinJulie,knowinginstinctivelythatherstepmotherwouldbeherenemyinamatterofthiskind,andshedidnotliketospeaktoofranklytoSebastianforfearheshouldseizethefirstopportunitytohavearoyalrowwithSwann.Sebastianratherenjoyedtrailinghiscoat.

VictorcamedownonFridayevening,andGina,inherbath,heardSebastianplayingtheDeadMarchinSauldownstairs.Shegrinnedtoherself,layandsplashedalittlelonger,thengotreluctantlyoutandbegantodry.Withherusualpracticeofwrappingherselfinahugetowelandrunningquicklytoherroomwhichwasonlynextdoor,withoutbotheringtoputonadressing-gown,sheemergedfromthebathroomatanunfortunatemoment.Swann,whohadthatminutearrived,wasfindinghisownwaytohisroom,andwasjustthencomingalongthegallerytowardsher.

"Goodevening,Gina,Ilikeyourcostume,"hegreetedher,andsmiledbroadly,revealinghisexcellentteeth.Shetriedtoslippasthim,buthewastooquickforher,andcaughtherbyonebareshoulder."Whencethehurry,mydear?Notcold,surely,aftersuchahotbath.Youfeelaswarmastoast,"hesaid,andranhisfingersslowlyoverherskin.

Sheshiveredviolently."Letmegotomyroom,please,"shesaid."I'mnotproperlydressed."

"Mostimproperly,Ishouldsay.Quiteabandoned,butverycharming,"hesaid,andslowlybenthishead.Shethoughthewasgoingtokisshershoulder,anddartedback,andatthesamemoment,Juliecameoutofherroomontheothersideofthegallery,andsawthem.

"Gina!Whatareyoudoingstandingtherelikethat?Gotoyourroomatonceandputsomethingon,"shesaidsosharplythatVictorjumped.

"Oh,hullo,Julie!"hesaidjovially,ifalittleguiltily.

"Howareyou?Imetyourfairstepdaughteronthewayfromthebath."

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Ginaslippedswiftlyintoherroomandshutthedoor,andJulie,afterahardlookatVictor'ssmilingface,cameforwardslowlyandaccompaniedhimtohisroom.

Ginawasveryquietthroughdinner,andsatlisteningtoVictorholdingforthinhisusualhigh-handedmanner,andbarelyspokeawordalltheevening.Sheworeoneofhernewdinner-frocksandMark'sjadenecklace,andseveraltimesJuliecaughtVictor'sgazerestingonher.

Afterdinnerhesuggesteddancing,fortheexpresspurpose,Juliewassure,ofbeingabletotouchGina.Thegirltriedtoexcuseherselfonthegroundsthatshewastired,thatshehadhurtherfoot,anythingwhichcameintoherhead,untilatlastJuliebecameannoyed.

"Don'tbesosilly,Gina.It'sthefirstI'veheardofalltheseexcuses,"shesaid."It'snotverypolite,doyouthink?Besides,I'mgettingtiredmyself,andVictorwantstodance."

Shewasobligedtogivein,andSebastianwatchedwithenjoymenthereffortstoholdherselfawayfromtheman,notseeingthatshewasmiserableandafraid.

"Whatanunwillinglittlepartner,"Victorsaidaboveherhead,thenloweringhisvoice,added,"Butareluctantwomanistentimesmoreattractive."

Ginafeltsick,andranintoMark'sstudyassoonasshecouldescape,andcurledupinoneofhisleatherarmchairs.Buttheroomwascoldwithoutafire,andshewasforcedtogointothedrawing-room.FortunatelyVictorandJuliewerestilldancing,andpresentlySebastiancameandjoinedherbythefire.

"Itwasasgoodasaplaytowatchyoutwo,"hesaid,sittingdownbesideherontherug.

"Ihatetheman,"shesaidwithsuchloathinginhervoicethatheaskedherwhatwaswrong.

"Oh,can'tyousee?"shecried."He'sbeastlyineveryway.I'mafraidofhim."

"MydearoldGinny,aren'tyouratherexaggerating?"hesaidwithalaugh."Theman'sanawfulbounder,Iknow,buthe'ssoawfullyobvious."

"He'sbeastly,"shesaidagain.

"Doesheannoyyou?ShallIspeaktohimforyou?Saytheword,darling,andI'llstartsucharowasneverwas,"saidSebastian,thelightofbattlealreadyshininginhiseyes.

"Oh,no,don'tsayanything.IexpectI'mjuststupid,that'sall,"shesaidalittlewearily.ThatwastheworstofSebastian.Heonlythoughtofthefun.

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Shewentuptobedearlyand,asluckwouldhaveit,metVictoronthestairs.Juliewasnowheretobeseen.Hestoodbarringherwayandsmilingdownather.

"Youknowwhatthetollforpassingis,don'tyou?"hesaid.

"WhydoyoubehavelikethiswithmewhenyoumustseeIhateit?"Ginademandeddesperately,wantingifpossibletoavoidascenewithhim.

"Becauseyou'resuchfun,Gina,"hesaidwithasoftlittlelaugh."Youhaven'tbeenmadelovetomuchbefore,haveyou?—Comealong,givemealittlekisstoshowthere'snoill-feeling."

"Ifyoudon'tleavemealonewhileyou'restayinghere,I'lltellJulie,"saidGinaalittlehysterically.

Hemadeasmallgrimace."Doyouthinkshe'dbelieveyou?"heinquiredwithinterest.

"Shemustknowyoubynow,"saidGina.

"Mydearlittlegirl,Julieseesjustwhatshewantsto,andalwayshas,"Victortoldher."She'saverysensiblewoman,andaveryhandsomeoneatthat.JulieandIunderstandeachother.Comeonnow,benicetome."

"Sebastian!Willyoucomeandhelpmewithsomething?"shecalledout,andSwannstood'asideimmediately.

"Littledevil!"hewhisperedasshepassedhim.

"It'sallright,I'vemanaged,thanks,"shesaidfromthegalleryasherbrothercameintothehall."Good-night,darling."

ThenextdayheappearedtohaveforgottenheranddevotedhimselftoJulie.Sebastianspentalldayatthepiano,tooutterlyabsorbedinhismusictonoticehissister'sdejection,andGinawanderedabout,longingforthedaytocometoanend.VictorwasmotoringJulietoseesomefriendsofhisthirtymilesawayonSunday,sothatwouldmeanarespite.

Bytea-timeshehadbecomemoreatease.Victorwasstilltakingverylittlenoticeofher,andafteranearlydinnerhewastoescortJulietooneoftheSaturdaynighthoteldancesatEastcliff.

Readinginbedlastthing,Ginaheardtheotherscomein,andafteranintervalduringwhichshesupposedVictorwasdrinkinghisusualwhiskeyandsoda,sheheardJulie'svoice,astheypartedattheheadofthestairs,say:"Earlystarttomorrow,Victor.Idon'twanttobelateback."Therewasthesoundofayawn,andafteranintervalasmotheredlaughfromJulie'asshesaid,"Yousillyoldthing!Goalongtobed."ThenVictor'sheavytreadashepassedherdoortohisownroomnexttohers.

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Hemusthaveseenthelightunderherdoor,forhebegantoknockasoftlittletattooonthedividingwall.Presently,however,thisstopped,andGina,listeningintently,heardhimmovingaboutnextdoor.Sheslippedoutofbedandturnedthekeyinthelock,thenputoutherlightandlaydown.

Shemusthavedozedoffwhenasoundoutsideherdoorbroughtherbacktoconsciousness.Itwasthecreakofalooseboardandpresentlyinthedimlightshecouldjustmakeoutherdoorhandleslowlyturning.Shesatboltuprightinbed,thebloodpoundinginherears,andwhensheheardthelittleclickasthelockheldfirm,shewonderedwhatgoodfairyhadpromptedhertoturnthekey.Thehandlerevolvedslowlybackagain,andpresentlytherewasafaintrattlingsoundwhichpuzzledheratfirst,untilwithasoftthud,thekeyfellonthecarpet.Hemusthavepokeditthroughfromtheotherside,andGina,shakingineverylimb,wasjustwonderingifshehadbetterscreamornot,whenadoorbangedinthehousesomewhere.Sheheardthelooseboardcreakagain,andalmostimmediatelythesoundofhisbedroomdoorsoftlyclosing.Itwassomeminutesbeforeshecouldnerveherselftogetoutofbedandlockthedooragain.Shedraggedaheavychairacrosstheroomandwedgeditunderthehandle,thengotbackintobedagainandlayshiveringsoviolentlythatherteethchattered.Itwasdawnbeforeshedaredgotosleep,andthenshewassoexhaustedthatshesleptwithoutwakingwhenthegongwent,anditwasthenoiseSebastianmadehammeringonherdoorthateventuallywokeher.

"Hi,Gina,wakeup!It's'afterhalf-pastten.Letmein,willyou?I'vebroughtyousometea,"heshouted.

"Allright.Waitaminute,"shecalledback,andjumpingoutofbed,removedthechairfromthedoorandturnedthekeyinthelock.Sebastianlookedatherwithapuzzledairashecamein,carryingacupofteainonehandandaplateoftoastintheother.

"What'stheidea?"heaskedsuspiciously.."Haveyoubeenbarricadingyourselfin?Youevidentlydidn'tmeantobedisturbed."

Shetooktheteafromhim'anddrankiteagerly,standinginthemiddleoftheroominhercrumpledpyjamas.Sebastianstoodandwatchedher.

"Youlookrotten,Ginny.Aren'tyoufeelingwell?"heaskedher.

"Sebastian—lastnight"shebegan,thenpulledherselfupsharply.Shemustgiveherselftimetothinkbeforesheputforwardsuchanunlikelystorytoanyofthehousehold."Ifeltrathersick,"sheended."I'llbebetterlateron."

"Poordarling.Takeiteasytoday,"hesympathized,stilllookingatherrathercuriously.

"I'mallright,"shereplied."Whattimearetheothertwostarting?"

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"They'vejustgone.Juliewantedtomakeanearlystart.Victor'sinratherafilthymoodthismorning."

"Well,I'llgetdressednowifyou'llclearout.Here,takethiscup."

Shesatdownatherdressing-tableandwonderedwhatsheshoulddo.ShehadthewittoknowthatitwasuselesstogotoJuliewithataleofthiskind,andSebastian,ifheknew,couldn't,after'all,doverymuchbutcreateascene.Shedecideditwasbesttosaynothing,buttochangeherroomtemporarily.Whenshewasdressed,shewenttolookforthehousemaidandtoldherwhatshewishedtodo,buthereshemetwithfailure.

"Mr.Swannisintheoakroom,MissGina,"thegirlsaid."AndMrs.GalehaskepttheblueroomlockedeversinceyouandMr.Sebastiankeptyoursickferretsthere.Shehasthekeyherself.Ifyouaskherforitwhenshecomesin,I'llmakeupthebed,miss."

AlldayGinadeliberated,andbythetimetheeveningcame,shehadworkedherselfintoastateofnervesthatwasevenapparenttoSebastian.

"Whatisthematter,Gina?You'relikeafleaonadrum,andyoureyeslookliketwoburntholesinablanket,"hesaid,butsheputhimoffwithsomeexcuse,andbythetimethetea-thingswerecleared,shehaddeterminedtoaskJulieforthekeyoftheblueroomandriskherquestions.Shecouldn'tfaceanothernightwithVictorfumblingatherbedroomdoor.

Shewentupearlytodress,sothatshecouldcatchJulieassoonasshecameback.Sheheardthembothcomeinaboutaquartertoseven,andpresentlytheydispersedtotheirrespectiverooms.AssoonassheheardVictor'sdoorshut,sheslippedoutofherroomandalongthegalleryandknockedonherstepmother'sdoor.

"Whoisit?Oh,you,Gina.You'redressedveryearly."

Juliewassittinginfrontofherdressing-table.Shehadremovedherhatandcoatanddress,andwassittingin'abluewrapper,beginningtoletdownherhair."Well,whatisit?"

"CanIhavethekeyoftheblueroom,please,Julie?"Ginaasked.

"Whydoyouwanttogointhere?Nomoresickferrets,Ihope,"Juliesaidwithalaugh.Shewasevidentlyinagoodmood.Ginawatchedtheshiningdarkcoilsofhairreleasedfromtheirknot,andJulie'swhitefingersbeganshakingoutthestrands.Shehadveryfinehair,andhadneverhad.itcut.

"Iwanttosleepintheretonight,"saidGina.

ShesawJulie'sreflectedeyebrowsliftinthemirror,thoughshedidnotturnround,butmerelysaidfirmly,"Mydear,ofcourseyoucan'tdoanysuchthing.Theroomisn'tevencleaned.Youcan'texpectthemaidstogetitreadyatthishour.Anyway,they're

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probablyout."

"Idon'twantitcleaned.Ionlywantthebedmadeup.I'lldothatmyself.Icanmovethethingsfrommyownbed.Ineedn'thavefreshlinen,"saidGinaeagerly.

ThenJulieturnedround."Whatonearthnewfadisthis?"shedemandedslowly."Youdogetthemostextraordinaryideas,Gina.Whycan'tyousleepinyourownroomtonight?Aretheremiceorsomething?"

"Julie—pleaseletmesleepintheblueroom.Itcan'tmakeanydifferencetoanyone.Iwon'tmakeanyextrawork,"thegirlpleaded.

Herstepmotherturnedroundagaintohermirrorandbegantobrushoutherhair."Mydear,Ireallythinkyou'realittlecrazysometimes,"shesaid."Ifyoucan'tgivemeanysensiblereasonforwantingtochange,Ican'tseethewisdomofindulgingyouoversuchanabsurdthing.Runaway,dear,Iwanttogeton."

Herfaceinthemirrorwascalmandunimaginative,andGinafeltherself-controlslipping.

"Julie,Ican'tsleepinmyroomtonight.ICan't.Ican't.Youmustletmechange,youmust,Julie."

Juliefrownedslightly,'andsaid,"Yousoundratherhysterical.Ifyoufeelasstronglyasthisaboutityousurelymusthaveareason."Sheneverstoppedbrushingherhair,andtoGina,overwroughtasshewaswiththeaccumulatingeventsofthewholeweek-end,therewassomethingdeliberatelymaddeninginthoserhythmical,steadystrokes,andthegirlclenchedherhandsathersidesandsaidinavoicewhichwasbarelysteady:

"Julie,youmustunderstand—Victor "

"Victor?"Juliewasmovedatlast.The'brushingceased,'andshesatmotionlessbeforeherdressing-table,staringintotheglass."WhathasVictorgottodowithyouchangingyourroom?"

GinashouldhavebeenwarnedbyJulie'svoicewhichwassuddenlyhardandunyielding,butbythistimeshewastoostrunguptoknowwhatshewassaying,andthewordstumbledfromherlipsinfrightenedjerks.

"Lastnighthetriedtogetintomyroom.I'dlockedthedoor,buthepokedthekeythroughfromtheotherside.Iwasterrified.ButyoumustseenowthatImustchangemyroomtothissideofthehouse.Icouldn'tbearittohappenagain.Icouldn't."

Therewasacompletesilence,thenJuliesaidicily,"Idon'tthinkyoucanhaveanyideaofwhatyouaresaying.Howdoyoudaretocomehere'andtellmeastorylikethisaboutaguestofmine?Pokedthekeythroughfromtheotherside!Whatatale!Andwhathappenedthen?"

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"Youdon'tbelieveme!Butit'strue,Iswearit.Adoorbangedandhewentaway,buttonighthe'llcomeback.—Julie,I'mfrightened."

ThenJulieturnedround,andhereyeswereblazing.

"Onceandfor'all,Gina,I'vehadenoughofyoursoftlittletricks,"shesaid."I'vewatchedyouwithVictor.RunningafterhimasyourunafterMark—"

"Julie,stopit!"

"—YoustandtalkingtoVictorinnothingbutatowel,andthenloseyourheadifheshowsyoualittleadmiration.Whatelsedoyouexpect?"Shehadworkedherselfintoacoldfury,andsherosetoherfeet,now,confrontingthedistraughtgirl,andcontinued,"Ifhecametoyourroomlastnight,itwasbecauseyouexpectedhimto.Yousaidyourselfyoulockedyourdoor.Wasthataninnocentaction?Oh,no,Gina,youmayfoolMark,butyoucan'tfoolme.Youdeserveallyouget."

Shestoppedatlast,andGinagaspedout,"Ithinkyou'remad,Julie.Whydoyousaysuchterriblethings?Whydoyouhatemeso?"Shebegantocry,apainfultearlesssobbingwhichhurther."IwishIwasdead.IwishIwasdead."

Juliestoodregardingherdispassionatelyforamomentortwo,thenshelookedsuddenlyverytired."Oh,goawayandleaveme,"shesaidmorewearilythanroughly,andGina,feelingshewaschoking,ranunseeingfromtheroomanddownthestaircase.Itwasonlyalittleaftersevenbytheclockinthebendofthestairs,andGinametSweenycomingup.

"Themaster'sreturned,"hesaid."Iwasjustcomingtotellthemistress,MissGina—och!goodnessme,what'sthematternow?"ForGina,nothavingheardawordhewassaying,hadfledpasthimandacrossthehalltothestudy.Half-blindwithsobsandterror,sheranstraightintoMark'sarmsasheturnedatthesoundofherflyingfeet.

"Goodgracious!child,what'shappenedtoyou?"heexclaimedinalarm.

Ginascarcelyevenrealizedwhohewas,butcouldonlygaspforbreath,thenshebecameawareoffirmhandssupportingher,andsuddenlythehardtearingsobbingchangedtostormyweeping,andshecollapsedinhisarms.

III

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Foralongtimeshecouldonlycrydistractedly,andasheheldherhecaughtphraseshereandthere.

"Why...why...shehatesme...shedoesn'tknow...Iwasafraid...Iwish...I'dnevercomehere...Iwish...dead."

"Steady,Gina.Mydear—tryandstop.Don'tcrylikethis.Whatisit?Tellme,"saidMark,distressedbeyondmeasure.Therewassomethingdesolateinherweepingwhichmovedhimunbearably."Poorchild.Poorlittlesweet."Hepickedherupinhisarmsandcarriedherovertoachair.Therewassomethingsoslightandimmatureaboutherthinbodyinitsflimsyfrock.Shewassolightandsmall.Heputherintooneofthebigleatherchairs,andsatbesideherontheedge.Theleatherstruckchillonherbarearms,andshehuddledagainsthim.

"It'scold,"shesaid,andhertearssuddenlybecametheeasyrelaxingtearsofchildhood,whichbringonlyrelief,andsheleantagainsthim,exhaustedandsobbingbutreleasedfromanguish.

"Nowwhatisit?"heaskedgently,whenshewasquieter.

Wearilyshebegantospeak."IhadafrightfulrowwithJulie.Shesaiddreadfulthingstome.Iwasfrightened...."

"Whatwasitallabout?"

"I'drathernottellyou.Idon'twanttomakeanymorescenes,"shesaid.

"SupposingIaskJulie?"

"Idon'tthinkshe'lltellyou.Itdoesn'tmatternowyou'vecomeback.Ididn'tknowyouwerecoming.IwishIhad."

"Nobodyknew.Youdon'tfeelinclinedtoconfideinme,then?"

"Itwouldn'tdoanygood."

"Areyousure?Imightbe'abletohelp,youknow."

"Butitwouldbethewrongway,"saidGinaunhappily.

Hewasalittlepuzzled."HadSwannanythingtodowithit?"

Shemadenoanswer,andhesaidgently,"Allright,mydear.Iwon'tforceyou.Perhapsyou'lltellmelateron."'

"Oh,Mark,whydoesJuliehatemeso?"criedGinadesolately."Ineverknewuntiltonightquitehowmuchshedidhateme.Why?I'veneverdoneanythingtoher.She

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doesn'thateSebastian."

"Poorchild!I'mterriblysorry,"hesaid,slowlyrufflingupherhair."Peoplearesostrange,Gina.Youcan'ttellwhatqueerforcesmaybeworkingunderneath.I'venever,myself,understoodJulie'sattitude.But'afterthis,I'llspeaktoher,ofcourse."

"Oh,don't,"shesaidquickly."Shedoesn'tlikeyoustandingupforme."

"HowdoyouknowIdostandupforyou?"

"Well,youdosometimes,don'tyou?"

Hesmiled."Sometimes.But,Gina,I'mnotgoingtohavethissortofthinghappeningagain.You'llmakeyourselfill.IshallcertainlyspeaktoJulie."

Shepushedbackthetumbledhairfromherforeheadandsniffed.Herpointedfacewaspinchedandtiredwithweeping,herlipsverywhite.InspiteoftheenchantingfrockandMark'snecklace,shelookedplain.

"Ican'tgointodinnerlikethis,"shesaid."TheSwannwouldnotice."Sheshiveredalittle,andMarkgottohisfeetandrangthebell.

"Ofcourseyoucan't.Itellyouwhat.We'llbothhavesomethinginheretogether—chickenorsomething,andabottleofwine.We'llconsultSweeny.Wouldyoulikethat?"

"Itwouldbelovely.You'readear,Mark."

"Good,that'ssplendid.Nowwe'llhaveafire."

Somelogswerealreadylaidinthegrate,andhestruckamatchandsoonhadflamesroaringupthechimney.

Sweenyknockedatthedoor,andMarkgavehimhisOrders."AndabottleofthePerrier-Jouettoo,Sweeny."

Hecamebackbeforeverylongwithaladentray,andsetitonasmalltablebeforethefire.

"DoesMrs.GaleknowI'mback?"Markasked.

"Itouldheralright,butshetuknoheed.IdeclaretoGodthehouseisbrokeupentirely.Themistressinherroomwithaboulteddoor,andthatSwannandMasterSebastianinthedining-roomglowerin'ateachotherwiththeirfoureyesacrostthetablesothatanyonewouldthinktherewasmurtherabout."Sweenywentoutoftheroom,mutteringandshakinghishead,andMarkpouredoutaglassofchampagneforGina.

"Poorchild!Youlookallin,"hesaidashehandedittoher.Allthroughtheintimatelittlemealhefussedoverher,coaxinghertoeatwhenshesaidshecouldn't,makingher

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laughwhenshelookedunhappy.

Whenfinallythetablewaspushedbackandtheylitcigarettes,Ginacurledupinherchairwithafeelingofrelaxation.Therewasnoneednowtoworryaboutthenight.Victorwouldn'tdaretomolestherwithMarkinthehouse.ShewonderedifheandJuliehadfoughtthingsout.Itratherlookedasthoughsomethingofthekindhadhappened.ShegrinnedwithareturnofheroldspiritatthethoughtofSebastianandtheSwanndiningtete-a-tete.

"Feelingbetternow?"askedMark,whohadbeenwatchingher.

Shenodded."Much;onlyawfullytired.Ididn'tsleepverywelllastnight."

"Well,youmustdobetterthanthattonight.I'mgoingtopackyouofftobedreallyearly,andI'llsendyouupsomethingtomakeyousleep,"hetoldher.

"Youarekindtome,"shesaid.

"You'reonlyjustbeginningtoletmebe,"herepliedwithatinygrimace,andshelaughed."Youdon'tdislikemesoprofoundly,doyou?"

"Oh,Mark!Ineverdislikedyouinapersonalway,"sheprotested."Idislikedyouasabenefactor.Ihatedbeingdependent.Idon'tmindsomuchwithJulie.Afterall,shemarriedFather,soshe'sresponsibleforusinaway,butwe'venoclaimonyou."

"Isee.Butwhatwillyoudowhenyoumarry,Gina?You'llbejustasdependentonyourhusband.You'llhavenothingtobringhim,youknow,"hesaidslowly.

"Ishan'tlikeit,"saidGinafrankly."Butafterall,I'llbemarryinghim,andthatoughttobeenoughforanyone."

"Bravo!Soitought!"helaughed."Don'tbeintoomuchofahurrythough,willyou?There'splentyof;time."

"Thereisn't,"sherepliedswiftlyandunexpectedly."There'snotimeatall.Sebastian'sgoingtoOxford.Juliemaymarryagain.What'sgoingtohappentome?IshallhavetomarrybecauseIhaven'tgotacareer.SebastianandIoughttohavechangedplacesreally.Itwouldhavebeenmuchmoresuitable."

Hereflectedthatthiswasinallprobabilitytrue.Shehadmorestaying-powerthanherbrother.ButthethoughtofGinamarriedforwantofanybetteroccupation,perhapstothefirstmanwhoaskedher,wasintolerable,andhesaidabruptly:

"Whatnonsense,Gina.Youshouldn'tbeconsideringsuchthingsatall.Anddon'tyoudarethinkofmarryinganyonewithoutaskingme."

Shelookedathiminsurprise,observedhisfrownandthestraightsetofhislips,andsuddenlylikedhimenormously.

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"Whydidyoucomebacktoday,Mark?"sheaskedhimcuriously.

Hehesitatedamomentthenreplied,"LastSundayyousoundedratherasifyoumighthavelikedmetobehere.IjustwonderedhowtheSwannwasbehavinghimself,that'sall.Ithinkit'sagoodthingIdidcome,don'tyou?"

"Itwasterriblyniceofyou,"shesaidgratefully."IwishIdidn'tlookquitesofrightfulforourchampagneparty,though."

Hegotupandcrossedovertoher,standingforamomentlookingdownatherslightfigure,thefirelightputtinglivecolourintohershininghair.HesmiledNlowly.

"Youfoolishchild!"hesaidsoftly,andstoopedtokissher.Buthewasquiteunpreparedfortheimpulsewhichmadehersuddenlyflingherarmsroundhisneckandhughim."Thatwascharmingofyou,Gina,"hesaid."Nowyou'regoingtostayquietlyherebythefirewhileIhaveawordwithJulie,andthenIshallsendyoutobed."

Hethrewanotherlogonthefireandlefther.HemetVictorandSebastianleavingthedining-room,onelookingassulkyastheother,andsaidshortly,"Goodevening,Swann.Pleasedon'teitherofyoudisturbGina.She'snotfeelingwell,andI'veleftherinthestudy.I'llbedownlater."

"Lord,lord!Everyone'scrazy!"heheardSebastianmutter,andthesoundofthepianobeingplayedratherviciouslyfollowedhimuptoJulie'sroom.

CHAPTERVI

I

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MARKknocked,saying,"It'sMark,Julie.CanIcomein?"

Therewasashortpause,thenheheardhissistermoveacrosstheroom,thekeyturnedinthelockandshethrewopenthedoor.

"Well?"

Shestoodconfrontinghim,verystraightinherbluewrapper.Herhairwasstillfallingabouthershoulders,andhereyeswerered-rimmed,asifshe,too,hadbeencrying.

"Well?"shesaidagain.

Markcameinandclosedthedoorbehindhim."Iwanttotalktoyou,"hesaid.

"You'veseenGina—naturally."

"Idon'tlikethat'naturally,'".hesaidquietly."Yes,I'veseenGina."

"Well—"

"Ifoundheralmosthysterical,"hesaiddeliberately."Shetellsmeyouandshehadsomesortofarow.I'dliketoknowwhatitwasabout."

"Didn'tGinatellyou?"'askedJulieincredulously.

"No,shewouldn't.ButIshouldliketoknowallthesamewhatcouldjustifysuchacondition.Thechildwasinaterriblestate,"hesaidwatchingherface.

Sheturnedawayfromhimandwentbacktoherdressing-table,whereshesatdown,and,takingupalittleivorybuffer,begantopolishhernails.

"IfGinahasn'ttoldyouthereasonforourdisagreement,it'squiteclearlybecausesherealizesshehasbeenveryfoolish,"shesaid."So,ifIwereyou,Mark,Iwouldn'taskanymorequestions."

"Julie!"heexclaimedimpulsively."What'shappenedtoyousinceyoucamebackfromIreland?Youwereperhapsalwaysalittlehard—evenintheolddays—butIdon'trememberthisbitternessofspiritwhichseemstohavepossessedyoulately."

Shepausedabruptlyinherpolishing,thenwentonagain,withthesameleisurelystrokes."Youforget,quitealothashappenedtomesincetheolddays,Mark,"shesaidquietly.

"Mydear,ofcourseIhaven't,"hereplied."Butsurelynotenoughtomakeyousobitter."

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"I'mnotbitter,"shesaidwearily."Onlydisillusioned."

"Yourmarriagewasn'tagreatsuccess,wasit?"hesaidgently.

"No."

"Oh,mydear,itwasamadmarriage,anyway.Youofallpeopletoundertakeaready-madeIrishhouseholdandtwostepchildren.Whatmadeyoudoit,Julie?I'veoftenwondered."

Therewasasilence,thensheanswered,stillquietlypolishing,"Perhapsitneveroccurredtoyou,Mark,thatImightbeinlovewithmyhusband."

Hewassilent.Oddlyenoughitneverhadoccurredtohim.HeknewthatJuliehadwantedahomeofherown,andhadimaginedthattobethemainreasonforhersuddenmarriagenearlyfiveyearsago.Forallhergoodlooks,shehadneverbeenveryattractivetomen,andDenisGale,atthetimeshehadmarriedhim,wasamanofoverforty-five,stillwiththecharmshemusthavepossessedtoaverygreatextentasayoungman,butweakandlazyandunreliable.Sebastianwasverylikehim.

"IthoughtIcouldchangethings.Ithoughtwhenyoucaredenoughyoucoulddoanything."

Juliestaredatherreflectionintheglassandspoke'asifsomehowimpelledto.Itwasthefirsttimeshehadeveralludedtoherbriefmarriedlifeinanybutapurelypracticalway.

"Iwasafool.Ididn'tunderstandtheIrishshiftlessness.Theygiveeverythingbecausethey'venothingtogive.Theycanaffordtobebeggars,becausethey'venothingtolose."Shethrewthebufferwithalittleclatteramongthebrushesandbottles.Markwassilent,andshesaid,withcompleteself-control,"Deniswaspassionatelyinlovewithhisfirstwife—totheend.Ginaisverylikeher,I'mtold.Shewaswithhimwhenhedied.Hethoughtshewashermother."

"AndyoutakeitoutonGina?"Marksaidverygently,understandingatlast.

Shewheeledrounduponhim."Gina,Gina!—alwaysGina!"shecried,andhesawthathereyeswerebrightwithtears."Canyouthinkofnooneelse?Ginaisyoung—shehasallherlifebeforeher,andifyoufallinlovewiththatgirl,Mark,you'llbeabiggerfoolthanIwas."

Heregardedhersteadilyforamomentinsilence,thenhesaidquietly,"That'saveryrashthingtosay,Julie."

Shescrutinizedhisgraveface,tryingtofindtheretheexactmeaningofhiswords,thenturnedbacktohermirrorandtookupacomb.

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"Willyouleavemenow,Mark?"shesaidinherusualtones."Ishan'tcomedownasit'safternine.I'mrathertired."

Shebegantoplaitherhairforthenight,andMark

tookasteptowardsher."Julie "

"Good-night,dear,"shesaid,andsmiledathimintheglass.

II

GinaleantproppedagainstthestabledoorandwatchedSweenyclippingtheSouthernBelle.Tomorrowwasthedayoftheopeningmeet,andtheearlyNovembersunshonebrightlyonthenewlycleanedsaddlerywaitinginreadiness.

"Whichofyousisridingtomorrow?"Sweenyasked.

"Wehaven'tdecidedyet,"saidGina."IexpectSebastianwill."

"We'lltossforit,"saidSebastian."Lendmeapenny,Sweeny.Headsyoulose,tailsyouwin—headsitis.Youlose,Gina,andI'mgladthatIwasunabletodepriveyouofthepleasureyousounselfishlywishedmetoenjoy."

"IfI'mkilledIshallhauntyou,"saidGinagloomily.

Ginarodetothemeetinwhite-lippedendurance.Nervousanticipationspoilt,asalways,anypleasureshemayhavefeltatbeingonahorse,'andsheexperiencedthatsicksensationinthestomachwhichinvariablycomesfromnervesandthewantofaproperbreakfast.

BoththeyoungGaleshadalwayssufferedfromthisparticularshrinking,andinthestubbornfashionoftheirgenerationcontinuedtodowhattheyintenselydisliked,soonerthanadmittheirreluctance.Sebastian,thebetterriderofthetwo,putupthepoorershow.Hewasafraidoffalling.Gina,whofellfrequently,wasafraidofsomethingfarmoreintangible.Thewholeatmosphereofhuntingalarmedher,fromthefirstsinisterburstofmusicfromhoundstothefinalcheck.

Themeetwaswellattended,andGina,viewingthelongrowsofcarsstretchingawaydowntheroad,thoughtwithunsportsman-likesatisfactionthatitdidn'tlookasthoughtheywouldgetmuchsporttoday.ShecouldseeColonelHunteronahirelingand

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fartheronSirCharlesNapierattendingtohiswife'sstirrup-leather,whileagroomledhismagnificentchestnutupanddown.NancyPrattwasthere,riding'anewgreymare.Shelookedwellonahorse,sittingside-saddleinaperfectlycutbluehabit,andGinawatchedhercoquettingwithacoupleofyoungmen,whowereplainlyenchanted.

TheSouthernBelle,newlyclippedandcold,lookedbonyandcamel-like.Herneckarchedaggressively,'andsheshowedhercontemptforeveryonebykickingahound.Gina,feelingherselfthecentreofcolddispleasure,hurriedlyremovedherselfandthemarefartheraway,andpresentlytheMasterarrived,lookingalittlecross,andthefieldmovedofftotheirfirstdraw.

AsGinahadhoped,therewerefartoomanyspectatorstopermitofmuchsport,andtheywerestillcanteringfromcoverttocovertathalf-pasttwo.Gina,feelingthatatthreeo'clockofablankdayshewasjustifiedinturningherfacehomewards,wasjustbeginningtothinkthathuntingafterallwasnotsobad,whensomeoneviewedafoxacoupleoffieldsaway.

Gina,astridetheBelle,shortenedherreins,andclungonfordearlife.Threefencessafelyover—afourth.Atthefifthshewentflyingoverthemare'shead,and,squat-tinginthemud,watchedtheSpratsittingfirminthesaddle,comesailingoverthefencewiththeutmostease.Someonecaughtthemareandputherupagain.

"Whydon'tyourideinaside-saddle,Gina?"Nancysaidwhentheycheckedfor'amoment."Womenhavenogripastride.Youwouldn'tfallnearlysooften—reallyyouwouldn't."

Ginagaveheraglanceofhatred,andturningtheBelle'shead,sentheratthenextfencewithalltheforceherfailingspiritcouldcommand.TheBellejumpedprotestingly,tanglingherhoofsinalastspasmofpetulance,andtookaheaderontheotherside,hurlingGinatoearth.

ItwasSirCharlesNapierwhocametoheraid."Whataverymettlesomeyoungladyyouare!"hesaidwithatwinkle,ashehelpedhertoherfeetandassuredhimselfshewasn'thurt.Shelimpedabit,havingbruisedherthighonastone,butthemarewascaughtforthesecondtime,andGinahoistedherselfintothesaddlewithasighofrelief,anddepartedforhome.

Nancywentwithher."It'snearlyfour,I'vehadenough,"shesaid.TherewasafaintrespectinhereyesasshelookedatGina,butshecouldn'thelpsaying"Thatwassilly,Gina.Youmighthavereallyhurtyour-self."

"Imight,butIdidn't,"saidGinashortly.

"HaveyouheardfromEvanlately?"askedNancy.

