Page:The Awkward Age (New York, Harper and Brothers, 1899).djvu/358

THE AWKWARD AGE that we all, in fact, delight in and find so matchless. She desires for Harold the highest advantages."

"Well then," declared Vanderbank, who had achieved a glimpse, "he's clearly having them. It brings home to one his success."

"His success is true," Mrs. Brook insisted. "How he does it I don't know."

"Oh don't you!" trumpeted the Duchess.

"He's amazing," Mrs. Brook pursued. "I watch—I hold my breath. But I'm bound to say also I rather admire. He somehow amuses them."

"She's as pleased as Punch," said the Duchess.

"Those great calm women—they like slighter creatures."

"The great calm whales," the Duchess laughed, "swallow the little fishes."

"Oh, my dear," Mrs. Brook returned, "Harold can be tasted, if you like—"

"If I like?" the Duchess parenthetically jeered, "Thank you, love!"

"But he can't, I think, be eaten. It all works out," Mrs. Brook expounded, "to the highest end. If Lady Fanny's amused she'll be quiet."

"Bless me," cried the Duchess, "of all the immoral speeches—! I put it to you, Longdon. Does she mean"—she appealed to their friend—"that if she commits murder, she won't commit anything else?"

"Oh, it won't be murder," said Mrs. Brook. "I mean that if Harold, in one way and another, keeps her along, she won't get off."

"Off where?" Mr. Longdon inquired.

Vanderbank immediately informed him. "To one of the smaller Italian towns. Don't you know?"

"Oh yes. Like—who is it? I forget."

"Anna Karénine? You know about Anna?"

"Nanda," said the Duchess, "has told him. But I 348