Part 23 (1/2)
”I don't doubt it. It's quite possible I wouldn't understand myself.
We're never quite so impressed with our own virtues as when we can find flaws in other people. But you know I'm not courting discovery.”
”Nor I. We must leave here at dawn.”
”As you please. Now I'm going to bed.”
She got up and gave him her hand and he led her to the door.
”Good night, Hermia, and pleasant dreams. You shall taste the springs at their fountain head, meet the world with naked hands, learn the luxury of contentment; or else--” as he paused she put her hand before his lips.
”There is no alternative. I shall not fail you. Good night, Philidor.”
”Good night, Hermia.”
Markham sought out Duchanel and sent a telegram to Olga which Hermia had dictated. ”Have changed my plans. Am leaving with a party for a tour of French Inns. Will communicate later.”
Duchanel understood. The message would be forwarded from Paris as Monsieur directed. No one in Pa.s.sy or elsewhere should know.
Markham nodded and paid the bill, producing from a wallet which Hermia had not seen an additional amount which Duchanel found sufficient to compensate him for his trouble.
”You understand, Monsieur?” said Markham, as he went up to bed.
”Madame and I are leaving here _? pied_. We shall have coffee and _brioche_ at five. You will not remember which way we go.”
”_Parfaitement, Monsieur_. You may rely upon my discretion.”
CHAPTER XIII
VAGABONDIA
They took the road in the gray of a morning overcast with clouds and portentous of a storm. At the last moment, their host, with an eye upon the weather (and another upon Markham's hidden wallet), had sought to keep them until the skies were more propitious. But they were not to be dissuaded and trudged off briskly, Monsieur Duchanel and Madam Bordier accompanying them to the cross-roads and bidding them G.o.d-speed upon their journey.
Markham, pipe in mouth, his hat pulled over his eyes, his coat collar turned up, showed the way, while Hermia, her finery hidden under a long coat, followed, leading the donkey, which, after a few preliminary remonstrances, consented to accompany them. A tarpaulin covered Hermia's orchestra and Markham's knapsack which were securely packed upon the animal--a valiant, if silent company, marching confidently into the unknown, Hermia smiling defiance at the clouds, Markham smoking grimly, the donkey ambling impa.s.sively, the least concerned of the three.
A rain had fallen in the night but Hermia splashed through the mud and water joyously, like a child, thankful nevertheless for Markham's thoughtfulness which had provided her last night with a pair of stout shoes and heavy stockings. To a spirit less blithe than hers the outlook would have been gloomy enough, for all the morning the clouds scurried fast overhead and squalls of rain and fog drove into the misty south. The trees turned the white backs of their s.h.i.+vering leaves to the wind and dripped moisture. The birds silently preened their wet plumage on the fences or sought the shelter of the hedges.
Nature had conspired. But Hermia plodded on undismayed, aware of her companion's long stride and his indifference to discomfort. Her shoes were soaked and at every step the donkey splashed her new stockings, but she did not care; for she had discovered a motive in life and followed her quest open-eyed, aware that already she was rearranging her scale of values to suit her present condition. She was beginning to feel the ”needs and hitches” of life and had a sense of the flints strewn under foot. Her mind was already both occupied and composed.
She was quite moist and muddy. She had never been moist or muddy before without the means at hand to become dry and clean. Those means lacking, mere comfort achieved an extraordinary significance--reached at a bound an importance which surprised her.
After a while Markham glanced at her and drew alongside.
”Discouraged?” he asked.
”Not a bit,” she smiled at him. ”But I hadn't an idea that rain was so wet.”
”I promised you the fountain springs of life--not a deluge,” he laughed. ”But it won't last,” he added cheerfully with a glance at the sky. ”It should clear soon.”
”I don't care. The suns.h.i.+ne will be so much the more welcome.”
He smiled at her approvingly.