"WhyshouldI?Weneverwritetoeachother."

"Oh,don'tyou?Hewritesalottome.He'scomingdownthisweek-end."

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"Ishe?"

"Um.Iexpecthe'llcomeoverandseeyouonSunday.You'resuchfriends,aren'tyou?Hemaytakemeintodance'atEastcliffonSaturdaynight.Evan'sadivinedancer."

Ginagroundherteethsilently.TheSpratwasanabominablepieceofwork.GinawasawarethatEvanhadhadherupforMayWeekinJune.Nancyhadn'tletanyoneforgetitinWesthamStreetforweeksafter.

"Mydearchild,you'refilthy!"JulieexclaimedwhenGinagothome.

"Yes,Ifelloff,"shereplied,limpingstifflyacrossthehall."CanIhavemyteabeforeIchange,ifItakeoffmyboots,Julie?Iwanttolieforhoursinabath."

"Allright.Tea'sjustcomingnow,"Juliesaid,andwentintothedrawing-room.Sincethatunfortunateweek-end,theirrelationshadbeenalittleeasier.Atfirst,therewasanobviousstrain.GinawasuncomfortableandJulieuncompromising.Butsheclearlydidnotmeantoalludetotheincidentagain,andgraduallytheawkwardnesswentoutoftheirrespectiveattitudes.GinafrequentlywonderedwhathadpassedbetweenJulieandMark,butshewascertainthatherstepmotherwouldhaveleftVictoroutofanydiscussionshemayhavehadwithherbrother.ShealsowonderedwhatJulieandVictorhadsaidtooneanotherabouttheaffair.ShewasneversureifJuliehadhaditoutwithhim,orhaddecidedtoignorethewholebusiness.SwannhaddepartedthenextmorningbeforeGinacamedownforbreakfast.

ShegotSweenytopullherbootsoffforher,andfollowedJulieintothedrawing-room."Thisisthebestpartofhunting,"shesaidwithconvictionasshetackledaboiledegg."I'mgoingtobestifftomorrow.Where'sSebastian?"

"Ihaven'tseenhimallday."Juliepaused,thensaidimpulsively,"I'mabitworried,Gina.Sebastianoughttobeworkinghardnowtillhegoesupforhisscholarship.There'snotmuchmorethananotherthreeweeksleft."

"Iknow.Time'sgettingawfullyshort,"Ginaagreed.

"Ithinkyoudounderstandhowveryimportantitisforhimtosucceedthistime,"Juliewenton."ButIcan'timpressitonSebastian.Heonlylaughsandsayswhatdoesitmatter.ButMarkcannotaffordtosendhimtoOxfordentirelyunaided,andIdon'tknowwhathe'stodoifhestayshere."

"Idon'tseethatwecandomorethanwedo,"Ginasaidslowly."I'vebeenathimonandoffallthetime.Butyoucan'tgoathimtoomuch.Itdoesharmintheend."

"IfyoucangethimtolookatitfromMark'spointofview,"saidJulie,"itmighthelp.Hecan'tdomuchhimself,nowhe'sbackintown."

"Allright,"Ginasaidratherdoubtfully,andcrackedthetopofhersecondegg.

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Butwhenshecametotackleherbrother,sherealizedalmostatoncethatitwouldhavebeenbetterhadshelethimalone.

"It'sallverywellforyou,Ginny,youonlyhavetolookon,"hesaidresentfully."Youdon'thavetosweatoverthesedamnfoolkid'slessonsasthoughyouwerebackatschool,neitherdoyouhavetocontemplatethedeadlyprospectoflearninghowtobealittlegentatoneofEngland'sgreatuniversities."

"Well,itisn'tasbadasyoumakeout,"saidGinaimpatiently."Afterall,you'llbekeptfornothing.Youdon'thavetoworkhard,andyoucangooncomposingtoyourheart'scontent."

"Itisn'tthat.It'stheprincipleofthething.Weshouldn'tbeyokedtoauthority,asI'vetoldyoubefore.WhatrighthasMarktoarrangeourfuturesforusinhislordlyway?"

"Hehasn'tarrangedmine."

"Youbethehas.He'sgotsomethingallnicelyfixedupforlittleGina.Probablyagoodsensiblemarriage."

"Hedoesn'twantmetomarryinahurry.Hesaidso.ThoughIsupposeinalldecencyIshallhavetogetmy-selfoffJulie'shands,"sheremarkedgloomily."Anyway,hehasacertainclaimonus,Sebastian.Afterall,hekeepsus."

"Andwhythedevilshouldn'the?"demandedSebastianinexasperatedtones."Ikeeptellingyouhe'sgotmoneyandwehaven't.Hehasn'tgotawife,oranychildren.Whatharmdowedohim?"

"Butcan'tyouseethatheneedn'tdoit?It'sjusthisgenerosity—becausewe'reJulie'sdependents.Sohemakesushisdependentstoo,"criedGina,withabitternotecreepingintohervoicetomatchthecutofheryoungmouth.Shehadthrustoutherchin,andwasfrowning,andherredhairstoodonendfromtheagitatedworkingsofherrestivehands.

"Nowyoulooklikeawitch,"saidSebastianunkindly."Ahorrid,moral,nagginglittlewitch."

Itwassoseldomthathespoketoherinthisveinthathereyesfilledwithquicktears."That'sbeastlyofyou,"sheretorted."I'monlytryingtoputthecaseclearly."

"Whosecase?Mark's,ofcourse.YoulistentoMark'agreatdealmorethanyouusedto,"saidSebastiancalculatingly."Howhashegotatyou?Bymeansofhisfatalattraction?"

"Whatarottenthingtosay!"shecried,clenchingherhands."Ifyoucan'tseethatyou'rebehavingmeanly,youneedn'ttryandheadmeoffwithfoulsuggestionslikethat."Shemarchedoutoftheroomandbangedthedoor,andSebastian,alreadyfeelinga

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littleashamedofhimself,laugheddefiantly.

III

Halfanhourlatertheymadeitup.

"DarlingGinny,Iwasonlyteasingyou—Ididn'tmeanInhefoul,"Sebastianpleaded.

"AndIdidn'tmeantonag.Idowantyoutopass,Sebastian."

"Allrightthen,Iwill.Takemeashavingpassed."

Sebastianwentinsearchofhisbooks,andGinawenthappilytobed,whereshelaidherachinglimbsinthankfulnessthatthedaywasoveratlast.

ButtheendoftheweekfoundSebastian'asrestiveasever,andMark,arrivingonFridaynight,didnotimprovethepositionbytakinghimsharplytotask."Pompoushigh-falutinfool,"SebastianburstouttoGinaaftertheinterview."TheseEnglishcanthinkofnothingbutmoney."

GinawasbrushingDogsbodyonSaturdaymorning,whentheHunters'cardrewupatthegateandEvancamerunningintotheyard.

"Hullo,Gina!It'sgoodtoseeyouagain!"heexclaimedwhole-heartedly.

"Evan!"Shesprangtoherfeetatthefirstsightofhisfamiliargood-lookingyoungface,andhetookbothherhandsinhis."Jove,youdolookwell,"hesaidwithfaintastonishment,lookingherupanddown,andGinaknewthatlookingwellinEvan'seyesmeantlookingattractive.

"Oh,ofcourse,youhaven'tseenmesincemygroomingprocesshastakenplace,"shelaughed."I'mnotlookingmybestnow,butwhenI'mwearingallmyfinery,I'mformidable,Itellyou."

"I'msureyoumustbe.Lookhere,Iwonderedifyou'dcomeanddanceinEastclifftonight.Youknow,theold

Saturdaynighthotelhopstheyhave.Itmightbequiteamusing,"hesaid.

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Shelookedathim,eyesaslant,wonderingshrewdlywhetherhehadcomeoverespeciallytoaskherthat,orwhetherhehadonlyjustthoughtofit.

"I'dloveit,"shesaidsimply."WaittillIaskJulieifyoucancomeanddinefirst."

Shetookspecialpainswithherappearancethatnight.Shewasexcited,andshebrushedhershorthairuntilitshonelikefire,andcurledbrightlyabouthersmallhead.Lipstick—adashofscentbehindtheears,thelasttwistingsbeforethelongmirror,andshewasready.Shecaughtupalittleembroideredbag,andrandownstairs.

EvanwastalkingtoMarkwhensheappeared,andhe'stoppedforaperceptiblemomentwhilehewatchedhercrossthehall,thenturnedbacktoMarkwithanobviouseffort.

Ginalookedvividenoughinherfullgreentaffetafrock,withherflaminghead'andbrillianteyes.Markwatchedherwithinterestthroughdinner,asshethrustandparriedwithEvan,whowasnotnearlyquickenoughforher,andthoughtofthateveninginhisstud}':Gina,adistracted,frightenedchild,sobbingherheartoutinhisarms:Ginasayingquaintly,"IwishIdidn'tlookquitesofrightfulforourchampagneparty":Julie'sbitter"Ifyoufallinlovewiththatgirl,Mark,you'llbeabiggerfoolthanIwas."Andnow—theyoungGina,awareatlastofhercharm,usingitdelicatelyforEvan,heragilemindleapingfrompeaktopeakwithtrueCelticquickness.Hisstrongfingerssuddenlygrippedthefinestemofhiswineglasswithafiercepressure,and,withalittleping!itsnapped.Thewinespilledoverthepolishedtableinaglowingamberstream,andJuliesaidquickly:

"Oh,Mark,howonearthdidyoudoit?"

AttheEastcliffhotel,wheretheydanced,EvanandGinafoundNancyPratt,who,foronce,blushedscarletatthesightofthem.ShehadwaiteduntilthelastminuteforEvan'sunforthcominginvitation,whichhadresultedinherhavingtofallbackonamuchlessattractiveescort.ShelookeddaggersatGina,thedimplesundisplayedforonce,andafteragreetingofjoyoussurprisetoEvanturnedbacktoGinaandsaid:

"I'msogladyou'reallrightafterTuesday.Didthemarehaveasorebackwhenyougothome?"

ButGinawasbeyondNancy'slittleshafts.Sheknewwhatshewasfeelingatheart.Itwasonlyaddedbalm,whenEvan,releasingheraftertheirfirstdance,saidwarmly,

"Howwellyoudance,Gina.I'dnoidea.Youknow,tolookatNancyyou'dthinkshewaslikeapieceofthistledown,buttheoddpartofitisshecan'tdance.Itwasratheralet-downwhenIdiscoveredthatattheTrinityBall."

Theeveningwasanentiresuccess.Theydancedeverydanceuntiringly.Theirstepsfittedadmirably,andEvan,whowasnottootall,wasacomfortablepartnerforher.ThebandplayedTheMerryWidowandDaisyBell,andtheywhirledfasterthananyone,Ginagiddyandlaughing,herwidegreenskirtsflyingoutaroundher.

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"Oh,whatfun!"shegasped,asthemusicstopped,andtheysankexhaustedupontwochairs.

Whenitwastimetogo,theypassedNancywaitingintheloungeforherescort.

"Oh,Evan—whenamIgoingtoseeyou?"sheasked,stoppinghim.Shewassmart,andabsurdlyprettyinherwhitefrockandalittlewhitefurjacketwithahugestand-upcollar.Evansmileddown'ather.

"I'llbeovertomorrow,sometime,"hepromised.

"Good.Perhapsyoumightcometosupper.Ringupinthemorning."

"Well,I'mnotsure—I'llletyouknow.Thanks'awfully,though."HepilotedGinaouttothecar,sayingcarelessly,"Awfullypretty,isn'tshe?"

Ginajoyouslysniffedthesalt-tangedairastheydrovealongthefront,andsettleddownhappilyandalittledrowsilyinthewarmthofthecarforthelongdriveback.Thiswasfun.Thiswasbeingalive.SheglancedupatEvan'sgoldenprofileagainsthisdarkturned-upcollar,andsnuggledintoJulie'sfurcoat,borrowedfortheoccasion.

IV

Theweek-endpassedquicklyenoughforGina,sinceEvanappearedearlythenextmorning,andcarriedheroffforthedayinhiscar.ButtoSebastian,Sundaywasinterminable.HespentthemorningworkingunderthesupervisionofMark,whoappearedtobeparticularlyabruptanddownonhimthatdayandfinishedupbygivinghimanotherstrongtalking-to,whichendedwiththeboyslammingoutoftheroom,andoutofthehouse,andnotreturningtillnight.

OnMondaymornings,someonehadtodriveMarktothestation.ThiswasgenerallySweeny'soffice,butifhisotherdutieshappenedtocallhimelsewhere,citherGinaorSebastianwouldgo.OnthisparticularMonday,MarkknockedonGina'sdoorandaskedherifshewouldmindgoing,astherewasnooneelse.Gina,whohadbeendrowsilywaitingforthegongtoring,hurriedlyleaptoutofbed,andflungonherclothesasquicklyasshewasable.Therewasnotimeforeitherfacialadornmentonbreakfast,andsheseizedthefirstcoatthatcametohandandrushedouttothegaragetofetchthecar.

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"Sorry,Gina,"Marksaidapologeticallyashecameoutofthehouse."I'dhaverungupforataxi,ifI'dknownyouwerestillinbed!Thanks,I'lldrivemyself.Youcansmashthecaruponthewayhome!"Gina'sdrivinghadlongbeenconsideredajoke,andshemovedintotheotherseatwithalittlelaugh.

Hehadscarcelyseenanythingofherthisweek-end.Heglancedathernow,bare-headed,thewindblowingherredhairbackfromherears,leavingherfacesharpandelf-like.

"Enjoyyourweek-end?"heaskedcasually.

"Um."

"YoungHunter'sgood-looking."

"Um."

"Lostyourhearttohim,Gina?"Hesurprisedafaintblushatthis,thensheansweredslowlyandwithoutturningherface.

Heissobeautifultolookat.Reallybeautiful,Imean,inthewayastatueis.Icanneverresistbeautifulthings."

Hewassilencedbyherreply,sogenuine,sounexpectedithadbeen.Ninegirlsoutoftenwouldhaveaccompaniedthatblushwithaprompt:"Ofcoursenot.Howsillyyouare!"Itwasonlylateronthatherealizedthathestillhadn'tlearntwhathewantedfromheranswer.

"Don'tletthatbrotherofyoursslackatthiseleventhhour,"hesaid."Idependonyoutogethimthrough."

Sheturnedthen,andhertiltedeyesweresuddenlydistressed."Oh,Mark,Ihavetried,"shesaidearnestly."JulietalkedtomeduringtheweekaboutitandIspoketoSebastian,butweonlysucceededinquarrelling.Idon'twanthimtoletyoudown.I'maskeenasyouareforhimtogetthrough.Irealize,fromyourpointofview,hownecessaryitis."Sherememberedhimcomfortingherinherdistress,andfeltagainthesharpintimacyofthateveningtogether."Youaresogoodtousboth.Idoappreciateit."

"Don't,forheaven'ssake,alwaysfeelthisawfulweightofobligation,"hesaidalittlegruffly."Idon'twantyouofallpeopletofeelbeholdentome."

Itwas'awordshehadsooftenusedherselfinconnectionwithhimthatshewassilent,andglancingathisdarkprofileshethoughthelookedtiredandalittlesad.

"Mark,IwishIcoulddosomethingforyou,"shesaidimpulsively."IwishIcouldgiveyousomething.ButIhaven'tanythingtogive."

Hefoundthathecouldn'tmeethereyesjustthen,buthesaidwithasimplerushof

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gratitudewhichtouchedhersharply,"That'sthesweetestthinganyonehaseversaidtome,Gina.Thankyou."Thenheaddedinhismoreusualtones,"Ihaven'tdoneanythingforyou,afterall."

Shesmiledathim."You'realwaysdoingthingsforme,"shesaid,andresolved,withafiercenesswhichrushedsuddenlyoverher,thatSebastianshouldbemadetoworkwhateverhappened.Markcouldnotbedisappointedwhenhetooksuchareal,uncalled-forinterestinthem.

Inthetrain,heleantoutofthewindowandbadehergood-bye."Manythanksforturningout.Gocarefullyonthewayback,Gina.Don'ttakerisks.Andeatagoodbreakfastwhenyougetin."

Ginadrovehome,filledwithaburningchampionshipforMark,andnearlycollidedwithSebastian,whowasturningoutofthedrive-gatesatfullgallopinthedonkey-cart.

"Whereareyougoing?"sheshouted.

"Neveryoumind,"repliedSebastian,hisgreeneyesdancing."I'moffforagrandspree.BackthecarsoIcangetpast."

"Howlongwillyoubegone?"demandedGina,payingnoattention.

"HowdoIknow?Allday,allnight—Ican'ttell."

"Aren'tyougoingtodoanyworkthen?"

"Work?"

"Sebastian,Idothinkit'sfoulofyou,assoonasMark'sbackisturned—"

"Blast!WhydoyoualwaysdragintheJudge?Asifhewasn'tbadenoughwhenhewashere.Islavedallyesterday."

"Onlyinthemorning.Anyway,ithastobedone.It'snotverylongnow."

"Whosaysithastobedone?Oh,chuckit,Ginny,andbackthecar."

Ginasettledherselffirmlyatthewheel."Iwon't,"shesaid,thrustingoutherchin."IfIhavetosithereallday,Iwon'ttillyoutakebacktheassandgettowork."

Sebastianlookedathissistersharply,thenhistemperflaredup."Gettoblazesoutofhere!"heshouted.

"Gettoblazesoutofityourself!"sheshoutedback.

Sebastiansprangoutofthecartandrushedathissister.

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"I'llmakeyougetout!I'llmakeyougetout!"heyelled,seizingherbytheshouldersandshakingher.Sheclutchedathisthickhairandtugged,nowasangryashe.

"Leavemealone,younastylittlepimp!"shescreamed."Takeyourdirtyhandsoffme!Gobacktoyourcousintheass!"

Atthismoment,attractedbythenoise,Julie,closelyfollowedbySweeny,camehurryingfromthehouse.

"Gina!Sebastian!Haveyougonemad?"Julieexclaimed."Comeinatonce,andstopquarrelling.Doyouwanteverypasser-bytohearwhatyou'resaying?"

TheyreleasedeachotherandturnedgloweringfacesuponJulie,whichsoexactlyresembledeachotherforthemomentthatshehadtolaugh.

"Takethecarbacktothegarage,Gina,please,"shesaid."Whatwereyoudoingwiththedonkey-cart,Sebastian?You'vegottoworktoday,youknow.Noslackingforthenextfortnight.Putherbackinthepaddock,Sweeny."

Sebastianfollowedhisstepmotherintothehouse.Hewaswhitewithrage,andwithoutawordtoJulieherushedupstairs,andlockedhimselfintohisroom.Ginacameinfromthegarageandwentintothediningroom.!oeatsomebelatedbreakfast.Shetoowaswhite,andhergreeneyesblazed.Shesplashedsomecoffeeintoacupandbangeditdownbesideherplate.

"Really,Gina,you'rebothtoooldtobehavelikethis,"saidJulie,standinginthedoorwayandwatchingher."Yousoseldomquarrel.Whathappened?"

"Nothing,"saidGinabriefly,andwithaslightshrugJulielefther.

Sebastianwasnottobeseenallday,andJulie,knowinghewasshutinhisbedroom,lefthimalone,hopingthathemightafterallhavecometohissensesandbeworking.Butwhendinnerwasreadyandhestilldidn'tappear,shebecameannoyed.

"Hecan'tgoonbehavinglikethis,"shesaid."It'stooabsurd.Hemustcomedownandeatapropermeal.Runupandfetchhim,Gina."

Ginawentandknockedonherbrother'sdoor.ItwasunlikeSebastiantokeepupaquarrelallthistime.Shegotnoanswerandknockedagain.

"Doletmein,Sebastiandarling.Don'tsulk.Youneverdo,"shebegged,andrattledthehandle.Itturnedinherhand,andthedooropenedquiteeasily.Itwasn'tlockedatall,andtheroomwasempty.

Ginawentin.Shebegantofeelfrightenedandlookedwildlyroundtheroom.Foolscapwasscatteredoverasmalldesk,andacrossoneofthesheetswashastilyscrawled:

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"Toanyoneitmayconcern.I'msickofyouallandI'vehookedit.Nooneneedworry,asI'msurenoonewillhaveworkwaitingforme.

"SEBASTIANGALE."

Ginasnatchedupthepaperandrusheddownthestairscrying:"Julie,Julie!"

"He'sgone!"shesaidtragically,asherstepmothercameintothehall."He'schuckedeverything.Ifeltitmighthappen.Oh,Julie!"Shebegantocry.

CHAPTERVII

I

JULIEtookSebastian'smessageandreaditcarefully."Theyoungfool!"sheexclaimedfuriously.

"What'stobedone?"sobbedGina.

"There'snothingcanbedone,"Julieansweredcurtly.

"Hemustbebroughtback.Wecan'tletMarkdownlikethis.Wemustfindhim."

"Howonearthcanwe?Hetellsusnothing,yousee.Wehavenoideawhereheis."

"Ihave,"saidGina,hertearsceasingpromptly."He'sgonetothatfilthyswineDoyle.Sebastianalwayssaidhe'dfindhimworkifhewanted.That'swhereheis.He's

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withDoyle."

"Itlookslikeit,"admittedJulieslowly.

"I'msureofit.There'snooneelseheknowsinEnglandoutsidethisplace.I'llgoupandfetchhimbacktomorrow.It'stoolatenow."

"Butwherewouldyoulook?"

"I'veonlygottogototheGrandHotelandgetDoyle'saddress.Theband'splayingthere."

"Idon'taltogetherlikeit,Gina.IthinkIoughttocomewithyou—orsendMark,"Juliesaiddoubtfully.

"No,Julie,thatwouldn'tdo.I'dreasonwithhimfarbetterbymyself.Andyoumustn'tsendMark.He'dbehopeless.Besides,wemightbeabletoworkitwithouthimknowinganythingaboutit.Letmego,Julie.I'llgethimback,Iswearit."

"Allright.Butstraightthereandback,Gina,andifyougetintoanydifficultiesringupMark.IfeelIreallyoughttodothatanyhow,butIdon'twanttoworryhimifyouthinkyoucanmanagealone."

GinawentuptoLondonearlyafterbreakfastthenextmorning.Juliegavehersomemoneyanddrovehertothestation."Doyourbest,Gina,"shesaid."Makehimlistentoyou.Hewill,Ithink.Hedoesn'treallyknowwhathewants."

ArrivedinLondon,shewentstraighttotheGrandHotel,buthereshereceivedherfirstcheck.NoneoftheprivateaddressesofBudBrown's"boys"wereknowntothemanagement,andthebandwasplayinginManchesterthisweek.

"Manchester!"exclaimedGinaindismay."HowdoIgetthere?"

Themanagerlookedatheralittleoddly."YougofromEuston,madam.There'satrainaboutmiddayifit'sreallyurgent,but—"hesaidalittledoubtfully.Thisyoungladycertainlydidn'tlooklikeapossessionofanyofthe"boys,"thoughofcourseyounevercouldtell.

"It'sveryurgent,"saidGinafirmly,andinquiredthewaytoEuston.

ShearrivedinManchesteraboutthemiddleoftheafternoon,andwentstraighttothehotelwhereshehadbeentoldthebandwasengaged.

"IwanttospeaktoMr.FredDoyle,"shetoldawaiter,whenatlastshecouldfindsomeonetopayanyattentiontoher.Shewaitedalongtime,thenthemanreturnedtosaytherewasnoMr.FredDoyleintheband.

Checkagain."Buttheremustbe,"shesaiddesperately."He'sthevocalist.Hewas

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withthemnotlongago.Letmespeaktooneofthem,then."

Themanwentoffreluctantly,andappearedafterthenextdancewithawillowyyoungmanwithhairlikepatent-leather.

"YouwantDoyle,doyou?"hesaid,oglingGinaun-pleasantly."Didn'thetellyouhewasleavingus?Naughtyboy!Heleftlastweek."Hedustedhissleevewithamauvehandkerchief,andwaftedastrongperfumetoGina'snostrilsashedidso.

"Canyougivemehispresentaddress?"sheaskedalittlestiffly.

Heshruggedhisshoulders,andlookedatherwithhisheadononeside."Oh,thatwouldn'tbefair,"hesaid,smilingodiously.

AtthatmomentthebandbegantoplayPaupers'Parade,andGinasaidinexasperatedtones,"I'mnotintheleastinterestedinMr.Doyle,butI'mtryingtofindmybrother,whowrotethistune,andIthinkhemaybewithhim.Nowwillyoutellme?"

"Oh,you'retheyoungGale'ssister,"theyoungmansaidwithachangeoftone."IthoughtyouwerethedameFreddiewastryingtoshakeoff.I'mafraidIcan'thelpyoumuch.Freddie'sgonebacktoIreland.Wentyesterday."

"Ireland!"saidGinaindismay."Oh,lord!Youdon'thappentoknowifmybrotherwentwithhim?"

"Ithinkheverylikelydid.Freddiehadbeensayingforalongtimetheyexpectedtocombineajob.Hewasagreatbelieverinyourbrother'sability.Thatlittlenumber'sbeenararesuccess."

"Yes,butdoyouknow?'

"Well—Freddie'scontractfinishedlastweekandhetoldoneoftheboysyesterdaythatafriendhadsuddenlyturnedupandthey'ddecidedtogobacktotheirowncountryandfindworkthere."

"Isee.Thankyouverymuch.Imsorrytohavekeptyou,"saidGina,white-faced,andleftthehotel.

ShehadjustenoughmoneytobuyaticketbacktoLondon,andsatbackinhercarriagewonderingwhatonearthsheshoulddonow.Shedecidedafterthinkingoutseveralwildlyimpossibleschemes,thattheonlythinglefttodo,wastoseeMarkimmediatelyshearrivedanddemandthefaretoIreland.ItnevercrossedhermindthathewouldscarcelyallowhertogochasingallthatwayaloneafterSebastian,andifshehadn'trunoutofmoney,shewouldn'thavedreamedofaskinghisadvice.

ItwasaftersevenwhenshearrivedatEuston,andsherushedintoapubliccall-boxandrungupMark'schambers.

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"I'msorry,butMr.Proctorleftabouttenminutesago.No,madam,Ihavenoideawhereheisgoing."

Anothercall,thistimetoMark'sflat.

"I'msorry,butMr.Proctorisnotexpectedintilllate.No,madam,Ihavenoideawherehemightbe."

Ginastoodoutsidethecall-boxandthoughtfuriously.IthadbecomedesperatelyimportanttohertofetchSebastianbackwithoutfurtherdelay.ShehadcrossedtheIrishSeaenoughtimestothinknothingofdashingofftoIrelandbyherselfinsearchofherbrother,andtheonlydifficultywasmoney.However,sincemoneyhadalwaysbeenlackingintheGalefamilyandthewantofithadneveryetstoodintheirway,Ginafirmlybelievedthatifshethoughtlongenoughtheproblemwouldsolveitself.

ShemarcheddowntheEustonRoadandintoagrimy-lookingpawn-shop.

"What'llyougivemeonthese?"sheasked,layinguponthecounterMark'sjadenecklace,andanold-fashionedbroochofhermother'swhichshehappenedtobewearing.

Themanglancedatthethingsandwipedadropofftheendofhisnosewithhiscuff."Whatd'youwant?"hesaidinevitably.

"Tenpounds,"saidGina,becauseshebelievedtentobelucky.

Hegaveadryguffaw."Mydearyounglady!Tenpounds?Forbeads!"

"They'rejadeandcostmuchmorethanthat,"saidGinasharply."Besides,there'sthebrooch."

"Poof!Topazandbrowndiamonds.Giveyouthirtybob."

"Thirtyshillings!"shecriedwithhorror,andthecolourflamedinherface."AmIgivingyoumebeadsandmebrooch?WillImakeyouapresentofmehatandmecoataswell?Ah,comeon,now.IonlywantmefaretoIreland,sothatIcanseemepoorbrotherbeforehegoes,Godresthissowl.Wouldyeletthepoorboydiewithnowordofhislittlesister,whohe'sbeencallin'andcryin'forthislongweekpast,andmewithmepursestolefrommethisdayandnotafriendintheworldtogoto?"

Shestoppedforbreath,andtheshabbylittlepawnbroker,peeringopen-mouthedatheroverhisspectacles,slowlymadeoutaticketandpaidtendirtypoundnotesoverthecounterwithoutanotherword.

"Thanks,"saidGina,anddivedoutoftheshop.

Shecaughttheboat-traintoHolyhead,and,realizingsuddenlythatsheh'adeatennothingmostoftheday,boughtasausage-rollandanappleontheplatform.

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Itwascoldontheboat,andshewentbelowandcurledthankfullyinabunk,rollingherselftightlyintoherblanket.Itwasfairlyrough,'andhadshenotbeensoexhaustedwithherday'sadventuring,shewouldcertainlyhavebeenveryill.Asitwasshesleptsolidly,ifuneasilyuntilthestewardesswokeher.Shewentupondeck,herclothescreasedandcrumpledfromthenight,forshehadsleptineverythingbuthercapandshoes.AthickgreymistcompletelyhidthehousesofDunleary,andshepulledherhatdownoverherearsandshivered.Theboatpulledintothepier,thegangwaysslidacrosswitharattle,andIrishvoicesarguedmusicallyonallsides.

Gina'sspiritsbegantosoar.ThiswasIreland.Thiswasherownlandagain,thesewereherownpeople.Whyhadn'tsherealizedthatshewascominghome?Orhadthatthoughtbeenatthebackofhermindallthetime?Shecouldn'tsay.ButhereshewastreadingthedirtandlitterofIrishcobblesoncemore,herewereIrishvoicesandIrishfaces;Englandwasbehindher,shewashome.

Shestoodsolongonthequay,sniffingthefamiliarindescribablesmells,thatshenearlymissedtheslowlittletrainintoDublin.Shesatjoyouslyboltuprightonthehardwoodenseatofthesecond-classcompartment,andwatchedforeachfamiliarlandmark.InDublinshedrankalargecupofcoffeeatthebuffet,thenboardedatramwhichwouldtakeherwithinwalkingdistanceoftheDoyles'house,wheresheandSebastianhadstayedanightontheirwayhomelastEaster.

Atlasttheendofthejourney.GinaknockedexcitedlyontheDoyles'frontdoor,whichwasopenedbyFredhimself.

"Holymother,ifitisn'tMissGina!"heexclaimed.

"IsSebastianhere?"askedGinaquickly,almostgladtoseetheyoungman'sfreckledfaceagain.

"Faith,heisnot!"wastheunexpectedanswer."Thatvillainhasnoresponsibilityonhim.Hespentonenightwithus,andwentoffwithaplay-actinglottotravel."

"What!"criedGina,almostreadytocry.Theglorywentoutoftheday,andshewouldhaveweptonDoyle'sshoulderwithouttheslightestdistaste,hadhenotpulledherintotheirlittledining-room,wherethefamilywasstillatbreakfast,andsatherdownhastilybesidehismother.

"Waitnow,beforeyoustartbawlin',"hesaidhurriedly."Mother,yourememberMissGinaGale?Hereshe'stravelledallnightfromEnglandtofindherbrother,andheonlylavingusyesterday,andisn'titthegreatshame?Givehersometaynowan'she'llbe'alrightinaminute."

Theyfussedoverher,delightedtowelcomeheramongthem,andshewasmadetoeatahugebreakfastanddrinkthreecupsofalmostblacktea.Whilesheate,DoyletoldherallheknewaboutSebastian,who,ontheboat,hadapparentlystruckupanacquaintancewiththemanagerofasmallcompanyofIrishplayerswhomadealivingby

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performinginthelittle-knowncountryvillages.HehadofferedtotakeonSebastian,who,wildlyattractedbytheproposal,hadthrownupallideaofworkingonhismusicincombinationwithDoyle,andhadgoneoffwiththecompanyyesterday.Ineachevent,Ginahadbeenonedaytoolate.

"What'llIdonow?"shesaiddespondently.

"You'llcatchhimatBallyskillenifyougotoday,They'replayingtheretonight,"Doylesaidconsolingly."It'sonlyacoupleofhours'journey.Ithinkyouwereright,MissGina.Hemightassoonbeathisbuksasoverhere.He'llgivehismindtonothing."

ShecametoBallyskillenintimetobeforevercaptivatedbyitswildcharm.Thesunwasjustabouttoslipbehindthebluequiethills,andinitsrosylightthevillagelaytouchedwithfire.Thewhitewallsofthecabinsglowedwithcolour,andbeyond,thepoolsofpeatywateratthefootofthehillswereaflamelikelittlejewels.

Gina,walkinginadimenchantmentdownthevillagestreet,metSebastiancomingup,ayellowmufflerroundhisneck,andmagicinhiseyes.

"It'ssobeautiful,"saidGina,asthoughshehadmethimhalf'anhourago,andhereplied:"Youmustseeitfromoverhere,"andtakingherhand,ranwithherdownthestreet,intothesquelchingboggyturf,andupasteeplittleriseintheground.

Theystoodsidebysideinsilence,watchingthechanginglight,untilthesunsankaltogetherbehindthehills,leavingasadveilovertheland,alittlewindruffledthecoarsestronggrassattheirfeet,andGinashivered.

"Let'sgoback,"Sebastiansaid,flinginganarmacrosshershoulders."Howmarvelloustoseeyouhere,Ginny.JusttheonepersonIwaswantingtocompletethefun.Iknewyouwouldn'tbeabletostickitwithoutme.Whatgreattimeswe'regoingtohave."

"But,Sebastian,Ihaven'trunaway.I'vecometofetchyouback,"Ginafaltered.

Hethrewhisheadbackandgaveagreatshoutoflaughter."Takemeback!"hecriedderisively."FromIreland—fromthisnewgorgeouslife?Never!"

"Youmustcome.Ipromised—I'vecomeallthiswaytofetchyou—youcan'tletMarkdownlikethis."

ButeventhementionofMarkcouldn'tmakehimcross."Don'tbothertoargue,darling,it'llmakenodifference.Tomorrowyouwon'twanttoleaveyourself.Wecan'tevergobacknow,"helaughed,andtherewasaqueerunrealairaboutthewholeadventurethatmadeitalreadyseemimpossibletoreturn.TherewasnoarguingwithSebastianhere.Therewasindeedafeelingofenchantmentcreepingoverherownwillwhichmadeherreluctanttodiscussthethingatall.

HetookhertothelittletinhallwherearehearsalwasInprogress,andintroduced

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hertothecompany,who,inthefashionoftheirkind,acceptedherpromptlyasoneofthemselves,andtookitforgrantedshewouldstopwiththem.

"Therearealwayssmallpartsyoucanfill,"themanagertoldherkindly."Wewillbegladtohaveyou."

Shesatinthebodyofthehallwatchingtherehearsal,andpresentlyitwasSebastian'scue,andhewentupontotheshakyplatformwhichdiddutyforastage,andleftheralone.Quietlysheslippedoutintothestreet,andfoundthepost-office.Thiswasallgoingtobeverymuchmoredifficultthanshehadanticipated,notlesssobecauseshelongedaboveallelsetothrowinherlotwiththesepeopleandbefreeofEnglandandherotherlife.Afterall,wouldn'tthatsolvetheproblemoftheirexistenceasfarasMarkwasconcerned?

