Kipps ✨ By H. G. Wells FULL Audiobook

Kipps. By H. G. Wells FULL Audiobook
Let me provide you with a detailed summary of “Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul” by H. G. Wells.

Plot Summary:
The novel follows the life of Arthur “Artie” Kipps, an illegitimate orphan who grows up in the coastal town of New Romney, Kent. In the first part of the book, titled “The Making of Kipps,” we witness his upbringing by his elderly aunt and uncle. Kipps attends the Cavendish Academy in Hastings, where he befriends Sid Pornick, the son of a neighbor. His childhood infatuation with Sid’s younger sister, Ann, leaves a lasting impression.

At the age of 14, Kipps is apprenticed to Mr. Shalford’s Folkestone Drapery Bazaar. His life takes an unexpected turn when he collides with Chitterlow, an eccentric actor and aspiring playwright. Their drunken encounter leads to Kipps losing his job. However, Chitterlow introduces him to a newspaper advertisement that reveals an astonishing inheritance from his grandfather: a house and £26,000.

In the second part, “Mr. Coote the Chaperon,” Kipps grapples with his newfound wealth and social status. He meets Mr. Coote, who undertakes his social education. Kipps rekindles his relationship with Helen Walshingham, a woodcarving teacher, and they become engaged. But Helen’s desire to use Kipps’ fortune for her own social advancement strains their relationship.

Chance encounters with Sid, now a socialist, and Ann, who works as a housemaid, lead Kipps to question societal conventions. Ultimately, he breaks off his engagement with Helen and marries his childhood sweetheart, Ann. In the third part, “Kippses,” Kipps faces the complexities of English social hierarchy as he searches for a suitable home. Quarrels with Ann and financial setbacks test their relationship.

When Helen’s brother squanders their fortune through speculation, Kipps opens a branch of the Associated Booksellers’ Trading Union in Hythe. The success of Chitterlow’s play restores their wealth, but Kipps and Ann find contentment as small-town shopkeepers.

Themes and Analysis:
“Kipps” explores class differences, wealth, and social mobility. Kipps’ journey from poverty to affluence highlights the challenges of adapting to a new station in life. Wells delves into the intellectual, moral, and emotional struggles that accompany such a transformation. The novel serves as a rags-to-riches study, emphasizing the complexities of identity and self-discovery.

Conclusion:
H. G. Wells masterfully portrays Kipps’ evolution from a simple soul to a man navigating the intricacies of privilege and social expectations. Through Kipps’ experiences, the novel invites readers to reflect on their own paths and the choices that shape their lives.

Note: “Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul” remains one of Wells’ most cherished works, adapted across various media platforms, including the musical “Half a Sixpence.”

Feel free to explore this captivating tale of self-discovery and societal transformation!.
More: Kipps, H. G. Wells, Arthur Kipps
inheritance, social class, ambition
20th century England, rags to riches, genteel life
love, wealth, poignant tale
masterpiece, LibriVox, Anthony Ogus

00:00:00 Epigraph
00:00:26 Kipps. Book I: The Making of Kipps
00:51:12 II: The Emporium
01:34:57 III: The Woodcarving Class
02:10:05 IV: Chitterlow
02:54:52 V: Swapped
03:11:11 VI: The Unexpected
04:08:47 Book II: Mr. Coote, the Chaperon. I: The New Conditions
04:58:13 II: The Walshinghams
05:21:53 III: Engaged
06:01:22 IV: The Bicycle Manufacturer
06:22:04 V: The Pupil Lover
06:56:13 VI: Discords
07:34:17 VII: London
08:43:04 VIII: Kipps Enters Society
09:22:34 IX: The Labyrinthodon
09:39:29 Book III: Kippses. I: The Housing Problem
10:22:10 II: The Callers
10:49:24 III: Terminations

Kips by HG Wells those individuals who have lead secluded or isolated lives or have hitherto moved in other spheres than those wherein well-bred people move We Gather all the information necessary from these pages to render them thoroughly conversent with the manners and amenities of society manners and rules of good

Society by a member of the aristocracy Kips the story of a simple Soul book chapter 1 the making of Kips chapter 1 the little shop at new Romney until he was nearly arrived at adolescence it did not become clear to Kips how it was that he was under the

Care of an aunt and uncle instead of having a father and mother like other boys yet he had vague memories of a somewhere else that was not new Romy of a dim room a window looking down on white buildings and of a someone else who talked to forgotten people and who

Was his mother he could not recall her features very distinctly but he remembered with extreme definition a white dress she wore with a pattern of little sprigs of flowers and little bows of ribbon upon it and a girdle of straight ribbed white ribbon about the waist linked with this he knew not how

Were clouded half obliterated Recollections of scenes in which there was weeping weeping in which he was inscrutably moved to join some terrible tall man with a loud voice played a part in these scenes and either before or after them there were impressions of looking for interminable periods out of

The windows of railway trains in the company of these two people he knew though he could not remember that he had ever been told that a certain faded wistful face that looked at him from a plush and guilt framed deera type above the mantle of the sitting room was the

Face of his mother but that knowledge did not touch his dim memories with any elucidation in that photograph she was a girlish figure leaning against a photographer style and with all the self-conscious shrinking natural to that position she had curly hair and a face far younger and prettier than any other mother in

His experience she swung a Dolly Varden Hat by the string and looked with obedient respectful eyes on the photographer gentleman who had commanded the pose she was very slight and pretty but the Phantom mother that haunted his memory so elusively was not like that though he could not remember how she differed

Perhaps she was older or a little less shrinking or it may be only dressed in a different way it is clear she handed him over to his aunt and uncle at new Romney with explicit directions and a certain endowment one gathers she had something of that fine sense of social

Distinctions that subsequently played so large aart in Kip’s career he was not to go to a common school she provided but to a certain seminary in Hastings that was not only a middleclass Academy with mortarboards and every evidence of a higher Social tone but also remarkably

Cheap she seems to have been animated by the desire to do her best for Kips even at a certain sacrifice of herself as though Kips were in some way a superior sort of person she sent pocket money to him from time to time for a year or more

After Hastings had begun for him but her face he never saw in the days of his loose memory his aunt and uncle were already high on the hill of life when first he came to them they had married for comfort in the evening or at any rate in

The late afternoon of their days they were at first no more than vague figures in the background of proximate realities such realities as familiar chairs and tables quiet to ride and drive the newal of the staircase kitchen Furniture pieces of firewood the boiler tap old newspapers

The cat the High Street the backyard and the flat fields that are always so near in that little town he knew all the stones in the yard individually the creeper in the corner the dust bin and the mossy wall better than many men know the faces of their wives there was a

Corner under the ironing board which by means of a Shaw could under propitious Gods be made a very decent cubby house a corner that served him for several years as the indisputable Hub of the world and and the stringy places in the carpet the knots upon the dresser and the several

Corners of the rag Hearth rug his uncle had made became essential parts of his mental foundations the shop he did not know so thoroughly it was a forbidden region to him yet somehow he managed to know it very well his aunt and uncle were as it were the immediate gods of this world

And like the gods of the world of old occasionally descended right into it with arbitrary injunctions and disproportionate punish Ms and unhappily one rose to their Olympian level at meals then one had to say one’s Grace hold one spoon and fork in Mad unnatural ways called properly and refrain from

Eating even nice sweet things too fast if he gobbled there was trouble and at the slightest abandon with knife Fork and Spoon his aunt wrapped his knuckles albeit his uncle always finished up his gravy with his knife sometimes moreover his uncle would come pipe in hand out of a sedentary

Remoteness in the most disconcerting way when a little boy was doing the most natural and attractive things with drat and drab bit that young Rascal what’s he a doing of now and his aunt would appear at door or window to interrupt interesting conversation with children who were upon unknown grounds considered

Low and undesirable and call him in the pleasantest little noises however soft you did them drumming on tea trays trumpeting your fists whistling on Keys ringing chimes with a couple of pales or playing tunes on the window panes brought down the Gods in Anger yet what

Noise is fainter than your finger on the window gently done sometimes however these Gods gave him broken toys out of the shop and then one loved them better for the shop they kept was among other things a toy shop the other things included books to read and books to give away and local

Photographs it had some pretentions also to be a china shop and the fascia spoke of glass it was also a stationer Shop with a touch of habacher about it and in the windows and odd Corners were mats and terracotta dishes and milking stools for painting and there was a hint of

Picture frames and fire screens and fishing tackle and air guns and bathing suits and Tents various things indeed but all truly attractive to a small boy’s fingers once his aunt gave him a trumpet if he would promise Faithfully not to blow it and afterwards took it away

Again and his aunt made him say his catechism and something she certainly called the colic for the day every Sunday in the year as the two grew old while he grew up and as his impression of them modified insensibly from year to year it seemed to him at last that they

Had always been as they were when in his adolescent days his impression of things grew fixed his aunt he thought of as always lean rather worried-looking and prone to a certain obliquity of cap and his uncle massive many chinned and careless about his buttons they neither visited nor received

Visitors they were always very suspicious about their neighbors and other people generally they feared the low and they hated and despised the stuck up and so they kept themselves to themselves according to the English ideal consequently little Kips had no Playmates except through the sin of Disobedience by inherent nature he had a

Sociable disposition when he was in the High Street he made a point of saying hello to passing cyclists and he would put his tongue out at the quadling children whenever their nursaid was not looking and he began a friendship with Sid pornic the son of the haberdasher next

Door that with wide intermissions was destined to last his lifetime through poor Nick the haberdasher I may say at once was according to Old Kips a blaring jackass he was a tea Toler n n I’m singing Methodist and altogether distasteful and detrimental he and his together to True Kips ideals so far as

Little Kips could gather them this pornic certainly possessed an enormous voice and he annoyed old Kips greatly by calling you AR and sidd up and down his house he annoyed old Kips by private Coral services on Sunday all his family n Nar and G and by mushroom Culture by

Behaving as though the pilaster between the two shops was common property by making a noise of hammering in the afternoon when old Kips wanted to be quiet after his midday meal by going up and down uncarpeted stairs in his boots by having a black beard by attempting to

Be friendly and by all that sort of thing in fact he annoyed old Kips he annoyed him especially with his shop doormat old Kips never beat his mat preferring to let sleeping dust lie and seeking a motive for a foolish proceeding he held that pornic waited until there was a

Suitable wind in order that the dust disengaged in that operation might defile his neighbor’s shop these issues would frequently develop into loud and vehement quarrels and on one occasion came so near to violence as to be subsequently described by poor Nick who read his newspaper as a disgraceful

Fracus on that occasion he certainly went into his own shop with extreme celarity but it was through one of these quarrels that the Friendship of little Kips and Sid pornic came about the two small boys found themselves one day looking through the gate at the doctor’s goats together they exchanged a few

Contradictions about which goat could fight which and then young Kips was moved to remark that Sid’s father was a blaring jackass Sid said he wasn’t and Kips repeated that he was and quoted his authority then Sid flying off at a tangent rather alarmingly said he could fight young Kips with one hand an

Assertion young Kips with a secret want of confidence denied there were some vain repetitions and the incident might have ended there but happily a sporting butcher boy chanced on the controversy at this stage and insisted upon seeing fair play play the two small boys under his pressing encouragement did at last

Button up their jackets square and fight an edifying drawn battle until it seemed good to the butcher boy to go on with Misses Holier mutton then according to his directions and under his experienced stage management they shook hands and made it up subsequently a little tear stained perhaps but flushed with the

Butcher boy approval tough little kids and with Cold Stones down their necks as he advised they sat side by side on the doctor’s gate projecting very much behind staunching an honorable Bloodshed and expressing respect for one another each had a bloody nose and a black eye 3

Days later they matched to a shade neither had given in and though this was tacit neither wanted anymore it was an excellent beginning after this first encounter the attributes of their parents and their own relative value in battle never Rose between them and if anything was wanted

To complete the warmth of their regard it was found in a joint dislike of the eldest quadling the eldest quadling lisped had a silly sort of straw hat and a large pink face all covered over with self-satisfaction and he went to the national school with a Green Bay’s bag a

Contemptible thing to do they called him names and threw stones at him and when he replied by threatenings look air Young art Kip you better stop it they were moved to attack and put him to flight and after that they broke the head of in pornic doll so that she went

Home weeping loudly a wicked and endearing proceeding Sid was whacked but as he explained he wore a newspaper tactically adjusted during the transaction and really it didn’t hurt him at all and Mrs poror Nick put her head out of the shop door suddenly and threatened Kips as he passed Cavendish

Academy the school that had won The Limited choice choice of Kip’s vanished mother was established in a battered private house in the part of Hastings remotest from the sea it was called an Academy for Young gentlemen and many of the young gentlemen had parents in India and other unverifiable

Places others were the sons of credulous widows anxious as Kip’s mother had been to get something a little Superior to a board school education as cheaply as possible and others again were sent to demonstrate the Dignity of their parents s and Guardians and of course there were boys

From France its principal was a lean long creature of indifferent digestion and temper who proclaimed himself on a guilt lettered board in his front garden George Garden Woodrow fssc letters indicating that he had paid certain guine for a bogus diploma a bleak whitewashed ous constituted his schoolroom and the Scholastic quality of

Its carved and worn desks and forms was enhanced by a slippery Blackboard and two large yellow out-of-date Maps one of Africa and the other of Wiltshire that he had picked up cheap at a sale there were other maps and globes in his study where he interviewed inquiring parents

But these his pupils never saw and in a glass cupboard in the passage was several Shillings worth of test tubes and chemicals a tripod a glass retort and a damaged bunson burner manifesting that the scientific laboratory mentioned in the prospectus was no will boast this prospectus which was in dignified but

Incorrect English laid particular stress on the sound preparation for a commercial career given in the academy but the Army Navy and Civil Service were glanced at in an ambiguous sentence there was something vague in the prospectus about examinational successes though woodro of course disapproved of cram and a declaration

That the curriculum included art modern foreign languages and and a sound Technical and scientific training Then Came insistence Upon the moral well-being of the pupils and an emphatic boast of the Excellence of the religious instruction so often neglected nowadays even in schools of wide repute that’s

Bound to fetch M Mr Woodrow had remarked when he drew up the prospectus and in conjunction with the mortarboards it certainly did attention was directed to the motherly care of misss woodro in reality a small partially effaced woman with a plaintive face and a mind above cookery and the

Prospectus concluded with a phrase intentionally vague Fair unrestricted and our own milk and produce the memories Kips carried from that school into afterlife were set in an atmosphere of stuffiness and mental muddle and included countless pictures of sitting on creaking forms bored and idle of blot

Licking and the taste of ink of torn books with covers that set one’s teeth on edge of the slimy surface of the labored slates of furtive marble playing whispered storytelling and of pinches blows and a thousand such Petty annoyances being perpetually passed on according to the custom of the place of

Standing up in class and being hit suddenly and unreasonably for Imaginary misbehavior of Mister Woodrow’s raving days when a scarcely sane Injustice prevailed of the cold vacuity of the hour of preparation before the bread and butter breakfast and of horrible headaches and queer unprecedented internal feelings resulting from misses Woodrow’s motherly rather than

Intelligent cookery there were dreary walks when the boys marched two by two all dressed in the mortarboard Caps that so impressed the widowed mothers there were dismal half holidays when the weather was wet and the spirit of evil temper and evil imagination had the pent boys to work its will on there were

Unfair dishonor honorable fights and miserable defeats and victories there was bullying and being bullied a coward boy Kips particularly Afflicted until at last he was goated to revolt by incessant persecution and smoked Kips to tolerance with whirling fists there were memories of sleeping three in a bed of

The dense leathery smell of the school room when one returned thither after 10 minutes play of a playground of mud and incidental sharp flints and there was much furtive foul language our Sundays are our happiest days was one of Woodrow’s formula with the inquiring parent but Kips was not called in

Evidence they were to him terrible gaps of inanity no work no play a Dre expanse of time with the mystery of church twice and Plum Duff once in the middle the afternoon was given up to furtive relaxations among which torture chamber games with the less agreeable weaker

Boys figured it was from the difference between this day and common day days that Kips derived his first definite conceptions of the nature of God and Heaven his Instinct was to evade any closer acquaintance as long as he could the school work varied according to the prevailing mood of Mr

Woodrow sometimes that was a despondent lethargy copy books were distributed or sums were set or the great mystery of bookkeeping was declared in being and beneath these superficial activities lengthy conversations and interminable guessing games with marbles went on while Mister woodro sat inanimate at his desk heedless of school Affairs staring

In front of him at Unseen things at times his face was utterly inaine at times it had an expression of stagnant amazement as if he saw before his eyes with pitiless clearness the dishonor and Mischief of his being at other times the fsse roused himself to action and would

Stand up a wavering class and teach it goating it with bitter mockery and blows through a a chapter of an’s first French course or France and the French or a dialogue about a traveler’s washing or the parts of an opera house his own knowledge of French had been obtained

Years ago in another English private school and he had refreshed it by occasional weeks of loafing and mean Adventure in deep he would sometimes in their lessons Hit Upon some reminiscence of these brighter days and then he would laugh inexplicably and repeat French phrases of an unfamiliar type among the

Exercises he prescribed the learning of long passages of poetry from a poetry book which he would delegate an elder boy to here and there was reading allowed from the Holy Bible verse by verse it was none of your Godless schools so that you counted the verses

Up to your turn and then gave yourself to conversation and sometimes one read from a cheap history of this land they did as Kips reported loads of catechism also there was much learning of G geographical names and lists and sometimes woodro in an outbreak of energy would see these names were

Actually found on a map and once just once there was a chemistry lesson a lesson of indescribable excitement glass things of the strangest shape a smell like bad eggs something bubbling in something a smash and stench and Mister woodro saying quite distinctly they thrashed it out in the dormitory

Afterwards damn followed by the whole school being kept in with extraordinary severities for an hour but interspersed with the memories of this gray routine were certain patches of brilliant color the holidays his holidays which in spite of the feud between their seniors he spent as much as possible

With Sid pornic the son of the irascible black-bearded haberdasher next door they seem to be memories of a different world there were Glorious Days of mucking about along the beach the siege of unresisting martello Towers the incessant interest of the mystery and motion of windmills the windy excursions with

Boarded feet over the yielding shingle to dungeon s Lighthouse Sid pornick and he Fara Drift from reality Smugglers and armed men from the moment they left great Stone behind them wanderings in the hedgeless re Marsh long excursions reaching even to Hive where the machine guns of the Empire are forever whirling

And tapping and to Ryan winchel SE perched like dream cities on their little Hills the sky in these memories was the Blazing hemisphere of the marsh Heavens in summer or its wintry tumt of sky and sea and there were wrecks real wrecks in it near dim Church pitched

High and blackened and rotting were the ribs of a fishing smack flung aside like an empty basket when the sea had devoured its crew and there was bathing all naked in the sea bathing to one’s armpits and even trying to swim in the warm seawater spite of his aunts

Prohibition and with her Indulgence the rare eating of dinner from a paper parcel miles away from home to and cold ground rice pudding with Plums it used to be there is no better food at all and for the background in the place of woodro mean Fring rule were his aunt

Spare but frequently quite amiable figure for though she insisted on his repeating the English church catechism every Sunday she had an easy way over dinners that one wanted to take abroad and his corpulent and irascible but sedentary and easily escaped and Freedom the holidays were indeed very different from

School they were free they were spacious and though he never knew it in these words they had an element of Beauty in his memory of his Boyhood they Shone like strips of stained glass window in a dreary waste of Scholastic wall they grew brighter and brighter as they grew

Remoter there came a time at last in moods when he could look back to them with with a feeling akin to tears the last of these windows was the brightest and instead of the kaleidoscopic effects of its predecessors its Glory was a single figure for in the last of his

Holidays before the molok of retail trade got hold of him Kips made his first tentative essays at the mysterious Shrine of love very tentative they were for he had become a boy of subdued passions and potential rather than actual affectionateness and the objects of these first stirrings of the great

Desire was no other than in pornic the head of whose doll he and Sid had broken long ago and rejoiced over long ago in the days when he had yet to learn the meaning of a heart negotiations were already on foot to make Kips into a draper before he discovered the lights

That lurked in in porn’s eyes school was over absolutely over and it was chiefly present to him that he was never to go to school again it was high summer the breaking up of school had been hilarious and the excellent Maxim last day’s payday had been observed by him

With a scrupulous attention to his honor he had punched the heads of all his enemies rung wrists and kicked shins he had distributed all his unfinished copy books all his school books his collection of marbles and his mortarboard cap among such as loved him and he had secretly written in obscure

Pages of their books remember art Kips he had also split the anemic woodro cane carved his own name deeply in several places about the premises and broken the skullery window he had told everybody so often that he was to learn to be a sea captain that he had come almost to

Believe the thing himself and now he was home and school was at an end for him forever more he was up before 6 on the day of his return and out in the hot sunlight of the yard he set himself to whistle a peculiarly penetrating arrangement of three notes supposed by

The boys of the Hastings Academy in himself and Sid pornic for no earthly reason whatever to be the original hon war cry as he did this he feigned not to be doing it because of the hatred between his uncle and the pornic but to be examining with respect

And admiration a new wing of the Dust bin recently erected by his uncle a pretense that would not have deceived a nestling Tom it presently there came a familiar Echo from the pornic hunting ground then Kips began to sing a pars at trala in the lane B and D the church to

Which an unseen person answered a pars 8 it is in the lame by and D the church the trala was considered to render this sentence incomprehensible to the uninitiated in order to conceal their operations still more securely both parties to this duet then gave vent to a

Vocalization of the hiron war cry again and after a lingering in repetition of the last and shrillest note dispersed severally as became boys in the enjoyment of holidays to light the house fires for the day halfast 8 found Kip sitting on the sunlet gate at the top of

The long Lane that runs towards the sea clashing his boots in a slow Rhythm and whistling with great violence all that he knew of an excruciatingly pathetic air there appeared Along by the churchyard wall a girl in a short frock brown-haired quick colored and with dark

Blue eyes she had grown so that she was a little taller than Kips and her color had improved he scarcely remembered her so changed was she since last holidays if indeed he had seen her last holidays a thing he could not clearly remember some vague emotion arose at the

Sight of her he stopped whistling and regarded her oddly Tongue Tied he can’t come said an advancing boldly not yet what not Sid no fathers made him dust all his boxes again what for I do know father’s in a stew morning oh pause Kips looked at her and then was

Unable to look at her again she regarded him with interest you left school she remarked after a pause yes so Sid the conversation l Ed and put her hands on the top of the gate and began a stationary hopping a sort of ineffectual gymnastic experiment can you run she said

Presently run you any day said Kips give me a start wherefore said Kips and considered and indicated a tree she walked towards it and turned give me to hear she called Kips standing now and touching the gate smiled to express conscious superiority further he said here bit

More said Kips and then repenting of his magnanimity said ORF suddenly and so recovered his lost concession they arrived a breast at the tree flushed and out of breath Tai said an throwing her hair back from her face with her hand I won panted Kips they disputed firmly but quite politely run

It again then said Kips I don’t mind they returned towards the gate you don’t run bad said Kips temperately expressing sincere admiration I’m pretty good you know and sent her hair back by an expert toss of the head you give me a start she allowed they became aware of Sid approaching

Them you better look out young and said Sid with that irreverent want of sympathy usual in Brothers you’ve been out nearly our hour nothing ain’t been done upstairs father said he didn’t know where you was but when he did he’d warm why our young ear and prepared to go how

About that race asked Kips lore cried Sid quite shocked you ain’t been racing her and swung herself round the end of the gate with her eyes on Kips and then turned away suddenly and ran off down the lane Kip’s eyes tried to go after

Her and came back to SIDS I give her a lot of start said Kips apologetically it wasn’t a proper race and so the subject was dismissed but Kips was distrait for some seconds perhaps and the Mischief had begun in him they proceeded to the question of how two accomplished Hein might most

Satisfactorily spend the morning manifestly their line lay straight along the lane to the Sea there’s a new wreck said Sid and ma don’t it smell just smell Fair make you sick it’s rotten wheat they fell to talking of wrecks and so came to ironclads and Wars and such like manly

Matters halfway to the wreck Kips made a casual irrelevant remark your sister ain’t a bad sort he said offhandedly I clout her a lot said Sydney modestly and after a pause the talk reverted to more suitable topics the new wreck was full of rotting grain and smelt abominably

Even as Sid had said this was excellent they had it all to themselves they took possession of it in Force at Sid suggestion and had speedily to defend it against enormous numbers of imaginary natives who were at last driven off by loud shouts of bang bang and vigorous thrusting and shoving of

Sticks then also at Sid’s Direction they sailed with it into the midst of a combined French German and Russian Fleet demolishing the combination unassisted and having descended to the beach clambered up the side and cut out their own vessel in brilliant style they underwent a magnificent shipwreck with vocalized thunder and floated water

Logged so Sid insisted upon an exhausted sea these things drove and out of mind for a time but at last as they drifted without food or water upon a stagnant ocean Haggard eyed chins between their hands looking in vain for a sail she came to mind again abruptly it’s rather nice aing sisters

Remarked one perishing Mariner Sid turned round and regarded him thoughtfully not it he said no not a bit of it he grinned confidentially no too much he said and afterwards get out of things he resumed his gloomy scrutiny of the Hopeless Horizon presently he felt to spitting

Jerkily between his teeth as he had read was the way with such ripe manhood as choose its quid sisters he said is rot that’s what sisters are girls if you like but sisters no but ain’t sisters girls anyo said Sid with unspeakable scorn and Kips answered of course I

Didn’t I wasn’t thinking of that you got a girl asked Sid spitting very cleverly again Kips admitted his deficiency he felt compunction you don’t know who my girl is Art Kips I bet who is then asked Kips still chiefly occupied by his own poverty ah Kips let a moment elapse

Before he did his duty tell us Sid eyed him and hesitated secret he said secret dying solemn dying solemn Kip self-concentration passed into curiosity Sid administered a terrible oath even after that precaution he adhered lovingly to his facts it begins with a mem he said doing them out parsimoniously

M a u d he spelled with a Stern eye on Kips c h a r t r i s now mod chartas was a young person of 18 and the daughter of the Vicor of a bavin besides which she had a bicycle so that as her name unfolded the face of Kips lengthened

With respect get out he gasped incredulously she ain’t your girl said pornic she is answered Sid stoutly what truth truth Kip scrutinized his face really Sid touched wood whistled and repeated a binding dog RL with great solemnity Kip still struggled with the amazing new light on the world about him

J mean she knows Sid flushed deeply and his aspect became Stern and gloomy he resumed his wistful scrutiny of the sunlet i’ die for that girl art Kips he said presently and Kips did not press a question he felt to be ill timed I’d do anything she asked me to do said Sid

Just anything if she was to ask me to Chuck myself into the sea he met Kip’s eye I would he said they were pensive for a space and then Sid began to discourse in fragments of love a theme upon which Kips had already in a furtive way medit meditated a little but which

Apart from badinage he had never yet heard talked about in the light of day of course many and various aspects of Life had come to light in the muffled exchange of knowledge that went on under the shadow of Woodrow but this of sentimental love was not among them Sid who was a boy

With an imagination having once broached this topic opened his heart or at any rate a new wing of his heart to Kips and found no fault with Kips for a lack of return he produced a thumbed novelet that had played a part in his sentimental Awakening he proferred it to Kips and

Confessed there was a character in it a baronet singularly like himself this baronet was a person of volcanic passions which he concealed beneath a demeanor of icy cynicism the utmost expression he permitted himself was to grit his teeth and now his attention was called to it

Kips remarked that Sid also had a habit of gritting his teeth and indeed had had all the morning morning they read for a time and presently Sid talked again the conception of Love Sid made evident was compact of devotion and much spirited fighting and a touch of mystery but

Through all that cloud of talk there floated before Kips a face that was flushed and hair that was tossed aside so they budded sitting on the blackening old wreck in which men had lived and died looking out to sea talking of that other sea upon which they must presently

Embark they ceased to talk and Sid read but Kips falling behind with the reading and not wishing to admit that he read slowlier than Sid whose education was of the inferior Elementary School brand lapsed into meditation I would like to a a girl said

Kips I mean just to talk to and all that a floating object distracted them at last from this obscure topic they abandoned the wreck and followed the new interest a mile along the beach bombarding it with stones until it came to land they had inclined to a view that

It would contain romantic Mysteries but it was simply an ill preserved kitten too much even for them and at last they were drawn din W and went home hungry and pensive side by side but Kip’s imagination had been warmed by that talk of love and in the afternoon when he saw

And por Nick in the High Street and said hello it was a different hello from that of their previous intercourse and when they had passed they both looked back and caught each other doing so yes he did want a girl badly afterwards he was distracted by a traction engine going through the town

And his aunt had got some sprats for supper when he was in bed however sentiment Came Upon him again in a torrent quite abruptly and abundantly and he put his head under the pillow and whispered very softly I love and poor Nick as a sort of supplementary devotion

In his subsequent dreams he ran races with an and they lived in a wreck together and always her face was flushed and her hair about her face they just lived in a wreck and ran races and were very very fond of one another and their favorite food was Rock chocolate dates

Such as one buys off barrows and sprats fried sprats in the morning he could hear and singing in the skullery next door he listened to her for some time and it was clear to him that he must put things before her towards dusk that evening they chanced on one another at the gate

By the church but though there was much in his mind it stopped there with a Resolute shyness until he and an were out of breath catching chafers and were sitting on that gate of theirs again and sat up upon the gate dark against vast masses of flaming crimson

And darkling purple and her eyes looked at Kips from a shadowed face there came a Stillness between them and quite abruptly he was moved to tell his love and he said I do like you I wish you was my girl I say and will you be my girl and made no pretense of

Astonishment she weighed the proposal for a moment with her eyes on Kips if you like Arty she said lightly I don’t mind if I am all right said Kips breathless with excitement than you are all right said Anne something seemed to fall between them and they no longer looked openly at one another

L cried and suddenly see that one and jumped down and darted after a chafer that had boomed within a yard of her face and with that they were girl and boy again they avoided their new relationship painfully they did not recur to it for several days though they met twice both

Felt that there remained something before this great experience was complete but there was an infinite diffidence about the next step Kips talked in fragments of all sorts of matters telling particularly of the great things that were being done to make a man and a draper of him how he

Had two new pairs of trousers and a black coat and four new shirts and all the while his imagination was urging him to that unknown next step and when he was alone and in the dark he became even an enterprising woo it became evident to

Him that it would be nice to take and by the hand even the decorous novel at s Ed egged him on to that greater Nearness of intimacy then a great idea came to him in a paragraph called lovers tokens that he read in a torn fragment of

Titbits it fell into the measure of his courage a divided six pence he secured his aunt’s best scissors fished a six pence out of his Jun tin money box and jabbed his finger in a varied series of attempts to get it in half when they met again the six pence was still

Undivided he had not not intended to mention the matter to her at that stage but it came up spontaneously he endeavored to explain the theory of broken six penses and his unexpected failure to break one but what you break it for said n it’s no good if

It’s broke it’s a token said Kips like oh you keep half and I keep half and when we’re separated you look at your half and I look at mine see then we think of each other oh said an and appeared to assimilate this information only I can’t get it in ARF

Noow said Kips they discussed this difficulty for some time without illumination then and had a happy thought tell you what she said starting away from him abruptly and laying a hand on his arm you let me a it Arty I know where father keeps his file Kips handed

Her the six pence and They Came Upon a pause I’ll easy do it said Anne in considering the six pence side by side his head had come near her cheek quite abruptly he was moved to take his next step into the unknown mysteries of love

And he said and gulped at his tarity I do love you straight I do anything for you an really I would he paused for breath she answered nothing but she was no doubt enjoying her herself he came yet closer to her his shoulder touched hers and I wish you’d he

Stopped what said an and let me kiss you things seemed to hang for a space his tone the drop of his courage made the thing incredible as he spoke Kips was not of that bold order of wooers who impose conditions and perceived that she was not prepared for kissing after all

Kissing she said was silly and when Kips would have displayed a belated Enterprise she flung away from him he essayed argument he stood a far off as it were the better part of a yard and said she might let him kiss her and then that he didn’t see what good it was for

Her to be his girl if he couldn’t kiss her she repeated that kissing was silly a certain estrangement took them Homeward they arrived in the Dusky High Street not exactly together and not exactly apart but struggling they had not Kissed But all the guilt of kissing was between them

When Kip saw the portly Contour of his uncle standing dimly in the shop doorway his footsteps faltered and the space between our young couple increased above the window over porn’s shop was open and Mrs pornic was visible taking the air Kips assumed an expression of extreme innocence he found himself face to face

