Pepperdine
started and looked surprised.
Fletcher - Lucian the Dreamer
Whenever he wrote a new poem he was filled with ela- tion, and for at least twenty-four hours glowed with admiration of his own powers; then set in a period of uncertainty, followed by one of doubt and another of gloom—the lines which had sounded so fine that they almost brought tears to his eyes seemed banal and weak, and were not infrequently cast into the fire, where his once-cherished copies of the Haidee sonnets had long since preceded them.
Miss Judith nearly shed tears when these sacrifices were made, and more than once implored him tenderly to spare his offspring, but with no result, for no human monster is so savage as the poet who turns against his own fancies.
It was due to her, however, that one of Lucian's earhest efforts was spared.
Knowing his propensity for tearing and rending his chil- dren, she surreptitiously obtained his manuscript upon one occasion and made a fair copy of a sentimental story written in imitation of Lara, which had greatly moved her, and it was not until many years afterwards that Lucian was confronted and put to shame by the sight of it.
At the age of eighteen Lucian celebrated his birthday by burning every manuscript he had, and announcing that he would write no more verses imtil he was at least twenty-one. But chancing to hear a pathetic story of rural life which appealed powerfully to his imagination,
88 LUCIAN THE DREAMER
he began to write again; and after a time, during which he was unusually morose and abstracted, he presented himself to Sprats with a bundle of manuscript. He handed it over to her with something of shypess.
' I want you to read it—carefully,' he said.
* Of course,' she answered. ' But is it to share the fate of all the rest, Lucian? You made a clean sweep of everything, didn't you? '
' That stuff ! ' he said, with fine contempt. ' I should
But this
think so ! '
he paused, plunged his hands into his pockets, and strode up and down the room— ' this is—well, it's different. Sprats! —I believe it's
good. '
* I wish you'd let my father read it,' she said. ' Do,
Lucian. '
' Perhaps,' he answered. ' But you first —I want to
know what you think. I can trust you. '
Sprats read the poem that evening, and as she read
she marvelled. Lucian had done himself justice at last. The poem was full of the true country life; there was no false ring in it; he had realised the pathos of the story he had to tell; it was a moving performance, full of the spirit of poetry from the first line to the last. She was proud, glad, full of satisfaction. Without waiting to ask Lucian's permission, she placed the manuscript in the vicar's hands and begged him to read it. He car- ried it away to his study; Sprats sat up later than usual to hear his verdict. She occupied herself with no work, but with thoughts that had a little of the day-dream glamour in them. She was trying to map out Lucian's future for him. He ought to be protected and shielded from the world, wrapped in an environment that would help him to produce the best that was in him; the ordi- nary cares of Hfe ought never to come near him. He had a gift, and the world would be the richer if the gift were poured out lavishly to his fellow-creatures; but he must be treated tenderly and skilfully if the gift was to be poured out at all. Sprats, country girl though she was, knew something of the harshnesses of Ufe; she knew.
LUCIAN THE DREAMER
89
too, that Lucian's nature was the sort that would rebel at a crumpled rose-leaf. He was still, and always would be, a child that feels rather than understands. —
The vicar came back to her with the manuscript it was then nearly midnight, but he was too much excited to wonder that Sprats should still be downstairs. He came tapping the manuscript with his fingers — his face wore a delighted and highly important expression.
' My dear,' he said, ' this is a considerable perfor- mance. I am amazed, pleased, gratified, proud. The boy is a genius—he will make a great name for himself. Yes — it is good. It is sound work. It is so charmingly free from mere rhetoric—there is a restraint, a chaste- ness which one does not often find in the work of a young writer. And it is classical in form and style. I am proud of Lucian. You see now the result of only reading and studying the best masters. He is perhaps a little imitative—that is natural; it will wear away. Did you not notice a touch of Wordsworth, eh! —I was reminded of Michael. He will be a new Wordsworth — a Wordsworth with more passion and richer imagery. He has the true eye for nature —I do not know when I have been so pleased as with the bits of colour that I find here. Oh, it is certainly a remarkable perfor-
mance. '
' Father,'' said Sprats, ' don't you think it might be
published ?
Mr. Chilverstone considered the proposition gravely.
' I feel sure it would meet with great approbation if it were,' he said. ' I have no doubt whatever that the best critics would recognise its merit and its undoubted promise. — I wonder if Lucian would allow the earl to read it? his lordship is a fine judge of classic poetry, and though I beheve he cherishes a contempt for modern verse, he cannot fail to be struck by this poem the truth of its setting must appeal to him. '
' I will speak to Lucian,' said Sprats.
She persuaded Lucian to submit his work to Lord
Simonstower next day;—the old nobleman read, re-read.
90
LUCIAN THE DREAMER
and was secretly struck by the beauty and strength of the boy's performance. He sent for Lucian and con- gratulated him warmly. Later on in the day he walked into the vicar's study.
' Chilverstone, ' he said, ' what is to be done with that boy Damerel? He will make a great name if due care is taken of him at the critical moment. How old is
he now—nearly nineteen? I think he should go to Oxford. '
' That,' said the vicar, ' is precisely my own opinion. '
' It would do him all the good in the world,' continued the earl. ' It is a thing that should be pushed through. I think I have heard that the boy has some money? I knew his father, Cyprian Damerel. He was a man who earned a good deal, but I should say he spent it. Still, I have always understood that he left money in Simpson Pepperdine's hands for the boy. '
Mr. Chilverstone observed that he had always been so 'informed, though he did not know by whom.
Simpson Pepperdine should be approached,' said Lord Simonstower. ' I have a good mind to talk to him myself. '
' If your lordship would have the kindness to do so,'
said the vicar, ' it would be a most excellent Pepperdine is an estimable man, and very proud indeed of Lucian —I am sure he would be induced to give his consent. '
* I will see him to-morrow,' said the earl.
But before the morrow dawned an event had taken place in the history of the Pepperdine family which involved far-reaching consequences. While the earl and the vicar were in consultation over their friendly plans for Lucian 's benefit, Mr. Pepperdine was
travelling homewards from Oakborough, whither he had proceeded
in the morning in reference to a letter which caused him no Httle anxiety and perturbation. It was fortunate that he had a compartment all to himself in the train, for he groaned and sighed at frequent intervals, and manifested many signs of great mental distress. When he left
thing.
LUCIAN THE DREAMER 91
Wellsby station he walked with slow and heavy steps along the road to Mr. Trippett's farm, where, as usual, he had left his horse and trap. Mrs. Trippett, chancing to look out of the parlour window, saw him approaching the house and noticed the drag in his step. He walked, she said, discussing the matter later on with her husband, as if he had suddenly become an old man. She hastened to the door to admit him; Mr. Pepperdine gazed at her with a lack-lustre eye. '
Mr. Pepperdine made an effort to pull himself together. He walked in, sat down in the parlour, and
breathed heavily. ma'am,' he said. ' I'm a bit ' It's a very hot day,
overdone. ' water,' said ' You must have a drop of brandy and
Mrs. Trippett, and bustled into the kitchen for water and to the sideboard for brandy. ' Take a taste while
' Mercy upon us, Mr. Pepperdine !