ShesentawiretoJulie,sayingwheretheywere,andaskingformoremoney,sinceatpresentitwasnotpossibleforeitherofthemtoreturnhome,Gina'ssupplybeingalmostexhausted.ItwasnotuntilshesignedhernamethatsherealizedthiswasthefirstintimationJuliewouldhavereceivedastowhathadhappenedtohersinceshehadlefttheBarnHouseyesterdaymorning.Wasitonlyyesterdaymorning?Italreadyseemedalifetimeago,andGinahadaswiftvisionoftheanxioustwenty-fourhoursJuliemusthavepassedthrough,waitingfornews.She'added"Don'tworryallwell"tothemessage,andpusheditacrossthecounter.ThecompanywereplayinginBailyskillenforanotherthreedays,soifJuliewiredthemoney,shereflected,theycouldreturnthedaytheyallpackedupforthenextvillage.

Shewassuddenlyverytired,andherheadbegantoache,and,snatchingoffherhatwithagreatreliefthatherjourneyingswereatlastover,shewentbacktotherehearsal.

II

Itwasthelastdayofthecompany'sstayinBallyskillen.Tonighttheywouldgivetheirlastperformance,andto-morrowtheywouldpackupandmoveon.Everyoneexperiencedregret,andtherewasnotoneofthemwhowouldnothavegladlystayedanotherweek,soenchantingwastheplace,sokindlythepeople.

Gina,perchedonthewalloutsidethetinhall,wassit-tinginherfavouriteattitude—armshuggingherchest,chinthrustforward,andherforeheadcreasedinafrown.Shesat,staringouttothehills,whichlaydarkinshadowbeforethesunsettouchedthem.ItwasthesamehourintheafternoonwhenshehadarrivedinBallyskillen,andtherewas

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goingtobethesameflamingsky.

Ginasatandthought,kickingidlyatthestones.NomoneyhadcomefromJulie,onlyacurtwirefromMarkwhichsaid:"Staywhereyouareuntilyouhearagain."Well,thatwasridiculous,shereflectedwithacertain,amountofsatisfaction.Youcouldn'tstaywhereyouwereandsupportyourselfwithoutmoney,andsotherewasonlyonethingtobedone.Theymustmoveonwiththecompany.

Gina,lookingupthevillagestreet,casuallyobservedamancomeoutofthepost-officeandwalktowardsher.Shestaredathimforseveralmoments,automaticallynoticingthathishatnevercameoutofIreland.ThefactthathewaslimpingslightlymadeherthinkofMark,and,oncehewasinhermind,sherealizedwithafaintsenseofshockthatthissamemanwas,infact,he.

Shenevermoved,andbeforeherecognizedhershehadtimetoseehowverytiredhelooked.Tiredandrathersad,ashelimpedtowardsher,andshefeltherthroatcontractsharply.Hesawherthen,andstoodquitestill,observingher.Sheseemedsubtlytohavechanged,thoughinwhatwayhedidn'tknow.Shelookedathome,partofhersurroundings,andwhenshespoke,evenhervoicewasdifferent.

"Hullo,Mark,"shesaidwiththesoftintonationofhercountry.

"Hallo,Gina,"wasallhecouldthinkoftoreply,andatthatmomentSebastiancameoutofthehall,wherealastrehearsalwasinprogress,andseeingMark,saidwitheveryexpressionofalarmanddisgust:

"Teacher!Byallthat'sdamnable!"Theatmospherechangedabruptly,andMarkturnedonSebastianwithalltheevidenceofhisoldmanner.

"Youyoungfool!Doyouthinkyoucanbehavelikethiswheneveryoufeelinclined?"hesaidsharply."Nowyou'vehadusallchasingafteryou,perhapsyou'llconsenttocomehome."

"Wearehome,"saidSebastianinsolently,andGinasawafainthintofpainintheolderman'seyes.

"I'msorryyoucan'tlookupontheBarnHouseasyourhome,"hesaidquietly."ButI'mafraidforthepresentthatcan'tmakeanydifference.Hasitneverstruckyou,Sebastian,thatyou'rebothunderage,andcanbecompelledbylawtolivewhereyou'retold?"

Itclearlyneverhadstruckhim,andSebastianglaredfuriouslyatMarkforamoment,searchingforaflowofwordswhichwouldeffectuallysweepthisstatementaside,butallhecouldfindtosaywas,"WhatdoIcare?"

"Probablynothing.That'sofnoconsequence,"saidMarkindifferently."Italsodoesn'tseemtostrikeyouthatyoumighthavelandedyoursisterindifficulties."

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"Ginny?What'sshegottodowithit?"

"Shewentafteryou,didn'tshe?Chasedalloverthecountrysidewithverylittlemoney.Anythingmighthavehappened,"Markwarmedtohistheme."Theremighthavebeenanaccident,orshemighthavebeenabducted.Anything—we'dneverhaveknown."

"Ginnyabducted?I'dliketoseeanyonetry,"saidSebastianderisively."Anyway,whydon'tyoupitchintoheraboutit?Shewasthefoolwhoneverletyouknowwhereshewasgoing.Wecanbothlookafterourselvesverynicely,thankyou,Mark."

"Thatbeingso,willyoupleasebereadytostartbackwithmethisevening?"Markrepliedcoldly."WeshallhavetospendthenightinDublinasitis."

"You'recrazy,"laughedSebastianuneasily."Wecan'tgotonight,we'rebothplaying.Tomorrowtheymoveon,andwewiththem."

"Youthinkso?"Marksaidverypolitely,andtheboyfidgeted.

"Well,askGina.Shecametofetchmehomelikeabadlittleboy,butIdon'tthinkyou'llfindshe'ssokeentoleave,"hesaid,anddartedbackintothehall,mutteringthathisentrancewasdue.

Markstood,lookingafterhim,thenslowlyturnedandsawthesunjustbeginningtodipbehindthehills.

"Lord!Whatasunset!"heexclaimedinvoluntarily,andGinaslippedoffthewall.

"Comeandseeitfromoverhere,"shesaid,asSebastianhadfirstsaidtoher,andtakinghimbythehandshewalkedwithhimintothetoughbrowngrass.

III

Hestoodbesideheronthelittlehill,lookingawayovertheglitteringpoolsofbog-water.Shestillheldhishand,andhelookedathersmallavertedprofile,tryingtodeterminefromherfacewhathermoodwas.Herlipshadthathintofbitternessaboutthemwhichoflate,withhim,theyhadceasedtoshow.Theywerepalelikeherface,butherhair,blowinggentlyinthewind,wasturnedbytheglowinglightintoafieryhaloaboutherhead.

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"Gina—"Sheturnedherfaceslowly,butdidn'tlookathim."Willyouhatetocomeawaysomuch?"

Shelookeddownathisfingers,whichshewasslowlyopeningandshuttingastheylayinherhand.Gentlytheyclosedroundhers."Gina—you'llcome?"

Theyneitherofthemrealizedthathewaspleadingwith-herforsomethingwhichtoallintentsandpurposesshehadshownnointentionofrefusinghim,evenifshehadthepower.

"Yes,"shesaidthen,withalittlesigh,andafterabitaddedregretfully,"Butitdoesseemawaste,whennooneparticularlywantsus.Wedon'tlikebeingadutytoanyone."

Hesmiledslightly,thenwasgrave."Iwantyou,Gina,"hesaidwithsuchsinceresimplicitythatshelookedupquickly.Hewaswatchingheranxiously,hiseyesalittleafraid,andshetightenedhergriponhisfingers.

"Doyoureally,Mark?Youwantme'asaperson?"shecriedeagerly,anddidn'taltogetherunderstandtheexpressionwhichflashedacrosshisquietface.

"Yes.Asaperson—asyourself,Gina,"hesaidgravely,andshegaveherselfalittleshake.

"Ofcoursewe'llcome,"shesaid."Therewasn'treallyanyquestionofbeingabletorefuse.Butnottilltomorrow,Mark.Youmustwatchtheshowtonight,andtomorrowwe'llgoback.Wecouldn'tletthesepeopledown,yousee.They'vebeensoawfullygoodtous."

Earlythenextmorning,MarkstoodbetweenthetwoyoungGalesatthelittlestationandsawthecompanyoff.Theyhungoutofeverywindow,shoutingfarewellsandblessingsandwavinghandkerchiefs.Sebastianjumpedupanddown,wavingandyellingviolently,whileGina,whohadembracedeveryonemanytimesover,hungontoMark'sarm,andgazeddespondentlyafterthedwindlingtrain,herfacewetwithtears.

"Theyweredarlings,"shesaid."Andnowit'sallover,andIdon'tsupposewe'lleverseethemagain."

"Andallmyfutureisexaminations!"addedSebastianwithpoint.

Markslippedanarmthrougheachoftheirsandpilotedthemoutofthestation."YoumakemefeelveryliketheWickedOldUncle,"hesaid,withalaughattheirmiserablefaces."Comeandgetsomebreakfast.Weshallbestartingourselvesinanotherhour."

Sebastianwentintothehousetoputtogetherhisfewbelongings.Ginahadnonetocollect.

"DoyoulikeIreland,Mark?"sheaskedhim.

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Hewassilentforamoment,thenhesaidthoughtfully,"It'sverybeautiful—likealovelydissatisfiedwoman."

"Oh,"saidGinauncertainly,thenswiftlyleavingthesubject,shesaidalittleapologetically,"Mark—I'msorryifJulieworried.ItwasstupidofmenottoletherknowwhereIwas."

"DidyouneverthinkthatImightworrytoo?"heasked.

"Didyou?"shecounteredwithslightsurprise.

"Iwassickwithanxietytillyourwirecame,"hetoldherquietly,anditwasthenearestheevercametoreproachingherforherthoughtlessness.

Shegavehimoneswiftglance,wonderingjustwhathereallythoughtaboutthewholeaffair,thenshesmiledhersuddensmileofgreatsweetness,andsaidsimply:

"I'mgladtobegoingbackwithyou,Mark.Thankyouforcoming."

CHAPTERVIII

THEyoungGalesstoodatthewindowofMark'sstudy,watchingtheleadensky.Atthreeo'clockintheafternoonitwasalreadynearlydark,andthewindwasrising.

"It'llcomeanyminutenow,"Sebastiansaidcomfort-ably.

"Whatfun!AwhiteChristmas!"saidGina.

"It'llputanendtohunting,"saidSebastian,andtheyhuggedeachother.

ItwastwodaysbeforeChristmas,andJuliehadbeenimmersedinpreparationsforthepasttwenty-fourhours,forshewasexpectingguests,

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"WhataretheCareyslike?"anxiouslyaskedSebastian,whohatedguests.

"Oh,youremember—quitenice,"Ginareplied."He'sintheJudge'slineofbusiness."

"Law?Thatmeansanotherstiff."

"Howunfair!"sheexclaimed."Markisn'tastiff."

"Stuffythen.Heneverdoesanythingwedo."

"Heisn'tstuffyeither.Andhecan'tdoeverythingwedo.He'slame."

"Oh,well,haveityourownway.Youlikehimnow,don'tyou,Ginny?"

Shethoughtforamoment."Whynow?"shehedged.

"Well,darling,really—'Youknowyouweretheonewhousedtokickandtalkaboutbeingunderobligations,"Sebastianlaughed.

"There'llalwaysbethat,"shesaidquickly."Butasaperson,he'sratherextraspecial,don'tyouthink?Idoadmirehimterribly."

"Dearloveus!Why?"

"Can'tyouseeforyourself?He'ssojust,andreliableandkind."

"Soareheapsofpeople."

"Idon'tthinktheyare,"shesaidslowly."Justpeoplearen'talwayskind.Besides,he'sreasonableand,Ishouldthink,understanding."

"Youonlythinkheis,Ginny,becausehelikesyou,"Sebastianobservedshrewdly."It'sperfectlyobviousthathe'sawfullyfondofyou.Whichismorethanheisofme."

Ginalaughed."It'sfunny,butyouandIseemtohavechangedplaces,"shesaid."YoualwaysusedtobetellingmewhatagoodsortMarkwas;nowIseemtobetellingyou."

"Well,it'sonlyreallytheoldstory,isn'tit?"hesaidwithagood-naturedshrug."YoucangetmoreoutofMark,andIcangetmoreoutofJulie.It'sthelawofsex."

"Ihatethatspirit,"shemutteredsavagely.

"Whatspirit?"

"Well—justoutforwhatyoucanget."

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Sebastianstaredather."Goodlord,Ginny!ButwhatotherwayshouldwefeeltowardsMarkandJulie?"Hesaiditwithsuchgenuineamazementthathiswordslostsomeoftheirsignificance,andGinaonlyansweredrestlessly:"Oh,well,it'sarottenpointofview.Whatdotheyget?"

"Whyshouldtheygetanything?They'reonlydoingtheirduty."

"Itisn'tMark'sduty."

"Itis.Julie'shisonlysister.Shehasn'tanymoneyandshe'sgotustosupport.Markhasplentyofmoneyandnoonetosupport.Hedidtheobviousthing."

Ginaclenchedherhandssuddenlyandfrowned."Butthepointis—"shebeganinexasperatedtones,thenshesawherbrotherlookingatherwithawidesmileonhisface,hisgreeneyestiltedin'amusement.

"Georgina,you'realmostquarrellingwithme!"hesaid,andshewassilent.Sebastianwouldneverseeitherway.Hewasnotmadelikethat.Shewishedshewaslikehim;itwouldhavesavedheralotofunhappiness.

Shelookedoutofthewindowoverthebleak,wintrygarden."It'sbeginning,"shesaid.

Theystoodwatchingthefirstflakesofsnowspinningthiswayandthatineachgustofwindthatscurriedroundthehouse.Ginaglancedbehindheratthefirelitroom,andthoughthowpleasantitlookedwithitsdeepchairsandMark'sbooksflankingthefireplace.Afriendly,rathershabby,whollymasculineroom,andinfinitelypreferable,inGina'seyes,tothemoremoderndrawing-roomwhichJuliehaddoneupupontheirarrivalattheBarnHouse.Sherememberedwith'awarmglowofgratitudethatmemorablesupperbythefireandMarkgracingtheoccasionwithchampagne.

Sebastian,followingherbackwardgaze,thoughtonlyofthenumberoftimeshehadbeencompelledtositatthatdeskunderMark'skindlybutunrelaxingtuition,andheheavedasighofthanksgivingthatthisatleastwasbehindhim.Hehadtakenhisexaminationaboutafortnightago,andhadcomebackratherimpressedwithOxford,thoughhetookcarenottoletanyoneknowit.Julie,onceshehadrelievedherfeelingsathisexpense,upontheirreturnfromIreland,hadbeencharmingtohim.ShewasmorepreparedtobeannoyedwithGinaforcomplicatingmattersbychasingafterSebastianwithoutawordtoanyone.Itwas,shesaid,justthekindofthoughtless,exasperatingthingGinawoulddo,obligingMarktodrophisworkandwastetwodaysfetchingthembothback.

GinarepliedthatshehadseennoneedforMarktocomeinperson.Shehadonlywiredforthefarehome,andifhelikedtospendunnecessarymoneyingoinghimself,thatwashisfuneral.Butprivatelyshewonderedwhyhehadbothered,andcametotheratherirritatingconclusionthathemuststilltreatthemaschildren.

Inaburstofresentmentshehadsaidtohimlastweekend,"Youowemeatenner,

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Judge."

Itwassounusualforhertodemandmoneyofhimthatheraisedhiseyebrowsinsurprise.

"Oh,how'sthat?"

"IhadtopawnsomethingformyfaretoIreland."

"Mydearchild!Whydidn'tyoutellmebefore?"heexclaimed."I'dnoidea—"

"HowdidyouthinkIgotthemoney?Thatitfelllikemannafromheaven?"sherepliedtartly.

Hereddenedlikeanyboy."I'mterriblysorry.I'mafraiditneverenteredmyheadthatyounaturallywouldn'thaveanymoney.Youknow,Gina,yououghtnevertohaverushedofflikethatwithouttellinganyone.

Anythingmighthavegonewrong,andSebastianmightnotevenhavebeenthere.Youmustnever—"

"Allright,uncle!"shesaid,usingherfavouriteretortwhenhebecameelderly.

Hecouldn'tresistadig."Howeverdidyoubringyourselftoaskmeforhardcash?"

Butshedidn'trise."Youowedittome.Itisn'tagift."shesaidcalmly."Ipawnedmypossessionsinyourinterests,thereforeyoupay."

Hesmiledalittlegrimly,thenaskedherforthepawnticket,and.toldherhewouldgetherthingsbackforher.

Itwassnowinghardwhentheyallarrivedattea-time.WhileJuliebroughthergueststoablazingfire,MarkcaughtGinaforamomentinthehall,andtossedherasmallpacket.

"Hereareyourvaluables,younaughtychild.Howdaredyougoandpawnmyhandsomegiftassoonasyougotit?"hesaid,teasingher.

"ItwastheonlythingofanyValueIpossessed,"shereturnedlightly."Ialwayswearit.Thankyou,Mark.SorryIhadtorookyou."

"Youlikeyourbeads,then?"

Shenodded."YouknowIdo."

Hewatchedheruntiethelittleparcel,andtakethenecklacefromitscase."Here,letme,"hesaid,asshefumbledwiththeclasp,andhewentandstoodbehindher.

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Hesnappedtheclasptogether,anddroppedbothhandstoherthinshoulders,holdinghersothatshewasunabletogetawayfromhim.Instantlyherwholebodystiffened,andshebegantofighthim.

"No,no!Letmego!"shesaidwithpanicinhervoice,andhereleasedheratonce.Shewheeledroundtofacehim,andhesawthathereyeswerefrightened.

"Why—Gina!"hesaidgently,andcolourflamedintoherpaleface.

"I—I'msorry,"shesaidinembarrassedtones,andwentquicklyintothedrawing-room.

HestoodwhereheWasforamoment,lookingafterher,andwonderedthoughtfullywhatmanhadcausedthatviolentreactioninthechild,fortheinstinctivealarmedlittlestruggletolditsowntale.

Hefollowedherintothedrawing-room,whereJuliewasalreadydispensingteabeforealeapingfire.SheWasatherbest,graciousandrelaxed,forshewasfondofPhilippaCarey,acharming,vaguecreature,whoseairofdistractioncovered'averyshrewdintelligence.ShewasaboutJulie'sage,andherhusbandsharedchamberswithMark.

"We'redraggingyoutoallthelocalfestivities,"Juliewassaying."OnNewYear'sEvethere'sadanceatthePrattstowhichwe'vebeenbiddenwithaparty.Thenthere'stheCharityBallatEastcliffonthefourth.Ifitfreezeshardenough,theyhopetohaveaskatingpartyatClevelandsonBoxingNight."

Afterteatherewasageneralmovetodisperse.JulietookPhilippauptoherroom,andthetwomenretiredtoMark'sstudy.SebastianwenttothepianotoworkatasyncopatedcarolhehadbeeninspiredtodobytheprevailingChristmasspirit,'andGinastoodlisteningtohiminthecoldhall,whileshepulledbackoneofthecurtainsatthelongwindow,andstaredoutattheghostlyspinningflakesinthedarkness.

"IwishtheSwannwasn'tcoming,"shesaidonce.

"He'sanuisance—"abitoftheDeadMarchcreptintothecarol,"—weneedn'tbotherabouthimthough."

"Youneedn't,"saidGina,toolowforSebastiantohear;thenwithalittlewriggleshepulledthecurtainacrossthewindowagain,andswungherselfontothetopofthepiano,wheresheissueddirectionsandsuggestionsonthemusicforthenexthour,until,bothofthemtoocoldtoplaythereanylonger,theywentbacktothedrawing-room,wherePhilippaCareywasroastingshovelfulsofchestnutsinthefire.

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II

Itwasstillsnowingthenextday,andthecountrywasdazzlingwithabrilliantsnow-light,thehugeflakesslowlywhirlingnow,darkagainstthesky.Itstoppedaltogetherafterlunch,andGinatookDogsbodyforawalk,toescapeVictor,who,arrivinglatelastnight,hadnotasyethadtimetocatchheralone.

PresentlyGinametEvanexercisinghisbull-terrier,andhegreetedheruproariously,peltingherwithsnowandchasingher,untilshefelllaughingintoasmalldrift.

"What'agorgeouscolouryou'vegot!Itcompletelychangesyou,"hecriedashepulledherout.Hedraggedhercloser,andshethoughthewasgoingtokissheragain,quickly,dispassionately,ashehaduponthatsummer'sdayinthecornfield.Buthisface,sonearherownthatshecouldseethetinygoldhairsonhisupperlip,whichhehadn'tmanagedtoshaveentirelyclean,colouredfaintly,and,hisblueeyessuddenlyserious,helethergoratherabruptly.

"Comebacktotea,andI'llrunyonhomeinthecarafterwards,"hesaid,turningandwalkingbesideher.

Hebroughtherbackafterteaandcameinforadrink.

"Abeau!"saidPhilipparapturouslywhenhehadgone."Andsobeautiful!Idon'tblameyou,Gina,forfalling.""Buthasshefallen?"teasedherhusband.

"Haveyoufallen?"askedPhilippa.

GinalookedacrossatMarkandsmiled,butfoundhedidn'treturnit."Perhaps,"shesaidlightly.

"Well,ifshehasn'tfallenforhim,hehasforher,that'squiteevident,"Philippasaiddecidedly."AndXforonedon'tblamehim."

"NorI,"saidCareygallantly.

"NorI,"saidMark,andsmiledthen.

Gina,ratheroverwhelmedbysuchwholesaleflattery,laughedalittleuncertainly'andranoutoftheroom.

"She'sratherdelicious,yourlittledependent,"saidPhilippa."Idon'tbelievesheknowsshe'sattractive."

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"Don'tforheaven'ssakeeverletherhearyoucallherthat,"saidMarkquickly."Gina'sterriblysensitiveaboutthatsideofourrelationship."

"You'reveryfondofher,aren'tyou,Mark?"shesaidafteralittlepause.

Hewassilentforamomentbeforeheansweredsoftly,"Yes,I'mveryfondofher."

VictorandJuliecameinfrom'alast-minute'sshoppingexpeditiontothevillage,andJulieheldoutherfrozenhandstotheblaze.

"It'scoldascharity,"shesaid,shiveringalittleinherfurcoat.Shelookedupset,andglancingatVictor'ssulkyface,Markguessedtheyhadbeenquarrelling.Forthehundredthtimehewonderedwhatitwasthatshesawintheman,and,lookingagainatSwann,supposedtherewassomethinginhisratherflashy,animalgoodlookswhichmightappealtoawomanofJulie'stype.

ItwassocoldthatJuliehadtheseldom-usedbigfireplaceinthehallfilledwithblazinglogs,andintheeveningtheyrolledbacktherugsanddanced.

AfterdancingtwicewithElliotCareyandSebastian,Ginacouldn'trefuseVictorwithoutdrawingattentiontothefact,andsherevolvedmechanicallyinhisarmswithastonylittleface,whichwasnotunnoticedbyMark.

"Stillangrywithme,afterallthistime?"Swannaskedsoftlyaboveherhead.

Shemadenoreply.

"Sulkytoo?Dear,dear,thisisserious!"

Stillshedidn'tspeak.

"Don'tyouthink,mydear,"hecontinuedwithachangeoftone,"thatyou'recarryingittoofar?SupposeIadmitthatIbehavedbadly?Well,shallIsayI'msorry?Nowwillyouthawalittle?"

Shewasatalosshowtodealwithhim."Idon'tthinkyourapologisingcanevermakeusfriends,"shesaidalittleuncertainly,andhesuppressedasmile.

"I'mnotaskingforyourfriendship,"hefoldher."Afterall,I'mamanofacertainage,andyou'rejustagirl."

"Youshouldhavethoughtofthatbefore,"sheretorted,notintheleastcrushed.

Hegaveashortlaugh."Well,don'tyouthinkthatyourattitudeisalittleprovincial?"

"Iamprovincial,"shereplied.

Hewasnonplussed.Shewastooquickandtooclearsighted,thischild."Other

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thingsapart,"hesaidsuavely,"ifyoucontinuetokeepupthisgame,youwillonlysucceedinmakingusbothconspicuous.Youdon'twanttodrawattentiontotheposition.Ipresume."

"That'strue,"sheadmitted,

"YouwerefoolishenoughrunningtoJulielikeanysillylittleschoolgirlthatnight,withouthavingtoletthewholehouseknowaswell,"hesaid,pressinghomehisadvantage."Itoldyoubefore,JulieandIunderstandoneanother.Shewasthewrongpersonforyoutohavegoneto,mydear."

"WouldyouratherI'dgonetoMark?"sheflashed.

Helookeddisturbed,thensmiledslowly."Iknowyouwouldn'tcaretodothat.Mendon'tappreciatetalesofthatkind.Itmakesitratherawkwardforthem.Besides,howdoyouknowyouweren'tmistaken?"

Shewassilent,bitingherlipmiserably.Shemissedastepandstumbled.

"Steady!"hesaid,andtightenedhisgrip,thencontinuedreassuringly,"Let'sforget'allaboutit.Youknowyou'reinafalsepositionoverthewholeaffair.Besides,I'msureyoudon'twanttomakethingsdifficultforJulie."

"No."

"Wellthen,let'scallatruce.Youbenicetome,andI'llbenicetoyou."

"Nice?"

"Youmustusethewordasyoumeanit.ButIthinkweunderstandeachothernow.You'llstopbeingafoolishlittlegirlwithme?"

"Ifyouleavemealone,"Ginasaiduncertainly,astherecordstoppedandtheirdancecametoanend,butheonlygaveherhisflashingsmile,andwentofftohelpJuliechooseanotherrecord.

GinawentandsatdownbesideMarkbythefire."Doyouneverdanceatall?"sheaskedhim.

Heshookhishead."I'mafraidnot.I'mreallynotableto,youknow."

"Butpeoplewhoareonlyslightlylameveryoftencan,"shepersisted.

"Ifinditmakesmetootired,andintheendgivesme'acertainamountofpain,soit'sscarcelyworthwhile,"hetoldher.

"Butyou'recomingtothePratts'dance,aren'tyou?"

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"Idon'tthinkso."

"Northecharityball?"

Heshookhishead."I'vetakenaticket;that'salltheywant."

"Oh,howmean!"criedGinaindignantly."Ithinkit'sperfectlyabsurdthewayyoukeepoutofeverything'andletyourselfgetelderlyandavuncularjustbecauseyouhaveamouldyleg."

"DoyouthinkI'melderlyandavuncular?"

"OfcourseIdon't.Butyoutryhardenoughtomakeme,"shesaidimpatiently.

"Imustmendmywaysthen.HowshallIstart?"

"Well,whydon'tyoucometotheHospitalBallasyou'vegotaticket?Hangitall,Mark,yousendusallandpayforeverything,anddon'thaveanyofthefun."

"Butwhatwouldbethefunofgoingtoaballwhenyoucan'tdance?"heprotestedweakly.

"Don'tyoulikesittingout?Ithinkit'shalfthefun,"shesaidfrankly.

"WouldyousitoutwithmeifIcame?"heaskedher.

"OfcourseIwould,"shesaid."I'dsitouteverydancewithyouifitgaveyouanypleasure.Onlyyou'dbesohorriblybored."

"Oh,Gina,youcharmingchild!"hesaidwithasmile."Allright,I'llcomeifyoureallywantmeto."

III

ThefunwasinfullswingatClevelandswhenJulie'spartyarrivedonBoxingNight.Thebigfrozenlakewasalreadycrowded,andtheairrangwithvoicesandlaughterandthesoundofskatescuttingice.Lanternshungfromthebranchesoftreeslikeglowingfruit,andsomeoftheskaterscarriedtorches.AbandfromEastcliffhadbeenengagedtoplay,andtheystruckupawaltzasGinaexcitedlyputonherskates.

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"Doesn'titlookthrilling?"shecriedtoMark,standingbesideher,thecollarofhisovercoatturneduptohisearsandamufflerroundhisneck.Itwasbitterlycold."I'veneverbeentosuchagrandice-party.Quick,Evan,hurryupwithyourskates."

"Comeon,then,I'mready,"Evananswered,andhelpedherontotheice."Canyouwaltz?"

"Iusedtobeableto.Letmefindmyfeetfirst."

Itwassoonevidenttobothmenthatshewasanexcellentperformer,andMarkstoodandwatchedherthinpliantbodytwistingandturningwithease,assuminganaturalgracewhichwaslackinginskaterswithprettierfiguresthanGina,

"It'smarvellous!Comeon,Evan,I'mallright!"shecried,andheldoutherhands.

Markwatchedthescenewithasuddenunwontedsenseofbitterness.Itwashardtobeoutofthingsatthirty-five,andhereflectedthatGinahadbeenquiterightwhenshehadaccusedhimofbecomingavuncular,butitseemedtohiminevitablethatthisshouldbeso,sincehehadnowacquiredandwaspracticallysupportingacompletefamily,anditmeanthard,unrelaxedworktokeepthemall.WhileJuliemightconceivablymarryVictorSwannoranyothermaninthenearfuture,SebastianandGinawouldbeunsolvedproblemsforseveralyearstocome.HerefusedatthemomenttoconsidertheprospectofGinaherselfmarrying,althoughJuliehadalwaysmadeitplainenoughthatthiswastheonlypossiblesolutionforher,andhehadanideathatwhenthetimecame,hissisterwouldnotbeoverscrupulousinchoosingahusbandforthegirl.Sebastianofcoursewasagenuineresponsibility.Heshowedsolittlepromiseofevermakingawayforhimself.Hewasfartoodependentonotherpeopleandotherpeople'smoneytoevershiftforhimself,butGina—

HebecameawareofheratthatmomentstandingatNancy'scocktailbar.Shewasbalancingherselfawkwardlyonherskates,andEvanhadthrownonearmaroundherinsupport.Theiryoungglowingfaceswerealivewithamutualenjoyment,asmuchofeachother'scompanyasofthecarnivalitself.Theywerehappy,andsoobviouslyateasewitheachotherthatMarkwonderedwithacertaindismayifJulie'splansshowedsignsofcomingtoaheadsoonerthanshehadhoped.

HewalkedawayinsearchofPhilippa,who,exhaustedbyhertumbles,wasdrinkingsteamingcoffeeoveroneofthebraziers.

"Thissortofthingmaybeallrightfortheveryyoung,"shesaid,makingroombesideherforMark,"butonceyou'vereachedmyage,tumbleshurt."

Hewassilent,andglancing'athim,shethoughthelookedwearyandrathersad.Hewasonlythesameageasherself,buttonighthelookedinfinitelyolder.

"Don'tmindme,mydear,"shesaidquickly."Iwasonlyjoking."

"No.You'requiteright,"hesaidthen.Hepattedhislameleg."Ginawasgoingfor

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meonlytheotherdaybecauseIkeptoutof.things.ShesaidIwasbecomingavuncular.Thatstampsone,doesn'tit?"

"Ah,Gina."Philippanoddedthoughtfully,thenaddedshrewdly,"Youneverthoughtmuchaboutituntilthatlittlegirlgrewup,didyou?"

"No,perhapsIdidn't."

"AndyetGinastrikesmeasbeinglessofhergenerationthanmost.Imeanshewouldn'treallymindifsheneverwenttodances,orfrivoledaboutinayouthfulway.Shedealsmuchmoreinpersonalitiesthaningoodtimes.Shegivesmetheimpressionthatsheisfarmoreinneedofsteadyaffectionthanparties,andIdon'tthinkshe'severhadverymuch."

Helookedatherquickly."That'swhatI'vealwaysratherfeltmyself,"heagreed."She'scapable,Ithink,ofgivingalot,andshedoesn'tgetverymuch."

"Juliedoesn'tcareforher,doesshe?"

Heshruggedhisshoulders."Unfortunately,no.She'smuchfonderofSebastian."

"Isupposethat'snatural.Julieisentirelyaman'swomanreally.She'spossessive,youknow."

"Yes,Iknow.Thingsareratherdifficultforthechild."

"She'llprobablymarry,andthatwillsolveallyourtroubles,"shesaidlightly,butwatchinghimwithinterest.

"That'sallwomenseemtothinkof!"hesaidsoviolentlythatshesmiled."It'sJulie'sonlyplanforthegirl,andhasevensunkintoGina'smindaswell.Shetoldmealittlewhileagothatshemustmarryasquicklyaspossibletotakeherselfoffmyhands.It'samonstrousattitude!Nowtheboyisaproblem.Hehasnostabilityandnodefinitepurposeinlifeatallexceptlivingatotherpeople'sexpense."

"Oh,Mark!"saidPhilippaoverhercoffee-cup,andlaughedsoftly.

Ontheicetheywereplayingfollow-my-leader,headedbyVictor,whohadproceededtoorganizethispartyashehadsooftenorganizedwinter-sportspartiesinSwitzerland.Thatwashisstrongsuitand,asfarasitwent,wassuccessful.Hewasunflagginginhiseffortstokeepthingsgoing,andhewasgenerousintakingroundtheindifferentperformersiftheyhappenedtobeyoung,femaleandcharming.

Follow-my-leaderover,theybeganplayingfox-and-geese,withVictoras"fox."Thisprovedagreatsuccess.Thereweremanyscreamsasa"gosling"wascaughtanddetachedfromthelongstring,andacertainamountoftumbles.

NowGinawasthetail,andquitesuddenlythething,forher,ceasedtobeagame.

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ShewasonlyconsciousofbeingpursuedbyVictor,andatallcostsshemustavoidbeingcaught.Shebegantobeafraid,andsheclutchedSebastian'scoatdesperately,hangingontohimwithgrimdeterminationastheyswungsuddenlyoutthiswayandthat,tryingtoeludethe"fox."Shefeltasshesooftenhadouthunting.Shewassickwithfearoffalling,sickwithfearofbeingcaught.InanticipationshefeltVictor'smusculararmsimprisoningher,carryingherofftounknownhorrors,andsuddenlyshewasawareofhimbearingdownonher.Shescreamed,letgoofSebastian'scoat,andturnedtoescape.

SheheardVictor'svoice,shouting,"Hey!That'snotfair!Youmustn'tseparate!"ashestartedtopursueher,andinherpanicshecrossedherskates.Thebobbinglanternsspunbeforehereyeslikemyriadsofburningoranges,andtheiceroseshimmeringtomeetherasshefeltherfeetshootfromunderher,andfellbackwards.

CHAPTERIX

I

ITwasVictorwhocarriedheracrosstheice.

MarkceasedsuddenlyinhisconversationwithPhilippatosay,"Hullo!Someone'sgothurt.Ithoughtthatgamewasgettingabitrough."

Theywentovertothespotwhereaknotofpeoplehadgathered,andMarksawwhoitwas.VictorhadlaidGina'ssmallbodyonthesnow,andwasnowkneelingbesideher,chafingherhands.Someonebroughtsomewater,andhebegantoforceitbetweenherteeth.

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Markpushedhiswaythroughthecrowdandkneltclownbesideher."Whathappened?"heaskedanxiously.

"Idon'tknow."Victorlookedpuzzled."Shebrokeawayatthelastminuteandgotherskatescrossedorsomething.Can'tthinkwhyshedidit.Shemusthavefallenonthebackofherhead.She'llbeallrightinaminute."Hegaveheralittlemorewater,andshebegantocomeround.

ThefirstpersonshesawwasVictorbendingoverher,andMarkwatchedalookofpurefrightcomeintohereyes.

"Oh!Iwascaught!"shesaid.

Heslippedanarmunderhershoulders,drawingherawayfromSwann."Itwasonlyagame,Gina,"hesaidgently."Youjustfelldownonyourhead.Doyoufeelbetter?"