With his uncle’s Advanced outposts of waist coat buttons where you been my boy been for a walk Uncle not along of that Brad of pornic along of who that gel indicating and with his pipe oh no Uncle very faintly run in my boy old Kips stood aside with an oblique glance

Upward and his nephew brushed clumsily by him and vanished out of side of the street into the vague obscurity of the little shop the door closed behind old Kips with a nervous jangle of its Bell and he set himself to light the single oil lamp that illuminated his shop at

Nights it was an operation requiring care and watching or else it flared and smelt often it smelt after all Kips for some reason found the Dusky living room with his ant in it too populous for his feelings and went upstairs that brat of porn it seemed to him that a horrible

Catastrophe had occurred he felt he had identified himself inextricably with his uncle and cut himself off from her forever by saying oh no at supper he was so visibly depressed that his aunt asked him if he wasn’t feeling well under this imminent threat of medicine he assumed an unnatural

Cheerfulness he lay awake for nearly half an hour that night groaning because things had all gone wrong because and wouldn’t let him kiss her and because his uncle had called her a brat it seemed to Kips almost as though he himself had called her a brat there came

An interval during which and was altogether inaccessible 1 2 3 days passed and he did not see her Sid he met several times they went fishing and twice they bathed but though Sid lent and received back two further love stories they talked no more of Love they kept themselves in

Accord however agreeing that the most flagrantly sentimental story was proper Kips was always wanting to speak of Anne but never daring to do so he saw her on Sunday evening going off to Chapel she was more beautiful than ever in her Sunday clothes but she pretended not to

See him because her mother was with her but he thought she pretended not to see him because she had given him up forever brat who could be expected ever to forgive that he abandoned himself to despair he ceased even to haunt the places where she might be found with

Paralyzing unexpectedness came the end Mister shalford the Draper at folkstone to whom he was to be bound Apprentice had expressed a wish to shape the lad a bit before the Autumn sail Kips became aware that his box was being packed and gathered the full truth of things on the evening before his

Departure he became feverishly eager to see and just once more he made silly and needless excuses to go out into the yard he walked three times across the street without any excuse at all to look up at the pornick windows still she was hidden he grew

Desperate it was within half an hour of his departure that he came on Sid hello he said I’m ORF business yes pause I say Sid you going home straight now you mind asking about that about what she’ll know and Sid said he would but even that it seemed failed to

Evoke an at last the folkstone bus rumbled up and he ascended his aunt stood in the doorway to see him off his uncle assisted with the box and portmanto only furtively could he glance up at the poor Nick windows and still it seemed and hardened her heart against

Himg up said the driver and the hoofs began to clatter no she would not come out even to see him off the bus was in motion and old Kips was going back into his shop Kip stared in front of him assuring himself that he did not care he

Heard a door slam and instantly craned out his neck to look back he knew that slam so well behold out of the haberdashers door a small untidy figure in homely pink print had shot resolutely into the road and was sprinting in pursuit in a dozen seconds she was AB

Breast of the bus at the sight of her Kip’s heart began to beat very quickly but he made no immediate motion of recognition Arty she cried breathlessly Arty Arty you know I got that the bus was already quickening its pace and leaving her behind again when Kips realized what that meant he became

Animated he gasped and gathered his courage together and mumbled an incoherent request to the driver to stop just a gif for sun thin dot the driver grunted as the disparity of their years demanded and then the bus had pulled up and then was below she leapt up upon the

Wheel Kips looked down into Ann’s face and it was foreshortened and Resolute he met her eyes just for one second as their hands touched he was not a reader of eyes something passed quickly from hand to hand something that the driver alert at the corner of his eye was not

Allowed to see Kips hadn’t a word to say and all she said was I done it morning it was like a blank space in which something pregnant should have been written and wasn’t then she dropped down and the bus moved forward after the lapse of about 10 seconds it occurred to

Him to stand and wave his new bowler hated her over the corner of the bus toop and to shout horsely goai an Don forget me while I’m away she stood in the road looking after him and presently she waved her hand he remained standing unstably his bright flushed face looking

Back at her and his hair fluffing in the wind and he waved his hat until at last the bend of the road HIIT her from his eyes then he turned about and sat down and presently he began to put the half six P he held clenched in his hand into

His trouser pocket he looked sideways at the driver to judge how much he had seen then he fell a thinking he resolved that come what might when he came back to New Romney at Christmas he would bu hook or by crook Kiss An then everything would

Be perfect and right and he would be perfectly happy how do you find this book any thoughts about the book or the author any suggestion for for improvement please take a moment to share your thoughts in a comment if you like it share it with your friends who

Might enjoy it as well subscribe to keep in touch visit complete audiobooks.com for more quality content chapter 2 The Emporium when Kips left new Romney with a small yellow tin box a still smaller portmanto a new umbrella and a Keepsake half six P to become a draper

He was a Youngster of 14 thin with Whimsical Drakes tailes at the pole of his head smallish features and eyes that were sometimes very light and sometimes very dark gifts those of his birth and by the nature of his training he was indistinct in his speech confused in his

Mind and retreating in his manners inexorable fate had appointed him to serve his country in Commerce and the same National bias towards private Enterprise and leaving bad alone which entrusted his general education to Mis Woodrow now indentured him firmly into the hands of Mr shalford of the folkstone drapery

Bazaar apprenticeship is still the recognized English way to the Distributing branch of the social service if Mister Kips had been so unfortunate as to have been born a German he might have been educated in an elaborate and costly special school overeducated crammed up old Kips to fit

Him for his end such being their pedagogic way he might but why make unpatriotic Reflections in a novel there was nothing pedagogic about Mr shalford he was an irascible energetic little man with hairy hands for the most part under his coat Tails a long shiny bald head a pointed aqualine nose a

Little asue and a neatly trimmed beard he walked lightly and with a confident jerk and he was given to humming he had added to exceptional business push bankruptcy under the old dispensation and judicious matrimony his establishment was now one of the most considerable in folkstone and he insisted on every inch of

Frontage by alternate Stripes of green and yellow down the houses over the shops his shops were numbered three five and seven on the street and on his bill heads 3 to 7 he encountered the abashed and arrien Kips with the Praises of his system and himself he spread himself out behind his desk

With a grip on the lapel of his coat and made Kips a sort of speech we expect y are to work y are no and we expect y are to study our interests explained Mister shalford in the Regal and Commercial plural our system here is the best

System yr could have I made it and I ought to know I began at the very bottom of the ladder when I was 14 and there isn’t a step in it I don’t know not a step Mr B and the desk will give why are the card of rules and

Fines just wait a minute he pretended to be busy with some dusty memoranda under a paper weight while Kip stood in a sort of paralysis of awe regarding his new Master’s oval baldness 2347 whispered Mr shawford audibly fainting forgetfulness of Kips clearly a place of great transactions Mr

Shalford Rose and handing Kips a blotting pad and an ink pot to carry mere symbols of servitude for he made no use of them emerged into a Counting house where three clerks had been feverishly busy ever since his door handle had turned B said Mr shalford a yr copy of the rules

And a downtrodden shabby little old man with a ruler in one hand and a quill pen in his mouth silently held out a small book with green and yellow covers mainly devoted as Kips presently discovered to a voracious system of fins he became acutely aware that his

Hands were full and that everybody was staring at him he hesitated a moment before putting the ink pot down to free a hand mustn’t fumble like that said mister shalford as Kips pocketed the rules wonk do Here Come Along come along and he cocked his coat Tails High as a

Lady might hold up her dress and led the way into the shop a vast interminable place it seemed to Kips with unending shining counters and innumerable faultlessly dressed young men and presently hurry likee young women staring at him here there was a long Vista of gloves dangling from overhead

Rods their ribbons and baby linen a short young lady in Black mittens was making out the account of a customer and was clearly confused in her addition by shalford’s Eagle Eye a thick set young man with a bald head and a round very wise face who was profoundly absorbed in

Adjusting all the empty chairs down the counter to absolutely equal distances awoke out of his preoccupation and answered respectfully to a few Napoleonic and quite unnecessary remarks from his employer Kips was told that this young man’s name was Mr buggin and that he was to do whatever Mr buggins

Told him to do they came round a corner into a new smell which was destined to be the smell of Kip’s life for many years the vague distinctive smell of Manchester Goods a fat man with a large nose jumped actually jumped at their appearance and began to fold a pattern

Of damus in front of him exactly like an automaton that is suddenly set going carshot see to this boy tomorrow said the master see he don’t fumble smart and him up yes sir said carot fatly glanced at Kips and res resumed his pattern folding with extreme Zeal whatever Mr

Carot says why are to do ye do said Mr shawford trotting onward and carshot blew out his face with an appearance of relief they crossed a large room full of the strangest things Kips had ever seen llike figures surmounted by black wooden knobs in the place of the refined heads

One might have reasonably expected stood about with a lifelike air of conscious fashion costume room said shawford two voices engaged in some sort of argument I can assure you miss mgle you are entirely mistaken entirely in supposing I should do anything so unwomanly sank abruptly and they discovered two young ladies taller and

Fairer than any of the other young ladies and with black trains to their dresses who were engaged in writing at a little table whatever they told him to do Kips gathered he was to do he was also he understood to do whatever carshot and bch told him to do and there

Were also buggin and Mr shafford and not to forget or fumble they descended into a Cellar called the warehouse and Kips had an optical illusion of Aaron boy fighting some aerial voice said Teddy and the illusion passed he looked again and saw quite clearly that they were packing parcels

And always would be and that the last thing in the world that they would or could possibly do was to fight yet he gathered from the remarks Mr shalford addressed to their busy backs that they had been fighting no doubt at some past period of their lives emerging in the

Shop again among a litter of toys and what are called Fancy articles shalford withdrew a hand from beneath his coat tails to indicate an overhead change carrier he entered into elaborate calculations to show how many minutes in one year were saved thereby and lost himself among the

Figures seven Tums eight 879 was it or 789 now now why when I was a boy your age I see D do a sum like that as soon as hear it we’ll soon get yre into better shape than that make you fish ENT well why are must take my word it comes

To pounds and pounds saved in the year pounds and pounds system system everywhere efficiency he went on murmuring efficiency and system at intervals for some time they passed into a yard and Mis her shafford waved his hand to his three delivery Vans all striped green and yellow uniform green yell system all

Over the premises were pinned absurd little cards this door locked after 7:30 by order Edwin shalford and the like Mr shalford always wrote by order though it conveyed no earthly meaning to him he was one of those people who collect technicalities upon them as the rious bug collects dirt he was the sort

Of man who is not only ignorant but absolutely incapable of English when he wanted to say he had a six Penny H peny long cloth to sell he put it thus to startled customers can do you one 6 half if why like he always omitted pronouns

And articles and so forth it seemed to him the very essence of the efficiently businesslike his only preposition was as or the compound as per he abbreviated every word he could he would have considered himself the laughing stock of Wood Street if he had chanced to spell socks in any way but

Socks but on the other hand if he saved words here he wasted them there he never acknowledged an order that was not an esteemed favor nor send a pattern without begging to submit it he never stipulated for so many months credit but bought in November as January it was not only words he

Abbreviated in his London Communications in paying his wholesalers his system admitted of a constant error in the discount of a penny or tence and it facilitated business he alleged to ignore odd pence in the checks he wrote his Ledger clerk was so struck with the beauty of this part of the system that

He started a private one on his own account with the stamp box that never came to shalford’s knowledge this admirable British Merchant would glow with a particular pride of intellect when writing his London orders ah do y think you’ll ever be able to write London orders he would say with

Honest Pride to Kips waiting impatiently long after closing time to take these triumphs of commercial efficiency to post and so end the interminable day Kips shook his head anxious for Mr shalford to get on now here F example I’ve written c one piece one inch CAU BLK

LS one/ or what do I mean by that or e g know Kips promptly hadn’t the faintest idea and then 2 EA silk net as per Pats here with EA do no sir it was not Mr Schafer’s way to explain things dear dear pity you couldn’t get some SE mercial education

At your school Ste of all this littery stuff well my boy if why don’t bustle a bit y’all never write London orders that’s pretty plain just stick stamps on all those letters and mind why our stick M right way up and try and profit a little more by the opportunities your

Aunt and uncle have provided ye can’t say what’ll happen to you if you don’t and Kips tired hungry and belated set about stamping with Vigor and dispatch lick the envelope said mister shalford lick the envelope as though he grudged the youngster the postage stamp gum it’s the little things Mount up he

Would say and indeed that was his philosophy of life to bustle and save always to bustle and save his political Creed linked reform which meant nothing with efficiency which meant a sweated service an economy which meant a sweated expenditure and his conception of a satisfactory Municipal life was to keep

Down the rates even his religion was to save his soul and to preach a similar cheese pairing to the world the indentures that bound Kips to Mis shalford were antique and complex they insisted on the latter gentleman’s parental privileges they forbade Kips to dice and game they made him over body

And soul to mister shalford for seven long years the crew crucial years of his life in return there were vague stipulations about teaching the whole art and mystery of the trade to him but as there was no penalty attached to negligence Mister shalford being a sound practical businessman considered this a mere rhetorical

Flourish and set himself assiduously to get as much out of Kips and to put as little into him as he could in the seven years of their intercourse what he put into Kips was chiefly bread and margarine infusions of chory and tea dust Colonial Meat by

Contract at TH a pound potatoes by the sac and watered beer if however Kips chose to buy any supplementary material for growth Mr shalford had the generosity to place his kitchen resources at his disposal free if the fire chance to be going he was also allowed to share a bedroom with eight

Other young Englishmen and to sleep in a bed which except in very severe weather could be made with the help of his overcoat and private underlinen not to mention newspapers quite sufficiently warm for any reasonable soul in addition Kips was taught the list of fines and

How to tie up Parcels to know where goods were kept in Mr shalford’s systematized shop to hold His Hands Extended upon the counter and to repeat such phrases as what can I have the pleasure no trouble I assure you and the like to block fold and measure materials

Of all all sorts to lift his hat from his head when he passed Mr shalford abroad and to practice a serval obedience to a large number of people but he was not of course taught the cost Mark of the goods he sold nor anything of the method of buying such Goods nor

Was his attention directed to the unfamiliar social habits and Fashions to which his trade ministered the use of half the goods he saw sold and was presently to assist in selling he did not understand m materials for hangings cretons chines and the like cetes and all the bright hard white wear of a

Well-ordered house Pleasant dress materials Linings stiffening they were to him from first to last no more than things heavy and difficult to handle in bulk that one folded up unfolded cut in lengths and saw dwindle and pass away out into that mysterious happy world in which the customer dwells Kips hurried from piling

Linen tablecloths that were collectively as heavy as lead to eat off oil cloth in a gaslit dining room underground and he dreamt of combing endless blankets beneath his Overcoat spare undershirt and three newspapers so he had at least the chance of learning the beginnings of philosophy in return for these benefits

He worked so that he commonly went to bed exhausted and foot sore his round began at half 6: in the morning when he would descend unwashed and shirtless in old clothes clothes and a scarf and dust boxes and yawn and take down wrappers and clean the windows until 8 then in

Half an hour he would complete his toilet and take an austere breakfast of bread and margarine and what only an imperial Englishman would admit to be coffee after which refreshment he ascended to the shop for the labors of the day commonly these began with a mighty running to and fro with planks

And boxes and goods for carshot the window dresser who whether he worked well or nagged persistently by reason of a chronic indigestion until the window was done sometimes the costume window had to be dressed and then Kip staggered down the whole length of the shop from the

Costume room with one after another of those llike shapes grasped firmly but shamefully each about her single ankle of wood such days as there was no window dressing there was a mighty carrying and lifting of blocks and bales of goods into piles and stacks after this there were terrible exercises at first almost

Despairful difficult certain sorts of goods that came and folded had to be rolled upon rollers and for the most part refused absolutely to be rolled at any rate by Kips and certain other sorts of goods that came from the wholesalers roled had to be measured and folded which folding makes young apprentices

Wish they were dead all of it too quite avoidable trouble you know that is not avoided because of the cheap Ness of the gentiler sorts of Labor and the dearness of forethought in the world and then Consignments of new Goods had to be marked off and packed into proper

Parcels and carshot packed like Conjuring tricks and Kips packed like a boy with tastes in some other direction not ascertained and always carshot nagged he had a curious formula of appeal to his visceral economy had carshot that the refinement of the times and the earnest in treaties of my friends induce me to

Render by an anemic paraphrase my heart and lungs I never see such a boy so I present Kit’s refrain and even when he was within a foot or so of the customers face the disciplined ear of Kips would still at times develop a featureless intercol murmur into well my heart and lungs

There came a blessed interval when Kips was sent abroad matching this consisted chiefly in supplying unexpected defects in buttons rib lining and so forth in the dress making Department he was given a written paper of orders with patterns pinned there to and discharged into the sunshine and interest of the Street then

Until he thought it wise to return and stand the racket of his delay he was a free man clear of all reproach he made remarkable discoveries in topography as for example that the most convenient way from the establishment of Mr Adolphus Davis to the establishment of messers plumber Rus

And Tyrell two of his principal places of call is not as is generally supposed down the sandgate road but up the sandgate road round by West Terrace and along the leav to the lift watch the lift up and down twice but not longer because that wouldn’t do back along the

Leaves watch the harbor for a short time and then round by the churchyard and so hurrying into Church Street and rendevu street but on some exceptionally Fine Days the route lay through Radner Park to the pond where the little boys sail ships and there are interesting

Swans he would return to find the shop settling down to the business of serving customers and now he had to stand by to furnish any help that was necessary to the seniors who served to carry parcels and bills about the shop to clear away stuff after each

Engagement to hold up curtains until his arms achd and what was more difficult than all to do nothing and not stare disconcertingly at customers when there was nothing for him to do he plumbed an abyss of boredom or stood a mere carcass with his mind far away fighting the

Enemies of the Empire or steering a Dream Ship perilously into unknown Seas to be recalled sharply to our higher Civilization by some bustling seniors n are then Kips look alive catch old my heart and lungs at half 7:00 except on late nights a feverish activity of straightening up began and

When the last shutter was up outside Kips with the speed of an arrow leaving a bow would start hanging wrappers over the fixtures and over the piles of Wares upon the counters Preparatory to a vigorous scattering of wet sawdust and the sweeping out of the shop sometimes people would stay long

After the shop was closed they don’t mind a bit at Schafer’s these ladies used to say it is always ladies do this sort of thing and while they loitered it was forbidden to touch a rapper or take any measures to conclude the day until the doors closed

Behind them Mr Kips would watch these later customers from the shadow of a stack of goods and death and disfigurement was the least he wished for them rarely much later than 9: a supper of bread and cheese and watered beer awaited him upstairs and that consumed the rest of the day was

Entirely at his disposal for reading Recreation and the Improvement of his mind the front door was locked at half 10 and the gas in the dormatory extinguished at 11: on Sundays he was obliged to go to church once and commonly he went twice for there was nothing else to do he sat

In the free seats at the back he was too shy to sing and not always clever enough to keep his place in the prayer book and he rarely listened to the sermon but he had developed a sort of idea that going to to church had a tendency to alleviate

Life his aunt wanted to have him confirmed but he evaded this ceremony for some years in the intervals between Services he walked about folkstone with an air of looking for something folkstone was not so interesting on Sundays as on weekdays because the shops were shut but on the other hand there

Was a sort of confusing Brilliance along the front of the Lees in the afternoon sometimes The Apprentice next above him would condescend to go with him but when The Apprentice next but one above him condescended to go with The Apprentice next above him then Kips being inhabited as yet in ready-made

Clothes without tails and unsuitable therefore to appear in such company went alone sometimes he would strike out into the country still as if looking for something he missed but the Rope of meal times hailed him home again and sometimes he would invest The major portion of the weekly allowance of a

Shilling that old B handed out to him in a sacred concert on the pier he would sometimes walk up and down the leaves between 20 and 30 times after supper Desiring much the courage to speak to some other person in the multitude similarly employed almost invariably he ended his Sunday

Footsore he never read a book there were none for him to read and besides in spite of Mister woodro guidance through a cheap and cheaply annotated edition of The Tempest English literature he had no taste that way he never read any newspapers except occasionally titbits or a heny comic his chief

Intellectual stimulus was an occasional Argy bargy that sprang up between carshot and buggin at dinner Kips listened as if to unparalleled wisdom and wit and treasured all the gems of reper in his heart against the time when he too should be a buggin and have the chance and courage for speech at times

There came breaks in this routine sale times darkened by extra toil and work past midnight but brightened by a Sprat supper and some Shillings in the way of premiums and every year not now and then but every year Mr shalford with parenthetic admiration of his own generosity and glancing comparisons with

The auster days when he was apprenticed conceited Kips no less than 10 days holiday 10 whole days every year many a poor soul at Portland might well Envy the fortunate Kips insatiable heart of man but how those days were grudged and counted as they snatched themselves

Away from him one after another once a year came stocktaking and at intervals gusts of marking off Goods newly arrived then the splendors of Mr shalford’s being shown with oppressive brilliancy system he would say system come usle and issue sharp confusing contradictory orders very quickly carshot trotted about confused perspiring his big nose

Up in the air his little eye on Mister shalford his forehead crinkled his lips always going to the formula oh my heart and lungs the smart Junior and the second Apprentice VI with one another in obsequious alacrity the smart junr aspired to ket’s position and that made him almost violently subservient to shalford

They all snapped at Kips Kips held the blotting pad and the safety ink pot and a box of tickets and ran and fetched things if he put the ink down before he went to fetch things Mis shalford usually knocked it over and if he took it away Mr shalford wanted it before he

Returned you make my tooth ache Kips Mr shalford would say you give me enalia you got no more system in you than a bad potato and at the times when Kips carried off the inkpot mister shalford would become purple in the face and Jab round with his dry pen at

Imaginary ink pots and swear and carshot would stand and vociferate and the smart Junior would run to the corner of the department and bfer and the second Apprentice would pursue Kips bifera look alive Kips look alive ink man ink a vague self-disgust that shaped itself as an intense hate of

Shawford and all his fellow creatures filled the soul of Kips during these periods of storm and stress he felt that the whole business was unjust and idiotic but the why and the wherefore was too much for his unfortunate brain his mind was a Welter one desire the

Desire to dodge some at least of a pelting storm of disagreeable comment guided him through a fumbling performance of his duties his disgust was infinite it was not decreased by the inflamed ankles and sore feet that form a normal incident in the business of making an English Draper and the senior

Apprentice Minon a gaunt Sullen faed youngster with cloth cropped wary black hair a loose ugly mouth and a mustache like a smudge of ink directed his attention to deeper aspects of the question and sealed his misery when you get too old to work they Chuck you away

Said Minon lore you find old Drapers everywhere tramps Beggars dock laborers bus conductors quat anywhere but in a crib don’t they get shops of their own Lord how are they to get shops of their own they hav’t any Capital how’s a draper shopman to save up £500 even I

Tell you it can’t be done you got to stick to cribs until it’s over I tell you we’re in a blessed drain pipe and we’ve got to crawl along it till we die the idea that fermented perpetually in the mind of Minon was to hit the little

Beggar slap in the eye the little beggar being Mr shalford and see how his blessed system met that the threat filled Kips with Splendid anticipations whenever shalford went marking off in minton’s Department he would look at Minon and look at shalford and decide where he would best like shafford hit

But for reasons known to himself shalford never pissed and tushed with Minon as he did at the harmless car shot and this interesting experiment upon the system was never attempted there were times when Kips would lie awake all others in the dormatory asleep and snoring and think dismally of the

Outlook minent pictured dimly he perceived the thing that had happened to him how the great stupid machine of retail trade had caught his life into its Wheels a vast irresistible Force which he had neither strength of will nor knowledge to escape AP this was to

Be his life until his days should end no Adventures no glory no change no Freedom neither though the force of that came home to him later might he dream of effectual love and marriage and there was a terrible something called the swap or the key of the street and crib

Hunting of which the talk was scanty but sufficient night after night he would resolve to enlist to run away to see to set fire to to the warehouse or drown himself and morning after morning he rose up and hurried downstairs in fear of a six Penny fine he would compare his

Dismal round of serval drudgery with those windy sunlet days at littlestone those windows of Happiness shining ever brighter as they receded the little figure of and seemed in all these windows now she too had happened on evil things when Kips went home for the first Christmas after he

Was bound that great suspended resolve of his to kiss her flared up to hot determination and he hurried out and whistled in the yard there was a still silence and then old Kips appeared behind him it’s no good you’re whistling there my boy said old Kips in a loud

Clear Tone designed to be audible over the wall they’ve cleared out all you add any truck with she’s gone as help to Ashford my boy help slavy is what we used to call them but times are changed wonder they didn’t say lady ELP while they was about it it udb like M

And Sid Sid had gone too erand boy or something said old Kips to one of these here brasted ciccle shops has e said Kips with a feeling that he had been gripped about the chest and he turned quickly and went indoors old Kips still supposing him present went on to further observations

Of an anti pornic when Kips got upstairs safe in his own bedroom he sat down on the bed and stared at nothing they were caught they were all caught all life took on the Hue of one Perpetual dismal Monday morning the hurin were scattered the wrecks and the beach had passed away

From him the sun of those warm evenings at littlestone had set forever more the only pleasure left for the brief remainder of his holiday after that was to think he was not in the shop even that was transient two more days one more day half a day when he went back there were

One or two very dismal nights indeed he went so far as to write home some vague intimation of his feelings about business and his prospects quoting Minon but misss Kips answered him did he want the poor Knicks to say he wasn’t good enough to be a draper this Dreadful

Possibility was of course conclusive in the matter no he resolved they should not say he failed at that he derived much help from a manly sermon delivered in an enormous Voice by a large fat sunred clergyman just home from a colonial bishoprick he had resigned on The Plea of ill health exhorting him

That whatever his hand found to do he was to do with all his might and the revision of his catechism Preparatory to his confirmation reminded him that it behooved him to do his duty in that state of Life unto which it shall please God to call him after a Time the Sorrows

Of Kips grew less acute and save for a miracle the brief tragedy of his life was over he subdued himself to his position even as his church required of him seeing moreover no way out of it the earliest mitigation of his lot was that his saws and ankles became indurated to

The Perpetual standing the next was an unexpected weekly whiff of Freedom that came every Thursday Mister shalford after a brave stand for what he called inicial lib tie and the idea of my system a stand which he explained he made chiefly on patriotic Grounds was at last under pressure of certain of his

Customers compelled to fall in line with the rest of the local early closing Association and Mis Kips could emerge in daylight and go where he listed for long long hours moreover Minton the pessimist reached the end of his appointed time and left to enlist in a Cavalry Regiment

And go about this planet leading an insubordinate but interesting life that ended at last in an intimate Vivid and really you know by no means painful or tragic night grapple in the Tura Valley in a little while Kips cleaned Windows no longer he was serving customers of

The less important sort and taking Goods out on approval and presently he was third apprentice and his mustache was visible and there were three apprentices who whom he might legally snub and cuff but one was most dishonestly too big to Cuff in spite of his Greener years there came still other distractions the

Natural distractions of adolescence to take his mind off the inevitable his costume for example began to interest him more he began to realize himself as a visible object to find an interest in the costume room mirrors and the eyes of the girl apprentices in this he was helped by

Counsel and example pierce his immediate senior was by way of being what was called a masher and preached his cult during slack times grave discussions about collars ties the cut of trouser legs and the proper shape of a boot toe were held in the Manchester Department

In due course Kips went to a tailor and His short jacket was replaced by a morning coat with Tails stirred by this he purchased at his own expense three standup collars to replace his former turn down ones they were nearly 3 in high higher than those Pierce wore and

They made his neck quite sore and left a red mark under his ears so equipped he found himself fit company even for this fashionable Apprentice who had now succeeded Minon in his seniority most potent help of all in the business of forgetting his Cosmic disaster was this that so soon as he was

In tail coats the young ladies of the establishment began to discover that he was no longer a horrid little boy hither to they had tossed heads at him and kept him in his place now they discovered that he was a nice boy which is next

Door at least to being a feller and in some ways even preferable it is painful to record that his Fidelity to and failed at their first onset I am fully sensible how entirely better this story would be from a Sentimental point of view if he had remained true to that early love only

Then it would have been a different story altogether and at least Kips was thus far true that with none of these later loves was there any of that particular quality that linked ‘s flushed face and warmth and the inner things of life so inseparably together though they were not without

Emotions of various sorts it was one of the young ladies in the costume room who first showed by her manner that he was a visible object and capable of exciting interest she talked to him she encouraged him to talk to her she lent him a book she possessed and darned a

Sock for him and said she would be his elder sister she allowed him to escort her to church with a great air of having induced him to go then she investigated his eternal welfare overcame a certain affectation of viral indifference to religion and extorted a promise that he would undergo

Confirmation this excited the other young lady in the costumes her natural rival and she set herself with great charm and subtlety to the capture of the ripening heart of kips she took a more worldly line she went for a walk with him to the pier on Sunday afternoon and

Explained to him how a gentleman must always walk outside a lady on a pavement and how all gentlemen wore or at least carried gloves and generally the broad beginnings of the British social ideal afterwards the ladies exchanged words upon sabatical grounds in this way was the toga vilus

Bestowed on Kips and he became recognized as a suitable object for that platonic Aros whose blunted darts devastate even the very highest class establishments in this way too did that pervading ambition of the British young man to be if not a gentleman at least mistaka like one take root in his heart

He took to these new interests with quite natural and personal zest he became initiated into the mysteries of flirting and at a slightly later stage and with some leading hints from Pierce who was of a a communicative disposition in these matters of the milder forms of spooning very soon he was

Engaged before 2 years were out he had been engaged six times and was beginning to be rather A desperate fellow so far as he could make out desperate but quite gentlemanly be it understood and without let or hindrance to the fact that he was in four brief lessons prepared by a

Distant mannered and gloomy young curate and confirmed a member of the established church the engagements in drapery establishments do not necessarily involve a subsequent marriage they are essentially more refined less coarsely practical and altogether less binding than the engagements of the vulgar Rich these young ladies do not like not to be

Engaged it is so unnatural and Mr Kips was as easy to get engaged to as one could wish there are from The Young lady’s point of view many conveniences in being engaged engaged you get an escort for church and walks and so forth it is not quite the thing

To walk abroad with a fell much more to spoon with him when he is neither one’s fiance nor an adopted brother it is considered either a little fast or else is savoring of the walking out habits of the servant girls now such is the sweetness of human

Charity that the shop young lady in England has just the same horror of doing anything that savors of the servant girl as the lady journalist let us say has of anything savoring of the shop girl or the really quite nice young lady has of anything savoring of any

Sort of girl who has gone down into the economic Battlefield to earn herself a living but the very deepest of these Affairs was still among the shallow places of Love at best it was paddling where it is decreed that men must sink or swim of the deep and dangerous places

And of the huge buoyant lift of its waves he tasted nothing air fairs of clothes and vanities they were jealousies about a thing said flatteries and mutual boastings climaxes in the answering grasp of hands the temerarious use of Christian names culminations in a walk or a near confidence or a little

Pressure more or less close sitting on a seat after Twilight with some little fondling was indeed the boldest of a Lover’s Adventures the utmost limit of his Enterprises in the service of that Stark great lady who is daughter of Uranus and the Sea the young ladies who

Reigned in his heart came and went like people in an Omnibus there was the vehicle so to speak upon the road and they entered and left it without any cataclysm of emotion for all that this development of the sex interest was continuously very interesting to Kips

And kept him going as much as anything through all these several years for a taale piece to this chapter one may vignette one of those little Affairs it is a bright Sunday afternoon the scene is a secluded little seat halfway down the front of the leaves and

Kips is 4 years older than when he parted from an there is a quite perceptible down upon his upper lip and his costume is just as tremendous of mash as lies within his means his collar is so high that it scars his in aggressive Jawbone and his

Hat has a curly brim his tie shows taste his trousers are modestly brilliant and his boots have light cloth uppers and button at as side he Jabs at the gravel before him with a cheap cane and glances sideways at Flo Bates the young lady from the cash desk she is wearing a

Brilliant blouse and a gay trimmed hat there is an air of fashion about her that might disappear under the analysis of a woman of the world but which is quite sufficient to make Kips very proud to be distinguished as her particular fell and to be allowed at temperate

Intervals to use her Christian name the conversation is light and gay in the modern style and Flo keeps on smiling good temper being her special charm ye see you don’t mean what I mean he is saying well what do you mean not what you mean well tell me Ah that’s another

