’Haveyoueverreadtheoldprophecyonthelibrarywindow？’
’Oh，often，’criedthelittlegirl，lookingup;’Iknowitquitewell。Itispaintedincuriousblackletters，anditisdifficulttoread。Thereareonlysixlines：
WhenagoldengirlcanwinPrayerfromoutthelipsofsin，Whenthebarrenalmondbears，Andalittlechildgivesawayitstears，ThenshallallthehousebestillAndpeacecometoCanterville。
ButIdon’tknowwhattheymean。’
’Theymean，’hesaidsadly，’thatyoumustweepformeformysins，becauseIhavenotears，andpraywithmeformysoul，becauseI
havenofaith，andthen，ifyouhavealwaysbeensweet，andgood，andgentle，theAngelofDeathwillhavemercyonme。Youwillseefearfulshapesindarkness，andwickedvoiceswillwhisperinyourear，buttheywillnotharmyou，foragainstthepurityofalittlechildthepowersofHellcannotprevail。’
Virginiamadenoanswer，andtheGhostwrunghishandsinwilddespairashelookeddownatherbowedgoldenhead。Suddenlyshestoodup，verypale，andwithastrangelightinhereyes。’Iamnotafraid，’shesaidfirmly，’andIwillasktheAngeltohavemercyonyou。’
Herosefromhisseatwithafaintcryofjoy，andtakingherhandbentoveritwithold-fashionedgraceandkissedit。Hisfingerswereascoldasice，andhislipsburnedlikefire，butVirginiadidnotfalter，asheledheracrosstheduskyroom。Onthefadedgreentapestrywerebroideredlittlehuntsmen。Theyblewtheirtasselledhornsandwiththeirtinyhandswavedtohertogoback。
’Goback！littleVirginia，’theycried，’goback！’buttheGhostclutchedherhandmoretightly，andsheshuthereyesagainstthem。
Horribleanimalswithlizardtails，andgoggleeyes，blinkedatherfromthecarvenchimney-piece，andmurmured’Beware！littleVirginia，beware！wemayneverseeyouagain，’buttheGhostglidedonmoreswiftly，andVirginiadidnotlisten。Whentheyreachedtheendoftheroomhestopped，andmutteredsomewordsshecouldnotunderstand。Sheopenedhereyes，andsawthewallslowlyfadingawaylikeamist，andagreatblackcaverninfrontofher。
Abittercoldwindsweptroundthem，andshefeltsomethingpullingatherdress。’Quick，quick，’criedtheGhost，’oritwillbetoolate，’and，inamoment，thewainscotinghadclosedbehindthem，andtheTapestryChamberwasempty。
CHAPTERVI
ABOUTtenminuteslater，thebellrangfortea，and，asVirginiadidnotcomedown，Mrs。Otissentuponeofthefootmentotellher。AfteralittletimehereturnedandsaidthathecouldnotfindMissVirginiaanywhere。Asshewasinthehabitofgoingouttothegardeneveryeveningtogetflowersforthedinner-table，Mrs。Otiswasnotatallalarmedatfirst，butwhensixo’clockstruck，andVirginiadidnotappear，shebecamereallyagitated，andsenttheboysouttolookforher，whilesheherselfandMr。
Otissearchedeveryroominthehouse。Athalf-pastsixtheboyscamebackandsaidthattheycouldfindnotraceoftheirsisteranywhere。Theywereallnowinthegreateststateofexcitement，anddidnotknowwhattodo，whenMr。Otissuddenlyrememberedthat，somefewdaysbefore，hehadgivenabandofgypsiespermissiontocampinthepark。HeaccordinglyatoncesetoffforBlackfellHollow，whereheknewtheywere，accompaniedbyhiseldestsonandtwoofthefarm-servants。ThelittleDukeofCheshire，whowasperfectlyfranticwithanxiety，beggedhardtobeallowedtogotoo，butMr。Otiswouldnotallowhim，ashewasafraidtheremightbeascuffle。Onarrivingatthespot，however，hefoundthatthegypsieshadgone，anditwasevidentthattheirdeparturehadbeenrathersudden，asthefirewasstillburning，andsomeplateswerelyingonthegrass。HavingsentoffWashingtonandthetwomentoscourthedistrict，heranhome，anddespatchedtelegramstoallthepoliceinspectorsinthecounty，tellingthemtolookoutforalittlegirlwhohadbeenkidnappedbytrampsorgypsies。Hethenorderedhishorsetobebroughtround，and，afterinsistingonhiswifeandthethreeboyssittingdowntodinner，rodeoffdowntheAscotRoadwithagroom。Hehadhardly，however，goneacoupleofmileswhenheheardsomebodygallopingafterhim，and，lookinground，sawthelittleDukecominguponhispony，withhisfaceveryflushedandnohat。’I’mawfullysorry，Mr。Otis，’gaspedouttheboy，’butIcan’teatanydinneraslongasVirginiaislost。Please，don’tbeangrywithme;ifyouhadletusbeengagedlastyear，therewouldneverhavebeenallthistrouble。Youwon’tsendmeback，willyou？Ican’tgo！Iwon’tgo！’
TheMinistercouldnothelpsmilingatthehandsomeyoungscapegrace，andwasagooddealtouchedathisdevotiontoVirginia，soleaningdownfromhishorse，hepattedhimkindlyontheshoulders，andsaid，’Well，Cecil，ifyouwon’tgobackI
supposeyoumustcomewithme，butImustgetyouahatatAscot。’
’Oh，bothermyhat！IwantVirginia！’criedthelittleDuke，laughing，andtheygallopedontotherailwaystation。ThereMr。
Otisinquiredofthestation-masterifanyoneansweringthedescriptionofVirginiahadbeenseenontheplatform，butcouldgetnonewsofher。Thestation-master，however，wiredupanddowntheline，andassuredhimthatastrictwatchwouldbekeptforher，and，afterhavingboughtahatforthelittleDukefromalinen-draper，whowasjustputtinguphisshutters，Mr。OtisrodeofftoBexley，avillageaboutfourmilesaway，whichhewastoldwasawell-knownhauntofthegypsies，astherewasalargecommonnexttoit。Heretheyrouseduptheruralpoliceman，butcouldgetnoinformationfromhim，and，afterridingalloverthecommon，theyturnedtheirhorses’headshomewards，andreachedtheChaseabouteleveno’clock，dead-tiredandalmostheart-broken。TheyfoundWashingtonandthetwinswaitingforthematthegate-housewithlanterns，astheavenuewasverydark。NottheslightesttraceofVirginiahadbeendiscovered。ThegypsieshadbeencaughtonBrockleymeadows，butshewasnotwiththem，andtheyhadexplainedtheirsuddendeparturebysayingthattheyhadmistakenthedateofChortonFair，andhadgoneoffinahurryforfeartheymightbelate。Indeed，theyhadbeenquitedistressedathearingofVirginia’sdisappearance，astheywereverygratefultoMr。Otisforhavingallowedthemtocampinhispark，andfouroftheirnumberhadstayedbehindtohelpinthesearch。Thecarp-pondhadbeendragged，andthewholeChasethoroughlygoneover，butwithoutanyresult。Itwasevidentthat，forthatnightatanyrate，Virginiawaslosttothem;anditwasinastateofthedeepestdepressionthatMrOtisandtheboyswalkeduptothehouse，thegroomfollowingbehindwiththetwohorsesandthepony。Inthehalltheyfoundagroupoffrightenedservants，andlyingonasofainthelibrarywaspoorMrs。Otis，almostoutofhermindwithterrorandanxiety，andhavingherforeheadbathedwitheau-de-
