And far out , drifting helplessly on that grey , angry sea , I saw a small boat at the mercy of the winds and waves . And my guide said to me , ' Some call the sea " Falsehood , " and that boat " Truth , " and others call the sea " Truth , " and the boat " Falsehood ; " and , for my part , I think that one is right as the other . ' — The Professor of Ignorance .  DODO  A DETAIL OF THE DAY  BY  E.F. BENSON  IN TWO VOLUMES  FOURTH EDITION  METHUEN + CO  LONDON  1893  VOL I .  CHAPTER ONE  Poets of all ages and of all denominations are unanimous in assuring us that there was once a period on this grey earth known as the Golden Age .  These irresponsible hards describe it in terms of the vaguest , most poetic splendour , and , apart from the fact , upon which they are all agreed , that the weather was always perfectly charming , we have to reconstruct its characteristics in the main for ourselves .  Perhaps if the weather was uniformly delightful , even in this nineteenth century , the golden age might return again .  We all know how perceptibly our physical , mental and spiritual level is raised by a few days of really charming weather ; but until the weather determines to be always golden , we can hardly expect it of the age .  Yet even now , even in England , and even in London , we have every year a few days which must surely be waifs and strays from the golden age , days which have fluttered down from under the hands of the recording angel , as he tied up his reports , and , after floating about for years in dim , interplanetary space , sometimes drop down upon us .  They may last a week , they have been known to last a fortnight ; again , they may curtail themselves into a few hours , but they are never wholly absent .  At the time at which this story opens , London was having its annual golden days ; days to be associated with cool , early rides in the crumbly Row , with sitting on small , green chairs beneath the trees at the corner of the Park ; with a general disinclination to exert oneself , or to stop smoking cigarettes ; with a temper distinctly above its normal level , and a corresponding absence of moods .  The crudeness of spring had disappeared , but not its freshness ; the warmth of the summer had come , but not its sultriness ; the winter was definitely over and past , and even in Hyde Park the voice of the singing bird was heard , and an old gentleman , who shall be nameless , had committed his annual perjury by asserting in the Morning Post that he had heard a nightingale in the elm-trees by the Ladies 'Mile , which was manifestly impossible .  The sky was blue ; the trees , strange to say , were green , for the leaves were out , and even the powers of soot which hover round London had not yet had time to shed their blackening dew upon them .  The season was in full swing , but nobody was tired of it yet , and " all London " evinced a tendency to modified rural habits , which expressed themselves in the way of driving down to Hurlingham , and giving water parties at Richmond .  To state this more shortly , it was a balmy , breezy day towards the middle of June .  The shady walks that line the side of the Row were full of the usual crowds of leisurely , well-dressed people who constitute what is known as London .  Anyone acquainted with that august and splendid body would have seen at once that something had happened ; not a famine in China , nor a railway accident , nor a revolution , nor a war , but emphatically " something .  " Conversation was a thing that made time pass , not a way of passing the time .  Obviously the larger half of London was asking questions , and the smaller half was enjoying its superiority , in being able to give answers .  These indications are as clear to the practised eye as the signs of the weather appear to be to the prophet Zadkiel .  To the amateur one cloud looks much like another cloud : the prophet , on the other hand , lays a professional finger on one and says " Thunder , " while the lurid bastion , which seems fraught with fire and tempest to the amateur , is dismissed with the wave of a contemptuous hand .  A tall , young man was slowly making his way across the road from the arch .  He was a fair specimen of " the exhausted seedlings of our effete aristocracy " — long-limbed , clean-shaven , about six feet two high , and altogether very pleasant to look upon .  He wore an air of extreme leisure and freedom from the smallest touch of care or anxiety , and it was quite clear that such was his normal atmosphere .  He waited with serene patience for a large number of well-appointed carriages to go past , and then found himself blocked by another stream going in the opposite direction .  However , all things come to an end , even the impossibility of crossing from the arch at the entrance of the Park to the trees on a fine morning in June , and on this particular morning I have to record no exception to the rule .  A horse bolting on to the Row narrowly missed knocking him down , and he looked up with mild reproach at its rider , as he disappeared in a shower of dust and soft earth .  This young gentleman , who has been making his slow and somewhat graceful entrance on to our stage , was emphatically " London , " and he too saw at once that something had happened .  He looked about for an acquaintance , and then dropped in a leisurely manner into a chair by his side .  " Morning , Bertie , " he remarked ; " what 'sup ?  "  Bertie was not going to be hurried .  He finished lighting a cigarette , and adjusted the tip neatly with his fingers .  " She 'sgoing to be married , " he remarked .  Jack Broxton turned half round to him with a quicker movement than he had hitherto shown .  " Not Dodo ?  " he said .  " Yes .  "  Jack gave a low whistle .  " It is n't to you , I suppose ?  "  Bertie Arbuthnot leaned back in his chair with extreme languor .  His enemies , who , to do him justice , were very few , said that if he had n't been the tallest man in London , he would never have been there at all .  " No , it is n't to me .  "  " Is she here ?  " said Jack , looking round .  " No I think not ; at least I have n't seen her .  "  " Well , I 'm— — " Jack did not finish the sentence .  Then as an after-thought he inquired : " Whom to ?  "  " Chesterford , " returned the other .  Jack made a neat little hole with the ferrule of his stick in the gravel in front of him , and performed a small burial service for the end of his cigarette .  The action was slightly allegorical .  " He 'smy first cousin , " he said .  " However , I may be excused for not feeling distinctly sympathetic with my first cousin .  Must I congratulate him ?  "  " That 'sas you like , " said the other .  " I really do n't see why you should n't .  But it is rather overwhelming , is n't it ?  You know Dodo is awfully charming , but she has n't got any of the domestic virtues .  Besides , she ought to be an empress , " he added loyally .  " I suppose a marchioness is something , " said Jack .  " But I did n't expect it one little bit .  Of course he is hopelessly in love .  And so Dodo has decided to make him happy .  "  " It seems so , " said Bertie , with a fine determination not to draw inferences .  " Ah , but do n't you see — — " said Jack .  " Oh , it 'sall right , " said Bertie .  " He is devoted to her , and she is clever and stimulating .  Personally I should n't like a stimulating wife .  I do n't like stimulating people , I do n't think they wear well .  It would be like sipping brandy all day .  Fancy having brandy at five o'clock tea .  What a prospect , you know !  Dodo 'stoo smart for my taste .  "  " She never bores one , " said Jack .  " No , but she makes me feel as if I was sitting under a flaming gas-burner , which was beating on to what Nature designed to be my brain-cover .  "  " Nonsense , " said Jack .  " You do n't know her .  There she is .  Ah !  "  A dog-cart had stopped close by them , and a girl got out , leaving a particularly diminutive groom at the pony 'shead .  If anything she was a shade more perfectly dressed than the rest of the crowd , and she seemed to know it .  Behind her walked another girl , who was obviously intended to walk behind , while Dodo was equally obviously made to walk in front .  Just then Dodo turned round and said over her shoulder to her , —  " Maud , tell the boy he need n't wait .  You need n't either unless you like .  "  Maud turned round and went dutifully back to the dog-cart , where she stood irresolutely a few moments after giving her message .  Dodo caught sight of the two young men on the chairs , and advanced to them .  The radiant vision was evidently not gifted with that dubious quality , shyness .  " Why , Jack , " she exclaimed in a loudish voice , " here I am , you see , and I have come to be congratulated !  What are you and Bertie sitting here for like two Patiences on monuments ?  Really , Jack , you would make a good Patience on a monument .  " Was Patience a man ?  I never saw him yet .  I would come and sketch you if you stood still enough .  What are you so glum about ?  You look as if you were going to be executed .  I ought to look like that much more than you .  Jack , I 'mgoing to be a married woman , and stop at home , and mend the socks , and look after the baby , and warm Chesterford 'sslippers for him .  Where 'sChesterford ?  Have you seen him ?  Oh , I told Maud to go away .  Maud , " she called , " come back and take Bertie for a stroll : I want to talk to Jack .  Go on , Bertie ; you can come back in half an hour , and if I have n't finished talking then , you can go away again — or go for a drive , if you like , with Maud round the Park .  Take care of that pony , though ; he 'sgot the devil of a temper .  "  " I suppose I may congratulate you first ?  " asked Bertie .  " That 'sso dear of you , " said Dodo graciously , as if she was used to saying it .  " Good-bye ; Maud 'swaiting , and the pony will kick himself to bits if he stands much longer .  