The Forsyte Saga, Volume 3(71)

‘Is that so?’ said Hallorsen. ‘When I look at your town folk, undersized and pale and kind of disillusioned, I can’t help wondering what roots they can have.’

‘The townier the type, the more stubborn its roots – no open spaces for them; the streets, fried fish, and the pictures. Would you put me down here, Professor? Dinny, where are you bound for?’

‘Oakley Street.’

Hallorsen stopped the car and Sir Lawrence got out.

‘Miss Cherrell, may I have the great pleasure of taking you as far as Oakley Street?’

Dinny bowed.

Seated thus side by side with him in the closed car, she wondered uneasily what use he would make of his opportunity. Presently, without looking at her, he said:

‘As soon as your brother is fixed up I shall be sailing. I’m going to take an expedition to New Mexico. I shall always count it a privilege to have known you, Miss Cherrell.’

His ungloved hands were gripping each other between his knees; and the sight moved her.

‘I am very sorry for misjudging you at first, Professor, just as my brother did.’

‘It was natural. I shall be glad to think I have your good will when all’s been said and done.’

Dinny put out her hand impulsively.

‘You have.’

He took the hand with gravity, raised it to his lips, and returned it to her gently. Dinny felt extremely unhappy. She said, timidly: ‘You’ve made me think quite differently about Americans, Professor.’

Hallorsen smiled.

‘That is something, anyway.’

‘I’m afraid I was very crude in my ideas. You see, I haven’t really known any.’

‘That is the little trouble between us; we don’t really know each other. We get on each other’s nerves, with little things, and there it ends. But I shall always remember you as the smile on the face of this country.’

‘That,’ said Dinny, ‘is very pretty, and I wish it were true.’

‘If I could have a picture of you, I should treasure it.’

‘Of course you shall! I don’t know if I have a decent one, but I’ll send you the best.’

‘I thank you. I think if you will allow me I will get out here; I am just not too sure of myself. The car will take you on.’ He tapped on the glass and spoke to the chauffeur.

‘Good-bye!’ he said, and took her hand again, looked at it rather long, pressed it hard, and slid his long frame through the doorway.

‘Good-bye!’ murmured Dinny, sitting back, with rather a choky feeling in her throat.

Five minutes later the car pulled up before Diana’s house, and, very subdued, she went in.

Diana, whom she had not seen that morning, opened the door of her room as she was passing.

‘Come in here, Dinny.’ Her voice was stealthy, and a little shudder went through Dinny. They sat down side by side on the four-poster bed, and Diana spoke low and hurriedly:

‘He came in here last night and insisted on staying. I didn’t dare refuse. There’s a change; I have a feeling that it’s the beginning of the end, again. His self-control is weakening, all round. I think I ought to send the children somewhere. Would Hilary take them?’

‘I’m sure he would; or Mother would certainly.’

‘Perhaps that would be better.’

‘Don’t you think you ought to go, yourself?’

Diana sighed and shook her head.

‘That would only precipitate things. Could you take the children down for me?’

‘Of course. But do you really think he –?’

‘Yes. I’m sure he’s working up again. I know the signs so well. Haven’t you noticed, Dinny, he’s been drinking more each evening? It’s all of a piece.’

‘If he’d get over his horror of going out.’

‘I don’t believe that would help. Here at all events we know what there is to know, and the worst at once if it comes. I dread something happening with strangers, and our hands being forced.’

Dinny squeezed her arm.

‘When would you like the children taken down?’

‘As soon as possible. I can’t say anything to him. You must just go off as quietly as you can. Mademoiselle can go down separately, if your mother will have her too.’

‘I shall come back at once, of course.’

‘Dinny, it isn’t fair on you. I’ve got the maids. It’s really too bad to bother you with my troubles.’

‘But of course I shall come back. I’ll borrow Fleur’s car. Will he mind the children going?’

‘Only if he connects it with our feeling about his state. I can say it’s an old invitation.’

‘Diana,’ said Dinny, suddenly, ‘have you any love for him left?’