Story pause they look meaningly at one another you are a one for being roundabout says the lady well you’re not so plain you know not plain no you don’t mean to say I’m roundabout no I mean to say though pause well you’re not a bit plain your

His voice jumps up to a squeak pretty see oh get out her voice lifts also with pleasure she strikes at him with her glove then glances Suddenly at a ring upon her finger finger her smile disappears momentarily another pause eyes meet and the smile returns I wish I knew says Kips new

Where you got that ring she lifts the hand with the ring until her eyes just show very prettily over it you just like to know she says slowly and smile still more brightly with the sense of successful effect I Des I could get yes I deser you couldn’t couldn’t I no guess

It in three not the name ah ah well anyhow let me look at it he looks at it pause Giggles slight struggle and a slap on Kip’s coat sleeve a passer by appears down the path and she hastily withdraws her hand she glances at the face of the

The approaching man they maintain a bashful silence until he has passed chapter 3 the wood carving class though these services to Venus epipa the seaside Venus and these studies in the art of dress did much to distract his thoughts and mitigate his earlier miseries it would be mere optimism to

Present Kips as altogether happy a vague dissatisfaction with life drifted about him and every now and again enveloped him like a sea fog during these periods it was greatly evident that there was something something vital in life lacking for no earthly reason that Kips could discover he was haunted by a

Suspicion that life was going wrong or had already gone wrong in some irrevocable way the ripening self-consciousness of adolescence developed this into a clearly felt insufficiency it was all very well to carry gloves open doors never say Miss to a girl and walk out outside but were there not other things conceivably even

Deeper things before the complete thing was attained for example certain matters of knowledge he perceived great bogs of ignorance about him fumbling traps where other people it was alleged real gentlemen and ladies for example and the clergy had knowledge and Assurance bogs which it was sometimes

Difficult to elude a girl arrived in the miliner department who could she said speak French and German she snubbed certain advances and a realization of inferiority blistered Kips but he tried to pass the thing off as a joke by saying parles Vu frany whenever he met her and inducing the junior Apprentice

To say the same he even made some dim half secret experiments towards remedying the deficiencies he suspected he spent five Shillings on five serial numbers of a home educator and bought thought and even thought of reading a Shakespeare and a Bacon’s advancement of learning and the poems of

Herck from a chap who was hard up he battled with Shakespeare all one Sunday afternoon and found the English literature with which Mr Woodrow had equipped him had vanished down some crack in his mind he had no doubt it was very Splendid stuff but he couldn’t

Quite make out what it was all about there was an occult meaning he knew in literature and he had forgotten it moreover he discovered one day while taunting the junior Apprentice with ignorance that his rivers of England had also slipped his memory and He laboriously restored that fabric of

Roote learning Tai where te’s umber I suppose some such phase of discontent is a normal thing in every adolescence the rening Mind seeks something upon which its Will May crystallize upon which its discursive emotions growing more abundant with each year of life may concentrate for many though not for all it takes a

Religious Direction but in those particular years the mental atmosphere of folkstone was exceptionally free from any revivalistic disturbance that might have reached Kip’s mental being sometimes they fall in love I have known this uneasiness end in different cases in a vow to read one book not a

Novel every week to read the Bible through in a year to pass in the honors division of the London matriculation examination to become an accomplished chemist and never more to tell a lie it led Kips finally into technical education as we understand it in the

South of England it was in the last year of his apprenticeship that he had pursued his researches after that missing qualification into the folkstone young men’s association where Mr Chester coot prevailed Mr Chester coot was a young man of semi-independent means who inherited a share in a house agency read

Mrs Humphrey Ward and took an interest in social work he was a whitish faed young man with a prominent nose pale blue eyes and a quivering quality in his voice he was very active upon committees he was very prominent and useful on all social occasions in evidence upon platforms and upon all

Those semi-public occasions when the Great descend he lived with an only sister to Kips and His Kind in the young men’s association he read a stimulating paper on self-help he said it was the noblest of all our distinctive English characteristics and he was very much down upon the overeducated

Germans at the close a young German hairdresser made a few commendatory remarks which developed somehow into an oration on Hanoverian Politics as he became excited he became guttural and obscure the meeting sniggered cheerfully at such ridiculous English and Kips was so much amused that he forgot a private project to ask this

Chester cot how he might set about a little self-help on his own private account in such narrow margins of time as the system of Mister shalford spared him but afterwards in the night time it came to him again it was a few months later and after his apprenticeship was

Over and Mis her shalford had with depreciatory observations taken him on as an improver at 20 a year that this question was revived by a casual article on Tech iCal education in a morning paper that a commercial traveler had left behind him it played the role of the word in

Season something in the nature of conversion a faint sort of concentration of purpose really occurred in him then the article was written with penetrating vehement and it stimulated him to the pitch of inquiring about the local science and art classes and after he had told everybody

In the shop about it and taken the advice of all who supported his desperate resolution he joined at first he attended the class in freehand that being the subject taught on early closing night and he had already made some progress in that extraordinary routine of reproducing freehand copies which for two

Generations had passed with English people for instruction in art when the dates of the classes were changed thereby just as the March winds were blowing he was precipitated into the wood carving class and his mind diverted first to this useful and broadening Pursuit and then to its

Teacher the class in wood carving was an extremely select class conducted at that time by a young lady named walshingham and as this young lady was destined by Fortune to teach Kips a great deal more than wood carving it will be well if the reader gets the picture of her correctly

In mind she was only a year or so older than he was she had a pale intellectual face dark gray eyes and black hair which she wore over her forehead in an original and striking way that she had adopted from a picture by Rosetti in the South Kensington Museum she was Slender

So that without ungainliness she had an effect of being tall and her hands were shapely and white when they came into contrast with hands much exercised in rolling and blocking she dressed in those loose and pleasant forms and those soft and tempered Shades that arose in England in the socialistic aesthetic

Epic and remain to this day among us as the badge of those who read tf’s novels scorn current fiction and think on higher PLS I think she was as beautiful as most beautiful people and to Kips she was altogether beautiful she had Kips learned matriculated at London University an astounding feat to his

Imagination and the masterly way in which she demonstrated how to prod and worry honest pieces of wood into useless and unedifying patterns in relief extorted his utmost admiration at first when hiips had learned he was to be taught by a girl he was inclined to resent it the more so as

Buggin had recently been very strong on the gross and Justice of feminine employment we have to keep wives said buggins though as a matter of fact he did not keep even one and how are we to do it with a lot of girls coming in to take the work out of our mouths

Afterwards Kips in conjunction with Pierce looked at it from another point of view and thought it would be rather a lark finally when he saw saw her and saw her teaching and coming nearer to him with an impressive deliberation he was breathless with awe and the quality of her dark slender

Femininity the class consisted of two girls and a maiden Lady of riper years friends of Miss walshingham and anxious rather to support her in an interesting experiment than to become really expert wood Carvers an oldish young man with spectacles and a black beard who never spoke to anyone and who

Was evidently too shortsighted to see his work as a whole a small boy who was understood to have a gift for wood carving and a lodging housekeeper who took classes every winter she told Mister Kips as though they were a tonic and found they did her good and occasionally miss her Chester coot

Refined and gentlemanly would come into the class with or without papers asensi on committee business but in reality to talk to the less attractive one of the two girls students and sometimes a brother of Miss walshingham a slender dark young man with a pale face and fluctuating resemblances to the young

Napoleon would arrive just at the end of the class time to see his sister home all these personages impressed Kips with a sense of inferiority that in the case of Miss walshingham became positively abysmal the ideas and knowledge they appeared to have their personal capacity in Freedom opened a new world to his

Imagination these people came and went with a sense of absolute Assurance against an overwhelming background of plaster casts diagrams and tables benches and a Blackboard a background that seemed to him to be saturated with recondite knowledge and the Occult and jealously guarded tips and secrets that constitute

Art and the higher life they went home he imagined to homes where the piano was played with distinction and freedom and books littered the tables and foreign languages were habitually used they had complicated meals No Doubt with cetes they knew etiquette and how to avoid all the errors for which Kips

Bought Penny manuals what to avoid common errors in speaking and the like he knew nothing about it all nothing whatever he was a creature of the outer Darkness blinking in an unsuspected light he heard them speak easily and freely to one another of examinations of books and paintings of last Year’s

Academy a little contemptuously and once just at the end of the class time Mis her Chester coot and Young walshingham and the two girls argued about something or other called he fancied Vanner or Varner they seem to say it both ways and which presently shaped itself more definitely as the

Name of a man who made up music car shot and buggins weren’t in it with them young walshingham it appeared said something or other that was anep and they all applauded him Kips I say felt himself a creature of outer Darkness an inexcusable Intruder in an altitudinous world when the epigram

Happened he first of all smiled to pretend he understood and instantly suppressed the smile to show he did not listen then he became extremely hot and uncomfortable though nobody had noticed either face it was clear his only chance of concealing his bottomless baseness was to hold his tongue and meanwhile he

Chipped with Earnest care and abased his soul before the very shadow of Miss walshingham she used to come and direct and advise him with he felt an effort to conceal the scorn she had for him and indeed it is true that at first she thought of him chiefly as the clumsy

Young man with the red ears and as soon as he emerged from the first effect of pure and ostrick and humility he was greatly helped to emerge from that condition to a perception of human equality by the need the lodging housekeeper was under to talk while she

Worked and as she didn’t like Miss walshingham and her friends very much and the young man with spectacles was deaf she naturally talked to Kips he perceived that he was in a state of adoration for Miss walshingham that it seemed almost a Blasphemous familiarity to speak of us being in love this state

You must understand had nothing to do with flirting or spooning and that superficial passion that flashes from eye to eye upon the leaves and peer absolutely nothing that he knew from the first her rather palid intelligent young face beneath those somber clouds of hair put her in a class apart towards her the

Thought of attentions paled and vanished to approach such a being to perform sacrifices and to perish obviously for her seemed the limit he might aspire to he or any man for if his love was a basement at any rate it had this much of Manliness that it covered all his sex it

Had not yet come to Kips to acknowledge any man as his better in his heart of hearts when one does that the game is played and one grows old indeed the rest of his sentimental interests vanished altogether in this great illumination he meditated about her when he was blocking

Creton Her Image was before his eyes at tea time and blotted out the more immediate faces and made him silent and preoccupied and so careless in his bearing that the junor ior Apprentice sitting beside him mocked at and pared his enormous bites of bread and butter unreproved he became conspicuously less

Popular on the fancy side the costumes was chilly with him and the milliner cutting but he did not care an intermittent correspondent with Flo Bates that had gone on since she left Mister shalford’s desk for a position at Tunbridge nearer home and which had roused Kips in its earlier stages to

Unparalleled Heights of epistory effort died out altogether by reason of his neglect he heard with scarcely a Pang that as a consequence perhaps of his neglect Flo was carrying on with a chap who managed a farm every Thursday he jabbed and gouged at his wood jabbing and gouging intersecting circles and

Diamond traceries and that labored anain which our Mad World calls ornament and he watched Miss walshingham furtively whenever she turned away the circles in consequence were jabbed crooked and his panels losing their symmetry became comparatively pleasing to the untrained eye and once he jabbed his finger he would cheerfully have

Jabbed all his fingers if he could have found some means of using the opening to express himself of the vague emotions that possessed him but he shered conversation just as earnestly as he desired it he feared that profound General ignorance of his might appear there came a time when she could not

Open one of the classroom Windows the man with the black beard poured over his chipping heedlessly it did not take Kips a moment to grasp his opportunity he dropped his gouge and stepped forward LM me he said he could not open the window either oh please don’t trouble she said snow trouble he

Gasped still the sash stuck he felt his manhood was at stake he gathered himself together for a tremendous effort and the pain broke with a snap and he thrust his hand into the void Beyond there said Miss walshingham and the glass fell ringing into the courtyard below then Kips made to bring

His hand back and felt the Keen touch of the edge of the broken glass at his wrist he turned dolefully I’m tremendously sorry he said in answer to the accusation in Miss walshingham eyes I didn’t think it would break like that as if he had expected it to break

In some quite different and entirely more satisfactory manner the boy with the gift of wood carving having stared at Kip’s face for a moment became involved in a leoan struggle with a giggle you’ve cut your wrist said one of the girl friends standing up and pointing she was a pleasant-faced

Greatly freckled girl with a helpful disposition and she said you’ve cut your wrist as brightly as if she had been a trained nurse Kip looked down and saw a swift line of scarlet rushed down his hand he perceived the other man’s student regarding this with magnified

Eyes you have cut your wrist said Miss walshingham and Kips regarded his damage with greater interest he’s cut his wrist said the maiden lady to the lodging hous keeper and seemed in doubt what a lady should do it’s she hesitated at the word bleeding and nodded to the lodging

Housekeeper instead dreadfully said the maiden lady and tried to look and tried not to look at the same time of course he’s cut his wrist said the lodging house keeper momentarily quite annoyed at Kips and the other young lady who thought Kips rather common went on quietly with her wood cutting with an

Air of its being the proper thing to do though nobody else seemed to know it you must tie it up said Miss walshingham we must tie it up said the freckled girl I ad an the slightest idea that window was going to break like that said Kips with cander nor the

Slightest he glanced again at the blood on his wrist and it seemed to him that it was on the very point of dropping on the floor of that cultured classroom so he very neatly licked it off feeling at the same time for his handkerchief oh don’t said Miss

Walshingham as he did so and the girl with the freckles made a movement of horror the giggle got the better of the boy with the gift and celebrated its Triumph by unseemly noises in spite of which it seemed to Kips at the moment that the act that had

Made Miss walshingham say oh don’t was rather A desperate and manly treatment of what was after all a creditable injury it ought to be tied up said the lodging hous keeper holding her chisel upright in her hand it’s a bad cut to bleed like that we must tie it up said

The freckled girl and hesitated in front of Kips have you got a hang handkerchief she said I do know how I managed not to bring one said Kips I not obing a cold I suppose somehow I didn’t think he checked a further flow of blood the girl with the freckles caught Miss

Walshingham eye and held it for a moment both glanced at Kip’s injury the boy with the gift who had reappeared with a chastened expression from some noisy Pursuit beneath his desk made the neglected motions of one who propers shily Miss walshingham under the spell of the freckled girls I produced a

Handkerchief the voice of the maiden lady could be heard in the background I’ve been through all the technical education ambulance classes twice and I know you go so if it’s a vein and so if it’s an artery at least you go so for one and so for the other

Whichever it may be but if you will give me your hand said the freckled girl and proceeded with Miss walshingham assistance to bandage Kips in a most business-like way yes they actually bandaged Kips they pulled up his cuffs happily they were not a very Frid pair and held his wrist

And wrapped the soft handkerchief around it and tightened the knot together and Miss walshingham face the face of that almost Divine overh human came close to the face of Kips we not hurting you are we she said not a bit said Kips as he would have said if they had been sawing

His arm off we’re not experts you know said the freckled girl I’m sure it’s a dreadful cut said miss walshingham it ain’t much really said Kips and you’re taking a lot of trouble I’m sorry I broke that window I can’t think what I could have been doing it isn’t so much

The cut at the time it’s the poisoning afterwards came the voice of the maiden Lady of course I’m quite willing to pay for the window panted Kips opulently we must make it just as tight as possible to stop the bleeding said the freckled girl I don’t think it’s

Much really said Kips I’m awful sorry I broke that window though put your finger on the knot dear said the freckled girl eh said Kips I mean both the young ladies became very intent on the knot and Mis her Kips was very red and very intent upon the two young ladies

Mortified and had to be sa off said the maiden lady sa off said the lodging housekeeper sa right off said the maiden lady and jabbed at her mangled design there said the freckled girl I think that ought to do you’re sure it’s not too tight not a bit said Kips he met

Miss walshingham eye and smiled to show how little he cared for wounds and pain it’s only a little cut he added the maiden lady appeared as an addition to their group you should have washed the wound dear she said I was just telling Miss kalis she peered through her glasses at the

Bandage that doesn’t look quite right she remarked critically you should have taken the ambulance classes but I suppose it will have to do are you hurting not a bit said Kips and he smiled at them all with the air of a brave soldier in hospital I’m sure it must hurt said Miss walshingham

Anyhow you’re a very good patient said the girl with the freckles Mr Kips became quite pink I’m only sorry I broke the window that’s all he said but who would have thought it was going to break like that pause I’m afraid you won’t be able to go on carving tonight said Miss walshingham

I’ll try said kips it really doesn’t hurt not anything to matter presently Miss walshingham came to him as he carved heroically with his hand bandaged in her handkerchief there was a touch of a novel interest in her eyes I’m afraid you’re not getting on very fast she said

The freckled girl looked up and regarded Miss walshingham I’m doing a little anyhow said Kips I don’t want to waste any time a fell like me hasn’t much time to spare it struck the girls that there was a quality of modest disavowal about that fell like me it gave them a light into

This obscure person and Miss walshingham ventured to commend his work as promising and to ask whether he meant to follow it up Kips didn’t altogether know things depended on so much but if he was in folkstone next winter he certainly should it did not occur to miss

Walshingham at the time to ask why his progress in art depended upon his presence in folkstone there was some more questions and answers they continued to talk to him for a little time even when Mis Chester cot had come into the room and when at last the conversation had died out it

Dawned upon Kips just how much his cut wrist had done for him he went to sleep that night revising that conversation for the 20th time treasuring this and expanding that and inserting things he might have said to miss walshingham things he might still say about himself

In relation more or less explicit it to her he wasn’t quite sure if he wouldn’t like his arm to mortify a bit which would make him interesting or to heal up absolutely which would show the exceptional purity of his blood the affair of the broken window happened

Late in April and the class came to an end in May in that interval there were several small incidents and great developments of emotion I have done Kips no justice if I have made it seem that his face was unsightly it was as the freckled old girl pointed out to Helen walshingham an

Interesting face and that aspect of him which presented chiefly erratic hair and glowing ears ceased to Prevail they talked him over and the freckled girl discovered there was something wistful in his manner they detected a natural delicacy and the freckled girl set herself to draw him out from that time

Forth the freckled girl was 19 and very wise and motherly and benevolent and really she greatly preferred drawing out Kips to wood carving it was quite evident to her that Kips was in love with Helen walshingham and it struck her as a queer and romantic and pathetic and extremely interesting

Phenomenon and as at that time she regarded Helen as simply lovely it seemed only right and proper that she should assist Kips in his modest efforts to place himself in a state of absolute abandon upon her altar under her sympathetic management the position of Kips was presently defined quite clearly

He was unhappy in his position misunderstood he told her he didn’t seem to get on like with customers and she translated this for him as too sensitive the discontent with his fate in life the Dreadful feeling that education was slipping by him troubles that time and usage were glazing over a

Little revived to their old acuteness but not to their old hopelessness as a basis for sympathy indeed they were even a source of pleasure and one day at dinner it happened that carshot and buggin fell talking of these here writers and how Dickens had been a labell of blacking

And thery an artist who couldn’t sell a drawing and how Samuel Johnson had walked to London without any boots having thrown away his only pair out of Pride it’s luck said buggins to a very large extent they just happen to hit on something that catches on and there you

Are nice easy life they have of it too said Miss mgle write just an hour or so and done for the day almost like gentle folks there’s more work in it than you’d think said carshot stooping to a mouthful I wouldn’t mind changing for all that said

Buggin I’d like to see one of these here authors marking off with Jimmy I think they copy from each other a good deal said Miss mgle even then chop chop chop said carshot there’s right in it out in their own hands they proceeded to enlarge upon the literary life on its

Ease and dignity on the social recognition accorded to those who led it and on the ample gratifications their vanity achieved pictures everywhere never get a new suit without being photographed almost like royalty said Miss mgle and all this talk impressed the imagination of Kips very greatly

Here was a class that seemed to bridge the gulf on the one hand hand essentially low but by factitious circumstances capable of entering upon those levels of social superiority to which all true Englishmen Aspire those levels from which one may tip a butler scorn a tailor and even

Commune with those who lead men into battle almost like gentle folks that was it he brooded over these things in the afternoon until they blossomed into Daydreams suppose for example he had chance to write a book a well-known book under an assumed name and yet kept on

Being a draper all the time impossible of course but suppose it made quite a long dream and at the next wood carving class he let it be drawn from him that his real choice in life was to be another only one doesn’t get a chance after that there were times when Kips

Had that Pleasant sense that comes of attracting interest he was a mute in glorious Dickens or at any rate something of that sort and they were all taking him at that the discovery of this indefinable something in him the development of which was now painfully restricted and impossible did much to

Bridge the gulf between himself and Miss walshingham he was unfortunate he was feudal but he was not common even now with help the two girls and the freckled girl in particular tried to stir him up to some effort to do his imputed potentialities Justice they were still

Young enough to believe that to nice and Nish members of the male sex more especially when under the stimulus of feminine encouragement nothing is finally impossible the freckled girl was I say the stage manager of this affair but miss walshingham was the presiding Divinity a touch of proprietorship came

In her eyes at times when she looked at him he was hers unconditionally and she knew it to her directly Kip scarcely ever made a speech the the enterprising things that he was continually devising to say to her he usually did not say or he said them in a suitably modified form

To the girl with the freckles and one day the girl with the freckles smote him to the heart she said to him with the faintest indication of her head across the classroom to where her friend reached a cast from the Shelf I do think Helen walshingham is

Sometimes the most lovely person in the world look at her now Kips gasped for a moment the moment lengthened and she regarded him as an intelligent young surgeon might regard an operation without anesthetics you’re right he said and then looked at her with an entire abandonment of Visage she colored under

His glare of Silent AOW and he blushed brightly I think so too he said hely cleared his throat and after a meditative moment proceeded sacramentally with his wood carving you are wonderful said the freckled girl to miss walshingham appropo of nothing as they went on their way home together he

Simply adores you but my dear what have I done said Helen that’s just it said the freckled girl what have you done and then with a terrible swiftness came the last class of the course to terminate this relationship altogether Kips was careless of dates and the thing came upon him with an

Effect of abrupt surprise just just as his pedals were expanding so hopefully finus and the thing was at an end but Kips did not fully appreciate that the end was indeed and really and truly the end until he was back in the Emporium after the end was over the end began

Practically in the middle of the last class when the freckled girl broached the topic of terminations she developed the question of just how he was going on after the class ended she hoped he would stick to certain resolutions of self-improvement he had breathed she said quite honestly

That he owed it to himself to develop his possibilities he expressed firm resolve but dwelt on difficulties he had no books she instructed him how to get books from the public library he was to get a form of application for a ticket signed by a rate payer and he said of course when

She said Mis shalford would do that though all the time he knew perfectly well it would never do to ask Mr shalford for anything of the sort she explained that she was going to North Wales for the summer information he received without immediate regret at intervals he expressed his intention of

Going on with wood carving when the summer was over and once he added if she considered herself extremely delicate not to press for the completion of that if after that talk there was an interval of languid wood carving and watching Miss walshingham then presently there came a bustle of

Packing a great ceremony of hand shaking All Around by Miss kis and the Maiden Lady of ripe years and then Kips found himself outside the classroom on the landing with his two friends it seemed to him he had only just learned that this was the last

Class of all there came a little pause and the freckled girl suddenly went back into the classroom and left Kips and Miss walshingham Alone Together For the First Time Kips was instantly breathless she looked at his face with a glance that mingled sympathy and curiosity and held out her white hand

Well Goodbye Mr Kips she said he took her hand and held it i’ do anything said Kips and had not the tarity to add for you he stopped awkwardly he shook her hand and said goodbye there was a little pause I hope you will have a pleasant

Holiday she said I shall come back to the CL class next year anyhow said Kips valiantly and turned abruptly to the stairs I hope you will said Miss walshingham he turned back towards her really he said I hope everybody will come back I will anyhow said Kips you

May count on that and he tried to make his tone significant they looked at one another through a little pause goodbye she said Kips lifted his hat she turned towards the classroom well said the freckled girl coming back towards her nothing said Helen at least presently and she became

Very energetic about some scattered tools on a desk the freckled girl went out and stood for a moment at the head of the stairs when she came back she looked very hard at her friend the incident struck her as important wonderfully important it was unassimilable of course and

Absurd but there it was the thing that is so Cardinal to a girl the emotion the subservience the crowning Triumph of her sex she could not help feeling that Helen took it on the whole a little too hardly chapter 4 chitterlow the hour of the class on the

Following Thursday found Kips in a state of nearly incredible despondency he was sitting with his eyes on the reading room clock his chin resting on his fists and his elbows on the accumulated comic papers that were comic alas in vain he paid no heed to the little man in spectacles glaring

Opposite to him famishing for fun in this place it was he had sat night after night each night more Blissful than the last waiting until it should be time to go to her and then Bliss and now the hour had come and there was no class there would be no

Class now until next October it might be there would never be a class so far as he was concerned again it might be there would never be a class again for shafford taking exception at a certain absent-mindedness that led to mistakes and more particularly to the ticketing of several articles in Kip’s Manchester

Window upside down had been on to him for the past few days in an exceedingly honorous manner he sighed profoundly pushed the comic papers back they were rent away from him instantly by the little man in spectacles and tried the old Engravings of folkstone in the past

That hang about the room but these two failed to minister to his bruised heart he wandered about the corridors for a time and watched the library indicator for a while wonderful thing that but it did not hold him for long people came and laughed near him and that Jared with him

Dreadfully he went out of the building and a beastly cheer F Barrel organ mocked him in the street he was moved to a desperate resolve to go down to the beach there it might be he would be alone the sea might be rough and attuned

To him it would certainly be dark if I add a penny I’m blessed if I wouldn’t go and Chuck myself off the end of the pier she’d never miss me he followed a deepening vein of thought Penny though it’s tence he said after a space he went

Down do Street in a state of profound Melancholia at the pace and mood as it were of his own funeral procession and he crossed at the corner of tontine Street heedless of all mundane things and there it was that fortune Came Upon him in Disguise and

With a loud shout the shout of a person endowed with an unusually rich full voice followed immediately by a violent blow in the back his hat was over his eyes and an enormous weight rested on his shoulders and something kicked him in the back of his calf then he was on

All fours in some mud that fortune in conjunction with the folkstone corporation and in the pursuit of equally mysterious ends had heaped together even lavishly for his reception he remained in that position for some seconds awaiting further developments and believing almost anything broken before his heart gathering at last that

This temporary violence of things in general was over and being perhaps assisted by a clutching hand he arose and found himself confronting a figure holding a bicycle and thrusting forward a dark face in anxious scrutiny you aren’t hurt mie gasped the figure was that you it me said Kips it’s these

Handles you know said the figure with an air of being a fellow sufferer they’re too low and when I go to turn if I don’t remember Biff and I’m into something well you give me a wner in the back anyhow said kit taking stock of his damages I was coming downhill you know

Explained the bicyclist these little folkstone Hills are a fair treat it isn’t as though I’d been on the level I came rather a you did that said Kips I was back pedling for all I was worth anyhow said the bicyclist not that I am worth much back

Pedling he glanced round and made a sudden movement almost as if to mount his machine then he turned as rapidly to Kips again who was now stooping down pursuing the tale of his injuries here’s the back of my trouser leg all tore down said Kips and I

Believe I’m bleeding you really ought to be more careful the stranger investigated the damage with a rapid movement holy smoke so you are he laid a friendly hand on Kip’s arm I say look here come up up to my diggings and sew it up I’m of course I’m to blame and I

Say his voice sank to a confidential friendliness here’s a slop don’t let on I ran you down haven’t a lamp you know might be a bit awkward for me Kips looked up towards the advancing policeman the appeal to his generosity was not misplaced he immediately took sides with

His as salent he stood up as the rep representative of the law Drew nearer he assumed an air which he considered highly suggestive of an accident not having happened all right he said go on right you are said the cyclist promptly and led the way and then apparently with

Some idea of deception called over his shoulder I’m tremendous glad to have met you old chap it really isn’t 100 yards he said after they had passed the policeman it’s just round the corner of course said Kips limping slightly I don’t want to get a chap into trouble accidents will happen still oh

Rather I believe you accidents will happen especially when you get me on a bicycle he laughed you aren’t the first I’ve run down not by any manner of means I don’t think you can be hurt much either it isn’t as though I was scorching you didn’t see me coming I was

Back pedling like anything only naturally it seems to you I must have been coming fast and I did all I could to ease off the bump as I hit you it was just the tredd I think came against your calf but it was all right of you about

That policeman you know that was a fair bit of all right under the cirs if you told him I was riding it might have been 40 Bob 40 Bob I’d have had to tell M time is money just now for Mr h c i shouldn’t have blamed you either you

Know most men after a bump like that might have been spiteful the least I can do is to stand you a needle and thread and a clothes brush it isn’t everyone who’d have taken it like you scorching why if I’d been scorching you’d have coming as we did you’d have

Been knocked silly but I tell you the way you caught on about that slop was something worth seeing when I asked you I didn’t half expect it Biff right off cool as a cucumber had your line at once I tell you that there isn’t many men would have

Acted as you have done I will say that you acted like a gentleman over that slop Kip’s first sense of injury disappeared he limped along a pace or so behind making depreciate I noises in response to these flattering remarks and taking stock of the very appreciative person who uttered them as they passed

The lamps he was visible as a figure with a slight anterior plumpness progressing buoyantly on knickerbockered legs with quite enormous calves legs that contrasting with Kip’s own narrow practice were even exuberantly turned out at the knees and toes a cycling cap was worn very much on one side and from

Beneath it protruded carelessly straight wisps of of dark red hair and ever and again an ample nose came into momentary view Round the Corner the muscular cheeks of this person and a certain generosity of chin he possessed were blue shaven and he had no mustache his Carriage was spacious and

Confident his gestures up and down the narrow deserted back street they traversed were irresistibly suggestive of ownership a suggestion of broadly gesticulating Shadows were born squatting on his feet and grew and took possession of the road and reunited at last with the Shadows of the infinite as

Lamp after lamp was passed Kip saw by the flickering light of one of them that they were in little fenich Street and then they came round a corner sharply into a dark court and stopped at the door of a particularly ramshackle looking little house held up between two

Larger ones like a drunken man between policemen the cyclist propped his machine carefully against the window produced a key and blew down it sharply the locks a bit tricky he said and devoted himself for some moments to the task of opening the door some mechanical catastrophe ensued and the door was open

You’d better wait here a bit while I get the lamp he remarked to Kips very likely it isn’t filled and vanished into the Blackness of the passage thank God for matches he said and Kips had an impression of a passage in the transitory pink flare and the bicyclist

Disappearing into a further room Kips was so much interested by these things that for the time he forgot his injuries altogether an interval and Kips was dazzled by a pink shaded kerosene lamp you go in said the red-haired man and I’ll bring in the bike and for a moment

Kips was alone in the lampl room he took in rather vaguely the shabby Ensemble of the little apartment the round table covered with a torn red glass stained cover on which the lamp stood a nled Looking Glass over the fireplace reflecting this a disused gas bracket an

Extinct fire a number of Dusty postcards and memoranda stuck around the glass A Dusty crowded paper rack on the mantle with a number of cabinet photographs a table litered with papers and cigarette Ash and a siphon of soda water then the cyclist reappeared and Kips saw his blue

Shaved rather animated face and bright reddish brown eyes for the first time he was a man perhaps 10 years older than Kips but his beardless face made them in a way contemporary you behaved all right about that policeman anyhow he repeated as he came forward I don’t see how else I

Could a done said Kips quite modestly the cyclist scanned his guest for the first time and decided upon hospitable details we’d better let that mud dry a bit before we brush it Whiskey there is good old methusa Canadian Ry and there’s some Randy that’s all right which will

You have I do know said Kips taken by surprise and then seeing no other course but acceptance well whiskey then right you are old boy and if you’ll take my advice you’ll take it neat I may not be a particular judge of this sort of thing

But I do know old methusa pretty well old methusa four stars that’s me good old Harry Chito and good old methusa leave M together Biff he’s gone he laughed loudly looked about him hesitated and retired leaving Kips in possession of the room and free to make a more precise examination of its

Contents he particularly remarked the photographs that adorned the apartment they were chiefly photographs of ladies in one case in Tights which Kips thought a bit oty but one represented the bicyclist in the costume of some remote epic it did not take Kips long to infer that the others were probably actresses

And that his host was an actor and the presence of the half of a large colored playbill seemed to confirm this a note framed in an Oxford frame that was a little too large for it he presently demeaned himself to read Dear Mister chitterlow it ran its brief course if