Thanks for your congratulations .  Good-bye .  "  Bertie moved off , and Dodo sat down next Jack .  " Now , Jack , we 'regoing to have a talk .  In the first place you have n't congratulated me .  Never mind , we 'lltake that as done .  Now tell me what you think of it .  I do n't quite know why I ask you , but we are old friends .  "  " I 'msurprised , " said he candidly ; " I think it 'svery odd .  "  Dodo frowned .  " John Broxton , " she said solemnly , " do n't be nasty .  Do n't you think I 'ma very charming girl , and do n't you think he 'sa very charming boy ?  "  Jack was silent for a minute or two , then he said , —  " What is the use of this , Dodo ?  What do you want me to say ?  "  " I want you to say what you think .  Jack , old boy , I 'mvery fond of you , though I could n't marry you .  Oh , you must see that .  We should n't have suited .  We neither of us will consent to play second fiddle , you know .  Then , of course , there 'sthe question of money .  I must have lots of money .  Yes , a big must and a big lot .  It 'snot your fault that you have n't got any , and it would n't have been your fault if you 'dbeen born with no nose ; but I could n't marry a man who was without either .  "  " After all , Dodo , " said he , " you only say what every one else thinks about that .  I do n't blame you for it .  About the other , you 'rewrong .  I am sure I should not have been an exacting husband .  You could have had your own way pretty well .  "  " Oh , Jack , indeed no , " said she ; — " we are wandering from the point , but I 'llcome back to it presently .  My husband must be so devoted to me that anything I do will seem good and charming .  You do n't answer that requirement , as I 'vetold you before .  If I ca n't get that — I have got it , by the way — I must have a man who does n't care what I do .  You would have cared , you know it .  You told me once I was in dreadfully bad form .  Of course that clinched the matter .  To my husband I must never be in bad form .  If others did what I do , it might be bad form , but with me , no. Bad form is one of those qualities which my husband must think impossible for me , simply because I am I .  Oh , Jack , you must see that — do n't be stupid !  And then you are n't rich enough .  It 'sall very well to call it a worldly view , but it is a perfectly true one for me .  Do n't you see I must have everything I want .  It is what I live on , all this , " she said , spreading her hands out .  " All these people must know who I am , and that they should do that , I must have everything at my command .  Oh , it 'sall very well to talk of love in a cottage , but just wait till the chimney begins to smoke .  "  Dodo nodded her head with an air of profound wisdom .  " It is n't for you that I 'manxious , " said Jack , " it 'sfor Chesterford .  He 'san awfully good fellow .  It is a trifle original to sing the husband 'spraise to the wife , but I do want you to know that .  And he is n't one of those people who do n't feel things because they do n't show it — it is just the other way .  The feeling is so deep that he ca n't .  You know you like to turn yourself inside out for your friend 'sbenefit , but he does n't do that .  And he is in love with you .  "  " Yes , I know , " she said , " but you do me an injustice .  I shall be very good to him .  I ca n't pretend that I am what is known as being in love with him — in fact I do n't think I know what that means , except that people get in a very ridiculous state , and write sonnets to their mistress 'sfront teeth , which reminds me that I am going to the dentist to-morrow .  Come and hold my hand — yes , and keep withered flowers and that sort of thing .  Ah , Jack , I wish that I really knew what it did mean .  It ca n't be all nonsense , because Chesterford 'slike that , and he is an honest man if you like .  And I do respect and admire him very much , and I hope I shall make him happy , and I hear he 'sgot a delightful new yacht ; and , oh !  do look at that Arbuthnot girl opposite with a magenta hat .  It seems to me inconceivably stupid to have a magenta hat .  Really she is a fool .  She wants to attract attention , but she attracts the wrong sort .  Now she is in bad form .  Bertie does n't look after his relations enough .  "  " Oh , bother the Arbuthnot girl , " said Jack angrily .  " I want to have this out with you .  Do n't you see that that sort of thing wo n't do with Chesterford ?  He is not a fool by any means , and he knows the difference between the two things .  "  " Indeed he does n't , " said Dodo .  " The other day he was talking to me , and I simply kept on smiling when I was thinking of something quite different , and he thought I was adorably sympathetic .  And , besides , I am not a fool either .  He is far too happy for me to believe that he is not satisfied .  "  " Well , but you 'llhave to keep it up , " said Jack .  " Do n't you see I 'mnot objecting to your theory of marriage in itself — though I think it 'sdisgusting — but it strikes me that you have got the wrong sort of man to experiment upon .  It might do very well if he was like you .  "  " Jack , you sha' n't lecture me , " said Dodo ; " I shall do precisely as I like .  Have you ever known me make a fool of myself ?  Of course you have n't .  Well , if I was going to make a mess of this , it would be contrary to all you or anyone else knows of me .  I 'msorry I asked your opinion at all .  I did n't think you would be so stupid .  "  " You told me to tell you what I thought , " said Jack in self-defence .  " I offered to say what you wanted , or to congratulate or condole or anything else ; it 'syour own fault , and I wish I 'dsaid it was charming and delightful , and just what I had always hoped .  "  Dodo laughed .  " I like to see you cross , Jack , " she remarked , " and now we 'llbe friends again .  Remember what you have said to-day — we shall see in time who is right , you or I .  If you like to bet about it you may — only you would lose .  I promise to tell you if you turn out to be right , even if you do n't see it , which you must if it happens , which it wo n't , so you wo n't , " she added with a fine disregard of grammar .  Jack was silent .  " Jack , you are horrible , " said Dodo impatiently , " you do n't believe in me one bit .  I believe you are jealous of Chesterford ; you need n't be .  "  Then he interrupted her quickly .  " Ah , Dodo , take care what you say .  When you say I need n't be , it implies that you are not going to do your share .  I want to be jealous of Chesterford , and I am sorry I am not .  If I thought you loved him , or would ever get to love him , I should be jealous .  I wish to goodness I was .  Really , if you come to think of it , I am very generous .  I want this to be entirely a success .  If there is one man in the world who deserves to be happy it is Chesterford .  He is not brilliant , he does not even think he is , which is the best substitute .  It does n't much matter how hard you are hit if you are well protected .  Try to make him conceited — it is the best you can do for him .  "  He said these words in a low tone , as if he hardly wished Dodo to hear .  But Dodo did hear .  " You do n't believe in me a bit , " she said .  " Never mind , I will force you to .  That 'salways the way — as long as I amuse you , you like me well enough , but you distrust me at bottom .  A woman 'sa bore when she is serious .  Is n't it so ?  Because I talk nonsense you think I am entirely untrustworthy about things that matter .  "  Dodo struck the ground angrily with the point of her parasol .  " I have thought about it .  I know I am right , " she went on .  " I shall be immensely happy as his wife , and he will be immensely happy as my husband .  "  " I do n't think it 'smuch use discussing it , " said he .  " But do n't be vexed with me , Dodo .  You reminded me that we were old friends at the beginning of this extremely candid conversation .  I have told you that I think it is a mistake .  If he did n't love you it would n't matter .  Unfortunately he does .  "  " Well , Jack , " she said , " I ca n't prove it , but you ought to know me well enough by this time not to misjudge me so badly .  It is not only unjust but stupid , and you are not usually stupid .  However , I am not angry with you , which is the result of my beautiful nature .  Come , Jack , shake hands and wish me happiness .  "  She stood up , holding out both her hands to him .  Jack was rather moved .  " Dodo , of course I do .  I wish all the best wishes that my nature can desire and my brain conceive , both to you and him , him too ; and I hope I shall be outrageously jealous before many months are over .  "  He shook her hands , and then dropped them .  She stood for a moment with her eyes on the ground , looking still grave .  Then she retreated a step or two , leaned against the rail , and broke into a laugh .  " That 'sright , Jack , begone , dull care .  I suppose you 'llbe Chesterford 'sbest man .  I shall tell him you must be .  Really he is an excellent lover ; he does n't say too much or too little , and he lets me do exactly as I like .  Jack , come and see us this evening ; we 'rehaving a sort of Barnum 'sShow , and I 'mto be the white elephant .  Come and be a white elephant too .  Oh , no , you ca n't ; Chesterford 'sthe other .  The elephant is an amiable beast , and I am going to be remarkably amiable .  Come to dinner first , the Show begins afterwards .  No , on the whole , do n't come to dinner , because I want to talk to Chesterford all the time , and do my duty in that state of life in which it has pleased Chesterford to ask me to play my part .  That 'sprofane , but it 'sonly out of the Catechism .  Who wrote the Catechism ?  I always regard the Catechism as only a half-sacred work , and so profanity does n't count , at least you may make two profane remarks out of the Catechism , which will only count as one .  I shall sing , too .  