"You have lofty ambitions and the artistic temperament.""You have lofty ambitions and the artistic temperament."
Miss Ophelia Palmer(in the "Wizard's Cave"—toMr. Cadney Rowser). Yes, your hand indicates an intensely refined and spiritual nature; you are perhaps alittletoo indifferent to your personal comfort where that of others is concerned; sensitive—too much so for your own happiness, perhaps—you feel things keenly when youdofeel them. You have lofty ambitions and the artistic temperament—seven-and-sixpence, please.
Mr. C. R.(impressed). Well, Miss, if you can read all that for seven-and-six on the palm of my 'and, I wonder what youwouldn'tsee for 'alf a quid on the sole o' my boot!
[Miss P.'sbelief in Chiromancy sustains a severe shock.
Bobbie Patterson(outside tent, as Showman). This way to the Marvellous Jumping Bean from Mexico! Threepence!
Voice from Tent. Bobbie! Stop! The Bean'slost! Lady Honor's horrid Thought-reading Poodle has just stepped in and swallowed it.
Bobbie. Ladies and Gentlemen, owing to sudden domestic calamity, the Bean has been unavoidably compelled to retire, and will be unable to appear till further notice.
Miss Smylie(toMr. Otis Barleywater,who—in his own set—is considered "almost equal to Corney Grain"). I thought you were giving your entertainment in the library? Whyaren'tyou?Mr. Otis Barleywater(in a tone of injury). Why? Because I can't give my imitations of Arthur Roberts and Yvette Guilbert with anythinglikethe requisite "go," unless I get a better audience than three programme-sellers, all under ten, and the cloak-room maid—that'swhy!
Mrs. Allbutt-Innett(as she leaves, for the benefit of bystanders). I must say, the house ismostdisappointing—not atallwhat I should expect aMarquisto live in. Why, myownreception-rooms are very nearly as large, and decorated in a much more modern style!
Bobbie Patterson(to a"Doosid Good-natured Fellow,who doesn't carewhathe does," and whom he has just discovered inside a case got up to represent an automatic sweetmeat machine). Why, my dear oldchap! No idea it wasyouinside that thing! Enjoying yourself in there, eh?
TheDoosid Good-natured Fellow(fluffily, from the interior). Enjoying myself! With the beastly pennies droppin' down into my boots, and the kids howlin' because all the confounded chocolates have worked up between my shoulder-blades, and I can't shake 'em out of the slit in my arm? I'd like to seeyoutryin' it!
TheL. O. L.(to a stranger, who is approaching thePrincess's stall). 'Ere, Mister, where are your manners? 'Ats off in the presence o' Royalty!
[She pokes him in the back with her umbrella; the stranger turns, smiles slightly, and passes on.
AWell-informed Bystander. You are evidently unaware, Madam, that the gentleman you have just addressed is His Serene Highness the Prince of Potsdam!
TheL. O. L.(aghast). Her 'usban'! And me a jobbin' of 'im with my umbrella! 'Ere, let me get out!
[She staggers out, in deadly terror of being sent to the Tower on the spot.
You are, let us say, a young professional man in chambers or offices, incompetently guarded by an idiot boy whom you dare not trust with the responsibility of denying you to strangers. You hear a knock at your outer door, followed by conversation in the clerk's room, after which your salaried idiot announces "A Gentleman to see you." Enter a dingy and dismal little man in threadbare black, who advances with an air of mysterious importance. "I think," he begins, "I 'ave the pleasure of speaking to Mr. ——" (
whatever your name is
.) "I take the liberty of calling, Mr. ——, to consult you on a matter of the utmost importance, and I shall feel personally obliged if you will take precautions for our conversation not being over'eard." He looks grubby for a client—but appearances are deceptive, and you offer him a seat, assuring him that
he may speak with perfect security—whereupon he proceeds in a lowered voice. "The story I am about to reveal," he says, smoothing a slimy tall hat, "is of a nature so revolting, so 'orrible in its details, that I can 'ardly bring myself to speak it to any 'uming ear!" (
Here you will probably prepare to take notes.
) "You see before you one who is of 'igh birth but low circumstances!" (
At this you give him up as a possible client, but a mixture of diffidence and curiosity compels you to listen.