Trippett, ' you do look badly. Aren't you feeling well? '
at his glass and nodded his head in acknowledgment of her thoughtfulness.
like to see him. ' that the master was in the fold, Mrs. Trippett replied
and she would let him know that Mr. Pepperdine was
Mr. Pepperdine sipped
' Thank you kindly,' said he.
'I
were feeHng a bit badly like. Is the master anywhere about? I would
husband, and hinted to him that his old friend did not seem at all well —she was sure there was something wrong with him. Mr. Trippett hastened into the house and found Mr.
Pepperdine pacing the room and sighing dismally.
* Now then ! ' said Mr. Trippett, 'whose face was always cheery even in times of trouble, th' owd woman says
you don't seem so chirpy like. Is it th' sun, or what? —get another taste o' brandy down your throttle, lad. '
Mr. Pepperdine sat down again and shook his head.
' John,' he said, gazing earnestly at his friend. ' I'm
there. She went herself to fetch her
exclaimed Mrs.
fresh,' she said, handing him a liberal mixture.
it's
' It'll revive you. '
92
LUCIAN THE DREAMER
in sore trouble—real bad trouble. I doubt I'm a ruined
man. '
* Nay, for sure ! ' exclaimed Mr. Trippett.
*
What's
it all about, like? '
* It's all on account of a damned rascal! ' answered
Mr. Pepperdine, with a burst of indignation. 'Ah! — there's a pretty to-do in Oakborough this day, John. You haven't heard nothing about Bransby? '
' What, the lawyer? '
' Ah, lawyer and rogue and the Lord knows what! '
Mr. Pepperdine, groaning with wrath and ' He's gone and cleared himself off, and he's
repHed
misery.
naught but a swindler. They do say there that it's a hundred thousand pound job. '
Mr. Trippett whistled.
' I alius understood 'at he were such a well-to-do,
upright sort o' man,' he said. ' He'd a gre't reppyta- tion, any road. '
' Ay, and seems' to have traded on it! ' said Mr. Pep- perdine bitterly. He's been a smooth-tongued 'un, he has. He's done me, he has so—dang me if I ever trust the likes of him again ! '
Then he told his story. The absconded Mr. Bransby, an astute gentleman who had established a reputation for probity by scrupulous observance of the convention- alities dear to the society of a market town and had never missed attendance at his parish church, had sud- denly vanished into the Ewigkeit, leaving a few widows and orphans, several tradespeople, and a large number of unsuspecting and confiding clients, to mourn, not his loss, but his knavery. Simpson Pepperdine had been an easy victim. Some years previously he had consented to act as trustee for a neighbour's family—Mr. Bransby was his co-trustee. Simpson had left everything in Mr. Bransby' s hands —it now turned out that Mr. Bransby had converted everything to his own uses, leaving his careless coadjutor responsible. But this was not all. Simpson, who had made money by breeding shorthorns, had from time to time placed considerable sums in the
LUCIAN THE DREAMER 93
lawyer's hands for investment, and had trusted him entirely as to their nature. He had received good in- terest, and had never troubled either to ask for or inspect the securities. It had now been revealed to him that there had never been any securities —^his money had gone into Mr. Bransby's own coffers. Simpson Pepperdine, in short, was a ruined man.
Mr. Trippett was genuinely disturbed by this news.
and easy-going friend had been to blame in respect to his laxity and carelessness. But he himself had had some slight deahngs with Mr. and he knew the plausibility and suaveness
He felt that his good-natured
Bransby,
manner.
' It's a fair cropper! ' he exclaimed. ' I could ha'
' So he were,' answered Mr. Pepperdine, uncommon well—out of fools like me. '
of that gentleman's
trusted that Bransby like the Bank of England. I alius understood he were doing uncommon well. ' '
* I hope,' said Mr. Trippett, mentioning the subject
with some shyness, ' I hope the gals' money isn't lost,
an' all? ' Mr. ' What, Keziah and Judith? Nay, nay,' replied
Pepperdine. ' It isn't. What bit they have—matter of five hundred pound each, may be—is safe enough. '
' Nor the lad's, either,' said Mr. Trippett.
'The lad's? ' said Mr. Pepperdine questioningly. ' Oh, Lucian? Oh—ay—of course, he's all right. '
Mr. Trippett went over to the sideboard, produced the
whisky decanter, mixed himself a glass, Hghted his pipe,
and proceeded to think hard.
' Well,' he said, after some time, ' I know what I
should do if I were i' your case, Simpson. I should go to his lordship and tell him all about it. '
Mr.
Pepperdine started and looked surprised.
* I've never asked a favour of him yet,' he said. * I
'
don't know
' I didn't say aught about asking any favour,' said
Mr. Trippett. ' I said — go and tell his lordship ail about
\
it. He's the reppytation of being a long-headed 'un, has Lord Simonstower— he'll happen suggest summut. '
Mr. Pepperdine rubbed his chin meditatively. '
' He's a sharp-tongued old gentleman,' he said; I've always fought a bit shy of him. Him an' me had a bit
of a difference twenty years since. '
* Let bygones be bygones,' counselled Mr. Trippett.
' You and your fathers afore you have been on his land and his father's land a bonny stretch o' time. '
' Three hundred and seventy-five year come next spring,' said Mr. Pepperdine.
94
LUCIAN THE DREAMER
' And he'll not see you turned off wi'out knowing why,' said Mr. Trippett with conviction. ' Any road, it'll do no harm to tell him how you stand. He'd have to hear on't sooner or later, and he'd best hear it from yourself. '
Turning this sage counsel over in his mind, Mr. Pep- perdine journeyed homewards, and as luck would have it he met the earl near the gates of the Castle. Lord Simonstower had just left the vicarage, and Mr. Pepper- dine was in his mind. He put up his hand in answer to the farmer's salutation. Mr. Pepperdine drew rein.
' Oh, Pepperdine,' said the earl, ' I want to have some conversation with you about your nephew. I have just been talking with the vicar about him. When can you come up to the Castle ? '
' Any time that pleases your lordship,' answered Mr.
' It so happens that I was going to ask the favour of an interview with your lordship on my own
Pepperdine.
account. '
' Then you had better drive up now and leave your
horse and trap in the stables,' said the earl. * Tell them to take you to the library —I'll join you there presently. ' Closeted with his tenant. Lord Simonstower plunged
into his own business first—it was his way, when he took anything in hand, to go through with it with as little
as possible. He came to the point at once by telUng Mr. Pepperdine that his nephew was a gifted youth who would almost certainly make a great name
delay
LUCIAN THE DREAMER
95
in the world of letters, and that it would be a most excellenT thing to send him to Oxford. He pomted out the ^^^^^^^ which would accrue to Lucian if
this bourse were adopted, spoke of his own mterest m Se boy and promised to help him in every way he Suld Mr. Pepperdine listened with respectful and
P'J My^rii' said, when the earl had explained
views for Lucian, I'm greatly obliged to your lordship to your kindness to the lad and your mterest m him
a^ee with every word your lordship says. ve alwTs known there was something out of the common
aSLucian, and I've wanted him to get on m his own way never had no doubt about his makmg great name for himself-I could see that in him when he were
little lad. Now about this going to Oxford-it would
cost good deal of money, wouldn it, my lordj
would certainly cost money,' replied the earl.