After all you will send the play you spoke of I will endeavor to read it followed by a stylish but absolutely legible signature and across this was written in pencil what price Harry now and in the shadow by the window was a rough and rather able sketch of the

Bicyclist in chalk on brown paper calling particular attention to the curvature of the forward lines of his hole and calves and the jaunty Carriage of his nose and labeled unmistakably chitterlow Kips thought it rather a takeoff the papers on the table by the siphon were in manuscript Kips observed manuscript of a

Particularly convulsive and blat esque sort and running obliquely across the page presently he heard the metallic clamor as if of a series of irreparable breakages with which the lock of the front door discharged its function and then Chito reappeared a little out of breath as if from running and with a starry labeled

Bottle in his large freckled hand sit down old chap he said sit down I had to go out for it after all wasn’t a solitary bottle left however it’s all right now we’re here no don’t sit on that chair there’s sheets of my play on that that’s the one

With the broken arm I think this glass is clean but anyhow wash it out with a squiz of siphon and shy it in the fireplace here I’ll do it lend it here as he spoke Mister chitterlow produced a cork screw from a table drawer attached and overcame good old Methuselah’s cork

In a style a bartender might envy washed out two tumblers in his simple effectual Manner and poured a couple of inches of the ancient fluid into each Kips took his tumbler said thanks in an off-hand way and after a momentary hesitation whether he should say here’s to you or

Not put it to his lips without that ceremony for a space fire in his throat occupied his attention to the exclusion of other matters and then he discovered Mister Chito with an intensely Bulldog pip a light Seated on the opposite side of the empty fireplace and pouring

Himself out a second dose of whiskey after all said mister Chito with his eye on the bottle and a little smile wandering to hide amidst his larger features this accident might have been worse I wanted someone to talk to a bit and I didn’t want to go to a pub least

Ways not a folkstone pub because as a matter of fact I’d promised misses Chito who’s away not to for various reasons though of course if I’d wanted to I’m just that sort I should have all the same and here we are it’s curious how one runs up against people out

Bicycling isn’t it said Kips feeling that the time had come for him to say something here we are sitting and talking like old friends and half an hour ago we didn’t know we existed least ways we didn’t know each other existed I might have passed you in the street

Perhaps and you might have passed me and how was I to tell that put to the test you would have behaved as decently as you have behaved only it happened otherwise that’s all you’re not smoking he said have a cigarette Kips made a confused reply that took the form of not

Minding if he did and drank another sip of old methusa in his confusion he was able to follow the subsequent course of that sip for quite a long way it was as though the old gentleman was brandishing a burning torch through his vitals lighting him here and lighting

Him there until at last his whole being was in a glow Chito produced a tobacco pouch and cigarette papers and with an interesting parenthesis that was a little difficult to follow about some lady named Kitty something or other who had taught him the art when he was as

Yet only what you might call a nice boy made Kips a cigarette and with a consideration that one Kips gratitude suggested that after all he might find a little little soda water and improvement with the whiskey some people like it that way said Chito and then with voluminous emphasis I don’t emboldened

By the weaken state of his enemy Kips promptly swallowed the rest of him and had his glass at once hospitably replenished he began to feel he was of a firmer consistency than he commonly believed and turned his mind to what Chito was saying with the resolve to

Play a larger part in the conversation than he had hitherto done also he smoked through his nose quite successfully an art he had only very recently acquired meanwhile Chito explained that he was a playwright and the tongue of Kips was unloosened to respond that he knew a chap or rather one of their

Fellows knew a chap or at least to be perfectly correct this fellow’s brother did who had written a play in response to chito’s inquiries he could not recall the title of the play nor where it had appeared or the name of the manager who produced it though he thought the title

Was something about Love’s Ransom or something like that he made £500 by it though said Kips I know that that’s nothing said Chito with an air of experience that was extremely convincing nothing may seem a big sum to you but I can assure you it’s just what

One gets any day there’s any amount of money a New York amount in a good play IID desity said Kips drinking any amount of money Chito began a series of illustrative instances he was clearly a person of quite unequaled gift for monologue it was as though some conversational Dam had burst upon Kips

And in a little while he was drifting along Upon A copious rapid of talk about all sorts of theatrical things by one who knows all about them and quite incapable of anticipating with that rapid meant to carry him presently somehow they had got got to anecdotes about well-known theatrical managers

Little teddy bther skite Artful old Chumps and the Magnificent Behemoth petted to death you know Fair sickened by all these Society women Chito described various personal encounters with these personages always with modest self-depreciation and gave Kips a very amusing imitation of old Chumps in a state of

Intoxication then he took two more stiff doses of old methusa in Rapid succession Kips reduced the hither end of his cigarette to a pulp as he sat desing and quite believing chitterlow in the sagest manner and admiring the easy way in which he was getting on with this very

Novel and entertaining personage he had another cigarette made for him and then Chito assuming by insensible degrees more and more of the manner of a rich and successful playwright being interviewed by a young admirer set himself to answer questions which sometimes Kips asked and sometimes chlo about the particulars and methods of his

Career he undertook this self-imposed task with great earnestness and vigor treating the matter indeed with such fullness that at times it seemed lost altogether under a Thicket of parentheses footnotes and episodes that branched and budded from its stem but it always emerged again usually by way of illustration to its own

Digressions practically it was a mass of material for the biography of a man who had been everywhere and done everything including the Han Thomas Norgate which was a record and in particular had acted with great distinction and profit he dated various anecdotes when I was

Getting 30 or 40 or 50 dollars a week throughout America and the entire civilized world and as he talked on and on in that full Rich satisfying voice he had and as old Methuselah indisputably a most drunken old reprobate of a whiskey busied himself throughout Kips lighting lamp after lamp until the entire

Framework of the little Draper was illuminated and glowing like some public building on a festival behold Chito and Kips with him and the room in which they sat were transfigured Chito became in very truth that ripe full man of Infinite Experience and humor and genius fellow of Shakespeare and Ipson

And mlink three names he placed together quite modestly far above his own and no longer Ambiguously dressed in a sort of yachting costume with cycling nicker boers but elegantly if unconventionally attired and the room ceased to be a small and shabby room in a folkstone slum and grew larger and more richly

Furnished and the flyblown photographs were curious old pictures and the rubbish on the walls the most rare and costly brick ofra and the indisputable paraffin lamp a soft and Splendid light a certain youthful heat that to many Minds might have weakened old Methuselah’s Starry claim to a ripe

Antiquity vanished in that glamour two burnt holes and a claimant darn in the tablecloth moreover became no more than the pleasing contradictions natural in the house of genius and as for Kips Kips was a bright young man of Promise distinguished by recent quick courageous proceedings and not too definitely

Insisted upon and he had been rewarded by admission to a sanctum and confidences for which the common prosperous for which so iy women even were notoriously sighing in vain don’t want them my boy they’d simply play Old Harry with the work you know chaps outside Bank clerks and University

Fellows think the life’s all that sort of thing don’t you believe M don’t you believe M and then boom boom boom boom right in the middle of a most entertaining degression on Flats who join Jo touring companies under the impression that they are actors Kips much amused at their flatness as exposed by

Chito lore said Kips like one who awakens that’s not 11 must be said Chito it was nearly 10 when I got that whiskey it’s early yet all the same I must be going said Kips and stood up even now maybe fact is I had no idea

The oo door shuts at half past 10 you know I ought to a thought before well if you must go I tell you what I’ll come too why there’s your leg old man clean forgot it you can’t go through the streets like that I’ll sew up the tear

And meanwhile have another whiskey I ought to be getting on now protested Kips feebly and then Chito was showing him how to kneel on a chair in order that the rent trouser leg should be attainable and old methusa on his third round was busy repairing the temporary eclipse of Kip’s

Arterial glow then suddenly Chito was seized with laughter and had to leave off sewing to tell Kips that the scene wouldn’t make a bad bit of business in a farsal comedy and then he began to sketch out the farsal comedy and that led him to a degression about another

Farsal comedy of which he had written a ripping opening scene which wouldn’t take 10 minutes to read it had something in it that had never been done on the stage before and was yet perfectly legitimate namely a man with a live beetle down the back of his neck trying

To seem at his ease in a room full of people they won’t lock you out he said in a singularly reassuring tone and began to read and act what he explained to be not because he had written it but simply because he knew it was so on account of his exceptional experience of

The stage Age and what Kips also quite clearly saw to be one of the best opening scenes that had ever been written when it was over Kips who rarely swore was inspired to say the scene was damned fine about six times over whereupon as if by way of

Recognition Chito took a simply enormous portion of the inspiring anti deluvian declaring at the same time that he had rarely met a finer intelligence than Kips stronger there might be that he couldn’t say with certainty as yet seeing how little after all they had seen of each other but a finer never

That it was a shame such a gallant and discriminating intelligence should be nightly either locked up or locked out at 10 well 10:30 then and that he had half a mind to recommend old somebody or other apparently the editor of a London Daily paper to put on Kips forth with as

A dramatic critic in the place of the current incapable I don’t think I’ve ever made up anything for print said Kip ever I’d have a thundering good try though if ever I got a chance I would that I’ve written window tickets often enough made M up and everything but

That’s different you’d come to it all the fresher for not having done it before and the way you picked up every point in that scene my boy was a fair treat I tell you you’d knock William Archer into fits not so literary a of course you’d be but I don’t believe in

Literary critics any more than in literary playwrights plays aren’t literature that’s just the point they miss plays are plays no that won’t hamper you anyhow you’re wasted down here I tell you just as I was before I took to acting I’m hanged if I wouldn’t like your opinion

On these first two acts of that tragedy I’m on to I haven’t told you about that it wouldn’t take me more than an hour to read then so far as he could subsequently remember Kips had another and then it would seem that suddenly regardless of the tragedy he insisted

That he really must be getting on and from that point his memory became irregular certain things have remained quite clearly and as it is a matter of common knowledge that intoxicated people forget what happens to them it follows that he was not intoxicated Chito came with him partly

To see him home and partly for a freshener before turning in Kips recalled afterwards very distinctly how in little fenich Street he discovered that he could not walk straight and also that chito’s needle and thread in his still unmended trouser leg was making an annoying little noise on the pavement

Behind him he tried to pick up the needle Suddenly by surprise and somehow tripped and fell and then chitterlow laughing uously helped him up it wasn’t a bicycle this time old boy said Chito and that appeared to them both at the time as being a quite extraordinarily

Good joke indeed they punched each other about on the strength of it for a time after that Kip certainly pretended to be quite desperately drunk and unable to walk and Chito entered into the pretense and supported him after that Kips remembered being struck with the extremely laughable absurdity of going

Downhill to tatin Street in order to go uphill again to the Emporium and trying to get that idea into chitter ‘s head and being unable to do so on account of his own mert or chito’s evident intoxication and his next memory after that was of the exterior of the Emporium

Shut and darkened and as it were frowning at him with all its stripes of yellow and green the chilly way in which shalford glittered in the Moonlight printed itself with particular vividness on his mind it appeared to Kips that that establishment was closed to him forever more those gilded letters in

Spite of appearances spelt finest for him an exile from folkstone he would never do wood carving never see Miss walshingham again not that he had ever hoped to see her again but this was the knife this was final he had stayed out he had got drunk there had been that row about the

Manchester window dressing only 3 days ago in the retrospect he was quite sure that he was perfectly sober then and at bottom extremely unhappy but he kept a brave face on the matter nevertheless and declared stoutly he didn’t care if he was locked out whereupon chitterlow slapped him on the

Back very hard and told him that was a bit of all right and assured him that when he himself had been a clerk in Sheffield before he took to acting he had been locked out sometimes for six nights running what’s the result said Chito I could go back to that place now

And they’d be glad to have me glad to have me he repeated and then added that is to say if they remember me which isn’t very likely Kips asked a little weakly what am I to do keep out said Chito you can’t knock M up now that

Would give you right away youd better try and sneak in in the morning with the cat that’ll do you you’ll probably get in all right in the morning if nobody gives you away then for a Time perhaps as the result of that slap in the back Kips felt decidedly queer and acting on

Chito’s advice went for a bit of a freshener upon the leaves after a time he threw off the temporary queerness and found Chito patting him on the shoulder and telling him that he’d be all right now in a minute and all the better for it which he was and the wind having

Dropped and the night being now a really very beautiful moonlight night indeed and all before Kips to spend as he liked and with only a very little tendency to spin round now and again to Mar it spend under they set out to walk the whole length of the leaves to the sandgate

Lift and back and as they walked chitterlow spoke first of moonlight transfiguring the sea and then of moonlight transfiguring faces and so at last he came to the topic of love and upon that he dwelt a great while and with a wealth of experience and illustrative anecdote that seemed

Remarkably pungent and material to Kips he forgot his lost Miss walshingham and his outraged employer again he became as it were a Desperado by reflection Chito had had Adventures a quite astonishing variety of Adventures in this direction he was a man with a past a really opulent past and he

Certainly seemed to like to look back and see himself amidst its opulence he made no consecutive history but he gave Kips Vivid momentary pictures of relations and entanglements one moment he was in Flight only too worthily in Flight Before the husband of a Malay woman in

Cape Town at the next he was having passionate complications with the daughter of a clergyman in York then he passed to a remarkable grouping at Seaford they say you can’t love two women at once said Chito but I tell you he gesticulated and raised his ample voice it’s rot rot I

Know that said Kips why when I was in the smalls with Bessie Hopper’s company there were three he laughed and decided to add not counting Bessie that is he set out to reveal life as it is lived in touring companies a quite amazing Jungle of interwoven Affairs it appeared to be a

Mere Amorous wine press for the crushing of Hearts people say this sort of thing’s a nuisance and interferes with work I tell you it isn’t the work couldn’t go on without it they must do it they haven’t the temperament if they don’t if they hadn’t the temperament

They wouldn’t want to act if they have Biff you’re right said Kips I see that Chito proceeded to a close criticism of certain historical indiscretions of Mr Clement Scott respecting the morals of the stage speaking in confidence and not as one who addresses the public he admitted regretfully the general truth of these

Comments he proceeded to examine various typical instances that had almost forced themselves upon him personally and with a special regard to the contrast between his own character towards women and that of the Han Thomas Norgate with whom it appeared he had once been on terms of great intimacy Kips listened with emotion to

These extraordinary Recollections they were wonderful to him they were incredibly credible of course the tumultuous passionate course was the way life ran except in highclass establishments such things happened in novels in plays only he had been fool enough not to understand they happened his share in the conversation was now

Indeed no more than faint writing in the margin Chito was talking quite continuously he expanded his magnificent voice into huge gaffas he drew it together into a confidential intensity it became drawly reminiscent he was Frank Frank with the effect of a revelation reticent also with the effect of a revelation a stupendously

Gesticulated in moonlit black figure wallowing in itself preaching adventure and the flesh to Kips yet with all shot with something of sentiment with a sort of sentimental refinement very coarsely and egotistically done the times he had had even before he was as old as Kips he had had innumerable

Times Well he said with a sudden transition he had sown his Wild Oats one had to Su when and now he fancied he had mentioned it earlier in the evening he was Happ happily married she was he indicated born Lady her father was a prominent lawyer a solicitor in kentish

Town done a lot of Public House business her mother was second cousin to the wife of Abel Jones the fashionable Portrait Painter almost Society people in a way that didn’t count with Chito he was no snob what did Count was that she possessed what he ventured to assert

Without much fear of contradiction was the the very finest completely untrained contralto voice in all the world but to hear it properly said Chito you want a big Hall he became rather vague and jerked his head about to indicate when and how he had entered matrimony she was it seemed away with

Her people it was clear that Chito did not get on with these people very well it would seem they failed to appreciate his playright regarding it as an unremunerative Pursuit whereas as he and Kips knew Wealth Beyond the dreams of avarice would presently acrew only patience and persistence were needful he

Went off at a tangent to hospitality Kips must come down home with him they couldn’t wander about all night with a bottle of the right sort pining at home for them you can sleep on the sofa you won’t be worried by Broken Springs anyhow for I took M all out

Myself 2 or 3 weeks ago I don’t see what they even put m in for it’s a point I know about I took particular notice of it when I was with Bessie Hopper 3 months we were and all over England North Wales and the Isle of Man and I

Never struck a sofa in diggings anywhere that hadn’t a broken spring not once all the time he added almost absently it happens like that at times they descended the slant road towards Harbor Street and went on past the Pavilion Hotel they came into the presence of old Methuselah again and that worthy under

Chito’s Direction at once resumed the illumination of Kip’s interior with the conscientious thoroughness that distinguished him Chito took a tall portion to himself with an air of asbest lit the Bulldog pipe again and lapsed for a space into meditation from which Kips roused him by remarking that he expected an actor as a

Lot of ups and downs like now and then at which Chito seemed to bester himself rather he said and sometimes it’s his own fault and sometimes it isn’t usually it is if it isn’t one thing it’s another if it isn’t the manager’s wife it’s bar bragging I tell

You things happen at times I’m a fatalist the fact is character has you you can’t get away from it you may think you do but you don’t he reflected for a moment it’s that what makes tragedy psychology really it’s the Greek irony Ipson and all that up toate

He emitted this exhaustive summary of high-tone modern criticism as if he was repeating a lesson while thinking of something else but it seemed to Rouse him as it passed his lips by including the name of Ipson he became interested in telling Kips who was indeed open to any information whatever about this

Quite novel name exactly where he thought Ipson fell short points where it happened that Ipson was defective just where it chanced that he chitterlow was strong of course he had no desire to place himself in any way on an equality with Ipson still the fact remained that his own experience in England and

America and the colonies was altogether more extensive than Ipson could have had Ipson had probably never seen one decent bar scrap in his life that of course of course was not ion’s fault or his own Merit but there the thing was genius he knew was supposed to be able to do

Anything or to do without anything still he was now inclined to doubt that he had a play in hand that might perhaps not please William Archer whose opinion after all he did not value as he valued Kip’s opinion but which he thought was at any rate as well constructed as

Anything Ipson ever did so with infinite deviousness Chito came at last to his play he decided he would not read it to Kips but tell him about it this was the simpler because much of it was still Unwritten he began to explain his plot it was a complicated plot and all about

A nobleman who had seen everything and done everything and knew practically all that chitone knew about women that is to say all about women and suchlike matters it warmed and excited Chito presently he stood up to act a situation which could not be explained it was an extremely Vivid

Situation Kips applauded the situation vehemently the damn fine said the new dramatic critic quite familiar with his part now striking the table with his fist and almost upsetting his third portion in the second series of old Methuselah this damn fine chit low you see it said Chito with the last vestages

Of that incidental Gloom disappeared hearing good old boy I thought you’d see it but it’s just the sort of thing the literary critic can’t see however it’s only a beginning he replenished Kips and proceeded with his Exposition in a little while it was no longer necessary to give that over

Advertised Ipson the purely conventional precedence he had hitherto had Kips and Chito were friends and they could speak frankly and openly of things not usually admitted any ow said Kips a little irrelevantly and speaking over the brim of the replenishment what you read just now was damn fine nothing can’t alter

That he perceived a sort of faint buzzing vibration about things that was very nice and pleasant and with a little care he had no difficulty whatever in putting his glass back on the table then he perceived Chito was going on with the scenario and then that old Methuselah

Had almost entirely left his bottle he was glad there was so little more Methuselah to drink because that would prevent his getting drunk he knew that he was not now drunk but he knew that he had had enough he was one of those who always know when they have had enough he

Tried to interrupt Chito to tell him this but he could not get a suitable opening he doubted whether Chito might not be one of those people who did not know when they had had enough he discovered that he disapproved of Chito highly it seemed to him that Chito

Went on and on like a river for a time he was inexplicably and quite unjustly cross with Chito and wanted to say to him you got the gift of the gab but he only got so far as to say the gift and then Chito thanked him and said he was

Better than Archer any day so he eyed Chito with a baleful eye until it dawned upon him that a most extraordinary thing was taking place Chito kept mentioning someone named Kips this presently began to perplex Kips very greatly dimly but decidedly he perceived this was wrong look there he said suddenly what Kips

This chap Kips I’m telling you about what chap Kips you’re telling which about I told you Kip struggled with a difficulty in silence for a space then he reiterated firmly what chap Kips this chap in my play man who kisses the girl never kissed a girl said

Kips leastwise and subsided for a space he could not remember whether he had kissed and or not he knew he had meant to then suddenly in a tone of great sadness and addressing the Hearth he said my name’s Kips eh said Chito Kips said Kips smiling a little

Cynically what about him he’s me he tapped his breastbone with his middle finger to indicate his essential self he lent forward very Gravely towards Chito look there chlo he said you haven’t no business putting my name into play you mustn’t do things like that you’d lose me my crib right away and

They had a little argument so far as Kips could remember Chito entered upon a general explanation of how he got his names these he had for the most part got out of a newspaper that was still he believed lying about he even made to look for it and while he was doing so

Kips went on with the argument addressing himself more particularly to the photograph of the girl in Tights he said that at first her costume had not commended her to him but now he perceived she had an extremely sensible face he told her she would like buggins

If she met him he could see she was just that sort she would admit all sensible people would admit that using names in plays was wrong you could for example have the law of him he became confidential he explained that he was already in sufficient trouble for stopping out all night without having

His name put in place he was certain to be in the dece of a row the dece of a row why had he done it why hadn’t he gone at 10 because one thing leads to another one thing he generalized always does lead to another he was trying to

Tell her that he was utterly Unworthy of Miss walshingham when Chito gave up the search and suddenly accused him of being drunk and talking rot chapter 5 swapped he awoke on the thoroughly comfortable sofa that had had all its Springs removed and although he had certainly not been intoxicated he awoke

With what Chito pronounced to be quite indisputably a head and a mouth he had slept in his clothes and he felt stiff and uncomfortable all over but but the head and mouth insisted that he must not bother over little things like that in the head was one large angular idea that

It was physically painful to have there if he moved his head the angular idea shifted about in the most agonizing way this idea was that he had lost his situation and was utterly ruined and that it really mattered very little shalford was certain to hear of his

Escapade and that coupled with that row about the Manchester window he raised himself into a sitting position under chito’s urgent encouragement he submitted apathetically to his host’s attentions Chito who admitted being a bit off it himself and in need of an egg cup full of Brandy just an egg cupful

Neat dealt with that head and mouth as a mother might deal with the fall of an only child he compared it with other heads and mouths that he had met and in particular to certain experienced by The Honorable Thomas Norgate right up to the last said chitter

He couldn’t stand his liquor it happens like that at times and after Chito had pumped on the young beginner’s head and given him some anchovy paste piping hot on buttered toast which he preferred to all the other remedies he had encountered Kips resumed his crumpled collar brushed his clothes tacked up his

Knee and prepared to face mister shalford and the Reckoning for this wild unprecedented night the first night out that ever he had taken acting on chito’s advice to have a bit of a freshener before returning to the Emporium Kips walked someway along the leaves and back and then went down to a

Shop near the harbor to get a cup of coffee he found that extremely reinvigorating and he went on up the High Street to face the inevitable Terrors of the office a faint Touch of pride in his depravity tempering his extreme self-abasement after all it was not an

Unmanly headache he had been out all night and he had been drinking in his physical order was there to witness the fact if it wasn’t for the thought of shalford he would have been even a proud man to discover himself at last in such a condition but the thought of shalford was very

Dreadful he met two of the apprentices snatching a walk before shop began at the sight of them he pulled his spirits together put his hat back from his pet brow thrust his hands into his trouser pockets and adopted an altogether more dissipated Carriage he met their

Innocent faces with a won smile just for a moment he was glad that his patch at the knee was after all visible and that some at least of the mud on his clothes had refused to move at chito’s brushing what wouldn’t they think he had been up

To he passed them without speaking he could imagine how they regarded his back then he recollected Mr shafford the deuce of a row certainly and perhaps he tried to think of plausible versions of the affair he could explain he had been run down by rather a wild sort of fellow who was

Riding a bicycle almost stunned for the moment even now he felt the effects of the concussion in his head and had been given whiskey to restore him and the fact is Sir with an upward inflection of the voice an upward inflection of the eyebrows and an air of its being the

Last thing one would have expected whiskey to do the manifestation indeed of a practically unique physiological weakness it got got into my headed put like that it didn’t look so bad he got to the Emporium a little before 8 and the housekeeper with whom he was something of a favorite there’s no harm

In Mister Kips she used to say seemed to like him if anything better for having broken the rules and gave him a piece of dry toast and a good hot cup of tea I suppose the GV began Kips he knows said the housekeeper he went down to shop a

Little before time and presently B summoned him to the presence he emerged from the private office after an interval of 10 minutes the junior clerk scrutinized his Visage buggins put the Frank question Kips answered with one word swapped said Kips Kips lent against the fixtures with his hands in his

Pockets and talked to the two apprentices under him I don’t care if I am swapped said Kips I’ve been sick of Teddy and his system sometime I was a good mind to Chuck it when my time was up wish I add now afterwards Pierce came round and Kips

Repeated this what’s it for said Pierce that row about the window tickets no fear said Kips and sought to convey a perspective of Splendid depravity I wasn’t in Lost night he said and made even Pierce man about town Pierce open his eyes eyes why where did

You get to asked Pierce he conveyed that he had been Fair round the town with a actar chap I know one can’t always be living like a curet he said no fear said Pierce trying to play up to him but Kips had the top place in that conversation my lore said Kips when

Pierce had gone but wasn’t my mouth and Ed bad this morning before I add a pick me up W anovi on OT buttered toast it’s the very best pickme up there is you trust me Rogers I never take no other and I don’t advise you to see and when pressed for

Further particulars he said again he had been Fair all around the town with a actar chap he knew they asked curiously all he had done and he said well what do you think and when they pressed for still further details he said there were things little

Boys ought not to know and laugh Darkly and found them some huckaback to roll and in this manner for a space did Kips fend off the contemplation of the key of the street that shalford had presented him this sort of thing was all very well when Junior apprentices were about but

When Kips was alone with himself it served him not at all he was uncomfortable inside and his skin was uncomfortable and head and mouth pated perhaps but certainly not cured were still with him he felt to tell the truth nasty and dirty and extremely disgusted with himself to work was Dreadful and to

Stand still and think still more Dreadful his patched knee reproached him these were the second best of his three pairs of trousers and they had cost him 13 and6 practically ruined they were his dusting pair was unfit for shop and he would have to degrade his best when he

Was under inspection he affected the slouch of a Desperado but directly he found himself alone this passed insensibly into the droop the financial aspect of things grew large before him his whole capital in the world was the sum of5 in the post office Savings Bank and four and six P cash besides there

Would be two months screw his little tin box upstairs was no longer big enough for his belongings he would have to buy another let alone that it was not calculated to make a good impression in a new crib then there would be paper and stamps and needed in some abundance for

Answering advertisements and Railway fairs when he went crib hunting he would have to write letters and he never wrote letters there was spelling for example to consider probably if nothing turned up before his month was up he would have to go home to his uncle and Aunt how

Would they take it for the Pres n at any rate he resolved not to write to them such disagreeable things as this it was that lurked below the fair surface of Kip’s assertion I’ve been wanting a chance if e aent swapped me I should very likely a swapped him in the

Perplexed privacies of his own mind he could not understand how everything had happened he had been the victim of fate or at least of one as inexorable chitterlow he tried to recall the successive steps that had culminated ated so disastrously they were difficult to recall bugin that night abounded in counsel and

Reminiscence Curious Thing said buggin but every time I’ve had the swap I’ve never believed I should get another crib never but I have said bugin always so don’t lose heart whatever you do whatever you do said buggins keep hold of your collars and cuffs shirts if you can but collars any anyhow spout

Them last and anyhow it’s summer you won’t want your coat you got a good umbrella you’ll no more get a shop from new Romney than anything go straight up to London get the cheapest room you can find and hang out don’t eat too much many a chaps put his prospects in his

Stomach get a cup o coffee and a slice egg if you like but remember you got to turn up at the Warehouse tidy the best places now I believe are the old cabman’s eating houses keep your watch and chain as long as you can there’s lots of Shops going said

Bugin lots and added reflectively but not this time of year perhaps he began to recall his own researches stonish’. some of M high hat patent boots frock coat all there all right for a West End crib others Lord It’s a caution Kips Boots Been Inked in some reading rooms I used

To write in a reading room in Fleet Street regular Penny Club hatb wetted collar frayed tail coat buttoned up black chest plaster tie spread out shirt you know gone buggin pointed upward with a Pious expression no shirt I expect eat it said buggin Kips meditated I wonder where old meron is he

Said at last I often wondered about M it was the morning following Kip’s notice of dismissal that Miss walshingham came into the shop she came in with a dark slender lady rather faded rather tightly dressed whom Kips was to know some day as her mother he discovered them in the

Main shop at the counter of the ribbon Department he had come to the opposite glove counter with some Goods enclosed in a parcel that he had unpacked in his own Department the two ladies were both bent over a box of black ribbon he had a moment of tumultuous hesitations the etiquette of the

Situation was incomprehensible he put down his Goods very quietly and stood hands on counter staring at these two ladies then as Miss walshingham sat back the Instinct of flight seized him he returned to his Manchester shop wildly agitated directly he was out of sight of

Her he wanted to see her he Fred up and down the counter and addressed some snappish remarks to The Apprentice in the window he fumbled for a moment with a parcel untied it needlessly began to tie it up again and then bolted back again into the main shop he could hear

His own own heart beating the two ladies were standing in the manner of those who have completed their purchases and are waiting for their change Mrs walshingham regarded some remnants with impersonal interest Helen’s eyes searched the shop they distinctly lit up when they discovered Kips he dropped his hands to the counter

By habit and stood for a moment regarding her awkwardly what would she do would she cut him she came across the shop to him how are you Mr Kips she said in her clear distinct tones and she held out her hand very well thank you said Kips

How are you she said she had been buying some ribbon he became aware of Mrs walshingham very much surprised this checked something elusive about the class and he said instead that he supposed she was glad to be having her holidays now she said she was it

Gave her more time for reading and that sort of thing he supposed that she would be going abroad and she thought that perhaps they would go to knock or brues for a time then came a pause and Kip’s Soul surged within him he wanted to tell

Her he was leaving and would never see her again he could find neither words nor voice to say it the Swift seconds passed the girl in the ribbons was handing Mrs walshingham her change well said Miss walshingham goodbye and gave him her hand again Kips bowed over her hand his manners his

Counter manners were the easiest she had ever seen upon him she turned to her mother it was no good now no good her mother you couldn’t say a thing like that before her mother all was lost but politeness Kips rushed for the door he stood at the door bowing with infinite

Gravity and she smiled and nodded as she went out she saw nothing of the struggle within him nothing but a satisfactory emotion she smiled Like A Satisfied goddess as the incense ascends Mrs walshingham bowed stiffly and a little awkwardly he remained holding the door open for some seconds after they had

Passed out then rushed suddenly to the back of the costume window to watch them go down the street his hands tightened on the window rack as he stared her mother appeared to be asking discreet questions Helen’s bearing suggested the off-hand replies of a person who found the world

A satisfactory place to live in really Mumsy you cannot expect me to cut my own students dead she was in fact saying they vanished round Henderson’s Corner gone and he would never see her again never it was as though someone had struck his heart with a whip never never

Never and she didn’t know he turned back from the window and the department with its two apprentices was impossible the whole glaring world was insupportable he hesitated and made a rush head down for the Sellar that was his Manchester Warehouse Rogers asked him a question that he pretended not to hear the

Manchester Warehouse was a small Sellar apart from the general basement of the building and dimly lit by a small gas flare he did not turn that up but rushed rushed for the darkest corner where on the lowest shelf the sail window tickets were stored he drew out the box of these

With trembling hands and upset them on the floor and so having made himself a justifiable excuse for being on the ground with his head well in the dark he could let his poor bursting little heart have its way with him for a space and there he remained until the Cry of Kips

Forward summoned him once more to face the World chapter 6 the unexpected now on the slack of that same day after the midday dinner and before the coming of the afternoon customers this disastrous chlo descended upon Kips with the most amazing coincidence in the world he did not call

Formally entering and demanding Kips but privately in a confidential and mysterious manner Kips was first aware of him as a dark object bobbing about excitedly outside the hosery window he was stooping and craning and peering in the Endeavor to see into the interior between and over the socks and

Stockings then he transferred his attention to the door and after a hovering scrutiny tried the baby linen display his movements and gestures suggested a suppressed excitement seen by daylight chitterlow was not nearly such a magnificent figure as he had been by the subdued nocturnal lightings and beneath the glamour of his own