Shesatup,supportedbyMark,andfeltthebackofherheadgingerly.

"Ow!"sheexclaimed.

Sebastianappearedwithacupofcoffee,andshedrankit,lookingapologeticallyovertherimofthecup.

"I'mawfullysorry,"shesaid."Dogoonskating.I'mquiteallright."

Peoplebegantotalkinrelievedvoices,andpresentlytheydispersedandthebandstruckupawaltz.

"Allright.Gina?"askedJuliebehindher.

"Yes.thanks.Dogoaway,allofyou."Shewasbeginningtofeelshewantedtocry.

MarknoddedtoVictor,whotookJulieontotheice.TheCareyswentbacktothecoffee-stall,andGinawasleftwithMarkandSebastian.

"Thisyoungladyseemsalwaysintrouble,"saidafreshvoice,andGinalookedupandsmiledfeeblyatSirCharlesNapier."Ithinkyouhadbettercomeuptothehouseandrest."hesaidkindly.

"IthinkitwouldreallybebestifIgetherhomeandtobed,"Marksaidwithasmile.

"Perhapsitwouldonthewhole."SirCharlesagreed,andwhisperedtoGina,asshewashelpedtoherfeet,"I'llsendyouoversomefruittomorrowtomakeup."

"Whatanoldpetheis,"Ginasaid,andshebegantowalktowardstheircar,supportedoneachsidebyMarkandSebastian.

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"Iwonderifyououghttosecadoctor,"Marksaid,tuckingarugroundherinthecar.

"Ohno.It'sonlyacrackonthehead,"saidGina,andburstintotears.

"Oh.Gina!Asbadasallthat?"Markasked,andsatdownbesideher.Hetookoffherberet,andstrokedherhairsoothingly."IwonderifIoughttotakeheralongtoadoctor?"hesaidtoSebastian.

"Don'tyouworry,"Sebastianrepliedcomfortably,settlinghimselfinthebackofthecar."It'sagoodsignwhenGinnycries.She'srelievingherfeelings.Somethingfrightenedher,Ithink.She'llstopinaminute."

Shehadbeguntostopalready,andacceptedMark'sprofferedhandkerchiefgratefully."Sorry,"shesaid."I'mallrightnow,really,Mark.Let'sgethome."

Helookedathertear-stainedfacealittlecuriously.

"WouldyoulikeJulietocomewithus—orPhilippa?"heaskedher,stillalittledoubtful.

"No,I'dmuchratherhaveyouandSebastian,"shesaid,andsnuggleddownbesidehim.

Hesmiled,reassured,andbackingthecaroutofitsline,startedforhome.

II

Ginalayinbed,staringatherlittletree.MarkhadgivenittoherforChristmas,anditstoodbyitselfonthemantelpiece,spreadingitsfragilebranches,alovelydelicatetrifleoffineblownglass.

Itwasfiveo'clockofthenextafternoon,andJuliehadjustlefther.Juliehadbeenunusuallygracious,fortheNapiershadbothcalledinformallytoinquireforGina,andrelationsbetweenClevelandsandtheBarnHousewereatlastestablished.GinalaystaringatMark'stree,andthinkingoverherstepmother'swords.

Julie,sittinggracefullyonthesideofthebed,hadglancedroundtheroom,hershrewdgazetakinginGina'ssmallcollectionofofferings.TherewasSirCharles'basketofhot-housepeachesandgrapes,whichshehadherselfjustbroughtupstairs,anda

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greatbunchofchrysanthemumsfromEvanoutofhismother'sgreenhouse,theirbronzemop-headsverylikeGina'sown.LesspleasingperhapswasthesightofanunopenedboxofchocolatesfromVictor,andlastofallasmallcaseofcrystallizedfruit,especiallyprocured,Julieknew,thatmorningbyMark,whohadmotoredintoEastcliffforthepurpose.

"Whatalotoffussforalittlebumponthehead,"shesaidwithasmile."Beginningtobespoiltbymenalready,aren'tyou,Gina?"

"Iknow—itisabsurd.I'mquiteallrightreally,"Ginasaidapologetically.SheknewthatJuliewouldnotbepleasedthatMarkandVictorhadpaidheranyattention.

Julie'sregardrestedlastofallandlongestonherbrother'sgift,andfinallycamebacktoEvan'sflowers.

"Youlikethisyoungman,don'tyou?"shesaid,pickinguphiscardandholdingitdelicatelybetweenherwhitefingers.

"Who?Evan?Yes,Ilikehimverymuch,"Ginareplied,andfeltherselfblushingasherstepmother'sdarkeyesrestedsuddenlyonherface.

"He'sbeenrunningafteryoualotoflate,"Juliewentondeliberately."IusedtothinkhewasfondofthelittlePrattgirl,but—youwerealwaysfriends,weren'tyou?"

Ginanodded,feelingpuzzled.

"He'sacharmingyoungman,andwhentheoldpeoplearegone,ofcoursehewillbeverycomfortablyoff,andownthatniceoldhouseaswell.I'mgladyoulikehimsomuch,Gina."Juliepausedsuggestively,andGinasaidbluntly:

"DoyouwantmetomarryEvan,Julie?"

Juliespreadoutherhandsinalittledeprecatorygesture."Mydear—hasheaskedyou?"shesaidwithfaintreproof.

"No."

"Well,then,there'snoneedtodiscusssuchanindefiniteproposition,isthere?But,Gina,rememberthis—"Julieglancedswiftlyatherstepdaughter—"Markcan'tkeepyouforever,andyouwillbetwentyinacoupleofmonths."

She-roseunhurriedly,droppedEvan'scardintoGina'slap,andwithapleasantsmilecrossedtheroomtothedoor."You'regettingupintimefordinner,aren'tyou,dear?Takethingseasilyanddon'thurry.YoumustbewellforthePratts'dance."

SoGinalayandconsidered,andofthewholeconversationonlyonesentencestoodoutclearly—"Markcan'tkeepyouforever...."

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Nohintcouldhavebeenmoreplain,andshefelthercheeksgrowhotassheimaginedMarkandJulietalkingheroverbetweenthem,speculatinguponthechancesofanearlymarriageforher,anxiousforherfuturetobesettledassoonaspossible.ShefeltparticularlyresentfultowardsMark,forheatleasthadassumedaverydifferentattitude,andshehadalreadycometoregardhimassomethingofanallyandarefugewhenlifebecametoocomplicated.Shecouldn'thelplikinghiminspiteofhersenseofobligationtowardshim.Hehadalwaysbeensokindandneverstressedherdependenceonhimmorethanhecouldhelp.

Ginaturnedherpillowoverandthumpeditimpatiently.Apersonwhowassonaturaltocryuponcouldn'tbeanenemy,shereflectedunhappily.Thereweresofewpeopletowhomyoucouldrevealyourweakerselfwithimpunity,thatthisfactalonemustformabondbetweenthem.

SheglancedatEvan'scardlyingontheeiderdownwhereJuliehaddroppedit,andreadagainthemessagescrawledabovehisname:"TakecareofthepoorheadandmakesureofbeingfitforNewYear'sEve—I'mhavingatleasteightdanceswithyou."

Shesmiled.DearEvan!Whatadarlinghewas!Shethoughtofhisyounggoldenbeautyandlayverystill.Ifheshouldaskher,itshouldn'tbedifficulttobeinlovewithEvan.Ifheshouldaskher....

Shecamedownstairsearly,andfoundSebastianatthepiano.

"Hullo,Ginny!Howdoyoufeel?"he'asked.

"Oh,nottoobad.Abittenderintheskull,"sheanswered,andswungherselfintoherfavouritepositiononthepiano."Everyonebrightandhappydownhere?"

"Absolutelytranslucent,"grinnedSebastian,breakingintosugaryarpeggios."Julie'sbeenwalkingonaireversincetheNapierscalled.Afterallthefusses,she'sgotaGaletothankforthat!SheandVictorhavebeenlookingliketurtle-dovesallday."

"I'dgivealottoknowifthey'llmarry,"Ginasaidslowly."Idon'tthinkJulieoughttomarrytheSwann."

"Whynot?"

"Oh—Idon'tthinkshecanrealizecertainthingsabouthim."

"Well,that'sherlook-out.Ishouldhavethoughthewasfairlyobvious."

"Shecan'tknow."

"Can'tknowwhat?"

"Oh—justcertainthings."

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"What'sthematter,Ginny?Youlookasthoughyou'veseenaghost!"hesaid,andshegaveherselfalittleshake.

"DoI?Witch-like,Isuppose,"shesaidwithashortlaugh."Sebastian,Juliethinksit'stimeIgotmarried."

"Married?You?"Sebastiangaveagnomishchuckle,andperformedaflourishinthetreble."MypoorGinny,you'renotadult!"

"Onecan'tgoonbeingadolescentforever,"saidGinainaqueerlittlevoice."Ibecameadultquitethreemonthsago.Itisn'tabitpleasant,Iassureyou.I'mofamarriage-ableage.I'mnearlytwenty."

Hestoppedplayingandstaredather."Well,supposingyouare—whoistheretomarry?"hedemandedatlast,

Sheshrugged."Noone."

Hethoughtforamoment."Youdon'tthinkyou'reinlovewithEvanHunter,doyou?"hesaidincredulously.

"Idon'tthinkI'minlovewithanyone,"sherepliedfrankly"Butit'ssomethingatleasttobeattractedbythemanyoumarry."

"Thenyouarethinkingofmarryinghim?"

"Hehasn'taskedme.Buthe'sclearlyJulie'schoice."

"Rubbish!"SebastianbegantoplayPaupers'Paradefiercely."Didn'tItellyoubeforethatyouwon'tattractveryyoungmen?"

"ButIdoattractEvan,"saidGinameekly.

"Foramoment,becauseheseesyoulookingcleanandtidysuddenly,butthatwon'tlast.TheSprat'shismark."

"Well,I'vegottomarrysomeone."

"Don'tbeinsuchahurry.WhenIcomedownfromOxford,we'llsetuphousetogether,andberidofthewholebunchofthem.That'sthebestthingforyou,darling."

III

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Thecoldweatherheld.Everypondinthedistrictwasfrozenhard,andskatingpartiestookplaceeveryday.

Gina,completelyrecovered,spentallhertimeontheicewithEvanandSebastianasconstantcompanions.ItbecameEvan'sprincipalaiminlifetogiveSebastiantheslip,sothathemighthaveGinatohimself,andhebecamequitecleveratdepositingherbrothersafelyatonepond,whilehequietlycarriedherawaytoanother.ButSebastianwasnottheonlypersonhehadtocontendwith.Ginabecamesuddenlypopularbyreasonofherskatingexcellence,andshewasmuchindemandasapartner.

ThencametheeveningofthePratts'dance.

ThePrattshadcertainlydonethingsinstyle.

"Itlookslikeafilmstar'swedding,"murmuredPhilippa,astheymountedthestairstoshakehandswiththeirhostandhostess.

Therewerehot-houseflowersbankedhighineverypossibleplace,theirstrong,sicklyscentalreadybecomingslightlyoverpowering.Afirst-classbandwasplayingintheballroom,andthecrushofpeoplewasterrific.

Nancy,standingbesideherparents,lookedaslovelyasaface-creamadvertisement.Herwhitefluffyfrockwasnewandexpensive,andsheeyedherfeminineguestswithpleasureassherecognizedgownswornuponotheroccasions.ButGina,comingupthestairsinafrockoftawnyorganzawhichemphasizedtherichtonesofherhair,wasasuddenlydisturbingsight,sinceEvanwasincloseattendance.Nancyexperiencedtheunusualsensationthatherowndresswasobvious,thatGina'sjadenecklace,shoes,andbagwereclevertouches,andthatsheshouldherselfhaveworncolouredshoesinsteadofwhiteones,whichwouldgetdirtyafterafewdances.

Itwasdifficulttodancewithanypleasuresincetheroomwasmuchtoocrowded,andafterseveralattemptsEvanandGinagaveitup,andwentinsearchofaquietsitting-outplace.

"Well,Gina?"

"Well,Evan?"

Helaughed,thenlookedatherwithsuchundisguisedadmirationthatshesmiled.

"You'rewonderfulinthatfrock,"hetoldher."It'snew,isn'tit?"

Shenodded."Juliegaveittomeforthecharityball,butIwouldn'twaittillthentowearit."

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"Youknow,it'ssoqueertothinkthatyoulikeclothesasmuchasanyothergirl."

"Oh?Why?"

"Idon'tknow."Helaughedandlookedalittlesheepish."Iusedtothinkofyouasatomboy,I'mafraid.Youdidgrowupawfullysuddenly,Gina."

Shewassilentamoment,thenshesaidquietly,"Ineverhadverynicethingsbefore.Youcan'tbefemininewhenyou'restilltreatedlikeaschoolgirl."

"PoorlittleGinny!Butthat'sallovernow,isn'tit?Someone'sspreadthemselvesonclothesforyou."

"ThatwasJulie.Shemusthavespentalotofmoney.Idon'tfrightfullylikeit,butstill—IsupposeIamherresponsibility."

"Averysweetresponsibility.Iwish—"

"Evan—Ihaven'tapennytomyname,"shesaidquickly,andwonderedwhyshehadsaidit.

"Iknow."Helookedacrossather,hiseyesgentianblueandsuddenlyserious."Youlikemealittle,don'tyou,Gina?"

"Averygreatdeal."

"Thenmayn'tI—"

"Oh,Evan,don'tlet'sbeserious,"shesaidsuddenly."Anothertimewe'llsitandbeverygraveandthoughtful,buttonight—"Shebrokeoffandlookedathimwitheyesthatweresuddenlyverybright.

Heappearedalittlepuzzled."Butsometime,Ginadear,Iwanttotalktoyouseriously,"hesaid.

Shefeltasmallthrillofexcitementathiswords,andnotaltogetherunderstandingherownimpulsetoputhimoff,saidwithalittlelaugh:

"Asseriouslyasyoulike,Evandarling,butnotnow.Allthis"—shespreadoutherhands,indicatingthemassofflowerdecorationaroundthem—"besides,it'sNancy'sdance."

"What'sthatgottodowithit?"

"Idon'tknow,butyoumight.Comeandlet'sfindices."

Shejumpedupandtookhimbythehand,pullinghimtohisfeet.

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"You'remarvellous,"hesaidinarticulately,andflingingonearmroundherwaistwentwithhertowardsthedoor,whichopenedatthesamemomenttoadmitNancyandherpartner,whohappenedtobeVictor.

"Oh!"Nancywastakenoffherguard.Sheforgottopose,andherblueeyesfilledwithsuddentearsasshelookedatEvan,hisarmroundGina,bothofthemflushedandlaughing.

"Hullo,Nancy!"saidGinaalittleawkwardly."Yourdanceislovely."

Nancy'slittleairsandgracescamebacktoherwitharush,andshedimpledandtossedhercurls.

"I'msogladyou'reenjoyingit,Ginadear,"shesaidsweetly,thenturnedtoEvanreproachfully."Youhaven'taskedmeforadanceyet,Evan,andI'myourhostess,"shesaid.

Heflushedscarletandfumbledguiltilyforhisprogramme."Didn'tI?Mydear,I'msureImusthave,"hestammered,lookingextremelyuncomfortable."Isuppose—well,ofcourseyou'recompletelybookedupnow.I'mterriblydisappointed."

"I'msureyoumustbe.Butifyoureallywanttodancewithmeyoucanhavethisone.It'saboutallI'vegotleft."Shetookhisarmwithasmallproprietarygesture,andsmiledatVictor."I'msorry,Mr.Swann.PerhapsGinawillsitoutwithyou.She'srathergoodatit.Don'tforget,Gina,everyone'stobeintheballroomattwelveo'clock.There'saNewYearsurprise."

ShelefttheroomwithEvan,andVictorstoodgrinningdownatGina.

"Shame,Gina!Snatchingthepoorlittlegirl'syoungman,"hesaidponderously."Ishouldneverhavethoughtyouhaditinyou.NowonderlittleNancydoesn'tloveyou."

"Shallwegobacktotheballroom?"askedGinastiffly.

"Where'syourhurry?"hereturned,plantinghimselfinthedoorway."What'swrongwithhavingalittlerestuphere?It'shotdownstairswithallthosepeopleandflowersandcentralheating."

"Verywell."Shesatdownatonceandstaredinfrontofher.

"Oh,come!Youmightmakeyourselfalittlepleasant,"heprotested."YoulookedunbendingenoughwithyoungHunterwhenwecamein.Ibetyoudidn'tmindakissortwofromhim."

"I'mnotinthehabitofkissingmenatall,"saidGinaicily.

"Ithoughtnot.Thesoonerthatstateofaffairsisremedied,thebetter,mydear.I'mnotreallyrepulsive,youknow."

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Beforeshehadtimetoresist,hehadpulledhertoherfeetandhadkissedherswiftlyonthelips.

"There!Thatwasn'tsobad,wasit?"hesaidwithquitegenuineconcern.

Shestoodlookingathim,draggingthebackofherhandacrosshermouth."Ithinkyou'rethemostloathesomeindividualI'veeverhadthemisfortunetomeet,"shesaidinaclear,bitingvoice.

Acuriousexpressionpassedacrosshisfloridface."Youlookgrandinatemper,Red-Head!"hesaid,quiteun-disturbed,andsheranoutoftheroomandlefthim.

Asshewentdownthestairs,theheavyatmosphererosetomeetherinstupefyingclouds.Thescentoftheflowersmadeherfeelalittlefaint.ShefoundSebastianlookinglostandillateaseinhisnewtail-coat,andsaidurgently:

"Beadear,andcomebackinthecarwithme,andthenbringitbackhere.I'mdyingtogohome."

"Feelingqueer?"

"Abit.It'sthisghastlyatmosphereand—"ShehadasuddenquiteunaccountableimpressionofMarkleftaloneinthehouse,whiletheyallenjoyedthemselvesathisexpense.

"Rightyouare,Ginny!I'mboredtotearsmyself.Ithinkit'sagod-awfulparty,butthenInevercouldbeardances.Comeon."

Sebastian,delighted,pushedhiswaythroughthecrowd,andGinamanagedtofetchhercoatwithoutbeingtooconspicuous,andtheyescapedunobtrusivelyintothefrostynight.Ithadbeguntosnow'againsincetheyhadfirstarrived,andthesoftflakesstungtheirhotfaceswithanicytouchastheylookedfortheircar.Theyextricateditfromtheotherswithsomedifficulty,thenGinatookthewheelandtheyturnedtheirbackshappilyuponthePrattmansion.

IV

Markdidn'thearthefrontdooropenandclose.Itwasthesoundofhisowndoor-handleturningwhichmadehimlookupfromhisbooktoseeGinastandingonthe

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threshold.

"Backalready?"heexclaimed,glancingathiswatch."Why,itisn'televenyet!"

Shestoodtherelookingathimwithacuriousexpressiononherface.

"Areyou'alone?Wherearetheothers?"

"Yes,I'malone.Doyoumind?Sebastiantookthecarback,"shesaidslowly.Shecameintotheroom,shuttingthedoorquietlybehindher,andwentovertothefire."Mayn'tIhaveapartywithyou?"sheaskedmeekly.

"Ofcourse,mydear.I'mdelightedtohaveyou.Butweren'tyouenjoyingyourself?"hesaid,looking'alittlepuzzled.

"Notverymuch.Besides,we'dleftyouhereallalone."

"Wasthatyourreasonforreturning?"

"Partly.NooneshouldbealoneonNewYear'sNight."Shekneltdownontherug,andheramberskirtsbilloweddelicatelyaroundher.

Hestoodwatchingher,tryingtoreadhergravelittleprofile."Thatwasperfectlycharmingofyou,"hesaidthen."Butyou'refullofcharminggesturestowardsme,Gina."

Shesmiled."Notalways."Sheturnedround'abruptlytofacehim,thecornersofhermouthtiltedinsuddensweetness."Iamfriends,Mark,"shesaid,andwaitedalittleexpectantly.

"Blessyou,youfunnychild!"hesaidaffectionately,'andpulledachairupclosetoher."Isupposeyou'veleftshoalsofdisconsolateyoungmenbehindyou."

"Notshoals,"shesaid,andtossedhimherprogramme.

Heraisedhiseyebrowsinterrogativelyashelookedatit.Therewereafewillegibleinitialsattheend,butEvan'ssignaturewasscrawledrightacrossthefirsthalf.

"Didyouquarrel?Isthatwhyyoucamehome?"heasked,andtherewasaslightstraininhisvoicewhichshedidn'tnotice.

Shelaughed,andshookherglowinghead."No.Itoldyouoneofthereasons.Well—?Aren'tyougoingtoaskmeifI'mgoingtomarryEvan?Everyonedoes."

"MeaningJulie?"

Shenodded,andwatchedhimalittleanxiously.

"MayIaskyouifyoulovehim?"Marksaiddiffidently.

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Hergreeneyesnarrowedwithsuddenmirth."Oh,Mark,youarepriceless!"shecried."Noonehasbothereduptillnowtoinquireintothatsideoftheaffair,andiftheydid,I'msuretheywouldn'thaveyourfinerfeelings."

Mark,wonderingifhehadbeenratherpompous,saidseriously,"Butnoonehasarighttopry,Ginadear.Thatsortofconfidenceshouldbegivenfreelyornotatall."

"Howniceyouare!Well,whatdoyouwantmetotellyou?ThatI'mdeliriouslyinlovewithEvan?"

"Areyou?"hesaid,evadingherquestion.

Shethoughtamoment,thengaveaslightshrug."Idon'tknow.No—notdeliriously.Butif—Idon'tknow."

"Hasheaskedyoutomarryhim?"

"No.Buthewantsto."

"Andyouwanttoaccepthim?"

"Well—I'vegottomarrysomebody,andEvanissoheavenlytolookat.Thatoughttobeagreathelpinmarriage."

"Nohelpatall,"herepliedshortly."Nowlistentome,Gina.Don'tletyourselfberushedintomarriagebecauseJuliewishesit.Shehaswrongideasaltogether.Besides,you'rebothveryyoung.Doyoureallythinkthatyoungmanwouldsatisfyyouforlong?"

"Well,ofcourse,that'stheonedoubt,"shesaidseriously."SebastianalwaystoldmethatIwouldn'tattractveryyoungmen,butIdon'tknow—it'sallverydifficult.ButMark"—sheturnedagravefacetowardshim—"Idoappreciatethatyoucan'tsupportmeforever."

"DidJulietellyouthattoo?"Therewasacuriousexpressioninhisgreyeyes.

"Sheneedn'treallyhavebothered,"Ginasaidalittleruefully."Ihaveplentyofperceptionreally."

"Fartoomuch,"heexclaimed,andtherewasanedgetohisvoice."Gina—"heleantforward,studyingherupturnedface"—can'tyoueverforgetthiswretchedassociationofmoneybetweenus?Iunderstandyoursensitivenessaboutit,andalthoughIthinkyouhaveaveryexaggeratedideaofthesituation,Ilikethatinyou.ButIoftenwishyouhadmoreofSebastian'scasualspirittowardsmoney."

"Perhapsthat'swhyI'mlikethis,"shesaidinalowvoice.

"Well,mydear,willyoupleaselistentomeveryseriouslywhenIaskyouneverto

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doanythingsoincrediblyfoolhardyastomarryanymanforthesakeofrelievingmeofwhatyouchoosetocallaburden.Payno'attentiontoJulie.Shedoesn'talwaysactforthebest.Doyouunderstand?"

Shenodded."Um.ButIdolikeEvan,anyhow."

Heleantbackinhischairagain."That'sanothermatter,ofcourse,"hesaidalittlewearily."Butifyou'rereallyserious,youmustwaituntilhehasfinishedwithCambridge.Histime'snearlyuptherenow,andhemustgetstartedproperlyinhisprofessionbeforehecanthinkofmarrying."

Shesatbackonherheelsinthecircleoffirelight,andlookedathimtenderly.

"You'readear,Judge,"shesaidslowly."AndtothinktherewasatimewhenIdidn'tlikeyou!"

"Soyouadmititnow!"

"Yes.ButIdidn'tknowyouthen.Ithinkyou'reafrightfullybigperson."Shebentforwardwithaswiftsuddenmovement,andtakingoneofhishands,broughtitimpulsivelytoherlips.Shefelthimtremble,thenstiffen,andshedrewbackalittleashamed."I'msorry,"shewhispered.

"Sorry!"Hisarminstinctivelywentroundhershoulders,andhepressedhertohimgently."Itoldyoubefore,Gina,youarefullofcharminggesturestowardsme."

Hejusttouchedthetopofherheadwithhislips,and,'asonthatfirstandonlyoccasion,sheflungherarmsroundhisnecklikeachild,andkissedhimback.Butthistime,nosoonerhadshedoneitthanshesprangtoherfeet,andwaveuponwaveofbrilliantcolourfloodedherface.Shethoughtshewouldneverstopblushing,andMark,afterwatchingalittlecuriously,hadtolaugh.

Totideoverherembarrassment,hesuggestedthattheyshouldhaveasupper-partybythefiretoseeintheNewYeartogether.

"Likelasttime—withchampagne?"shecriedwithpleasure.

"Withchampagne,youlittletippler!"hesaid,andtheywentouttothekitchenquarterstorummageforfood.

Alltheservantswereout,andtheymadehavocwithSweeny'sneatpantry,tryingtofindplatesandglasses.Ginalaidasmalltableinthestudy,whileMarkwentdowntothecellartofetchthewine.

Markuncorkedthechampagnewithaflourish,andtheysatdowntotheirsupper.GinahadlightedcandlesinoldGeorgiancandlesticks,'andhadevenfoundtheremainsoftheChristmascrackerswithwhichtomakethetablegay.Attwelveo'clocktheytoastedeachotheranddranktothecomingyear,whilethevillagebellssuddenlypealed

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outinthesnowynight.

"Allgoodthingstoyou,Gina!"Marksaid,raisinghisglass.

"Andtoyou,"shereplied."Ihopeyougetyourdearestwish."

Shethoughthelookedatheralittleoddlyovertherimofhisglass.

"Mydearestwishissoboundupwithyouthatitmaynotbewiseformetogetit,"hesaidcrypticallywhenhehaddrunkthetoast.

"Ifit'sanythingIcangiveyou,Mark"shebeganeagerly.

"Perhapsoneday,"hesaidwithasmile,andheldacrackerouttoher.

Byoneo'clock,Gina,curleduponthefloorbyMark'schair,haddroppedtosleep,herheadagainsthisknee.Heknewheoughttowakeherandsendheruptobed,butthepleasureofhavinghernearhimwastoogreat.Hesatwatchingthefirelightplayonthetumbledhairwhichhalfhidhersleepingface,andwonderedaboutthefuture.

Julie,cominginalittlelater,stoodinthedoorwayandtookinthescenewithaslowdeliberategaze.Shesawthepushed-backtable,withitsstillburningcandles,andthelitterofsoiledplatesandgaily-colouredcrackerpapers;Gina,abruptlyawakened,andstrugglingintoalessintimateposition;andJulie'smouthcurvedinasmilethatwasnotamused.

"Quitealittleparty,"shesaidwithadrawl,andcameintotheroom."PolRoger,too.Evidentlyanoccasion."

"Wouldn'tyoucalltheNewYearanoccasion?"askedMarkpleasantly,risingtohisfeet.

"Don'tyouthinkitwasalittleoddtogooffasyoudid,Ginadear?"shesaidsoftly,ignoringMarkandfixingherdarkeyesonherstepdaughter."Evanwaslookingforyoueverywhere,anditwasratherrudetothePratts."

"Theywouldn'tnotice,"mumbledGinauncomfortably.

Julieliftedoneshoulderdelicately."Ifyouweretired,mydear,youshouldhavegonestraighttobed.Youshouldn'thavekeptMarkuplikethis.ButI'msureyouneverthoughtaboutit,didyou?"

Shebecameawareofherbrother'ssteadygaze,andturnedtotheothers,whohadcomeinwithher."Weneedn'thavebothered,"shesaid."Ginacouldevidentlytakegoodcareofherself."

"Whataperfectlylovelyidea!"saidPhilippagaily."Wasityours,Mark?OfcoursetheyhadtoseetheNewYearintheproperstyle.Incidentally,ahappyNewYeartoyou

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both,"shesmiledatMarkandGina,whoreturnedhergreetingwithrelief.

GinawasconsciousofVictor'ssteadygaze,andpresentlyhesaidwithaslowsmile:

"Youlittledarkhorse,Gina!Ialwayssuspectedit."

Noone,fortunately,askedhimwhathemeant,andGinapretendednottohear.Sebastian,whowasalreadyeatinguptheremainsofatrifle,saidindignantly:

"Ifyou'dtoldmeyouandtheJudgeweregoingtoflingaparty,Iwouldn'thavegonebacktothatmonkey-house.Ofallsillypastimes,dancingtakestheprize!Itwasagodawfulshow!"

"Gina,runalongtobednow,"Juliesaid."Mark,youlooktired.Yououghttohavegonetobedlongago.Victor,willyougetyourselfandElliotawhiskyandsoda?—Phil—somelemonade?No?Wellthen,Ithinkbedforusall."

Havingdeftlydealtwithherentirehousehold,JuliegavealastglanceroundMark'sratherdebauched-lookingstudy,and,withsuddenlycompressedlips,ledthewayoutoftheroom.

CHAPTERX

I

DURINGthenextfewdays,JuliekeptcarefulwatchofallGina'sactions.ShehadbeenmuchdisturbedbywhatshehadwitnessedonNewYear'sNight.Shehadalways

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knownthatMarkwasmorethanordinarilyinterestedinthegirl,althoughshehadneverletherselfthinkhowdeephisinterestmightreallygo.ShewantedtogetGinamarried,butnottoMark.Shewasfondofherbrother,andherpossessiveinstinctreachedouttohimasithadtoGina'sfather.ThechildhadunconsciouslystoodbetweenDenisandherself.ShewouldneverconsciouslystandbetweenherselfandMark.InVictor'scaseshestilldeterminedtobeblind.Itwasnecessarytosaveherownpride.

ShewouldnevershowVictorthatshewasjealousofherownstepdaughter,and,solongasnooneelseknewitcither,shecaredlittlewhatGinamightsuffer.

JulieencouragedEvantocometothehouseasoftenasheliked.ShenevermadethemistakeofaskingGinahowtheaffairwasprogressing,butshegaveEvaneveryopportunity,knowingwellthatGinawouldnotappealtoallmen.

GinaallowedherselftobemonopolizedbyEvan,chieflytoescapetherenewedattentionsofSwann,who,sinceNewYear'sNight,hadfranklyreturnedtotheattack.HepesteredherwheneverMarkwasoutofsight,andmadeherlifeunbearableincountlesslittlesubtleways.TherewasagreatdealthatwassadisticinVictor,andwherehisowninterestwasarousedwithoutreciprocation,hisattentionshadaveinofcrueltyinthem.HewasbothirritatedandattractedbyGina'sfearofhim.HewasfindingJulie'sguestsasboringastheyfoundhim,andheconsideredGinaalittledevilwhoknewmorethanshepretended,whowasquitereadytoaccommodateMarkwhenshewouldn'taccommodatehim.Victorwasalwaysinsensitive.Itwasthecauseofhalfhisvulgarity.

OnJanuarythe4th,thedateofthecharityball,thethawstarted.

"Itwould,ofcourse,"said.Sebastian,cominginattea-timefromgivingtheSouthernBelleroadexercise."Theroadswillbelikeglasstonight.WeshallhaveajollydrivetoEastcliff."

"Andyouwon'tbeatthewheel,"saidMark,whowasjustleavingtheroom."YouandGinaaretheworstdriversIknow."

"Allright,wedon'tmind,"saidSebastiangood-temperedly,andflunghimselfintoachairwiththelatestdetectivestory.

Philippawanderedinandout,collectingherbelongings.Sheandherhusbandwereleavingtomorrow;Victorwasgoingintwodaystime.

"Iwishyouweren'tgoing,"saidGinadespondently.ShefoundPhilippa'spresenceinthehouseadistinctrelief.

"SodoI,mysweet.Butwecan'tstopforever,unfortunately,"shereplied."Howmanydancesareyougivingyourbeautonight,Gina?"

"D'youmeanEvan?"saidGinawithasmile."IsaidI'dtellhimwhenIgotthere."

"Howwise.Ibelieveyouhavetechniqueafterall."

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"What'sthat?"

"Don'tyouknow?Well,nevermind.Perhapsyouhaven't."

"WheredidElliotproposetoyou?"askedGinainterestedly.

Philippapausedinherwanderingsandclaspedawork-baskettoherbosomwithanecstaticgesture."Onanis-landinthemiddleofPiccadilly.Hehadacoldinhishead,"shesaidfondly.

"Ohno,Philippa!"Ginalookeddisappointed."Ithought'atleastaconservatoryandmusicoff."

"Darling,youhavesuchold-fashionedideas.Eveninmyyoungdays—"

"Well,I'veonlyhadoneproposalinmylife.Idon'tknowhowit'sdone,"saidGinaconversationally.

"Andyou'reexpectinganothertonight—intheconservatory—withmusicoff?Whataheavenlyblush,Gina.Youareold-fashioned!"Philippaexclaimed."Areyougoingtoaccepthim?Dotellme—justme."

"Iprobablywon'tbegivenachance,"Ginareplied.

Theywentoffintwocars,watchedgleefullyfromthefrontdoorbySebastian,whohadflatlyrefusedtofaceanotherdance.Theroadswereverybad,andMarkintheleadingcardrovecarefully.Presently,tiredofasteadypace,Victor'sBentleyroaredpast,andtherearlightwassoonseenfastdisappearingonahead.

"Iwishhewouldn'tplaythefoolwhentheroadsarelikethis,"Marksaidirritably."Heoughttorememberhe'sgotJuliewithhim."

GinadancedprincipallywithEvan,whowasoneoftheirparty,andPhilippa,whosatoutagooddealwithMark,watchedthemwithinterest.

"AreGinaandyoungHuntergoingtomakeamatchofit?"ElliotCareyaskedonce,andMarksaidquickly:

"Whyshouldyouthinkso?"

"Well,Ishouldhavethoughtitwasprettyobvious.He'sbeenhangingroundmostdevotedlyallthetimewe'vebeenhere,andshelooksasifshelikeshimallright."

"Ithinkitwouldbeaverysuitablematch,"Juliesaidcomposedly."OfcourseEvanwouldhavetowaituntilhecamedownfromCambridge,butthatwon'tbelongnow."

"Areyouserious,Julie?"askedMark.

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"But,Mark,youalwaysknewIhopedtheywouldmarry,"saidJuliegently."Evanwillhavemoneyeventually,andtheHuntersareverynicepeople.Ginaisn'teverybody'schoice,youknow."

"Ithinkshe'sdamnedattractive,"saidCareyfrankly."ThatPrattgirlcan'tholdacandletoher,inspiteofherlooks."

"Attractive?Gina?"exclaimedJuliewithrealsurprise."Yes,perhapssheisinaqueersortofway.ButIrepeat,sheisn'teverybody'schoice."

Marksaidnothing,andPhilipparemarkedthoughtfully,"Ithinkperhapsit'sapitytopushherontoanyone'asyoungasEvanHunter.Ginastrikesmeasagirlwho'dbehappierwithsomeoneratherolder."