But would put to you in this way--or rather, this the way in which should be put to the boy himself. understand he has some money; well, he can make no
better investment of portion of than ^Y spending
on his education. Two or three years at Oxford will fit him for the life of man of letters as nothmg else would. He need not be extravagant—two hundred
^,,
. ,. ,. ,
Mr Pepperdine hstened to this with obvious per- plexity and unrest. He hesitated little before making any reply. At last he looked at the earl with the expres-
pounds year should suffice him. '
sion of man who going to confess something.
My lord,' he said, I'll tell your lordship what nobody else knows— not even my sisters. I'm sure your lordship'll say naught to nobody about it. My lord the lad hafn't penny. He never had. Your lordship knows that his father sent for me when he was dying
in London—he'd just come back, with the boy, from Italy— and he put Lucian in my care. He'd made will and was trustee and executor. He thought that there
was sufficient provision made for the boy, but he hadn
t
t
h^
I
a
a
a
I
'
•
Iis' a '
is '
it it a
a
it
t
a aI
a
I I It a
^^^
96
LUCIAN THE DREAMER
been well advised —he'd put all his eggs in one basket — the money was all invested in a building society in Rome, and every penny of it was lost. I did hear/ affirmed Mr. Pepperdine solemnly, ' that the Pope of Rome him- self lost a deal of money at the same time and in the
same society. ' true,' said the earl. I remember it ' That's quite '
very well.
' Well, there it was,' continued Mr. Pepperdine. ' It
was gone for ever—there wasn't a penny saved. I never said naught to my sisters, you know, my lord, because I didn't want 'em to know. I never said nothing to the boy, either—and he's the sort of lad that would never ask. He's a bit of a child in money matters—his father (but your lordship '11 remember him as well as I do) had always let him have all he wanted, and '
' And his uncle has followed in his father's lines, eh? ' said the earl, with a smile that was neither cynical nor unfriendly. ' Well, then, Pepperdine, I understand that the lad has been at your charges all this time as
regards everything — I suppose you've paid Mr. Chilver- stone, too? '
Mr. Pepperdine waved his hands.
' There's naught to talk of, my lord,' he said. ' I've
no children, and never shall have. I never were a marrying sort, and the lad's been welcome. And if it had been in my power he should have gone to Oxford; but, my lord, there's been that happened within this last day or so that's brought me nigh to ruin. It was that that I wanted to see your lordship about —it's a poor sort of tale for anybody's ears, but your lordship would have to hear it some time or other. You see, my lord ' —and Mr. Pepperdine, with praiseworthy directness and simphcity, set forth the story of his woes.
The Earl of Simonstower listened with earnest atten- tion until his tenant had spread out all his ruined hopes at his feet. His face expressed nothing until the re- grettable catalogue of foolishness and wrongs came to an end. Then he laughed, rather bitterly.
LUCIAN THE DREAMER
97
' Well, Pepperdine,' he said, ' you've been wronged, but you've been a fool into the bargain. And I can't blame you, for, in a smaller way—a matter of a thousand pounds or so—this man Bransby has victimised me. Well, now, what's to be done? There's one thing cer- tain—I don't intend to lose you as a tenant. If nothing else can be done, my solicitors must settle everything for you, and you must pay me back as you can. I understand you've been doing well with your shorthorns, haven't you? '
Mr. Pepperdine could hardly believe his ears. He had always regarded his landlord as a somewhat cold and cynical man, and no thought of such generous help as that indicated by the earl's last words had come into his mind in telling the story of his difficulties. He was a soft-hearted man, and the tears sprang into his eyes and his voice trembled as he tried to frame suitable words.
to say
' Then say nothing, Pepperdine,' said the earl. * I
understand what you would say. It's all right, my friend—we appear to be fellow-passengers in Mr. Bransby' s boat, and if I help you it's because I'm not quite as much damaged as you are. And eventually there will be no help about it—you'll have helped your- self. However, we'll discuss that later on; at present I want to talk about your nephew. Pepperdine, I don't want to give up my pet scheme of sending that boy to Oxford. It is the thing that should be done; I think it must be done, and that I must be allowed to do it. With your consent, Pepperdine, I will charge myself with your nephew's expenses for three years from the
time he goes up; by the end of the three years he will be in a position to look after himself. Don't try to give me any thanks. I have something of a selfish motive in all this. But now, listen: I do not wish the boy to know that he is owing this to anybody, and least of all to me. We must invent something in the nature of
G
' My lord! ' he said brokenly, * I—I don't know what
■'
98
LUCIAN THE DREAMER
a conspiracy. There must be no one but you, the vicar, and myself in the secret—no one, Pepperdine, and last of all any womankind, so your mouth must be closed as regards your sisters. I will get Mr. Chilverstone to talk to the boy, who will understand that the money is in your hands and that he must look to you. I want you
to preach economy to him — economy, mind
you, not meanness. I will talk to him in the same way myself,
because if he is anything like his father he will develop
an open-handedness
which will be anything but good for
him. Remember that you are the nominal holder of the
purse-strings —everything will pass through you. I
think that's all I wanted to say, Pepperdine,' concluded the earl. ' You'll remember your part? '
' I shall indeed, my lord,' said Mr. Pepperdine, as he shook the hand which the earl extended; ' and I shall remember a deal more, too, to my dying day. I can't rightly thank your lordship at this moment. '
' No need, Pepperdine, no need ! ' said Lord Simons- tower hastily. ' You'd do the same for me, I'm sure. Good-day to you, good-day; and don't forget the con- spiracy—no talking to the women, you know. '
Mr. Pepperdine drove homewards with what country folk call a heart-and-a-half. He was unusually light- some in mood and garrulous in conversation that even-
but he would only discourse on one topic—the virtues of the British aristocracy. He named no names and condescended to no particulars — the British aristo- cracy in general served him for the text of a long sermon which amused Miss Judith and Lucian to a high degree, and made Miss Pepperdine wonder how many glasses of whisky Simpson had consumed at the * White Lion ' in Oakborough. It so happened that the good man had been so full of trouble that he had forgotten to take even one—his loquacity that evening was simply due to the fact that while he was preparing to wail De Profundis he had been commanded to sing Te De Laudamus, and his glorification of lords was his version of that paean of joyfulness.
ing,
CHAPTER XI
LuciAN received the news which Mr. Chilverstone com- municated to him in skilful and diplomatic fashion with an equanimity which seemed natural to him when hear- ing of anything that appeared to be his just due. He had so far had everything that he desired—always excepting the fidelity of Haidee, which now seemed a matter of no moment and was no longer a sore point— and he took it as a natural consequence of his own exist- ence that he should go to Oxford, the fame of which ancient seat of learning had been famihar to him from boyhood. He made no inquiries as to the cost of this step—anything relating to money had no interest for him, save as regards laying it out on the things he desired. He had been accustomed as a child to see his father receive considerable sums and spend them with royal lavishness, and as he had never known what it was to have to earn money before it could be enjoyed, he troubled himself in nowise as to the source of the
which were to keep him at Oxford for three He listened attentively to Mr. Pepperdine's
supplies
years.
solemn admonitions on the subjects of economy and
and replied at the end thereof that he would always let his uncle have a few days' notice when he wanted a cheque — a remark which made Lord
Simonstower's fellow-conspirator think a good deal.