Interpretation the lines were the same indeed but the texture was different there was a quality about the yachting cap an indefinable finality of dustiness a shiny finish on all the Salient surfaces of the reefer coat the red hair and the profile though still forcible and fine were less in the quality of

Michelangelo and more in that of the merely picturesque but it was a bright brown I still that sought amidst the interstices of the baby linen Kips was by no means anxious to interview Chito again if he had felt sure that Chito would not enter the shop he would have hid in the

Warehouse until the danger was passed but he had no idea of chito’s limitations he decided to keep up the shop in the shadows until Chito reached the side window of the Manchester department and then to go outside as if to inspect the condition of the window and explain to him that things were

Unfavorable to immediate intercourse he might tell him he had already lost his situation Alo chlo he said emerging very man I want to see said Chito shaking with Vigor very man I want to see he laid a hand on Kips arm how old are you Kips 1 12 said Kips why talk about

Coincidences and your name now wait a minute he held out a finger is it Arthur yes said kips you’re the man said Chito what man it’s about the thickest coincidence I ever struck said Chito plunging his extensive hand into his breast coat pocket half a gif and I’ll

Tell you your mother’s Christian name he laughed and struggled with his coat for a space produced a washing book and two pencils which he deposited in his side pocket then in one capacious handful a bent but by no means finally disabled cigar the rubber Probot of a bicycle

Pump some twine and a lady’s purse and finally a small pocket book and from this after dropping and recovering several visiting cards he extracted a carelessly torn piece of newspaper euphemia he read and brought his face close to Kips he laughed noisily it’s about as Fair a bit of all

Right as anyone could have outside a coincidence play Don’t say her name wasn’t euphemia kips and spoil the whole blessed show who name euphemia asked Kips your mother’s let me see what it says on the paper Chito handed him the fragment and turned away you may say what you like he

Said addressing a vast deep laugh to the street generally Kips attempted to read Wy or kips if Arthur Wy or Arthur Kips the son of Margaret euphemia Kips who chito’s finger swept over the print I went down the column and Every Blessed name that seemed to fit my play I took I

Don’t believe in madeup names as I told you I’m all with Zola in that documents whenever you can I like M hot and real see who was Wy never heard his name not Wy no Kips tried to read again and aband abandoned the attempt what does it mean

He said I don’t understand it means said chlo with a momentary note of lucid Exposition so far as I can make out that you’re going to strike it rich never mind about the WTI that’s a detail what does it usually mean you’ll hear of something to your advantage very

Well I took that newspaper up to get my names by the mest chance directly I saw it again and read that I knew it was you I believe in coincidences people say they don’t happen I say they do everything’s a coincidence seen properly here you are here’s one

Incredible not a bit of it see it’s you Kips W he be damned it’s a mascot there’s luck in my play Biff you’re there I’m there fair in it snap and he discharged his fingers like a pistol never you mind about the vati eh said Kips with a nervous eye on

Chito’s fingers you’re all right said Chito you may bet the seed of your only britches on that don’t you worry about the W that’s as clear as day you’re about as right side up as a billiard ball whatever you do don’t stand there gaping man read the paper if you don’t

Believe me read it he shook it under Kips nose Kips became aware of the second Apprentice watching them from the shop his air of perplexity gave place to a more confident bearing who was born at East grinstead I certainly was born there I’ve heard my aunt say I knew it said

Chito taking hold of one edge of the paper and bringing his face close alongside Kips on September the 1st 1878 That’s All Right Said Chito it’s all all right and all you have to do is write to Watson and bean and get it get what whatever it is Kip sought his

Mustache you’d write he asked rather but what you think it is is that’s the fun of it said Chito taking three steps in some as yet uninvented dance that’s where the joke comes in it may be anything it may be a million if so where does little Harry come in eh Kips was

Trembling slightly but he said and thought if you was me he began about that Wy he glanced up and saw the second Apprentice disappear with amazing swiftness from behind the goods in the window what asked Chito but he never had an answer lore there’s the governor said Kips and made a prompt

Dive for the door he dashed and only to discover that shawford with the junior Apprentice in attendance had come to mark off remnants of Kip’s cotton dresses and was demanding him hello Kips he said outside see if the window was straight sir said Kips um said

Shawford for a space Kips was too busily employed to think at all of chitterlow or the crumpled bit of paper in his trouser pocket he was however painfully aware of a suddenly disconcerted excitement at large in the street there came one awful moment when chito’s nose loomed interrogatively over the ground

Glass of the department door and his bright little red Brown I saw for the reason of Kip’s disappearance and then it became evident that he saw the highlight of shalford’s baldness and grasped the situation and went away and then Kips with that advertisement in his pocket was able to come back to the

Business in hand he became aware that shalford had asked a question yes sir no sir right sir I’m sorting up Zephyr tomorrow sir said Kips presently he had a moment to himself again and taking up a safe position behind a newly unpacked pile of Summer lace curtains he

Straightened out the piece of paper and repared it it was a little perplexing that Arthur Wy or Arthur Kips did that imply two persons or one he would ask Pierce or buggin only it had always been impressed upon him that there was something demanding secrecy about his mother don’t

You answer no questions about your mother his aunt had been want to say tell them you don’t know whatever it is they ask you now this Kip’s face became portentously careful and he tugged at his mustache such as it was hard he had always represented his father as being a

Gentleman farmer it didn’t pay he used to say with a picture in his own mind of a penny magazine Aristocrat prematurely worn out by worry I’m a nor fan both sides he would explain with the air of one who had seen trouble he said he

Lived with his uncle and Aunt but he did not say that they kept a toy shop and to tell anyone that his uncle had been a butler a servant would have seemed the maddest of indiscretions almost all the assistants in the Emporium were equally reticent and vague so great is their horror of

Loness of any sort to ask about this Wy or kips would upset all these little fictions he was not as a matter of fact perfectly clear about his real stat St in the world he was not as a matter of fact perfectly clear about anything but

He knew that there was a quality about his status that was detrimental under the circumstances it occurred to him that it would save a lot of trouble to destroy the advertisement there and then in which case he would have to explain to Chito said Mr Kips Kips cried carot who

Was shop walking kips forward he thrust back the crumpled paper into his pocket and sallied forth to the customers I want said the customer looking vaguely about her through glasses a little bit of something to cover a little stool I have anything would do a Remnant or anything the

Matter of the advertisement remained in OB bance for half an hour and at the end the little stool was still a candidate for covering and Kips had a thoroughly representative collection of the textile Fabrics in his Department to clear away he was so angry about the little stool

That the crumpled advertisement lay for a space in his pocket absolutely forgotten Kip sat on his tin box under the gas bracket that evening and looked up the name euphemia and learned what it meant in the inquire within about everything that constituted bugin reference library he hoped bugin according to his

Habit would ask him what he was looking for but buggins was busy turning out his weeks washing two collars said buggin half pair socks two Dickies shirt there ought to be another callar somewhere euphemia said Kips at last unable altogether to keep to himself this suspicion of a high origin that

Floated so delightfully about him you femia it isn’t a name common people would give to a girl is it it isn’t the name any decent people would give to a girl said buggin common or not lore said Kips why it’s giving girls names like that said buggin that nine times out of

10 makes M go wrong it unsettles m If Ever I was to have a girl If Ever I was to have a dozen girls I’d call M all Jane every one of M you couldn’t have a better name than that euphemia indeed what next good Lord

That isn’t one of my collars there is it under your bed Kips got him the collar I don’t see no great arm in euphemia he said as he did so after that he became Restless I’m a good mind to write that letter he said and then finding buggin

Preoccupied wrapping his washing up in the half socks added to himself a thundering good mind so he got his Penny bottle of ink borrowed the pen from buggins and with with no very serious difficulty in spelling or composition did as he had resolved he came back into the bedroom

About an hour afterwards a little out of breath and pale where you been said buggin who was now reading the Daily World manager which came to him in rotation from carshot out to post some letters said Kips hanging up his hat crib hunting mostly said Kips rather he

Added with a nervous laugh what else bugin went on reading Kip sat on his bed and regarded the back of the Daily World manager thoughtfully bugin he said at last buggin lowered his paper and looked I say buggin what do these here advertisements mean that say so and so

Will hear of something greatly to his Advantage missen people said buggins making to resume reading how do your mean asked kips money left and that sort of thing buggins shook his head debts he said more often than not but that ain’t to his Advantage they put that to get old of M said

Buggins often it’s wives what you mean deserted wives try and get their husbands back that way I suppose it is Legacy sometimes eh perhaps if someone was left1 by someone hardly ever said buggin well ow began Kips and hesitated bugin resumed reading he was very much excited by a leader on Indian

Affairs by Jo he said it won’t do to give these here blacks votes no fear said Kips they’re different altogether said buggins they aent the sound sense of Englishmen and they aent the character there’s a sort of tricky dishonesty about M false witness and all that of

Which an Englishman has no idea outside their courts of law it’s a Poes fact Kips there’s Witnesses waiting to be HED regar trade touch their ODS as you go in Englishman of a no idea I tell you not ordinary Englishmen it’s in their blood they’re too timid to be honest too slavish they

Aren’t used to being free like we are and if you gave M Freedom they wouldn’t make a proper use of it now we oh damn for the gas had suddenly gone out and bugin had the whole column of society Club chat still to read bugin could talk of nothing after that but shalford’s

Meanness in turning off the gas and after being extremely satirical indeed about their employer undressed in the dark hit his bare toe against a box and sub ided after unseemly ejaculations into silent ill temper though Kips tried to get to sleep before the affair of the letter he had just posted resumed

Possession of his mind he could not do so he went over the whole thing again quite exhaustively now that his first Terror was abating he couldn’t quite determine whether he was glad or sorry that he had posted that letter if it should happen to be100 it must

Be1 if it was he could hold out for a year for a couple of years even before he got a crib even if it was 50 lb buggin was already breathing regularly when Kip spoke again bug jins he said bugin pretended to be asleep and thickened his regular breathing a little

Too hastily to a snore I say buggin said Kips after an interval what’s up now said bugin yomia suppose you saw an advertisement in a paper with your name in it see asking you to come and see someone like so as to hear of something very much to

Your hide said buggins shortly but I’d hide erir good night oh man said buggins with convincing earnestness Kips lay still for a long time then blew profoundly turned over and stared at the other side of the dark he had been a fool to post that letter

Lord hadn’t he been a fool it was just 5 days and a half after the light had been turned out while buggin was reading that a young man with a white face and eyes bright and wide open emerged from a side road upon the Le’s front he was dressed

In his best clothes and although the weather was fine he carried his umbrella just as if he had been to church he hesitated and turned to the right he scanned each house narrowly as he passed it and presently came to an abrupt stop hug henden said the gate posts in firm

Black letters and the fanlight in Gold repeated hug handen it was a stucco house fit to take your breath away and its balcony was painted a beautiful SE green enlivened with gilding he stood looking up at it goes he said at last in an Austrian whisper it had richl looking Crimson

Curtains to all the lower windows and Brass railed blinds above there was a splendid tropical plant in a large artistic pot in the drawing room window there was a splendid bronze knocker ring also and two bells one marked servants gois servants eh he walked pasted away

From it with his eyes regarding it and then turned and came back he passed through a further indecision and finally drifted away to the Sea front and sat down on a seat a little way along the Lees and put his arm over the back and regarded hug henden he whistled an air

Very softly to himself put his head first on one side and then on the other then for a space he scowled fixedly at it a very Stout Old Gentleman with a very red face and very protuberant eyes sat down beside Kips removed a Panama Hat of the most abandoned Desperado cut

And mopped his brow and blue then he began mopping the inside of his hat Kips watched him for a space wondering how much he might have a year and where he bought his hat then hug henden reasserted itself an Impulse overwhelmed him I say he said leaning forward to the Old

Gentleman the Old Gentleman started and stared what do you say he asked fiercely you wouldn’t think said Kips indicating with his forefinger that that boo there belongs to me the old gentleman twisted his neck round to look at hug handen then he came back to Kips looked at his

Mean little garments with apoplectic intensity and blew at him by way of reply it does said Kips a little less confidently don’t be a fool said the Old Gentleman and put his hat on and wiped out the corners of his eyes it’s hot enough panted the Old Gentleman indignantly without

Fools Kips looked from the old gentleman to the house and back to the Old Gentleman the Old Gentleman looked at Kips and snorted and looked out to see and again snorting very contemptuously at Kips mean to say it doesn’t belong to me said Kips the Old Gentleman just

Glanced over his shoulder at the house in dispute and then fell to pretending Kips didn’t exist it’s been left me this very morning said Kips it ain’t the only one that’s been left for me neither ah said the Old Gentleman like one who is sorely tried he seemed to expect the

Passers by presently to remove Kips it as said Kips he made no further remark to the Old Gentleman for a space but looked with a little less certitude at the house I got he said and stopped it’s no good telling you if you don’t believe he said the Old Gentleman after a

Struggle with himself decided not to have a fit try that game on with me he panted give you in charge what game wasn’t born yesterday said the Old Gentleman and blue besides he added look at you I know you and the Old Gentleman coughed shortly and nodded to the

Horizon and coughed again Kips looked dubiously from the house to the Old Gentleman and back to the house their conversation he gathered was over presently he got up and went slowly across the grass to its stucko portal again he stood and his mouth shaped the precious word hug henden it was all

Right he looked over his shoulder as if an appeal to the Old Gentleman then turned and went his way the old gentleman was so evidently past all reason he hung for a moment some distance along the parade as though some Invisible String was pulling him back

When he could no longer see the house from the pavement he went out into the road then with an effort he snapped the string he went on down a quiet side street unbuttoned his coat furtively took out three Bank notes in an envelope looked at them and replaced them then he

Fished up five new sovereigns from his trouser pocket and examined them to such a confidence had his exact resemblance to his Dead Mother’s portrait carried messers Watson and bean it was right enough it really was all right he replaced the coins with great precaution and went his way with a sudden

Briskness it was all right he had it now he was a Rich Man At Large he went up a street and round a corner and along another Street and started towards the Pavilion and changed his mind and came round back resolved to go straight to the Emporium and tell them all he was

Aware of someone crossing a road far off ahead of him someone curiously relevant to his present extraordinary state of mind it was Chito a of course it was Chito who had told him first of the whole thing the playright was marching buoyantly along across street his nose was in the air

The yachting cap was on the back of his head and the large freckled hand grasped two novels from the library a morning newspaper a new hat done up in paper and a lady’s net bag full of onions and tomatoes he passed out of sight behind the wine Merchants at the corner as Kips

Decided to hurry forward and tell him of the amazing change change in the order of the universe that had just occurred Kips uttered a feeble shout arrested as it began and waved his umbrella then he set off at a smart Pace in Pursuit he came round the corner and

Chito had gone he hurried to the next and there was no Chito he turned back unavailingly and his eyes sought some other possible Corner his hand fluttered to his mouth and he stood for a space at the pavement Edge staring about him no good could but the sight of Chito was a

Wholesome thing it connected events together joined him on again to the Past at a new point and that was what he so badly needed it was all right all right he became suddenly very anxious to tell everybody at the Emporium absolutely everybody all about it that was what

Wanted doing he felt that telling was the thing to make this business real he gripped his umbrella about the middle and walked very eagerly he entered the Emporium through the Manchester Department he flung open the door over whose ground glass he had so recently in infinite apprehension

Watched the nose of Chito and discovered the second apprentice and Pierce in conversation Pierce was prodding his hollow tooth with a pin and talking in fragments about the distinctive characteristics of good style Kips came up in front of the counter I say he said what do your think what said Pierce over

The pin guess you’ve slipped out because Teddy’s in London something more what been left a fortune Garn I a get out straight I’ve been left 12200 12200 a year he moved towards the little door out of the department into the house moving as Herold say regardant passant Pierce stood with mouth wide

Open and pin poised in air no he said at last It’s Right Said Kips and I’m going and he fell over the doormat into the house it happened that mister shalford was in London buying summer sale goods and no doubt also interviewing aspirants to succeed Kips so that there was

Positively nothing to hinder a wild Rush of rumor from and to end of the Emporium all the masculine members began their report with the same formula heard about Kips the new girl in the cash desk had had it from Pierce and had dashed out into the fancy shop to be the first

With the news on the fancy side Kips had been left £1,000 a year £1,000 a year Kips had been left ,200,000 the Figures were uncertain but the essential facts they had correct Kip had gone upstairs Kips was packing his box he said he wouldn’t stop another day in the old Emporium not for

,000 it was said that he was singing ribaldry about old shalford he had come down he was in the counting house there was a general movement thither poor old buggin had a customer and couldn’t make out what the deuce it was all about completely out of it was

Buggin there was a sound of running to and fro in voices saying this that and the other thing about Kips Ring ainger Ring ainger went the dinner bell all unheated the whole of the Emporium was suddenly bright-eyed excited hungry to tell somebody to find at any cost

Somebody who didn’t know and be first to tell them Kips has been left 30 40 50,000 what cried the senior Porter him and ran up to the counting house as eagerly as though Kips had broken his neck one of our chaps just been left £60,000 said the first Apprentice returning

After a great absence to his customer unexpectedly said the customer quite said the first Apprentice I’m sure if anyone deserves it it’s Mr Kips said Miss mgle and her train rustled as she hurried to the counting house there stood Kips amidst a pelting shower of congratulations his face was flushed and

His hair disordered he still clutched his hat and best umbrella in his left hand his right hand was anyone’s to shake rather than his own ring a Dinger ring a Dinger ding ding ding dang you went the neglected Dinner Bell good old Kips said Pierce shaking good old Kips B rubbed one

Anemic hand upon the other you’re sure it’s all right Mr Kips he said in the background I’m sure we all congratulate him said Miss mgle Great Scott said the new young lady in the glove Department 1200 a year Great Scott you aren’t thinking of marrying anyone are

You Mr Kips £35 and 9 a day said Mr bch working in his head almost miraculously everyone it seemed was saying how glad they were it was Kips except the junior Apprentice upon whom he being the only son of a widow and used to having the best of everything as a right an

Intolerable Envy a sense of unbearable wrong had cast its gloomy shade all the rest were quite honestly and simply glad gladder perhaps at that time than Kips because they were not so overpowered Kips went downstairs to dinner emitting fragmentary disconnected statements never expected anything of

The sort when this year old Bean told me you could have knocked me me down with a feather he says you BN left money even then I didn’t expect it itd be more and 100b perhaps something like that with the sitting down to dinner and the handing

Of plates the excitement assumed a more orderly quality the housekeeper emitted congratulations as she carved and the maid servant became dangerous to clothes with the plates she held them anyhow one expected to see one upside down even she found so fascinating to look at everyone was the brisker and hungrier for the

News except the junior apprentice and the housekeeper carved with unusual liberality it was high Old Times there under The Gaslight High old times I’m sure if anyone deserves it said Miss mgle pass the salt please it’s Kips the babble died away a little as carshot began barking across the table at Kips

Youk be a bit of a swell kips he said you won’t hardly know yourself quite the gentleman said Miss mgle many real gentleman’s families said the housekeeper have to do with less see you on the leav said carshot my goo he met the housekeeper’s eye she had spoken about that before my

Eye he said tamely lest words should Mar the day Youk go to London I reckon said Pierce you’ll be a man about town we shall see you mashing them with violets in your butt n down the Burlington arcade one of these Westend flats that would be my style said Pierce

And a first class Club aren’t these clubs a bit hard to get into asked Kips open eyed over a mouthful of potato no fear not for money said Pierce and the girl in the laces who had acquired a a cynical view of modern society from The Fearless exposures of Miss Marie Carelli

Said money goes everywhere nowadays Mr Kips but carshot showed the true British strain if I was Kips he said pausing momentarily for a knife full of gravy I should go to the Rockies and shoot Bears I’d certainly a a run over to balone said Pierce and look about a bit I’m

Going to do that next Easter myself anyhow see if I don’t go to warland mister Kips came the soft insistence of biddy Murphy who managed the big workroom flushed and shining in the Irish way as she spoke go to warland OTS the loveliest country in the world outside carus fishing shooting hunting and

Pretty gals eh you should see the lakes of Karne Mr Kips and she expressed ecstasy by a facial pantomime and smacked her lips and presently they crowned the event it was pierce who said Kips you ought to stand sham and it was carot who found the more poetical word

Champagne rather said Kips hilariously and the rest was a question of detail and willing emissaries here it comes they said as The Apprentice came down the staircase how about the shop said someone oh hang the shop said carshot and made grunil demands for a cork screw with a

Thing to cut the wire pierce the dog had a wire cutter in his pocket knife how shalford would have stared at the Gold tipped bottles if he had chance to take an early train bang with the corks and bang glook glook glook and Sizzle when Kips found them all standing about him

Under the gas flare saying almost most solemnly Kips with tumblers upheld have it in tumblers carshot had said have it in tumblers it isn’t a wine like you have in glasses not like port and Sherry it cheers you up but you don’t get drunk it isn’t hardly stronger than

Lemonade they drink it at dinner some of M every day what at 3 and 6 a bottle said the housekeeper incredulously they don’t stick at that said carot not the champagne sort the housekeeper pursed her lips and shook her head when Kips I say found them all

Standing up to toast him in that manner there came such a feeling in his throat and face that for the life of him he scarcely knew for a moment whether he was not going to cry Kips they all said with kindly eyes it was very good of

Them it was very good of them and hard there wasn’t a stroke of luck for them all but the sight of upturned chins and glasses pulled him together again they did him honor un enviously and freely they did him honor for example kot being subsequently engaged in serving creton

And Desiring to push a number of rejected blocks up the counter in order to have space for measuring swept them by a powerful and ill- calculated movement of the arm with a noise like thunder partly onto the floor and partly onto the foot of the still gloomily preoccupied Je jior

Apprentice and buggin whose place it was to shopwalk while carshot served shop walked with quite unparalleled dignity dangling a new season sun shade with a crooked handle on one finger he arrested each customer who came down the shop with a grave and penetrating look showing very attractive line new sheis

And shun shade he would remark and after a suitable pause markable thing one hour assistant legy 12 under a year dry attractive nothing more today Mom no and he would then go and hold the door open for them with perfect decorum and with the sun shade dangling elegantly from

His left hand and the second Apprentice serving a customer with cheap ticking and being asked suddenly if it was strong answered remarkably ooh no Mom strong why it ain’t arly stronger than lemonade the head Porter moreover was filled with a virtuous resolve to break the record as a lightning Packer

And make up for lost time mister Sanam of the sandgate Riviera for example who was going out to dinner that night at 700 received at half 6 instead of the urgently needed dress shirt he expected a corset specially adapted to the needs of persons inclined to amang poang a

Parcel of Summer underclothing selected by the Elder Miss walers Shaw was somehow distributed in the form of grus editions throughout a number of parcels of a less intimate nature and a box of millenary on approval to Lady Pam short at wampac was enriched by the addition of the junior Porters cap these little

Things slight in themselves witness perhaps nonetheless eloquently to the unselfish exhilaration felt throughout the Emporium at the extraordinary and unexpected enrichment of Mister Kips the bu that pies between new Romney and folkstone is painted a British red and inscribed on either side with the word tiptop in Gold amidst voluptuous Scrolls

It is a slow and portly bus below it swings a sort of hold hung by chains Between the Wheels and in the summertime the top has Garden seats the front over the two dauntless un hurrying horses rises in tears like a theater there is first a seat for the driver and his

Company and above that a seat and above that unless my memory plays me false a seat there are days when this bus goes and days when it doesn’t go you have to find out and so you get to New Romney this bus it was this Ruddy venerable and

Immortal bus that came down the folkstone hill with unflinching deliberation and trundled through sandgate and hie and out into the windy spaces of the marsh with Kips and all his fortunes on its brow you figure him there he sat on the highest seat diametrically above the driver and his head was

Spinning and spinning with champagne and this stupendous Tom Foolery of luck and his heart was swelling swelling indeed at times as though it would burst him and his face towards the sunlight was transfigured he said never a word but ever and again as he thought of this or

That he laughed he seemed full of Chuckles for a Time detached and independent Chuckles Chuckles that Rose and burst in him like bubbles in a wine he held a banjo scepter fashion and Restless on his knee he had always wanted a banjo and now he had got one at

Malier while he was waiting for the bus there sat beside him a young servant who was sucking peppermint and a little boy with a sniff whose flitting eyes showed him curious to know why ever and again Kips laughed and beside the driver were two young men in Gators talking about

Tags and there sat Kips all unsuspected 1200 a year as it were disguised as a common young man and the young man in Gators to the left of the drivered Kips and his banjo and especially his banjo ever and again as if he found it in him with his wrapped face an insoluble

Enigma and many a king has ridden into a conquered city with a lesser sense of Splendor than Kips their Shadows grew long behind them and their faces were transfigured in gold as they rumbled on towards the splendid West the sun set before the they had passed dim church

And as they came lumbering into new Romney past the windmill The Dusk had come the driver handed down the Bano and the portmanto and Kips having paid him that’s all right he said to the change as a gentleman should turned about and ran the portmanto smartly into Old Kips

Whom the sound of the stopping of the bus had brought to the door of the shop in an aggressive mood and with his mouth full of supper Alo Uncle didn’t see you said Kip blunder and nin said old Kips what’s brought you here ain’t early closing is it not

Tuesday got some news for you uncle said Kips dropping the portmanto ain’t lost your situation A what’s that you got there I’m blowed if it ain’t a banjo G Lord spending your money on banjos don’t put down your porty there anyhow right in the way of everybody I’m

Blowed If Ever I Saw such a boy as you’ve got lately here Molly and look here what you got a porty for why G Lord you ain’t really lost your place a you Something’s Happened said Kip slightly dashed it’s all right Uncle I’ll tell you in a minute old Kip

Took the banjo as his nephew picked up the portmanto again the living room door opened quickly showing a table equipped with elaborate Simplicity for supper and Mrs Kips appeared if it ain’t young Arty she said why whatevers brought you home hello Aunt said Arty I’m coming in I got

Something to tell you I’ve had a bit of luck he wouldn’t tell them all at once he staggered with the portmanto round the corner of the counter set a bundle of children’s tin pales into clattering oscillation and entered the little room he deposited his luggage in the corner

Beside the tall clock and turned to his aunt and uncle again his aunt regarded him doubtfully the yellow light from the little lamp on the table escaped above the shade and lit her forehead and the tip of her nose it would be all right in a minute he wouldn’t tell them all at

Once old Kips stood in the shop door with the banjo in his hand breathing noisily the fact is Aunt I’ve had a bit of luck you ain’t been back in gouras orses Arty she asked no fear it’s a draw he’s been in said old Kips still panting

From the impact of the portmanto it’s a dra draw just look here Molly he’s won this air trashy Baner and thrown up his situation on the strength of it that’s what he’s done going about singing Dash and plunge just the very fault poor femi always add blunder right in and no one mustn’t

Stop you ain’t thrown up your place Ry a you said Mrs Kips Kips perceived his opportunity I a he said I’ve throwed it up what for said old Kips so to learn the banjo goo lord said old Kips in horror to find himself verified I’m going about playing said

Kips with a giggle go and to Black my face ant and sing on the beach I’m going to a a most tremendous Lark and earn any amount of money you see 26 faux sand pounds I’m going to earn just as easy as nothing Kips said Mrs Kips heun’s been

Drinking they regarded their neph few across the supper table with long faces Kips exploded with laughter and broke out again when his aunt shook her head very sadly at him then suddenly he fell grave he felt he could keep it up no longer it’s all right Aunt really I

Ain’t mad and I ain’t been drinking I’ve been left money I’ve been left 26 faux and pounds pause and you thrown up your Place said old Kips yes said Kips rather and bort this Baner put on your best noo trousers and come right on there well said Mrs Kips I

Never did these ain’t my noo trousers aunt said Kips regretfully my noo trousers wasn’t done I shouldn’t hauh thought that even you could have been such a fool as that said old Kips pause it’s all right said Kips a little disconcerted by their distrustful solemnity it’s all right really 26 fan pound and

Aoo old Kips pursed his lips and shook his head AO on the leaves I could have gone there only I didn’t I didn’t care to I didn’t know what to say I wanted to come and tell you how dear know the Boos they told me well said old Kips and nodded his head

Portentously towards his nephew with the corners of his mouth pulled down in a portentous discouraging way well you are a young Gabby I didn’t think it of you Arty said Mrs Kips wager mean asked Kips faintly looking from one to the other with a withered face old Kips closed the

Shop door they been a aark with you said old Kips in a mournful undertone that’s what I mean my boy they just been seeing what a gabby like you UD do I Des that young quadling was in it said Mrs Kips e just that sort for quadling of the Green Bay’s bag had

Grown up to be a fearful dog the terror of new Romney it’s somebody after your place very likely said old Kips Kips looked from one skeptical reproving face to the other and rounded him at at The Familiar shabby little room with his familiar cheap portmanto on the mended

Chair and that banjo amidst the supper things like some irrevocable deed could he be rich indeed could it be that these things had really happened or had some insane fancy Whirled him hither still perhaps £1 but he said it’s all right really Uncle you don’t think I ad letter got up

Said old Kips but I answered it and went to a norus old Kips felt staggered for a moment but he shook his head and Chin sagely from side to side as the memory of old bean and shawford revived the confidence of Kips came back to him I

Saw an old gent Uncle perfect gentleman and E told me all about it Mo respectable he was said his name was Watson and bean least ways e was Bean said it was left me Kip suddenly dived into his breast pocket by my grandfather the old people started old

Kips uttered an exclamation and wheeled round towards the mantle shelf above which the degara type of his lost younger sister smiled its fading smile upon the world Wy his name was said Kips with his hand still deep in his pocket it was his son was my father Wy said old

Kips Wy said Mrs Kips she’d never say said old Kips there was a long silence Kips fumbled with a letter a crumpled advertisement and three Bank notes he hesitated between these items why that young chap what was arsing questions said old Kips and regarded his wife with an eye of

Amazement must a been said Mrs Kips must a been said old Kips James said Mrs Kips in an Austrian voice after all perhaps it’s true how much did you say asked old Kips how much did you say Ed left you me b y it was thrilling though not quite in

The way Kips had expected he answered almost meekly across the meager supper things with his documentary evidence in in his hand1 proximately he said 1200 a year e made his will just before he died not more than a month ago when e was dying he seemed to change like Mr Bean said Ed

Never forgiven his son never not till then is son ad died in Australia years and years ago and then e a d and forgiven him you know his son what was my father but just when e was ill and dying e seemed to get worried like and

Longing for someone of his own and E told Mr Bean it was him that had prevented them marrying so he thought that’s how it all come about at last Kip’s flaring candle went up the narrow uncarpeted staircase to the little attic that had been his shelter and refuge

During all the days of his childhood and Youth his head was whirling he had been advised he had been warned he had been flattered and congratulated he had been given whiskey and hot water and lemon and sugar and his health had been drunken the same he had also eaten two

Welsh rabbits an unusual supper his uncle was chiefly for his going into Parliament his aunt was consumed with a great anxiety I’m afraid he’ll go and marry beneath him yacht to a a bit o shooting somewhere said old Kips it’s your duty to marry into a County family Arty

Remember that there’s lots of young noblemen will be glad to on on to you said old Kips you mark my words and Bor your money and then good day to ye I got to be precious careful said Kips Mister Bean said that and you got to be

Precious careful of this old Bean said old Kips we may be out of the world in noo Romney but I’ve heard a bit about escors for all that you keep your eye on Old Bean me B why how do we know what ease up to with your money even now said

Old Kips pursuing this uncomfortable topic e looked very respectable said Kips Kips undressed with great deliberation and with vast gaps of pensive margin 26,000 his aunt’s solicitude had brought back certain matters into the foreground that his 12 undread A year had for a Time driven away altogether his thoughts went back to the

Wood carving class 1,200 a year he sat on the edge of the bed in profound meditation and his boots fell and upon the floor with a long interval between each £25,000 by gum he dropped the remainder of of his costume about him on the floor got into bed pulled the patchwork quilt

Over him and put his head on the pillow that had been first to hear of in pornic accession to his heart but he did not think of in pornic now it was about everything in the world except in poor Nick that he seemed to be trying to think of

Simultaneously all the Vivid happenings of the day came and went in his overtaxed brain that old Bean explaining and explaining the fat man who wouldn’t believe and overpowering smell of peppermint the banjo Miss mgle saying he deserved it chito’s Vanishing round a corner the wisdom and advice and