Julieglancedathersharply."Howabsurdyouare,Phil,"shesaidquickly."You'llsayshe'sagirlwhoneedsunderstandingnext."

"Yes,Ithinkshedoes,"saidPhilippaquietly,andMarkgotupwithanabruptimpatientgestureandwalkedawaytothebar.

"Julie,you'reratherfoolish,mydear,"Philippasaidsoftly.

"Whatdoyoumean?"

"You'reafraidofMarkmarryingGina,aren'tyou?"

"Phil!"Juliepreparedtobluster,thengaveinwithashrug."Yes,IsupposeIam,"shesaid."Mark'sattheagewhenheoughttomarry.Forsomanyyearshecouldn'taffordto,andwhenhecouldhedidn'twantto.Imaynotalwayskeephouseforhim.Heoughttomarry,butnotGina.Whathappinesswouldhefindthere?"

"Mydear,whatrighthaveyoutopresumehewouldn'tbehappywithGina?"Philippaasked."Ithinktheywouldbothbehappy,whichisbetterthanonlyMarkbeinghappy,don'tyouthink?It'sfoolishtoletyourowndislikeblindyoutoeverythingelse."

"Itisn'tpuredislike,"Juliereturned."Butitwouldn'tbesuitable,Phil.MarkisyearsolderthanGina—he'sadifferentgeneration.Shecouldn'tsatisfyhim."

"Youdon'tlookveryfar,Julie,oryou'dhaveseenthatGinaismuchnearerMark'sgenerationthanherown."

Julieflashedheratroubledlook."Iwonderifthat'strue,"shesaidalmostunderherbreath,thenaddeddefiantly,"Anyway,there'sEvantocontendwith."

"Perhaps,"saidPhilippa,smilingalittlecryptically."ButyoumakeagreatmistakeintakingtheattitudeyoudowithMark.There'ssuchathingasputtingideasintoaperson'shead,youknow."ShewatchedJuliealittlemischievouslyoutofthetailofher

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eye,andwasamusedtoseeherbiteherlipshard.PoorJulie,shethoughtcompassionately.Shewassomuchherownenemy.

II

GinahaddancedeightconsecutivedanceswithEvan,withoutbeingawarethatshehadcuttwoshehadpromisedtositoutwithMark.

Shewas,forthemoment,blissfullyhappywithEvan,onlyawarethattheirstepsmatchedperfectly,theirdancingwasnotmarredbytrivialconversation,andhisyoungfacesonearherownwashandsomerthanever.Sheknewthatlaterhewouldtakehersomewherequiettositout,andthenofcoursehewouldpropose,ashesonearlyhadonNewYear'sEve.Shewasunconsciouslywhippingherselfintoastateofexpectation,andwhenatlasthesaidquietly,"Shallwegoandsitdownnow?"shefeltsuddenlydeliriouslynervous.

Theyfoundaquietcornerawayfromtheballroom,andlookingdownthecorridor,Ginaspiedasmallconservatory.

"Oh!"Shegavealittlegasp,thenseizedEvan'shand."Willyou—doyoumindifwegointhere?"sheasked.

"It'llbeabithot,won'tit?Butjustasyoulike,"hereturned,andtheywentinsideandsatdownontwohardlittlechairsamongsomedustyferns.Theycouldjusthearthehandplayinginthedistance,andsuddenlyfeltveryshyandalone.

"Areyouenjoyingit?"askedEvan.

"Yes.Areyou?"

"Yes.Toomanypeople."

"Notuphere."

"No,butwe'llhavetogoback.Gina—IwishIcouldhaveyouquitealonealltomyself.Ihateothermenlookingatyou."

"DarlingEvan,why?"

"Youknowwhy."

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"DoI?"

"Ofcourseyoudo.Gina—IwantedtotellyouonNewYear'sEve,butyouwouldn'tletme,andthenyouranawaybecauseIhadtogooffanddancewithNancy."

Ginaburstintoapealoflaughter."Oh,Evan!DidyoureallythinkthatwaswhyIwenthome?"

"Well,wasn'tit?"heaskedsimply.

"No—ofcoursenot.Howsillyyouare!"shesaid,andknewinstantlyitwasthewronganswer.

"Oh!Ithoughtyouhadmindedthat."

"ShouldIhave?"sheinquired,andrealizedthathewasyoungenoughtohavewantedhertobejealousofNancy."I'msorry,Evan,butthatreallywasn'tthereason."

"Oh!"hesaidagain,andseemedatalosshowtoproceed.

"YouknowIshallhequitedecentlyoff—Imean,when

theoldbirdsgo"heburstoutsuddenly."Well,you

know,Gina,Ihaveprospectsandallthat."

"Evan,whydon'tyousayitstraightout?"shesaidaffectionately,andlookedathim,hergreeneyesaslant.

Hegavealittleself-consciouslaughandsaid,"IfyouknowwhatTwant,can'tyouhelpmeout?"

"You'resofrightfullymodernaboutit."Shesighedandlookedroundattheferns.

"Oh,well,it'ssodifficult—Gina—oh,darling,you'resolovely,Ican'treallythinkofanythingelse,"hecriedsuddenly."Iloveyou,Gina.Iloveyouterribly.Darling—"

Hepulledhertoherfeet,anddraggedherintohisarmswitharough,boyishgesture.Sheyieldedtohimwithoutastruggleandfelthiswarmyounglipspressedhardtohers.

Longbeforehereleasedhersheknewshecouldneverlovehim,andshewasconsciousofafloodofbitterdisappointment.Automaticallyshereturnedhiskiss,and,asshedidso,sherememberedwithavividsenseofshockthekissshehadgiventoMarkonNewYear'sEve.

"Darling...youdoloveme...mydear...mydearest..."Evanwasmurmuring

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aboveherhead,andshepushedhimaway."Gina,you'reshy!"heexclaimed.Hiseyeswereveryblueinhisflushedface,andhebegantostraightenhistiealittlenervously"DoIhavetointer-viewMrs.GaleorProctor?Mrs.Gale,Isuppose—Darling,wewon'tbeabletobemarriedforsometime.Shallyoumind?"

"Evan—listen."

Shefeltherselfbegintoshake.Thiswashorrible!Howdidonemanagetogettoanemotionalpitchofthiskindwhenallthetimeitcouldleadtonothing?

"Thisisallamistake.Youmustn'tgoon."

"Amistake?Whatonearthdoyoumean,darling?"Hesoundedincredulous,almostamused.

"Evan—Idon'tloveyou—notenoughtomarryyou,"shesaidbravely.

Helookedbewildered,thenhorrified."Doyoumeantotellmethatyounevermeantathingallthistime?"hecried."Thatyouledmeonjustforthefunofseeingmemakeafoolofmyself?"

"No,no.Iwasseriousallthetime—untilthisverymomentIthinkIwantedtomarryyou.Butcan'tyouunderstandhowdifficultitistoknowwhenoneisjustrunningroundtogether?"shepleaded.

"No,"hereturnedharshly."Ican't.Iknew—allthetime."

"Butyouweresure.That'sthewholething.Iwasneversure,andIwantedtofindout.If—ifyou'dkissedmebefore,Evan,Iwouldhaveknown."

"Isthatallyouwanted?Theusualkissingandmessingabout?Ithoughtyouweredifferent."

"Please—youmusttryandbelievethatI'mloathingallthis.Ihatetoletyoudown.1.likeyouterribly,butthatisn'tenoughformarriage.Ithoughtquitehonestlythat.ICouldeasilyfallinlovewithyou,butIknownowIcouldn't.Surelyit'smuchbettertosayso?"

"Ifyoucouldonlyhaveknownbefore—"

Inthemidstofherdistress,Ginaalmostsmiled.Hewassoyoung.Hispridewashurt,almostmorethanhisheart.

"I'mtoooldforyou,really,"shesaidinvoluntarily,butheonlystaredatherstupidly.

"Listen,Evan,"shesaidgently."I'veeveryreasonbutoneformarryingyou.Juliewishesitandwouldhavemadethingseasyforus.IbadlywanttorelieveMarkofmykeep,soIwaswillingenough,andIlikeyouenormously.Itwouldhavebeenquiteeasy

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tohaveacceptedyouandletyouthinkIlovedyou,butitwouldn'thavebeenhonest.Ilikeyoutoomuchtomakeuseofyou.Wouldn'tyoureallyratherhaveitthisway?"

Hewassilent,lookingawayfromher,wretchedandembarrassed."Idon'tknow—Idon'tknow,"hesaidmiserably.

"Youwereattractedtomemuchtoosuddenly,"shewentonearnestly."ItwasonlybecauseI'dgrownup,andlookedmorepresentable.Me—therealmewasalwaysthere,butyoudidn'tfindittillIhadsomeprettyclothes.Soyousee,Idon'tthinkIwouldnecessarilyalwaysattractyou.LateronyouwouldpreferpeoplelikeNancyPratt—"

"LeaveNancyalone,"hesaidwithaviolencethatstartledher."She'saverynicegirl."

"Very,"saidGina,feelingalittledazed.

"Youalwayshadadownonher.Isupposeyouwerejealous,tillIturnedherdownforyou."

"Didyouturnherdownforme?"

"Well,notexactly,butifyouhadn'tcroppedupwhenyoudid—"

Ginagigglednervously."Itsoundslikeaweedorsomething,"shesaid."I'mawfullysorry,Evan.Iseemtohavebeenabitofanerrorallround."Shehadaterriblefeelingthatshewasgoingtoburstoutlaughing,andheronedesirewastogetoutofthestuffyconservatory,andawayfromEvan.

"Nancy'sveryfondofyou,"shesaidirrelevantly."Evan,I'mterriblysorryaboutallthis.Pleaseforgivemefor—forleadingyouon.Ididn'tmeanittobejustthat.I—IthinkI'llgonow.G-good-bye."

Shelefthimabruptlyandfleddownthecorridor,andintotheladies'cloak-room,whereshelaughedoutloud,longandhysterically.

"Somuchformybeautifulconservatoryproposal!"shegaspedtoherreflectioninthemirror,"AnislandinPiccadillywouldhavebeenfarbetter!"

III

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Ginawentbacktoherownparty.Thiswasgoingtoberatherawkward,sinceEvanwasoneoftheirnumber,butatpresenthewasnowheretobeseen.JuliewasdancingwithVictor,andasGinasatdownbesideMark,theCareysmovedawaytogether.

"WhathaveyoudonewithyoungHunter?"Markaskedalittleshortly.

"Oh,he'ssomewhereabout,"saidGinauncomfortably.Markwaslookingrathersevere,andshefeltunaccountablyshyofhim.

Theywatchedthedancinginsilenceforalittlewhile,thenMarksaid:

"JulieandtheCareyswanttogoearly.You'llbeallrightwithEvanandSwann,onlydon'tlethimscorchonthoseroads."

Ginaturnedadismayedfacetohim."MetogobackwiththeSwannandEvan?"sheexclaimed."Oh,Mark,Icouldn't.I'llcomewithyou."

"I'mafraidtherewon'tberoom.Weshallbesixasitis,andwe'retakingbacktheNeills.Why?HaveyouquarreledwithEvan?"

"Notexactly."Shelookedunhappy,buthewasn'tgoingtogiveheranyhelp."Mustyougoearly?Aren'tyouenjoyingit?"

Heglancedatheralittlecuriously."Notparticularly.Butifyouremember,Inevermuchwantedtocome.Ithinkitwasyouwhopersuadedme."Therewassome-thinginhisvoicethatshedidn'tquiteunderstand,andhesaidwithasmile,"Youtoldmethatyouconsideredsit-ting-outtobehalfthefun.Anyway,youseemtoenjoyit."

Thebloodrushedtohercheeks,andshedivedforherprogramme."Ourdances!"sheexclaimed."HaveIcutRem?"

"Onlyfour,"hesaiddryly.

"Oh!"

Shewasterriblydistressed.Markhadcometonightprincipallybecauseshehadaskedhimto.Sherememberedhimsaying:"WillyousitoutwithmeifIdo?"Andherquickreply:"I'dsitouteverydancewithyouifitwouldgiveyoupleasure."

"I'mterriblysorry!Iforgotallaboutit,trulyIdid."

"Obviously!"

"Imean,Ididn'tcutthemonpurpose.Ijustforgot."

"Youwereverymuchotherwiseengaged,weren'tyou,Gina?"hesaidkindly,butthewordsstungher,soreasshealreadywas."Nevermind,mydear.Whenyou'reoutofthingsasmuchasIhavetobe,youbecomeresignedtobeingpassedoverinthe

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end."

Shediscoveredforthefirsttimethathecouldhurther.Shesatbesidehimmiserablysilent,longingtoburstintotears.Hemadenofurtherefforttohelpherout,andtheysatspeechlessuntilsomeonecameandaskedherforadance.

Itwasnearlyoneo'clockwhenMarkcametofindhertosaytheyweregoing.

"Swann'squitereadytogohimself,"hetoldher,"soyouwon'tbelongafterus.Ican'tfindEvan,butwillyoutellhim?"

NeithercouldGinafindEvan,andfinallysheranintoVictor,whosaidcasually:

"Hunterwentabouthalfanhourago.ThePrattsgavehimalift."

"Thenthere'sjustyouandmeleft?"

"Justthetwoofus.We'llhaveanicelittlerunhomeallonourown,"hesaidpleasantly.

Ginafeltwretched.Everythinghadgonewrongtonight,andshedidn'tlookforwardtoalongdrivewithVictorassolecompanion.

"Whendoyouwanttostart?"sheasked.

"Oh,there'snohurry.Comeandhaveadancefirst.I'vehardlyseenyoualltheevening.Sotakenupwiththathandsomeyoungfellow,weren'tyou?Andwhat,mightoneask,ishedoinggoinghomewiththelovelyMissPrattandleavinghispoorlittlepartnertothetendermerciesoftheogre?"

"Oh,don'tbesillierthanyoucanhelp,"saidGinawearily,andpreparedtodancewithhim.

Whenthemusicstopped,hesaidtheymightthinkaboutgoing.

"Yourunalongandgetyourthings,andwaitformeinthelounge.I'mgoingtohaveaquickonebeforewego."

"Thebarwillbeclosed.It'safterhours,"Ginasaid.Hehadalreadyhadasmuchaswasgoodforhim.

"Don'tyouworry,mydear.Bye-bye—seeyoulater."

Shehadbeensittinginthedraughtyloungefornearlyhalfanhourwhenhefinallyappeared,nottoosteadyonhislegs,andhisarmthroughthatofastrangeman.

"ThisisoldBingoBanks,"hesaidexpansively."Wekneweachotherintheolddays.Fancymeetinghimhere!Wehadsometimestogether,didn'twe,Bingo,old

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man?"

"Goodtimes,oldboy,"saidMr.Bankssolemnly.

"SwannyisoneofthebestMiss—Miss—yes,wellasIwassaying,oldboy—"

Theystoodtalkingaimlesslyaboutolddays,andslappingeachotherontheback.IteventuallyappearedthattheyweretogiveMr.Banksaliftontheway.HewasstayingatasmallhotelbetweenEastcliffandWesthamStreet,andhadgotseparatedfromtherestofhisparty.TheyallthreepackedintothefrontseatsoftheBentley,Ginasqueezedbetweenthetwomen.

Theroadswereslippery,andVictor,drivingwithhisusualdashingcarelessness,hadmanyskidswhichsentGina'sheartintohermonth.Finallyshebecameresigned.iftheyweregoingtobekilled,theywouldbe,and,any-

way,itwasafittingendtotheevening.

TheyarrivedwithoutmishapatMr.Banks'hotel,andinvitedthemin.

"Justanotherlittledrinktocheeryouonyourway.Gotplentyupstairs,"hesaidpersuasively.

"Idon'tthink—"beganGina,butVictorcuthershort.

"Oh,comeon,Gina.Wewon'tbelong.Icoulddowithsomething."

Ginagotoutofthecarwithresignation,andfollowedthetwomenin.

Theplacewasindarkness,andwhenMr.Banksfumbledforthelights,shesawthatitwasasmallcountryhotelofthesportingtype.Everythingwasveryplainandugly,andthewallswerehungwiththemasksandbrushesoffoxes,andstuffedfishinglasscases.

Ginasatdownononeoftheredplushchairs."I'llwaitforyouhere,"shesaid.

"Ohno,thatwouldn'tdoatall,"saidMr.Banksinscandalizedaccents."Supposinganyonecamedown,andfoundyousittingallaloneinthehallathalf-pastone!Thatwouldneverdo,oldboy—MissGale,Imean."

Throughpastexperiencewithherfather,Ginahadlongagolearntthatitwaseasiertoagreewithaslightlydrunkmanthantoargue,soshegotupagain,andfollowedthemupthedarkstairs.

Mr.Bankshadasmallprivatesitting-roomwithabed-roomopeningoff,andhereagaineverythingwasveryplainandugly.

"Sorrythere'snofire—bitlateyouknow,"heapologized.Allhisglassesappeared

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tobedirtyandstoodinasordidcollectiononthesideboardwithvariousemptybottles.Butheeventuallyunearthedsometumblersandabottleofwhisky,andtheysatdownonmoreredplushchairs.

Victorwasjustbeginningtoenjoyhimself.Gina'sreluctanceenchantedhim.Hecouldbaitherasmuchasheliked;shecouldn'trunawayfromhimnow.

"Enjoyingyourself,Gina?"heaskedher.

"Notparticularly,"shesaidshortly.

"Oh!How'sthat?WithtwoattentiveadmirerslikeBingoandmyselfatyourdisposal.Perhapsyou'rehankeringafteryourdefaultingyoungman?"

Ginasaidnothing.

"Sulkynow!Thatwasalwaysyourpetdefence.Well,youmustn'tbeasulkygirlwithme.Idon'tlikeit,andImighthavetopunishyouforit."

Forthefirsttimeshelookedafraid.Victorsawitandsettleddowntohisgame.

"I'mratherfondofourlittlefriend,"hesaidtoMr.Banksandspeakingwithalcoholicsolemnity."Andsheshouldbefondofme,butforsomereasonsheprefersmygoodhost.DidyouhaveajollypartyallalonewithProctorNewYear'sEve,Gina?Itwasjustaboutthishourtoo,andnooneinthehousebutyourselves."

"Isn'tittimewestartedback?"saidGinaquietly.

"Notsofast,mydear.Youwon'tgetoutofitthatway.ImustsayIfeltveryhurtthatyoushouldfavourProctorwhenyoupretendedtomethatyoucouldn'tbetouched.However,that'sallchangednow,isn'tit?Thisisagoodopportunitytomakeupourdifferences.Bingo,mydearchap,Iknowyouwouldliketobethemeansofbringingustogetheragain."Hewinkedathisfriend,whoeverreadytooblige,mistookthesignal,andrisingunsteadilytohisfeetsaid:

"Delighted,mydearoldboy."Hetuckedthebottleofwhiskyunderhisarm,andlefttheroomwithaparting,"Seeyoulater!"

AsGinasprangtoherfeet,sheheardthekeyturninthelock."Whatdidhedothatfor?"shecriedwildly.

Victorwatchedhercuriously."Hewasalittlequickinanticipatingmydesires,"hesaid."Itmustbeamisplacedsenseofhumourwhichmadehimlockthedoor.Nowweshallhavetostayheretillheletsusout."

"Well,we'dbettersitdownquietlyandwaittillyourimbecilefriendchoosestocomeback,"shesaidascalmlyasshecould.

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Heplacedbothhandsonthedoorjamb,barringherway.Heprobablyhadnoveryrealintentionofhurtingher,butheenjoyedfrighteningher.

"Itseemsapitytowasteourtimesittingdownquietly,"hesaidslowly."Don'tyouthinkwecouldputittoabetteruse?"

Shebackedawayfromhim."Victor,ifyoutouchme—"shebegandesperately.

"Well?IfItouchedyou,whatwouldyoudo—alonewithmeinastrangehotelathalf-pastoneinthemorning?"hesaidconversationally.

Sheputbothhandsuptoher'achinghead."Oh,God,whatamItodo?"shesaid.

"I'lltellyou,shallI?JustbealittlebitnicetopooroldVictor,andthenwe'llallbefriends,"hesaid,andmovedtowardsher.

IV

Sebastianwasstillup,finishingPhilippa'sthriller,whenMarkandtheothersgothome.JuliewastiredandwentstraightuptobedwithPhilippa,whileMarkandCareyhaddrinksbeforetheyfinallyturnedin.Mark,however,eventuallydecidedtositupalittlelonger.HewasbeginningtoworryaboutVictor'sdrivingonthebadroadsandblaminghimselffornotinsistingthattheyallcamehometogether.

Itwasnearlyhalf-pastone,andMarksatdowntowait."Ihopethey'reallright,"hesaidseveraltimes,andattenminutestotwohegotupwithfinalityandannouncedthathewasgoingbacktomeetthem.

Withasigh,Sebastiantorehimselffromhisbook."Ithinkyou'rebatty,Judge.Theymayhavestoppedontilltheend,oranything.What'sthepointofsweatingallthatwayback?"hesaid,butMarkwasadamant.

"Swannsaidhewascomingatonce.Iknowhedidn'twanttostay—neitherdidGina.Idon'ttrusthisdrivingonthissortofnight,"hesaid,andwentouttofetchhiscoatandgloves.

"Well,ifyoumustgo,I'mcomingtoo,"Sebastiansaid,gettingtohisfeetandstretching."Allright,don'targue,Teacher,Imightbeuseful,andanyhowyou'llhavesome-onetotalkto."

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Markgotoutthecaragain,andhavinggoneupstairstowarnJuliewherehewasgoing,hestartedbackalongtheEastcliffroad.

"Theymighteasilybestrandedifthey'dhadasmash,"hesaid."There'snotmuchtrafficaboutatthishour."

"TheSwann'smuchmorelikelytobeengagingpoorGinnyinaflirtationthanlyinginpiecesinthehedge,"Sebastianremarked.

"Whydoyousaythat?"askedMarksharply."Oh,well,youmusthavenoticed,Mark.TheSwann'salwayspesteringGinny.Isupposeit'sgenerallywhenyouaren'taround,though."

"HasGinabeenseriouslyworriedbythatman?"

Sebastianshrugged."Oh,she'squitecapableofcoping,"hesaidcheerfully."Shedoesn'ttellmemuch.She'safraidI'llsockhimone."

Markdroveoninsilenceforalittleway,thenhesaidsuddenly,"I'vebeenanawfulfool."

"Why?"

"Ioughttohaveknown."

"But,Judge,youdon'tthink—"

"Idon'tknowwhattothink,"saidMarkbrusquely.

"Well,youknow,Ialwaysthoughttherewassomethingveryfishyaboutthatweek-endtheSwannwashere,andGinnyhadthatawfuldust-upwithJulie,"Sebastiansaid.

"Whatwasthatrowabout?"

"Ineverknew.Ithoughtperhapsshe'dtoldyou.Buttherewassomethingfishyaboutthatnightbeforeyoucameback.Ialwaysthoughtso."

"Whatdoyoumean?"

"Well,whenItookGinny'sbreakfasttoherinthemorningshe'dbarricadedherselfinwithachair.Shelookedlikedeathandsaidshehadn'tsleptawink."

"Whythehelldidn'tyoutellmethisatthetime?"saidMarkgrimly.

"Oh,well—Ididn'tknowanything.Thereseemedtobeenoughtroublealready,andIthoughtperhapsGinnymighthavetoldyou,anyway,"saidSebastianapologetically.

Theydrovenowincompletesilence,andsuddenlyMarkpulledupabruptlyand

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pointedtoacarstandinginfrontofasmallhotel.

"There'stheBentley,"hesaid,andthoughtrapidlyforamoment.

Thiswasgoingtoberatherawkward.Hecouldn'trousethehotel'anddemandalistofitsguests,butatthesametimehedidn'tbelievethatGinawouldhavewillinglyaccompaniedSwanntoalonelyhotelatthishourofthenight.Besides,wherewasEvan?

Atthatmomentalightappearedinoneofthedownstairsrooms,andMarkgotout,andwentandtappedonthewindow.Presentlyitwaspushedup,andaman'sfaceappeared,flushedandsurprised-looking.

"Hullo,oldboy!Whatdoyouwant?"heaskedaffably.Hewasclearlyratherdrunk.

"Isthereanybodyelseintherewithyou?"demandedMark.

"Oh,no—I'mquitealone—infactI'mverylonely,oldboy,ifthetruthwereknown,"saidMr.Bankspathetically.

"Youdon'thappentoknowwheretheoccupantsofthisBentleyare,then?"

"ThatBentley?Whyofcourse,oldboy.Itbroughtmehome."Mr.Banksbegantolaugh."Verygoodjokethat.They'reupstairs,andwhatd'youthink?Ilockedthemin."

"Idon'tknowwhatyou'retalkingabout,butdoyoumeanallthreeofthem?"saidMarkimpatiently.

"Three?Therewereonlytwo,oldboy,Isweartherewereonlytwo.SwannyandlittleMiss—Miss—"

"Gale?"

"Gale!That'sthename!Haughtylittlegirl—notmystyle.D'youknowher?"

"Nowlistentome,"saidMarkslowlyandimpressively."MissGaleisamemberofmyhousehold,andIamresponsibleforher.I'm.incidentallyalawyer,andifthere'sanytrouble,you'reforit.Willyoukindlycomeandletmeinwithoutanyfussandnoise,andexplainasclearlyasyoucanwhathashappened?"

Mr.Banks,suddenlyperceivingthedawnofamostunpleasantscandal,disappearedrapidlyfromthewindow,andinafewmomentshadunlockedthefrontdoor.Sebastian,whohadbeenlisteningwithhiseyesnearlyleavinghishead,preparedtofollowMarkin,buthewastoldcurtlytowaitoutside.

"Now,"saidMark.

Mr.Banksexplained,aswellashewas'able,protestingmanytimesthathehad

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noideawhoGinawas.HehadtakenherforoneofSwann'smanyattachments.

"Allright.Nowkeepquiet,andgivemethekey.Thisthinghasgottobedealtwithwithoutascandal.Whichroomisit?"

"Firstontheleftatthetopofthestairs,"saidMr.Banks,andsatdownmiserablytowait.

Marktookthekeyand,feelingslightlysick,wentquietlyupthestairs.

Whenhefirstunlockedthedoor,hethoughttheroomwasempty,thenhesawVictorsittingsulkilyinacorner.

"Where'sGina?"heasked.

Victornoddedtowardsthebedroom."She'sinthere.Won'tcomeout,"hesaidautomatically,thensuddenlyrealizingwhoMarkwas,hegottohisfeetunsteadily,andwentratherwhite.

Thebedroomdoorwasflungopen,andGinastoodonthethreshold.Herhairwaswild,andshehadevidentlybeenweepingviolently.ShestaredatMarkindismay.Sheclearlyhadnotexpectedtoseehim,andherhandswentuptohermouth.Shewasunabletospeakoneword,butjuststoodandstaredathimtragically.

"Gina,"hesaidgently,andwentacrosstoher,and,puttinghisarmaroundher,ledhertothedoor."Godownstairsquietlyandwaitformeinthecar.You'llfindSebastianthere."

Whenshehadgone,MarkturnedtoVictor."Ifitwasn'tforGinaI'dhaveyouincourtforthis,"hesaid,controllinghimselfwithaneffort."Howfardidyougowithher,Swann?"Therewasadeadlyquietnessinhisvoice.

"Oh,goodlord,man,Ihaven'thurther,"saidVictoruneasily."AcoupleofkisseswasallIgotorevenmeanttogetfromher.She's—she'sbeencryinginthebedroomallthistime,thankstothatfoolBingo'slil'joke."

Marklookedathimsteadily.Hewasatthatstageofdrunkennessinwhichhemighteasilybegintocryhimself.

"Ipresumeyourfriendcanputyouupfortherestofthenight?"hesaid."I'llhaveyourthingssentovertomorrow.Weshallnot,ofcourse,seeyouattheBarnHouseagain."Heturnedtogo.

"Hey!Areyougivingmenoticetoquit?"demandedSwanntruculently."BecauseletmetellyouthatJuliewillhavesomethingtosaytothat."

"Mysister'saffairsareentirelyherownconcern,"saidMarkstonily."Butthehousehappenstobelongtome."Heshutthedoorquietlybehindhim,andwentdownthesilent

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stairsandoutintotherawnightair.

CHAPTERXI

I

GINAwassittinginthebackofthecarcryingbitterly.Sebastian,whowasbesideher,andtryinghisbesttocomfort,gotoutwhenhesawMark,andmadeagestureofdespair.

"Ican'tmakeheadortailofanything,"hesaid."ButGinnyseemschieflyupsetbecauseyoufoundher.Didyoupitchintoherorsomething?"

"Hopinfrontanddrive,Sebastian,"saidMarkquickly."Andforheaven'ssakegocarefullyontheseroads.ImusttalktoGina."

Hegotinbesideher,andSebastianjoyfullytookthewheel.Markwaiteduntiltheywerewellontheirway,thenhebegantospeak.

"It'sallover,Gina,"hesaidsoothingly."Don'tworryanymore.Iblamemyselfentirely.Iwasaperfectfoolnottoseehowthelandlay."

"Iwishithadn'tbeenyou...Iwishithadn'tbeenyou..."shesobbed.

"Youwishwhathadn'tbeenme?"

"Iwishyouhadn'tfoundme—likethat."

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Heputonehandonherknee."Listen,youpoorchild.I'mgladitwasme,"hesaidgently."I'monlysosorryyouneverconfidedinmebefore.Gina—thattimeyouweresoupsetafterarowwithJulie—hadSwanntriedtogetintoyourbedroom?"Shewassilent."Mydear,youcan'tpossiblymindtellingmenow."

"Wouldyoubelieveme?"

"Gina—!"

"Juliedidn't.Orshesaidshedidn't."

"Wasthatwhatitwas?"

"Itoldher—ItoldherIwasfrightened.Iwantedtochangemyroom.Shewouldn'tletme.ShesaidI'daskedforallIgot."ShebegantocryagainatthememoryofthatscenewithJulie,andMark'shandonherkneetightened.

"Youshouldhavecometome,nottoJulie,"wasallhesaid."Anothertime,whenanythingatallworriesyou,comeandtellme.Willyoupromise?"

Shenodded.

"HasSwannalwayspesteredyou?"

"Moreorless.Ididn'twanttomaketroubleforJulie.IavoidedhimasmuchasIcould."

"AndwhathappenedtoEvantonight?"

"HewenthomeearlierwiththePratts."

"Whywasthat?Hewasoneofourparty."

"Iexpecthedidn'twanttoseemeagain."

"Soyouhadquarrelled?"

"Well,heaskedmetomarryhim,andIrefusedhim."

Therewasalongsilence,thenGinasaidrathermiserably,"IsupposeJuliewillbeannoyed,won'tshe?"

"Nowlisten,Gina.You'renottoworryaboutanythingJuliemaysaytoyou,"saidMarkinanoddvoice."Ishallhavetotellherabouttonight,ofcourse,becauseInaturallywon'thaveSwanninsidethehouseagain.Butnooneelseneedknow.AndaboutEvan—well,youknowIatleastneverwantedyoutomarryhim.Iwantyoutotryandforgetthiswholebeastlybusiness.Willyou?"

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Shedidn'timmediatelyanswer,thenshesaidinanxioustones,"Mark,youdidn'treallythinkIcutyourdancesonpurpose,didyou?"

"Oh,Gina!"Heputanarmroundher."Ibelieveyou'refarmoreworriedaboutmethanyourself!No,Ididn'treallythinkyoucutmydancesonpurpose.Anyway,youcouldn'tverywellhelpaproposal,couldyou?"

"No.I'mafraidEvan'sfrightfullyangrywithme."Shesighed,andrestingherwearyheadonMark'sshoulder,wentsuddenlytosleep.

II

Juliestooddrummingherfingersonthewindow-paneofMark'sstudy.Herbackwastowardsherbrother,andhecouldn'tsee,asyet,whateffecthisstoryhadhaduponher.

"Soyousee,Ihadnooptionbuttoforbidhimthehousealtogether,"hefinished."Youquiteunderstand,Julie?"

"Quite,"shereplied,andstilldidnotlookround.

"And,Julie—ImustsaythatyourattitudeoverthewholebusinessofSwann'sbehaviourhasmadeGinasufferunnecessarily.Whycouldn'tyouhavehelpedher,insteadofmakingitimpossibleforhertoconfideinanyone?YoucouldeasilyhavedealtwithSwannandkepthiminorder."

"Itoldyoubefore,Mark,younggirlsareoftenveryfoolishandimagineagreatdealthatisn'ttrue.IthinkthatwassoinGina'scase."

"Youknowyoudon'tbelievethat."

Sheturnedandfacedhimatlast,andhesawthatherfacewasratherpinchedandhereyesverybright.

"AnythingunpleasantthatcameGina'sway,sheaskedfor,"shesaidwithcolddeliberation.

"Yousaidamomentagothatsheimaginedeverything,"hereturnedquietly."No,Julie,thatwon'twashwithme.Itwouldbemorehonestifyouadmittedthatforareasonwhichthepoorchildcan'thelp,youdislikehersomuchthatyouwon'tliftafingertohelp

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her."

Aqueerlittlespasmpassedoverherface."Oh,Iadmitit,"shesaidinalifelessvoice."Where'stheuseofpretending?One'swholelifeispretenceinoneformoranother."

"Julie,Icannotunderstandyou!"hecried."IfIevenknewwhatitisyouwant—butyoudefeatmeoneverycount."

Shesmiledthen."PoorMark!We've'allbeenaterribleworrytoyou,haven'twe?Well,you'llberidofmesoon,atleast.I'mgoingtomarryVictor."

Hestaredathersilently,thenhesaidinarathershockedvoice,"ForGod'ssake,why?""Whydoesanyonemarry?"

"Butyoucan'tseriouslytellmeyou'reinlovewiththeman—knowingwhatheis."

"Whatheisdoesn'tmuchmattertome,"shesaid."Weunderstandeachother.IwasinlovewithDenis,Mark,sothatscarcelycomesintothething.Victorhasalwaysattractedmeverystrongly,ifyoumusthaveapurelyphysicalreason."

"Marriageisn'tpurelyphysical,"saidMarkroughly."No.SoDenisfrequentlytoldme.Butinthatrespect,asinmostothers,wewereverypoorlymatched,"shesaidveryquietly."Victorismuchnearermyownwayofthinking,althoughIlovedDenis.—Youforcethesethingsoutofme,Mark.It'sratherhumiliating."

"Mydear,Idon'twanttoforceanythingfromyou.I'monlytryingtounderstandyourpointofview,"hesaidgently."AndIthinkIdoinadimsortofway.I'mterriblysorryforyou,Julie."

"Thanks.Pleasedon'tbe,"sherepliedbitterly,"Andyourmind'squitemadeup?"

"Quite.ThisaffairwithGinahasonlybroughtthingstoahead."

"NothingIcansayordo "

"—canmakeanydifference.Youcan'tstopme,Mark."

"Your'affairsareyourownconcern,mydear.You'renotachild,"hesaidquietly."ButIimagineyoudon'tproposethatGinashouldlivewithyouwhenyou'remarried."

"Gina?MydearMark—!"Shelookedathimamazed.

"Exactly.Ididn'tsupposeyouwouldwanther,"hesaidalittledryly."Butwhatdoyousuggestshouldbecomeofher?You'reresponsibleforher,andshe'sunderage."

"ShewillprobablymarryEvanHunter."

