The spheres which govern us, govern
not them, and their conduct is dictated by their good pleasure, where ours
goes after the good pleasure of our betters. Thus a man may, if he can,
take a goddess or nymph to wife, but should not be disconcerted with what
she may elect to do."
Sanchia returned silently to London by the 6.50 from Salisbury, and
arrived at Charles Street by half-past eight, which was Lady Maria's usual
hour. She changed her dress hurriedly and came into the drawing-room.
Ingram was waiting there, his hands behind his back. He looked at her as
she entered, but did not greet her. Perhaps he saw his doom in her eyes.
"Had a good day, Sancie?" he asked, after a while of gazing.
"Very good," she said.
"Saw your man?"
"Yes, I saw him."
"Mad as ever?"
"Ah," she said, "who is mad?"
"Well, my dear, if he is not, we are. That's certain. What have you done
with Bill Chevenix?"
"He's gone home to dress. He will be here directly."
"I hope," said Ingram, "he played the perfect squire." She stood by the
window looking out towards the west. Luminous orange mist flared up behind
the chimney-stacks in streamers. Above that, in a sky faintly blue,
crimson clouds, like plumes of feather, floated without motion.
Pages:
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414