Warnings of his aunt and uncle she was afraid he would marry beneath him was she she didn’t know his brain made an Excursion into the wood carving class and presented Kips with a picture of himself amazing that class by a modest yet clearly audible remark I’ve been left 26,000

Then he told them all quietly but firmly that he had always loved Miss walshingham always and so he had brought all his 26,000 with him to give to her there and then he wanted nothing in return yes he wanted nothing in return he would give it to her all in an

Envelope and go of course he would keep the banjo and a little present for his aunt and uncle and a new suit perhaps and one or two other things she would not miss he went off at a tangent he might buy a motor car he might buy one

Of these here things that will play you a piano that would make old buggin sit up he could pretend he had learned to play he might buy a bicycle and a cyclist suit a terrific multitude of plans of what he might do and in particular of what he might buy came

Crowding into his brain and he did not so much fall asleep as pass into a disorder of Dreams in which he was driving a four-horse tiptop coach down sandgate hill shall have to be precious careful wearing innumerable suits of clothes and through some terrible accident wearing them all wrong

Consequently he was being laughed at the coach vanished in the interest of the costume he was wearing golfing suits and a silk hat this passed into a nightmare that he was promina on the leaves in a Highland costume with a Kil that kept shrinking and shalford was following him

With three policemen he’s my assistant shalford kept repeating he’s escaped he’s an escaped improver keep by him and in a minute you’ll have to run him in I know them we say they wash but they won’t he could feel the Kilt creeping up his legs he would have tugged at it to

Pull it down only his arms were paralyzed he had an impression of giddy crisis he uttered a shriek of Despair now said shawford he woke in horror his quilt had slipped off the bed he had a fancy he had just been called that he had somehow overslept himself and missed going down for

Dusting then he perceived it was still night and Light by reason of the Moonlight and that he was no longer in the Emporium he wondered where he could be he had a curious fancy that the world had been swept and rolled up like a carpet and that he was nowhere it

Occurred to him that perhaps he was mad buggin he said there was no answer not even the defensive snore no room no buggin nothing then he remembered better he sat on the edge of his bed for some time could anyone have seen his face they would have seen it white and drawn

With staring eyes then he groaned weakly 26,000 he whispered just then it presented itself in an almost horribly overwhelming Mass he remade his bed and returned to it he was still dreadfully wakeful it was suddenly clear to him that he need never trouble to get up punctually at 7 again that fact Shone

Out upon him like a star through clouds he was free to lie in bed as long as he liked get up when he liked go where he liked have eggs every morning for breakfast or rashers or bloater paste or also he was going to astonish Miss walshingham

Aston her and astonish her he was awakened by a thrush singing in the fresh Dawn the whole room was flooded with warm Golden Sunshine I say said the thrush I say I say 1200 a year 1200 a year 1200 a year I say I say I say he

Sat up in bed and rubbed the sleep from from his eyes with his knuckles then he jumped out of bed and began dressing very eagerly he did not want to lose any time in beginning the new life book chapter 2 Mr coot the chaperon chapter 1 the new conditions

There comes a gentlemanly figure into these events and for a space takes a leading part therein a good influence a refined and amiable figure Mr Chester coot you must figure him as about to enter our story walking with a curious rectitude of bearing through the evening dusk towards the public library erect

Large-headed he had a great big head full of the suggestion of a powerful mind well under control with a large official looking envelope in his white and knuckly hand in the other he carries a gold handled cane he wears a silk and gray jacket suit buttoned up and Anon he

Coughs behind the official envelope V op he has a prominent nose slate gray eyes and a certain heaviness about the mouth his mouth hangs breathing open with a slight protrusion of the lower jaw his straw hat is pulled down a little in front and he looks each person he passes

In the eye and directly his look is answered looks away thus Mister Chester coot as he was on the evening when he came upon Kips he was a local house agent and a most active and gentle ly person a conscious gentleman equally aware of society and the serious side of

Life from amateur theatricals of a nice refined sort to science classes few things were able to get along without him he supplied a fine full base a little flat and quavery perhaps but very abundant to the Saint stylight choir he passes on towards the public library lifts the envelope in salutation to a

Passing curate smiles and enters it was in the public library that he came upon Kips by that time Kips had been Rich a week or more and the change in his circumstances was visible upon his person he was wearing a new suit of drab flannels a Panama Hat and a red tie for

The first time and he carried a silver-mounted stick with a tortoise shell handle he felt extraordinarily different perhaps more different than he really was from the meek improver of a week ago he felt as he felt Dukes must Fe yet at bottom he was still modest he was

Leaning on his stick and regarding the indicator with a respect that never pauled he faced round to meet Mr cot’s overflowing smile what are you dong he said Mr Chester coot Kips was momentarily abashed oh he said slowly and then mooching round a bit that coot should address him with this easy familiarity

Was a fresh reminder of his enhanced social position Jess mooching round he said I’ve been back in folkstone three days now at my C’s you know ah said Mr coot I haven’t yet had an opportunity of congratulating you on your good fortune Kips held out his hand it was the

Cleanest surprise that ever was he said when Mr Bean told me of it you could have knocked me down with a feather it must mean a tremendous change for you ooh rather change why I’m like the chap in the song they sing I don’t hardly know where I

Are you know an extraordinary change said Mr coot I can quite believe it are you stopping in folkstone for a bit I got a booze you know what my grandfather add I’m stopping there his housekeeper was kept on fancy being in the same town and everything precisely said Mr coot that’s

It and cough like a sheep behind four straight fingers Mr Bean got me to come back to see to things else I was out in new Romney where my uncle and aunt live but it’s a lark coming back in a way the conversation hung for a moment are you

Getting a book asked coot well I a’t got a ticket yet but I shall get one all right and have a go in at reading I’ve often wanted to rather I was just aying a look at this indicator first class idea tells you all you want to know it’s simple said coot

And coughed again keeping his eyes fixed on Kips for a moment they hung evidently disinclined to part then Kips jumped at an idea he had cherished for a day or or more not particularly in relation to coot but in relation to anyone you doing anything he asked just called with a

Papa about the classes because would you care to come up and look at my goo and a a smoke and a chat eh he made indicative back jerks of the head and was smitten with a horrible doubt whether possibly this invitation might not be some hideous breach of

Etiquette was it for example the correct hour I’d be awfully glad if you would he added Mr Cot begged for a moment while he handed the official looking envelope to the librarian and then declared himself quite at Kip’s service they muddled a moment over precedence at each

Door they went through and so emerged to the street it feels awful rum to me at first all this said Kips aing a booze of my own and all that it’s strange you know aing all day really I don’t hardly know what to do with my time Jew smoke

He said suddenly profer a magnificent gold decorated pigskin cigarette case which he produced from nothing almost as though it was some sort of trick cot hesitated and declined and then with great liberality don’t let me hinder you they walked a little way in silence Kips being chiefly concerned to affect ease

In his new clothes and keeping a wary eye on coot it’s rather a big windfall said cot presently it yields you an income 12 unad a year said Kips bit over if anything do you think of living in folkstone don’t know hardly yet I may

Then again I may not I got a furnished goo but I may let it your plans are undecided that’s just it said kips very beautiful sunset it was tonight said cot and Kip said wasn’t it and they began to talk of the merits of sunsets did Kips paint not since he was

A boy he didn’t believe he could now coot said his sister was a painter and Kips received this intimation with respect coot sometimes wished he could find time to paint himself but one couldn’t do everything and Kips said that was just it they came out presently

Upon the end of the leaves and looked down to where the squat dark masses of the harbor and harbor station gemed with pinpoint lights crouched against the Twilight gray of the sea if one could do that said coot and Kips was inspired to throw his head back it on one side

Regard the harbor with one ey shut and say that it would take some doing then cot said something about Abend which Kips judged to be in a foreign language and got over by lighting another cigarette from his by no means completed first one you’re right puff puff he felt

That so far he had held up his end of the conversation in a very creditable manner but that extreme discretion was advisable they turned away and cot remarked that the sea was good for crossing and asked Kips if he had been over the water very much Kip said he

Hadn’t been much but he thought very likely he’d have a run over to balone soon and cot proceeded to talk of the charms of foreign travel mentioning quite a number of unheard of places by name he had been to them Kips remained on the defensive but behind his defenses

His heart sank it was all very well to pretend but presently it was bound to come out he didn’t know anything of all this so they drew near the house at his own gate Kips became extremely nervous it was a fine impressive door he knocked neither a single knock nor a

Double but about 1 and a half an apologetic half they were admitted by an IR approachable housemaid with a steady eye before which Kips cringed dreadfully he hung up his hat and fell about over Hall chairs and things there’s a fire in the study Mary he had

The audacity to ask though evidently he knew and led the way upstairs panting he tried to shut the door and discovered the housemid behind him coming to light his lamp this enfeebled him further he said nothing until the door closed behind her meanwhile to show his sonua

He hummed and flitted towards the window and here and there coot went to the big Hearth rug and turned and surveyed his host his hand went to the back of his head and patted his oxop it a gesture frequent with him a we are said Kips hands in his pockets and glancing around

Him it was a gaunt Victorian Room with a heavy dirty cornice and the ceiling enriched by the radiant plaster ornament of an obliterated gas chandelier it held two large glass fronted bookcases one of which was surmounted by a stuffed Terrier encased in glass there was a mirror over the

Mantle and hangings and curtains of magnificent Crimson patternings on the mantle were a huge black clock of classical design vases in the bersem at truscan style spills and toothpicks in large receptacles of carved Rock large lava ash tray and an exceptionally big box of matches the

Fender was very great and brassy in a favorable position under the window was a spacious Rosewood writing desk and all the chairs and other Furniture were of Rosewood and well stuffed this said Kips in something near an undertone was the O gentleman study my grandfather that was e used to sit at

That desk and write books no letters to to the times and things like that E’s got M all cut out stuck in a book least ways he add it’s in that bookcase won’t you sit down cot did bowing very slightly and Kip secured his vacated position on the extensive black

Skin rug he spread out his legs Compass fashion and tried to appear at his ease the rug the fender the mantle and mirror conspired with great success to make him look a trivial and intrusive little creature amidst their commonplace hter and his own shadow on the opposite wall

Seemed to think everything a great Lark and mocked and made tremendous fun of him for a space Kips played a defensive game and cot drew the lines of the conversation they kept away from the theme of Kip’s change of Fortune and cot made remarks upon local and social

Affairs you must take an interest in these things now was as much as he said in the way of personalities but it speedily became evident that he was a person of wide and commanding social relationships he spoke of society being mixed in the neighborhood and of the difficulty of getting people to work

Together and do things they were cish incidentally he alluded quite familiarly to men with military titles and once even to someone with a title a lady punet not snobbishly you understand nor deliberately but quite in passing he had it appeared talked to Lady pet about private theatricals in connection with the

Hospitals she had been unreasonable and he had put her right gently of course but firmly if you stand up to these people said coot they like you all the better it was also very evident he was at his ease with the clergy my friend Mr Den Moore a curate you know and rather

Curious the Reverend and honorable cot grew visibly in Kip’s eyes as he said these things he became not only the exponent of Vanner or Varner the man whose sister had painted a picture to be exhibited at the Royal Academy the type of the Hidden thing called culture but a

Delegate as it were or at least an intermediary from that great world up there where there were men servants where there were titles where people dressed for dinner drank wine at meals wine costing very often as much as three and six against the bottle and followed through a maze of etiquette the most

Stupendous practices cot sat back in the armchair smoking luxuriously and expanding pleasantly with the delightful sense of savoir Fair Kip sat forward his elbows on his chair arm alert and his head a little on one side you figure him as looking little and cheap and feeling smaller and cheaper amidst his new

Surroundings but it was a most stimulating and interesting conversation and soon it became less General and more serious and intimate cot spoke of people who had got on and of people who hadn’t of people who seem to be in everything and people who seem to be out of everything and then he came

Round to Kips you’ll have a good time he said abruptly with a smile that would have interested a dentist I do know said Kips there’s mistakes of course that’s just it cot lit a new cigarette one can’t help being interested in what you will do he remarked of course for a

Young man of spirit comes suddenly into wealth there’s Temptations I got to go careful said Kips oh beam told me that at the very first cot went on to speak of pitfalls of betting of bad companions I know said Kips I know there’s doubt again said coot I know a

Young fellow a a solicitor handsome gifted and yet you know utterly skeptical practically altogether a skeptic lore said Kips not a Nat Heist I fear so said coot really you know an awfully fine young fellow gifted but full of this Dreadful modern Spirit cynical all this Overman Stuff n and all

That I wish I could do something for for him ah said Kips and knocked the Ash off his cigarette I know a chap one of our apprentices he was once always scoffing he left he paused never wrote for his refs he said in the Deep tone

Proper to a moral tragedy and then after a pause enlisted ah said coot and often he said after a pause it’s just the most spirit ired chaps just the chaps one likes best who go wrong it’s Temptation Kips remarked he glanced at cot lent forward knocked the ash from his cigarette into

The mighty Fender that’s just it he said you get tempted before you know where you are Modern Life said coot is so complex it isn’t everyone is strong half the young fellows who go wrong aren’t really bad that’s just it said Kips one gets a tone from one’s

Surroundings that’s exactly it said Kips he meditated I picked up with a chap he said an actor least ways he writes plays clever fellow but he implied extensive moral obloquy by a movement of his head of course it’s seeing life he added cot pretended to understand the full

Implications of Kip’s remark is it worth it he asked that’s just it said Kips he decided to give some more one gets talking he said then it’s a a drink old methusa four stars and where are you I’ve been drunk he said in a tone of profound humility and added lots of

Times TT TT said coot dozens of times said Kips smiling sadly and added lately his imagination became active and seductive one thing leads to another cards PS girls I know said coot I know Kips regarded the fire and flushed slightly he borrowed a sentence that Chito had

Recently used one can’t tell Tales out of school he said I can imagine it said coot Kips looked with a confidential expression into cot’s face it was bad enough when money was limited he remarked but now he spoke with raised eyebrows I got to steady down you must

Said coot protruding his lips into a sort of whistling concern for a moment I must said Kips nodding his head slowly with raised eyebrows he looked at his cigarette end and threw it into the Fender he was beginning to think he was holding his own in this conversation rather well

After all Kips was never a good liar he was the first to break silence I don’t mean to say I’ve been really bad or really bad drunk at dche perhaps three or four times say but there it is I have never tasted alcohol in my life said coot with an immense

Frankness never no never I don’t feel I should be likely to get drunk at all it isn’t that and I don’t go so far as to say even that in small quantities at meals it does one harm but if I take it someone else who doesn’t know where to stop you see

That’s just it said Kips with admiring eyes I smoke admitted coot one doesn’t want to be a Pharisee it struck Kips what a tremendously good chap this cot was not only tremendously clever and educated and a Gentleman and one- knowing lady pet but good he seemed to be giving all

His time and thought to doing good things to other people a great desire to confide certain things to him arose at first Kips hesitated whether he should confide an equal desire for benevolent activities or for further depravity ather was in his mind he rather affected the pose of the good

Intentioned dog then suddenly his impulses took quite a different turn fell indeed into what was a far more serious rut in his mind it seemed to him coot might be able to do for him something he very much wanted done companionship accounts for so much said coot that’s justest it said Kips of

Course you know in my new position that’s just the difficulty he plunged boldly at his most secret trouble he knew that he wanted refinement cult it was all very well but he knew but how was one to get it he knew no one knew no people he rested on the broken

Sentence the shop chaps were all very well very good chaps and all that but not what one wanted I feel B and D said Kips I feel out of it and consequently I feel it’s no good and then if Temptation comes along EX exactly said coot Kip spoke of his respect for Miss

Walshingham and her freckled friend he contrived not to look too self-conscious you know I’d like to talk to people like that but I can’t a Chap’s afraid of giving himself away of course said coot of course I went to a middle class school you know you mustn’t fancy

I’m one of these here board School chaps but you know it really wasn’t a first class affair least ways he didn’t take pains with us if you didn’t want to learn you needn’t I don’t believe it was much better than one of these here National schools we wore mortarboards oh course but what’s

That I’m a regular fish out of water with this money when I got it it’s a week ago really I thought I’d got everything I wanted but I didn’t know what to do his voice went up into a squeak practically he saidit no good shut tin of my eyes to things I’m a

Gentleman cot indicated a serious ascent and there’s the responsibilities of a gentleman he remarked that’s just it said Kips there’s calling on people said Kips if you want to go on knowing someone you knew before like people that’s refined he laughed nervously I’m a regular Fish Out of

Water he said with expectant eyes on but cot only nodded for him to go on this actor chap he meditated is a good sort of chap but e isn’t what I call a gentleman I got to Old myself in with M Ed make me go at Wild in no time he’s

Pretty near the Anie chap I know except the shop chaps they’ve come round to a supper once already and a bit of a sing song afterwards I sang I got a banjo you know and I vamp a bit vamping you know haven’t got far in the

Book out of Vamp but still I’m getting on Jolly of course in a way but what does it lead to besides that there’s my aunt and uncle they’re very good old people very just a bit interfering PPS and thinking one isn’t grown up but right enough only it isn’t what I want I

Feel I’ve got bande with everything I want to make it up again I want to get with educated people who know how to do things in the regular proper way his beautiful modesty awakened nothing but benevolence in the mind of Chester coot if I had someone like you said Kips that

I knew regular like from that point their course ran Swift and easy if I could be of any use to you said coot but you’re so busy and all that not too busy you know your case is a very interesting one it was partly that made me speak to

You and draw you out here you are with all this money and no experience a spirited young chap that’s just it said Kips I thought I’d see what you were made of and I must confess I’ve rarely talked to anyone that I’ve found quite so interesting as you have been I seem

Able to say things to you like somehow said Kips I’m glad I’m tremendously glad I want a friend that’s it straight my dear chap if I yes but I want a friend too really yes you know my dear Kips if I may call you that go on said Kips I’m

Rather a lonely dog myself this tonight night I’ve not had anyone I’ve spoken to so freely of my work for months no you and my dear chap if I can do anything to guide or help you cot displayed all his teeth in a kindly tremulous smile and

His eyes were shiny shake hands said Kips deeply moved and he and cot Rose and clasped with mutual emotion it’s really too good of you said Kips whatever I can do I will said coot and so their compact was made from that moment they were friends intimate confidential high- thinking sov voi

Friends all the rest of their talk and it inclined to be interminable was an expansion of that for that night Kips wallowed in self-abandonment and cot behaved as one who had received a great trust that Sinister passion for pedagogy to which the good intentioned are so fatally liable that passion of infinite

Presumption that permits one weak human being to arrogate the direction of another weak human being’s Affairs had Co in its grip he was to be a sort of lay Confessor and director of Kips he was to help Kips in a thousand ways he was in fact to shaer on Kips into the

Higher and better sort of English life he was to tell him his faults advise him about the right thing to do it’s all these things I don’t know said Kips I don’t know for instance what’s the right sort of dress to wear I don’t even know if I’m dressed right now

All these things cot stuck out his lips and nodded rapidly to show he understood trust me for that he said trust me as the evening war on cot’s manner changed became more and more the manner of a proprietor he began to take up his role to survey Kips with a new with a

Critical affection it was evident the thing fell in with his ideas it will be awfully interesting he said you know Kips you’re really good stuff every sentence now he said Kips or my dear Kips with a curiously authoritative intonation I know said Kips only there’s

Such a lot of things I don’t seem to be up to somehow that’s where the trouble comes in they talked and talked and now Kips was talking freely they rambled over all sorts of things among other Kips character was dealt with at length Kips gave valuable lights on it when I’m

Really excited he said I don’t seem to care what I do I’m like that and again I don’t like to do anything under an I must speak out he picked a piece of cotton from his knee the fire grimaced behind his back and his shadow on the wall and ceiling was disrespectfully

Convulsed Kips went to bed at last with an impression of important things things settled and he lay awake for quite a long time he felt he was lucky he had known in fact bugin and carshot and Pierce had made it very clear indeed that his status in life had changed and

That stupendous adaptations had to be achieved but how they were to be affected had driven that adaptation into the incredible here in the simplest easiest way was the adapter the thing had become possible not of course easy but Poss possible there was much to learn sheer intellectual toil methods of address

Bowing an enormous complexity of laws one broken you are an outcast how for example would one encounter lady pet it was quite possible someday he might really have to do that cot might introduce him Lord he said aloud to the darkness between grinning and dismay he figured himself going into

The Emporium to buy a tie for example and they’re in the face of buggin carshot Pierce and the rest of them meeting my friend lady punet it might not end with Lady pet his imagination plunged and bolted with him galloped took wings and soared to romantic to poetical altitudes suppose someday one met

Royalty by accident say he soared to that after all 12200 a year is a li a tremendous lift how did one address royalty your Majesty’s goodness it will be no doubt something like that and on the knees he became impersonal over a thousand a year made

Him an asquire didn’t it he thought that was it in which case wouldn’t he have to be presented at court velvet cycling Brides like you were cycling and a sword what a curious place a court must be kneeling and bowing and what was it Miss mgle used to talk about of course ladies

With long trains walking about backward everybody walked about backward at court he knew when not actually on their knees perhaps though some people regular stood up to the king talk to him just as one might talk to buggins say cheek of course Dukes it might be did that by permission millionaire

From such thoughts this free citizen of our crowned Republic passed insensibly into dreams turgid dreams of that vast Ascent which constitutes the trueborn Britain social scheme which terminates with retrogressive progression and a bending back the next morning he came down to breakfast looking grave a man

With much before him in the world Kips made a very special thing of his breakfast daily once hopeless dreams came true then it had been customary in the Emporium to supplement shalford’s generous indeed Unlimited Supply of bread and butter substitute by private purchases and this had given Kips very

Broad artistic conceptions of what the meal might be now there would be a cutlet or so or a mutton chop this Splendor buggin had reported from the great London clubs hadock Kipper Whiting or fishballs eggs boiled or scrambled or eggs and bacon kidney also frequently and sometimes liver amidst a Garland of

Such themes sausages black and white puddings bubble and squeak fried cabbage and scallops came and went always as camp followers came potted meat in all varieties cold bacon German sausage brwn marmalade and two sorts of jam and when he had finished these he would sit among his plates and smoke a cigarette and

Look at all these dishes crowded around him with a beatific approval it was his principal meal he was sitting with his cigarette regarding his apartment with that complacency begotten of a generous plan of feeding successfully realized when newspapers and post arrived there were several things by the post

Tradesman circulars and cards and two pathetic begging letters his luck had got into the papers and there was a letter from a literary man in a book to enforce his request for 10 slash to put down socialism the book made it very clear that prompt action on the part of

Property owners was becoming urgent if property was to last out the year Kips dipped in it and was seriously perturbed and there was a letter from old Kips saying it was difficult to leave the shop and come over and see him again just yet but that he had been to a sale

At lydd the previous day and bought a few good old books and things it would be difficult to find the equal of infok stone they don’t know the value of these things out here wrote old Kips but you may depend depend upon it they are valuable and a brief financial statement

Followed there is an engraving someone might come along and offer you a lot of money for one of these days depend upon it these old things are about the best investment you could make old Kips had long been addicted to sales and his nephew’s Good Fortune had converted what

Had once been but a looking and a craving he had rarely even bid for anything in the old days except the garden tools or the kitchen gallipots or things like that things one gets for six p and finds a use for into a very active pleasure sage and penetrating inspection a certain

Mystery of bearing tactical bids and purchase purchase the old man had had a good time while Kips was rereading the begging letters and wishing he had the sound clear common sense of buggin to help him a little the parcel’s post brought along the box from his uncle it

Was a large insecure looking case held together by a few still Loy o nails and by what the British war office would have recognized at once as an Army core of string rags and odds and ends tied together Kips unpacked it with a table knife assisted at a critical point by

The poker and found a number of books and other objects of an antique type there were three bound volumes of early issues of Chambers Journal a copy of Punch’s pocket book for 1875 sturm’s Reflections an early version of Gil’s geography slightly torn an illustrated work on spinal curvature

An early edition of Kirk’s human physiology the Scottish Chiefs and a little volume on the language of flowers there was a fine steel engraving Oak framed and with some rusty spots done in the Colossal style and representing the handwriting on the wall there were also a Copper Kettle a pair

Of candle snuffers a brass shoehorn a tea caddy to lock two decanters one stopper and what was probably a portion of an 18th century child’s rattle Kips examined these objects one by one and wished he knew more about them turning over the pages of the physiology again

He Came Upon A striking plate in which a youth of agreeable profile displayed his interior in an unstinted manner to the startled eye it was a new view of humanity altogether for Kips and it Arrested his mind this anatomized figure made him forget for a space that he was

Practically a gentleman Al together and he was still surveying its extraordinary complications when another reminder of a world quite outside those spheres of order gentility into which his dreams had carried him overnight arrived following the servant in the person of Chito Olo said Kips Rising not busy said Chito enveloping

Kips hand for a moment in one of his own and tossing the yachting cap upon the Monumental carved Oak sideboard only a bit of reading said Kips reading eh Chito cocked the red eye at the books and other properties for a moment and then I’ve been expecting you

Round again one night I’ve been coming round said Kips Anie there’s a chap beir I was coming round last night Anie I met him he walked to the Hearth rug Chito drifted around the room for a Time glancing at things as he talked I’ve altered that play tremendously since I

Saw you he said pulled it all to pieces what plays that chit low the one we were talking about you know you said something I don’t know if you meant it about buying half of it not the tragedy I wouldn’t sell my twin brother a share in that that’s my

Investment that’s my serious work no I mean that new farce I’ve been on to thing with the business about a beetle ooh yes said Kips I remember I thought you would said you’d take a fourth share for £100 you know I seem to remember something well it’s all different every

Bit of it I’ll tell you you remember what you said about a butterfly you got confused you know old meth kept calling the beetle a butterfly and that set me off I’ve made it quite different quite different instead of Papa waddle thundering good farce name that you know

For all that it came from a visitor’s list instead of Papa waddle getting a beetle down his neck and rushing about I’ve made him a collector collects butterflies and this one you know is a rare one comes in at window Center chitter llo began to illustrate with appropriate

Gestures pop rushes about after it forgets he mustn’t let on he’s in the house after that tells M rare butterfly worth lots of money some are you know everyone’s on to it after that butterfly can’t get out of room every time it comes out to have a try rush and

Scurry well I’ve worked on that only he came very close to kips he held up one hand horizontally and tapped it in a striking and confidential manner with the fingers of the other something else he said that’s given me a real Ipson touch like the wild duck you

Know that woman I’ve made her lighter and she sees it when they’re chasing the butterfly the third time she’s on she looks that’s me she says Biff pestered butterfly she’s the pestered butterfly it’s legitimate much more legitimate than the wild duck where there isn’t a duck knock

M the very title ought to knock M I’ve been working like a horse at it you’ll have a gold mine in that quarter share Kips I don’t mind it suited me to sell it and suited you to buy Biff Chito interrupted his discourse to ask you

Haven’t any Brandy in the house have you not to drink you know but I want just an egg cupful to pull me Steady my liver’s a bit queer it doesn’t matter if you haven’t not a bit I’m like that yes whiskey’ll do better Kips hesitated for

A moment then turned and fumbled in the cupboard of his sideboard presently he disinterred a bottle of whiskey and placed it on the table then he put out first one bottle of soda water and after the hesitation of a moment another Chito picked up the bottle and read the label good old

Methuselah he said Kips handed him the cork screw and then his hand fluttered up to his mouth I’ll have to ring now he said to get glasses he hesitated for a moment before doing so leaning doubtfully as it were towards the Bell when the housemate appeared he was standing on the Hearth

Rug with his legs wide apart with the bearing of a desperate fellow and after they had both had whiskies you know a decent whiskey Chito remarked and took another just a drink Kips produced cigarettes and the conversation flowed again Chito paced the room he was he

Explained taking a day off that was why he had come around to see Kips whenever he thought of any extensive change in a play he was writing he always took a day off in the in the end it saved time to do so it prevented his starting rashly

Upon work that might have to be Rewritten there was no good in doing work when you might have to do it over again none whatever presently they were descending the steps by the parade on route for the Warren with Chito doing the talking and going with a dancing

Drop from step to step they had a great walk not a long one but a great one they went up by the sanatorium and over the East Cliff and into that queer little Wilderness of slippery and tumbling clay and rock under the chalk Cliffs A wilderness of thorn and bramble wild row

And wering tree that adds so greatly to folk Stone’s charm they traversed its intricacies and clambered up to the crest of the cliffs At Last by a precipitous path that Chito endowed in some mysterious way with suggestions of Alpine Adventure every now and then he would glance aside at Sea and cliffs

With a fresh boyishness of imagination that brought back new Romney and the stranded Rex to Kip’s memory but mostly he bored on with his great Obsession of plays and playwriting and that empty absurdity that is so serious to his kind his art that was a thing that needed a monstrous lot of

Explaining along they went sometimes AB breast sometimes in single file up the little paths and down the little paths and in among the bushes and out along the edge above the beach and Kips went along trying ever and again to get an in significant word in edgeways and the

Gestures of Chito flew wide and far and his great voice Rose and fell and he said this and he said that and he biffed and banged into the circumambient anain it was assumed that they were embarked upon no more trivial Enterprise than the reform of the British stage and Kips

Found himself classed with many opulent and even Royal and Noble amateurs The Honorable Thomas Norgate came in here who had interested themselves in the Practical realization of high ideals about the drama only he had a finer understanding of these things and instead of being prayed upon by the

Common professional and they are a lot said Chito I haven’t toured for nothing he would have Chito Kips gathered few details it was clear he had bought the quarter of a farsal comedy practically a gold mine and it would appear it would be a good thing to buy the half a

Suggestion or the suggestion of a suggestion floated out that he should buy the whole play and produce it forth with it seemed he was to produce the play upon a royalty system of a new sort whatever a royalty system of any sort might be then there was some doubt after

All whether that farsal comedy was in itself sufficient to revolutionize the present lamentable state of the British drama better perhaps for such a purpose was that tragedy as yet unfinished which was to display all that Chito knew about women and which was to Center about a Russian nobleman embodying the fundamental Chito

Personality then it became clearer that Kips was to produce several plays Kips was to produce a great number of plays Kips was to found a National Theater it is proba that Kips would have expressed some sort of disavowal if he had known how to express it occasionally his face

Assumed an expression of whistling meditation but that was as far as he got towards protest in the clutch of chlo and the incalculable Kips came round to the house in fenich Street and was there made to participate in the midday meal he came to the house forgetting certain

Confidences and was reminded of the existence of a Mrs Chito with the finest completely untrained contralto voice in England by her appearance she had an air of being older than Chito although probably she wasn’t and her hair was a reddish brown stre with gold she was dressed in one of

Those complacent garments that are dressing gowns or tea gowns or bathing wraps or rather original evening robes according to the exigencies of the moment from the first Kips was aware that she possessed a warm and rounded neck and her well- molded arms came and vanished from the sleeves and she had

Large expressive brown eyes that he discovered ever and again fixed in an enigmatical manner upon his own a simple but sufficient meal had been distributed with careless spontaneity over the little round table in the room with the photographs and looking glass and when a plate had by chito’s Direction been

Taken from under the marmalade in the cupboard and the kitchen fork and a knife that was not loose in its handle had been found for Kips they began and she had evidently heard of Kips before and he made a tumultuous repast Chito ate with quiet enormity but

It did not interfere with the flow of his talk he introduced Kips to his wife very briefly made it vaguely evident that the production of the comedy was the the thing chiefly settled his reach extended over the table and he troubled nobody When Miss Chito who for a little while seemed

Socially self-conscious reproved him for taking a potato with a jab of his Fork he answered well you shouldn’t have married a man of genius and from a subsequent remark it was perfectly clear that Chito standing in this respect was made no secret of in his household they drank old methusa and

Siphon soda and there was no clearing away they just sat among the plates and things and misses Chito took her husband’s tobacco pouch and made a cigarette and smoked in blue smoke and looked at Kips with her large brown eyes Kips had seen cigarettes smoked by

Ladies before for fun but this was real smoking it frightened him rather he felt he must not encourage this lady at any rate in chito’s presence they became very cheerful after the p and as there was now no waste to deplore such as one experiences in the windy open air Chito

Gave his voice full vent he fell to praising Kips very highly and loudly he said he had known Kips was the right sort he had seen it from the first almost before he got up out of the mud on that memorable night you can he said

Sometimes that was why he stopped but he seemed on the verge of explaining that it was his certainty of Kips being the right sort had led him to confer this great Fortune upon him he left that impression he threw out a number of long sentences and material for sentences of