Evelyn has taught me two little nigger minstrel songs .  Shall I black my face ?  I 'mnot at all sure that I should n't look rather well with my face blacked , though I suppose it would frighten Chesterford .  Here are Maud and Bertie back again .  I must go .  I 'mlunching somewhere , I ca n't remember where , only Maud will know .  Maud , where are we lunching , and have you had a nice drive , and has Bertie been making love to you ?  Good-bye , Jack .  Remember to come this evening .  You can come , too , Bertie , if you like .  I have had a very nice talk with Jack , and he has been remarkably rude , but I forgive him .  "  Jack went with her to her dog-cart , and helped her in .  " This pony 'sname is Beelzebub , " she remarked , as she took the reins , " because he is the prince of the other things .  Good-bye .  "  Then he went back and rejoined Bertie .  " There was a scene last night , " said Bertie .  " Maud told me about it .  She came home with Dodo and Chesterford , and stopped to open a letter in the hall , and when she went upstairs into the drawing-room , she found Dodo sobbing among the sofa cushions , and Chesterford standing by , not quite knowing what to do .  It appeared that he had just given her the engagement ring .  She was awfully-pleased with it , and said it was charming , then suddenly she threw it down on the floor , and buried her face in the cushions .  After that she rushed out of the room , and did n't appear again for a quarter of an hour , and then went to the Foreign Office party , and to two balls .  "  Jack laughed hopelessly for a few minutes .  Then he said , —  " It is too ridiculous .  I do n't believe it can be all real .  That was drama , pure spontaneous drama .  But it 'sdrama for all that .  I 'msure I do n't know why I laughed , now I come to think of it .  It really is no laughing matter .  All the same I wonder why she did n't tell me that .  But her sister has got no business to repeat those kind of things .  Do n't tell anyone else , Bertie .  "  Then after a minute he repeated to himself , " I wonder why she did n't tell me that .  "  " Jack , " said Bertie after another pause , " I do n't wish you to think that I want to meddle in your concerns , and so do n't tell me unless you like , but was anything ever up between you and Dodo ?  Lie freely if you would rather not tell me , please .  "  " Yes , " he said simply .  " I asked her to marry me last April , and she said ' No .  ' I have n't told anyone till this minute , because I do n't like it to be known when I fail .  I am like Dodo in that .  You know how she detests not being able to do anything she wants .  It does n't often happen , but when it does , Dodo becomes damnable .  She has more perseverance than I have , though .  When she ca n't get anything , she makes such a fuss that she usually does succeed eventually .  But I do just the other thing .  I go away , and do n't say anything about it .  That was a bad failure .  I remember being very much vexed at the time .  "  Jack spoke dreamily , as if he was thinking of something else .  It was his way not to blaze abroad anything that affected him deeply .  Like Dodo he would often dissect himself in a superficial manner , and act as a kind of showman to his emotions ; but he did not care to turn himself inside out with her thoroughness .  And above all , as he had just said , he hated the knowledge of a failure ; he tried to conceal it even from himself .  He loved to show his brighter side to the world .  When he was in society he always put on his best mental and moral clothes , those that were newest and fitted him most becomingly ; the rags and tatters were thrown deep into the darkest cupboard , and the key sternly turned on them .  Now and then , however , as on this occasion , a friend brought him the key with somewhat embarrassing openness , and manners prevented him from putting his back to the door .  But when it was unlocked he adopted the tone of , " Yes , there are some old things in there , I believe .  May you see ?  Oh , certainly ; but please shut it after you , and do n't let anyone else in .  I quite forget what is in there myself , it 'sso long since I looked .  "  Bertie was silent .  He was on those terms of intimacy with the other that do not need ordinary words of condolence or congratulation .  Besides , from his own point of view , he inwardly congratulated Jack , and this was not the sort of occasion on which to tell him that congratulation rather than sympathy was what the event demanded .  Then Jack went on , still with the air of a spectator than of a principal character , —  " Dodo talked to me a good deal about her marriage .  I am sorry about it , for I think that Chesterford will be terribly disillusioned .  You know he does n't take things lightly , and he is much too hopelessly fond of Dodo ever to be content with what she will grant him as a wife .  But we cannot do anything .  I told her what I thought , not because I hoped to make any change in the matter , but because I wished her to know that for once in her life she has made a failure — a bad , hopeless mistake .  That has been my revenge .  Come , it 'safter one , I must go home .  I shall go there this evening ; shall I see you ?  "  CHAPTER TWO  Jack went home meditating rather bitterly on things in general .  He had a sense that Fate was not behaving very prettily to him .  She had dealt him rather a severe blow in April last , which had knocked him down , and , having knocked him down , she now proceeded in a most unsportsmanlike way to kick him .  Jack had a great idea of fair play , and Fate certainly was not playing fair .  He would have liked to have a few words with her on the subject .  The world had been very kind on the whole to him .  He had always been popular , and his life , though perhaps rather aimless , was at least enjoyable .  And since the world had been kind to him , he was generous to the world in general , and to his friends in particular .  It had always held a high opinion of him , as a thoroughly healthy-minded and pleasant companion , and he was disposed to hold a similar opinion of it .  Consequently , when Dodo had refused him that spring , he had not thought badly of her .  He did not blame her , or get bitter about it ; but though he had flattered himself that he was used to Dodo 'sways , and had always recognised her capabilities in the way of surprising her friends , he had not been quite prepared for the news of her engagement .  In fact , he was surprised , and also rather resentful , chiefly against the general management of mundane affairs , but partly also against Dodo herself .  Dodo had not told him of her engagement ; he had been left to find it out for himself .  Then , again , she was engaged to a man who was hopelessly and entirely in love with her , and for whom , apart from a quiet , unemotional liking , she did not care two straws , except in so far as he was immensely rich and had a title , two golden keys which unlocked the most secret doors of that well-furnished apartment known as Society , which constituted Dodo 'sworld .  Hitherto her position had been precarious : she had felt that she was on trial .  Her personality , her great attractiveness and talents , had secured for herself a certain footing on the very daïs of that room ; but she had always known that unless she married brilliantly she would not be sure of her position .  If she married a man who would not be always certain of commanding whatever money and position — for she would never have married a wealthy brewer — could command , or , worst of all , if in her unwillingness to accept anything but the best she could get , she did not marry at all , Dodo knew that she never would have that unquestioned position that she felt was indispensable to her .  Jack knew all this perfectly well — in fact Dodo had referred to it that morning — and he accepted it philosophically as being inevitable .  But what he did not like was being told that he would not have done on general grounds , that he was too fond of his own way , that he would not have given Dodo rein enough .  He had known Dodo too long and too well , when he proposed to her , to have any of a lover 'straditional blindness to the faults of his love .  He knew that she was , above all things , strongly dramatic , that she moved with a view to effect , that she was unscrupulous in what she did , that her behaviour was sometimes in questionable taste ; but this he swallowed whole , so to speak .  He was genuinely attached to her , and felt that she possessed the qualities that he would most like to have in his wife .  Bertie had said to him that morning that she was stimulating , and would not wear well .  Stimulating she certainly was — what lovable woman is not ?  — and personally he had known her long , and she did wear well .  The hidden depths and unsuspected shallows were exactly what he loved her for ; no one ever fell in love with a canal ; and though the shallows were commoner than the depths , and their presence was sometimes indicated by a rather harsh jarring of the keel , yet he believed , fully and sincerely , in the dark , mysterious depths for love to lose itself in .  Besides , a wife , whose actions and thoughts were as perfectly calculable and as accurately calculated as the trains in a Bradshaw , was possessed of sterling qualities which , however estimable , were more suited to a housekeeper than a mistress .  These reflections were the outcome of an intimate knowledge of Dodo in the mind of a man who was in the habit of being honest with himself and the object of his love , a quality rare enough whether the lover is rejected or accepted .  He had had time to think over the matter quietly to himself .  He knew , and had known for many weeks , that Dodo was out of his reach , and he sat down and thought about the inaccessible fruit , not with the keen feelings of one who still hoped to get it , but with a resignation which recognised that the fruit was desirable , but that it must be regarded from a purely speculative point of view .  