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Heshookhisheadslowly."Sherefusedhimlastnight."

Hereyeshardened."Well,shecanwork,can'tshe?"

"Whatdoyousupposeshe'sfittedfor?"

Sheshrugged."Othergirlshavehadtoearntheirliving.She'squickenough."

"Andwhathomewillshehave?Shecan'tlivewithme,youknow."

"Youseemouttomakedifficulties,Mark.Therearehostels—quitecheapplaces—wherethegirlsarewelllookedafter.Therewouldbenoneedforyoutobothermuchwithher."

"God,Julie,you'rehard!"hesaidwith'astrangeexpressioninhiseyes.Hehadbeenwatchinghercloselyasshegaveheranswerstohisquestions."Well,youneedn'tworryaboutGina'sfuture.I'llarrangesomethingforher."

Alittleflickeroffearcameintohereyesforamomentandwasgone.

"You'renotthinkingofmarryingheryourself,areyou?"sheaskedsharply.

"WhyshouldyoumindifIam?"hereturnedcoldly.

"Butareyouserious?"

"Don'tyouthinkmyaffairsconcernmejustasmuchasyoursconcernyou?"

Shestood,strugglingwithherfeelingsinsilence,thensheburstoutalittlehysterically:

"You'reagreatfool,Mark!Boththosetwoareoutforwhattheycanget,andalwayshavebeen.Ginamaymarryyouwillinglyenough,butshedoesn'tcarethatforyou!"

Shesawtheswiftpaincomeintohisface,thenhesaidinavoicethatwassuddenlyverytired:

"Let'snotdiscussitatall,Julie,ifyoudon'tmind."

Shehesitatedamoment,ashamedofhavinghurthim,thenturnedwithoutspeaking,andlefttheroom.

III

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Ginagotoutofbedateleveno'clockandlanguidlybegantodress.Sebastianhadbroughtherbreakfastuptoherroomandreportedonthestateofaffairsdownstairs.

"Julie'sinMark'sstudynow,andSweeny'sjustgoneoffinthecarwiththeSwann'sluggage,"hehadsaid."WhatagloriousendtotheChristmasfestivities!"

"Evan,Nancy,Victor,Julie!"shemutteredasshesplashedwaterintoherbasin."Andnowtoaddtomytroubles,I'minlove."

Ginarecognizedtherealthingwhenshesawit,andshehadrealized,assoonasshehadflungopenthatbedroomdoorlastnightandseenhimstandingthere,thatshelovedMark.ShehadthoughtitwasVictor'sfriendre-turnedtoreleasethem,andtheexquisiteshameshehadexperiencedatbeingfoundinsuchasituationbyMarkhadleftherinnodoubtofherfeelings.

Everythingbecameasclearascrystal.HerreactiontoEvan'skiss,herconcernforMarkhimself,evenhersmallresentmentsfittedintoplaceandwereaccountedfor.

Shecleanedherteeth,oneeyeonherlittletreespreadingitsglassbranchesabovethemantelpiece.Itgaveherdoublepleasurenow,andwhatevershewasdoing,shelikedtostopandlookatit.ShewonderedsimplyifMarkcouldeverfallinlovewithher,butdismissedsuchashiningthoughtasbeingtoomuchtoexpect.Shewashumbleinhernew-foundlove.SheknewthatMarkwasveryfondofher,butshedidn'tsupposehisaffectionforherwentanydeeperthanthat.

ItwasatthisjuncturethatJulieknockedsharply'andcameintotheroom.

Ginasmiledatheralittlenervously.Thiscouldn'tpossiblybeanagreeableinterview,butshehopeditmightprovebloodless.

"Goodmorning.Ihopeyoufeelrested,"Juliesaidinatightlycontrolledvoice.

"Yes,thankyou,"Ginasaidpolitely,andspeculatedonwhatwascoming.

"Iwanttosayafewthingstoyou,Gina,"saidJulie,whoneverhesitatedtocometothepoint."Markhasofcoursetoldmeaboutlastnight.Henaturallytookaverydifferentviewofthematterfrommine,butthat'sonlytobeexpected.Idon'tthinkweneeddiscussitexceptthatIcan'thelpaskingifyouthinkitwasveryloyaltoinvolveaguestofmineinsuchunpleasantness?"

"But,Julie—"gaspedGina."Youmustknowitwasnothingtodowithme.Itwasallperfectlybeastly,andIneverwantedMark,of'allpeople,toknowaboutit."

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"Well,asIsay,wewon'tdiscussit,"saidJuliepleasantly."Ofcourseitmakesitratherawkwardforeveryone,sinceI'mgoingtomarryVictorquitesoon,andasMarkdoesn'twishhimtocometothehouse,it'sallratherdifficult."

"Thenyouaregoingtomarryhim?"exclaimedGinaimpulsively."Iwasafraidyoumight.Oh,Julie,why?You'remuchtoogoodforhim."

AcuriousexpressioncrossedJulie'shandsomeface."Don'tyouthinkthat'salittleimpertinent?"shesaidsuavely.

"No,Idon't,becauseit'strue.Julie,youcan't—notafterFather.YouwerefondofFather."

ForthefirsttimeJulieseemeddeeplymoved.Sheputahandinstinctivelytohereyes,shieldingthemfromGina'sgaze,andwhenshespoke,herwholevoicehadsoftened.

"Don'tspeakaboutyourfather,please.There'ssomuchyoucan'tpossiblyunderstand."

Gina,tooinexperiencedtobewise,tookthismomentaryweakeningtomeancapitulation,andshewenteagerlytoherstepmother,andputanarmaboutherneck.

"Idounderstand.Youlovedhim,didn'tyou?"shesaidsoftly."Forthatreason,Julie,don'tyousee,youcan'tmarryamanlikeVictor.Fatherwasn'tperfect,buthowasdecent.HowcouldyoubeVictor'swifeknowingallthetimethathewashavinghismeanlittleaffairsbehindyourback?"

ShefeltJulietrembleviolently,'andshewasroughlypushedaway.

"Howdareyou,Gina!"herstepmothercried,andtherewasbitterhumiliationinhervoice."WhenIwantyouradvice,I'llaskforit.DoyouthinkIdon'tknowallthereistoknowaboutVictor'smodeoflife?HowdareyoutryandteachmewhatIalreadyknowandcarenothingabout!"Shepaused,shakingwithanger,andwalkedovertothemantelpiece,wheresherestedherheadonherarm.Ginasaidnothing,andpresentlyJulieliftedherhead,'andcontinuedinalowpassionatevoice:

"You'realittlesnake,Gina,andalwayshavebeen.Youwormyourwayintopeople'saffectionsandexpectalwaystobeprotected.""Julie—please!"

"Youdon'tlikethat,doyou?Veryfewofusdolikethetruth.Butyou'llhavetobegintostandalonenow,mydear.Youcan'texpectMarktosupportyouwhenI'mnolongerhere,andofcourseit'soutofthequestionforyoutolivewithVictorandme.Andrememberthis,Gina.Markhasaverystrongsenseofduty.Youcanre-payhimalittleforwhathehasdoneforyou,bynottakingadvantageofit.Doyouunderstandme?"

"Idon'tthinkso,"saidGinainascaredlittlevoice."Ishalltryandgetsomethingtodo,ofcourse,onceyou'remarried,Julie.ButneedIbeaburdentoMark?Won't—won't

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yougoon—clothingme—untilIcankeepmyself?"

Juliegaveashortlaugh,'andtookuptheglasstree,turningitroundinherhandtocatchthelight.

"Mydearchild,didyoureallyimagineIwaspayingforeverything?"shesaidinahardartificialvoice."HowdoyousupposeIcoulddoitonmytinyallowance?Youmustbeverycredulouswheremoneyisconcerned."

"Oh,Julie,dobecareful!It'sfrightfullybrittle

Whatdoyoumean,please?"

"Why,thatyou'vebeenentirelykeptbyMark,that'sall."

"Mark!"

"Everystitchyouwearhasbeenpaidforbyhim.He'sbeenridiculouslygenerous,consideringhe'snotarichman.""ThenIoweeverythingtohim?"

"Everysinglething.Thefoodyoueat,theclothesyouwear,themoneyyouspend—everymortalthing."

JuliewatchedGinawithacertainenjoyment,andsawhergograduallywhiter.Therewasaqueerdefeatedlookinhergreeneyes,andherhandshunglimplyathersides."That'swhatImeantwhenIsaidthatMarkhadaverystrongsenseofduty,"Juliefinished."Itmightverywellleadhimintobeingfoolishlyquixotic,andifyou'veanygratitudeinyouatall,youwon'ttakeadvantageofhim.Nowdoyouunderstandme?"

Ginashuthereyes,feelingalittlesick,andmadenoanswer.ThisannoyedJulie,whocouldnotaltogetherfathomherattitude.Awaveofangersweptoverheragain,andherfingerstightenedconvulsively.Therewasatinymusicalping!asoneofthedelicatebranchesofGina'streesnappedoff.

Ginasprangforward."Whathaveyoudone?"shecriedsofiercelythatJuliewasstartled.Shebackedaway,andthetreeslippedfromherhandsontothehearthwhereitsmashedinathousandpieces.

Therewasapregnantlittlesilence,thenGinafellonherkneesandbegangatheringuptheshiningfragments."Mytree!"shesaid."You'vebrokenmytree!"andbegantocrydesolately.

IV

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"Thishouseishell!"remarkedSebastian,comingdownstairslaterinthemorning,andmeetingMarkinthehall.

"Here'sJulietryingtopretendtotheCareysnothing'shappenedatall,'andbeingaboutassuccessfulasamuleattheDerby;youlookingasthoughyou'vegotonefootinthegrave,andGinahowlinghereyesoutupstairs."

"What'sthematterwithher?NotJulieagain,Ihope,"saidMarkquickly.

Sebastianshrugged'ashoulder."ShesaidJuliebrokethattreeyougaveherforChristmas,She'sweepingoverthefragments."

Markfrowned."Thisisdamnable!WeshallhavenopeacenowtillJuliegoes,Isuppose."

"Goes?Whereto?"

"She'smarryingSwarm,orsayssheis,"Marksaidshortly.

Sebastianwhistled,andsaidshrewdly,"What'sgoingtohappentousallwhenthatmerryeventoccurs?"

Markglancedathim."Thatdependsonyourselves,"hereplied.

"Well,Oxfordforme,Isuppose—ifI'vegotin—butwhataboutGinny?Shecan'tliveherewithyouverywell."

"No.Well,that'sgottobediscussed,naturally."

Ginacamedowntolunch,lookingtear-stainedandmiserable,andinthemiddleoftheafternoonMarkmotoredtheCareystothestation.

"I'msorrythere'sbeensuch'adampatmosphereaboutyourdeparture,Phil,"hesaidtoPhilippa,whowassittingbesidehim."Thehouseisinratheraturmoiljustatthepresent."

"Don'tbothertoexplain,mydear,"saidPhilippatranquilly."I'veeyesinmyhead.I'msorryforlittleGina,though."

"She'llbeallrightwhenthingshavesettleddownagain,Ihope."

"She'llbeallrightbecauseshe'ssoeminentlysensibleunderneath.Butremember,Mark,ifwecaneverbeofanyuse,ElliotandIwillalwayslovetohavethechildtostayindefinitely."

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"Thankyou,mydear,I'llrememberthat,"hesaidgratefully,reflectingthattherewasverylittlewhichescapedPhilippa'sshrewdattention.

"Good-bye,andgoodluck,Mark!"shesaidjustasthetrainstarted."Gotoit!"Shemadeasmallgrimaceathimoutofthecarriagewindow,andlefthimstandingontheplatformwithagrinofcomprehension.DearoldPhil!Butitwasn'taseasyasallthat.

ItwasnotuntilthenextdaythathehadanopportunityofspeakingtoGinaalone.Sheseemedtobekeepingoutofhisway,andintheendhehadtosendSebastiantofetchher.

"Yousentforme?"shesaid,soexactlylikeanervousschoolgirlthathehadtolaugh.

"Comealongandsitdownandlet'sbewarmandcomfortable,"hesaid,pullingupachairtothefireforher.

Shesatdown,andheleantagainstthemantelpieceandfilledapipe."Gettingoveryournastyadventure?"heasked.

"Oh,yes,thanks."

"That'ssplendid.Now,IwanttotalktoyouaboutoneortwothingsthatIthinkweoughttodiscuss."

Shewishedhewouldn'tadoptthisbrightbedsidemannertowardsher.Itmadeitsodifficulttoknowwhathewasreallyafter.

"Julie,asshe'snodoubttoldyou,isgoingtogetmarriedagain,whichmeansthatthishouseholdwillhavetobesomewhatreorganized."

Whilehewasspeaking,sheglancedathimsurreptitiously.Hewasjustthesameofcourse,andyet,now,everythingabouthimseemedchanged.Hiseyeswerekinder,hismouthmoretenderthanshehadrememberedbefore.Helookedtiredandalittlestrained,andthatworriedher.

"—soyousee,mydear,wemustconsiderwhat'stobedonewithyouandSebastian,"hefinished.

"Ishallfindsomework,"shesaidimmediately.

Hesmiled."Where?"

"Idon'tknow.Perhapsyouwouldhelpme.Youmustknowpeoplewhowouldgivemeastart."

"Itisn'teasywhenyouhavenotraining."

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"Iknow.ButIdon'tmindwhatIdo."

"You'ddoanything?"

"Ofcourse."

"Wouldyoumarryme?"

Shestaredathimdumbly."What?"shesaidthen,ratherfaintly.

Hesmiledagain."Don'tlooksoscared.Iwasonlyaskingyouifyouwouldincludemarriageindoinganything."

"Withyou?"

"Withme.Whynot?Wouldyouhateit?"

Thiswasunbearable!Ginaforonebadmomentfeltshewasgoingtoburstintotears,andhewatchedherwithdismay.Butshepulledherselftogether,andsinceherdazedemotionshadtohaveanoutletsomeway,shebegantolaughhelplessly.

"I'msorry!"shegasped."Butitdoesseemsuchaf-funnysortofproposal."

Hesatdownbesideher,andallowedhispipetogooutwhilehetalkedtoher."Thinkitoutsensibly,Gina.Youdon'tdislikelivinghere,doyou?"Sheshookherhead."Andyouarefonderofmethanyouwere?"Thathurtalittle.Hewassounassumingofher'affection.Shemadenoanswer,andhewentonwithforcedcheerfulness:

"YoucouldmakeahomeforSebastianthatway,andthethreeofuscouldmanageverycomfortably."Nowordforhimself,nomentionofhissideofthebargain.

"Andwhatdoyougetoutofit?"shecouldn'thelpasking.

"I?"helookedstartled,thenalittleembarrassed."Well,Ishouldliketofeeltherewasnodangerofyourunningoffandleavingme—eitherforthesakeofajoborayoungman,"hesaid."Besides,itwouldputanendtoallthismoneybusinesswhichseemstoworryyousomuch."

Thetemptationwasverygreat.ShearguedthatitmightbelesstroubleinthelongrunforMark,ifshemarriedhim,forasthingsturnedout,hewouldhavetokeepherentirely,whileshewaslearningherjob,andthatwouldmeantwoestablishments.Yetmarriagewasatremendousthingtoacceptfromsomeonepurelyasaquixoticgesture.

"Well—whatdoyousay?"

"Woulditbecheaper?"sheaskedcarefully.

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"Cheaper?"

"ImeanwoulditbecheaperforyouthanstartingmeinajobandpayingmyexpensesuntilIwasearning?"

"Mydear,I'mnotaskingyoutomarrymeonthegroundsofeconomy!"hesaidquickly."Butifyouhatetheidea,I'msureJuliewouldhelpyou—"

"Youneedn'tbothertokeepthatup,"shebrokein."JulietoldmeIoweeverythingtoyou.I—I'mterriblygrateful."

Mentallyhecursedhissisterfuriously.HecouldwellimaginethesortofsceneshehadcreatedforGina.

"I'msorryshetoldyouthat,"hesaidquietly."Ionlydidn'ttellyoumyselfbecauseyouseemedsosensitiveaboutthesethingsandIdidn'twanttohurtyouunnecessarily.But,Gina,youknowIwasalwaysgladtodoanythingforyou.Itgavemegreatpleasuretoseeyouenjoyyourprettythings."

"MayIthinkaboutit,Mark?"shesaid."It'salittle—unexpected.MayItellyoutomorrow?"

"Ofcourse,child.Takeaslongasyoulike,"hesaidwarmly."Don'tdoanythingagainstyourwill,butrememberthatIshallalwayswantyou,whateverhappens.TalkitoverwithSebastian,andseewhathehastosay."

"Thanks,Iwill,"shereplied,andgotoutoftheroomasquicklyasshecould.

V

TalkingitoverwithSebastianinvolvednodifficulties.Hethoughtitwasanexcellentideaandthesolutiontoalllife'stroubles.

"Afterall,Ginny,youalwayssaidyou'dhavetomarrysomebody,andthoughI'admitI'dneverinmywildestdreamsthoughtofTeacher,here'syourchance,"hesaid.

"Whatareyourprosandcons?"Ginaaskedinanoddlittlevoice.

"MydearoldGinny,therearen'tanycons,surelyyoumustseethat?"Sebastianexclaimedimpatiently."Let'stickoffthepros.IfyoumarrytheJudgeyou'llgosharesin

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everything.Nomoredolingoutclothesandpocket-money.You'llhaveunlimitedclaimonhispurse,andthatmeansyoucanpasssomeontomewheneverIwantit.Thenwe'llbothhaveahome'andbeprovidedforforever,andwhenI'vedonewithOxfordIcansettledowncomfortablyandworkatmusic.Ishouldneverbeanygoodreallyasthelittlebread-winner,darling.We'dhavethegrandesttimes.Why,we'dbequiterich!Ican'tseewherethesnagis,canyou?"

"You'relookingatitentirelyfromyourpointofview,Sebastian,"shesaidslowly."Iquiteseeitsolvesallyourtroubles."Therewasasarcasticnoteinhervoicewhichmadehimwriggle.

"Oh,well,itappliestoyoujustasmuch,"hesaiduneasily."Isupposeyou'rethinkingofthewifesideofit.Ibelievegirlshaveallsortsofqueerideasaboutbeingawife,butit'snothingreally.Itisn'tasifyou'dhavetobemakingloveallday.TheJudgeisn'tabitlikethat.Idon'tsupposeyou'devenhavetokisshimverymuchonceyouweremarried.Anyway,thinkofthefunwe'dgetthrownin."

Ginarealizedafreshhowfarawayfromhimshehadgrown,andfeltsuddenlyverymiserable.

"Youhaveanawfullyfunnyideaofmarriage,"sheobservedalittledryly."Anyway,whataboutMark'ssideofthebusiness?"

Sebastianwriggledagain."Howsillyyouare,Ginny.AsiftheJudgewouldcareonewayortheother,"hesaid."He'dhardlynoticethedifference,becausewe'velivedwithhimsolongnow.Ofcoursehe'dexpectyoutobenicetohimandtakeaninterestinhishealth,andentertainhisfriends,butathisagehecouldn'twantanythingelse."

"He'sonlythirty-five."

"Well,butthat'sgettingtothesereandyellow.Mark'snochicken,andheknowsit,"saidSebastian,agedeighteen.

"Well,whydoyouthinkhe'askedmetomarryhim,then?"

"Itwastheobviouswayout,"hesaidcheerfully."Afterall,Juliesayingshe'sgoingtomarrytheSwannrathermuckedthings.Itwasthemostsensiblethinghecoulddointhecircumstancesbecauseitprovidesforbothofusatoneblow."

"Doyouthinkthatwashisonlyreason?"askedGinawithawistfulnessthatentirelyescapedhim.

"Whatotherreasoncouldhehave?Ithinkitwasjollydecentofhim.Butthenhe'salwaysbeenawfullyfondofyou,darling.Itoldyouyouwentdownbestwitholdermen,didn'tI?"

"Yes."

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"Well,goon.Whatareyouhesitatingfor?IfIwereyouI'dgorightinnowandtellhimit'sallfixedup.Iwonderifhe'dbeginmakingmeaprivate'allowance.Afterall,I'llbehisbrother-in-law."

"You'reperfectlydisgusting!"shecriedinachokedvoice."Allyoucanthinkaboutiswhatyoucangetoutofpeople.Youjudgeeveryoneintermsofhardcash,andyou'lllivelikethatfortherestofyourlifeifyougethalfachance.You'renothingbutarottenlittlesponger,onlyyougetawaywithitbecauseyou'reyoungandcharming.It'sbeastly—beastly!"

Therewasatremblingsilence,thenSebastiansaidinangrytones,"Well!OfallthefilthythingstosaywhenIwasonlytryingtohelpyou!"

"Helpyourself,youmean!"shesaid,hervoiceshakingwithpassion."Youthinkthatthroughmeyou'llbeabletospongeonMarkandneverdoastrokeofworkforaslongasyoulive.Youonlythinkwhatgoodtimeswe'llhaveonhismoney.Youdon'tcareanythingabouthim,ormeeither."

"Allright!Idon'tcare'abouthimoryoueither!"shoutedSebastian."AndIdon't,too,whenyou'relikeahowlingwitch."

"Well,itmaypleaseyoutoknowthatyou'vegivenmetheveryreasonwhyIwon'tmarryMark,"shesobbed."Iwon'thavehimspongedon!Iwon't,Iwon't!"

"You'realittlefool!"

"Nothalfasbadasyou!"

"Oh,yes,youare,becauseyouwanttomarryhim."

"Idon't!"

"Youdo!"

"Idon't!Howd'youknow,anyway?"

"Ididn't,butIdonow."

"You'reaperfectlittlebeast,andIwishIwasdead!"

"Yousoonwillbeifyougoonlikethis.Ineverknewagirlcryasmuchasyoudo."

Shestoodlookingathim,thetearspouringdownherdistractedface,andSebastian'swrathbegantocool.

"I'msorry,Ginny.Forgetit,andlet'sbefriends,"hesaidpersuasively."Weneverusedtoquarrellikethis.Hangitall,Idon'twanttoputyouofftheJudge."

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Heheldouthishand,butshebackedawayfromhim.

"Leavemealone!"shecriedviolently."Idon'twanttobefriends.Andyouneedn'thavehopesI'llchangemymindaboutMark.You'vemadeitimpossible.I'llnevermarryhimnow—never—never—never!"

CHAPTERXII

I

MARKtookGina'sdecisionphilosophically,arguingthatafterallwhatcouldhehaveexpected?ShehadrefusedyoungHunter,althoughshehadadmittedthatheattractedher.Thechildwasevidentlytoohonesttomarrywhereshedidn'tlove.

"I'msorry,Mark.Butyoudon'treallymind,doyou?"shefinishedpolitely.

Hecouldn'thelpsmilingatthewaysheputit,butherwordshurtallthesame.

"Idon'twanttopersuadeyoutoanythingagainstyourwill,mydear,"hesaid,evadingherquestion."DidyoutalkitoutwithSebastian?"

Aqueerexpressioncameintohereyes."Oh,yes.Hequitedecidedme."

Helookedathersharply."Unfortunateforme,"hesaidquietly."WhathadIdone?"

"Nothing."

"Thenwasn'titalittlehardtoobject?"

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"Hedidn'tobject.Hethoughtitwasagrandidea,"shesaidhardly."Hethoughtitwasaverygoodmeansoffuturesecurityforhimself,andthatwe'dbothhaveagreattimewithyourmoney."

"Isee,"hesaidcomprehensively.

SohehadcommittedanobviousfollyinreferringGinatoherbrother.ShewasevidentlynotpreparedtosacrificeherselforMarkforSebastian'ssake,andheadmiredherforit,whileheblamedhimselfforhisshortsightedness.Hefoundhimselfwonderingwhatheranswerwouldhavebeenhadhetoldherthathelovedherandwantedheronanyterms.ButGinawasinastrangemoodjustnow.Itwasclearlythewrongmomenttohaveputforwardsuchapropositionatall.

"Well,whatarewegoingtodowithyou?"hesaidwithanattemptatlightness."You'realittleoldtobeadopted,I'mafraid!"

Shelookedupathimquickly,andhereyeswereverybright."SomethingwillturnupbetweennowandthetimewhenJuliemarries,"shesaidquickly."Somethingmustturnup."

"Mydear,Iwasonlyjoking,"saidMark,upsetbyheranxiety."You'renottoworry'aboutthefuture,Gina.Julieisn'tgoingtobemarrieduntilafterEaster,sothere'splentyoftime.Ishallhavethoughtofsomethingbythen."

ThatnightSebastianslippedintoherroomwheneveryoneelsehadgonetobed.

"Ginny—areyouawake?—Ican'tfindyou,"hesaid,gropingacrosstheroom.

"Here,"saidGina,sittingupinbed.

"Darling,I'msorryabouttherow.WastheJudgeangry?"

"Angry?"Shegaveaqueerlittlelaugh."Ohno—notangry.Ithinkheunderstood."

"Ginny—haveImuckedthingsforyou?"Hewassittingonthebednow,andhecouldjustseeherface,afaintpaleblurinthedark.

"Itwasn'taltogetheryourfault,"shesaid,thinkingthatbutforSebastian'soutrageousattitudeshemighthaveyieldedtotemptationandacceptedMarkagainstherbetterjudgment.

"You'requitedecided?"heaskedwithonelasthopethatshemightchangehermind."Quite!"

"Oh,well,whatdowecare?"hesaidwithamournfulsigh."Something'llturnup.""Yes.Something'llturnup."

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Hemovednearer."TheVictorbusinessdoesn'tworryyouanymore,doesit?""No."

"Youseemdifferentthesedays,somehow.Areyouunhappy,darling?"

"No—yes,frightfully."Sheflungherarmsroundhiminthedarkness."Itisn'tanythingreally.It'sjustgrowingup.It'sso—b-beastly."

"PoorGinny.Whydoit,then?""Ican'thelpit."

"Girlshaverottenluck,"saidSebastianobscurely,andkissedher.

II

TherestofJanuarypasseduneventfully,andearlyinFebruary,Sebastianlearnedthathehadwonhisscholarship.HewastogointoresidenceafterEaster,whichmeantthatifJuliekepttoherpresentmarriagearrangements,GinawouldbeleftsolitaryonMark'shands.TheproblemratherworriedMark,foralthoughherecognizedthatinthesedaysitwasusualforagirltofindsomemeansofearningherownliving,hehatedtheideaofGinaworkingwhenhecouldstillaffordtokeepher,addedtowhichshewasnotfittedforanythingthatwouldhelpverymaterially.

HewenttodinneronenightwiththeCareys,anddiscusseditthoroughlywithPhilippa,whomheconsideredasoundperson,withtheadvantageofbeinginsympathywithGina.

"Iquiteseeit'sabitofaproblem,"shesaidwhenhehadexplainedmatters."I'msorryaboutJulie'sdecision,thoughIalwaysfeltshemeanttomarrythemaneventually.ButIdon'tquiteunderstand,Mark."Shelookedathimspeculatively."WhenIlastsawyouIthought—PerhapsIwaswrong,butthatwouldhavesolvedyourdifficultiesforyou."

"YouthoughtImeanttomarryGina?"hesaidbluntly.

"Well,Irathergotthatimpression."

"Iwasrefused."

"What?—Oh!—Youaskedherthen?"Henodded."Andsherefusedyou?—Gina?"

"Idon'tknowwhyyoushouldbesoamazed,"hesaidalittleirritably,"Iseeno

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earthlyreasonwhysheshouldhaveacceptedme,nowIcometothinkofit.Atleastshepaidmethecomplimentofrefusingtomakeuseofme."

"ButIcouldhavesworn—Well,youdoratheramazeme,Mark."Philippalookedalittleblank.

"It'sverycharmingofyoutotakemypersonalassetssomuchforgranted,Phil,"hesaidwitharatherwrysmile."ButI'venodoubttheveryyounglookatlifewithdifferenteyes."

Shelookedathimratherhard."DidyouproposetoGinainthatsortofspirit?"sheaskedsuspiciously.

"Whatdoyoumean?"

"Well,didyouaskhertomarryyouinanice,soothing,business-likesortoffashion?"

"Whatareyougettingat?IputitascalmlyandunassuminglyasIcould."

"Iknewit!"sheexclaimedwithresignation."Mark,youreallyareafool!"

"Forheaven'ssake,why?"

"Well,can'tyousee—?Whatdoyousupposethepoorchildthought?"

"Sheaskedmeifitwasjustabusinessproposition."

"Andwasit?"

"Ofcoursenot,"hesaidalittleharshly."ButhowcouldItellherthatwhenshesoclearlylookedonitasaconvenience?"

"But,Mark,can'tyouseethatshehadtotakehercuefromyou?"saidPhilippagently."Ifyoucreatedthatimpressionfromtheveryfirst—asyouadmityoudid—whyshouldsheimagineanythingelse?Youdoloveher,don'tyou?Iwasn'twrong?"

"IlovehersomuchthatIcanscarcelybearthethoughofherlivingawayfromme,asshemustquitesoon,"hesaidveryquietly.

"Why,inheaven'sname,didn'tyoutellherso?"criedPhilippa.

Alookofwearinesscameintohisface."Ididn'tseethatitwouldserveanypurpose,"hesaidinalifelessvoice."Thechildhadbeenthroughaseriesofemotionalcrisesinaveryshortspaceoftime,andasI'dnoreasontosupposeshehadanyfeelingsformeotherthanonesthatwerepurelyplatonic,Ireallycouldn'tbringmyselftothatsortofconfession.Shewouldprobablyhavebeenhighlyembarrassed."

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"MypoorMark!"shesaidpityingly."Yoursentimentsaresoadmirableandsoentirelyidiotic.HowdoyousupposeGinalikedbeingofferedmarriageastheeasiestwayofsolvingherfuture?Youprobablyhurtherverymuch."

"Iimaginedthecommon-sensesideofthebusinesswouldappealtoher,andIconfessIthoughtshewouldagreeifonlytoprovideforSebastian.""Yousuggestedthattoo?"

"Yes.Ithadtheoppositeeffect.Whateverhesaidtoher—andIgatherhewasinfavouroftheidea—definitelydecidedheragainstme."

Philippasmiled."Don'tyouthinkthatprovesshe'sratherfondofyou?"

"Idon'tknow.Itmightproveanything.Butreally,Phil,GinarefusedyoungEvan,althoughsheadmittedthatshethoughtshemightcareforhim,soIdon'tseemuchreasonwhysheshouldhaveacceptedme."

"Idon'tsayshe'sinlovewithyou,Mark,"sherepliedfrankly."I'venoreasontosupposesheis,anymorethanyouhave.ButIdoknowshe'sextremelyfondofyou,andshe'salreadyfilledwithsuchgratitudetowardsyouthat,withwisdomonyourpart,shemighthavefalleninlovewithyou."

"Oh,gratitude!"heexclaimedimpatiently."She'snothadmuchchancetoforgetit.Julie'sgivenherabadtime."

"Iwonderwhatcarefullittleseedssheplantedforyou,"Philippasaidshrewdly.

"Yes,I'mafraidthere'sbeenalotofmischiefdoneonewayandanother.Itcan'tbehelpednow.Ididn'tchoosemymomentverywellunderallthecircumstances.ButIstillhopeintimeperhaps,Phil—"

"Ofcourse,mydear.Thedamageisn'tfatal,"shesaidwarmly."ButIstillthinkthatifyou'dtoldherwhatyoureallyfelt,you'dhavehadher—eventhoughshemaynotloveyou.Orwouldyounotconsidergratitudeagoodenoughreasonforher?"

"I'mnotasproudasGina.I'dhavehadheronanyterms,"hesaidalittlesadly.

"I'msorry,mydear,"shesaidsympathetically."Well,anyhow,it'ssettledthatwhenJuliemarries,Ginashallcomehereandstaywithusindefinitely.Somethingmayhaveturnedupbythen.Doyouseemuchofhernow?"

"Notalot.Idon'tgodowneveryweek-end.Sheseemstoavoidmerather."

"Yes,well,perhapsthat'snatural.HowaresheandJuliegettingonnow?"

"Superficially,Ithinkthingsareallright.Idon'tbelieveJuliecaresmuchnowshe'sdefinitelyendingtherelationship,sothingsareeasier."

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"Poorthwartedcreature!I'mterriblysorryforJulie.Shemakesherownhell,"saidPhilippacompassionately.

III

Februarywasableakmonth,coldandrainy,withbitingeastwindsthatskinnedyourfaceouthuntingandnumbedyouralreadyachingfingers.

Gina,justnow,wasnotveryhappy.HerpositionintheBarnHousehadbecomealmostintolerable,sinceshenowmuststandalone,andconfideinnoone.Perhapsmorethananything,shemissedtheoldintimacywithSebastian,moreso,becausehedidn'tappeartonoticeanydifference.Butthechangewasthere.Shehadmovedonandhehadnot.SherecognizedinhimacertainPeter-Panqualitywhichmightneverlethimgrowup.Shecouldseehiminten,twentyyears'time,stillthelittleboy,irresponsible,charming,suchexperienceastheyearsmightbringhimsittinglightlyonhisslimshoulders.WhenSebastianshruggedandlaughedandsaid,"WhatdoIcare?"withasnapofthefingers,hemeantit.Thatwasthefundamentaldifferencebetweenthem.Withheritwasbravado,butwithhimitwasgenuine.Hereallydidn'tcare;consequentlyhehadverylittlecapacityforsuffering,whileherswaslimitless.BetweenherselfandMarktherewasnoverynoticeableconstraint,sincehetreatedherexactlyasbefore,andnevermentionedhisproposalagain.SheneverknewifJuliewasawarethathehadaskedher.Ifshewas,shegavenosign,andherwholeattitudetowardsGinawasoneofforcedpleasantness.Sheseemeddeterminedtosteerclearofanymorescenesduringtheshorttimethatremainedtoherinherbrother'shouse,andGina,takinghercue,respondedaccordingly.

Shedidn'tseemuchofMarkduringtheearlypartofthenewyear,buttowardstheendofFebruaryhecamedownmoreoftentoSussex,andshelookedforwardtotheseweek-endswithamixtureofdreadandpleasure.Itwastorturetobewithhimandendurehisoldkindlyaffection,whichnowhadsuchadifferentaspect.Hissmallautomaticendearmentswerealmostunbearable,sinceeachtimehetouchedher,shewantedeithertorecoilviolentlyorflingherselfintohisarms.

Oncehecaughtherbytheshouldersandturnedhertofacethelight.

"Iwishyou'dletmesendyoubothtoIrelandforthreeweeksorso,Gina,"hesaid,"Itwoulddoyougoodtogetawayassoonasthemilderweathercomes."

"WemeantogowhenSebastian'ssoldatune,"shesaidcheerfully."PerhapsatEaster,beforehegoestoOxford."

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"Ifyouwentthen,Imightmanageafewdaysmyself,"Marksaid."Ishouldliketogobackthere.Isupposeyou'dhavenoobjectiontomypayingfortheholidayifIwascomingtoo?"

Gina'sbodygrewtense.TobewithMarkinthesweetnessandmagicofherowncountrywouldbeunendurable.Hercontrolcouldn'tholdoutundertoogreataprovocation.

"Yes,Iwould,"sheansweredabruptly,almostrudelyinhermisery."Idon'twantyoutocome."