It was impossible at this stage to do anything or say
an5^hing to shake Lucian's confidence in his destiny. He meant to work hard and to do great things, and without being conceited he was sure of success — it seemed to him to be his rightful due. Thanks to the influence of his father in childhood and to that of Mr. Chilverstone at a later stage, he had formed a fine taste and was already an accomplished scholar. He had never read any trash in his life, and it was now extremely
99
extravagance,
100 LUCIAN THE DREAMER
that he ever would, for he had developed an almost womanish disHke of the unlovely, the mean, and the sordid, and a delicate contempt for anything in hterature that was not based on good models. Mr. Chilverstone had every confidence in him, and every hope of his future; it filled him with pride to know that he was sending so promising a man to his own uni- versity; but he was cast down when he found that Lord Simonstower insisted on Lucian's entrance at St. Bene- dict's, instead of at St. Perpetua's, his own old college.
The only person who was full of fears was Sprats. She had been Lucian's other self for six years, and she, more than any one else, knew his need of constant help and friendship. He was full of simplicity; he credited everybody with the possession of qualities and sym-
which few people possess; he lived in a world of dreams rather than of stern facts. He was obstinate, wayward, impulsive; much too affectionate, and much too lovable; he Hved for the moment, and only regarded the future as one continual procession of rosy hours. Sprats, with feminine intuition, feared the moment when he would come into collision with stem experience of the world and the worldly —she longed to be with him when that moment came, as she had been with him when the frailty and coquetry of the Dolly kid nearly broke his child's heart. And so during the last few days of his stay at Simonstower she hovered about him as a faithful mother does about a sailor son, and she gave him much excellent advice and many counsels of perfection.
' You know you are a baby,' she said, when Lucian laughed at her. ' You have been so coddled all your life that you will cry if a pin pricks you. And there will be no Sprats to tie a rag round the wound. '
' It would certainly be better if Sprats were going too,' he said thoughtfully, and his face clouded. ' But then,' he continued, flashing into a smile, ' after all, Oxford is only two hundred miles from Simonstower, and there are trains which carry one over two hundred miles in a very short time. If I should chance to fall
unlikely
pathies
departed
»J1>1>> LUCIAN THE DREAMER loi
and bump my nose I shall take a ticket by the next train and come to Sprats to be patched up. '
' I shall keep a stock of ointments and lotions and
bandages in perpetual readiness/ she said. ' But it must be distinctly understood, Lucian, that I have the
monopoly of curing you — I have a sort of notion, you know, that it is my chief mission in life to be your nurse. '
' The concession is yours,' he answered, with mock
gravity.
It was with this understanding that they parted.
There came a day when all the good-byes had been said, the blessings and admonitions received, and Lucian
from the village with a pocket full of money
there through the fooHsh feminine of Miss Pepperdine and Miss Judith, who had womanly fears as to the horrible situations in which
he might be placed if he were bereft of ready cash) and a light and a sanguine heart. Mr. Chilverstone went with him to Oxford to see his protege settled and have a brief holiday of his own; on their departure Sprats drove them to the station at Wellsby. She waved her handkerchief until the train had disappeared; she was conscious when she turned away that her heart had gone with Lucian.
(largely placed indulgence
CHAPTER XII
About the middle of a May afternoon, seven years later, a young man turned out of the Strand into a quiet street in the neighbourhood of Covent Garden and began look- ing about him as if endeavouring to locate the where- abouts of some particular place. Catching sight of the name William Robertson on a neighbouring window,
it, he turned into the door of the establishment thus designated, and encountering an office-boy who was busily engaged in
reading a comic journal inside a small pen labelled
' Inquiries,'
with the word Publisher underneath
he asked with great politeness if Mr. Robertson was at that moment disengaged. The office- boy in his own good time condescended to examine the personal appearance of the inquirer, and having assured himself that the gentleman was worthy his attention he asked in sharp tones if he had an appointment with Mr. Robertson. To this the stranger replied that he believed he was expected by Mr. Robertson during the afternoon, but not at any particular hour, and produced a card from which the office-boy learned that he was confront- ing the Viscount Saxonstowe. He forthwith disappeared into some inner region and came back a moment later with a young gentleman who cultivated long hair and an aesthetic style of necktie, and bowed Lord Saxonstowe through various doors into a pleasant ante-room, where
he accommodated his lordship with a chair and the Times, and informed him that Mr. Robertson would be at liberty in a few moments. Lord Saxonstowe remarked that he was in no hurry at all, and would wait Mr. Robertson's convenience. The young gentleman with the luxuriant locks replied politely that he was quite sure Mr. Robertson would not keep his lordship waiting long, and added that they were experiencing
quite summer-like weather. Lord Saxonstowe agreed Z02
LUC:r». N THE DREAMER 103
to this proposition, and opensd the Times. His host or keeper for the time being seated himself at a desk, one half of which was shared by a lady typist who had affected great interest in her work since Lord Saxon- stowe's entrance, and who now stole surreptitious glances at him as he scanned the newspaper. The clerk scribbled a line or two on a scrap of paper 'and passed it across to her. She untwisted it and read : This is the chap that did that tremendous exploration in the North
Asia: a real live lord, you know. ' She scribbled an
of line: ' course I know — do you think I answering Of
didn't recognise the name? ' and passed it over with a
The clerk indited another epistle Don't look as if he'd seen much of anything, does he? '
show of indignation. '
:^
The clerk sighed, caressed a few sprouts on his
top-lip, and remarking to his own soul that these toffs
always catch the girls' eyes, fell to doing nothing in
a practised way.
Viscount Saxonstowe, quite unconscious of the interest he was exciting, stared about him after a time and began to wonder if the two young people at the desk usually worked with closed windows. The atmosphere was heavy, and there was a concentrated smell of paper, and ink, and paste. He thought of the wind-swept plains and steppes on which he had spent long months —
there, but
The girl perused this, scribbled back : '
His eyes and moustache are real jam! ' and fell to work at her machine
again.
he had gone through some stiff experiences
he confessed to himself that he would prefer a bitter cold night in winter in similar solitudes to a summer's day in that ante-room. His own healthy tan and the clear- ness of his eyes, his alert look and the easy swing with which he walked, would never have been developed amidst such surroundings, and the consciousness of his own rude health made him feel sorry for the two white slaves before him. He felt that if he could have his own way he would cut the young gentleman's hair, put him
into a flannel shirt and trot him round; as for the young lady, he would certainly send her into the country for
104
LUCIAN THE DREAMER
a holiday. And while he thus indulged his fancies a door opened and he heard voices, and two men stepped into the ante-room.
He instinctively recognised one as the publisher whom he had come to see; at the other, a much younger man, he found himself staring with some sense of recognition which was as yet vague and unformed. He felt sure that he had met him before, and under some unusual circumstances, but he could not remember the occa- sion, nor assure his mind that the face on which he looked was really familiar—it was more suggestive of something that had been familiar than famihar in itself. He concluded that he must have seen a photograph of it in some illustrated paper; the man was in all likeH- hood a popular author. Saxonstowe carefully looked him over as he stood exchanging a last word with the publisher on the threshold of the latter's room. He noted the gracefulness of the slim figure in the perfectly fashioned clothes, and again he became conscious that his memory was being stirred. The man under obser- vation was swinging a light walking-cane as he chatted; he made a sudden movement with it to emphasise a point, and Saxonstowe 's memory cleared itself. His thoughts flew back ten years : he saw two boys, one the
very image of incarnate Wrath, the other an equally faithful impersonation of Amazement, facing each other in an antique hall, with rapiers in hand and a sense of battle writ large upon their faces and figures.