And to do him justice , though he was very sorry for himself , he was much more sorry for Chesterford .  Chesterford was his cousin , they had been brought up together at Eton and Oxford , and he knew him with that intimacy which is the result of years alone .  Chesterford 'sold friends had all a great respect and liking for him .  As Dodo had said , " He was an honest man if you like .  " Slight acquaintances called him slow and rather stupid , which was true on purely intellectual grounds .  He was very loyal , and very much devoted to what he considered his duty , which consisted in being an excellent landlord and J.P. of his county , in voting steadily for the Conservative party in the House of Lords , in giving largely and anonymously to good objects , in going to Church on Sunday morning , where he sang hymns with fervour , and read lessons with respect , in managing a hunt in a liberal and satisfactory manner , and in avoiding any introspection or speculation about problems of life and being .  He walked through the world with an upright gait , without turning his eyes or his steps to the right hand or the left , without ever concerning himself with what was not his business , but directing all his undoubtedly sterling qualities to that .  He had a perfect genius for doing his duty .  Nobody had ever called him shallow or foolish , but nobody on the other hand had ever , called him either deep or clever .  He had probably only made one real mistake in his life , and that was when he asked Dodo to marry him ; and we have seen that Jack , who knew Dodo well , and whose opinion might be considered to be based on good grounds , thought that Dodo had committed her first grand error in accepting him .  The worst of the business certainly was that he was in love with Dodo .  If he had been a different sort of man , if he had proposed to Dodo with the same idea that Dodo had , when she accepted him , if he had wanted a brilliant and fascinating woman to walk through life with , who could not fail to be popular , end who would do the duties of a mistress of a great house in a regal fashion , he could not have chosen better .  But what he wanted in a wife was someone to love .  He loved Dodo , and apparently it had not entered his calculations that she , in accepting him , might be doing it from a different standpoint from his own in proposing to her .  Dodo had smiled on him with the air of a benignant goddess who marries a mortal , when he offered her his hand and heart , and he had taken that smile as a fulfilment of his own thought .  Decidedly Jack might have justification for feeling apprehensive .  Jack 'sonly hope lay in that vein which did exist in Dodo , and which she had manifested in that outburst of tears the night before .  He put it down to her dramatic instincts to a large extent , but he knew there was something besides , for Dodo did not care to play to an empty house , and the presence of her future husband alone constituted anything but a satisfactory audience .  Jack had always had a considerable belief in Dodo : her attractiveness and cleverness were , of course , beyond dispute , and required proof no more than the fact that the sun rose in the morning ; but he believed in something deeper than this , which prompted such actions as these .  He felt that there was some emotion that she experienced at that moment , of which her tears were the legitimate outcome , and , as he thought of this , there occurred to him the remark that Dodo had made that morning , when she expressed her regret at never having felt the sort of love that she knew Chesterford felt for her .  Mrs. Vane was perhaps perfectly happy that night .  Was not her daughter engaged to a marquis and a millionaire ?  Was not her house going to be filled with the brightest and best of our land ?  She had often felt rather resentful against Dodo , who alternately liked and despised people whom Mrs. Vane would have given her right hand to be in a position to like , and both hands to be in a position to despise .  Dodo was excellent friends with " London , " only " London " did not come and seek her at her own house , but preferred asking her to theirs .  Consequently , on Mrs. Vane and Maud devolved the comparatively menial duty of leaving their cards and those of Dodo , and attending her in the capacity of the necessary adjunct .  They would be asked to the same houses as Dodo , but that was all ; when they got there they had the privilege of seeing Dodo performing her brilliant evolutions , but somehow none of Dodo 'sglory got reflected on to them .  To be the mirror of Dodo was one of Mrs. Vane 'smost cherished ideas , and she did not recollect that there are many substances whose nature forbids their acting as such to the most brilliant of illuminations .  Mr. Vane was kept still more in the background .  It was generally supposed that he was looking after his affairs in the country , whilst the rest of the family were amusing themselves in London .  It was well known that he was the proprietor of a flourishing iron foundry somewhere in Lancashire , and apparently the iron needed special care during the months of May , June and July .  In any case he was a shadow in the background , rather than a skeleton at the banquet , whom it was not necessary to ignore , because he never appeared in a position in which he could be ignored .  Mrs. Vane had two principal objects in life , the first of which was to live up to Dodo , and the second to obtain , in course of time , a suitable brilliant son-in-law .  The latter of these objects had been practically obtained by Dodo herself , and the first of them was in a measure realised by the large and brilliant company who assembled in her rooms that night .  Mrs. Vane was a large , high-coloured woman of about middle age , whose dress seemed to indicate that she would rather not , but that , of course , may only have been the fault of the dressmaker .  She had an effusive manner , which sometimes made her guests wonder what they could have done to have made her so particularly glad to see them .  She constantly lamented Mr. Vane 'sabsence from London , and remarked , with a brilliant smile , that she felt quite deserted .  Mrs. Vane 'ssmile always suggested a reformed vampire , who had permanently renounced her bloodthirsty habits , but had not quite got out of the way of gloating on what would have been her victims in the unregenerate days .  It is only fair to say that this impression was due to the immensity of her smile , which could hardly be honestly accounted for by this uncharitable world .  She was busily employed in receiving her guests when Jack came , and was , perhaps , more stupendously cordial than ever .  " So kind of you to come , " she was just saying to a previous arrival when Jack came in .  " I know Dodo was dying to see you and be congratulated .  Darling , " she said , turning to Maud , " run and tell Dodo that Lord Burwell has arrived .  So good of you to come .  And how do you do , dear Mr. Broxton ?  Of course Dodo has told you of our happiness .  Thanks , yes — we are all charmed with her engagement .  And the Marquis is your cousin , is he not ?  How nice !  May I tell Maud she may call you Cousin Jack ?  Such pleasure to have you .  Dodo is simply expiring to see you .  Did she see you this morning ?  Really !  she never told me of it , and my sweet child usually tells me everything .  "  Dodo was playing the amiable white elephant to some purpose .  She was standing under a large chandelier in the centre of the room , with Chesterford beside her , receiving congratulations with the utmost grace , and talking nonsense at the highest possible speed .  Jack thought to himself that he had never seen anyone so thoroughly charming and brilliant , and almost wondered whether he had not been doing her an injustice all day .  He saw it was impossible to get near her for the present , so he wandered off among other groups , exchanging greetings and salutations .  He had made the circuit of the room , and was standing about near the door , feeling a little lonely , when Dodo came quickly towards him .  She was looking rather white and impatient .  " Come away out of this , Jack , " she said ; " this is horrible .  We 'vedone our duty , and now I want to talk .  I 'vebeen smiling and grinning till my cheeks are nearly cracked , and everyone says exactly the same thing .  Come to my room — come .  " She turned round , beckoning to him , and found herself face to face with Chesterford .  " Dear old boy , " she said to him , " I 'mnot going to bore you any more to-night .  I shall bore you enough after we are married .  Jack and I are going away to talk , and he 'sgoing to tell me to be a good girl , and do as his cousin bids me .  Good-night ; come again to-morrow morning .  "  " I came here on purpose to congratulate you , " said Jack , grasping Chesterford 'shand , " and I wish you all joy and prosperity .  "  " Come , Jack , " said Dodo .  " Oh , by the way , Chesterford , ask Jack to be your best man .  You could n't have a better , and you have n't got any brother , you know .  "  " I was just going to , " said Chesterford .  " Jack , you will be , wo n't you ?  You must .  "  " Of course I will , " said Jack .  " All the same we 'reall awfully jealous of you , you know , for carrying Dodo off .  "  " So you ought to be , " said he , enthusiastically .  " Why , I 'malmost jealous of myself .  But now go and talk to Dodo , if she wants you .  "  The sight of Chesterford with Dodo made Jack groan in spirit .  He had accepted Dodo 'srejection of him as quite final , and he never intended to open that closed book again .  But this was too horrible .  He felt a genuine impulse of pure compassion for Chesterford , and an irritated disgust for Dodo .  