colognebytheoldhousekeeper。Mr。Otisatonceinsistedonherhavingsomethingtoeat，andorderedupsupperforthewholeparty。
Itwasamelancholymeal，ashardlyanyonespoke，andeventhetwinswereawestruckandsubdued，astheywereveryfondoftheirsister。Whentheyhadfinished，Mr。Otis，inspiteoftheentreatiesofthelittleDuke，orderedthemalltobed，sayingthatnothingmorecouldbedonethatnight，andthathewouldtelegraphinthemorningtoScotlandYardforsomedetectivestobesentdownimmediately。Justastheywerepassingoutofthedining-room，midnightbegantoboomfromtheclocktower，andwhenthelaststrokesoundedtheyheardacrashandasuddenshrillcry;adreadfulpealofthundershookthehouse，astrainofunearthlymusicfloatedthroughtheair，apanelatthetopofthestaircaseflewbackwithaloudnoise，andoutonthelanding，lookingverypaleandwhite，withalittlecasketinherhand，steppedVirginia。
Inamomenttheyhadallrusheduptoher。Mrs。Otisclaspedherpassionatelyinherarms，theDukesmotheredherwithviolentkisses，andthetwinsexecutedawildwar-danceroundthegroup。
’Goodheavens！child，wherehaveyoubeen？’saidMr。Otis，ratherangrily，thinkingthatshehadbeenplayingsomefoolishtrickonthem。’CecilandIhavebeenridingalloverthecountrylookingforyou，andyourmotherhasbeenfrightenedtodeath。Youmustneverplaythesepracticaljokesanymore。’
’ExceptontheGhost！exceptontheGhost！’shriekedthetwins，astheycaperedabout。
’Myowndarling，thankGodyouarefound;youmustneverleavemysideagain，’murmuredMrs。Otis，asshekissedthetremblingchild，andsmoothedthetangledgoldofherhair。
’Papa，’saidVirginiaquietly，’IhavebeenwiththeGhost。Heisdead，andyoumustcomeandseehim。Hehadbeenverywicked，buthewasreallysorryforallthathehaddone，andhegavemethisboxofbeautifuljewelsbeforehedied。’
Thewholefamilygazedatherinmuteamazement，butshewasquitegraveandserious;and，turninground，sheledthemthroughtheopeninginthewainscotingdownanarrowsecretcorridor，Washingtonfollowingwithalightedcandle，whichhehadcaughtupfromthetable。Finally，theycametoagreatoakdoor，studdedwithrustynails。WhenVirginiatouchedit，itswungbackonitsheavyhinges，andtheyfoundthemselvesinalittlelowroom，withavaultedceiling，andonetinygratedwindow。Imbeddedinthewallwasahugeironring，andchainedtoitwasagauntskeleton，thatwasstretchedoutatfulllengthonthestonefloor，andseemedtobetryingtograspwithitslongfleshlessfingersanold-fashionedtrencherandewer，thatwereplacedjustoutofitsreach。Thejughadevidentlybeenoncefilledwithwater，asitwascoveredinsidewithgreenmould。Therewasnothingonthetrencherbutapileofdust。Virginiakneltdownbesidetheskeleton，and，foldingherlittlehandstogether，begantopraysilently，whiletherestofthepartylookedoninwonderattheterribletragedywhosesecretwasnowdisclosedtothem。
’Hallo！’suddenlyexclaimedoneofthetwins，whohadbeenlookingoutofthewindowtotryanddiscoverinwhatwingofthehousetheroomwassituated。’Hallo！theoldwitheredalmond-treehasblossomed。Icanseetheflowersquiteplainlyinthemoonlight。’
’Godhasforgivenhim，’saidVirginiagravely，assherosetoherfeet，andabeautifullightseemedtoillumineherface。
’Whatanangelyouare！’criedtheyoungDuke，andheputhisarmroundherneckandkissedher。
CHAPTERVII
FOURdaysafterthesecuriousincidentsafuneralstartedfromCantervilleChaseatabouteleveno’clockatnight。Thehearsewasdrawnbyeightblackhorses，eachofwhichcarriedonitsheadagreattuftofnoddingostrich-plumes，andtheleadencoffinwascoveredbyarichpurplepall，onwhichwasembroideredingoldtheCantervillecoat-of-arms。Bythesideofthehearseandthecoacheswalkedtheservantswithlightedtorches，andthewholeprocessionwaswonderfullyimpressive。LordCantervillewasthechiefmourner，havingcomeupspeciallyfromWalestoattendthefuneral，andsatinthefirstcarriagealongwithlittleVirginia。
ThencametheUnitedStatesMinisterandhiswife，thenWashingtonandthethreeboys，andinthelastcarriagewasMrs。Umney。Itwasgenerallyfeltthat，asshehadbeenfrightenedbytheghostformorethanfiftyyearsofherlife，shehadarighttoseethelastofhim。Adeepgravehadbeenduginthecornerofthechurchyard，justundertheoldyew-tree，andtheservicewasreadinthemostimpressivemannerbytheRev。AugustusDampier。Whentheceremonywasover，theservants，accordingtoanoldcustomobservedintheCantervillefamily，extinguishedtheirtorches，and，asthecoffinwasbeingloweredintothegrave，Virginiasteppedforwardandlaidonitalargecrossmadeofwhiteandpinkalmond-blossoms。Asshedidso，themooncameoutfrombehindacloud，andfloodedwithitssilentsilverthelittlechurchyard，andfromadistantcopseanightingalebegantosing。Shethoughtoftheghost’sdescriptionoftheGardenofDeath，hereyesbecamedimwithtears，andshehardlyspokeawordduringthedrivehome。
Thenextmorning，beforeLordCantervillewentuptotown，Mr。OtishadaninterviewwithhimonthesubjectofthejewelstheghosthadgiventoVirginia。Theywereperfectlymagnificent，especiallyacertainrubynecklacewitholdVenetiansetting，whichwasreallyasuperbspecimenofsixteenth-centurywork，andtheirvaluewassogreatthatMr。Otisfeltconsiderablescruplesaboutallowinghisdaughtertoacceptthem。
’Mylord，’hesaid，’Iknowthatinthiscountrymortmainisheldtoapplytotrinketsaswellastoland，anditisquitecleartomethatthesejewelsare，orshouldbe，heirloomsinyourfamily。