At the age of eighteen Lucian celebrated his birthday by burning every manuscript he had, and announcing that he would write no more verses imtil he was at least twenty-one. But chancing to hear a pathetic story of rural life which appealed powerfully to his imagination,
88 LUCIAN THE DREAMER
he began to write again; and after a time, during which he was unusually morose and abstracted, he presented himself to Sprats with a bundle of manuscript. He handed it over to her with something of shypess.
' I want you to read it—carefully,' he said.
* Of course,' she answered. ' But is it to share the fate of all the rest, Lucian? You made a clean sweep of everything, didn't you? '
' That stuff ! ' he said, with fine contempt. ' I should
But this
think so ! '
he paused, plunged his hands into his pockets, and strode up and down the room— ' this is—well, it's different. Sprats! —I believe it's
good. '
* I wish you'd let my father read it,' she said. ' Do,
Lucian. '
' Perhaps,' he answered. ' But you first —I want to
know what you think. I can trust you. '
Sprats read the poem that evening, and as she read
she marvelled. Lucian had done himself justice at last. The poem was full of the true country life; there was no false ring in it; he had realised the pathos of the story he had to tell; it was a moving performance, full of the spirit of poetry from the first line to the last. She was proud, glad, full of satisfaction. Without waiting to ask Lucian's permission, she placed the manuscript in the vicar's hands and begged him to read it. He car- ried it away to his study; Sprats sat up later than usual to hear his verdict. She occupied herself with no work, but with thoughts that had a little of the day-dream glamour in them. She was trying to map out Lucian's future for him. He ought to be protected and shielded from the world, wrapped in an environment that would help him to produce the best that was in him; the ordi- nary cares of Hfe ought never to come near him. He had a gift, and the world would be the richer if the gift were poured out lavishly to his fellow-creatures; but he must be treated tenderly and skilfully if the gift was to be poured out at all. Sprats, country girl though she was, knew something of the harshnesses of Ufe; she knew.
LUCIAN THE DREAMER
89
too, that Lucian's nature was the sort that would rebel at a crumpled rose-leaf. He was still, and always would be, a child that feels rather than understands. —
The vicar came back to her with the manuscript it was then nearly midnight, but he was too much excited to wonder that Sprats should still be downstairs. He came tapping the manuscript with his fingers — his face wore a delighted and highly important expression.
' My dear,' he said, ' this is a considerable perfor- mance. I am amazed, pleased, gratified, proud. The boy is a genius—he will make a great name for himself. Yes — it is good. It is sound work. It is so charmingly free from mere rhetoric—there is a restraint, a chaste- ness which one does not often find in the work of a young writer. And it is classical in form and style. I am proud of Lucian. You see now the result of only reading and studying the best masters. He is perhaps a little imitative—that is natural; it will wear away. Did you not notice a touch of Wordsworth, eh! —I was reminded of Michael. He will be a new Wordsworth — a Wordsworth with more passion and richer imagery. He has the true eye for nature —I do not know when I have been so pleased as with the bits of colour that I find here. Oh, it is certainly a remarkable perfor-
mance. '
' Father,'' said Sprats, ' don't you think it might be
published ?
Mr. Chilverstone considered the proposition gravely.
' I feel sure it would meet with great approbation if it were,' he said. ' I have no doubt whatever that the best critics would recognise its merit and its undoubted promise. — I wonder if Lucian would allow the earl to read it? his lordship is a fine judge of classic poetry, and though I beheve he cherishes a contempt for modern verse, he cannot fail to be struck by this poem the truth of its setting must appeal to him. '
' I will speak to Lucian,' said Sprats.
She persuaded Lucian to submit his work to Lord
Simonstower next day;—the old nobleman read, re-read.
90
LUCIAN THE DREAMER
and was secretly struck by the beauty and strength of the boy's performance. He sent for Lucian and con- gratulated him warmly. Later on in the day he walked into the vicar's study.
' Chilverstone, ' he said, ' what is to be done with that boy Damerel? He will make a great name if due care is taken of him at the critical moment. How old is
he now—nearly nineteen? I think he should go to Oxford. '
' That,' said the vicar, ' is precisely my own opinion. '
' It would do him all the good in the world,' continued the earl. ' It is a thing that should be pushed through. I think I have heard that the boy has some money? I knew his father, Cyprian Damerel. He was a man who earned a good deal, but I should say he spent it. Still, I have always understood that he left money in Simpson Pepperdine's hands for the boy. '
Mr. Chilverstone observed that he had always been so 'informed, though he did not know by whom.
Simpson Pepperdine should be approached,' said Lord Simonstower. ' I have a good mind to talk to him myself. '
' If your lordship would have the kindness to do so,'
said the vicar, ' it would be a most excellent Pepperdine is an estimable man, and very proud indeed of Lucian —I am sure he would be induced to give his consent. '
* I will see him to-morrow,' said the earl.
But before the morrow dawned an event had taken place in the history of the Pepperdine family which involved far-reaching consequences. While the earl and the vicar were in consultation over their friendly plans for Lucian 's benefit, Mr. Pepperdine was
travelling homewards from Oakborough, whither he had proceeded
in the morning in reference to a letter which caused him no Httle anxiety and perturbation. It was fortunate that he had a compartment all to himself in the train, for he groaned and sighed at frequent intervals, and manifested many signs of great mental distress. When he left
thing.
LUCIAN THE DREAMER 91
Wellsby station he walked with slow and heavy steps along the road to Mr. Trippett's farm, where, as usual, he had left his horse and trap. Mrs. Trippett, chancing to look out of the parlour window, saw him approaching the house and noticed the drag in his step. He walked, she said, discussing the matter later on with her husband, as if he had suddenly become an old man. She hastened to the door to admit him; Mr. Pepperdine gazed at her with a lack-lustre eye. '
Mr. Pepperdine made an effort to pull himself together. He walked in, sat down in the parlour, and
breathed heavily. ma'am,' he said. ' I'm a bit ' It's a very hot day,
overdone. ' water,' said ' You must have a drop of brandy and
Mrs. Trippett, and bustled into the kitchen for water and to the sideboard for brandy. ' Take a taste while
' Mercy upon us, Mr. Pepperdine !
Trippett, ' you do look badly. Aren't you feeling well? '
at his glass and nodded his head in acknowledgment of her thoughtfulness.
like to see him. ' that the master was in the fold, Mrs. Trippett replied
and she would let him know that Mr. Pepperdine was
Mr. Pepperdine sipped
' Thank you kindly,' said he.
'I
were feeHng a bit badly like. Is the master anywhere about? I would
husband, and hinted to him that his old friend did not seem at all well —she was sure there was something wrong with him. Mr. Trippett hastened into the house and found Mr.
Pepperdine pacing the room and sighing dismally.
