Man and Maid

"Will people know my real name?"

"No--we shall tell no stories, but we shall not be communicative. You

will be introduced as an old English friend of the Duchesse's."

She looked at me for an instant and there was gratitude in her

expression.

"Alathea, I want you to forget all about the troubles which must have

clouded your life. They are all over now, and some day, perhaps you will

introduce me to your mother and little sister."

"I will, of course when they come back from the South. My mother has

often been so ill."

"I want you to feel that I would do anything for them. Are you sure they

have all they want?"

She protested.

"Indeed--yes, far more. You have given too much already."

She raised her head with that indescribable little gesture of hauteur,

which becomes her so beautifully. I could read her mind. It said, "I

loathe receiving anything from him, with that woman in the background!"

When we went into the salon I wondered what she would do. I did not

speak. She took my crutch and shook up my cushion, taking great care not

to touch me. I could not look up. I knew that a powerful electric

current would pass from my eye to hers, if I did, and that she would see

that I was only longing to take her to my heart.

I remained silent and gazed into the fire. She sat down quietly on the

sofa at the side, so that I would have to turn my head to look at her.

Thus we remained for quite five minutes, speechless. The air throbbed

with emotion. I dared not move.

At last she said, "Would you care that I should read to you again, or

play?"

"Play for a little." My voice was chilly. I was quite determined the

iciness should come from me first, not her, for a few days.

She went to the piano, and she began the Debussy she had played that

afternoon when I had first asked her to play--I never can remember its

name--and when she had finished she stopped.

"What made you play that now?" I asked.

"I felt like it."

"It wrenches my nerves. What makes you feel all unrestful and rebellious

and defiant, Alathea, am I not keeping the bargain?"

"Yes, of course."

"You are bored to death then?"

"No, I am wondering."

"Wondering what?"

She did not answer. I could not see her without getting up out of my

chair.