Page:Tex; a chapter in the life of Alexander Teixeira de Mattos (IA texchapterinlife00mcke).pdf/171

 Thursday, 3 February.

'' The new arrivals include a long, lean man and his wife. His hair is dyed to suggest 55; he is probably a cadaverous 77. He comes down to dinner in a white tie and tails. His digestion is of the weakest. He refuses soup, leaves the fish, refuses a cutlet, leaves the goose and seems to dine mainly on crême Beau Rivage, which is a crême carmel decorated with a blob of whipped cream and angelica. His conversation with his wife consists purely of whispered smiles.''

Friday, 4 February.

''I received letters from Stephen to me and from Stephen to his mother. I have still to receive a letter from Stephen to Lady D''

On his return he will borrow from me Frank Harris' second series of Contemporary Portraits, just arrived from New York.

''There is no bridge at the Home-Sweet-Homes. I go to the club, play with P. the local solicitor; Dr. W., of Harrogate; Mr. S., of the same and win the sum of £2-1/2 d.''

Saturday, 5 February and