The Spectator., 1915-02-19
CHAPTER V.
Back to Life.


 for the subtle changes wrought in the man and woman. Those graces of mind and manner which had once been the mans began to find expression. Physically, his voice became soft and mellow; his hands became full of em- phasis his body grew less and less clumsy, more and more leonine. The blunt speech, the irritability in argu- ment, the stupid pauses, the painful study of cunning phrases, the suspi- cion and reticence that fguratively en- crust the hearts of shy and lonely men, these vanished under her warm if care less glances.
 If the crust of barbarism is thick that of civilization is thin enough. As Warrington went forward Elsa stopped and gradually went back, not far, but far enough to cause her to throw down her impulses against the invasion of interest and fascination. She faced the truth squarely The man fascinated her. He was like a portrait with fol- lowing eyes. She spoke familiarly of her affairs (always emitting Arthur; she talked of her travels, of the fa- nous people she had met, of the won- derful pageants she had witnessed. It was not her fault that, with the ex- Ception of Martha, who didn't count, they two were the only passengers This condition of affairs was directly chargeable to fate; and before the boat reached Rangoon. Elsa was quite willing to let fate shift and set the scenes how it would
 The phase that escaped her entirely was this that had he not progressed she would have retained her old poise, the old poise of which she was never again to be mistress It is the old tale-sympathy to lift up another first steps down. And never had her sym pathy gone out so quickly to any mor- tai. Elsa had horror of loneliness, and this man seemed to be the living presentment of the word What strug- gles, and how simply he recounted them! What things he had seen, what adventures had befallen him. what TO- nance and mystery! She wondered if there had seen a woman in his life and if she had been the cause of his downfall. Every day of the past ten years lay open for her to admire or condemn, but beyond these ten years there was a Chinese wall, over which she might not look. Only once had she provoked the silent negative nod of his head, He was strong. Not the smallest corner of the veil was she permitted to turn aside. She walked hither and thither along the scarps and bastions of the barrier, but never found the breach
 Will you come and dine with me to- night?" she asked as they left the boat
 No. Miss Innocence"
 That's silly. There isn't soul I know here"
 But" gravely he replied. there are many here who know me"
 Which infers that my invitation is unwise?"
 Absolutely unwise. Frankly. ought not to be seen with you"
 Why? Unless. indeed. you have not told me the truth Where's the harm %
 For myself. none On the boat 1t did not matter so much It was situ- ation which neither of us could foresee nor prevent. have told you that people here look askance at me be- cause they know nothing about me. save that came from the States. And they are wise. l should be cad if accepted your invitation to dinner"
 Then am not to see you again ?"
 The smile would have lured him across three continents. Tomorrow promise to call and have tea with you. much against my better judgment"
 "oh. if you don't want to come . ."
 "Dont want to eome!"
 Something in his eyes caused Elsa Co speak hurriedly. "Good.by until to- morrow"
 She gave him her hand for a mo- ment. stepped into the carriage. which already held Martha and the luggage. and then drove ofr to the Strand hotel.
 He stood with his helmet in his hand. A fine. warm rain was falling. but he vas not conscious of 1t. It seemed incredible that time should produce such a change within the space of seventy hours. a little more. little less. As she turned and waved friendly hand he knew that the deso- lation which had been his for ten years vas nothing as compared to that which now fell upon his heart. She was as unattalnable as the north star: and nothing. time nor circumstance. could bridge that incalcuiahle distance. His heart hurt him. He must see her no more after the morrow. Enchantment and happiness were two words which