Page:By order of the Czar.djvu/129

BY ORDER OF THE CZAR. 117 "But he would go, Wally dear, whether we go or not. He has taken a studio there, or intends to do so."

"He expressed no intention of the kind until he knew we were going there."

"That is true," the wife replied.

"And his mother has twice spoken to me about Dolly, and expressed a hope that she and Forsyth would make a match of it at once. 'How happy could I be with either,' eh?" continued Walter, putting one arm round Dolly and another round his wife, and leading them into the drawing room. "That's your sentiment, eh, Dolly?"

"Oh, I don't know, Wally. I think I like Philip best. He is romantic and interesting; far more distinguished in appearance than Sam; and is likely to make a name and a great position."


 * When you will have to do all the worshipping," said Walter. "These artistic geniuses, these men of distinction —

authors, painters, artists, actors — they don't make good husbands as a rule; they have whims and humors — moods, I believe they call them; the more successful they are the more dreamy and exacting. Society spoils them."

"But I am bound to say Philip puts on no airs," Dolly replied; "he is very modest, considering how clever he is."

"Oh, yes, no doubt; but when success comes then comes hero-worship and all that sort of thing. For show, I daresay Forsyth would make the best husband; a fine, handsome, young man to sit by your side at the opera, to drive in the park with, if he had ever time to drive in the park, and for other women to envy and try to get him away from you. But for a good, honest, devoted, useful, and wealthy husband and I say wealthy advisedly, he knows what he is about I would back Sam Swynford. You could have your own way with him, just as Jenny has with me." This Walter said with an audible chuckle, adding, "Sam is by no means the fool some people affect to think him;