Dodo was an admirable comrade , and , for some , he thought , an admirable wife .  But the idea of her in comradeship with Chesterford was too absurd , and if she could never be his comrade , by what perversity of fate was it that she was going to become his wife ?  Jack 'sserenity was quite gone , and he wondered what had become of it .  All he was conscious of was a chafing refusal to acquiesce just yet , and the anticipation of a somewhat intimate talk with Dodo .  He felt half inclined to run away from the house , and not see her again , and as he followed her up to her room , he began to think that his wisdom had followed his serenity .  After all , if he asked her again about her resolution to marry Chesterford , what was he doing but continuing the conversation they had in the Park that morning , in which Dodo herself had taken the initiative .  " These things are on the knees of the gods , " thought Jack to himself piously , as the door of Dodo 'sroom closed behind him .  Dodo threw herself down in a low arm-chair with an air of weariness .  " Go on talking to me , Jack , " she said .  " Interest me , soothe me , make me angry if you like .  Chesterford 'svery nice .  Do n't you like him immensely ?  I do .  "  Jack fidgeted , lit a match and blew it out again .  Really it was not his fault that the conversation was going to be on this subject .  He again laid the responsibility on the knees of the gods .  Then he said , —  " Dodo , is this irrevocable ?  Are you determined to marry this man ?  I swear I do n't ask you for any selfish reasons , but only because I am sincerely anxious for your happiness and his .  It is a confounded liberty I am taking , but I sha' n't apologise for it .  I know that it is n't any business of mine , but I risk your displeasure .  "  Dodo was looking at him steadily .  Her breath came rather quickly , and the look of weariness had left her face .  " Jack , " she said , " do n't say this sort of thing to me again .  You are quite right , it is a confounded liberty , as you say .  I shall do as I please in this matter .  Ah , Jack , do n't be angry with me , " she went on as he shrugged his shoulders , and half turned away .  " I know you are sincere , but I must do it .  I want to be safe .  I want to be married .  Chesterford is very safe .  Jack , old boy , do n't make me quarrel with you .  You are the best friend I have , but I 'msure you 'rewrong about this .  "  She rose and stood by him , and laid one hand on his as it lay on the mantelpiece .  He did not answer her .  He was disappointed and baffled .  Then she turned away from him , and suddenly threw up her arms .  " Oh , my God , " she said , " I do n't know what to do .  It is n't my fault that I am made like this .  I want to know what love is , but I ca n't — I ca n't .  You say I shall make him unhappy , and I do n't want to do that .  I do n't believe I shall .  Jack , why did you come here suggesting these horrible things ?  "  There was a great anger in her voice , and she stood trembling before him .  Just then the door opened , and a middle-aged lady walked in .  She did not seem at all surprised .  Nobody who had known Dodo long was often surprised .  She walked up to Dodo and kissed her .  " I came late , " she said , " and your mother said you were in your room , so I came up to congratulate you with all my heart .  "  " Thank you very much , " said Dodo , returning the kiss .  " Jack , do you know Mrs. Vivian ?  — Mr .  Broxton .  "  Mrs. Vivian bowed , and Jack bowed , and then nobody seemed quite to know what to say next .  Mrs. Vivian recovered herself first .  " I wish you would show me the necklace Lord Chesterford has given you , " she said to Dodo .  " Mrs. Vane said the diamonds were magnificent .  "  " Certainly , I will fetch it , " said Dodo , with unusual docility .  " Do n't go away , Jack .  "  Dodo left the room , and Mrs. Vivian turned to Jack .  " My dear young man , " she said , " I am old enough to be your mother , and you must n't mind what I am going to say .  This sort of thing wo n't do at all .  I know who you are perfectly well , and I warn you that you are playing with fire .  You were at liberty to do so before Dodo was engaged , and I daresay you have burned your fingers already .  Several young men have — but now it wo n't do .  Besides that , it is n't fair on either Chesterford or Dodo herself .  "  Jack wanted to think " what an impertinent old woman , " but there was something in her manner that forbade it .  " I believe you are right , " he said simply ; " but it was n't wholly my fault .  "  Then he felt angry with himself for having shifted any of the blame on to Dodo .  " Honi soit , " said the other ambiguously .  " I do n't mean that — Ah , here is Dodo .  "  The diamonds were duly shown and admired , and the three went downstairs again .  Mrs. Vivian took her leave shortly .  She was very gracious to Jack , and as they parted she said , —  " Come and see me at any time ; I should like to talk to you .  Here is my address .  "  Jack sought Mrs. Vane to inquire who Mrs. Vivian was .  Mrs. Vane was even more effusive than usual .  " Oh , she is quite one of our leading people , " she said .  — " She has not been in London , or , in fact , in England for two years .  She was unhappily married .  Her husband was a scamp , and after his death she suddenly left London , and has only just returned .  She is quite an extraordinary woman — everyone used to rave about her .  She never gave herself airs , but somehow she was more looked up to than anyone else .  Quite royal in fact .  I feel immensely honoured by her presence here .  I hardly dared to ask her — so fascinating , and so clever .  "  Dodo came up to Jack before he left .  " Jack , " she said , " I was angry with you , and I am sorry .  Do n't bear me malice .  If Mrs. Vivian had not come in , I should have said something abominable .  I am afraid of her .  I do n't quite know why .  She always seems to be taking stock of one , and noticing how very small one is .  Do n't forget to-morrow .  We 'reall going on a water-party at Richmond .  Mind you come .  "  " I think I had better not , " said Jack bluntly .  Dodo lifted her eyebrows in surprise that may have been genuine .  " Why not ?  " she asked .  Jack had no reasonable answer to give her .  " What did Mrs. Vivian say to you ?  " asked Dodo suddenly .  Jack paused .  " A few polite nothings , " he said ; " and half the royal motto .  Mrs. Vane said she was quite royal , which , of course , explains it .  "  " I ca n't conceive what you 'retalking about , " remarked Dodo .  " It seems to me to be sheer nonsense .  "  Jack smiled .  " On the whole , I think it is sheer nonsense , " he said .  " Yes , I 'llcome .  "  Dodo swept him the prettiest little curtsey .  " How good of you , " she said .  " Good-night , Jack .  Do n't be cross , it really is n't worth while , and you can behave so prettily if you like .  Oh , such a nice gentleman !  "  " No , I expect it is n't worth while , " said Jack .  CHAPTER THREE  There is a particular beauty about the Thames valley for which you may search for years elsewhere , and not find ; a splendid lavishness in the way that the woods are cast down broadcast along the river , and a princely extravagance of thick lush hayfields , that seem determined not to leave a spare inch of land between them and the water .  The whole scene has been constructed with a noble disregard of expense , in the way of water , land , and warm wood-land air .  The tall , clean-limbed beech-trees have room to stretch their great , lazy arms without being prosecuted for their clumsy trespasses , and the squirrels that chatter at you from their green houses seem to have a quite unusual sleekness about them , and their insolent criticisms to each other about your walk , and general personal unattractiveness , are inspired by a larger share of animal spirits than those of other squirrels .  As you row gently up in the middle of the stream , you may see a heron standing in the shallows , too lazy to fish , too supremely confident to mind the approach of anything so inferior as yourself , and from the cool shadow of the woods you may hear an old cock pheasant talking to himself , and not troubling to practise a new and original method of rocketing in June , for he knows that his time is not yet .  At this time of year , too , you need not trouble to look round , to see if there are large boats full of noisy people bearing down on you ; like the pheasant , their time is not yet .  But now and then the long strings of creamy bubbles appearing on the deep , quiet water , and a sound rich in associations of cool plunges into frothy streams , warns you that a lock is near .  And above you may see some small village clustering down to the river 'sedge , to drink of its sweet coolness , or a couple of shaggy-footed cart-horses , looking with mild wonder at this unexpected method of locomotion , lifting their dripping noses from the bright gravelly shallows to stare at you , before they proceed to finish their evening watering .  Dodo was very fond of the Thames valley , and she really enjoyed giving up a day of June in London to the woods and waters .  They were to start quite early in the morning , Dodo explained , and everyone was to wear their very oldest clothes , for they were going to play ducks and drakes , and drink milk in dairies , and pick buttercups , and get entirely covered with freckles .  Dodo herself never freckled , and she was conscious of looking rather better for a slight touch of the sun , and it would be very dear of Mrs. Vivian if she would come too , if she did n't mind being silly all day ; and , if so , would she call for them , as they were on her way ?  Chesterford , of course , was going , and Jack , and Maud and her mother ; it was quite a small party ; and was n't Jack a dear ?  Mrs. Vane had got hold of a certain idea about Mrs. Vivian , distinctly founded on fact .  