) "Yes, Sir, I was '
fruges consumeary nati
.' I 'ave received a neducation more befitting a dook than my present condition. Nursed in the lap of haffluence, I was trained to fill the lofty position which was to have been my lot. But, '
necessitas
,' Sir, as you are aware, '
necessitas non abat lejim
,' and such I found it. While still receiving a classical education at Cambridge College—(praps you are yourself an alumbus of
Halma Mater
? No? I apologise, Sir, I'm sure)—but while preparing to take my honorary degree, my father suddenly enounced the horful news that he was a bankrup'. Stript of all we possessed, we were turned out of our sumchuous 'ome upon the cold world, my father's grey 'airs were brought down sorrowing to sangwidge boards, though he is still sangwin of paying off his creditors in time out of
what he can put by from his scanty hearnings. My poor dear Mother—a lady born and bred—sank by slow degrees to a cawfy-stall, which is now morgidged to the 'ilt, and my eldest Sister, a lovely and accomplished gairl, was 'artlessly thrown over by a nobleman, to 'oom she was engaged to be married, before our reverses overtook us. His name the delikit hinstinks of a gentleman will forbid you to inquire, as likewise me to mention—enough to 'int that he occupies a prominent position amongst the hupper circles of Society, and is frequently to be met with in the papers. His faithlessness preyed on my Sister's mind to that degree, that she is now in the Asylum, a nopeless maniac! My honely Brother was withdrawn from 'Arrow, and now 'as the 'yumiliation of selling penny toys on the kerbstone to his former playfellers. '
Tantee nannymice salestibus hiræ
,' indeed, Sir! "But you ask what befell myself." (
You have not—for the simple reason that, even if you desired information, he has given you no chance, as yet, of putting in a word.
) "Ah, Sir, there you 'ave me on a tender point. '
Hakew tetigisti
,' if I may venture once more upon a scholarly illusion. But I 'ave resolved to conceal nothing—and you shall 'ear. For a time I obtained employment as Seckertary and Imanuensis
to a young baranit, 'oo had been the bosom friend of my College days. He would, I know, have used his influence with Goverment to obtain me a lucritive post; but, alas, ere he could do so, unaired sheets, coupled with deliket 'elth, took him off premature, and I was once more thrown on my own resources. "In conclusion, Sir, you 'ave doubtless done me the hinjustice to expect, from all I 'ave said, that my hobjick in obtaining this interview was to ask you for pecuniary assistance?" (
Here you reflect with remorse that a suspicion to this effect has certainly crossed your mind.
) "Nothing of the sort or kind, I do assure you. A little 'uming sympathy, the relief of pouring out my sorrers upon a feeling 'art, a few kind encouraging words, is all I arsk, and that, Sir, the first sight of your kind friendly face told me I should not lack. Pore as I am, I still 'ave my pride, the pride of a English gentleman, and if you was to orfer me a sovereign as you sit there, I should fling it in the fire—ah, I
should
—'urt and indignant at the hinsult!" (
Here you will probably assure him that you have no intention of outraging his feelings in any such manner.
) "No, and
why
, Sir? Because you 'ave a gentlemanly 'art, and if you were to make sech a orfer, you would do it in a kindly Christian spirit which would rob it of all offence. There's not
many as I would bring myself to accept a paltry sovereign from, but I dunno—I might from one like yourself—I
might
.
Ord hignara mali, miseris succur-reary disco
, as the old philosopher says. You 'ave that kind of
way
with you." (
You mildly intimate that he is mistaken here, and take the opportunity of touching the bell
.) "No, Sir, don't be untrue to your better himpulses. '
Ave
a feelin 'art, Sir! Don't send me away, after allowing me to waste my time 'ere—which is of value
to me
, let me tell yer, whatever
yours
is!—like this!.... Well, well, there's 'ard people in this world? I'm
going
, Sir ... I 'ave sufficient dignity to take a 'int.... You 'aven't got even a trifle to spare an old University Scholar in redooced circumstances then?... Ah, it's easy to see you ain't been at a University yourself—you ain't got the
hair
of it! Farewell, Sir, and may your lot in life be 'appier than——All right, don't
hexcite
yourself. I've bin mistook in yer, that's all. I thought you was as soft-edded a young mug as you look. Open that door, will yer; I want to get out of this 'ole!" Here he leaves you with every indication of disgust and disappointment, and you will probably hear him indulging in unclassical vituperation on the landing.
