When I am by
myself I can curse and swear, play Termagant and rehearse an
extravaganza out-Heroding all the Herods that ever Heroded. But
before others--no. I believe my great-grandfather, before he
qualified for his baronetcy, was a gentleman.
"But on these occasions," said I, "you will avoid a sequestered
and meditative self."
Her laugh got choked by a sob.
"Do you remember that? It is not so long ago--and yet it seems
many, many years."
We moralised generally, after the way of humans, who desire to
postpone a moment of anguished speech. She made the tour of my
book-shelves. Many of the books she had borrowed, and she
recognised them as old friends.
"Is that where Benvenuto Cellini has always lived?"
"Yes," said I, running my hand along the row. "He is in his
century, among his companions. He would be unhappy anywhere
else."
"And the History--how far has it gone?"
I showed her the pile of finished manuscript, of which she
glanced at a few pages. She put it down hurriedly and turned
away.
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