* Now then ! ' said Mr. Trippett, 'whose face was always cheery even in times of trouble, th' owd woman says
you don't seem so chirpy like. Is it th' sun, or what? —get another taste o' brandy down your throttle, lad. '
Mr. Pepperdine sat down again and shook his head.
' John,' he said, gazing earnestly at his friend. ' I'm
there. She went herself to fetch her
exclaimed Mrs.
fresh,' she said, handing him a liberal mixture.
it's
' It'll revive you. '
92
LUCIAN THE DREAMER
in sore trouble—real bad trouble. I doubt I'm a ruined
man. '
* Nay, for sure ! ' exclaimed Mr. Trippett.
*
What's
it all about, like? '
* It's all on account of a damned rascal! ' answered
Mr. Pepperdine, with a burst of indignation. 'Ah! — there's a pretty to-do in Oakborough this day, John. You haven't heard nothing about Bransby? '
' What, the lawyer? '
' Ah, lawyer and rogue and the Lord knows what! '
Mr. Pepperdine, groaning with wrath and ' He's gone and cleared himself off, and he's
repHed
misery.
naught but a swindler. They do say there that it's a hundred thousand pound job. '
Mr. Trippett whistled.
' I alius understood 'at he were such a well-to-do,
upright sort o' man,' he said. ' He'd a gre't reppyta- tion, any road. '
' Ay, and seems' to have traded on it! ' said Mr. Pep- perdine bitterly. He's been a smooth-tongued 'un, he has. He's done me, he has so—dang me if I ever trust the likes of him again ! '
Then he told his story. The absconded Mr. Bransby, an astute gentleman who had established a reputation for probity by scrupulous observance of the convention- alities dear to the society of a market town and had never missed attendance at his parish church, had sud- denly vanished into the Ewigkeit, leaving a few widows and orphans, several tradespeople, and a large number of unsuspecting and confiding clients, to mourn, not his loss, but his knavery. Simpson Pepperdine had been an easy victim. Some years previously he had consented to act as trustee for a neighbour's family—Mr. Bransby was his co-trustee. Simpson had left everything in Mr. Bransby' s hands —it now turned out that Mr. Bransby had converted everything to his own uses, leaving his careless coadjutor responsible. But this was not all. Simpson, who had made money by breeding shorthorns, had from time to time placed considerable sums in the
LUCIAN THE DREAMER 93
lawyer's hands for investment, and had trusted him entirely as to their nature. He had received good in- terest, and had never troubled either to ask for or inspect the securities. It had now been revealed to him that there had never been any securities —^his money had gone into Mr. Bransby's own coffers. Simpson Pepperdine, in short, was a ruined man.
Mr. Trippett was genuinely disturbed by this news.
and easy-going friend had been to blame in respect to his laxity and carelessness. But he himself had had some slight deahngs with Mr. and he knew the plausibility and suaveness
He felt that his good-natured
Bransby,
manner.
' It's a fair cropper! ' he exclaimed. ' I could ha'
' So he were,' answered Mr. Pepperdine, uncommon well—out of fools like me. '
of that gentleman's
trusted that Bransby like the Bank of England. I alius understood he were doing uncommon well. ' '
* I hope,' said Mr. Trippett, mentioning the subject
with some shyness, ' I hope the gals' money isn't lost,
an' all? ' Mr. ' What, Keziah and Judith? Nay, nay,' replied
Pepperdine. ' It isn't. What bit they have—matter of five hundred pound each, may be—is safe enough. '
' Nor the lad's, either,' said Mr. Trippett.
'The lad's? ' said Mr. Pepperdine questioningly. ' Oh, Lucian? Oh—ay—of course, he's all right. '
Mr. Trippett went over to the sideboard, produced the
whisky decanter, mixed himself a glass, Hghted his pipe,
and proceeded to think hard.
' Well,' he said, after some time, ' I know what I
should do if I were i' your case, Simpson. I should go to his lordship and tell him all about it. '
Mr.
Pepperdine started and looked surprised.
* I've never asked a favour of him yet,' he said. * I
'
don't know
' I didn't say aught about asking any favour,' said
Mr. Trippett. ' I said — go and tell his lordship ail about
\
it. He's the reppytation of being a long-headed 'un, has Lord Simonstower— he'll happen suggest summut. '
Mr. Pepperdine rubbed his chin meditatively. '
' He's a sharp-tongued old gentleman,' he said; I've always fought a bit shy of him. Him an' me had a bit
of a difference twenty years since. '
* Let bygones be bygones,' counselled Mr. Trippett.
' You and your fathers afore you have been on his land and his father's land a bonny stretch o' time. '
' Three hundred and seventy-five year come next spring,' said Mr. Pepperdine.
94
LUCIAN THE DREAMER
' And he'll not see you turned off wi'out knowing why,' said Mr. Trippett with conviction. ' Any road, it'll do no harm to tell him how you stand. He'd have to hear on't sooner or later, and he'd best hear it from yourself. '
Turning this sage counsel over in his mind, Mr. Pep- perdine journeyed homewards, and as luck would have it he met the earl near the gates of the Castle. Lord Simonstower had just left the vicarage, and Mr. Pepper- dine was in his mind. He put up his hand in answer to the farmer's salutation. Mr. Pepperdine drew rein.
' Oh, Pepperdine,' said the earl, ' I want to have some conversation with you about your nephew. I have just been talking with the vicar about him. When can you come up to the Castle ? '
' Any time that pleases your lordship,' answered Mr.
' It so happens that I was going to ask the favour of an interview with your lordship on my own
Pepperdine.
account. '
' Then you had better drive up now and leave your
horse and trap in the stables,' said the earl. * Tell them to take you to the library —I'll join you there presently. ' Closeted with his tenant. Lord Simonstower plunged
into his own business first—it was his way, when he took anything in hand, to go through with it with as little
as possible. He came to the point at once by telUng Mr. Pepperdine that his nephew was a gifted youth who would almost certainly make a great name
delay
LUCIAN THE DREAMER
95
in the world of letters, and that it would be a most excellenT thing to send him to Oxford. He pomted out the ^^^^^^^ which would accrue to Lucian if
this bourse were adopted, spoke of his own mterest m Se boy and promised to help him in every way he Suld Mr. Pepperdine listened with respectful and
P'J My^rii' said, when the earl had explained
views for Lucian, I'm greatly obliged to your lordship to your kindness to the lad and your mterest m him
a^ee with every word your lordship says. ve alwTs known there was something out of the common
aSLucian, and I've wanted him to get on m his own way never had no doubt about his makmg great name for himself-I could see that in him when he were
little lad. Now about this going to Oxford-it would
cost good deal of money, wouldn it, my lordj
would certainly cost money,' replied the earl.
But would put to you in this way--or rather, this the way in which should be put to the boy himself. understand he has some money; well, he can make no
better investment of portion of than ^Y spending
on his education. Two or three years at Oxford will fit him for the life of man of letters as nothmg else would. He need not be extravagant—two hundred
^,,
. ,. ,. ,
Mr Pepperdine hstened to this with obvious per- plexity and unrest. He hesitated little before making any reply. At last he looked at the earl with the expres-
pounds year should suffice him. '
sion of man who going to confess something.
