Part 38 (1/2)
”I had a charming weekend in the country. We missed you very much.”
”Indeed?”
”You're a lucky chap, Jocelyn. Your wife is one of the most enchanting women I ever met. She is unique.”
”I am glad she pleases you.”
”My dear fellow, I hope I haven't annoyed you. I meant no disrespect in complimenting you on Mrs. Jocelyn's charm.”
”You made your admiration a trifle conspicuous the last time I saw you,”
said Jarvis in a rage.
”I apologize, I a.s.sure you. I bid you good night.”
”Unmannerly boor,” was Strong's comment as he turned toward the avenue.
”Hope that settles Mr. Richard Strong,” fumed Jarvis as he turned away from the avenue.
Two letters were written Bambi that night concerning this meeting. Mr.
Strong wrote:
”DEAR LADY: I cannot possibly tell you how much of the fragrance of the garden, and of you, stays with me even in the heat and ugliness of New York. I am so grateful to you and the Professor for your hospitality and your friends.h.i.+p.
”I went to see your Jarvis to-night, as I promised to do, but he made it exceedingly plain to me that he desired neither my visit nor my acquaintance. I thought he looked very tired and a trifle hectic. No doubt the heat has worn on him. I don't mean to alarm you. I am only searching for some excuse for my own comfort for his reception of me.
”I shall look for the next chapters with eagerness. None of your many readers knows my proprietary delight in that tale of yours.
”My cordial regards to your father, and to yourself my thanks and my best wishes. Faithfully,
”RICHARD STRONG.”
Jarvis was not so politic. He permitted himself some rancor.
”DEAR BAMBINA: I did not get your letter announcing Strong's visit, and his approaching descent upon me, until this evening. He followed close upon its heels. I have no doubt you intended it kindly sending him here to look me up, but the truth is I am in no mood for callers, and I fear I made that rather plain to your friend. I may as well say, frankly, I disliked him exceedingly on the occasion of his visit to you. It would be useless for me to try to disguise the fact. I would never dream of asking him for work on his magazine, which I consider of a very low grade.
”By some misunderstanding the Parkes sailed sooner than they expected, and failed to see my play. I have offered it to Charles Frohman. I should prefer him to any other New York manager.
”The weather here is extremely hot, and I have been working rather hard, so I am a little knocked out. Will you send me the ma.n.u.script of my two unfinished plays you will find on the table in my study? With regards to the Professor and yourself. Hastily,
”JARVIS.”
Having got this off his mind and into the mailbox, Jarvis went for his nightly prowl. His steps turned toward the crowded East Side district, where a new interest was beginning to attract him. Until now ”men” were his only concern. These hot nights, as he tramped along, discouraged with his own futility, he was beginning to discover ”Man.”
It seemed to him that all the children in the world were playing in these crowded streets. He had never turned his attention to children before. And he began to look at the shrewd, old faces, even to talk to a group here and there. They made him think of monkeys, clever, nervous little beasts.
He skirted several mothers' meetings conducted on the sidewalk. He even went into a saloon to have a look at the men, but the odour of stale beer and hot bodies was insufferable and drove him out. As he sauntered along, he pa.s.sed an unlighted business building. Out of the shadow a girl stole, and fell in step beside him.
”h.e.l.lo, kid!” she began, her hand tucked under his arm. Before she could complete her sentence, a policeman was upon them. He laid hold of the girl roughly.