A railed-in corner of the Park.Time—About 7 p.m. Inside the enclosure three shepherds are engaged in shearing the park sheep. The first shepherd has just thrown his patient on its back, gripped its shoulders between his knees, and tucked its head, as a tiresome and obstructive excrescence, neatly away under one of his arms, while he reaches for the shears. The second is straddled across his animal, which is lying with its hind legs hobbled on a low stage under an elm, in a state of stoical resignation, as its fleece is deftly nipped from under its chin. The third operator has almost finished his sheep, which, as its dark grey fleece slips away from its pink-and-white neck and shoulders, suggests a rather décolletée dowager in the act of removing her theatre-cloak in the stalls. Sheep, already shorn, lie and pant in shame and shivering bewilderment, one or two nibble the blades of grass, as if to assure themselves that that resource is still open to them. Sheep whose turn is still to come are penned up at the back, and look on, scandalised, but with an air which seems to express that their own superior respectability is a sufficient protection against similar outrage. The shearers appear to take a humorous view of their task, and are watched by a crowd which has collected round the railings, with an agreeable assurance that they are not expected to contribute towards the entertainment.
First Work-girl
(
edging up
). Whatever's goin' on inside 'ere? (
After looking—disappointed.
) Why they ain't on'y a lot o'
sheep! I thought it was Reciters, or somethink o' that.
Second Work-girl
(
with irony
). They
look
like Reciters, don't they! It do seem a shime cuttin' them poor things as close as convicks, that it do!
First W.-g.
They don't mind it partickler; you'd 'ear 'em 'oller fast enough if they did.
Second W.-g.
I expeck they feel so redic'lus, they 'aven't the 'art to 'oller.
Lucilla
(
toGeorge
). Do look at that one going up and sniffing at the bundle of fleeces, trying to find out which is his.
Isn't
it pathetic?
George.
H'm—puts one in mind of a shy man in a cloak-room after a party, saying feebly, "I rather think that's
my
coat, and there's a crush hat of mine
somewhere
about," eh?
Lucilla
(
who is always wishing thatGeorgewould talk more sensibly
). Considering that sheep don't
wear
crush hats, I hardly see how——
George.My dear, I bow to your superior knowledge of natural history. Now you mention it, I believe itisunusual. But I merely meant to suggest a general resemblance.
"They ain't on'y a lot o' sheep! I thought it was Reciters, or somethink o' that.""They ain't on'y a lot o' sheep! I thought it was Reciters, or somethink o' that."
Lucilla(reprovingly). I know. And you've got into such a silly habit of seeing resemblances in things that are perfectly different. I'm sure I'malwaystelling you of it.
George.You are, my dear. But I'm not nearly so bad as Iwas. Think of all the things I used to compareyouto before we were married!
Sarah Jane(to herTrooper). I could stand an' look at 'em hours, I could. I was born and bred in the country, and it do seem to bring back my old 'ome that plain.
HerTrooper. I'm country bred too, though yer mightn't think it. But there ain't much in sheep shearin' tomymind. If it waspig killin', now!
Sarah Jane.Ah, that's along o' your bein' in the milingtary, I expect.
HerTrooper. No, it ain't that. It's the reckerlections it 'ud call up. I 'ad a 'ole uncle a pork-butcher, d'ye see, and (with sentiment) many and many a 'appy hour I've spent as a boy—— [He indulges in tender reminiscences.
A Young Clerk(who belongs to a Literary Society, to hisFiancée). It has a wonderfully rural look—quite like a scene in 'Ardy, isn't it?
HisFiancée(who has "no time for reading rubbish"). I daresay; though I've never been there myself.
TheClerk. Never been? Oh, I see.Youthought I saidArden—the Forest of Arden, in Shakspeare, didn't you?
HisFiancée. Isn't that where Mr. Gladstone lives, and goes cutting down the trees in?
TheClerk. No; At least it's spelt different. But it was 'ArdyImeant.Far from the Madding Crowd, you know.
HisFiancée(with a vague view to the next Bank Holiday). What do youcall"far"—farther thanMargate?
[Her companion has a sense of discouragement.
[Her companion has a sense of discouragement.
AnArtisan(to a neighbour in broadcloth and a white choker). It's wonderful 'ow they can go so close without 'urtin' of 'em, ain't it?
HisNeighbour(with unction). Ah, my friend, it on'y shows 'ow true it is that 'eving tempers the shears for the shorn lambs!