Imustbegyou，accordingly，totakethemtoLondonwithyou，andtoregardthemsimplyasaportionofyourpropertywhichhasbeenrestoredtoyouundercertainstrangeconditions。Asformydaughter，sheismerelyachild，andhasasyet，Iamgladtosay，butlittleinterestinsuchappurtenancesofidleluxury。IamalsoinformedbyMrs。Otis，who，Imaysay，isnomeanauthorityuponArt-havinghadtheprivilegeofspendingseveralwintersinBostonwhenshewasagirl-thatthesegemsareofgreatmonetaryworth，andifofferedforsalewouldfetchatallprice。Underthesecircumstances，LordCanterville，Ifeelsurethatyouwillrecognisehowimpossibleitwouldbeformetoallowthemtoremaininthepossessionofanymemberofmyfamily;and，indeed，allsuchvaingaudsandtoys，howeversuitableornecessarytothedignityoftheBritisharistocracy，wouldbecompletelyoutofplaceamongthosewhohavebeenbroughtuponthesevere，andIbelieveimmortal，principlesofrepublicansimplicity。PerhapsIshouldmentionthatVirginiaisveryanxiousthatyoushouldallowhertoretaintheboxasamementoofyourunfortunatebutmisguidedancestor。Asitisextremelyold，andconsequentlyagooddealoutofrepair，youmayperhapsthinkfittocomplywithherrequest。
Formyownpart，IconfessIamagooddealsurprisedtofindachildofmineexpressingsympathywithmediaevalisminanyform，andcanonlyaccountforitbythefactthatVirginiawasborninoneofyourLondonsuburbsshortlyafterMrs。OtishadreturnedfromatriptoAthens。’
LordCantervillelistenedverygravelytotheworthyMinister’sspeech，pullinghisgreymoustachenowandthentohideaninvoluntarysmile，andwhenMr。Otishadended，heshookhimcordiallybythehand，andsaid，’Mydearsir，yourcharminglittledaughterrenderedmyunluckyancestor，SirSimon，averyimportantservice，andIandmyfamilyaremuchindebtedtoherforhermarvellouscourageandpluck。Thejewelsareclearlyhers，and，egad，IbelievethatifIwereheartlessenoughtotakethemfromher，thewickedoldfellowwouldbeoutofhisgraveinafortnight，leadingmethedevilofalife。Asfortheirbeingheirlooms，nothingisanheirloomthatisnotsomentionedinawillorlegaldocument，andtheexistenceofthesejewelshasbeenquiteunknown。IassureyouIhavenomoreclaimonthemthanyourbutler，andwhenMissVirginiagrowsupIdaresayshewillbepleasedtohaveprettythingstowear。Besides，youforget，Mr。
Otis，thatyoutookthefurnitureandtheghostatavaluation，andanythingthatbelongedtotheghostpassedatonceintoyourpossession，as，whateveractivitySirSimonmayhaveshowninthecorridoratnight，inpointoflawhewasreallydead，andyouacquiredhispropertybypurchase。’
Mr。OtiswasagooddealdistressedatLordCanterville’srefusal，andbeggedhimtoreconsiderhisdecision，butthegood-naturedpeerwasquitefirm，andfinallyinducedtheMinistertoallowhisdaughtertoretainthepresenttheghosthadgivenher，andwhen，inthespringof1890，theyoungDuchessofCheshirewaspresentedattheQueen’sfirstdrawing-roomontheoccasionofhermarriage，herjewelsweretheuniversalthemeofadmiration。ForVirginiareceivedthecoronet，whichistherewardofallgoodlittleAmericangirls，andwasmarriedtoherboy-loverassoonashecameofage。Theywerebothsocharming，andtheylovedeachothersomuch，thateveryonewasdelightedatthematch，excepttheoldMarchionessofDumbleton，whohadtriedtocatchtheDukeforoneofhersevenunmarrieddaughters，andhadgivennolessthanthreeexpensivedinner-partiesforthatpurpose，and，strangetosay，Mr。
Otishimself。Mr。OtiswasextremelyfondoftheyoungDukepersonally，but，theoretically，heobjectedtotitles，and，tousehisownwords，’wasnotwithoutapprehensionlest，amidtheenervatinginfluencesofapleasure-lovingaristocracy，thetrueprinciplesofrepublicansimplicityshouldbeforgotten。’Hisobjections，however，werecompletelyoverruled，andIbelievethatwhenhewalkeduptheaisleofSt。George’s，HanoverSquare，withhisdaughterleaningonhisarm，therewasnotaproudermaninthewholelengthandbreadthofEngland。
TheDukeandDuchess，afterthehoneymoonwasover，wentdowntoCantervilleChase，andonthedayaftertheirarrivaltheywalkedoverintheafternoontothelonelychurchyardbythepine-woods。
TherehadbeenagreatdealofdifficultyatfirstabouttheinscriptiononSirSimon’stombstone，butfinallyithadbeendecidedtoengraveonitsimplytheinitialsoftheoldgentleman’sname，andtheversefromthelibrarywindow。TheDuchesshadbroughtwithhersomelovelyroses，whichshestreweduponthegrave，andaftertheyhadstoodbyitforsometimetheystrolledintotheruinedchanceloftheoldabbey。TheretheDuchesssatdownonafallenpillar，whileherhusbandlayatherfeetsmokingacigaretteandlookingupatherbeautifuleyes。Suddenlyhethrewhiscigaretteaway，tookholdofherhand，andsaidtoher，’Virginia，awifeshouldhavenosecretsfromherhusband。’
’DearCecil！Ihavenosecretsfromyou。’
’Yes，youhave，’heanswered，smiling，’youhavenevertoldmewhathappenedtoyouwhenyouwerelockedupwiththeghost。’
’Ihavenevertoldanyone，Cecil，’saidVirginiagravely。
’Iknowthat，butyoumighttellme。’
’Pleasedon’taskme，Cecil，Icannottellyou。PoorSirSimon！I
owehimagreatdeal。Yes，don’tlaugh，Cecil，Ireallydo。HemademeseewhatLifeis，andwhatDeathsignifies，andwhyLoveisstrongerthanboth。’
TheDukeroseandkissedhiswifelovingly。
’YoucanhaveyoursecretaslongasIhaveyourheart，’hemurmured。
’Youhavealwayshadthat，Cecil。’
’Andyouwilltellourchildrensomeday，won’tyou？’
Virginiablushed。
THESPHINXWITHOUTASECRET
ONEafternoonIwassittingoutsidetheCafedelaPaix，watchingthesplendourandshabbinessofParisianlife，andwonderingovermyvermouthatthestrangepanoramaofprideandpovertythatwaspassingbeforeme，whenIheardsomeonecallmyname。Iturnedround，andsawLordMurchison。Wehadnotmetsincewehadbeenatcollegetogether，nearlytenyearsbefore，soIwasdelightedtocomeacrosshimagain，andweshookhandswarmly。AtOxfordwehadbeengreatfriends。Ihadlikedhimimmensely，hewassohandsome，sohigh-spirited，andsohonourable。Weusedtosayofhimthathewouldbethebestoffellows，ifhedidnotalwaysspeakthetruth，butIthinkwereallyadmiredhimallthemoreforhisfrankness。