She was one of those women who cannot help making an impression .  How it is done , or exactly what it is , one would be puzzled to define , but everyone noticed when she came info a room , and was aware when she went out .  It was not her personal appearance , for she was short rather than tall , stout rather than graceful , and certainly middle-aged rather than young .  Dodo has mentioned the effect she produced on her , and many people felt in the same way that Mrs. Vivian was somehow on a higher plane than they , that her mind was cast in a larger mould .  Happily for our peace of mind such people are not very common ; most of our fellow-men are luckily much on the same level , and they are not more than units among units .  But Mrs. Vivian was much more than a unit .  Dodo had said of her that she was two or three at least .  And evidently nothing was further from Mrs. Vivian 'swishes than trying to make an impression , in fact , the very impressive element was rather due to her extreme naturalness .  We are most of us so accustomed to see people behave , and to behave ourselves , in a manner not quite natural , that to see anyone who never does so , is in itself calculated to make one rather nervous .  Mrs. Vivian evidently intended to take her life up again at the point where she had left off , so to speak — in other words , at the period before her marriage .  Of her husband , perhaps , the less said the better .  He died , owing to an accident , after ten years of married unhappiness , and left Mrs. Vivian poorer than she had been before .  After his death she had travelled abroad for two years , and then returned to England to live with her sister , who had married a rich judge and kept house rather magnificently in Prince 'sGate .  Lady Fuller had always disapproved of her sister 'smarriage , and she was heartily glad to see her well quit of her husband , and , on her return to England , received her with open arms , and begged her , on behalf of her husband and herself , to make their home hers .  Mrs. Vivian accordingly settled down in the " extremely commodious " house in Prince 'sGate , and , as I said , took up her life where it had left off .  A standing grievance that her husband had had with her was , that she interested herself in the poor , and in the East End slums , that she went to cabmen 'sshelters , and espoused the cause of overdriven factory girls .  He had told her that it was meddling with other people 'sbusiness ; that nothing was so objectionable as an assumption of charitable airs ; that a woman who went to balls and dinner-parties was a hypocrite if she pretended to care about the state of the poor , and that she only did it because she wished to appear unlike other people .  But he altogether failed to perceive that her actions were entirely uninfluenced by the impression they were to make , and mistook her extreme naturalness for the subtlest affectation .  However , Mrs. Vivian resolutely banished from her mind the remembrance of those ten years , and , being unable to think of her husband with tenderness or affection , she preferred to forget her married life altogether .  The Vanes had been their neighbours in the country for many years , and she had known Dodo since she was a child .  Dodo had once asked to accompany her in her visits to the East End , and had been immensely struck by what she saw , and determined to be charitable too .  This sort of thing seemed extremely chic to Dodo 'sobservant mind .  So she took up a factory of miserable match-girls , and asked them all to tea , and got Mrs. Vivian to promise her help ; but when the afternoon came , Dodo particularly wished to go to a morning concert , and on Mrs. Vivian 'sarrival she found , indeed , plenty of match-girls , but no Dodo .  Dodo came back later and made herself extremely fascinating .  She kissed the cleanest of the girls , and patted the rest on the shoulder , and sang several delightful little French songs to them to her own accompaniment on the banjo , and thanked Mrs. Vivian for being " such a dear about the slums .  " But on the next occasion when she had nothing to do , and called on Mrs. Vivian to ask to be taken to another of those " darling little slums , " Mrs. Vivian hinted that , though she would be charmed to take her , she thought that Dodo had perhaps forgotten that the Four-in-hand Club met that day in Hyde Park .  Dodo had forgotten it , and , as she had bespoken the box seat on one of her friends 'coaches , she hurried home again , feeling it freshly borne in upon her that Mrs. Vivian thought she was very contemptible indeed .  Altogether Mrs. Vivian knew Dodo well , and when she went home that evening , she thought a good deal about the approaching marriage .  She was glad to have had that occasion of speaking to Jack , he seemed to her to be worth doing it for .  She knew that she ran the risk of being told , in chillingly polite English , that she was stepping outside her province , and that Jack did not belong to the East End class who welcomed any charitable hand ; but she had a remarkably keen eye , and her intuitive perception told her at once that Jack 'ssense of the justice of her remark would stifle any feeling he might have that she was officious and meddlesome , and the event had justified her decision .  In the course of the next few days she met Jack several times .  They both went to the water-party Dodo spoke of , and she took the opportunity to cultivate his acquaintance .  They were sitting on the bank of the river below the Clivedon woods , a little apart from the others , and she felt that as he had behaved so well , she owed him some apology .  " It was very nice of you , Mr. Broxton , " she said , " to be so polite to me last night .  To tell you the truth , I did know you , though you did n't know me .  I was an old friend of your mother 's, but I had n't time to explain that , and you were good enough to take me without explanations .  I always wonder what our attitude towards old friends of our mothers ought to be .  I really do n't see why they should have any claim upon one .  "  Jack laughed .  " The fact was that I knew you were right as soon as you spoke to me , though I wanted to resent it .  I had been putting it differently to myself ; that was why I spoke to Dodo .  "  " Tell me more , " she said .  " From the momentary glance I had of you and her , I thought you had been remonstrating with her , and she had been objecting .  I do n't blame you for remonstrating in the general way .  Dodo 'sconduct used not to be always blameless .  But it looked private , and that was what I did object to .  I daresay you think me a tiresome , impertinent , old woman .  "  Jack felt more strongly than ever that this woman could not help being well-bred in whatever she did .  " It sounds disloyal to one 'sfriends , I know , " he said , " but it was because I really did care for both of them that I acted as I did .  What will happen will be that he will continue to adore her , and by degrees she will begin to hate him .  He will not commit suicide , and I do n't think Dodo will make a scandal .  Her regard for appearances alone would prevent that .  It would be a confession of failure .  "  Mrs. Vivian looked grave .  " Did you tell Dodo this ?  "  " More or less , " he replied .  " Except about the scandal and the suicide .  "  Mrs. Vivian 'slarge , grey , serious eyes twinkled with some slight amusement .  " I think while I was about it I should have told her that too , " she said ; " that 'sthe sort of argument that appeals to Dodo .  You have to scream if you want her to listen to what she does n't want to hear .  But I do n't think it was quite well judged of you , you know .  "  " I think she ought to know it , " said Jack , " though I realise I ought to have been the last person to tell her , for several reasons .  "  Mrs. Vivian looked at him inquiringly .  " You mean for fear of her putting a wrong construction on it ?  I see , " she said .  Jack felt that it could not have been more delicately done .  " How did you know ?  "  " Oh , " she said , " that is the kind of intuition which is the only consolation we women have for getting old .  We are put on the shelf , no doubt , after a certain age , but we get a habit of squinting down into the room below .  That is the second time I have shown myself a meddling old woman , and you have treated me very nicely both times .  Let us join the others .  I see tea is ready .  "  Dodo meanwhile had walked Chesterford off among the green cool woods that bordered the river .  She had given Jack 'sremarks a good deal of consideration , and , whether or no she felt that he was justified in them on present data , she determined that she would make the event falsify his predictions .  Dodo had an unlimited capacity for interfering in the course of destiny .  She devoted herself to her aims , whatever they might be , with a wonderful singleness of purpose , and since it is a fact that one usually gets what one wants in this world , if one tries hard enough , it followed that up to this time she had , on the whole , usually got her way .  But she was now dealing with an unknown quantity , which she could not gauge .  She had confessed to Jack her inability to understand what love meant , and it was with a certain sense of misgiving that she felt that her answers for the future would be expressed in terms of that unknown quantity " x .  " To Dodo 'sconcrete mind this was somewhat discouraging , but she determined to do her best to reduce things to an equation in which the value of " x " could be found in terms of some of those many symbols which she did know .  Dodo had an inexhaustible fund of vivacity , which was a very useful instrument to her ; like a watch-key that fits all watches , she was able to apply it as required to very different pieces of mechanism .  When she wished to do honour to a melancholy occasion , for instance , her vivacity turned any slight feeling of sorrow she had into hysterical weeping ; when the occasion was joyful , it became a torrent of delightful nonsense .  