AGoverness(instructively, to her charge). Don't you think you ought to be very grateful to that poor sheep, Ethel, for giving up her nice warm fleece on purpose to make a frock foryou?
Ethel(doubtfully). Y—yes, Miss Mavor. But (with a fear that some reciprocity may be expected of her) she's too big for any of mybestfrocks,isn'tshe?
First Urchin(perched on the railings). Ain't that 'un a-kicking? 'E don't like 'aving'is'air cut, 'e don't, no more shouldn't I if it was me.... 'E's bin an' upset 'is bloke on the grorss, now! Look at the bloke layin' there larfin'.... 'E's ketched 'im agin now. See 'im landin' 'im a smack on the 'ed; that'll learn 'im to stay quiet, eh? 'E's strong, ain't 'e?
Second Urchin.Rams is the wust, though, 'cause they got 'orns, rams 'ave.
First Urch.What, same as goats?
Second Urch.(emphatically). Yuss! Big crooked 'uns. And runs at yer, they do.
First Urch.I wish they was rams in 'ere. See all them sheep waitin' to be done. I wonder what they're finkin' of.
Second Urch.Ga-arn! Theydon'tfink, sheep don't.
First Urch.Not o' anyfink?
Second Urch.Na-ow! They ain't got nuffink to finkabout, sheep ain't.
First Urch.I lay theydofink, 'orf and on.
Second Urch.Well, I layyounever see 'em doin' of it!
[And so on. The first Shepherd disrobes his sheep, and dismisses it with a disrespectful spank. After which he proceeds to refresh himself from a brown jar, and hands it to his comrades. The spectators look on with deeper interest, and discuss the chances of the liquid being beer, cider, or cold tea, as the scene closes.
[And so on. The first Shepherd disrobes his sheep, and dismisses it with a disrespectful spank. After which he proceeds to refresh himself from a brown jar, and hands it to his comrades. The spectators look on with deeper interest, and discuss the chances of the liquid being beer, cider, or cold tea, as the scene closes.
In Bed; At the Highland Hotel, Oban.
What an extraordinary thing is the mechanism of the human mind! Went to sleep last night impressed with vital importance of waking at six, to catch early steamer to Gairloch. And here I am—broad awake—at exactly 5.55! Is it automatic action, or what? Like setting clockwork for explosive machine. When the time comes, I blow up—I mean,getup. Think out this simile—rather a good one.... Need not have been so particular in telling Boots to call me, after all. Shall I get upbeforehe comes? He'll be rather surprised when he knocks at the door, and hears me singing inside like a lark. But, on reflection, isn't it ratherpettyto wish to astonish an hotel Boots? And why on earth should I get up myself, when I've tipped another fellow to get me up? But suppose he forgets to call me. I've no right, as yet, toassumethathe will. To get up now would argue want of confidence in him—might hurt his feelings. I will give him another five minutes, poor fellow....
Getting up.—No actual necessity to get up yet, but, to make assurance doubly—something or other, forget what—I will ... I do. Portmanteau rather refractory; retreats under bed—quite ten minutes before I can coax it out.... When I have, it won't let me pack it. That's the worst of this breed of brown portmanteaus—they're always nasty-tempered. However, I am getting a few things into it now, by degrees. Very annoying—as fast as I put them in, this confounded portmanteau shoots them out again! If I've put in that pair of red and white striped pyjamas once, I've done it twenty times—and they always come twisting and rolling out of the back, somehow. Fortunate I left myself ample time.
Man next door to me is running it rather fine.Hehas to catch the boat, too, and he's not up yet! Hear the Boots hammering away at his door. Howcana fellow, just for the sake of a few more minutes in bed—which he won't even know he'shad!—go and risk losing his steamer in that way? I'll do him a good turn—knock at the wall myself. "Hi! get up, you lazy beggar. Look sharp—you'll be late!"He thanks me, in a muffled tone, through the wall. He is a remarkably quick dresser, he tells me—it won't take him thirty-five seconds to pack, dress, pay his bill, and get on board. If that's the case, I don't see whyIshould hurry. I've got much more than thatalready.
At the Quay.—People in Oban stare a good deal. Can't quite make out reason, unless they're surprised to find me up so early. Explain that I got up without having even been called. Oban populace mildly surprised, and offer me neckties—Why?
Fine steamer this; has a paddle-wheel atbothends—"because," the Captain explains, "she has not only togoto Gairloch—but come back as well."
