Part 6 (1/2)
Since theafter his arrival Mizzi had waited on him with an air of courteous disapproval She had been as polite as ever, as demure and piquant as could be wished, but she had been less coer Even in the presence of herto a sensitive ly adically enough, he resented the atmosphere of respectful condemnation More than once he had tried to dissipate the unhappy s to aIn this he had not been successful To his cheerful and carefully composed commonplaces Mizzi made the briefest of answers, and on one occasion there had been a distinct toss of the head and an unmistakable sniff ”Woly, after a sustained effort that fell flat; then with a pang of compunction, ”Some women, I ”
Matters cauest for nearly a week It was a Saturday, and his hostess went to the theater directly after lunch to get ready for the matinee Lionel, provided with one of her cards, was to follow her and see the play, for as yet he had not watched her on the stage The experience proved delightful, for the play was good and her acting excellent After it was over he went back to the flat alone, for sheperformance
Mizzi opened the door to Lionel, and when he asked her to bring tea she said, ”Immediately,heavily about her,of compassion Her attitude was al child ”Hang it!” thought Lionel, as he waited in the sitting-rooood loo bars of Chopin's _Marche Funebre_
Presently the ht in tea She set the tray on a little table, placed a cake-stand within easy reach, paused to , and then asked, ”Is there anything more, m'sieur?”
Lionel, who had co, roused himself
”Yes,” he said decisively, ”there is Will you be kind enough Mizzi, to tell me why you surroundto a sunny nature”
Mizzi looked at him with a frank pity in her eyes ”It is because I am sorry,” she replied
”That is no explanation,” said Lionel briskly, glad to perceive a thaever slight ”Why are you sorry?”
”Because you are a fool,” observed Mizzi with a gentle pensiveness
Lionel started; he had not expected this To be called a fool by a friend of one's own age and sex is an every-day matter that causes no uneasiness To be called a fool by a withered graybeard need not leave a sting, for there is the co aa fool in his day To be called a fool by a youthful enemy is only to be expected, and the epithet betrays a palpable lack of judg upon himself But to be called a fool by a pretty woman is a distinct ordeal Lionel was shaken
He contrived to coh It was not an infectious cachinnation, but still it was a laugh ”Will you tell me why I am a fool?” he asked in a entle tone ”It is because you are the slave of my mistress”
”Excuse me,” said Lionel politely, ”but I have no wish to discuss her
You o”
At this the maid lost some of her admirable self-control ”Bah!” she cried, ”you are the same as the rest! Show aeyes, and he is blinded! You think her perfect----”
”I know she is,” he interrupted, ”though why I should trouble to say so to a servant----”
The thrust was cruel, but he felt she had deserved it
”A servant!” she repeated, sparkling with anger ”A servant! Yes, it is true--but an honest true woman that knows not how to tell lies like herher with a gentle fir cold”
As soon as he touched her the virago subsided She made not the least resistance as he led her to the door But as he was opening it she looked up with appealing eyes ”Ah, monsieur!” she whispered piteously; but he was in no mood to be melted He shut the door upon her, and did not see the rainbow of smiles that played over her face the moment she was in safety
”She is jealous,”out a cup of tea; ”I did not think she would have been so silly”