Ifoundhimagooddealchanged。Helookedanxiousandpuzzled，andseemedtobeindoubtaboutsomething。Ifeltitcouldnotbemodernscepticism，forMurchisonwasthestoutestofTories，andbelievedinthePentateuchasfirmlyashebelievedintheHouseofPeers;soIconcludedthatitwasawoman，andaskedhimifhewasmarriedyet。
’Idon’tunderstandwomenwellenough，’heanswered。
’MydearGerald，’Isaid，’womenaremeanttobeloved，nottobeunderstood。’
’IcannotlovewhereIcannottrust，’hereplied。
’Ibelieveyouhaveamysteryinyourlife，Gerald，’Iexclaimed;
’tellmeaboutit。’
’Letusgoforadrive，’heanswered，’itistoocrowdedhere。No，notayellowcarriage，anyothercolour-there，thatdarkgreenonewilldo’;andinafewmomentsweweretrottingdowntheboulevardinthedirectionoftheMadeleine。
’Whereshallwegoto？’Isaid。
’Oh，anywhereyoulike！’heanswered-’totherestaurantintheBois;wewilldinethere，andyoushalltellmeallaboutyourself。’
’Iwanttohearaboutyoufirst，’Isaid。’Tellmeyourmystery。’
Hetookfromhispocketalittlesilver-claspedmoroccocase，andhandedittome。Iopenedit。Insidetherewasthephotographofawoman。Shewastallandslight，andstrangelypicturesquewithherlargevagueeyesandloosenedhair。ShelookedlikeaCLAIRVOYANTE，andwaswrappedinrichfurs。
’Whatdoyouthinkofthatface？’hesaid;’isittruthful？’
Iexamineditcarefully。Itseemedtomethefaceofsomeonewhohadasecret，butwhetherthatsecretwasgoodorevilIcouldnotsay。Itsbeautywasabeautymouldedoutofmanymysteries-thebeauty，infact，whichispsychological，notplastic-andthefaintsmilethatjustplayedacrossthelipswasfartoosubtletobereallysweet。
’Well，’hecriedimpatiently，’whatdoyousay？’
’SheistheGiocondainsables，’Ianswered。’Letmeknowallabouther。’
’Notnow，’hesaid;’afterdinner，’andbegantotalkofotherthings。
WhenthewaiterbroughtusourcoffeeandcigarettesIremindedGeraldofhispromise。Herosefromhisseat，walkedtwoorthreetimesupanddowntheroom，and，sinkingintoanarmchair，toldmethefollowingstory：-
’Oneevening，’hesaid，’IwaswalkingdownBondStreetaboutfiveo’clock。Therewasaterrificcrushofcarriages，andthetrafficwasalmoststopped。Closetothepavementwasstandingalittleyellowbrougham，which，forsomereasonorother，attractedmyattention。AsIpassedbytherelookedoutfromitthefaceI
showedyouthisafternoon。Itfascinatedmeimmediately。AllthatnightIkeptthinkingofit，andallthenextday。IwanderedupanddownthatwretchedRow，peeringintoeverycarriage，andwaitingfortheyellowbrougham;butIcouldnotfindMABELLE
INCONNUE，andatlastIbegantothinkshewasmerelyadream。
AboutaweekafterwardsIwasdiningwithMadamedeRastail。
Dinnerwasforeighto’clock;butathalf-pasteightwewerestillwaitinginthedrawing-room。Finallytheservantthrewopenthedoor，andannouncedLadyAlroy。ItwasthewomanIhadbeenlookingfor。Shecameinveryslowly，lookinglikeamoonbeamingreylace，and，tomyintensedelight，Iwasaskedtotakeherintodinner。Afterwehadsatdown，Iremarkedquiteinnocently，\"I
thinkIcaughtsightofyouinBondStreetsometimeago，LadyAlroy。\"Shegrewverypale，andsaidtomeinalowvoice，\"Praydonottalksoloud;youmaybeoverheard。\"Ifeltmiserableathavingmadesuchabadbeginning，andplungedrecklesslyintothesubjectoftheFrenchplays。Shespokeverylittle，alwaysinthesamelowmusicalvoice，andseemedasifshewasafraidofsomeonelistening。Ifellpassionately，stupidlyinlove，andtheindefinableatmosphereofmysterythatsurroundedherexcitedmymostardentcuriosity。Whenshewasgoingaway，whichshedidverysoonafterdinner，IaskedherifImightcallandseeher。Shehesitatedforamoment，glancedroundtoseeifanyonewasnearus，andthensaid，\"Yes;to-morrowataquartertofive。\"IbeggedMadamedeRastailtotellmeabouther;butallthatIcouldlearnwasthatshewasawidowwithabeautifulhouseinParkLane，andassomescientificborebeganadissertationonwidows，asexemplifyingthesurvivalofthematrimoniallyfittest，Ileftandwenthome。
’ThenextdayIarrivedatParkLanepunctualtothemoment，butwastoldbythebutlerthatLadyAlroyhadjustgoneout。Iwentdowntotheclubquiteunhappyandverymuchpuzzled，andafterlongconsiderationwroteheraletter，askingifImightbeallowedtotrymychancesomeotherafternoon。Ihadnoanswerforseveraldays，butatlastIgotalittlenotesayingshewouldbeathomeonSundayatfourandwiththisextraordinarypostscript：\"Pleasedonotwritetomehereagain;IwillexplainwhenIseeyou。\"OnSundayshereceivedme，andwasperfectlycharming;butwhenIwasgoingawayshebeggedofme，ifIeverhadoccasiontowritetoheragain，toaddressmyletterto\"Mrs。Knox，careofWhittaker’sLibrary，GreenStreet。\"\"Therearereasons，\"shesaid，\"whyI
cannotreceivelettersinmyownhouse。\"
’AllthroughtheseasonIsawagreatdealofher，andtheatmosphereofmysteryneverlefther。SometimesIthoughtthatshewasinthepowerofsomeman，butshelookedsounapproachable，thatIcouldnotbelieveit。Itwasreallyverydifficultformetocometoanyconclusion，forshewaslikeoneofthosestrangecrystalsthatoneseesinmuseums，whichareatonemomentclear，andatanotherclouded。AtlastIdeterminedtoaskhertobemywife：Iwassickandtiredoftheincessantsecrecythatsheimposedonallmyvisits，andonthefewlettersIsenther。I
wrotetoheratthelibrarytoaskherifshecouldseemethefollowingMondayatsix。Sheansweredyes，andIwasintheseventhheavenofdelight。Iwasinfatuatedwithher：inspiteofthemystery，Ithoughtthen-inconsequenceofit，Iseenow。No;
itwasthewomanherselfIloved。Themysterytroubledme，maddenedme。Whydidchanceputmeinitstrack？’
’Youdiscoveredit，then？’Icried。
’Ifearso，’heanswered。’Youcanjudgeforyourself。’