First-rate navigator, the Captain; he has written my weight, the date of my last birthday, and the number of the house I live in, down in a sort of ledger he keeps. He does this with all his passengers, he tells me, reduces the figures to logarithms, and works out the ship's course in decimals. No idea there was so much science in modern seamanship.
On Board.—Great advantage of being so early is that you can breakfast quietly on deck before starting. Have mine on bridge of steamer, under awning; everything very good—ham-méringuesexcellent. No coffee, but, instead, a capital brand of dry, sparkling marmalade, served, sailor-fashion, in small pomatum-pots.
What a small world we live in! Of all people in the world, who should be sitting next to me but my Aunt Maria! I was always under the impression that she had died in my infancy. Don't like to mention this, because if I amwrong, she might be offended. But if shediddie when I was a child, she ought to be a much older woman than she looks. Idotell her this—because it is really a compliment.
My Aunt, evidently an experienced traveller, never travels, she informs me, without a pair of globes and a lawn-mower. She offers, very kindly, to lend me the Celestial globe, if the weather is at all windy. This is behavinglikean Aunt!
We are taking in live-stock; curious-looking creatures, like spotted pug-dogs (only bigger and woollier, of course) and without horns. Somebody leaning over the rail next to me (Ithinkhe is the Public Prosecutor, but am not quite sure), tells me they are "Scotch Shortbreads." Agreeable man, but rather given to staring.
Didn't observe it before, but my Aunt is really amazingly like Mr. Gladstone. Ask her to explain this. She is much distressed that I have noticed it;says she has felt it coming on for some time; it is not, as she justly complains, as if she took any interest in politics either. She has consulted every doctor in London, and they all tell her it is simply weakness, and she will outgrow it with care. Singular case—must find out (delicately) whether it's catching.
We ought to be starting soon; feel quite fresh and lively, in spite of having got up so early. Mention this to Captain. Wish he and the Public Prosecutor wouldn't stare at me so. Just as if there was something singular in my appearance!
They're embarking my portmanteau now. Knew they would have a lively time of it! It takes at least four sailors, in kilts, to manage it. Ought I to step ashore and quiet it down? Stay where I am. Don't know why, but feel a little afraid of it when it's like this. Shall exchange it for a quiet hand-bag when I get home.
Captain busy hammering at a hole in the funnel—dangerous place to spring a leak in—hope he is making it water-tight. The hammering reminds me of that poor devil in the bedroom next to mine at the hotel.Hewon't catch the boat now—hecan't! My Aunt (who has left off looking like Mr. Gladstone) asks me why I am laughing. I tell her aboutthat unfortunate man and his "thirty-five seconds." She screams with laughter. Very humorous woman, my Aunt.
Deck crowded with passengers now: all pointing and staring ... at whom? Ask Aunt Maria. She declines to tell me: says, severely, that "If I don't know, I ought to."
Great Heavens! It's atmethey're staring! And no wonder—in the hurry I was in, I must have packedeverythingup!... I've come away just as I was!NowI understand why someone offered me a necktie. Where shall I go and hide myself? Shall I ever persuade that beast of a portmanteau to give me out one or two things to put on—because I reallycan'tgo about like this! Captain still hammering at funnel—but he can't wake that sleepy-headed idiot in the next room. "Louder—knocklouder, or the boat will go without him! Tell him there isn't another for two days. He's said good-bye to everybody he knows at Oban—he will look such an ass if he doesn't go, after all!"... Not the least use! Wonder what his name is. My Aunt sayssheknows, only she won't tell me—she'll whisper it, as a great secret. She is just about to disclose the name, which, somehow, I am extremely curious to know—when ...
Where am I? Haven't they got that unhappy fellow upyet? Why the dickens are they knocking atmydoor? I've been on board the steamer for hours, I tell you? Eh?what?Five minutes to eight! And the Gairloch boat? "Sailed at usual time—seven. Tried to make you hear—but couldn't."... Confound it all! Good mind not to get up all day—now!
It is the summer of 189-. The scene is a road skirting Victoria Park, Bethnal Green, which Society's leaders have recently discovered and appointed as the rendez-vous for the Season, and where it is now the correct thing for all really smart people to indulge, between certain prescribed hours, in sports and pastimes that have hitherto been more characteristic of the masses than the classes. The only permissible mount now is the donkey, which must be ridden close to the tail, and referred to as a "moke." A crowd of well-turned-out spectators arrives from the West End every morning about eleven to watch the brilliant parade of "Mokestrians" (as the Society journalist will already have decided to call them). Some drive slowly up and down on coster-barrows, attended by cockaded and disgusted grooms. About twelve, they break up into light luncheon parties; after which they play democratic games for half an hour or so, and drive home on drags.
