"She is marrying because she wants a husband," said some.
"She is marrying because she wants a footman and her liberty," said
others.
"How stupid of her to get married," said the third; "she doesn't know
that she will be even less her own mistress than she is now."
"Don't be afraid," said the fourth, "she'll hold her own in spite of
her marriage."
What was he like? Who was he? Where had she found him?
He was a young lawyer, rather effeminate in appearance, with broad
hips and a shy manner. He was an only son, brought up by his mother
and aunt. He had always been very much afraid of girls, and he detested
the officers on account of their assurance, and because they were the
favourites at all entertainments. That is what he was like.
They were staying at a watering place and met at a dance. He had come
late and all the girls' programmes were full. A laughing, triumphant
"No!" was flung into his face wherever he asked for a dance, and a
movement of the programme brushed him away as if he were a buzzing
fly.
Offended and humiliated he left the ball-room and sat down on the
verandah to smoke a cigar. The moon threw her light on the lime-trees
in the Park and the perfume of the mignonette rose from the flower
beds.
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