’WhenMondaycameroundIwenttolunchwithmyuncle，andaboutfouro’clockfoundmyselfintheMaryleboneRoad。Myuncle，youknow，livesinRegent’sPark。IwantedtogettoPiccadilly，andtookashortcutthroughalotofshabbylittlestreets。SuddenlyIsawinfrontofmeLadyAlroy，deeplyveiledandwalkingveryfast。Oncomingtothelasthouseinthestreet，shewentupthesteps，tookoutalatch-key，andletherselfin。\"Hereisthemystery，\"Isaidtomyself;andIhurriedonandexaminedthehouse。Itseemedasortofplaceforlettinglodgings。Onthedoorsteplayherhandkerchief，whichshehaddropped。Ipickeditupandputitinmypocket。ThenIbegantoconsiderwhatIshoulddo。IcametotheconclusionthatIhadnorighttospyonher，andIdrovedowntotheclub。AtsixIcalledtoseeher。Shewaslyingonasofa，inatea-gownofsilvertissueloopedupbysomestrangemoonstonesthatshealwayswore。Shewaslookingquitelovely。\"Iamsogladtoseeyou，\"shesaid;\"Ihavenotbeenoutallday。\"Istaredatherinamazement，andpullingthehandkerchiefoutofmypocket，handedittoher。\"YoudroppedthisinCumnorStreetthisafternoon，LadyAlroy，\"Isaidverycalmly。
Shelookedatmeinterrorbutmadenoattempttotakethehandkerchief。\"Whatwereyoudoingthere？\"Iasked。\"Whatrighthaveyoutoquestionme？\"sheanswered。\"Therightofamanwholovesyou，\"Ireplied;\"Icameheretoaskyoutobemywife。\"Shehidherfaceinherhands，andburstintofloodsoftears。\"Youmusttellme，\"Icontinued。Shestoodup，and，lookingmestraightintheface，said，\"LordMurchison，thereisnothingtotellyou。\"-
\"Youwenttomeetsomeone，\"Icried;\"thisisyourmystery。\"
Shegrewdreadfullywhite，andsaid，\"Iwenttomeetnoone。\"-
\"Can’tyoutellthetruth？\"Iexclaimed。\"Ihavetoldit，\"shereplied。Iwasmad，frantic;Idon’tknowwhatIsaid，butIsaidterriblethingstoher。FinallyIrushedoutofthehouse。Shewrotemealetterthenextday;Isentitbackunopened，andstartedforNorwaywithAlanColville。AfteramonthIcameback，andthefirstthingIsawintheMORNINGPOSTwasthedeathofLadyAlroy。ShehadcaughtachillattheOpera，andhaddiedinfivedaysofcongestionofthelungs。Ishutmyselfupandsawnoone。
Ihadlovedhersomuch，Ihadlovedhersomadly。GoodGod！howI
hadlovedthatwoman！’
’Youwenttothestreet，tothehouseinit？’Isaid。
’Yes，’heanswered。
’OnedayIwenttoCumnorStreet。Icouldnothelpit;Iwastorturedwithdoubt。Iknockedatthedoor，andarespectable-
lookingwomanopenedittome。Iaskedherifshehadanyroomstolet。\"Well，sir，\"shereplied，\"thedrawing-roomsaresupposedtobelet;butIhavenotseentheladyforthreemonths，andasrentisowingonthem，youcanhavethem。\"-\"Isthisthelady？\"Isaid，showingthephotograph。\"That’sher，sureenough，\"sheexclaimed;
\"andwhenisshecomingback，sir？\"-\"Theladyisdead，\"I
replied。\"Ohsir，Ihopenot！\"saidthewoman;\"shewasmybestlodger。Shepaidmethreeguineasaweekmerelytositinmydrawing-roomsnowandthen。\"\"Shemetsomeonehere？\"Isaid;butthewomanassuredmethatitwasnotso，thatshealwayscamealone，andsawnoone。\"Whatonearthdidshedohere？\"Icried。
\"Shesimplysatinthedrawing-room，sir，readingbooks，andsometimeshadtea，\"thewomananswered。Ididnotknowwhattosay，soIgaveherasovereignandwentaway。Now，whatdoyouthinkitallmeant？Youdon’tbelievethewomanwastellingthetruth？’
’Ido。’
’ThenwhydidLadyAlroygothere？’
’MydearGerald，’Ianswered，’LadyAlroywassimplyawomanwithamaniaformystery。Shetooktheseroomsforthepleasureofgoingtherewithherveildown，andimaginingshewasaheroine。Shehadapassionforsecrecy，butsheherselfwasmerelyaSphinxwithoutasecret。’
’Doyoureallythinkso？’
’Iamsureofit，’Ireplied。
Hetookoutthemoroccocase，openedit，andlookedatthephotograph。’Iwonder？’hesaidatlast。
THEMODELMILLIONAIRE
UNLESSoneiswealthythereisnouseinbeingacharmingfellow。
Romanceistheprivilegeoftherich，nottheprofessionoftheunemployed。Thepoorshouldbepracticalandprosaic。Itisbettertohaveapermanentincomethantobefascinating。ThesearethegreattruthsofmodernlifewhichHughieErskineneverrealised。PoorHughie！Intellectually，wemustadmit，hewasnotofmuchimportance。Heneversaidabrilliantorevenanill-
naturedthinginhislife。Butthenhewaswonderfullygood-
looking，withhiscrispbrownhair，hisclear-cutprofile，andhisgreyeyes。Hewasaspopularwithmenashewaswithwomenandhehadeveryaccomplishmentexceptthatofmakingmoney。HisfatherhadbequeathedhimhiscavalryswordandaHISTORYOFTHE
PENINSULARWARinfifteenvolumes。Hughiehungthefirstoverhislooking-glass，putthesecondonashelfbetweenRUFF’SGUIDEandBAILEY’SMAGAZINE，andlivedontwohundredayearthatanoldauntallowedhim。Hehadtriedeverything。HehadgoneontheStockExchangeforsixmonths;butwhatwasabutterflytodoamongbullsandbears？Hehadbeenatea-merchantforalittlelonger，buthadsoontiredofpekoeandsouchong。Thenhehadtriedsellingdrysherry。Thatdidnotanswer;thesherrywasalittletoodry。
Ultimatelyhebecamenothing，adelightful，ineffectualyoungmanwithaperfectprofileandnoprofession。
Tomakemattersworse，hewasinlove。ThegirlhelovedwasLauraMerton，thedaughterofaretiredColonelwhohadlosthistemperandhisdigestioninIndia，andhadneverfoundeitherofthemagain。Lauraadoredhim，andhewasreadytokisshershoe-
strings。TheywerethehandsomestcoupleinLondon，andhadnotapenny-piecebetweenthem。TheColonelwasveryfondofHughie，butwouldnothearofanyengagement。
’Cometome，myboy，whenyouhavegottenthousandpoundsofyourown，andwewillseeaboutit，’heusedtosay;andHughielookedverygluminthosedays，andhadtogotoLauraforconsolation。
Onemorning，ashewasonhiswaytoHollandPark，wheretheMertonslived，hedroppedintoseeagreatfriendofhis，AlanTrevor。Trevorwasapainter。Indeed，fewpeopleescapethatnowadays。Buthewasalsoanartist，andartistsareratherrare。
Personallyhewasastrangeroughfellow，withafreckledfaceandaredraggedbeard。However，whenhetookupthebrushhewasarealmaster，andhispictureswereeagerlysoughtafter。HehadbeenverymuchattractedbyHughieatfirst，itmustbeacknowledged，entirelyonaccountofhispersonalcharm。’Theonlypeopleapaintershouldknow，’heusedtosay，’arepeoplewhoareBETEandbeautiful，peoplewhoareanartisticpleasuretolookatandanintellectualreposetotalkto。Menwhoaredandiesandwomenwhoaredarlingsruletheworld，atleasttheyshoulddoso。’