Mr. Woodby-Innett(to theDonkey Proprietor). Kept a moke for me? I told you I should be wantin' one every mornin' now.
TheDonkey Proprietor(after consulting engagement book). I've not got it down on my list, Sir. Very sorry, but the Countess of Cumberback has just booked the last for the 'ole of this week. Might let you 'ave one by-and-by, if Sir Hascot Goodwood brings his in punctual, but I can't promise it.
Mr. Woodby-Inn.That's no good; no point in ridin' after the right time. (To himself, as he turns away.) Nuisance! Not that I'm so keen about a moke. Not a patch on a bike!—though it don't do to say so. Only if I'd known this, I'd have turned up in a tall hat and frock coat; and then I could have taken a turn on the steam-circus. Wonder if it would be any sort of form shyin' at cocoa-nuts in tweeds and a straw hat. Must ask some chap who knows. More puzzlin' what to put on this year than ever!
Lady Ranela Hurlingham(breathlessly toDonkey Proprietor). That's mine, isn't it? Will you please put me up, andpromiseme you'll keep close behind and make him run. (Suppliantly.) You will,won'tyou?
TheDonkey Proprietor(with a due sense of his own value). Well, I dessay I can come along presently, Lady 'Urlingham, and fetch 'im a whack or two; jest now I can't, having engaged to come and 'old the Marshiness of 'Ammercloth on'ermoke;but there, you orter be able to git along well enough by yourself now—youought!
"Mokestrians.""Mokestrians."
Captain Sonbyrne(just home on leave from India—toMrs. Chesham-Lowndes). Rather an odd sort of idea this—I mean, coming all the way out here to ride a lot of donkeys, eh?
Mrs. Chesham-Lowndes.It used to be rather amusing a month ago, before they all got used to riding so near the tail; but now they're all so good at it, don't you know.
Capt. Sonb.I went down to Battersea Park yesterday to see the bicyclists. Not a soul there, give you my word!
Mrs. C.-L.No; therewouldn'tbethisseason. You see, all sorts and conditions of people began to take it up, and it got too fearfully common. And now moke-riding has quite cut it out.
Capt. Sonb.But why ride donkeys when you can get gees?
Mrs. C.-L.Oh, well, they're democratic, and cheap, and all that, don't you know. And one really can't beseenon a horse this year—in town, at least. In the country it don't matter so much.
First Mokestrian(to second ditto). Hullo, old chap, soyou've taken to a moke at last, eh? How are you gettin' on?
Second Mokestrian.Pretty well. I can sit on his tail all right now, but I can't get into the way of keepin' my heels off the ground yet, it's so beastly difficult.
Fragments fromSpectators. That's rather a smart barrow Lady Barinrayne's drivin' to-day.... Who's the fellow with her, with the paper feather in his pot-hat? Bad style,Icall it.... That's Lord Freddy Fugleman—best dressed man in London. You'll see everybody turnin' up in a paper feather in a day or two.... Lot of men seem to be using a short clay as a cigarette-holder now, don't they?... Yes, Roddie Rippingill introduced the idea last week, and it seems to have caught on. [&c.,&c.]
After Luncheon; at the Steam-Circus and other Sports.