Helookedtakenabackandratherhurt."I'msorry,"hesaidalittlestiffly."Itwasstupidofme.I'dnoidea—"

Shefeltwretchedathavinghurthim,andstaredstraightinfrontofherintothehotfireuntiltheheatdriedupthetearswhichhadsprungtohereyes,andshewasabletolookaway.

Thesilencebetweenthemwasverystrained,andpresentlyMarksaidinacolourlessvoice:

"It'sgettinglate,Gina.Ithinkyououghttogotobed."

Sheroseatonce,andturnedtosaygood-nighttohim.Heheldouthishandandsmiledsuddenly.

"Sleepwell,andblessyou,"hesaid.

Shestoodlookingathimalittleirresolutely,thenwithaswiftinstinctivegesture,shetookhishand'andhelditagainstherlipsforamoment,justasshehaddoneonNewYear'sEve.

"Blessyou,Mark,"shesaidinahuskylittlevoice,andfled.

Shelefthimlookingfirststartled,thenthoughtful.Therewereoccasionswhenhewonderedifshecaredforhimmorethanshepretended.HadPhilippabeenrightafterallwhenshehadsaidthatGinatookhercuefromhim?

Hewonderedforperhapsthefirsttimewhatshewoulddoifheweretomakelovetoher.

IV

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JuliewentfrequentlytoLondoninthesedays.Nothingwaseversaid,butitwastacitlyunderstoodthatshewenttoseeVictor,sincehecouldn'tcometoher.Ginawoulddrivehertothestationinthemorning,andshewouldcomebackbythelasttrainandtakeataxiup.SometimesVictormotoredherdownintheBentley,andGinawouldheartheroarofitsdepartureinthesmallhoursofthemorning.Butbeyondannouncingthedateofhermarriage,Julieneverdiscussedheraffairswiththehousehold,andGinawonderedhowMarkwouldarrangethingsoncehehadSwannforabrother-in-law.

TheCareyscamedownforaweek-end,andoneortwolegalfriendsofMark'soccasionallyturnedup,butforthemostpartlifewasdull.ItwasthedeadperiodbetweenChristmasandEasterwhenthewinterseemedharshest,andthevillageentereduponalongsessionofmeaslesandmumps.Mark'shouseholdsuccumbedtoamildformof'flu,Ginatakingsometimetothrowofftheresults,forshewasrun-downandnervytostartwith.

GinahadscarcelyseenEvansincethenightofthecharityball,buthewasdownforaweek-endearlyinMarch,andcameouthuntingonSaturday,ridingoneofthePratts'horses.HegreetedGinawithnoembarrassment,andshelookedathimwithinterest,'andwonderedwhyhehadeverattractedher.

Helookedwellonahorse,andtheweakMarchsunlightgavehisskinthatgoldentingeshehadalwaysfoundsofascinating.Butwatchinghimnow,shethoughthisfaceWasalittletooeffeminateinitsclear-cutbeauty,andhismouth,whichshehadthoughtsosweetandgentle,wasreallyalittleweak.

Hechattedtohereasily,thentookuphispositionatNancy'sside,whereheclearlymeanttoremainallday.

Thefieldmovedoff,andGinafoundherselfbesideSirCharlesNapieronhisbigweight-carrier.

"Ihearyourstepmotherismarryingagain,"heremarked.

"Yes,earlyinMay,"saidGina,whohadthatmorningdrivenJulietothestationforanotherdayinLondon.

"What'sgoingtobecomeofyou,younglady?"heasked.

"Idon'tknow.Everyone'saskingthat,"shesaidrathermournfully."Ishalllookforsomework,Isuppose,onlyIdon'tquiteknowwhat."

"Nonsense,"SirCharlessaidirritably."Proctorwouldn'thearofthat.Idislikethesemodernhabitsofyoungwomenwhomustgoouttowork,insteadofstayingquietlyathome,astheydidinmyyoungday."

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"Inyouryoungday,theyprobablyhadhomestostayquietlyin,"saidGinamildly."Everyonehasn'tnow."

"Tush!Don'tyoubelikeyourscatter-brainedbrother,mydear.Youjustwaitabitandbesensible,"saidSirCharles,androdeawaytospeaktosomeoneelse.

"NowIwonderwhatonearthhemeantbythat,"thoughtGina,staringafterhim.

Theyfoundquickly,andhadquiteabriskruninthemorning.Sweenyhadborrowedaneighbouringfarmer'scob,andheembarrassedGinabyhiswell-meantcommentsonhermistakes.

"Giveherabeltin',MissGina!"heshoutedastheSouthernBellerefusedafenceforthethirdtime."Gripes!It'snomannerofusecoaxingher,forshehasasluginherblackheartthisday.WillIgiveheracrackbehindt?G'wanonoverwillyenow!"Herodeupwitharush,andcaughtthemareaterrificthwackwithhiscropwhichsentherboundingintotheair."HolyGod,she'skilt!"heexclaimedasGinawentflyingfromthesaddle.

"Iwishyou'dleaveheralone,Sweeny,"criedGinaangrily,asshemountedagain."Youalwaysmakemefalloff."

"I'msorry,MissGina,butyousitlooseinyourseat,"saidSweenyapologetically.

"IknowIdo,"snappedGina,andtookhernextfencewithmorecare.

NancyandEvankeptclosetogether,andonceNancycalledout,"Nottakentoaside-saddleyet,Gina?Youshould.Itlookseversomuchnicer—don'tyouthinkso,Evan?"

Hesmiled."Imustn'tberudetoGina,mustI?"hesaidnaively.

Ginasmiledtoherself.Nancywasn'tdoingsobadly.

Houndschecked,butonlyforamoment,andtheywereoffagain.

"Goodsporttoday!"somemanshoutedashepassedheronastretchofplough.

"Very,"saidGinagrimly,andtriedtositfirmerinhersaddle.

Abrokengate,ahedge;Sweenybehindshouting:"Don'tbelthersohard,MissGina!She'llturncrankyonyou.Spakesofttohernow!"Andthenawood,thesunslantingthroughthenakedbranchesinblindingflashesasyouspedpast,andhereatlastwasthekindofnastyplaceyoudreamedaboutinnightmares;aditchandhedgedangerouswithoverhangingbranches,andanuphill,boggytake-off.

Ginafelttheoldsickeningfearloomupwithinher;fearoffalling,fearofbeing

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fallenupon.Shewasthelast.Therewasnoonebehindher,andnothingtostophergoingbackandfindinganeasierway.

"Iwon'tbeafraid,Iwon'tbe'afraid,"shemuttered,desiringatleasttoconquerherselfifshediedintheattempt.Shehaddisgracedherselfbeforebyturningback.

Shesatlowinhersaddle,andwenthardatthefence,duckingherheadandshuttinghereyestightasthemarerosetothejump.Almostatthesamemomentanotherriderappearedfromadifferentpartofthewood,andchargedthefenceatthesametime.AshrillvoicethatGinaknewtobeNancy'sscreamed:"Getoutofmyway!"Therewasaterrificimpactasbothhorsesmetandlandedinawildmix-upontheotherside.Bothgirlswerethrownclear,butGina'sfootwasbadlystampedonbyNancy'shorseasitstruggledup.

"GoodGod!Areyoubothallright?"Gina,throughamistofpain,sawEvan'shorrifiedfaceontheothersideofthehedge,andhehurriedlydismounted,andtyinguphishorse,scrambledovertotheirassistance.

Nancywassittingupalittledistanceoff,gingerlyputtingherbowlerstraight,andpattinghercurlsintoplace.

"Youcutinonme!"shecriedfuriously."Yououghtn'teventohaveattemptedsuchajumpwhenyou'resucharottenrider."ShesuddenlysawEvan,andgavealittlesobbingsighandputherhandtoherside.

HesawthatGinawasstandingupapparentlyunhurt,andkneltdownbyNancy."Whereareyouhurt?"heaskedanxiously."Isitbad,dear?"

"Oh,Idon'tknow.IthinkI'mgoingtofaint.Ifyoucouldjustsupportme—thankyousomuch."Nancysmiledwanly,andgracefullyacceptedEvan'sflask.

Ginastoodandwatchedthem;shedespisedNancy,butshedidn'tblameher.Shesupposedthiswasallpartofthebusinessofgettingyourman.But,later,whenNancyallowedherselftobeconsideredwellenoughtobeproppedtenderlyagainstatree-trunk,andEvansaidtoGinainarathershakyvoice:"Thatwasdamnedcarelessofyou,Gina.YoumighthavekilledNancy,"shefelthertemperflareup.

"SomightNancyhavekilledme,"sheretorted."Itwasasmuchherfaultasmine.IthoughtIwasthelast.Iusuallyam."

"Well,youneedn'tbesosnarky.Can'tyouseethatshe'shurt,andyou'renot?"saidEvanangrily.

"She'sallright,"snappedGina.Thepaininherfootwasblinding.Sheknewitwouldsubsidealittleonceithadreacheditszenith,butatthemomentshewantedtoscream.

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"Oh,Gina,Idofeelveryshaky,"saidNancyinaweakvoice."IthinkI'llhavetogohomeinthecar,Evan.Wouldyoumindtakingmebacktothepubandthenbringingonthehorses?"

"Ofcoursenot.Doyouthinkyoucanridethatfar?"

"Oh,Ithinkso."Shegottoherfeet,clingingheavilytohisarm,andhecarefullyliftedherintohersaddle.

"ShallIgiveyoualeg-up?"heaskedGinaalittlecoldly.

"Thanks."Sheplacedheruninjuredfootinhishands,andstruggledup.

"Good-night,Gina."

"Good-night."

Shewatchedthemrideawayslowly,Evan'shandsupportingNancyinthesaddle.ShecouldhearNancy'svoicefloatingbacktoher,gettinglivelierastheygrewfartheraway.

Ginasatstillinhersaddle,tryingtorestherfoot.Atlast,withtearsofpainrunningdownhercheeks,sheturnedthemare'sheadhomewards,andbeganthelongwearyhackback.

CHAPTERXIII

I

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BYthetimeshegothome,herfootwasthrobbinghotly,'andshefeltrathersick.SheencounteredMarkinthehallandstaredathiminsurprise.

"Hullo!"shesaid."Ithoughtyouweren'tcomingthisweek-end.Julie'sintown,youknow."

"Yes,Iknow.I'veonlybeenhereabouthalfanhour,"hereplied."Haveagoodday?Ihearyouhadasmash-upwiththePrattlady.Youweren'thurt,Ihope?"

"Howonearthdidyouhearthat?"

"ImetEvancomingbackwiththehorses.Heseemedquiteupset.However,astheladyisapparentlyrecoveringsufficientlytobetakentoadanceinEastclifftonight,Idon'tthinkshecanbeverybad."

Ginalaughed."TheSpratispriceless!"shesaid."Well,itworkswithEvan,doesn'tit?AndtothinkImighthavemarriedhim!Well,well,"

"Sorry?"

"No.TheSprat'smadeforhim,goodlucktothem!"

"Well,comealonginandgetsometea.ShallIpullyourbootsoffforyou?"

"Thanks."

Sheextendedheruninjuredfootfirst,andwonderedifherotherfoothadswollenatall.Butwhenhetookholdofhersecondbootandgaveitapull,thepainwassoviolentthatshecriedout.

Helookedupsharplyandsawthatshewasaswhiteaspaper.

"Mydearchild,whatisit?"heexclaimed.

Shefeltasthoughshemightfaintatanyminute,andsheputherheaddownbetweenherhandstotryandstopthesickness.

Markgaveonelookather,andhurriedawayforsomebrandy.Shedrankitatagulp,andgraduallythefaint-nessworeoff,andshewasonlyawareofthepain.

"I'mallrightnow,"shesaidweakly."Itwasonlythejabmyfootgavewhenyoupulled.Ioughttohavewarnedyou.Nancy'shorsetrodonmeratherheavilyandIthinkmyfoot'sswollen."

"MypoorGina,I'mterriblysorry,"hesaidinconcernedtones.Helookedattheboot."I'mafraidthisisgoingtohurtyou,mydear.Ithinkwe'dbettercutthebootoff."

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"Oh,don'truinmyonlypair,"sheprotestedwithasmile."Tryandworkitoffgently,Mark.It'llbeallrightifyou'recareful."

Hebegantoeasethebootgradually,askingherrepeatedlyifshefeltallright,andeventuallyhegotitoff,andthereliefwasimmediate.Heinsistedontakingoffherstockingandlookingatthedamage,andexclaimedinvoluntarilyatthesightofherdiscolouredfoot.Agreatpurplebruisewasspreadingrapidlyacrosstheswolleninstep,andhequicklyrangthebellforJulie'smedicine-chest.

"Youmusthavesufferedtortures,"hesaid."Doyoumeantosayyourodehomeallthatwaywithyourfootinthiscondition?Whyonearthdidn'tyougetNancytogiveyoualift?"

"Idon'tthinkthatsuggestionwouldhavebeenverypopular,"saidGinawithagrin.

"Thatblastedlittlehumbug!"Markexclaimedfuriously."Nothingthematterwithher,andyouinpainallthetime!"Heexaminedthefootmoreclosely,thenbegantoapplycold-watercompresses."You'vebruiseditbadly,butIdon'tthinkthere'sanyseriousharmdone.It'llbeeasieroncewegettheswellingdown."

Graduallythepainsubsidedtoadullthrob,ashebathedandmassagedandfinallybandagedwithapracticalskillwhichwasverysoothing.Thenhepickedherupandcarriedherintotea.

"Where'sSebastian?"sheasked,seeingonlytwocupsonthetray.

"He'sgoneovertotheNeills'.Heleftamessagetosayhewouldn'tbebacktodinner,"saidMark,arrangingacushionforherfoot.

Shewassuddenlyveryquiet,visualizingalongeveningalonewithMarkinthistenderprotectivemood,andwonderingwhichwouldbethegreater,thepainorthepleasure.

Shesat,stretchedoutdrowsilybythefire,thinandsmallinhershabbybreeches,listeningtohispleasantvoiceashetalkedtoher,andpresentlyshegrewsleepywiththewarmthandrelaxationofmindandbody,andfellasleepuntilitwastimetohaveherbath.

Markwatchedhercrossthehall,limpingslightlyasshewent.

"Areyousureyoucanmanage?Youwouldn'tlikemetocarryyou?"heasked.

"No,thanks,I'mallright."

"I'llcomeandbandageyouupagainwhenyou'vehadyourbath."

Thedrawing-roomfirehadnotbeenlighted,sinceJuliewasreturninglate,soafterdinnertheysatinMark'sstudy,guiltilypleasedthat,lefttothemselves,theyhadn't

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botheredtochange.Ginacladinanoldwoollenfrock,shuffledaboutinbedroomslippersbecauseshecouldn'tgetashoecomfortablyoverherbandage,andMarklookedatherwithamusement.

"We'reratheraragamuffinpairtonight,aren'twe?"hesaid.

"It'snice,isn'tit?Somuchmorehomely,"shesaid.

Theyglancedacrossateachother,andlaughed,comfortablyawareofanewpleasantintimacy.

"Welikealotofthesamethings,don'twe,Judge?"saidGina,snugglingdeeperintoherchair.

"Yes,"saidMark,andtherewasmomentarysadnessinthebriefmonosyllable.

Shelookedathimswiftly.Hisfacewasinshadow,sothatshecouldn'tseehisexpression,buthishandswerefullinthefirelight,andshewatchedhissensitivefingerscrossanduncrosseachotherashesatstaringintothefire.Oncetheytightenedconvulsively,theknucklesgleamingwhitelyforamoment,andasifsuddenlyawarethathishandsweregivinghimawaytoGina,hefoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.

"Areyouhappiernow,Gina?"heaskedherabruptly.

"Happier?"

"Yes.I'veimaginedyouhaven'tbeenfrightfullyhappyoflate."

Shemadeherusualassertion."Oh,I'mallright.It'sbeenratherabeastlytimethough,hasn'tit?'Fluandbadweatherandthings."

"Is—IhopeJulie'snicetoyounow,"hesaidhesitatingly.

"Oh,yes.Thingsarequitepeaceful.I'msorry,Mark

Itmustbefoulhavingperpetuallysquabblingwomeninyourhouse."

"Mydearchild—!It'sscarcelyyourfault,isit?"hesaidquickly."Yououghtnevertohavelivedtogether,really.I'mafraidJuliehasbecometerriblyvindictiveinherunhappiness.Itmustcomefromunhappiness,ofcourse."

"Ofcourse.Juliewasdesperatelyinlovewithmyfather,youknow,andIdon'tthinkheeverthoughtmuchaboutwomeninthatway.Hewasaqueercrazyperson.Ibelievehewasdevotedtomymother.Eventomewhomhedidlove,hewasoftenveryqueer.Juliemusthavesufferedterribly,withhertemperament."

Helookedatherwithtenderness.HowunresentfulshewasofJulie'sunkindness!

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"Weren'tthingsoftenratherdifficultinIreland?"heasked.

"Yes,theywere,butitwasdifferentthere.Onewasyounger,andcouldalwaysget'awayifthehousebecametoohot,"shesaidfrankly."Yousee,SebastianandIwereatschoolmostofthetime,andintheholidaysIthinkJulietriedtobeniceforFather'ssake.Buthenevernoticedthesethingsmuch.Aslongashehadhishobbiesandalittleroughshooting,andabitoffishing,hewasreallyquiteoblivioustowhatwentoninthehouse.Julieoughtnevertohavemarriedhim.HewasjustlikeSebastian,youknow—alwaysdeepinsomenewscheme,andquiteirresponsible.Heneverreallyknewwhathewanted—ifhewantedanything'atall.Ithinkhewashappyjustexisting.Julietookalltheresponsibilityoffhisshoulders,yousee.Ithinkhechieflyappreciatedherforthat,andsheknewit."

"Notverymuchseemstohaveescapedyouasachild,"heobservedwithasmile.

"No.Well,atthatageIthinkoneisnaturallyverycuriousaboutone'selders,"shesaidwithafunnylittlematurenessofspeechthatmadehimlaugh.

"WhatdoyouhonestlythinkofSebastian?"sheaskedsuddenly.

Heglanced'atherwithoutspeaking,thenhesaidcautiously:"Well,IconfessIsometimesfeelalittleworriedabouthim."

Shegaveasharp,impatientsigh."SodoI,"sheadmitted."Idon'tbelievehe'lleversettletoanything."

"Oh,well,he'sonlyaboystill.Hemayshakedownquitewelllateron,"saidMarkreassuringly,butsheshookherhead.

"No.Sebastian'sfeckless.Fatherwasjustthesame—that'swhyweneverhadanymoney,"shereplied."Hehadafixedview-pointaboutmoney—mostlyotherpeople'smoney—andSebastianisthesame,onlytentimesworse.Ihopeyou'llmakehimwork,Mark."

"Youcan'tmakeanyoneworkwhowon't,mydear,"hetoldherkindly."ButI'lldomybest."

"Andthenofcourseyoumustmakemework,"shesaidinamatter-of-factlittlevoice."Butyouwon'thavetodrivemehard.I'mverywilling."

Therewasasilenceduringwhichhewatchedherface,sharplyoutlinedinthefirelight.Theelfinlookwasstronglyapparentinhertiltedeyesandflaminghair,buttherewasaqueer,ratherwearyhintofmaturityinherhigh,delicateforeheadandbitter-sweetmouth.

"You'veneverthoughtofreconsideringyourotherdecision?"heaskedhergently.

Shedidn'tmove."No."

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"I'msorry.I'dthoughtthatperhaps—"

"Perhapswhat?"Sheaskedthequestiononasharpintakeofbreath.

"Ithoughtperhapsyoumighthavebecomefondofmeenoughnottomind."

Therewasalittlepause,thensheaskedwithsomedifficulty,"Didyoumeanittobemerely'amarriageofconvenienceonmyside?Imean—wouldyouexpect—"

Wasthatthenthechiefdifficulty?Buthecouldonlybehonest.

"DidyouthinkIwantednothingfromyou,Gina?"hesaidquietly."I'mafraidIneverintendedyoutothinkthatourmarriagewouldbepurelyformal."Helookedstraightather."Thatsortofthinghardlyeveranswers,mydear,andit'snousepretendingthatIwouldexpectnothingonyourside."

Hecouldn'tquiteunderstandherexpressionasshesaid,

"Ithought—Iwasafraid "

"YouwereafraidIshouldexpecttoomuch?"hesaidgently."Isthatwhyyourefusedme,Gina?"

Shelookedathiminsuchamazementthathewasfurtherpuzzled.

"Oh,Mark!Youdon'tknowverymuchaboutme!"shesaidwith'alittlesmile,andatthatmomentSebastiancameexcitedlyintotheroom.

"Hullo,youtwo!Allsnugandwarmbythefire!I'mfrozen,"heexclaimed,andsquattedbetweenthemontherug."Sweenysaysyou'vehurtyourfoot.Isitbad?"

"Justbruised.Thehorseisasagaciousanimalbutheavywithal;thehoofofthehorseisshodwithiron,"saidGinainasing-songvoice.

"Andwhenthehoofofthehorseisshodwithiron,isnotthehatofmyuncleinthehall?"inquiredSebastianearnestly."PooroldGinny!I'mgladitwasn'tme.Mark,I'mspendingalldaytomorrowwiththeNeills.Youdon'tmind,doyou?We'vegotaschemeforamoney-makingconcern."

"Oh!What'sthat?"

"Runningasyncopatedcoffee-stallinPiccadilly.ArthurNeillwouldshakethedrinks—Imeanservethecoffee—Maviswouldsing,andIwouldplayoneofthosesweetlittlecottageuprightsyoucanwheelaboutquiteeasilyonabarrow.Allmyowntunesofcourse.I'dbecomewell-knownthatway."

"I'msureyouwould!"saidMarkdryly,

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"No,honestly,Mark,it'sascheme,"Sebastiansaidseriously."WecouldworkinsomethingforGinnyaswell,andthenwe'dbothbeoffyourhands.You'dputupthecapital,ofcourse,butthatwouldn'tbemuch—justenoughtobuythestallandthepianoandthebarrowandthings.You'dsoongetitback.Well—I'mofftobedtofinishmythriller—Good-night,chaps!"

Heleaptup,andhavingkissedhissister,wentoutoftheroom.Theycouldhearhimsingingatthetopofhisvoiceashewentupthestairs.

Markburstoutlaughing."How'sthatforaperfectlyseriousbusinessproposition?"hesaid,butGinalookedunhappy.

"Itwouldbefunnyifhedidn'treallybelieveit,"shesaidalittleshortly."Idon'tseeyouevergettingSebastianfirmlyestablishedinsomeniceneatcityoffice,Judge."

"Well,thereareotherjobs.Weshallhavetoconsider,"hesaideasily,butprivatelyhesawtheyearsstretchingaheadwithSebastianlivingcharminglyathisexpense,andrelievingthemonotonybybecominginvolvedinharebrainedfinancialventuresfromwhichMarkwouldhavetoextricatehim.

"Ishouldn'tworryabouthisfutureyet,anyway,"hesaid.

Shethrewthecigaretteshewassmokingintothefire.Shelookedverytired.

"IthinkI'llgotobedsoon,Mark.I'vehadquiteahardday,"shesaid.

"Isthefoothurting?"heaskedquickly.

"Abit."

Shestoodup,andputherfootgingerlytotheground.

"Ow!It'sgotstifffromsitting,"sheexclaimed,andlimpedpainfullytowardsthedoor.

"Letmecarryyouup,"hesaidatonce.

"No,please,Mark,"shereturnedhastily.

Hewentacrosstoherandpickedherupinhisarms."Don'tbesuchalittlesilly,"hesaid.

Hefeltherwholebodystiffenashecarriedheracrossthehall,thenshesuddenlyrelaxedagainsthim,andherarmtightenedroundhisneck.

ItseemedtoGinaalongwayupthosestairs.Markneverspoke,butwhentheyreachedthedoorofherroom,hepausedbeforeputtingherdown,andlookedintoher

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greeneyeswithaqueerlittlesmile.

"Littlesweet,"hesaidsoftly,andkissedher.

II

Thenextmorning,whenGinacamedowntobreakfast,shefoundMarkaloneinthedining-roomstaringoutofthewindowatthedrivingrainwhichhadbeensteadilypouringdownsincedawn.

Heturnedasshecameintotheroom,andsaidratherbrusquely,"Julienevercamehome.Sherangupjustnowtosayshecouldn'tmanagetogetbacklastnight."

Shedidn'tatonceunderstandwhyheshouldbeannoyedaboutit,andshesupposedshemusthavelookedhersurprise,forhesaidquickly:

"Sheoughtn'ttohavedoneitwhensheknewyouwerealoneinthehousewithme.Theservantsmighttalk."

Ginalaughedandsatdownatthetable."Oh,Mark!

Surelythesedays!"sheprotested,helpingherselftocoffee."Ishouldn'tworryabouttheproprieties—besidesSebastian'shere."

"Well,sheshouldhaverunguplastnight,"Markpersisted."Shewon'tbebacknowtilllatetonight.IsupposeSwannismotoringherdown."

Shewassilent,thinkingoftheprospectofadayandanotherlongeveningalonewithMark.Shewonderedifhewasirritatedonthatcount.

"Idontsupposeshethoughtyouwerehere,"shesaidquietly."Wenoneofusexpectedyouthisweek-end."

"Probablyshedidn't.Lord!Thewholesky'scomingdown!I'mafraidyou'llhavetoputupwithmeasasolitarycompaniontoday,Gina.Itdoesn'tlookasifwe'llwanttoleavethehouse."

Shegavehimanobliquelook,butsaidnothing,andhecameandsatdown'atthetable.

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"Ineveraskedafterthefoot!"heexclaimedsuddenly."Julieputeverythingoutofmyheadforthemoment.Idohopeit'sgivingyoulesspain."

"Oh,it'sbetter,thanks,"shesmiled."It'sawfullytender,buttheswelling'scompletelygone.I'mgoingtobeallcoloursoftherainbowsoon!"

"Poorchild!I'llbandageitagainafterbreakfast."

Afterbreakfast,GinacurledupwithabookbyMark'sstudyfire,whilehesatathisdeskandwroteletters.

Butshecouldn'tconcentrateonherbook.ShewastooawareofthescratchingofMark'spen,theoccasionalflutterofpaper,theopeningandshuttingofadrawer;allthetinyintimateindicationsofhispresenceintheroom.Hermindkeptgoingbacktolastnight.Howunbearableithadbeentodiscusstheideaofmarriagewithhimagain;whatexquisitetorturetofeelhishandstouchingherfoot,hisarmscarryingherupstairs..."Littlesweet..."Itreallywasn'tfairofMark.

Lunchwasarathersilentmeal.Ginawasillatease,andMarkdidn'thelphermuch.Heseemedengrossedwithhisownthoughts,andwhentheywentbacktothestudyfortheircoffee,hesatstaringintothefireandscarcelyspoke.Later,however,hebecamesuddenlygay,devotingeveryminuteofthe'afternoontoGina'samusement;spoilingher,teasingher,payinghercompliments,sothatbytea-timeshefeltsonervousthatshewasalmostreadytocry.Heseemedtogooutofhiswaytotouchher,findingexcuseinmassagingherfoot,arrangingacushionatherback,tuckingastraypieceofhairbehindherear.Itwasnearlyunbearable.Shesmokedendlesscigarettestogiveherselfsomethingtodo,andwhenthetea-thingshadbeentakenaway,shesatoppositehiminthefirelight,tenseandsilent,lightingonecigarettefromtheother.

Ithadpouredallday,andshewatchedtherainrattlingagainsttheuncurtainedwindow,thewaterrunninginbrightstreamsdowntheglass,caughtbythedancinglightinsidetheroom.

Mark,whohadbeenwatchingher,gotupandtookthecigarettefromherfingers."That'senoughforthisevening,"hesaid,throwingitintothefire."You'llbeanervouswreckifyougoonatthisrate."

"IshallbeanervouswreckifIdon't,"shemuttered,andreachedoutherhandforthesilverbox.

Hecaughtherfingersinhisandstoppedher."No,younaughtychild,you'renottohave'anymore,"hesaidwithasmile."You'reshakingasitis."Heleantoverherandtookherchininhisfingerandthumb."Lookatme,Gina—"

Herendurancesnappedatlast."Don'ttouchmeagain,Mark!"shecried,twistingherbodyoutofhisreachandspringingtoherfeet."Ifyoucomenearmeagainthisevening,I'llgouptomyroomandstaythere."

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Heputhishandsinhispocketsandstoodlookingatherinsilence.

"Ican'tbearit—whycan'tyouleavemealone?"shesaid,asifthewordswereforcedoutofher.

"Doyoudislikemeasmuchasallthat?"heaskedquizzically.

Hermouthtrembledsuddenly,andsheabruptlyturnedherbackonhim.Afteranotherlonglookather,hecrossedovertothewindowanddrewthecurtains,theoldbrassringsrunningalongthepolewithafriendlyrattle,thenhecamebacktothefire.

"Gina—"hesaidgently.

"Doyouthinkit'sfairtotreatmelikethis?"Shespokewithherbackstilltowardshim.

"HowhaveItreatedyou?"

"Neverleavingmealone—pretendingtomakelovetome!Andlastnight—Doyouthinkit'sfair?"

Therewasalittlepauseandalogofwoodcollapsedinthegratewithatinycrash,sendingafountainofsparksupthechimney.

"Iwasn'tpretending,"saidMarkquietly.

Sheturnedthen,andhesawherfaceinthefirelight,whiteandpinchedwithmisery,thetearsstreamingfromherstartledeyes.

"Oh,Gina—mypoorsweetheart,"heexclaimed,andamomentlater,withanoddlittlecryofdefeat,shewasinhisarms.

III

HeknewnowwithoutashadowofdoubtthatGinalovedhim.Shereturnedhiskisseswithapassionthatwasallthestrongerbecauseithadbeensolongrepressed,andhefeltallherunhappylonelinessofspiritgoouttomeethisown.

"Youloveme,Gina?"hemurmuredonce.Hewantedtohearhersayit.

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"Oh,yes,yes!Iloveyoumorethananythingintheworld,"sheanswered."You'reeverythingthathas'anymeaningforme—everything...."

"DidyoureallyneverthinkImightbeinlovewithyou?"heaskedhercuriously.

Sheliftedherheadtolookathim."No,"shesaidsimply."Areyou?"

"Oh,mydarlingchild!"heexclaimedalittlehelplessly,andtookherfacebetweenhishandstokissheragain."I'velovedyouforsolongnow,Ican'trememberwhenitbegan,"hetoldhertenderly.

Sheclungtohimsuddenly,alittledesperately."Whydidn'tyoutellmebefore?"shecrieddesolately."IfI'donlyknownwhenyouaskedme—Yousee,itwasthedayafterIknewIwasinlovewithyou.Ievenhopedyoumighteventuallyloveme,—andthenyouaskedmetomarryyou,anditwasso—socold-blooded."

"Listen,Gina,wemusttalkthisout,"hesaidgently,andsatdownonthesofa,takingherwithhim.Shetuckedherfeetunderher,andcurledupinthecircleofhisarm.

"Iproposedtoyouinaperfectlyinsanemanner.Isoonrealizedthat.Butyoumusttrytolookatthingsthroughmyeyes.Ihadn'tanideaatthetimethatyoucaredformeinanybutaperfectlyfriendlyway,butIdidthinkthatyoumightbewillingtomarrymeinplaceofajob.Ithought,Iadmit,youwouldhavebeenquitereadytoprovideahomeforSebastian,andIhonestlyimaginedyouwouldmindbeingdependentonmelessifyouweremywifethanifyouhadnolegalclaimonme.We'vebeenatcrosspurposesallthetime.I'm'afraidImusthavecausedyouanawfullotofunnecessarymisery,poorsweet."

"Oh,Mark,itwasghastly,"sheconfided."Ithoughtyouweremerelycarryingdutytoitslogicalconclusion—theEnglishhavesuchqueerideasonthesubject.—Butevenso,IthinkIwouldhavemarriedyouifithadn'tbeenforSebastianandsomethingJulieoncesaid.Yousee,IthoughtthatintimeperhapsImighthavegotyoutolovemeabit,givenafairchance."

"Howlovelyyouare,Gina,"hesaid."Alovelymindandalovelyspirit—WhathadJuliesaidtoyou?"

"Shewarnedmethatyoumightbe—quixotic."

"Andshetoldmethatyoudidn'tcaretuppenceforme."

"Thatwasdevilishofher,"saidGinaquietly,"becauseshemusthaveknown.Anywomanmusthave."

"Well,it'sallovernow,thankGod.Wecanbeginagain,"Marksaidwithagreatsighofthankfulness."Doyouwantmetoproposetoyoualloveragain,darling?"

Shewassuddenlystill,andhefeltherbodystiffen.Hewaited,alittleuncertainof

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her,thenshesaidveryquietly:

"I'mnotgoingtomarryyou,Mark."

Helookeddownatherinamazement."What?But,mydarlingchild,that'sallfinishedwithnow,"hesaid,alittlepuzzled.

Shedrewslightlyawayfromhim,andwhenhisarmtightenedroundheratonce,shesaid:

"No,letmego.Iwanttoexplain."Shewasspeakinginaflattonelessvoicenow,andlookingstraightinfrontofher."Whenyouaskedmetomarryyou,youtoldmetotalkitoverwithSebastian."

"Yes.IrealizedafterwardsthatwasabouttherashestthingIcouldhavedone,"heinterposedquietly.

"No.Itwasn't,really,becauseitgavemeanopportunityofseeingexactlywhatyourlifewouldbeifIdidmarryyou.Sebastianhasbeenmydearestcompanionalways,butIcanseehimforwhatheis.Charming,selfish,utterlywithoutmoralobligation.Heonlywantedmetomarryyousothatwecouldbothspongeonyoufortherestofourlives.Icouldn'thavethat"—hervoicebrokesuddenly—"Icouldn'thavesomeonetradingonyourloveformefortheirowninterests."

Heheardhertotheend,thenputhisarmsroundherandliftedherclosetohim."Oh,mydear,don'ttortureyourselfso,"hesaidgently."IknowjustwhatSebastianis—betterthanyoudo,perhaps.Idon'tmind.I'mwillingtogivehimanythingunderthesunfortheprivilegeofmarryinghissister."

Sherestedherheadratherwearilyonhisshoulder."You'resomarvellousyourselfthatyouwouldfeellikethataboutit,"shesaid."Buttomeitmattersmostterribly.Ishouldneverbecompletelyhappyknowingthatyouwerebeingcontinuallyimposedupon."

"Ithinkyouexaggeratealittle,mydarling,"hesaidthen."Afterall,Sebastianwillpresumablyfindsomesortofjobeventually,evenifit'sonlytofulfilhisheart'sdesireandbeapianistinajazzband!"

"He'llneverworkifImarryyou,"shesaid,hervoicesuddenlyhard."Yousaidyourselfthatyoucan'tmakesomeoneworkwhowon't.Sebastianwouldliveonyoufortherestofhislife,andinyourheartyouknowit.Don'tyousee,Mark,itwoulddestroyusall?WhathappinesswouldIhave,knowingyouwerebeingcontinuallyspongedon?WhathappinesswouldSebastianhave,losinghisself-respectandhiswholeself?Itwouldallcomebackonyouintheendandmakeyoumiserable."

"Ithinkyou'reputtingtoofineapointontheethicalsideofthebusiness,"hesaidquietly."Sebastianmightchange—intimehemaymarryhimself,andthenhe'llhavetoattaintosomesortofresponsibility."