However，afterhegottoknowHughiebetter，helikedhimquiteasmuchforhisbright，buoyantspiritsandhisgenerous，recklessnature，andhadgivenhimthepermanentENTREEtohisstudio。
WhenHughiecameinhefoundTrevorputtingthefinishingtouchestoawonderfullife-sizepictureofabeggar-man。Thebeggarhimselfwasstandingonaraisedplatforminacornerofthestudio。Hewasawizenedoldman，withafacelikewrinkledparchment，andamostpiteousexpression。Overhisshoulderswasflungacoarsebrowncloak，alltearsandtatters;histhickbootswerepatchedandcobbled，andwithonehandheleantonaroughstick，whilewiththeotherheheldouthisbatteredhatforalms。
’Whatanamazingmodel！’whisperedHughie，asheshookhandswithhisfriend。
’Anamazingmodel？’shoutedTrevoratthetopofhisvoice;’I
shouldthinkso！Suchbeggarsashearenottobemetwitheveryday。ATROUVAILLE，MONCHER;alivingVelasquez！Mystars！whatanetchingRembrandtwouldhavemadeofhim！’
’Pooroldchap！’saidHughie，’howmiserablehelooks！ButI
suppose，toyoupainters，hisfaceishisfortune？’
’Certainly，’repliedTrevor，’youdon’twantabeggartolookhappy，doyou？’
’Howmuchdoesamodelgetforsitting？’askedHughie，ashefoundhimselfacomfortableseatonadivan。
’Ashillinganhour。’
’Andhowmuchdoyougetforyourpicture，Alan？’
’Oh，forthisIgettwothousand！’
’Pounds？’
’Guineas。Painters，poets，andphysiciansalwaysgetguineas。’
’Well，Ithinkthemodelshouldhaveapercentage，’criedHughie，laughing;’theyworkquiteashardasyoudo。’
’Nonsense，nonsense！Why，lookatthetroubleoflayingonthepaintalone，andstandingalldaylongatone’seasel！It’sallverywell，Hughie，foryoutotalk，butIassureyouthattherearemomentswhenArtalmostattainstothedignityofmanuallabour。
Butyoumustn’tchatter;I’mverybusy。Smokeacigarette，andkeepquiet。’
Aftersometimetheservantcamein，andtoldTrevorthattheframemakerwantedtospeaktohim。
’Don’trunaway，Hughie，’hesaid，ashewentout，’Iwillbebackinamoment。’
Theoldbeggar-mantookadvantageofTrevor’sabsencetorestforamomentonawoodenbenchthatwasbehindhim。HelookedsoforlornandwretchedthatHughiecouldnothelppityinghim，andfeltinhispocketstoseewhatmoneyhehad。Allhecouldfindwasasovereignandsomecoppers。’Pooroldfellow，’hethoughttohimself，’hewantsitmorethanIdo，butitmeansnohansomsforafortnight’;andhewalkedacrossthestudioandslippedthesovereignintothebeggar’shand。
Theoldmanstarted，andafaintsmileflittedacrosshiswitheredlips。’Thankyou，sir，’hesaid，’thankyou。’
ThenTrevorarrived，andHughietookhisleave，blushingalittleatwhathehaddone。HespentthedaywithLaura，gotacharmingscoldingforhisextravagance，andhadtowalkhome。
ThatnighthestrolledintothePaletteClubabouteleveno’clock，andfoundTrevorsittingbyhimselfinthesmoking-roomdrinkinghockandseltzer。
’Well，Alan，didyougetthepicturefinishedallright？’hesaid，ashelithiscigarette。
’Finishedandframed，myboy！’answeredTrevor;’and，bythebye，youhavemadeaconquest。Thatoldmodelyousawisquitedevotedtoyou。Ihadtotellhimallaboutyou-whoyouare，whereyoulive，whatyourincomeis，whatprospectsyouhave-’
’MydearAlan，’criedHughie，’IshallprobablyfindhimwaitingformewhenIgohome。Butofcourseyouareonlyjoking。Pooroldwretch！IwishIcoulddosomethingforhim。Ithinkitisdreadfulthatanyoneshouldbesomiserable。Ihavegotheapsofoldclothesathome-doyouthinkhewouldcareforanyofthem？
Why，hisragswerefallingtobits。’
’Buthelookssplendidinthem，’saidTrevor。’Iwouldn’tpainthiminafrockcoatforanything。WhatyoucallragsIcallromance。Whatseemspovertytoyouispicturesquenesstome。
However，I’lltellhimofyouroffer。’
’Alan，’saidHughieseriously，’youpaintersareaheartlesslot。’
’Anartist’sheartishishead，’repliedTrevor;’andbesides，ourbusinessistorealisetheworldasweseeit，nottoreformitasweknowit。ACHACUNSONMETIER。AndnowtellmehowLaurais。
Theoldmodelwasquiteinterestedinher。’
’Youdon’tmeantosayyoutalkedtohimabouther？’saidHughie。
’CertainlyIdid。Heknowsallabouttherelentlesscolonel，thelovelyLaura，andthe10，000pounds。’
’Youtoldthatoldbeggarallmyprivateaffairs？’criedHughie，lookingveryredandangry。
’Mydearboy，’saidTrevor，smiling，’thatoldbeggar，asyoucallhim，isoneoftherichestmeninEurope。HecouldbuyallLondonto-morrowwithoutoverdrawinghisaccount。Hehasahouseineverycapital，dinesoffgoldplate，andcanpreventRussiagoingtowarwhenhechooses。’
’Whatonearthdoyoumean？’exclaimedHughie。
’WhatIsay，’saidTrevor。’Theoldmanyousawto-dayinthestudiowasBaronHausberg。Heisagreatfriendofmine，buysallmypicturesandthatsortofthing，andgavemeacommissionamonthagotopainthimasabeggar。QUEVOULEZ-VOUS？LAFANTAISIE
D’UNMILLIONNAIRE！AndImustsayhemadeamagnificentfigureinhisrags，orperhapsIshouldsayinmyrags;theyareanoldsuitIgotinSpain。’
’BaronHausberg！’criedHughie。’Goodheavens！Igavehimasovereign！’andhesankintoanarmchairthepictureofdismay。
’Gavehimasovereign！’shoutedTrevor，andheburstintoaroaroflaughter。’Mydearboy，you’llneverseeitagain。SONAFFAIRE
C’ESTL’ARGENTDESAUTRES。’
’Ithinkyoumighthavetoldme，Alan，’saidHughiesulkily，’andnothaveletmemakesuchafoolofmyself。’
’Well，tobeginwith，Hughie，’saidTrevor，’itneverenteredmymindthatyouwentaboutdistributingalmsinthatrecklessway。I
canunderstandyourkissingaprettymodel，butyourgivingasovereigntoanuglyone-byJove，no！Besides，thefactisthatIreallywasnotathometo-daytoanyone;andwhenyoucameinI
didn’tknowwhetherHausbergwouldlikehisnamementioned。Youknowhewasn’tinfulldress。’
’Whatadufferhemustthinkme！’saidHughie。
’Notatall。Hewasinthehighestspiritsafteryouleft;keptchucklingtohimselfandrubbinghisoldwrinkledhandstogether。
Icouldn’tmakeoutwhyhewassointerestedtoknowallaboutyou;
butIseeitallnow。He’llinvestyoursovereignforyou，Hughie，payyoutheinteresteverysixmonths，andhaveacapitalstorytotellafterdinner。’
