Page:Emily Climbs.pdf/228

 “Last night Mrs. Rogers invited Aunt Ruth and me to dinner to meet her sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert. Aunt Ruth had her Sunday scallops in her hair and wore her brown velvet dress that reeked of moth-balls and her big oval brooch with Uncle Dutton’s hair in it; and I put on my ashes-of-roses and Princess Mena’s necklace and went, quivering with excitement, for Mr. Herbert is a member of the Dominion Cabinet and a man who stands in the presence of kings. He has a massive, silver head and eyes that have looked into people’s thoughts so long that you have an uncanny feeling that they can see right into your soul and read motives you don’t dare avow even to yourself. His face is a most interesting one. There is so much in it. All the varied experiences of his full, wonderful life had written it over. One could tell at sight that he was a born leader. Mrs. Rogers let me sit beside him at dinner. I was afraid to speak—afraid I'd say something stupid—afraid I’d make some ludicrous mistake. So I just sat quiet as a mouse and listened adoringly. Mrs. Rogers told me today that Mr. Herbert said, after we had left,

“‘That little Starr girl of New Moon is the best conversationalist of any girl of her age I ever met.’

“So even great statesmen—but there—I won’t be horrid.

“And he splendid: he was wise and witty and humorous. I felt as if I were drinking in some rare, stimulating, mental wine. I forgot even Aunt Ruth’s moth-balls. What an event it is to meet such a man and take a peep through his wise eyes at the fascinating game of empire building!

“Perry went to the station today to get a glimpse of Mr. Herbert. Perry says he will be just as great a man some day. But, no. Perry can—and I believe will—go far—climb high. But he will be only a successful politician—never a statesman. Ilse flew into me when I said this.