Scraps of Small-talk.No end sorry, Lady Gwendolen; been tryin' to get you a scent-squirt everywhere; but they're all gone; such a run on 'em for Ascot, don't you know.... Thanks; it doesn't matter; only dear Lady Buckram has just thrown some red ochre down the back of my neck, and Algy Vere came and shot out a coloured paper thing right in my face, and I shouldn't like to seem uncivil.... Suppose I shall see you at Lady Brabazon's "Kissin the Ring" at Bethnal Green to-morrow afternoon?... I believe shedidsend us cards, but we promised to look in at a friendly lead the Duchess of Dillwater is giving at such a dear little public she's discovered in Whitechapel, so we may be rather late.... You'll keep a handkerchief-throw for me if youdocome on, won't you?... It will have to be anextra, then, I'm afraid.... Are you goin' to Lord Balmisyde's eight o'clock breakfast to-morrow?Soglad; I hear he's engaged five coffee-stalls, and we're all to stand up and eat saveloys and trotters and thick bread and butter.... Oh, I wanted to ask you, my girls have got an invitation to a hoky-poky party the Vavasours are giving after the moke-ridin' next Thursday, and I'm told it's quite wrong to eat hoky-poky with a spoon—do you know how that is?... The onlycorrectway, Caroline, is to lick it out of the glass, which requires practice before it can beattemptedin public. But I hear there's quite a pleasant boy-professor somewhere in the Mile End Road who teaches it in a single lesson; he'sverymoderate; his terms are only half a guinea, which includes the hoky-poky. I'll send you his address if I can find it.... Thankssomuch; the dear girlswillbe so grateful to you.... Idothink it'squitetoo bad of Lady Geraldine Grabber, she goesand sticks her card on the only decent wooden horse in the steam-circus and says she's engaged it for the whole time, though she hardly ever takes a round! And so many girls standing out who can ride without getting in theleastgiddy!... Rathah a boundah, that fellow, if you ask me; I'veseenhim pullin' a swing boat in brown boots and ridin'-breeches!... How wonderfully well your daughter throws the rings, dear Lady Cornelia, I hear she's won three walking-sticks and five clasp knives.... You're very kind. She is quite clever at it; but then she's had some private coaching from a gipsy, don't you know.... What are you going to do with yourself this afternoon?... Oh, I'm going to the People's Palace to see the finals played off for the Skittles Championship; bound to be a closish thing; rather excitin', don't you know.... Ah, Duchess, you've been in form to-day, I see, five cocoa-nuts! Can I relieve you of some of them?... Thanks, theyarerather tiresome to carry; if youcouldfind my carriage and tell the footman to keep his eye on them. [&c.,&c.]
Lady Rosehugh(toMr. Luke Walmer, on the way home). You know Idothink it'ssucha cheering sign of the times, Society getting simpler in its tastes, and sharing the pleasures of the Dear People, and allthat; it must tend to bring all classes moretogether, don't you know!
Mr. Luke Walmer.Perhaps. Only I was thinking, I don't remember seeing any of the Dear Peopleabout.
Lady Rosehugh.No; somebody was telling me they had taken to playing Polo on bicycles in Hyde Park. So extraordinary of them—such a pity they haven't some higher form of amusement, you know!
Den of Latest Lion.
Latest Lion(perusing card with no visible signs of gratification). Confound it! don't remember telling the Editor ofPark LaneI'd let myself be interviewed. Suppose I must have, though. (Aloud toServant, who is waiting.) You can show the Gentleman up.
Servant(returning). Mr. Walsingham Jermyn!
[A youthful Gentleman is shown in; he wears a pink-striped shirt-front, an enormous buttonhole, and a woolly frock-coat, and is altogether most expensively and fashionably attired, which, however, does not prevent him from appearing somewhat out of countenance after taking a seat.
[A youthful Gentleman is shown in; he wears a pink-striped shirt-front, an enormous buttonhole, and a woolly frock-coat, and is altogether most expensively and fashionably attired, which, however, does not prevent him from appearing somewhat out of countenance after taking a seat.
The L. L. (encouragingly). I presume, Mr. Jermyn, you're here to ask me some questions about the future of the British East African Company, and the duty of the Government in the matter?
Mr. Jermyn(gratefully). Er—yes, that's what I've come about, don't you know—that sort of thing. Fact is (with a burst of confidence), this isn't exactly my line—I've been rather let in for this. You see, I've not been by way of doin' this long—but what's a fellow to do when he's stony-broke? Got to dosomethin', don't you know. So I thought I'd go in for journalism—I don't mean the drudgery of it, leader-writin' and that—but the light part of it,Society, you know. But the other day, man who does the interviews forPark Lane(that's the paper I'm on) jacked up all of a sudden, and my Editor said I'd better take on his work for a bit, and see what I made of it. I wasn't particular. You see, I've always been rather a dead hand at drawin' fellows out, leadin' them on, you know, and all that, so I knew it would come easy enough to me, for all you've got to do is to sit tight and let the other chap—I mean to say, the man you're interviewin'—do all the talking, while you—I mean to say, myself—keep, keeps—hullo, I'm getting my grammar a bit mixed; however, it don't signify—Ikeep quiet and use my eyes and ears like blazes. Talking of grammar, I thought when I first started that I should get in a regular hat over the grammar, and the spellin', and that—youwrite, don't you, when you're nottravellin'? So you know what a grind it is to spell right. But I soon found they kept a Johnny at the office with nothing to do but put all your mistakes right for you, so, soon as I knew that, I went ahead gaily.