’Iamanunluckydevil，’growledHughie。’ThebestthingIcandoistogotobed;and，mydearAlan，youmustn’ttellanyone。I
shouldn’tdareshowmyfaceintheRow。’
’Nonsense！Itreflectsthehighestcreditonyourphilanthropicspirit，Hughie。Anddon’trunaway。Haveanothercigarette，andyoucantalkaboutLauraasmuchasyoulike。’
However，Hughiewouldn’tstop，butwalkedhome，feelingveryunhappy，andleavingAlanTrevorinfitsoflaughter。
Thenextmorning，ashewasatbreakfast，theservantbroughthimupacardonwhichwaswritten，’MonsieurGustaveNaudin，DELA
PARTDEM。leBaronHausberg。’’Isupposehehascomeforanapology，’saidHughietohimself;andhetoldtheservanttoshowthevisitorup。
Anoldgentlemanwithgoldspectaclesandgreyhaircameintotheroom，andsaid，inaslightFrenchaccent，’HaveIthehonourofaddressingMonsieurErskine？’
Hughiebowed。
’IhavecomefromBaronHausberg，’hecontinued。’TheBaron-’
’Ibeg，sir，thatyouwillofferhimmysincerestapologies，’
stammeredHughie。
’TheBaron，’saidtheoldgentlemanwithasmile，’hascommissionedmetobringyouthisletter’;andheextendedasealedenvelope。
Ontheoutsidewaswritten，’AweddingpresenttoHughErskineandLauraMerton，fromanoldbeggar，’andinsidewasachequefor10，000pounds。
WhentheyweremarriedAlanTrevorwasthebestman，andtheBaronmadeaspeechattheweddingbreakfast。
’Millionairemodels，’remarkedAlan，’arerareenough;but，byJove，modelmillionairesarerarerstill！’
THEPORTRAITOFMR。W。H。
CHAPTERI
IHADbeendiningwithErskineinhisprettylittlehouseinBirdcageWalk，andweweresittinginthelibraryoverourcoffeeandcigarettes，whenthequestionofliteraryforgerieshappenedtoturnupinconversation。Icannotatpresentrememberhowitwasthatwestruckuponthissomewhatcurioustopic，asitwasatthattime，butIknowthatwehadalongdiscussionaboutMacpherson，Ireland，andChatterton，andthatwithregardtothelastI
insistedthathisso-calledforgeriesweremerelytheresultofanartisticdesireforperfectrepresentation;thatwehadnorighttoquarrelwithanartistfortheconditionsunderwhichhechoosestopresenthiswork;andthatallArtbeingtoacertaindegreeamodeofacting，anattempttorealiseone’sownpersonalityonsomeimaginativeplaneoutofreachofthetrammellingaccidentsandlimitationsofreallife，tocensureanartistforaforgerywastoconfuseanethicalwithanaestheticalproblem。
Erskine，whowasagooddealolderthanIwas，andhadbeenlisteningtomewiththeamuseddeferenceofamanofforty，suddenlyputhishanduponmyshoulderandsaidtome，’Whatwouldyousayaboutayoungmanwhohadastrangetheoryaboutacertainworkofart，believedinhistheory，andcommittedaforgeryinordertoproveit？’
’Ah！thatisquiteadifferentmatter，’Ianswered。
Erskineremainedsilentforafewmoments，lookingatthethingreythreadsofsmokethatwererisingfromhiscigarette。’Yes，’hesaid，afterapause，’quitedifferent。’
Therewassomethinginthetoneofhisvoice，aslighttouchofbitternessperhaps，thatexcitedmycuriosity。’Didyoueverknowanybodywhodidthat？’Icried。
’Yes，’heanswered，throwinghiscigaretteintothefire，-’agreatfriendofmine，CyrilGraham。Hewasveryfascinating，andveryfoolish，andveryheartless。However，heleftmetheonlylegacyIeverreceivedinmylife。’
’Whatwasthat？’Iexclaimed。Erskinerosefromhisseat，andgoingovertoatallinlaidcabinetthatstoodbetweenthetwowindows，unlockedit，andcamebacktowhereIwassitting，holdinginhishandasmallpanelpicturesetinanoldandsomewhattarnishedElizabethanframe。
Itwasafull-lengthportraitofayoungmaninlatesixteenth-
centurycostume，standingbyatable，withhisrighthandrestingonanopenbook。Heseemedaboutseventeenyearsofage，andwasofquiteextraordinarypersonalbeauty，thoughevidentlysomewhateffeminate。Indeed，haditnotbeenforthedressandthecloselycroppedhair，onewouldhavesaidthatthefacewithitsdreamywistfuleyes，anditsdelicatescarletlips，wasthefaceofagirl。Inmanner，andespeciallyinthetreatmentofthehands，thepictureremindedoneofFrancoisClouet’slaterwork。Theblackvelvetdoubletwithitsfantasticallygildedpoints，andthepeacock-bluebackgroundagainstwhichitshowedupsopleasantly，andfromwhichitgainedsuchluminousvalueofcolour，werequiteinClouet’sstyle;andthetwomasksofTragedyandComedythathungsomewhatformallyfromthemarblepedestalhadthathardseverityoftouch-sodifferentfromthefacilegraceoftheItalians-whichevenattheCourtofFrancethegreatFlemishmasternevercompletelylost，andwhichinitselfhasalwaysbeenacharacteristicofthenortherntemper。
’Itisacharmingthing，’Icried，’butwhoisthiswonderfulyoungman，whosebeautyArthassohappilypreservedforus？’
’ThisistheportraitofMr。W。H。，’saidErskine，withasadsmile。Itmighthavebeenachanceeffectoflight，butitseemedtomethathiseyeswerequitebrightwithtears。
’Mr。W。H。！’Iexclaimed;’whowasMr。W。H。？’
’Don’tyouremember？’heanswered;’lookatthebookonwhichhishandisresting。’
’Iseethereissomewritingthere，butIcannotmakeitout，’I
replied。
’Takethismagnifying-glassandtry，’saidErskine，withthesamesadsmilestillplayingabouthismouth。
Itooktheglass，andmovingthelampalittlenearer，Ibegantospelloutthecrabbedsixteenth-centuryhandwriting。’Totheonliebegetteroftheseinsuingsonnets。’……’Goodheavens！’Icried，’isthisShakespeare’sMr。W。H。？’
’CyrilGrahamusedtosayso，’mutteredErskine。
’ButitisnotabitlikeLordPembroke，’Ianswered。’IknowthePenshurstportraitsverywell。Iwasstayingnearthereafewweeksago。’
’DoyoureallybelievethenthatthesonnetsareaddressedtoLordPembroke？’heasked。
’Iamsureofit，’Ianswered。’Pembroke，Shakespeare，andMrs。
MaryFittonarethethreepersonagesoftheSonnets;thereisnodoubtatallaboutit。’
’Well，Iagreewithyou，’saidErskine，’butIdidnotalwaysthinkso。Iusedtobelieve-well，IsupposeIusedtobelieveinCyrilGrahamandhistheory。’
’Andwhatwasthat？’Iasked，lookingatthewonderfulportrait，whichhadalreadybeguntohaveastrangefascinationforme。
