Page:The Yellow Book - 01.djvu/283

Rh example for Cyril. I was on thorns every second lest he should come in. Soame has just those meretricious attractions which appeal to youth and inexperience. That you should encourage such an acquaintance, and even discuss before him such an intimate matter as my hope with regard to Julia, is, perhaps, more painful than astonishing.

Lord Dol.They are both too young to marry. Let them enjoy life while they may.

Lady Dol.Enjoy life? What a degrading suggestion! I have often observed that there is a lurking taste for the vicious in every Doldrummond.[Picking up Cyril's miniature from the table.]Cyril is pure Bedingfield: my second self!

Mrs. de Trappe.[Kissing Lady Dol. on each cheek.]Dear Edith, I knew we should surprise you. But Mr. Banish and I are house-hunting, and I thought I must run in and see you and Julia, if only for a second. I felt sure you would not mind my bringing Arthur[indicating Featherleigh.]He is so lonely at the prospect of my marriage that Mr. Banish and I have promised to keep him always with us. We have known each other so long. How should we spend our evenings without him? James admits they would be tedious, don't you, James?[Indicating Banish.] Rh