Part 41 (2/2)

”Because you know him.”

”I couldn't give you an introduction if I didn't. This is silly of you, Lancelot.”

”If Brahmson can't see any merits in my music, I don't want you to open his eyes. I'll stand on my own bottom. And what's more, Peter, I tell you once for all”--his voice was low and menacing--”if you try any anonymous _deus ex machina_ tricks on me in some sly, roundabout fas.h.i.+on, don't you flatter yourself I shan't recognise your hand. I shall, and, by G.o.d, it shall never grasp mine again.”

”I suppose you think that's very n.o.ble and sublime,” said Peter, coolly.

”You don't suppose if I could do you a turn I'd hesitate for fear of excommunication? I know you're like Beethoven there--your bark is worse than your bite.”

”Very well; try. You'll find my teeth nastier than you bargain for.”

”I'm not going to try. If you want to go to the dogs--go. Why should I put out a hand to stop you?”

These amenities having reestablished them in their mutual esteem, they chatted lazily and spasmodically till past midnight, with more smoke than fire in the conversation.

At last Peter began to go, and in course of time actually did take up his umbrella. Not long after, Lancelot conducted him softly down the dark, silent stairs, holding his bedroom candle-stick in his hand, for Mrs.

Leadbatter always turned out the hall lamp on her way to bed. The old phrases came to the young men's lips as their hands met in a last hearty grip.

”_Lebt wohl!_” said Lancelot.

”_Auf Wiedersehen!_” replied Peter, threateningly.

Lancelot stood at the hall door looking for a moment after his friend--the friend he had tried to cast out of his heart as a recreant.

The mist had cleared--the stars glittered countless in the frosty heaven; a golden crescent-moon hung low; the lights and shadows lay almost poetically upon the little street. A rush of tender thoughts whelmed the musician's soul. He saw again the dear old garret, up the ninety stairs, in the Hotel Cologne, where he had lived with his dreams; he heard the pianos and violins going in every room in happy incongruity, publis.h.i.+ng to all the prowess of the players; dirty, picturesque old Leipsic rose before him; he was walking again in the _Hainstra.s.se_, in the shadow of the quaint, tall houses. Yes, life was sweet after all; he was a coward to lose heart so soon; fame would yet be his; fame and love--the love of a n.o.ble woman that fame earns; some gracious creature, breathing sweet refinements, cradled in an ancient home, such as he had left for ever.

The sentimentality of the Fatherland seemed to have crept into his soul; a divinely sweet, sad melody was throbbing in his brain. How glad he was he had met Peter again!

From a neighbouring steeple came a harsh, resonant clang, ”One.”

It roused him from his dream. He s.h.i.+vered a little, closed the door, bolted it and put up the chain, and turned, half sighing, to take up his bedroom candle again. Then his heart stood still for a moment. A figure--a girl's figure--was coming towards him from the kitchen stairs.

As she came into the dim light he saw that it was merely Mary Ann.

She looked half drowsed. Her cap was off, her hair tangled loosely over her forehead. In her disarray she looked prettier than he had ever remembered her. There was something provoking about the large, dreamy eyes, the red lips that parted at the unexpected sight of him.

”Good heavens!” he cried. ”Not gone to bed yet?”

”No, sir. I had to stay up to wash up a lot of crockery. The second floor front had some friends to supper late. Missus says she won't stand it again.”

”Poor thing!” He patted her soft cheek--it grew hot and rosy under his fingers, but was not withdrawn. Mary Ann made no sign of resentment. In his mood of tenderness to all creation his rough words to her recurred to him.

”You mustn't mind what I said about the matches,” he murmured. ”When I am in a bad temper I say anything. Remember now for the future, will you?”

”Yessir.”

Her face--its blushes flickered over strangely by the candle-light--seemed to look up at him invitingly.

”That's a good girl.” And bending down he kissed her on the lips.

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