The L. L. Exactly, and now, perhaps, you will let me know what particular information you require?
Mr. J.Oh,youknow the sort of thing the public likes—they'll want to know what sort of diggings you've got, how you dress when you're at home, and all that, how you write your books, now—you do write books, don't you? Thought so. Well, that's what the public likes. You see, your name's a good deal up just now—no humbug, itisthough! Between ourselves, you know, I think the whole business is the balliest kind of rot, but they've got to have it, so there you are, don't you see. I don't pretend to be a well-read sort of fellow, never was particularly fond of readin' and that; no time for it, and besides, I've always saidBooksdon't teach you knowledge of the world. I know the world fairly well—but I didn't learn it from books—ah, you agree with me there—youknow what skittles all that talk is about education and that. Well, as I was sayin', I don't read much, I see theFieldevery week, and a clinkin' good paperit is, tells you everythin' worth knowin', and I read thePink Un, too. Do you know any of the fellows on it? Man I know is a great friend of one of them, he's going to introduce me some day, I like knowin' literary chaps, don't you? You've been about a good deal, haven't you? I expect you must have seen a lot, travellin' as you do. I've done a little travellin' myself, been to Monte Carlo, you know, and the Channel Islands—youever been to the Channel Islands? Oh, you ought to go, it's a very cheery place. Talkin' of Monte Carlo, I had a rattlin' good time at the tables there; took out a hundred quid, determined I would have a downright good flutter, and Jove! I made that hundred last me over five days, and came away in nothing but my lawn-tennis flannels. That's what Icalla flutter, don't you know! Er—beastly weather we're havin'! You have pretty good weather where you've been? A young brother of mine has been out for a year in Texas—he saidhe'd very good weather—of course that's some way off whereyou've come from—Central Africa, isn't it? Talkin' of my brother, what do you think the young ass did?—went out there with a thousand pounds, and paid it all down to some sportsmen who took him to see some stock they said belonged to them—of course he found out afterthey'd off'd it that they didn't own a white mouse among 'em! But then, Dick's one of those chaps, you know, that think themselves so uncommon knowing, theycan'tbe had. I always told him he'd be taken in some day if he let his tongue wag so much—too fond of hearing himself talk, don't you know, great mistake for a young fellow; sure to say somethin' you'd better have let alone. I suppose you're getting rather sick of all these banquets, receptions, and that? They do you very well, certainly. I went to one of these Company dinners some time ago, and they did me as well as I've ever been done in my life, but when you've got to sit still afterwards and listen to some chap who's been somewhere and done somethin' jawin' about it by the hour together without a check, why, it's notgoodenough, I'm hanged if it is! Well, I'm afraid I can't stay any longer—my time's valuable now, don't you know. I daresay yours is, too. I'm awfully glad to have had a chat with you, and all that. I expect you could tell me a lot more interestin' things, only of course you've got to keep the best of 'em to put in your book—youarewritin' a book or somethin', ain't you? Such heaps of fellows are writin' books nowadays, the wonder is how any of 'em get read. I shall try and get a look at yours, though, if I come across itanywhere; hope you'll put some amusin' things in,—nigger stories and that, don't make it too bally scientific, you know. Directly I get back, I shall sit down, slick off, and write off all you've told me. I shan't want any notes, I can carry it all in my head, and of course I shan't put in anything you'd rather I didn't, don't you know.
The L. L. (solemnly). Mr. Jermyn, I place implicit confidence in your discretion. I have no doubt whatever that your head, Sir, is more than capable of containing such remarks as I have found it necessary to make in the course of our interview. I like your system of extracting information, Sir, very much. Good morning.
Mr. J. (outside). Nice pleasant-spoken fellow—trifle long-winded, though! Gad, I was so busy listenin' I forgot to notice what his rooms were like or anythin'! How would it do to go back? No, too much of a grind. Daresay I can manage to fox up somethin'. I shall tell the Chief what he said about my system. Chief don't quite know what Icando yet—this will open his eyes a bit.
[And it does.
[And it does.