Man and Maid

I read all the mornings, seated in the sun--I read Plato--I want to

furbish up my Greek--For no reason on earth except that it is difficult,

and perhaps if I start doing difficult things I may get more will.

* * * * *

Suzette arrived in an entirely new set of garments--the "geste" had

altered, she said, one had to have a different look, and she was sure

the autumn fashions would be even more pronounced.

"As you can readily understand, my friend, one cannot be démodé, dans

le metier,--especially in war time!--"

Naturally I agreed with her--.

"The only unfortunate part is that it obliged me to break into the sum

for Georgine's education."

"That is at least reparable"--I answered, and reached for my

cheque-book--Suzette is such a good little sort--and clothes give her

pleasure--and fancy being able to give real pleasure for a few

thousand francs--pleasure, not comfort, or charity, or any respectable

thing, but just pleasure! The only worry about this cheque was that

Suzette was a little too affectionate after it!--I would nearly always

rather only talk to her--now.

She accompanied my bath chair on to the terrace. Her ridiculous little

outline and high heels contradicting all ideas of balance, and yet

presenting an indescribable elegance. She prattled gaily--then when no

one was looking she slipped her hand into mine.

"Mon cher! Mon petit chou!" she said.

We had the gayest dinner in my sitting-room--.

"The war was certainly nearing its close--Toinette, the friend of one of

the Generals, assured her--people were thoroughly bored, and it was an

excellent thing to finish it--."

"But even when peace comes, never again the restaurants open all night

to dance, Nicholas!--there is a sadness, my friend!"

That was one of the really bad aspects of wars--the way they upset

people's habits--, she told me. Even "dans le metier" things became of

an uncertainty! '--One was never sure if the amant would not be

killed--and it might be difficult to replace him advantageously!'

"It is perhaps fortunate for you that I am wounded and an institution,

Suzette!"

"Thou--Nicholas!--Just as if I did not understand--I represent nothing

but an agreeable passing of some moments to thee--Thou art not an

Amant!--Not even a little pretense of loving me thou showest!"-

"But you said you never allowed yourself to care--perhaps I have the

same idea--"

She shook with laughter.

"An artist at love thou, Nicholas--but no lover!"

"It is a nice distinction--would you like me better if I were a lover?"