A highly philosophical and incoherent character about coincidences it became evident he considered dramatic criticism in a perilously low condition about four Kips found himself stranded as it were by a receding Chito on a seat upon the leaves he was chiefly aware that Chito was an overwhelming personality he puffed his cheeks and

Blew no doubt this was seeing life but had he particularly wanted to see life that day in a way Chito had interrupted him the day he had designed for himself was altogether different from this he had been going to read through a precious little volume called Don’t that

Cot had sent round for him a book of invaluable hints a summary of British deportment that had only the one defect of being at Point points a little out of date that reminded him he had intended to perform a difficult exercise called an afternoon call upon the CPS as a

Preliminary to doing it in deadly Earnest upon the walshingham it was no good today anyhow now he came back to Chito he would have to explain to Chito he was taking too much for granted he would have to do that it was so difficult to do in chito’s presence

Though in his absence it was easy enough this half share and taking a theater and all of it was going too far the quarter share was right enough he supposed but even that £100 what wealth is there left in the world after one has paid out £100 from

It he had to recall that in a sense Chito had indeed brought him his fortune before he could face even that you must not think too hardly of him to Kips you see there was as yet no such thing as proportion in these matter matters 100 lb went to his

Horizon 100 lb seemed to him just exactly as big as any other large sum of money chapter 2 the walshingham the cots live in a little house in Bouy square with a tangle of Virginia creeper up The Veranda Kips had been troubled in his mind about knocking double or single

It is these things show what a man is made of but happily there was a bell a queer little Maid with a big cap admitted Kips and took him through a bead curtain and a door into a little drawing room with a black and gold piano a glazed bookcase a moish Cozy Corner

And a draped Looking Glass overmantle bright with region Street ornaments and photographs of various intellectual lights a number of cards of invitation to meetings and the match list of a band of Hope Cricket Club were stuck into the looking glass frame with cot’s name as a vice president there was a bust of

Bethoven over the bookcase and the walls were thick with conscientiously executed but carelessly selected views in oil and watercolors and guilt frames at the end of the room facing the light was a portrait that struck Kips at first as being C in spectacles and feminine costume and that he afterwards

Decided must be cot’s mother then the original appeared and he discovered that it was cot’s Elder and only sister who kept house for him she wore her hair in a knob behind and the sight of the knob suggested to Kips an explanation for a frequent gesture of Coots a padding

Exploratory movement to the back of his head and then it occurred to him that this was quite an absurd idea altogether she said Mr Kips I believe and Kips laughed pleasantly and said that’s it and then she told him that Chester had gone down to the art school

To see about sending off some drawings or other and that he would be back soon then she asked Kips if he painted and showed him the pictures on the wall Kips asked her where each one was of and when she showed him some of the Le slopes he said he never would have

Recognized them he said it was funny how things looked in a picture very often but they’re awfully good he said did you do them he would look at them with his neck arched like a swans his head back and on one side and then suddenly peer

Closely into them they are good I wish I could paint that’s what Chester says she she answered I tell him he has better things to do Kip seemed to get on very well with her then cot came in and they left her and went upstairs together and

Had a good talk about reading and the rules of life or rather cot talked and the Praises of thought and reading were in his mouth you must figure cot’s study a little bedroom put to studious uses and over the mantle an array of things he had been led to believe indicative of

Culture and refinement an autot type of Rosetti’s anunciation an autotype of what’s minur a Swiss carved pipe with many joints and a photograph of Aman Cathedral these two The Spoils of travel a phenological bust and some broken fossils from the Warren a rotating bookshelf carried the encyclopedia

Britanica 10th edition and on the top of it a large official looking ageg grubby envelope bearing the Mystic words on his majesty service a number or so of the Bookman and a box of cigarettes were lying a table under the window bore a little microscope some dust in a saucer

Some grimy glass slips and broken cover glasses for cot had gone in for biology a little the longer side of the room was given over to bookshelves neatly edged with pinked American cloth and with an array of books no worse an array of books than you find in any public

Library an almost halfhazard accumulation of obsolete Classics contemporary success the 100 best books including Samuel Warren’s 10,000 a year old school books directories the times Atlas rusin in bulk Tennyson complete in one volume Longfellow Charles Kingsley smiles and misses Humphrey Ward a guide book or so several medical pamphlets odd

Magazine numbers and much Indescribable rubbish in fact a compendium of the Contemporary British mind and in front of this array stood stood Kips ill taught and untrained respectful arrien and for a moment at any rate willing to learn while coot the exemplary coot talk to him like a bishop of reading and The

Virtue in books nothing enlarges the Mind said cot like travel and books and they’re both so easy nowadays and so cheap I’ve often wanted to a a good go in at reading Kips replied you’d hardly believe C said how much you can get out of books provided you avoid trashy

Reading that is you ought to make a rule Kips and read one serious book A Week of course we can learn even from novels nce novels that is but it isn’t the same thing as serious reading I made a rule one serious book and one novel no more

There’s some of the serious books I’ve been reading lately on that table sarder re Sardis Mrs twls Pond life the Scottish Chiefs life and letters of Dean Ferrar there came at last the sound of a Gong and Kips descended to Tea in that state of nervous apprehension at the

Difficulties of eating and drinking that his aunt’s knuckle wrappings had implanted in him forever over cot’s shoulder he became aware of a fourth person in the moish Cozy Corner and he turned leaving incomplete something incoherent he was saying to miss cot about his modest respect and desire for literature to

Discover this fourth person was Miss Helen walshingham hatless and looking very much at home she Rose at once with an extended hand to meet his hesitation you’re stopping in folkstone Mr Kips air on a bit of business said Kips I thought you was away in Bruges that’s later said Miss

Walshingham we’re stopping until my brother’s holiday begins and we’re trying to let our house where are you staying in folkstone I got a booze of mine on the leaves I’ve heard all about your good fortune this afternoon isn’t it a go said Kips I hav’t nearly got to believe it’s

Really a pen yet when that mister beam told me of it you could a knocked me down with a feather it’s a tremendous change for me he discovered Miss cot was asking him whether he took milk and sugar I don’t mind said Kips just as you like coup became active

Handing tea and bread and butter it was thinly cut and the bread was rather new and the half of the slice that Kips took fell upon the floor he had been holding it by the edge for he was not used to this migratory method of taking tea without plates or table this little

Incident ruled him out of the conversation for a time and when he came to attend to it again they were talking about something or other prodigious a performer of some sort that was coming called it seemed puski so Kips who had quietly dropped into a chair ate his bread and butter

Said no thank you to anym and by this discret restraint got more freedom with his cup and saucer apart from the confusion natural to tea he was in a state of tremulous excitement on account of the presence of Miss walshingham he glanced from Miss cot to her brother and then at Helen he

Regarded her over the top of his cup as he drank here she was solid and real it was wonderful he remarked as he had done at times before the Easy Flow of the dark hair back from her brow over her ears the shapeliness of the white hands that

Came out from her simple white cuffs the delicate penciling of her brow presently she turned her face to him almost suddenly and smiled with the easiest Assurance of friendship you will go so I suppose she said and added to the recital if I’m in folkstone I shall said Kips clearing away a little

Heness I don’t know much about music but what I do know I like I’m sure you’ll like PFI she said if you do he said I Desa I shall he found cot very kindly taking his cup do you think of living in folkstone asked Miss cot in a tone of

Proprietorship from the Hearth rug no said Kips that’s just it I hardly know he also said that he wanted to look around a bit before doing anything there’s so much to consider said cot smoothing the back of his head I may go back to New Romney for a bit said Kips I

Got an uncle and Aunt there I really don’t know Helen regarded him thoughtfully for a moment you must come and see us she said before we go to Bruges ooh rather said Kips if I may yes do she said and suddenly stood up before Kips could formulate an inquiry when he

Should call you’re sure you can spare that drawing board she said to miss cot and the conversation passed out of range and when he had said goodbye to miss walshingham and she had repeated her invitation to call he went upstairs again with cot to look out certain initiatory books that had had under

Discussion and then Kips blowing very resolutely went back to his own place bearing in his arm one Sesame and lies two Sir George Tres three an anonymous book on Vitality that cot particularly esteemed and having got to his own sitting room he opened Sesame and Lily and read it with ruthless determination

For some time presently he lent back and gave himself up to the business of trying to imagine imag in just exactly what Miss walshingham could have thought of him when she saw him doubts about the precise effect of the gray flannel suit began to trouble him he turned to the

Mirror over the mantle and then got into a chair to study the hang of the trousers it looked all right luckily she had not seen the Panama Hat he knew that he had the brim turned up wrong but he could not find out which way the brim

Was right however that she had not seen he might perhaps ask at the shop where he bought it he meditated for a while on his reflected face doubtful whether he liked it or not and then got down again and flitted across to the sideboard where there lay two little books one in

A cheap magnificent cover of red and gold and the other in green canvas the former was called as its cover witnessed manners and rules of good Society by a member of the aristocracy and after the cover had indulged in a band of gilded decoration light-hearted but natural under the

Circumstances it added 21st edition the second was that admirable classic the art of conversing Kips returned with these to his seat placed the two before him opened the ladder with a sigh and flattened it under his hand then with knitted brows he began to read onward

From a mark his lips moving having thus acquired possession of an idea the little ship should not be abruptly launched into deep Waters but should be first permitted to Glide gently and smoothly into the shallows that is to say the conversation should not be commenced by broadly and

Roundly stating a fact or didactically expressing an opinion as the subject would be thus virtually or summarily disposed of or perhaps be met with a really or indeed or some equally brief monosyllabic reply if an opposite opinion were held by the person to whom the remark were addressed he might not

If a stranger care to express it in the form of a direct contradiction or actual dissent to Glide imperceptibly into conversation is the object to be attained at this point Mister Kips rubbed his fingers through his hair with an expression of some perplexity and went back to the beginning when Kips

Made his call on the walshingham it all happened so differently from the manners and rules prescription paying calls that he was quite lost from the very outset instead of the footman or maid servant proper in these cases Miss walshingham opened the door to him herself I’m so

Glad you’ve come she said with one of her rare smiles she stood aside for him to enter the rather narrow passage I thought I’d call he said retaining his hat and stick she closed the door and led the way to a little drawing room which impressed Kips as being smaller and less emphatically

Colored than that of the Coots and in which at first only a copper B bowl of white poppies upon the brown tablecloth caught his particular attention you won’t think it unconventional to come in Mr Kips Will you she remarked mother is out I don’t mind he said smiling amiably

If you don’t she walked around the table and stood regarding him across it with that same look between speculative curiosity and appreciation that he remembered from the last of the art class meetings I wondered whether you would call or whether you wouldn’t before you left folkstone I’m not leaving folkstone for

A bit and anyhow I should have called on you mother will be sorry she was out I’ve told her about you and she wants I know to meet you I saw if that was in the shop said Kips yes you did didn’t you she has gone

Out to make some duty calls and I didn’t go I had something to write I WR write a little you know really said Kips it’s nothing much she said and it comes to nothing she glanced at a little desk near the window on which there lay some

Paper one must do something she broke off abruptly have you seen our Outlook she asked and walked to the window and Kips came and Stood Beside her we look on the Square it might be worse you know that outp Porter’s truck there is horrid and the railings but it’s better than

Staring one’s social replica in the face isn’t it it’s Pleasant in early spring bright green laid on with a dry brush and it’s Pleasant in Autumn I like it said Kips that laylock there is pretty isn’t it children come and pick it at times she remarked I Desi they do said

Kips he rested on his hat and stick and looked appreciatively out of the window and she glanced at him for one swift moment a suggestion that might have come from the art of conversing came into his head have you a garden he said she Shrugged her

Shoulders only a little one she said and then perhaps you would like to see it I like Gardine said Kips with memories of a penny worth of nasams he had once trained over his uncle’s dust bin she led the way with a certain relief they merged through a Four Seasons colored

Glass door to a little iron Vera that led by Iron steps to a minute Walled Garden there was just room for a patch of turf and a flower bed one sturdy variegated uus grew in the corner but the early June flowers the big narcissus snow upon the mountains and a fine show

Of yellow wall flowers shown gay that’s our garden said Helen it’s not a very big one is it I I like it said Kips it’s small she said but this is the day of small things Kips didn’t follow that if you were writing when I came he remarked

I’m interrupting you she turned round with her back to the railing and rested leaning on her hands I had finished she said I couldn’t get on were you making up something asked Kips there was a little interval before she smiled I try quite vainly to write stories she said

One must do something I don’t know whether I shall ever do any good at that anyhow it seems so hopeless and of course one must study the popular taste but now my brother has gone to London I get a lot of leisure I seen your brother a’t I he came to the

Class once or twice very probably you have he’s gone to London to pass his examinations and become a solicitor and then I suppose he’ll have a chance not much perhaps even then but he’s luckier than I am you got your classes and things they ought to satisfy

Me but they don’t I suppose I’m ambitious we both are and we hadn’t much of a springboard she glanced over his shoulder at the cramped little garden with an air of reference in her gesture I should think you could do anything if you wanted to said Kips as a matter of

Fact I can’t do anything I want to you done a good deal what well didn’t you pass one of these here University things oh I matriculated I should think I was no end of a swell if I did I know that Mr Kips do you know how many people matriculate

In into London University every year how many then between 2 and 3,000 well just think how many don’t her smile came again and broke into a laugh oh they don’t count she said and then realizing that might penetrate Kips if he was left with it she hurried on to

The fact is I’m a discontented person Mr Kips folkstone you know is a sea front and it values people by Shar vulgar Prosperity we’re not prosperous and we live in a back street we have to live here because this is our house it’s a mercy we haven’t to let one feels one hasn’t

Opportunities if one had I suppose one wouldn’t use them still Kips felt he was being taken tremendously into her confidence that’s just it he said very sagely he lent forward on his stick and said very earnestly I believe you could do anything you wanted to if you tried

She threw out her hands in disavow I know said he very sagely and nodding his head I watched you once or twice when you were teaching that wood carving class for some reason this made her laugh a rather Pleasant laugh and that made Kips feel a very witty and

Successful person it’s very evident she said that you’re one of those rare people who believe in me Mr Kips to which he answered ooh I do and then suddenly they became aware of Misses walshingham coming along the passage in another moment she appeared through the Four Seasons door Bonnet and llike and a

Little faded exactly as Kips had seen her in the shop Kips felt a certain apprehension at her appearance in spite of the reassurances he had had from cot Mr Kips has called on us said Helen and Mrs walshingham said it was was very kind of him and added that new people

Didn’t call on them very much nowadays there was nothing of the scandalized surprise Kips had seen in the shop she had heard perhaps he was a gentleman now in the shop he had thought her rather jaded and hoty but he had scarcely taken her hand which responded

To his touch with a friendly pressure before he knew how mistaken he had been she then told her daughter that someone called Mrs was had been out and turned to Kips again to ask him if he had had tea Kip said he had not and Helen moved toward some mysterious

Interior but I say said Kips don’t you on my account Helen vanished and he found himself alone with Mrs walshingham which of course made him breathless and borous looking for a moment you were one of Helen’s pupils in the woodcarving class asked Mrs walshingham regarding him with the Quiet watchfulness proper to her

Position yes said said Kips that’s how I add the pleasure she took a great interest in her wood carving class she is so energetic you know and it gives her an outlet I thought she taught something Splendid everyone says she did very well Helen I think would do anything well

That she undertook to do she’s so very clever and she throws herself into things so she untied her Bonnet strings with a pleasant formality she has told me all about her class she used to be full of it and about your cut hand low said Kips fancy

Telling that oh yes and How brave you were though indeed Helen’s Chief detail had been his remarkable expedient for checking Bloodshed Kips became bright pink she said you didn’t seem to feel it a bit Kips felt he would would have to spend weeks over the art of conversing while he still hung fire

Helen returned with the apparatus for afternoon tea upon a tray do you mind pulling out the table asked Mrs walshingham that again was very homelike Kips put down his hat and stick in the corner and amidst an Iron Thunder pulled out a little rusty green painted table and then in the easiest manner

Followed Helen in to get chairs so soon as he had got got rid of his teacup he refused all food of course and they were merciful he became wonderfully at his ease presently he was talking he talked quite modestly and simply about his changed condition and his difficulties

And plans he spread what indeed had an air of being all his simple little soul before his eyes in a little while his clipped defective accent had become less perceptible to their ears and they began to realize as the girl with the fr Les had long since realized that there were passible

Aspects of Kips he confided he submitted and for both of them he had the realest the most seductively flattering undertone of awe and reverence he stopped about 2 hours having forgotten how terribly incorrect it is to stay at such a length they did not mind at all chapter 3

Engaged within 2 months within a matter of 3 and 50 days Kips had clambered to the battlements of Hart’s desire it all became possible by the walshingham it would seem at cot’s instigation deciding after all not to spend the holidays at Bruges instead they remained in folkstone and this happy chance gave

Kips just all these opportunities of which he stood in need his crowning day was at Lim and long before the summer warmth began to break while indeed August still flamed on high they had organized no one seemed to know who suggested it first a water party on the still reaches

Of the old military Canal at hi the canal that was to have stopped Napoleon if the sea failed us and they were to picnic by the brick bridge and afterwards to clamber to lium Castle the host of The Gathering it was understood very clearly was Kips they went a merry

Party the canal was weedy with only a few inches of water at the shallows and so they went in three Canadian canoes Kips had learned to paddle it had been his first athletic accomplishment and his second with the last three or four of 10 private lessons still to come was

To be cycling but Kips did not paddle at all badly muscles hardened by lifting pieces of creton could cut a respectable figure by the side of cot’s executions and the girl with the freckles the girl who understood him came in his canoe they raced the walshingham brother and

Sister sister and coot in a liquefying state and blowing mightily but still persistent and always quite polite and considerate toiled behind with Misses walshingham she could not be expected to paddle though of course she offered and she reclined upon specially adjusted cushions under a black and white sun

Shade and watched Kips and her daughter and feared at intervals that cot was getting hot they were all more or less in Holiday costume the eyes of the girl girls looked out under the shade of wide brimmed hats even the freckled girl was unexpectedly pretty and Helen swinging

Sunlet to her paddle gave Kips almost for the first time the suggestion of a graceful body Kips was arrayed in the completest Boating costume and when his fashionable Panama was discarded and his hair blown into disorder he became in his white flannels as sightly as most young men his complexion was a notable

Asset things favored him the day favored him everyone favored him young walshingham the girl with the freckles coot and misses walshingham were playing up to him in the most benevolent way and between the landing place and Lim Fortune to Crown their efforts had placed a small convenient field entirely

At the disposal of an adolescent bull not a big real Resolute bull but on the other hand no calf a young bull in the same stage of emotional development as Kips standing where the two rivers meet detachedly our party drifted towards him when they landed young walshingham with

The simple directness of a brother abandoned his sister to Kips and secured the freckled girl leaving cot to carry Mrs walshingham light wool wrap he started at once in order to put an effectual distance between himself and His companion on the one hand and a certain persuasive chaperonage that went

With Coot on the other other young walshingham I think I have said was dark with a Napoleonic profile and it was natural for him therefore to be a bold thinker and an epigrammatic speaker and he had long ago discovered great possibilities of appreciation in the freckled girl he was in a very happy

Frame that day because he had just been entrusted with the management of Kip’s Affairs old being inexplicably dismissed and that was not a bad beginning for a solicitor of only a few months standing and moreover he had been reading n and he thought that in all probability he was the non-moral Overman

Referred to by that writer he wore fairly large-sized hats he wanted to expand the theme of the non-moral Overman in the ear of the freckled girl to say it over so to speak and in order to seclude his Exposition they went aside from the direct path and trespassed through a Copus avoiding the

Youthful bull they escaped to these higher themes but narrowly for cot and misses walshingham subtle chaperons both and each indisposed for excellent reasons to encumber Kips and Helen were hot upon their heels these two kept direct route to the style of the Bulls field and the sight of the animal at

Once awakened cot’s innate aversion to brutality in any shape or form he said the styles were too high and that they could do better by going around by the Hedge and Mrs walshingham nothing loath agreed this left the way clear for Kips and Helen and they encountered the bull

Helen did not observe the bull but Kips did but that afternoon at any rate he was equal to facing a lion and the bull really came at them it was not an affair of the bull ring exactly no desperate rushes and gorings but he came he regarded them with a large Wicked bluish

Eye opened a mouth below his moistly glistening nose and booed at any rate if he did not exactly Bellow and he shook his head wickedly and showed that tossing was in his mind Helen was frightened without any loss of dignity and Kips went extremely white but he was

Perfectly calm and he seemed to her to have lost the last vestages of his accent and his social shakiness he directed her to walk quietly towards the style and made an oblique Advance towards the bull you be ORF he said when Helen was well over the

Style Kips withdrew in good order he got over the style under cover of a faint and the thing was done a small thing no doubt but just enough to remove from Helen’s mind an incorrect deduction that a man who was so terribly afraid of a teacup as Kips must necessarily be

Abjectly afraid of everything else in the world in her moment of reaction she went perhaps too far in the opposite direction hither to Kips had always had a certain flimsiness of effect for her now suddenly he was discovered solid he was discovered possible in many new ways

Here after all was the sort of back a woman can get behind as so these Heirs of the immemorial ages went past the turf crowned mass of poris Lemonis up the steep slopes towards the medieval castle on the crest the thing was also manifest in her eyes everyone who stays

In folkstone gets sooner or later Tulum the C Castle became a farmhouse long ago and The Farmhouse itself now ripe and venerable wears the walls of the castle as a little man wears a big man’s coat the kindliest of farm ladies entertains a Perpetual stream of visitors and shows

Her vast mangle and her big kitchen and takes you out upon the sunniest little Terrace Garden in all the world and you look down the Sheep dotted slopes to where beside the canal and under the trees the crumpled memories of Rome sleep forever for for hither to this

Lonely spot the galys once came the legions the Emperors masters of the world the castle is but a thing of yesterday King Steven’s time or thereabout in that retrospect one climbs the pitch of perforation and their one is lifted to the center of far more than a hemisphere

Of view away below one’s feet almost at the bottom of the hill the marsh begins and spreads and spreads in a mighty Crescent that sweeps about the sea the marsh dotted with the church towers of Forgotten medieval towns and breaking at last into the low Blue Hills of winchel sea and

Hastings East hangs France between the Sea and the sky and round the north bounding the wide perspectives of farms and houses and woods the Downs with their hangers and chalk pits sustain the passing Shadows of the sailing clouds and here it was high out of the

World of every day and in the presence of spacious beauty that Kips and Helen found themselves agreeably alone all six it had seemed had been coming for the keep but misses walshingham had hesitated at the horrid little stairs and then suddenly felt faint and so she and the freckled girl had remained below

Walking up and down in the shadow of the house and cot had remembered they were all out of cigarettes and had taken off young walshingham into the village there had been shouting to explain between ground and parapet and then Helen and Kips turned again to The View and

Commended it and fell silent Helen sat fearlessly in an Embraer and Kips Stood Beside her I’ve always been fond of scenery Kips repeated after an interval then he went off at a tangent J really think that was right what cot was saying she looked interrogation about my name being really CU

Yps I have my doubts I thought at first what makes Mister cot add an S to quip I do know said Kips foiled I was just thinking she shot one wary glance at him and then turned her eyes to the Sea Kips was out for a space

He had intended to lead from this question to the general question of surnames and change of names it had seemed a light and witty way of saying something he had in mind and suddenly he perceived that this was an unutterably vulgar and silly project the hitch about

That s had saved him he regarded her profile for a moment framed in weather-beaten stone and backed by the blue elements he dropped the question of his name out of existence and spoke again of The View when I see scenery and things that are beautiful it makes me

Feel she looked at him suddenly and saw him fumbling for his words silly like he said she took him in with her glance the old look of proprietorship it was touched with a certain warmth she spoke in a voice as unambiguous as her eyes you needn’t she said you know Mister Kips

You hold yourself too cheap her eyes and words smote him with amazement he stared at her like a man who awakens she looked down you mean he said and then don’t you hold me cheap she glanced up again and shook her head but for instance you don’t think of me as an

Equal like why not ooh but really his heart beat very fast if I thought he said and then you know so much that’s nothing she said then for a long time as it seemed to them both kept silence a silence that said and accomplished many

Things I know what I am he said at length if I thought it was possible if I thought you I believe I could do anything he stopped and she sat downcast and strikingly still miss walshingham he said is it possible that you could care for me enough to to help me Miss

Walshingham do you care for me at all it seemed she was never going to answer she looked up at him I think she said you are the most generous look at what you have done for my brother the most generous and the most modest of men and

This afternoon I thought you were the bravest she turned her head glanced down waved her hand to someone on the Terrace below and stood up mother is signaling she said we must go down Kips became polite and deferential by habit but his mind was a tumult that had nothing to do with that

He moved before her towards the little door that opened on the winding stairs always precede a lady down or upstairs and then on the Second Step he turned resolutely but he said looking up out of the Shadow flannel clad and singularly like a man she looked down on him with

Her hand upon the stone lentil he held out his hand as if to help her can you tell me he said you must know what if you care for me she did not answer for a long time it was as if everything in the world had drawn to the breaking point

And in a minute must certainly break yes she said at last I know abruptly by some imp palpable sign he knew what the answer would be and he remained still she bent down over him and softened to her wonderful smile promise me she insisted he promised with his still face

If I do not hold you cheap you will never hold yourself cheap if you do not hold me cheap you mean she bent down quite close beside him I hold you she said and then whispered dear me she laughed aloud he was astonished beyond measure he stipulated lest there might

Be some misconception you will marry me she was laughing inundated by the sense of Bountiful power of possession and success he looked quite a nice little man to have yes she laughed what else could I mean and yes he felt as a Praying hermit might have felt snatched

From the midst of his quiet devotions his modest sackcloth and Ashes and hurled neck and crop over the glittering Gates of paradise smack among the iridescent Wings the bright-eyed cherubim he felt like some lowly and righteous man dynamited into to Bliss his hand tightened upon the rope that

Steadies one upon the stairs of stone he was for kissing her hand and did not he said not a word more he turned about and with something very like a scared expression on his face led the way into the obscurity of their descent everyone seemed to understand nothing was said

Nothing was explained the mest touch of the eyes sufficed as they clustered in the castle Gateway coot k remembered afterwards laid hold of his arm as if by chance and pressed it it was quite evident he knew his eyes his nose Shone with benevolent congratulations shown too with the sense

Of a good thing conducted to its climax misss walshingham who had seemed a little fatigued by the hill recovered and was even obviously stirred by affection for her daughter there was in passing a motherly caress she asked Kips to give her his arm in walking down the Steep Kips in a sort of

Dream obeyed he found himself trying to attend to her and soon he was attending she and Kips talked like sober responsible people and went slowly while the others drifted down the hill together a loose little group of four he wondered momentarily what they would talk about and then sank into his

Conversation with Mrs walshingham he conversed as it were out of his super icial personality and his inner self lay stunned in unsuspected depths within it had an air of being an interesting and friendly talk almost their first long talk together hither to he had had a

Sort of fear of Misses walshingham as of a person possibly satirical but she proved a soul of sense and sentiment and Kips for all of his abstraction got on with her unexpectedly well they talked a little upon scenery and the inevitable melancholy attaching to the old ruins and the thought of vanished

Generations perhaps they jousted here said Mrs walshingham they was up to all sorts of things said Kips and then the two came round to Helen she spoke of her daughter’s literary Ambitions she will do something I feel sure you know Mister Kips it’s a great responsibility to a mother to feel her

Daughter is exceptionally clever I Desi it is is said Kips there’s no mistake about that she spoke too of her son almost like Helen’s twin alike yet different she made Kips feel quite fatherly they are so quick so artistic she said so full of ideas almost they frighten me one feels

They need opportunities as other people need air she spoke of Helen’s writing even when she was quite a little dut she wrote verse Kips sensation her father had just the same tastes Mrs walshingham turned a little beam of half pathetic reminiscence on the past he was more artist than

Businessman that was the trouble he was misled by his partner and when the crash came everyone blamed him well it doesn’t do to dwell on horrid things especially today there are bright days Mr Kips and dark days days and mine have not always been bright Kips presented a face of

Koulik sympathy she diverged to talk of flowers and Kip’s mind was filled with the picture of Helen bending down towards him in the keep they spread the tea under the trees before the little Inn and at a certain moment Kips became aware that everyone in the party was simultaneously and furtively glancing at

Him there might have been a certain tension had it not been first of all for cot and his tact and afterwards for a number of wasps cot was resolved to make this memorable day pass off well and displayed an almost boisterous sense of fun then young walshingham began talking

Of the Roman remains below Lim intending to lead up to the Overman these old Roman chaps he said and then the Wasps arrived they killed three in the jam alone Kips killed wasps as if it were in a dream and handed things to the wrong people and maintained a thin circle of ordinary

Intelligence with the utmost difficulty at times he became aware aware with an extraordinary vividness of Helen Helen was carefully not looking at him and behaving with amazing coolness and ease but just for that one time there was the faintest suggestion of pink beneath the ivory of her cheeks tacitly the others

Conceited to Kips the right to paddle back with Helen he helped her into the canoe and took his paddle and paddling slowly dropped behind the others and now his inner self stirred again he said nothing to her how could he ever say anything to her again she spoke to him

At rare intervals about Reflections and the flowers and the trees and he nodded in reply but his mind moved very slowly forward now from the point at which it had fallen stunned in the limke moving forward to the beginnings of realization as yet he did not say even

In the recesses of his heart that she was is but he perceived that the goddess had come from her altar amazingly and had taken him by the hand the sky was a vast Splendor and then close to them were the dark protecting trees and The Shining smooth Still Water he was an

Erect black outline to her he plied his paddle with no unskillful gesture the water broke to snaky silver and glittered far behind his Strokes indeed he did not seem bad to her youth calls to youth the wide world through and her soul Rose in triumph over his

Subjection and behind him was money and opportunity freedom and London a great background of seductively indistinct hopes to him her face was a warm dimness in truth he could not see her eyes but it seemed to his love witched brain he did and that they Shone out at

Him like Dusky stars all the world that evening was no more than a shadowy frame of darkling sky and water and dripping bows about Helen he seemed to see through things with an extraordinary clearness she was revealed to him certainly as the cause and essence of it

All he was indeed at his heart’s desire it was one of those times when there seems to be no future when time has stopped and we are at an end Kips that evening could not have imagined a tomorrow all that his imagination had pointed towards was attained his mind Stood Still and took

The moment moments as they came about 9 that night cot came around to Kip’s new apartment in the Upper sandgate Road the house on the leav had been let furnished and Kips made an effort toward realization he was discovered sitting at the open window and without a lamp quite

Still cot was deeply moved and he pressed Kip’s palm and laid a knobby white hand on his shoulder and displayed the sort of tenderness becoming in a crisis Kips was too moved that night and treated C like a very dear brother she’s Splendid said coot coming to it

Abruptly isn’t she said Kips I couldn’t help noticing her face said coot you know my dear Kips that this is better than a legacy I don’t deserve it said Kips you can’t say that I don’t I can’t hardly believe it I can’t believe it at all no there followed an expressive

Stillness it’s wonderful said Kips it takes me like that cot made a faint blowing noise and so again they came for a time of silence and it began before your money when I was in ER class said Kips solemnly cot speaking out of a darkness which he was Illuminating strangely with

Efforts to strike a match said that it was beautiful he could not have wished Kips a better Fortune he lit a cigarette and Kips was moved to do the same with a sacramental expression presently speech flowed more freely C began to praise Helen and her mother and brother he talked of when it

Might be he presented the thing as concrete and credible it’s a County family you know he said she is connected you know with the boa family you know Lord bpra no said Kips really distantly of course said coot still he smiled a smile that glimmered in the Twilight it’s too much said Kips

Overcome it’s so all like that cot exhaled for a Time Kips listened to Helen’s praises and matured a point of view I say coot he said what ought I to do now what do you mean said coot I mean about calling on her and all that he

Reflected naturally I want to do it all right of course said coot it would be awful to go and do something now all wrong cot’s cigarette glowed as he meditated you must call of course he decided Youk have to speak to Mrs walshingham ow said Kips tell her you mean to marry

Her daughter I Desi she knows said Kips with defensive penetration C’s head was visible shaking itself judiciously then there’s the ring said Kips what a i to do about that what ring do you mean engagement ring there isn’t anything at all about that in manners