To-day the occasion was distinctly joyful .  She had a large sense of success .  Chesterford was really a very desirable lover ; his immense wealth answered exactly the requirements of Dodo 'swishes .  Furthermore , he was safe and easily satisfied ; the day was charming ; Jack was there ; she had had a very good lunch , and was shortly going to have a very good tea ; and Chesterford had given orders for his yacht to be in readiness to take them off for a delightful honeymoon , directly after their marriage — in short , all her circumstances were wholly satisfactory .  She had said to him after lunch , as they were sitting on the grass , " Come away into those delicious woods , and leave these stupid people here , " and he was radiant in consequence , for , to tell the truth , she had been rather indulgent of his company than eager for it the last day or two .  She was in the highest spirits as they strolled away .  " Oh do give me a cigarette , " she said , as soon as they had got out of sight .  " I did n't dare smoke with that Vivian woman there .  Chesterford , I am frightened of her .  She is as bad as the Inquisition , or that odious man in Browning who used to walk about , and tell the king if anything happened .  I am sure she puts it down in a book whenever I say anything I should n't .  You know that 'sso tantalising .  It is a sort of challenge to be improper .  Chesterford , if you put down in a book anything I do wrong , I swear I shall go to the bad altogether .  "  To Chesterford this seemed the most attractive nonsense that ever flowed from female lips .  " Why , you ca n't do anything wrong , Dodo , " he said simply ; " at least not what I think wrong .  And what does it matter what other people think ?  "  Dodo patted his hand , and blew him a kiss approvingly .  " That 'squite right , " she said ; " bear that in mind and we shall never have a quarrel .  Chesterford , we wo n't quarrel at all , will we ?  Everybody else does , I suppose , now and then , and that proves it 'svulgar .  Mrs. Vivian used to quarrel with her husband , so she 'svulgar .  Oh , I 'mso glad she 'svulgar .  I sha' n't care how much she looks at me now .  Bother !  I believe it was only her husband that used to swear at her .  Never mind , he must have been vulgar to do that , and she must have vulgar tastes to have married a vulgar person .  I do n't think I 'mvulgar , do you ?  Really it 'sa tremendous relief to have found out that she 'svulgar .  But I am afraid I shall forget it when I see her again .  You must remind me .  You must point at her and say V , if you can manage it .  Or are you afraid of her too ?  "  " Oh , never mind Mrs. Vivian , " said he , " she can wait .  "  " That 'swhat she 'salways doing , " said Dodo .  " Waiting and watching with large serious eyes .  I ca n't think why she does it , for she does n't make use of it afterwards .  Now when I know something discreditable of a person , if I dislike him , I tell everybody else , and if I like him , I tell him that I know all about it , and I am so sorry for him .  Then he thinks you are charming and sympathetic , and you have a devoted admirer for life .  "  Chesterford laughed .  He had no desire to interrupt this rapid monologue of Dodo 's.  He was quite content to play the part of the Greek chorus .  " I 'mgoing to sit down here , " continued Dodo .  " Do you mind my smoking cigarettes ?  I 'mnot sure that it is in good form , but I mean to make it so .  I want to be the fashion .  Would you like your wife to be the fashion ?  "  He bent over her as she sat with her head back , smiling up at him .  " My darling , " he said , " do you know , I really do n't care a straw whether you are the fashion or not , as long as you are satisfied .  You might stand on your head in Piccadilly if you liked , and I would come and stand too .  All I care about is that you are you , and that you have made me the happiest man on God 'searth .  "  Dodo was conscious again of the presence of this unknown quantity .  She would much prefer striking it out altogether ; it seemed to have quite an unreasonable preponderance .  Chesterford did not usually make jokes , in fact she had never heard him make one before , and his remark about standing on his head seemed to be only accounted for by this perplexing factor .  Dodo had read about love in poems and novels , and had seen something of it , too , but it remained a puzzle to her .  She hoped her calculations might not prove distressingly incorrect owing to this inconvenient factor .  But she laughed with her habitual sincerity , and replied , —  " What a good idea ; let 'sdo it to-morrow morning .  Will ten suit you ?  We can let windows in all the houses round .  I 'msure there would be a crowd to see us .  It really would be interesting , though perhaps not a very practical thing to do .  I wonder if Mrs. Vivian would come .  She would put down a very large bad mark to me for that , but I shall tell her it was your suggestion .  "  Chesterford laughed with pure pleasure .  " Dodo , " he said , " you are not fair on Mrs. Vivian .  She is a very good woman .  "  " Oh , I do n't doubt that , " said Dodo , " but , you see , being good does n't necessarily make one a pleasant companion .  Now , I 'mnot a bit good , but you must confess you would rather talk to me than to the Vivian .  "  " Oh , you are different , " said he rapturously .  " You are Dodo .  "  Dodo smiled contentedly .  This man was so easy to please .  She had felt some slight dismay at Jack 'sill-omened prophecies , but Jack was preposterously wrong about this .  They rejoined the others in course of time .  Dodo made fearful ravages on the eatables , and after tea she suddenly announced , —  " Mrs. Vivian , I 'mgoing to smoke a cigarette .  Do you feel dreadfully shocked ?  "  Mrs. Vivian laughed .  " My dear Dodo , I should never venture to be shocked at anything you did .  You are so complete that I should be afraid to spoil you utterly , if I tried to suggest corrections .  "  Dodo lit a cigarette with a slightly defiant air .  Mrs. Vivian 'smanner had been entirely sincere , but she felt the same sort of resentment that a prisoner might feel if the executioner made sarcastic remarks to him .  She looked on Mrs. Vivian as a sort of walking Inquisition .  " My darling Dodo , " murmured Mrs. Vane , " I do so wish you would , not smoke , it will ruin your teeth entirely .  "  Dodo turned to Mrs. Vivian .  " That means you think it would be very easy to spoil me , as you call it .  "  " Not at all , " said that lady .  " I do n't understand you , that 'sall , and I might be pulling out the key-stone of the arch unawares .  Not that I suppose your character depends upon your smoking .  "  Dodo leaned back and laughed .  " Oh , this is too dreadfully subtle , " she exclaimed .  " I want to unbend my mind .  Chesterford , come and talk to me , you are deliciously unbending .  "  CHAPTER FOUR  Lord and Lady Chesterford were expected home on the 6th of December .  The marriage took place late in August , and they had gone off on the yacht directly afterwards , in order to spend a few warm months in the Mediterranean .  Dodo had written home occasionally to Mrs. Vane , and now and then to Jack .  To Jack her letters had never been more than a word or two , simply saying that they were enjoying themselves enormously , and that Jack had been hopelessly wrong .  Mrs. Vane also had much reason to be satisfied .  She had spent her autumn in a variety of fashionable watering-places , where her dresses had always been the awe and wonder of the town ; she had met many acquaintances , to whom she had poured out her rapture over Dodo 'smarriage ; had declared that Chesterford was most charming , and that he and Dodo were quite another Adam and Eve in Paradise , and that she was really quite jealous of Dodo .  When they left England , they had intended to spend the winter abroad and not come back till February , but early in December a telegram had arrived at Winston , Lord Chesterford 'scountry house , saying that they would be back in ten days .  About the same time Jack received a letter , saying that their change of plans was solely owing to the fact that Dodo was rather tired of the sea , and the weather was bad , and that she had never been so happy in her life .  Dodo 'seagerness to assure Jack of this struck him as being in rather bad taste .  She ought to have entirely ignored his warnings .  The happiness of a newly-married woman ought to be so absorbing , as to make her be unaware of the existence of other people ; and this consciousness in Dodo of her triumphant superiority of knowledge , led him to suppose he was right rather than wrong .  He was unfeignedly sorry not to be sure that she had been right .  When he told Dodo that he wished to be jealous of Chesterford , he was quite sincere .  Since he could not have Dodo himself , at any rate let her make someone happy .  Dodo also informed him that they were going to have a house-party that Christmas and that he must come , and she had asked Mrs. Vivian , to show that she was n't afraid of her any longer , and that Maud was coming , and she wished Jack would marry her .  Then followed a dozen other names belonging to Dodo 'sprivate and particular set , who had all been rather disgusted at her marrying what they chose to call a Philistine .  It had been quite hoped that she would marry Jack .  Jack was not a Philistine at all , though the fact of his having proposed to her remained a secret .  Maud , on the other hand , was a Philistine ; and it was one of Dodo 'smerits that she did not drop those who originally had claims on her , when she became the fashion .  She was constantly trying to bring Maud into notice , but Maud resisted the most well-meant shoves .  