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"That'saweakargument,"shesaidatonce."You'reonlystatingwhatyouhopemayhappen,notwhatyouknowwillhappen.No,no,Mark."Webothoweyoutoomuchformetocontemplatesuchathing."

Shewriggledoutofhisgrasp,andstoodup,notwantingtobesoclosetohimthatsheknewshemustweaken.

"But,Gina,thisisabsurd!"hecriedindespair."Ican'tthinkyourreasonsaresound,thoughtheyareverymeritorious.YousaidjustnowthathadyouknowninthefirstplacethatIlovedyou,youmighthavemarriedme."Whyshouldthingsbeanydifferentnow?"

"Ididn't.IsaidIwishI'dknown,"shereplied,lookingdownathimunhappily."IadmitIwastemptedbeforeI'dtalkedtoSebastian,butnow—oh,God!Can'tyouunderstand?"

Herespondedimmediatelytothedesperatenoteinhervoice."Iunderstand,butIthinkyou'rewrong,"hesaid."Gina,doyoureallymeantothrowawayyourownhappinessandmineforthesakeofanideal?"

"There'sonlyoneotherway,"shesaidslowly."Youcanbemylover."

Helookedathersteadily,hisheartachingforherinherunhappystruggle.

"Darling,thatwouldn'twork,"hetoldherverygently.

Buttheideagrewinhermindastheironemeansofescape.Shekneltbesidehim,andputherhandinhis."Whynot,Mark?"shesaideagerly."Nooneneedeverknow—itwouldbesoeasy.Couldn'twebehappythatwaywithouthavingtoloseanything?"

Heshookhishead."Youcan'thaveyourcakeandeatit."

"Itwouldn'tbe.Tome,marryingyouwouldbehavingmycakeandeatingit,"shecried."Mark,darling,IloveyousomuchthatIwanttogiveandgive.ButI'venothingtogivebutmyself.I'myoursjustwhenyouwantme.Please,Mark—it'stheobviouswayout."

Hisfingersclosedtightlyoverhers."That'sthemostwonderfulthingyoucouldsaytome,Gina,"hesaid,"butnotpossible."

"Why?"sherepeated,hermindstupidwithunhappiness.

"HowdoyouthinkIshouldfeelputtingyouinsuchaposition—amanofmyage,andachildlikeyou?"heaskedher.

"Agehasn'tanythingtodowithit,"shebrokein.

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"Well,butmydear,don'tyouseethatIcouldn'tpossiblybehappytakingeverythingfromyouandgivingyounothing."

"ButyouwouldbegivingmeeverythingIwanted.Iloveyou."

"Sweetheart,youmusttryandunderstand,itjustwouldn'tdo."

"Youmeanyouthinkit'swrong?"

"No,notinitself.Butthereasondoesn'tjustifysuchacourse."

Sheknewofoldshecouldn'twearhimdown,andshebrokeintotired,desperateweeping.

"Ginadear"—hebentoverher,restinghischeekagainstherboweddefeatedhead—"don'thurtusbothsomuch.Can'tyousee,sweet,thatmarriageistheonlywayout?You'retorturingyourselffornothing.Ifeelthisisallsomehowmixedupwithyouroldsensitivenessofbeingdependentonme.Surelyyoudon'tmind,nowweloveeachother."

"Idon'tmindthat—anymore,"shegaspedbetweenhersobs."I'mjustgrateful.ButSebastian'sdifferent—wecan't—"

"Iunderstandwhatworriesyou,butIknowyou'rewrong."

"I'mnot—peoplemustfindthemselves—"

Hecouldn'targuewithheronthesameground."Don'ttryandworkitoutnow.Justsayyou'llmarryme,"hesaidgently,butsheonlysobbed,"Ican't—Ican't —"

Presentlyshegrewquieter,andstoodup,leaningwearilyagainstthemantelpiece.Herfootwasbeginningtoacheratherbadlyagain.

"Well,thisseemstobedeadlock,"Marksaidalittlesadly.

"Mark,won'tyouevergivein?"shepleaded,withonelastattemptatbreakingdownhisresolution.

"No,Gina,"hesaidsteadily.

Shegavealittlehopelessshrug."AndIcan't,"shesaidinexhaustedtones.

"Icandonothingtohelpyou,child.Youmustfightitoutforyourself,"hetoldhergravely.

"Ihave,andIthinkI'mright."

"AndIknowyou'reservingafalseideal."

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Shestaredathimdumblywitheyesthatweredark,anddrownedwithtears,thenwithanotherlittleshrugshequietlylefttheroom.

CHAPTERXIV

I

MARKwentbacktoLondonearlythenextmorning,andGinadrovehimtothestation.Theyhadscarcelyspokenontheway,andnowshestoodbesidehimontheplatformlongingfor,andyetdreading,thearrivalofthetrain.Itwascoldandraw,andtheybegantowalkupanddown.

"Haveyoudefinitelyturnedmedown,Mark?"Ginasaidatlast,approachingthesubjectwithdifficulty.

"Isn'titrathertheotherwayround?"hereplied.

"Thenyouwon'tevenconsiderit?"Shewastalkinginstiff,unnaturallittlesentences.

"Mydear,howcanI?"

"Quiteeasilyifyoureallywantme."

"That'snotverykind.I'msufferingeverybitasmuchasyou,Gina—"Hestoodstill,andturnedtolookdirectlyather."Iftherewasagenuinebarriertoourmarriage,Iwouldconsenttoyourbecomingmymistress,butthereasonyouputupasabarcan't,inmy

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eyes,possiblyjustifysuchanaction.Pleasetry,mydarlingchild,toseeitfrommypointofview,whichhonestlyistheonlysaneone."

Shestoodlookingattheground,herhandsinthepocketsofheroldtweedcoat."Isee,Mark,"shesaidquietly."Here'syourtrain."

Hefoundanemptycarriage,andstoodleaningoutofthewindowandlookingdownather.Herfaceworethatwhitestonylookheknewsowell.

"Takecareofyourself,"hesaid."Eatpropermealsandrestthatfoot."

"Ialwayseatpropermeals,"shesaidmechanically.

Doorswerebeingslammednow,andheheldouthishand."Onlyaurevoir,"hesaid."I'llbedownnextweekend.Perhapsyou'llhavechanged5rourviewsbythen."

Sheslowlyshookherhead,then,puttingherhandsuddenlyinhis,shesaidurgently:

"Writetome,Mark.PleasewritetomesothatI'llhavejustsomethingofyoutomyself."

Thehardnesshadgonefromherface,leavingityounganddesperateandpinchedwithmisery.

"OfcourseI'llwrite—thisveryday,"hesaidquickly.

"Gina,youpoorchild,IwishIcouldhelpyou—Goodbye,darling—"

Thetrainbegantomove,andshereleasedhishandandstoodmotionless,lookingupthelineuntilthelastcarriagehaddisappearedinthedistance.

Hisletter,whenitcame,waslong,andhehadtriedtogooverthewholesituationagainindetail,butGinarealizedfinallythatshewouldneverconverthimtoherownpointofview,andsheabandonedtheideaofputtingherowncaseagainonpaper.

Theweekdraggedonuneventfully,andonThursdaySebastianreceivedaletterfromasongagentenclosingachequefortwenty-fiveguineas.Theyhadmanagedtoplacetwodancetunesforhim,andheWaswildwithexcitement.

"Didn'tItellyou,Ginny?"hecried,wavingthechequealoft."NowI'lltreatyoutoaholiday,thoughwhyyoucouldn'tletTeacherpaywhenhewasperfectlywillingto,beatsme.Itseemsjustwantonwasteofopportunity."

Ginasmiled."DarlingSebastian!Willyoureallyspenditthatway?There'snothingIshouldlikebetterjustatthismoment."

"Yes,youdolookpeaky—whateverthatmaymean,"saidSebastian."Well,back

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toBallyskillenwewillgoandstayaslongasthemoneylasts.Itoughttobeenough,oughtn'tit?"

"Tons,"sheagreed."Why,twenty-fiveguineasisalotofmoney—ordoesonesaytwenty-fiveguineasarealotofmoney?—Anyway,thefarmwascheapenough,andthere'snothingtospenditonwhenyougetthere.It'sreallyonlythefarethat'sexpensive.That'llcostusabouttwentypoundsfortworeturns,whichleavesfivepoundsover.Wecouldstayafortnight."

Theyspenttheirwholetimediscussingwaysandmeansandconsultingmaps.

"Thoughwhywelookatmaps,Ican'tthink.Wearen'tgoingtoexploreIreland,"Ginaremarked.

"Youalwayslookatmapswhenyougotoforeignparts,"saidSebastian."Besides,it'sfun."

OnFriday,GinawaitednervouslyforMark'sarrival,andwhenhecameshesearchedhisfaceanxiously,almostasifshehadexpectedhimtohavechangedsinceMonday.Helookedrathertired,andhisshrewdeyesexaminedherinquiringlywhenhefirstsawher,buthisgreetingwasusualenough,and,althoughshelongedtogotohimandflingherarmsabouthisneck,hernervousnessvanished.

Shetoldhimalmostatonceoftheproposedholiday,andcouldn'tquitemakeouthisexpressionashelistened.

"Juliesayswecango,sothere'snothingtodonowbuttakeourtickets.We'vealreadywrittentotheCaseys.Theytookusinbefore,"shetoldhimexcitedly."Itwillbesolovelytogetbackandawayfromeverything."

"Yes,it'sprobablyaverygoodplanasthingsare,"heagreed."OtherwiseitmighthavebeenwisertohavewaitedtillEasterandsomebetterweather."

"ItalwaysrainsinIrelandanyhow,"saidGina.Shelookedathimalittledoubtfully."Don'tyouwantmetogo,Mark?"

Hehesitated,andstoodjinglinghiskeysinhispocket,withoutlookingather."Itisn'tthatexactly—"hebeganslowly"—butIgettheabsurdfeelingthatwhenyou'reinIreland,Gina,yousomehoweludeme.Itsoundssilly.Ican'texplain—IfeltitwhenIcametofetchyoubackfromBallyskilleninDecember—I'mafraidallthetimeoflosingyou."

Helookedupsuddenly,andsmiledalittleapologetically,andGinafeltthetearsstinghereyes.

"Oh,Mark,"shesaidsoftly."Youneedneverbeafraidoflosingme—never.HowcouldI—"Shestoppedandsuddenlyranovertohimandputherarmsroundhim.

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"Ican'tbearyounottotouchme,"shesaid,herlipsagainsthis."Darling,darling,youwon'tstoplovingmebecauseIcan't—"

Foramomentheheldhertohim,thenhegentlydisengagedherhands.

"Swetheart,listentome,"hesaidquietly."Ican'tpossiblymakelovetoyouinmyownhouseifyoudon'tmeantomarryme.Doyouunderstand,Gina?"

Shelookedupathim,hergreeneyeswideningindismay."Buthowcanyouhelpitnowweknowweloveeachother?"sheaskednaively,andhesmiled.

"It'sverydifficultnotto,certainly,"headmitted."Butyoucan'thaveyourcakeandeatit."

"Youtoldmethatlastweek-end,"shesaidquickly."You'reterriblyhard,Mark."

Helookedsuddenlyratherold."Doyouthinkthat'saltogetherfair?YouusedtotellmeIwasjust."

"Ithinkjustpeoplesometimesarehard."

"Gina—allmylifeI'vehadtolookaheadforthefutureratherthanliveinthepresent,"hetoldherafteraslightpause."IthinkyouknowthatIhadnexttonothingasayoungman,andsuchincomeasIhavenowhasonlybeenachievedbyhardworkcoupledwiththefactthatIwasalwayslookingahead.WhenIwouldliketohavemarried,Icouldn'taffordto,andnow—Yousee,thatsortoflifeoftengivesoneareputationforhardness,butI'velearntbynowthatifyoucan'thaveathing,theonlywayistocutitrightout.Isthatbeinghard,doyouthink?"

Shedrewawayfromhim,andheryoungmouthwasstillbitter."Youmayhavelearnttolivethatway,Mark,butIhaven't,"shesaidinaflatvoice."Idon'tthinkthatlife'ssosimplethatonecancheerfullydowithoutanysortofhappinessjustforaprinciple,"

Helookedather,pityingly."Mydear,itisn'tjustaprinciple,"hesaidgently."It'scommonsenseaswell."

"Iunderstand.I'lltrytoremember,"shesaidquietly,andbegandiscussingtheIrishprojectwithhim.

"Twenty-fivepoundsseemsawfullylittletorelyonfortwopeople,"hesaidonce."Iwishyou'dletmesupplementit."

"Guineas,"shecorrectedgravely."Weshallhaveplenty.Don'tspoilit,Mark.It'sthefirsttimewe'veeverpaidforanythingourselves."

"Well,willyoupromisemethatifyougetinanydifficultiesyou'llletmeknow'atonce."

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"Ibelieveyou'requiteworriedaboutus,"shesaidwithasmile.

"Iwantthatpromise,Gina,beforeIletyougo,"hesaidseriously.

"It'syours,willingly."

"Nononsenseaboutbeingunderanobligationtome,oranything?"

"I'velearntthatisn'timportant,Mark.Yousee,Iloveyou."

Hislipstightened.Thesituationwasalmostunbearable."I'mgladyounolongermind,"wasallhecouldthinkoftoreply.

II

ItwasdecidedthatSebastianandGinashouldstartonThursday.

Markcametoseethemoffbytheboattrain,andfilledGina'sarmswithmagazinesandchocolates.

"Don'tletSebastianleadyouoffonsomewild-goosechasethistime,"hesaidhalf-seriously."Anddon'tforgetthatpromise,shouldanythinggowrong."

"Whatshouldgowrong?"shesaid,laughing."Youtalkasthoughwe'regoingtotheendsoftheearth!"

"PerhapsyouareasfarasI'mconcerned,"hesaidalittlecryptically."Lookafterher,Sebastian."

"Ginnylooksafterherself,"repliedSebastian.HegotintothetrainandsettledhimselfinacorneroftheircarriagewithaboxofGina'schocolates.

"Gina—you'llletmeknowhowyouare?"Marksaid.

"Ofcourse."

"Often?"

Shenodded,butsuddenlyfeltshecouldn'tspeak.TherewassomethingmomentousinthispartingwithMark.Shewishedsuddenlythatshewasn'tgoing.

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"Youwon'tgetillwhileI'maway,willyou?"sheinquiredanxiously.

"I'lltrynotto.Andyou—don'tgofallingintobogsoranythingdangerous."

"Iwon't."

"And,Gina—thinkthingsoveragaininthepeaceandquietnessofyourowncountry,willyou?"

TheystoodtogetherinthenoiseandshiftingmovementofEustonStation.Gina,continuallyjostledbythehurryingpeople,wasawareofnothingbutMark'stallfigure,hisstrong,sensitiveface,hisgreyeyesthatwerejustalittlebitweary,andshefeltherthroatcontractsharply.

"Iwantyoutobehappy,"shecriedinstinctively.

"Youareallmyhappiness,"hesaid.

"Oh,Mark,Iloveyouso."

"Butnotenoughtosinkyourpride."

Shelookedathimwithstartledeyes."Whatdoyoumean?"

"Isn'titaqueersortofpridethatmakesyourefusetoallowSebastianaswellasyourselftobedependentonme?"

"ButI'mthinkingofyou!"sheexclaimed."Iwon'tletyoubemadeuseof,spongedon—hurt."

"Well,thinkitover.—Yououghttogetinnow,mydear.You'reduetostartinthreeminutes."

Theguardwasshoutinghiswarning,doorswereslammed,headsthrustoutofwindows.

GinagaveMarkaquickglance,thenthrewherarmsroundhisneckandhuggedhimpassionately.

"Good-bye,darling,darling,"shesaid,thenreleasinghimabruptly,sheturnedandgotintohercarriage.

"Ifanythinghappenstome,IbequeathDogsbodytoSweeny,"shecalledtoMark.

Hestaredatherwithoutspeaking,thencametothewindowandstoodtherelookingupather.

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"Gina—you'llcomeback?—Youpromise?"hecriedwithanoddkindofdespefationinhisvoice.

"OfcourseI'llcomeback!"shesaid,andthetrainbegantomove.Shehungfaroutofthewindow,wavinguntilshehadlongagoceasedtodistinguishhimamongthecrowdofpeopleontheplatform,thenshepulledupthewindow,andsatdownoppositeherbrother.

"We'refree!"shoutedSebastian,hismouthfullofchocolatecreams."We'refreeofthedirtyEnglish!Eringobrah!"

III

Ballyskillenwaswrappedinmistwhentheyarrived,anditremainedlikethatnearlyallthetimetheywerethere.

Everydaytheywalkedformilesthroughthewetheather,thesoftIrishrainfallinggentlyontheirglowingfaces,andtherichpeatcakingtheirboots.Thedayswentby,eachonelikethelast,buttheyneverknewwhatdayitwas—inIrelandthereisverylittlesenseoftime.Theyatewhentheywerehungry,stoppingatanypoorfarmhouseforatasteofpotato-cakeandtea,andsleptlonganddreamlesslyintheirhardlittlebedsatCasey's.

Sebastianwascompletelyhappyforthetimebeing,butGinafeltrestless.Irelandwastoosadacountrytocomfortherinherownsadness,andshewastornwithdoubts'astothewisdomofherdecision.

ShelovedMarksocompletelythattherewasnoroomforthetriviallikesanddislikeswhichwenttomakeupSebastian'slife;andhow,ifshelovedhim,couldsheharbourthekindofpridewhichcouldstandbetweenthem?Yethehadsaidshedidn'tlovehimenoughtosinkthatpride.

Forthefirsttimeshebegantoquerythehonestyofherownmotiveinrefusingtomarryhim.Wasn'therightperhapswhenhehadsaidthatitwaspridewhichmadehershrinkfromallowingherbrotheraswellasherselftobedependentonhim?Unhappilyshearguedwithherself,nightafternight,listeningtothesoftlypatteringrainontheroof,andtheoccasionalplaintivecryofplover.Shemightdenyherselfhappinessforthesakeofafalseideal,butwhatrighthadshetodenyhim?Shewouldrememberhisfacewhenhehadsaid,"Youareallmyhappiness,"andburyherowninherpillowandcryherselftosleep.

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Shereceivedfrequentlettersfromhim.Friendly,dispassionatelittlenotescontainingoddscrapsofnewswhichhethoughtmightinteresther.

"JulieistobemarriedonMay8th....DogsbodyhaskilledoneofSweeny'shensunderthedining-roomtable....ThereisarumourthattheEvan-Prattengagementwillbeannouncedshortly...."

Ginasmiledatthis.SoNancyhadgothermanintheend!Shesupposedtheywouldbemarriedinayear'stimewithfullpompandceremonyandthensettledowntoapolitemarriedexistencetogether,withbabiesappearingatdiscreetintervals.

ShehadabriefvisionofherselfaswifetoEvan,andlaughedattheprospect.Shewouldhavehadverylittlesatisfactionoutofgivingtohim.ButbearingchildrentoMarkwouldbeproudandthrilling.Tocreatesomethingforhimfromthepatienceandlabourofherownbodywouldbringtheonlytruesatisfactionofgivingshecouldeverknow,andsherealizedclearlythatbydenyinghimherselfintheonlywayinwhichhewouldtakeher,shewasdenyingthembothallmeaninginlife.

Shepulledapadandpenciltowardsher,andsittingonthefloorbythefire,begantowritealettertoMark....

Sebastiancameinalittlelater,flinginghiswetmackintoshoverachair,andthrewalettertoGina.

"Doyle'scomingtoseeusthisafternoon,"heannounced."He'sawfullysorryhemissedusgoingthroughDublin.Hewantstoputupanewscheme."

Ginalookedupdreamilyfromherpad."Doeshe?Whatabore,"shesaidvaguely."TellMrs.Caseywe'llbeextrathen."

Shebegantoreadoverthelastsheet:

"...soyouseeI'vedecidedyouwererightafterall.I'llmarryyou,Mark,withallmyheart,andifIcangiveyouwhatyouwantmostinlife,myownreasoningwillbeprovedutterlyfalse.Iloveyousomuchthatnothingmattersexceptyourhappiness—nothinginalltheworldbutyou...."

Shewroteafewmorelinesandsignedhername,then,borrowingherbrother'smackintosh,wentoutintothewettopostherletter.

FredDoylearrivedafterlunch,asfreckledandnoisilycheerfulasever,andhegreetedSebastianwitheverysemblanceofdelight.

"Aren'tyoutheveryboyIwaswanting?"heexclaimed,shakinghimwarmlybythehand,"I'veapropositiontoputuptoyou,melad.Tellme,didyougobacktoyourbuksthelasttimeIsawyou?"

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"Oh,yes,andIgotthrough,"repliedSebastian."I'mgoinguptoOxfordafterEaster."

"Youare,now?"saidDoyle,franklydisappointed."Isn'tthatthegreatshame?Ihadaneatlittleschemethatwouldmakeusbothsomemoneyand.giveyouachancetowriteyourstuff.Haveyoubeendoinganythingwithitoflate?"

Gina,warmandsnuginhersecretknowledge,listenedcomfortablywhileSebastianspokeofhiswork,andoutlinedhisvaguehopesforthefuture,butshebecamealarmedasthetalkproceeded,andDoyle,describinghispropositionwithawealthof'alluringdetail,foundareadylistenerinherbrother.

Sebastianwasjustbeginningtogetthesmallestdegreeboredwithhisholiday.Hewastiredofcontinualdaysintherainwithnoonebutherselfforcompanion,andhewasalwayscomplainingofthefactthattherewasnopianointhehouseandhecouldn'ttryoutnewcompositions.Doyle,withhiswild-catschemeofrunningasmallrevueinDublin,consistingofhislyrics,Sebastian'smusicandanorchestracomposedofout-of-workIrishmusicians,firedhisimaginationimmediately.

"Allweneedisalittlecapitaltostarttheshow,"Doylefinished."WehavetheoldPlayhousecinemapromisedusatalowrent,andMickBoylewillberesponsiblefortheartistes.IthoughtperhapstheEnglishlawyermightbeinterestedinthefinancialside."

"Markwouldn'tputupanymoneyforthatsortofthing,"Ginasaidimmediately."Itwouldbewasteoftimetoaskhim,Sebastian."

"Idon'tseewhynot,"Sebastianrepliedobstinately."Itsoundsagrandschemetome."

"Itwould,"saidGinasarcastically."Andwhenthenextgrandschemecamealongandyoudecidedyou'dhadenoughofthisone,Markwouldhavelosthismoney."

"Whyshouldhelosehismoney?"demandedDoyletruculently."It'saverygoodbusinessoffer.Weonlyneedtogetstarted,andthemoneywillcomerollingin.He'dgethisownbitbackinlessthanayear."

Ginagavehimaneloquentlook,butsaidnothing,andSebastianbrokeinimpatiently:

"YoualwayspourcoldwateronanyschemeIhaveformakingmoney,Ginny,andthenyouturnroundandcursemewhenItalkofsittingathomeincomfort.Whatdoyouwant?Idon'tknowwhat'shappenedtoyou'atall.Lastsummeryouwereonmysideandtellingmetosticktojazz,andnowyou'vecompletelychanged."

"Well,Markwon'tputupapennyforyou,soyoumayaswellgetitoutofyourhead,"saidGinashortly.

Sebastianflaredup."Andifyouhadn'tbeensuchaselfishbeastyou'dhave

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marriedhimandseenthathedidhelpme,"hecried.

Shestaredathim,andwentalittlewhite,thinkingofherlettertoMarknowirrevocablyinthepost.IfSebastianknewwhatwasinthatletter,he'andDoylewouldalreadybetakingMark'ssupportforgranted.Well,hewouldhavetoknowsoon,andthenhermiserywouldbegin.

"Youdosaythemostrottenthings,sometimes,"wasallshesaid.

Doyle,suddenlyawarethattherehadbeensomesortofromancegoingonintheEnglishhousehold,openedhiseyeswidelyandlookedmuchinterested.

"Sure,that'sagreatshame.Theremighthavebeenpickingsforusall,"heremarkedcheerfully.

Sebastiansmiledsuddenly,hisgreeneyesapologetic."I'msorry.Forgetit,Ginny,please,"hesaideasily.

Sebastiansaidnomoretoher,whichshetooktobeabadsign,andonce,duringsupper,heremarkedirrelevantly:

"IfIstayedoverhereandworkedtheycouldn'tdrivemetoOxford."

Ginawaswokenathalf-pastfivethenextmorningbySebastiansittingonherbedinhispyjamasandshakingher.

"Ginny,getup!It'sgoingtobeagrandday,andwemustclimbFand'sHill,"hecried."It'sthefirstmorningithasn'trained."

Shesatup,blinkingsleepilyathim,andlookedoutofthewindow.Itwasonlyjustlight,andthedistanthillswerestillwrappedinmist,butnorainwasfalling,andtheskywasasmoothcloudlesssilver.

"Butwhysofrightfullyearly?"sheobjected,openingherpinkmouthinawideyawn.

"Sothatwe'llseethesunrisefromthetop,"hereplied."We'dnevergetthereintime."

"Well,whatdowecare?It'sthebesttimeofthedayonamountain,anyway.Comeon,Ginny,stiryourself."

Mrs.Caseygavethemacupoftea,beforetheystarted,andagreathunkofsmokybacon."It'sthegrandviewyou'llgetthisday,"shesaidbriskly."An'mindnow,don'tforgettowishwhenyougettothetop.HerselfwillbelisteningtocarryyourwishestotheSidhe.G'Wanwidyousnow,anddon'tletmegetatasteofyousallday."

Theycrossedtheroad,theirmackintoshesrolledandstrappedtotheirbacks,and

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plungedintothecoarsegrassandheather.Beforethem,Fand'sHillraiseditslovelyoutline,andlostitspeakinmist.Ittookthemnearlyanhourtoreachthefoot,andtheirfeetweresoakedwithbog-waterwhentheyfinallypausedandrestedbeforetacklingthehill.

"It'sgoingtobelovely!"exclaimedGina,lookingbackthewaytheyhadcome."It'snearlyseveno'clocknow.Howlongdoyouthinktheclimbwilltakeus?"

"Aboutthreehoursup,andtwodown—perhapsless,"Sebastiansaidvaguely."Let'sstart."

Itwashardlymorethanaroughscramblereally.Thelittlemountainwasahillofabouttwothousandfivehundredfeet,anditssidewasmuchwornwiththefeetofmanygenerationswhohadclimbedtothetoptowish.GinaandSebastianreachedthesummitinunderthreehours,andthemisthadlifted,andnowlayinwraith-likewispsbelowthem,waitingforthesuntobreakthrough.

"ThegrandestviewinWicklow!"saidGinawithsatisfaction."Anditis.Look !ThatmustbeGlendaloughdownthere—thatlittlevalley.Youcanseethelakesandthetowerinthetrees."

"AndlookatBallyskillenoverthere,"criedSebastian,pointingawaytotheright."Howminuteitlooks.Thattrainseemslikealittlegrub,'andyetwearen'tsoveryhigh."

Formilesthewildcountrystretchedawaybeneaththemwithitsgrimchainsoflittlehills,thebrownbogpatches,andhereandtherethesteelyflashoflakewater.Farbelow,theycouldseeoneoftheblueandorangewoodencartsbeingloadedupwithpeatandmovingslowlyacrosstheheatherlikeatinypaintedtoy.Ploverswheeled,cuttingthroughthefewdelicatefrondsofmistthatremained,andcryingastheyflew.Ginasuddenlyshivered."It'sterriblylonely,"shesaid,huddlingnearertoSebastianonthemossyboulderwheretheysatresting.Shefeltsuddenlydesolateandalittlefrightened."Irelandisunfriendlysomehow."

"Unfriendly?You'recrazy,Ginny!"laughedSebastian."It'stheonefriendlycountryintheworld.Youcandowhatyoulike,knowwhoyoulike,andgetawelcomeanywhere."

"Yes.Thatwasn'treallywhatImeant,"shesaid,andgaveherselfalittleshake.

"Wemustwish,"saidSebastianseriously."WhatdidoldmotherCaseysay?Herselfwouldcarryourwishestothefairies.Comeon,Ginny,standupandconcentrate."

Theystoodtogetherhand-in-handintheunbrokensilence,andGinawishedwithpassionateintensitythatshehaddonetherightthinginacceptingMark.

Sebastianflungouthisarmswithagreatshoutthatstartledechoesoutofthehills.

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"Iwishedformoney!"hecried."Lovelysilvermoney!Whatwasyours?"

"Oh,youmustn'ttell!"Ginaexclaimedseriously."Youwon'tgetyourwish,Sebastian,you'vebrokentherules!"

"Oh,well,whatdoIcare?"hereturnedcarelessly.

"Otherpeople'smoneyisasgoodasyourown.Better—theyhavethebotherofitandyouhavethefun."

Gina'sspiritwaveredforamoment,thenshesaidquietly."Imightaswelltellyounow,Sebastian.I'vedecidedtomarryMarkafterall."

"What?Haveyoureallyandhonestly?Ginny,youlittledarling!"criedSebastian,delighted."It'salldefinitelyfixedup?"

"IwrotetoMarkyesterday.Ishan'tbackout,ifthat'swhatyoumean."

"Oh,darling—marvellous!Nowwe'venomorecaresinthewholeworld.Yousee,Ginny,Iamgettingmywishafterall.PerhapsMarkwilllistentoDoyle'sschemenow."

Heburstintoafloodofexcitedsentences,punctuatedwithhugsforGina.Heclearlythoughtshehaddonethissolelytoobligehim.ShouldshetryandtellhimwhatMarkactuallymeanttoher,shewondered,anddecidedagainstit.Notnow,whenhismindwasfilledwithsomanyotherthings.

"Sebastian—willyoudosomethingforme?"sheaskedonimpulse.

"Ofcourse,Ginnydarling.Anythingintheworld!"herepliedjoyously.

"Willyoupromisenotto—totakeadvantageofMark,throughme?"

"Howdoyoumean?"

"Well—you'llgotoOxfordanddowhathewantsyouto,won'tyou?Imean—givehimsomereturnforhismoney."

Sebastian'seyestiltedinsuddenmirth."Imustn'tbealittlespongeriswhatyoureallymean,"hegrinned."PoorGinny—Iwon'tmuckyourchancesagain,darting.I'llbeaholysaintofGod,andI'llpaytheJudgeback,what'smore—that'sifIeverhaveanymoneythatisn'this.Becauseitwouldn'tbemuchcomplimenttohimtohandhimbackhisowncashwithanoblegesture,wouldit?"

Shelaughedsuddenly,andhuggedhim."It'snouseevertalkingtoyou,"shesaid."Let'sstartdownagain,it'scolduphere.WhatdidoldCaseysay?—Comedownthesidebeyantandstepaisyonthegrass."

Theybeganthedescent,whichwasrathersteep,andSebastian,whowasnowin

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highspirits,startedtocomposecomicsongsashewentalong.Theywereobligedtostopseveraltimesandleanagainstaboulder,tooweakwithlaughtertoproceed.OnceortwiceGinaslipped,andhadtoclutchatcoarsetuftsofgrasstopreventherselffromslidingwiththelooseshalewhichrattleddownthehillasitwasdisturbed.Oncetheyhadtobereallycarefulinroundinganoverhangingpieceofrock,butforthemostparttheirpathwaseasyenough,andpresentlytheycametotheshoulderofthelittlemountain,where,onthisside,shortslipperygrassslopedsharplyawaytotheirright,endinginasheerdroptotheboggygroundbelow.

"Stepaisyonthegrass!"laughedGina."Thisiswherewetoboggan,ifwearen'tjollycareful."

"It'sdamnslippery,"agreedSebastianashefollowedhercautiouslydowntheroughpath.

Ginaturnedroundtowatchhim.Hehadstartedonanothersong,standingstillandgesturingfantastically.

"Isaidtothechap:'Mygoodfeller,

Yourbreeksareatrociouslycut—'"

Heflungouthisarmsatthelastwords,losthisbalanceandslippedovertheedgeofthepathontothesteepgrassyslope,whichbecamelikeglassbeneathhisfeet.

"Ginny!—Oh,God!"hescreamed,andbegantoslide,hisincreasingpaceuncheckedbyhisfranticeffortstosustainafoothold.Stiffwithhorror,shewatchedhimreachtheedge,andheardhisagonizedvoice.

"Ginny....Ginny...."Shesawhimslipintospace,andbecameawareofavastunbrokenstillnesswhichbeatuponherearsinwaves....

Shedidn'tknowhowlongafterwardsitwasthatshetookoffherbootsandcrawled,sobbingpainfully,downthattreacherousgrassslope,digginghertoesandfingersintothesoftearthforsupport.Butwhenshelookedovertheedge,therewasnothinglivingtobeseen,buttheblueandorangecartreturningslowlyfoxitsfreshload.

IV

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GinastoodonthelittleriseintheboggyturfwheresheandSebastianhadfirstlookedacrosstothelow-lyinghillsandfoundBallyskillensobeautiful.Itwasstillbeautiful,butshehopednevertoseeitagain,andsheknewthatinleavingforEnglandtoday,shewasturningherbackonIrelandforever.Markwastakingherhome,andglancingoverhershoulderatthesoundofafootstepsquelchinginthepeat,shesawhimcomingtowardsherthroughthegrass.

Hestoodbesideher,andputanarmroundhershoulders."Wemustbegettingbacksoon,sweetheart.Ourtraingoesinanotherhour,"hesaid.

Beforethem,inthedistance,Fand'sHillrose,darkandlovely,andGinashiveredviolently.

"Let'sgonow,"shesaid.Butshedidn'tmoveatonce,andpresentlyaddedinconsequently,"Ofcourseitwasafaeryhill."

Hisarmtightenedabouther,andshebegantospeakabruptly:

"Mark—IwanttosaybeforewegothatI'mterriblygladIwroteyouthatletterbefore—before—doyouunderstand?"

"Iunderstand,"hesaidgently."Ifeeljustthesame,Gina—Ihaven'ttoldyouyethowwonderfulyourletterwastome.Canyoubeartothinkofmealittle?"Sheturnedtohimswiftly.

"Ithinkofyouallthetime,"shesaidinalowvoice."Allthetime,evenwhenIremember....Mark—isitwickedtocaresomuchwhensomeoneyou'velovedallyourlifeisdead?Doesitmatterlookingaheadandwantingtobehappy?"

Hetookherintohisarms,shieldinghergazefromthedistanthills.

"No,ofcoursenot,child,"hesaidalittleroughly."It'stheonlywaytosanity.Noonewantstoforget,butmemorymustbecalm,nottortured.Youcanonlyachievethatbybeinghappy."

"Iloveyousoterribly,Mark.IlovedSebastian,butifithadbeenyou—"

Heheldhergently,protectively,thatcrythatotherwomenhadmadebeforeher,sweetinhisears,"...ifithadbeenyou..."Heturnedherfaceuptohisandkissedher,andasshesawtheexpressioninhistiredeyes,sheflungherarmsroundhisneckwiththegenerousgesturehelovedsowell.

"Let'sgo,"shesaidatlast.

Itbegantorainastheyreachedthevillage—thesoftfinerainofIreland,which

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makesscarcelyasound—andGinaturned,impelledbysomehiddenimpulsetolookback.

Butathickcurtainofmisthadfallen,blottingoutthehills,andtherewasnothingtosee.