My lord,' he said, I'll tell your lordship what nobody else knows— not even my sisters. I'm sure your lordship'll say naught to nobody about it. My lord the lad hafn't penny. He never had. Your lordship knows that his father sent for me when he was dying
in London—he'd just come back, with the boy, from Italy— and he put Lucian in my care. He'd made will and was trustee and executor. He thought that there
was sufficient provision made for the boy, but he hadn
t
t
h^
I
a
a
a
I
'
•
Iis' a '
is '
it it a
a
it
t
a aI
a
I I It a
^^^
96
LUCIAN THE DREAMER
been well advised —he'd put all his eggs in one basket — the money was all invested in a building society in Rome, and every penny of it was lost. I did hear/ affirmed Mr. Pepperdine solemnly, ' that the Pope of Rome him- self lost a deal of money at the same time and in the
same society. ' true,' said the earl. I remember it ' That's quite '
very well.
' Well, there it was,' continued Mr. Pepperdine. ' It
was gone for ever—there wasn't a penny saved. I never said naught to my sisters, you know, my lord, because I didn't want 'em to know. I never said nothing to the boy, either—and he's the sort of lad that would never ask. He's a bit of a child in money matters—his father (but your lordship '11 remember him as well as I do) had always let him have all he wanted, and '
' And his uncle has followed in his father's lines, eh? ' said the earl, with a smile that was neither cynical nor unfriendly. ' Well, then, Pepperdine, I understand that the lad has been at your charges all this time as
regards everything — I suppose you've paid Mr. Chilver- stone, too? '
Mr. Pepperdine waved his hands.
' There's naught to talk of, my lord,' he said. ' I've
no children, and never shall have. I never were a marrying sort, and the lad's been welcome. And if it had been in my power he should have gone to Oxford; but, my lord, there's been that happened within this last day or so that's brought me nigh to ruin. It was that that I wanted to see your lordship about —it's a poor sort of tale for anybody's ears, but your lordship would have to hear it some time or other. You see, my lord ' —and Mr. Pepperdine, with praiseworthy directness and simphcity, set forth the story of his woes.
The Earl of Simonstower listened with earnest atten- tion until his tenant had spread out all his ruined hopes at his feet. His face expressed nothing until the re- grettable catalogue of foolishness and wrongs came to an end. Then he laughed, rather bitterly.
LUCIAN THE DREAMER
97
' Well, Pepperdine,' he said, ' you've been wronged, but you've been a fool into the bargain. And I can't blame you, for, in a smaller way—a matter of a thousand pounds or so—this man Bransby has victimised me. Well, now, what's to be done? There's one thing cer- tain—I don't intend to lose you as a tenant. If nothing else can be done, my solicitors must settle everything for you, and you must pay me back as you can. I understand you've been doing well with your shorthorns, haven't you? '
Mr. Pepperdine could hardly believe his ears. He had always regarded his landlord as a somewhat cold and cynical man, and no thought of such generous help as that indicated by the earl's last words had come into his mind in telling the story of his difficulties. He was a soft-hearted man, and the tears sprang into his eyes and his voice trembled as he tried to frame suitable words.
to say
' Then say nothing, Pepperdine,' said the earl. * I
understand what you would say. It's all right, my friend—we appear to be fellow-passengers in Mr. Bransby' s boat, and if I help you it's because I'm not quite as much damaged as you are. And eventually there will be no help about it—you'll have helped your- self. However, we'll discuss that later on; at present I want to talk about your nephew. Pepperdine, I don't want to give up my pet scheme of sending that boy to Oxford. It is the thing that should be done; I think it must be done, and that I must be allowed to do it. With your consent, Pepperdine, I will charge myself with your nephew's expenses for three years from the
time he goes up; by the end of the three years he will be in a position to look after himself. Don't try to give me any thanks. I have something of a selfish motive in all this. But now, listen: I do not wish the boy to know that he is owing this to anybody, and least of all to me. We must invent something in the nature of
G
' My lord! ' he said brokenly, * I—I don't know what
■'
98
LUCIAN THE DREAMER
a conspiracy. There must be no one but you, the vicar, and myself in the secret—no one, Pepperdine, and last of all any womankind, so your mouth must be closed as regards your sisters. I will get Mr. Chilverstone to talk to the boy, who will understand that the money is in your hands and that he must look to you. I want you
to preach economy to him — economy, mind
you, not meanness. I will talk to him in the same way myself,
because if he is anything like his father he will develop
an open-handedness
which will be anything but good for
him. Remember that you are the nominal holder of the
purse-strings —everything will pass through you. I
think that's all I wanted to say, Pepperdine,' concluded the earl. ' You'll remember your part? '
' I shall indeed, my lord,' said Mr. Pepperdine, as he shook the hand which the earl extended; ' and I shall remember a deal more, too, to my dying day. I can't rightly thank your lordship at this moment. '
' No need, Pepperdine, no need ! ' said Lord Simons- tower hastily. ' You'd do the same for me, I'm sure. Good-day to you, good-day; and don't forget the con- spiracy—no talking to the women, you know. '
Mr. Pepperdine drove homewards with what country folk call a heart-and-a-half. He was unusually light- some in mood and garrulous in conversation that even-
but he would only discourse on one topic—the virtues of the British aristocracy. He named no names and condescended to no particulars — the British aristo- cracy in general served him for the text of a long sermon which amused Miss Judith and Lucian to a high degree, and made Miss Pepperdine wonder how many glasses of whisky Simpson had consumed at the * White Lion ' in Oakborough. It so happened that the good man had been so full of trouble that he had forgotten to take even one—his loquacity that evening was simply due to the fact that while he was preparing to wail De Profundis he had been commanded to sing Te De Laudamus, and his glorification of lords was his version of that paean of joyfulness.
ing,
CHAPTER XI
LuciAN received the news which Mr. Chilverstone com- municated to him in skilful and diplomatic fashion with an equanimity which seemed natural to him when hear- ing of anything that appeared to be his just due. He had so far had everything that he desired—always excepting the fidelity of Haidee, which now seemed a matter of no moment and was no longer a sore point— and he took it as a natural consequence of his own exist- ence that he should go to Oxford, the fame of which ancient seat of learning had been famihar to him from boyhood. He made no inquiries as to the cost of this step—anything relating to money had no interest for him, save as regards laying it out on the things he desired. He had been accustomed as a child to see his father receive considerable sums and spend them with royal lavishness, and as he had never known what it was to have to earn money before it could be enjoyed, he troubled himself in nowise as to the source of the
which were to keep him at Oxford for three He listened attentively to Mr. Pepperdine's
supplies
years.
solemn admonitions on the subjects of economy and
and replied at the end thereof that he would always let his uncle have a few days' notice when he wanted a cheque — a remark which made Lord
Simonstower's fellow-conspirator think a good deal.