She had none of Dodo 'svivacity and talents ; in fact , her talents lay chiefly in the direction of arranging the places at a dinner-party , and in doing a great deal of unnecessary worsted work .  What happened to her worsted work nobody ever knew .  It was chiefly remarkable for the predominance of its irregularities , and a suggestion of damaged goods about it , in consequence of much handling .  To Dodo it seemed an incredible stupidity that anyone should do worsted work , or , if they did do it , not do it well .  She used to tell Maud that it was done much more cheaply in shops , and much better .  Then Maud would drop it for a time , and take to playing the piano , but that was even more oppressively stupid to Dodo 'smind than the worsted work .  Maud had a perfect genius for not letting her right hand know what her left hand was doing , a principle which was abhorrent to Dodo in every application .  The consequence of all this was , that Dodo was apt to regard her sister as a failure , though she still , as in the present instance , liked giving Maud what she considered a helping hand .  It must be confessed that Dodo 'sefforts were not altogether unselfish .  She liked her environment to be as great a success as herself , as it thus added to her own completeness , just as a picture looks better in a good frame than in a shabby one .  Maud , however , had no desire to be a success .  She was perfectly happy to sit in the background and do the worsted work .  She longed to be let alone .  At times she would make her escape to the iron works and try to cultivate the domestic virtues in attending to her father .  She thought with a kind of envy of the daughters of country clergymen , whose mediocre piano-playing was invaluable to penny readings and village concerts , and for whose worsted work there was a constant demand , in view of old women and almshouses .  She had hoped that Dodo 'sslumming experiences would bring her into connection with this side of life , and had dispensed tea and buns with a kind of rapture on the occasion of Dodo 'stea-party , but her sister had dropped her slums , as we have seen , at this point , and Maud was too shy and uninitiative to take them up alone .  She had an excellent heart , but excellent hearts were out of place in Mrs. Vane 'sestablishment .  Dodo had confessed her inability to deal with them .  Dodo 'sgeneral invitation to Jack was speedily followed by a special one from Winston , naming the first week in January as the time of the party .  Jack was met on his arrival by Chesterford , and as they drove back the latter gave him particulars about the party in the house .  " They are chiefly Dodo 'sfriends , " he said .  " Do you know , Jack , except for you , I think I am rather afraid of Dodo 'sfriends , they are so dreadfully clever , you know .  Of course they are all very charming , but they talk about character .  Now I do n't care to talk about character .  I know a good man when I see him , and that 'sall that matters as far as I can judge .  Dodo was saying last night that her potentiality for good was really much stronger than her potentiality for evil , and that her potentiality for evil was only skin deep , and they all laughed , and said they did n't believe it .  And Dodo said , ' Ask Chesterford if it is n't , ' and God only knows what I said .  "  Jack laughed .  " Poor old fellow , " he said , " you and I will go to the smoking-room , and talk about nothing at all subtle .  I do n't like subtleties either .  "  " Ah , but they expect great things of you , " said Chesterford ruefully .  " Dodo was saying you were an apostle .  Are you an apostle , Jack ?  "  " Oh , that 'sonly a nickname of Dodo 's, " he said , smiling .  " But who are these dreadfully clever people ?  "  " Oh , there 'sLedgers — you know him , I suppose — and a Miss Edith Staines , and a girl whom I do n't know , called Miss Grantham , whom Ledgers said , when she was out of the room last night , that he had ' discovered .  ' What he meant Heaven knows .  Then there 'sMaud , who is a nice girl .  She went round to the keeper 'swith me this afternoon , and played with the baby .  Then there 'sBertie Arbuthnot , and I think that 'sall .  "  Jack laughed .  " I do n't think we need mind them , " he said .  " We 'llform a square to resist cavalry .  " .  " Bertie 'sthe best of the lot , " said Chesterford , " and they laughed at him rather , I think .  But he is quite unconscious of it .  "  They drove on in silence a little way .  Then .  Chesterford said , —  " Jack , Dodo makes me the happiest of men .  I am afraid sometimes that she is too clever , and wishes I was more so , but it makes no difference .  Last night , as I was in the smoking-room she sent to say she wanted to see me , and I went up .  She said that she wanted to talk to me , now she had got rid of all those tiresome people , and said so many charming things that I got quite conceited , and had to stop her .  I often wonder , Jack , what I have done to deserve her .  And she went on talking about our yachting , and those months in London when we were first engaged , and she told me to go on smoking , and she would have a cigarette too .  And we sat on talking , till I saw she was tired , and then I went away , though he would hardly let me .  "  This communication had only the effect of making Jack rather uncomfortable .  Knowing what he did , he knew that this was not all genuine on Dodo 'spart .  It was obviously an effort to keep it up , to use a vulgar term .  And since it was not all genuine , the doubt occurred as to whether any of it was .  Jack had a profound belief in Dodo 'sdramatic talents .  That the need for keeping it up had appeared already was an alarming symptom , but the real tragedy would begin on that day when Dodo first failed to do so .  And from that moment Jack regarded his prophecy as certain to be fulfilled .  The overture had begun , and in course of time the curtain would rise on a grim performance .  They drove up to the door , and entered the large oak-panelled hall , hung all round with portraits of the family .  The night was cold , and there was a fire sparkling in the wide , open grate .  As they entered , an old collie , who was enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life on the hearthrug , stretched his great , tawny limbs , and shoved a welcoming nose into Chesterford 'shand .  This produced heartburnings of the keenest order in the mind of a small fox-terrier pup , who consisted mainly of head and legs , which latter he evidently considered at present more as a preventive towards walking than an aid .  Being unable to reach his hand the puppy contented himself with sprawling over his boots , and making vague snaps at the collie .  It was characteristic of Chesterford that all animals liked him .  He had a tender regard for the feelings of anything that was dependent on him .  Dodo thought this almost inexplicable .  She disliked to see animals in pain , because they usually howled , but the dumb anguish of a dog who considers himself neglected conveyed nothing to her .  From within a door to the right , came sounds of talking and laughter .  There was something pathetic in the sight of this beautiful home , and its owner standing with his back to the fire , as Jack divested himself of his coat .  Chesterford was so completely happy , so terribly unconscious of what Jack felt sure was going on .  He looked the model of the typical English gentleman , with his tall stature and well-bred face .  Jack remembered passing on the road a labourer who was turning into his cottage .  The firelight had thrown a bright ray across the snow-covered road , and inside he had caught a momentary glimpse of the wife with a baby in her arms , and a couple of girls laying the table-cloth .  He remembered afresh Dodo 'sremark about waiting until the chimney smoked , and devoutly hoped that the chimney of this well-appointed house was in good order .  Chesterford led the way to the drawing-room door , and pushed it open for Jack to enter .  Dodo was sitting at the tea-table , talking to some half-dozen people who were grouped round her .  As Jack entered , she rose and came towards him with a smile of welcome .  " Ah , Jack , " she said , " this is delightful ; I am tremendously glad to see you !  Let 'ssee , whom do you know ?  May I introduce you to Miss Grantham ?  Mr. Broxton .  I think you know everybody else .  Chesterford , come here and sit by me at once .  You 'vebeen an age away .  I expect you 'vebeen getting into mischief .  " She wheeled a chair up for him , and planted him down in it .  He looked radiantly happy .  " Now , Jack , " she went on , " tell us what you 'vebeen doing all these months .  It 'syears since we saw you .  I think you look all right .  No signs of breaking down yet .  I hoped you would have gone into a rapid consumption , because I was married , but it does n't seem to have made any difference to anybody except Chesterford and me .  Jack , do n't you think I shall make an excellent matron ?  I shall get Maud to teach me some of her crochet-stitches .  Have you ever been here before ?  Chesterford , you shut it up , did n't you , for several years , until you thought of bringing me here ?  Sugar , Jack ?  Two lumps ?  Chesterford , you must n't eat sugar , you 'regetting quite fat already .  You must obey me , you know .  You promised to love , honour and obey .  Oh , no ; I did that .  However , sugar is bad for you .  "  " Dodo keeps a tight hand on me , you see , " said Chesterford , from the depths of his chair .  " Dodo , give me the sugar , or we shall quarrel .  "  Dodo laughed charmingly .  " He would quarrel with his own wife for a lump of sugar , " said Dodo dramatically ; " but she wo n't quarrel with him .  Take it then .  "  She glanced at Jack for a moment as she said this , but Jack was talking to Miss Grantham , and either did not see , or did not seem to .  Jack had a pleasant impression of light hair , dark grey eyes , and a very fair complexion .