’Itisalongstory，’saidErskine，takingthepictureawayfromme-ratherabruptlyIthoughtatthetime-’averylongstory;butifyoucaretohearit，Iwilltellittoyou。’
’IlovetheoriesabouttheSonnets，’Icried;’butIdon’tthinkI
amlikelytobeconvertedtoanynewidea。Thematterhasceasedtobeamysterytoanyone。Indeed，Iwonderthatiteverwasamystery。’
’AsIdon’tbelieveinthetheory，Iamnotlikelytoconvertyoutoit，’saidErskine，laughing;’butitmayinterestyou。’
’Tellittome，ofcourse，’Ianswered。’Ifitishalfasdelightfulasthepicture，Ishallbemorethansatisfied。’
’Well，’saidErskine，lightingacigarette，’ImustbeginbytellingyouaboutCyrilGrahamhimself。HeandIwereatthesamehouseatEton。Iwasayearortwoolderthanhewas，butwewereimmensefriends，anddidallourworkandallourplaytogether。
Therewas，ofcourse，agooddealmoreplaythanwork，butIcannotsaythatIamsorryforthat。Itisalwaysanadvantagenottohavereceivedasoundcommercialeducation，andwhatIlearnedintheplayingfieldsatEtonhasbeenquiteasusefultomeasanythingIwastaughtatCambridge。IshouldtellyouthatCyril’sfatherandmotherwerebothdead。TheyhadbeendrownedinahorribleyachtingaccidentofftheIsleofWight。Hisfatherhadbeeninthediplomaticservice，andhadmarriedadaughter，theonlydaughter，infact，ofoldLordCrediton，whobecameCyril’sguardianafterthedeathofhisparents。Idon’tthinkthatLordCreditoncaredverymuchforCyril。Hehadneverreallyforgivenhisdaughterformarryingamanwhohadnotatitle。Hewasanextraordinaryoldaristocrat，whosworelikeacostermonger，andhadthemannersofafarmer。IrememberseeinghimonceonSpeech-
day。Hegrowledatme，gavemeasovereign，andtoldmenottogrowup\"adamnedRadical\"likemyfather。Cyrilhadverylittleaffectionforhim，andwasonlytoogladtospendmostofhisholidayswithusinScotland。Theyneverreallygotontogetheratall。Cyrilthoughthimabear，andhethoughtCyrileffeminate。
Hewaseffeminate，Isuppose，insomethings，thoughhewasaverygoodriderandacapitalfencer。InfacthegotthefoilsbeforeheleftEton。Buthewasverylanguidinhismanner，andnotalittlevainofhisgoodlooks，andhadastrongobjectiontofootball。Thetwothingsthatreallygavehimpleasurewerepoetryandacting。AtEtonhewasalwaysdressingupandrecitingShakespeare，andwhenwewentuptoTrinityhebecameamemberoftheA。D。C。hisfirstterm。IrememberIwasalwaysveryjealousofhisacting。Iwasabsurdlydevotedtohim;Isupposebecauseweweresodifferentinsomethings。Iwasaratherawkward，weaklylad，withhugefeet，andhorriblyfreckled。FrecklesruninScotchfamiliesjustasgoutdoesinEnglishfamilies。Cyrilusedtosaythatofthetwohepreferredthegout;buthealwayssetanabsurdlyhighvalueonpersonalappearance，andoncereadapaperbeforeourdebatingsocietytoprovethatitwasbettertobegood-
lookingthantobegood。Hecertainlywaswonderfullyhandsome。
Peoplewhodidnotlikehim，Philistinesandcollegetutors，andyoungmenreadingfortheChurch，usedtosaythathewasmerelypretty;buttherewasagreatdealmoreinhisfacethanmereprettiness。IthinkhewasthemostsplendidcreatureIeversaw，andnothingcouldexceedthegraceofhismovements，thecharmofhismanner。Hefascinatedeverybodywhowasworthfascinating，andagreatmanypeoplewhowerenot。Hewasoftenwilfulandpetulant，andIusedtothinkhimdreadfullyinsincere。Itwasdue，Ithink，chieflytohisinordinatedesiretoplease。PoorCyril！Itoldhimoncethathewascontentedwithverycheaptriumphs，butheonlylaughed。Hewashorriblyspoiled。Allcharmingpeople，Ifancy，arespoiled。Itisthesecretoftheirattraction。
’However，ImusttellyouaboutCyril’sacting。YouknowthatnoactressesareallowedtoplayattheA。D。C。Atleasttheywerenotinmytime。Idon’tknowhowitisnow。Well，ofcourse，Cyrilwasalwayscastforthegirls’parts，andwhenASYOULIKEITwasproducedheplayedRosalind。Itwasamarvellousperformance。Infact，CyrilGrahamwastheonlyperfectRosalindIhaveeverseen。
Itwouldbeimpossibletodescribetoyouthebeauty，thedelicacy，therefinementofthewholething。Itmadeanimmensesensation，andthehorridlittletheatre，asitwasthen，wascrowdedeverynight。EvenwhenIreadtheplaynowIcan’thelpthinkingofCyril。Itmighthavebeenwrittenforhim。Thenexttermhetookhisdegree，andcametoLondontoreadforthediplomatic。Butheneverdidanywork。HespenthisdaysinreadingShakespeare’sSonnets，andhiseveningsatthetheatre。Hewas，ofcourse，wildtogoonthestage。ItwasallthatIandLordCreditoncoulddotopreventhim。Perhapsifhehadgoneonthestagehewouldbealivenow。Itisalwaysasillythingtogiveadvice，buttogivegoodadviceisabsolutelyfatal。Ihopeyouwillneverfallintothaterror。Ifyoudo，youwillbesorryforit。
’Well，tocometotherealpointofthestory，onedayIgotaletterfromCyrilaskingmetocomeroundtohisroomsthatevening。HehadcharmingchambersinPiccadillyoverlookingtheGreenPark，andasIusedtogotoseehimeveryday，Iwasrathersurprisedathistakingthetroubletowrite。OfcourseIwent，andwhenIarrivedIfoundhiminastateofgreatexcitement。HetoldmethathehadatlastdiscoveredthetruesecretofShakespeare’sSonnets;thatallthescholarsandcriticshadbeenentirelyonthewrongtack;andthathewasthefirstwho，workingpurelybyinternalevidence，hadfoundoutwhoMr。W。H。reallywas。Hewasperfectlywildwithdelight，andforalongtimewouldnottellmehistheory。Finally，heproducedabundleofnotes，tookhiscopyoftheSonnetsoffthemantelpiece，andsatdownandgavemealonglectureonthewholesubject。
’HebeganbypointingoutthattheyoungmantowhomShakespeareaddressedthesestrangelypassionatepoemsmusthavebeensomebodywhowasareallyvitalfactorinthedevelopmentofhisdramaticart，andthatthiscouldnotbesaideitherofLordPembrokeorLordSouthampton。Indeed，whoeverhewas，hecouldnothavebeenanybodyofhighbirth，aswasshownveryclearlybythe25thSonnet，inwhichShakespearecontrastinghimselfwiththosewhoare\"greatprinces’favourites，\"saysquitefrankly-