It was impossible at this stage to do anything or say
an5^hing to shake Lucian's confidence in his destiny. He meant to work hard and to do great things, and without being conceited he was sure of success — it seemed to him to be his rightful due. Thanks to the influence of his father in childhood and to that of Mr. Chilverstone at a later stage, he had formed a fine taste and was already an accomplished scholar. He had never read any trash in his life, and it was now extremely
99
extravagance,
100 LUCIAN THE DREAMER
that he ever would, for he had developed an almost womanish disHke of the unlovely, the mean, and the sordid, and a delicate contempt for anything in hterature that was not based on good models. Mr. Chilverstone had every confidence in him, and every hope of his future; it filled him with pride to know that he was sending so promising a man to his own uni- versity; but he was cast down when he found that Lord Simonstower insisted on Lucian's entrance at St. Bene- dict's, instead of at St. Perpetua's, his own old college.
The only person who was full of fears was Sprats. She had been Lucian's other self for six years, and she, more than any one else, knew his need of constant help and friendship. He was full of simplicity; he credited everybody with the possession of qualities and sym-
which few people possess; he lived in a world of dreams rather than of stern facts. He was obstinate, wayward, impulsive; much too affectionate, and much too lovable; he Hved for the moment, and only regarded the future as one continual procession of rosy hours. Sprats, with feminine intuition, feared the moment when he would come into collision with stem experience of the world and the worldly —she longed to be with him when that moment came, as she had been with him when the frailty and coquetry of the Dolly kid nearly broke his child's heart. And so during the last few days of his stay at Simonstower she hovered about him as a faithful mother does about a sailor son, and she gave him much excellent advice and many counsels of perfection.
' You know you are a baby,' she said, when Lucian laughed at her. ' You have been so coddled all your life that you will cry if a pin pricks you. And there will be no Sprats to tie a rag round the wound. '
' It would certainly be better if Sprats were going too,' he said thoughtfully, and his face clouded. ' But then,' he continued, flashing into a smile, ' after all, Oxford is only two hundred miles from Simonstower, and there are trains which carry one over two hundred miles in a very short time. If I should chance to fall
unlikely
pathies
departed
»J1>1>> LUCIAN THE DREAMER loi
and bump my nose I shall take a ticket by the next train and come to Sprats to be patched up. '
' I shall keep a stock of ointments and lotions and
bandages in perpetual readiness/ she said. ' But it must be distinctly understood, Lucian, that I have the
monopoly of curing you — I have a sort of notion, you know, that it is my chief mission in life to be your nurse. '
' The concession is yours,' he answered, with mock
gravity.
It was with this understanding that they parted.
There came a day when all the good-byes had been said, the blessings and admonitions received, and Lucian
from the village with a pocket full of money
there through the fooHsh feminine of Miss Pepperdine and Miss Judith, who had womanly fears as to the horrible situations in which
he might be placed if he were bereft of ready cash) and a light and a sanguine heart. Mr. Chilverstone went with him to Oxford to see his protege settled and have a brief holiday of his own; on their departure Sprats drove them to the station at Wellsby. She waved her handkerchief until the train had disappeared; she was conscious when she turned away that her heart had gone with Lucian.
(largely placed indulgence
CHAPTER XII
About the middle of a May afternoon, seven years later, a young man turned out of the Strand into a quiet street in the neighbourhood of Covent Garden and began look- ing about him as if endeavouring to locate the where- abouts of some particular place. Catching sight of the name William Robertson on a neighbouring window,
it, he turned into the door of the establishment thus designated, and encountering an office-boy who was busily engaged in
reading a comic journal inside a small pen labelled
' Inquiries,'
with the word Publisher underneath
he asked with great politeness if Mr. Robertson was at that moment disengaged. The office- boy in his own good time condescended to examine the personal appearance of the inquirer, and having assured himself that the gentleman was worthy his attention he asked in sharp tones if he had an appointment with Mr. Robertson. To this the stranger replied that he believed he was expected by Mr. Robertson during the afternoon, but not at any particular hour, and produced a card from which the office-boy learned that he was confront- ing the Viscount Saxonstowe. He forthwith disappeared into some inner region and came back a moment later with a young gentleman who cultivated long hair and an aesthetic style of necktie, and bowed Lord Saxonstowe through various doors into a pleasant ante-room, where
he accommodated his lordship with a chair and the Times, and informed him that Mr. Robertson would be at liberty in a few moments. Lord Saxonstowe remarked that he was in no hurry at all, and would wait Mr. Robertson's convenience. The young gentleman with the luxuriant locks replied politely that he was quite sure Mr. Robertson would not keep his lordship waiting long, and added that they were experiencing
quite summer-like weather. Lord Saxonstowe agreed Z02
LUC:r». N THE DREAMER 103
to this proposition, and opensd the Times. His host or keeper for the time being seated himself at a desk, one half of which was shared by a lady typist who had affected great interest in her work since Lord Saxon- stowe's entrance, and who now stole surreptitious glances at him as he scanned the newspaper. The clerk scribbled a line or two on a scrap of paper 'and passed it across to her. She untwisted it and read : This is the chap that did that tremendous exploration in the North
Asia: a real live lord, you know. ' She scribbled an
of line: ' course I know — do you think I answering Of
didn't recognise the name? ' and passed it over with a
The clerk indited another epistle Don't look as if he'd seen much of anything, does he? '
show of indignation. '
:^
The clerk sighed, caressed a few sprouts on his
top-lip, and remarking to his own soul that these toffs
always catch the girls' eyes, fell to doing nothing in
a practised way.
Viscount Saxonstowe, quite unconscious of the interest he was exciting, stared about him after a time and began to wonder if the two young people at the desk usually worked with closed windows. The atmosphere was heavy, and there was a concentrated smell of paper, and ink, and paste. He thought of the wind-swept plains and steppes on which he had spent long months —
there, but
The girl perused this, scribbled back : '
His eyes and moustache are real jam! ' and fell to work at her machine
again.
he had gone through some stiff experiences
he confessed to himself that he would prefer a bitter cold night in winter in similar solitudes to a summer's day in that ante-room. His own healthy tan and the clear- ness of his eyes, his alert look and the easy swing with which he walked, would never have been developed amidst such surroundings, and the consciousness of his own rude health made him feel sorry for the two white slaves before him. He felt that if he could have his own way he would cut the young gentleman's hair, put him
into a flannel shirt and trot him round; as for the young lady, he would certainly send her into the country for
104
LUCIAN THE DREAMER
a holiday. And while he thus indulged his fancies a door opened and he heard voices, and two men stepped into the ante-room.
He instinctively recognised one as the publisher whom he had come to see; at the other, a much younger man, he found himself staring with some sense of recognition which was as yet vague and unformed. He felt sure that he had met him before, and under some unusual circumstances, but he could not remember the occa- sion, nor assure his mind that the face on which he looked was really familiar—it was more suggestive of something that had been familiar than famihar in itself. He concluded that he must have seen a photograph of it in some illustrated paper; the man was in all likeH- hood a popular author. Saxonstowe carefully looked him over as he stood exchanging a last word with the publisher on the threshold of the latter's room. He noted the gracefulness of the slim figure in the perfectly fashioned clothes, and again he became conscious that his memory was being stirred. The man under obser- vation was swinging a light walking-cane as he chatted; he made a sudden movement with it to emphasise a point, and Saxonstowe 's memory cleared itself. His thoughts flew back ten years : he saw two boys, one the
very image of incarnate Wrath, the other an equally faithful impersonation of Amazement, facing each other in an antique hall, with rapiers in hand and a sense of battle writ large upon their faces and figures.
