第32章 THE SWING OF THE PENDULUM.(3)

She saw herself stepping into carriages--looking at the strange man with a mysterious,voluptuous glance--she practised the glance,lying on the bed--and never another worry,just drugged with happiness.That was the life for her.Well,the thing to do was to let Casimir go on his wild-goose chase that evening,and while he was away--What!Also--please to remember --there was the rent to be paid before twelve next morning,and she hadn't the money for a square meal.At the thought of food she felt a sharp twinge in her stomach,a sensation as though there were a hand in her stomach,squeezing it dry.She was terribly hungry--all Casimir's fault--and that man had lived on the fat of the land ever since he was born.He looked as though he could order a magnificent dinner.Oh,why hadn't she played her cards better?--he'd been sent by Providence--and she'd snubbed him."If I had that time over again,I'd be safe by now."And instead of the ordinary man who had spoken with her at the door her mind created a brilliant,laughing image,who would treat her like a queen."There's only one thing I could not stand--that he should be coarse or vulgar.Well,he wasn't--he was obviously a man of the world,and the way he apologised.Ihave enough faith in my own power and beauty to know I could make a man treat me just as I wanted to be treated.".It floated into her dreams--that sweet scent of cigarette smoke.And then she remembered that she had heard nobody go down the stone stairs.Was it possible that the strange man was still there?.The thought was too absurd--Life didn't play tricks like that--and yet--she was quite conscious of his nearness.Very quietly she got up,unhooked from the back of the door a long white gown,buttoned it on--smiling slyly.She did not know what was going to happen.She only thought:"Oh,what fun!"and that they were playing a delicious game--this strange man and she.Very gently she turned the door-handle,screwing up her face and biting her lip as the lock snapped back.Of course,there he was--leaning against the banister rail.He wheeled round as she slipped into the passage.

"Da,"she muttered,folding her gown tightly around her,"I must go downstairs and fetch some wood.Brr!the cold!""There isn't any wood,"volunteered the strange man.She gave a little cry of astonishment,and then tossed her head.

"You again,"she said scornfully,conscious the while of his merry eye,and the fresh,strong smell of his healthy body.

"The landlady shouted out there was no wood left.I just saw her go out to buy some.""Story--story!"she longed to cry.He came quite close to her,stood over her and whispered:

"Aren't you going to ask me to finish my cigarette in your room?"She nodded."You may if you want to!"

In that moment together in the passage a miracle had happened.Her room was quite changed--it was full of sweet light and the scent of hyacinth flowers.Even the furniture appeared different--exciting.Quick as a flash she remembered childish parties when they had played charades,and one side had left the room and come in again to act a word--just what she was doing now.The strange man went over to the stove and sat down in her arm-chair.She did not want him to talk or come near her--it was enough to see him in the room,so secure and happy.How hungry she had been for the nearness of someone like that--who knew nothing at all about her--and made no demands--but just lived.Viola ran over to the table and put her arms round the jar of hyacinths.

"Beautiful!Beautiful!"she cried--burying her head in the flowers--and sniffing greedily at the scent.Over the leaves she looked at the man and laughed.

"You are a funny little thing,"said he lazily.

"Why?Because I love flowers?"

"I'd far rather you loved other things,"said the strange man slowly.She broke off a little pink petal and smiled at it.

"Let me send you some flowers,"said the strange man."I'll send you a roomful if you'd like them."His voice frightened her slightly."Oh no,thanks--this one is quite enough for me.""No,it isn't"--in a teasing voice.

"What a stupid remark!"thought Viola,and looking at him again he did not seem quite so jolly.She noticed that his eyes were set too closely together--and they were too small.Horrible thought,that he should prove stupid.

"What do you do all day?"she asked hastily.

"Nothing."

"Nothing at all?"

"Why should I do anything?"

"Oh,don't imagine for one moment that I condemn such wisdom--only it sounds too good to be true!""What's that?"--he craned forward."What sounds too good to be true?"Yes--there was no denying it--he looked silly.

"I suppose the searching after Fraulein Schafer doesn't occupy all your days.""Oh no"--he smiled broadly--"that's very good!By Jove!no.I drive a good bit--are you keen on horses?"She nodded."Love them."

"You must come driving with me--I've got a fine pair of greys.Will you?""Pretty I'd look perched behind greys in my one and only hat,"thought she.