And rules of good Society not a word of course you must get something tasteful yes what sort of a ring something nice they’ll show you in the shop of course I suppose I got to take it to or put it on her finger oh no send it

Much better ah said Kips for the first time with a note of relief then how about this call on Miss walshingham I mean I ought one to go rather a ceremonial occasion reflected coot what do you mean frock coat I think so said coot with discrimination light trousers and all that yes

Rose I think it might run to a button hole the curtain that hung over the future became less opaque to the eyes of Kips tomorrow and then other days became perceptible at least as existing frock coat silk hat and arose with a certain solemnity he contemplated himself in the process of

Slow transformation into an English gentleman Arthur quips frock coated on occasions of ceremony The Familiar acquaintance of Lady punet the recognized wooer of a distant connection of the Earl of Bo pra something like awe at the magnitude of his own fortune Came Upon him he felt

The world was opening out like a magic flower in a transformation scene at the touch of this wand of gold and Helen nestling beautiful in the red heart of the flower only 10 weeks ago he had been no more than the shabbiest of improvers and shamefully dismissed for

Dissipation the mere soil bured seed as it were of these glories he resolved the engagement ring should be of expressively excessive quality and appearance in fact the very best they had ought I to send or flowers he speculated not necessarily said coot though of course it’s an attention Kips meditated on

Flowers when you see her said coot you’ll have to ask her to name the day Kip started that won’t be just yet a bit will it don’t know any reason for delay ooh but a year say rather a long time said coot is it said Kips turning his head

Sharply but there was quite a long pause I say he said at last and in an unaltered voice you’ll a to help me about the wedding only too happy said coot of course said Kips I didn’t think he changed his line of thought coot he asked what’s at State atate

A said cot improving is a conversation Alone Together lore said kips but I thought it says strictly we oughtn’t to enjoy a tater Tay not sit together walk together ride together or meet during any part of the day that don’t leave much time for meeting does it the book

Says that asked coot I just learned it by K before you came I thought that was a bit rum but iose it’s all right you won’t find Miss walshingham so strict as all that said coot I think that’s a bit extreme they’d only do that now in very strict old aristocratic

Families besides the walshingham are so modern advanced you might say I expect you’ll get plenty of chances of talking together there’s a tremendous lot to think about said Kips blowing a profound sigh J mean perps we might be married in a few months or so Youk have to be said

Coot why not midnight found Kips alone looking a little tired and turning over the leaves of the red covered textbook with a studious expression he paused for a moment on page 233 his eye caught by the words for an uncle or Aunt by marriage the period is 6 weeks black with jet

Trimmings no said Kips after a vigorous mental effort that’s not it the pages rustled again he stopped and flattened out the little book decisively at the beginning of the chapter on weddings he became pensive he stared at the lamp wick I suppose I ought to go over and

Tell them he said at last Kips called on misss walshingham attired in the proper costume for ceremonial occasions in the day he carried a silk hat and he wore a deep skirted frock coat his boots were patent leather and his trousers dark gray he had generous white cuffs with

Gold links and his gray gloves one thumb in which had burst when he put them on he held Loosely in his hand he carried a small umbrella rolled to an Exquisite tightness a sense of singular correctness pervaded his being and wared with the enormity of the occasion for

Possession of his soul Anon he touched his silk cat the world smelt of his Rose Bud he seated himself on a new recovered chint armchair and stuck out the elbow of the arm that held his hat I know said Mrs walshingham I know everything and helped him out most

Amazingly she deepened the impression he had already received of her sense and refinement she displayed an amount of tenderness that touched him this is a great thing she said to a mother and her hand rested for a moment on his impeccable coat sleeve a daughter Arthur

She explained is so much more than a son marriage she said was a lottery and without love and Toleration there was much unhappiness her life had not always been bright there had been dark days and bright days she smiled rather sweetly this is a bright one she said

She said very kind and flattering things to Kips and she thanked him for his goodness to her son that wasn’t anything said Kips and then she expanded upon the theme of her two children both so accomplished lished she said so clever I call them my twin Jewels she was

Repeating a remark that she had made at Lim that she always said her children needed opportunities as other people needed air when she was abruptly arrested by the entry of Helen they hung on a pause Helen perhaps surprised by Kip’s weekday magnificence then she Advanced with outstretched hand both the young people

Were shy I just called round began kips and became uncertain how to end won’t you have some tea asked Helen she walked to the window looked out at the familiar outp Porter Barrow turned surveyed Kips for a moment Ambiguously said I will get some tea and so departed again

Misss walshingham and Kips looked at one another and the lady smiled indulgently you two young people mustn’t be shy of each other said Mrs walshingham which damaged Kips considerably she was explaining how sensitive Helen always had been even about quite little things when the servant appeared with

The tea things and then Helen followed and taking up a secure position behind the little bamboo tea table broke the ice with a fishous teacup clattering then she introduced the topic of a forthcoming open air performance of as you like it and steered past the worst of the awkwardness they discussed stage

Illusion I’m you say said Kips I don’t quite like a play in a theater it seems sort of unreal somehow but most plays are written for the stage said Helen looking at the sugar I know admitted Kips they finished tea well said Kips and Rose you mustn’t go yet said Mrs

Walshingham rising and taking his hand I’m sure you two must have heaps to say to each other and so she escaped towards the door among other projects that seemed almost equally correct to Kips at that exalted moment was one of embracing Helen with artor as soon as the door

Closed behind her mother and one of headlong flight through the open window then he remembered he ought to hold the door open for Mrs walshingham and turned from that duty to find Helen Still Standing beautifully inaccessible behind the tea things he closed the door and advanced toward her with his arms a

Kimbo and his hands upon his coat skirts then feeling angular he moved his right hand to his mustache anyhow he was dressed all right somewhere at the back of his mind dim and mingled with doubt and surprise appeared the perception that he felt now quite differently towards her that

Something between them had been blown from lkeep to the Four Winds of Heaven she regarded him with an eye of critical proprietorship mother has been making up to you she said smiling slightly she added it was nice of you to come around to see her they stood through a brief

Pause as though each had expected something different in the other and was a little perplexed at its not being there Kips found he was at the corner of the brown covered table and he picked up a little flexible book that lay upon it to occupy his mind I bought you a ring

Today he said bending the book and speaking for the sake of saying something and then he was moved to genuine speech you know he said I can’t hardly believe it her face relaxed slightly again no she said and may have breathed nor I no he went on it’s as

Though everything had changed more even than when I got my money air we are going to marry it’s like being someone else what I feel is he turned a flushed and Earnest face to her he seemed to come alive to her with one natural gesture I don’t know things I’m not good enough

I’m not refined the more you’ll see of me the more you’ll find me out but I’m going to help you you’ll a to help me a fearful lot she walked to the window glanced out of it made up her mind turned and came towards him with her hands clasped

Behind her back all these things that trouble you are very little things if you don’t mind if you will let me tell you things I wish you would then I will they’re little things to you but they aren’t to me it all depends if you don’t

Mind being told by you I don’t expect you to be told by strangers ooh said Kips expressing much you know there are just a few little things for instance you know you are careless with your pronunciation you don’t mind my telling you I like it said Kips there’s

H’s I know said Kips and then endorsing I’ve been told fact is I know a chap an actor he’s told me he’s told me and he’s going to give me a lesso and noro I’m glad of that it only requires a little care of course on the stage they got to

Look out they take regular lessons of course said Helen a little absently I Des I shall soon get into it said Kips and then there’s dress said Helen taking up her thread again Kips became pink but he remained respectfully attentive you don’t mind she said ooh no

You mustn’t be too too dressy it’s possible to be overc conventional over elaborate it makes you look like a shot up like a common well-off person there’s a sort of easiness that is better a real gentleman looks right without looking as though he had tried

To be right just as though GD put on what came first said the pupil in a faded voice not exactly that but a sort of ease Kips nodded his head intelligently in his heart he was kicking his silk hat about the room in an ecstasy of disappointment and you you must accustom

Yourself to be more at your ease when you are with people said Helen you’ve only got to forget yourself a little and not be anxious I’ll try said Kips looking rather hard at the teapot I’ll do my best to try I know you will she said and

Laid a hand for an instant upon his shoulder and withdrew it he did not perceive her caress one has to learn he said his attention was distracted by the strenuous effort that were going on in the back of his head to translate I say didn’t you ought to name the day into

Easy as well as elegant English a struggle that was still undecided when the time came for them to part he sat for a long time at the open window of his sitting room with an intent face recapitulating that interview his eyes rested at last almost reproachfully on the silk hat beside him

Ow is one to know he asked his attention was caught by a rubbed place in the nap and still thoughtful he rolled up his handkerchief skillfully into a soft ball and began to smooth this down his expression changed slowly a the juice is one to know he said putting down the hat

With some emphasis he rose up went across the room to the sideboard and standing there opened and began to read manners and rules chapter 4 the bicycle manufacturer so kips embarked upon his engagement stealed himself to the high Enterprise of marrying above his breeding the next morning found him

Dressing with a certain quiet severity of movement and it seemed to his land lady’s housemaid that he was unusually dignified at breakfast he meditated profoundly over his Kipper and his kidney and bacon he was going to new Romney to tell the old people what had happened and where he

Stood and the love of Helen had also given him courage to do what buggins had once suggested to him as a thing he would do were he in Kip’s place and that was to hire a motorc car for the afternoon he had an early cold lunch and

Then with an air of quiet resolution assumed a cap and coat he had purchased to this end and thus equipped strolled around blowing slightly to the motor shop the transaction was unexpectedly easy and within the hour Kips spectacled and wrapped about was toling through dim Church they came to a stop smartly and

Neatly outside the little toy shop make that thing oot a bit will you said Kips yes that’s it said the Motorcar War up both his aunt and uncle came out on the pavement why it’s Arty cried his aunt and Kips had a moment of Triumph he descended to hand clasping removed wraps

And spectacles and the motor driver retired to take an hour off old Kip surveyed the machinery and disconcerted Kips For a Moment by asking him in a knowing tone what they asked him for a thing like that the two men stood inspecting the machine and impressing

The neighbors for a time and then they strolled through the shop into the little parlor for a drink they ain’t settled old Kips had said to the neighbors they ain’t got no further than experiments there’s a bit of take in about each you take my advice and wait

Me boy even if it’s a year or two before you buy one for your own use though Kips had said nothing of doing anything of the sort ow you like that whisky I sent asked Kips dodging the old familiar bunch of children’s pales old Kips became

Tactful it’s a very good whiskey my boy said old Kips I hav the slightest doubt it’s a very good whiskey and cost you a tidy price but dashed if it suits me they put this here fuzzle Island in my boy and it catches me just air he

Indicated his Center of figure gives me the heartburn he said and shook his head rather sadly it’s a very good whiskey said Kips it’s what the actor manager chaps drink in London I happen to know I Des they do my boy said old Kips but then they’ve had their liers burnt out

And I a’t they ain’t delicat like me my Stu stomach always has been extra delicate sometimes it’s almost been as though nothing would lay on it but that’s in passing I liked those seagar you can send me some of them seagars you cannot lead a conversation straight from the gastric consequences

Of fuzzle I’ll to love and so Kips after a friendly inspection of a rare old engraving after Morland perfect except for a hole kicked through the center that his uncle had recently purchased by private haggle came to the topic of the old people’s removal at the outset of

Kip’s great fortunes there had been much talk of some permanent provision for them it had been conceded they were to be provided for comfortably and the phrase retire from business had been very much in the air Kips had pictured an ideal Cottage with a creeper always in exuberant flower about the door where

The sun Shone forever and the wind never blew and a Perpetual welcome hovered in the doorway it was an agreeable dream but when it came to the point of deciding upon this particular Cottage or that and on this particular house or that Kips was surprised by an unexpected

Clinging to the little home which he had always understood to be the worst of all possible houses we don’t want to move in a Yuri said Mrs Kips when we want to move we want to move for life I’ve had enough moving about in my time said old

Kips we can do here a bit more now we done here so long said Mrs Kips you let me look about a bit fussed said old Kips and in looking about old Kips found perhaps a finer Joy than any mere possession could have given he would shut his shop more or less effectually

Against the intrusion of customers and toddle abroad seeking new matter for his dream no house was too small and none too large for his knowing inquiries occupied houses took his fancy more than vacancies and he would remark you won’t be a living Heir forever even if you think you will when irate

Householders protested against the unsolicited examination of their more intimate premises remarkable difficulties arose of a totally unexpected sort if we a a larger oo said M Kips with sudden bitterness we shall want a servant and I don’t want no gels in the place Larin at me sniggering and Larin and pranon and

Traisen lardy du if we a a smaller ooze there won’t be room to swing a cat room to swing a cat it seemed was absolutely essential it was an infrequent but indispensable operation when we do move said old Kips if we could get a bit of shooting I

Don’t want to sell off all this here stock for nothing it’s took years to cumulate I put a ticket in the winder saying sell and BF but it ASN brought nothing like a rush one of these air draft visitors pretending to want an air gun was all we add in yesterday just an

Excuse for spying around and then go away and laugh at you no thank you to everything it didn’t matter what that’s how I look at it Arty they pursued Meandering fancies about the topic of their future settlement for a space and Kips became more and more hopeless of any proper conversational opening that

Would lead to his great announcement and more and more uncertain how such an opening should be taken once indeed old Kips anxious to get away from this dangerous subject of removals began and what are you a doing of in folkstone I shall have to come over and

See you one of these days but before Kips could get in upon that his uncle had passed into a general exposition of the proper treatment of landladies and their humbugging cheating ways and so the opportunity vanished it seemed seemed to Kips the only thing to do was

To go out into the town for a stroll compose an effectual opening at leisure and then come back and discharge it at them in its consecutive completeness and even out of doors and alone he found his mind distracted by irrelevant thoughts his steps led him out of the High Street towards the

Church and he lent for a time over the gate that had once been the winning post of his race with in pornick and presently found himself in a sitting position on the top rail he had to get things smooth again he knew his mind was like a mirror of water after a

Breeze the image of Helen and his great future was broken and mingled into fragmentary reflections of remoter things of the good name of old Methuselah three stars of long dormant Memories the High Street saw fit by some trick of light and atmosphere to arouse that afternoon abruptly a fine full voice

From under his elbow shouted what oh art and behold Sid pornic was back in his world leaning over the gate beside him and holding out a friendly hand he was oddly changed and yet oddly like the Sid that Kips had known he had the old broad face and mouth abundantly freckled the

Same short nose and the same blunt chin the same odd suggestion of his sister and without a touch of her beauty but he had quite a new voice loud and a little hard and his upper lip carried a stiff and very fair mustache tips shook hands I was just

Thinking of you Sid he said just this very moment and wondering if ever I should see you again ever and a you are one likes a look round at times said Sid how are you old chap all right said Kips I just been left you aren’t changed much

Interrupted Sid and I said Kips foiled I knew your back directly I came around the corner spite of that at you got on hang it I said that’s art Kips or the devil and so it was Kips made a movement of his neck as if he would look

At his back and judge then he looked Sid in the face you got a mustache Sid he said iose you’re having your holidays said Sid well partly but I just been left I’m taking a bit of a holiday Sid went on but the fact is I have to give myself holidays

Nowadays I’ve set up for myself not down here no fear I’m not a turnip I’ve started in Hammersmith manufacturing Sid spoke off hand as though there was no such thing as Pride not drapery no fear engineer manufacture bicycles he clapped his hand to his breast pocket and produced a number of pink

Handbills he handed one to Kips and prevented him reading it by explanations and explanatory dabs of a pointing finger that’s our make my make to be exact the red flag see I got a transfer with my name pantac tires 8 lb yes there clinchers 10 dunlops 11 Ladies One PB

More that’s the ladies best machine at a democratic price in London no guies and no discounts honest trade I build M to order I’ve built he reflected looking away Seward 17 counting orders in and come down to look at the old place a bit mother likes it at times thought you’d all gone

Away what after my father’s death no my mother’s come back and she’s living at mugget Cottages the sea a suits her she likes the old place better than Hammer Smith and I can afford it got an old crony or so here gossip have tea spose you ain’t

Married Kips Kips shook his head I he began I am said Sid married these two years and got a Nipper proper little chap Kips got word in at last I got engaged day before yesterday he said ah said Sid arily that’s all right who’s the fortunate lady Kips tried to speak

In an off-hand way he stuck his hands in his pockets as he spoke shek a solicitor’s daughter he said in folkstone rather our nice set County family related to the Earl of Bo pra steady on cried Sid you see I’ve had a bit of luck Sid been left money SIDS I

Traveled instinctively to Mark Kip’s garments how much he asked about 12 un a year said Kips more offhandedly than ever lord said Sid with a note of positive dismay and stepped back a pace or two my grand favorite was said Kips trying hard to be calm and simple hardly

Knew I add a grand favor and then bang when o Bean the solicitor told me of it you could a knocked me down how much demanded Sid with a sharp note in his voice 1200 pound a year approximately that is Sid’s attempt at genial un envious congratulation did not last a

Minute he shook hands with an unreal hardiness and said he was jolly glad it’s a blooming Stroke of Luck he said it’s a blooming Stroke of Luck he repeated that’s what it is with the smile fading from his face of course better you a it than me oh chap so I

Don’t envy you anyhow I couldn’t keep it if I did a it ‘s that said Kips a little hipped by Sid’s patent Chagrin I’m a socialist you see said Sid I don’t old with wealth what is wealth labor robbed out of the poor at most it’s only yours in trust least ways that

Ow I should take it he reflected the present distribution of wealth he said and stopped then he let himself go with unmasked bitterness it’s no sense at all it’s just damn foolishness who’s going to work and Care in a muddle like this here first you do something anyhow of the world’s work and

It pays you hardly anything and then it invites you to do nothing nothing whatever and pays you 1,200 a year who’s going to respect laws and customs when they come to damn silliness like that he repeated £1,200 a year at the sight of Kip’s face he relented slightly it’s not

You I’m thinking of oh man it’s the system better you than most people still he laid both hands on the gate and repeated to himself 1200 a year giz Kips Youk be a swell I shant said Kips with imperfect conviction no fear you can’t a a money

Like that and not swell out you’ll soon be too big to speak to how do they put it a mere mechanic like me no fear Sid D said Kips with conviction I ain’t that sort ah said Sid with a sort of unwilling skepticism money will be too much for you besides

You’re caught by a swell already OU you mean that girl you’re going to marry masterman says who’s masterman rare good chap I know takes my first floor front room Masterson says it’s always the wife pitches the key always there’s no social differences till women come in ah said Kips

Profoundly you don’t know Sid shook his head fancy he reflected art Kips 12 unad a year Kips tried to bridge that opening Gulf remember the hin Sid rather said Sid remember that wreck I can smell it now sort of sour smell Kips was silent for a moment with reminiscent eyes on

Sid’s still troubled face I say Sid aanne she’s all right said Sid where is she now in a place Ashford oh Sid’s face had become a shade suier than before the fact is he said we don’t get on very well together I don’t hold with service we’re common people I

Suppose but I don’t like it I don’t see why a sister of mine should wait at other people’s tables no not even if they got 1200 a year Kips tried to change the point of application remember how you came out once when we were racing here she didn’t

Run bad for a girl and his own words raised an image brighter than he could have supposed so bright it seemed to breathe before him and did not fade off alog together even when he was back in folkstone an hour or so later but Sid was not to be deflected from that other

Rankling Theme by any reminiscences of Anne I wonder what you will do with all that money he speculated I wonder if you will do any good at all I wonder what you could do you should hear masterman he’d tell you things suppose it came to me what should I do it’s no

Good giving it back to the state as things are start an onite profit sharing Factory perhaps or a new socialist paper we want a new socialist paper he tried to drown his personal Chagrin in elaborate exemplary suggestions I must be getting on to my motor said Kips at last having to a

Large extent heard him out what got a motor no said Kips apologetically only jobbed for the day how much 5 keep five families for a week good Lord that seemed to Crown Sid’s disgust yet drawn by a sort of Fascination he came with Kips and assisted at the mounting of the motor he

Was pleased to note it was not the most modern of Motors but that was the only grain of comfort Kips mounted at once after one violent agitation of the little shop door to set the Bell a jingle and warn his uncle and Aunt Sid assisted with the great fur-lined overcoat and examined the

Spectacles Goodbye Oh chap said Kips Goodbye Oh chap said Sid the old people came out to Say Goodbye old Kips was radiant with Triumph upon my Sammy Arty I’m a goo mind to come with you he shouted and then I got something you might take with you he dodged back into

To the shop and returned with the perforated engraving after Morland you stick to this my boy he said you get it repaired by someone who knows it’s the most valuable thing I got you so far you take my word War up said the motor and tough tough tough and backed and snorted

While old Kips danced about on the pavement as if foreseeing complex catastrophes and told the driver that’s all right he waved his Stout stick to his receding nephew then he turned to sidow if you could make something like that young pornic you might blow a bit

I’ll make a do Sid sight better than that before I done said Sid hands deep in his pockets not you said old Kips the motor set up a prolonged sobbing moan and vanished around the corner Sid stood motionless for a space unheeding some further remark from old Kips the young

Mechanic had just discovered that to have manufactured 177 bicycles including orders in hand is not so big a thing as he had supposed and such discoveries try one’s manhood oh well said Sid at last and turned his face towards his mother’s Cottage she had got a hot tea cake for

Him and she was a little hurt that he was dark and preoccupied as he consumed it he had always been such a boy for teacake and then when one went out specially and got him one he did not tell her he did not tell anyone he had

Seen young Kips he did not want to talk about Kips for a bit to anyone at all chapter 5 the pupil lover when Kips came to reflect upon his afternoon’s work he had his first inkling of certain comprehensive incompatibilities lying about the course of true love in his

Particular case he had felt without understanding the in congruity between the announcement he had failed to make and the circle of ideas of his aunt and uncle it was this rather than the want of a specific intention that had silenced him the perception that when he traveled

From folkstone to new Romney he traveled from an atmosphere where his engagement to Helen was sane and excellent to an atmosphere where it was only to be regarded with incredulous suspicion coupled and associated with this jar was his sense of the altered behavior of Sid pornic the evident shock to that ancient

Alliance caused by the fact of his enrichment the touch of hostility in his you’ll soon be swelled too big to speak to a poor mechanic like me Kips was unprepared for the unpleasant truth that the path of social advancement is and must be strewn with broken friendships this first protrusion of

That fact caused a painful confusion in his mind it was speedily to protrude in a far more serious fashion in relation to the hands from The Emporium and Chito from the day at Lim Castle his relations with Helen had entered upon a new footing he had prayed for Helen as good Souls

Pray for heaven with as little understanding of what it was he prayed for and now that period of standing humbly in the shadows before the shrine was over and the goddess her veil of mystery flung aside had come down to him and taken hold of him a good strong firm

Hold and walked by his side she liked him what was singular was that very soon she had kissed him Thrice whimsically upon the brow and he had never kissed her at all he could not analyze his feelings only he knew the world was wonderfully changed about them but the

Truth was that though he still woried and feared her though his pride in his engagement was ridiculously vast he loved her now no more that subtle something woven of the most delicate strands of self-love and tenderness and desire had vanished imperceptibly and was gone now forever but that she did

Not suspect in him nor as a matter of fact did he she took him in hand in perfect good faith she told him things about his accent she told him things about his bearing about his costume and his way of looking at things she thrust the blade of her intelligence into the

Tenderest corners of Kip’s secret vanity she slashed his most intimate Pride to bleeding tatters he sought very diligently to anticipate some at least of these informing thrusts by making great use of coot but the unanticipated made a brave number she found his simple willingness a very lovable thing indeed she liked

Him more and more there was a touch of motherliness in her feelings towards him but his upbringing in his associations had been she diagnosed awful at new Romney she glanced but little that was remote but in her inventory she went over him as one might go over a newly

Taken house with impartial thoroughness she discovered more proximate influence es surprising intimations of nocturnal sing songs she pictured it as almost shocking that Kips should sing to the banjo much low-grade wisdom treasured from a person called buggin who is bugin said Helen vague figures of indisputable vulgarity Pierce and

Carshot and more particularly a very terrible social phenomenon Chito Chito blazed upon them with unheralded oppressive Brilliance the first time they were abroad together they were going along the front of the Lees to see a school play in sandgate at the last moment Mrs walshingham had been

Unable to come with them when Chito loomed up into the new world he was wearing the suit of striped flannel and the straw hat that had followed Kip’s payment in advance for his course in elocution his hands were deep in his side pockets and animated the corners of

His jacket and his attentive gaze at the passing loungers the faint smile under his boldly drawn nose showed him him engaged in studying character no doubt for some forthcoming play what ho said he at the sight of Kips and swept off the straw hat with so ample a clutch of

His great flat hand that it suggested to Helen’s startled mind a conjurer about to Palm a haeny ELO chlo said Kips a little awkwardly and not saluting chitterlow hesitated half Mo my boy he said and arrested Kips by extending a large hand over his chest excuse me my dear he said bowing

Like his Russian count by way of apology to Helen and with a smile that would have killed at 100 yards he affected a semicon grouping of himself and Kips while Helen stood in white amazement about that play he said how about it asked Kips acutely aware of Helen it’s all right said

Chito there’s a strong smell of Syndicate in the air I may tell you strong That’s All Right Said Kips you needn’t tell everybody said Chito with a transitory confidential hand to his mouth which pointed the application of the everybody just a trifle too strongly but I think it’s coming off however I

Mustn’t detain you now so long you’ll come around eh right you are said Kips tonight at 8 and then and more in the manner of a Russian prince than any common count Chito bowed and withdrew just for a moment he allowed a conquering eye to challenge Helens and noted her for a

Girl of quality there was a silence between our lovers for a space that said Kips with an elusive movement of the head was chitterlow is he a friend of yours in a way you see I met him least way e met me run into me with a bicycle e did and so

We got talking together he tried to appear at his ease the young lady scrutinized his profile what is he he’s a actar chap said Kips least ways e writes plays and sells them partly whom to different people shares he sells it’s all right really I meant to tell you about him

Before Helen looked over her shoulder to catch a view of chito’s retreating aspect it did not compel her complete confidence she turned to her lover and said in a tone of quiet Authority you must tell me all about Chito now the explanation began the school play came almost as a relief to

Kips in the fluster of going in he could almost forget for a time his leoan struggle to explain and in the intervals he did his best to keep forgetting but Helen with a gentle insistence resumed the explanation of Chito as they returned towards folkstone Chito was confoundedly difficult to explain you could hardly

Imagine there was an almost motherly anxiety in Helen’s manner blended with the resolution of a school mistress to get to the bottom of the affair Kip’s ears were soon quite brightly red have you seen one of his plays EAS told me about one but on the stage

No he asent add any on the stage yet that’s all coming promise me she said in conclusion you won’t do anything without consulting me and of course Kips promised ooh no they went on their way in silence one can’t know everybody said Helen in general of course said kips in

A sort of way it was him that helped me to my money and he indicated in a confused manner the story of the advertisement I don’t like to drop him all at once he added Helen was silent for a space and when she spoke she went

Off at a tangent we shall live in London soon she remarked it’s only while we are here it was the first intimation she gave him of their postnuptial prospects we shall have a nice little flat some not too far west and there we shall build up a circle of our own all

That declining summer Kips was the pupil Lover he made an extraordinarily Open Secret of his desire for self-improvement indeed Helen had to hint once or twice that his modest frankness was excessive and all this new circle of friends did each after his or her manner everything that was possible

To supplement Helen’s efforts and help him to ease and skill in the more cultivated circles to which he had come cot was still the chief teacher the tutor there are so many little difficulties that a man may take to another man that he would not care to

Propound to the woman he loves but they were all so to speak upon the staff even the freckled girl said to him once in a pleasant way you mustn’t say contempts You must sayum when he borrowed that expression from manners and rules and she tried at his own suggestion to give

Him clear ideas upon the subject of and has a certain confusion between these words was becoming evident the first fruits of a lesson from Chito on the aspirate hitherto he had discarded that dangerous letter almost altogether but now he would pull up at words beginning with h and draw a sawing

Breath rather like a startled kitten and then aspirate with Vigor said Kips one day as E I should say ah has e ye know I got a lot lot of difficulty over them two words which is which well as is a conjunction and has is a verb I know

Said Kips but when is has a conjunction and when is as a verb well said the freckled girl preparing to be very lucid it’s as when it means one has meaning having but if it isn’t it’s as as for instance one says E I mean he he has but

One says as he has I see said Kips so I ought to say as e no if you are asking a question you say has E I mean he as he she blushed quite brightly but still clung to her heir of Lucidity I see said Kips he was about to

Say something further but he desisted I got it much clearer now has B has be as yes if you remember about having ooh I will said Kips Miss cot specialized in Kips artistic development she had early found an opinion that he had considerable artistic sensibility his remarks on her

Work had struck her as decidedly intelligent and whenever he called around to see them she would show him some work of art now an illustrated book now perhaps a color print of a belli now the H hundred best paintings now a Academy pictures now a German art handbook and now some

Magazine of Furniture and Design I know you like these things she used to say and Kip said who I do he soon acquired a little Armory of appreciative sayings when presently the walshingham took him up to the Arts and Crafts his deportment was intelligent in the

Extreme for a time he kept a wary silence and suddenly pitched upon a color print that’s rather nice he said to Mrs Walsh inham that little thing there he always said things like that by preference to the mother rather than the daughter unless he was perfectly sure he

Quite took to Mrs walshingham he was impressed by her conspicuous tact and refinement it seemed to him that the L likee could go no further she was always dressed with a delicate fussiness that was never disarranged and even a sort of faded quality about her hair and face

And bearing and emotions contributed to her effect Kips was not a big man and commonly he did not feel a big man but with Misses walshingham he always felt enormous and distended as though he was a navi who had taken some disagreeable poison which puffed him up inside his

Skin as a preliminary to bursting he felt too as though he had been rolled in clay and his hair dressed with gum and he felt that his voice was strident and his accent like somebody swinging a crowded Pig’s pale in a free and careless manner all this increased and enforced

His respect for her her hand which flitted often and again to his hand and arm was singularly well-shaped and cool Arthur she called him from the very beginning she did not so much positively teach and tell him as tactfully guide and infect him her conversation was not so much dactic as

Exemplary she would say I do like people to do so and so she would tell anecdotes of nice things done of gentlemanly Feats of graceful consideration she would record her neat observations of people in trains and omnibuses how for example a man had passed her change to the conductor quite

A common man he looked but he had lifted his hat she stamped Kip so deeply with the hat raising habit that he would uncover if he found himself in the same Railway ticket office with a lady had to stand ceremoniously until the difficulties of change drove drove him to an apologetic provisional oblique

Resumption of his headgear and robbing these things of any air of personal application she threw about them an abundant talk about her two children she called them her twin Jewels quite frequently about their gifts their temperaments their ambition their need of opportunity they needed opportunity she

Would say as other people needed air in his conversations with her Kips always assumed and she seemed to assume that she was to joined that home in London Helen foreshadowed but he was surprised one day to gather that this was not to be the case it wouldn’t do said Helen with

Decision we want to make a circle of our own but won’t she be a bit lonely down here asked Kips there’s the wases and Mrs Preble and M benden Bing and lots of people she knows and Helen dismissed this possibility Young walshingham share in the educational Syndicate was smaller

But he Shone out when they went to London on that arts and crafts Expedition then this Rising man of Affairs showed Kips how to buy the more theatrical weeklys for consumption in the train how to buy and what to buy in the way of cigarettes with gold tips and

Shilling cigars and how to order Hawk for lunch and sparkling Moselle for dinner how to calculate the fair of a handsome cab penny a minute while he goes how to look intelligently at an Hotel tape and how to sit still in a train like a thoughtful man instead of

Talking like a fool and giving yourself away and he too would glance at the good time coming when they were to be in London for good and all that Prospect expanded and developed particulars it presently took up a large part of Helen’s conversation her conversations with Kips

Were never of a grossly sentimental sort there was a shyness of speech in that matter with with both of them but these new adumbrations were at least as interesting and not so directly disagreeable as the clear-cut intimations of personal defect that for a time had so greatly chastened Kip’s

Delight in her presence the future presented itself with an almost perfect frankness as a joint campaign of Mrs walshingham twin Jewels upon the great world with Kips in the capacity of baggage and Supply they would still be dreadfully poor of course this amazed Kips but he said nothing until brkin began to

Succeed but if they were clever and lucky they might do a great deal when Helen spoke of London a brooding look as of one who contemplates a distant country came into her eyes already it seemed they had the nucleus of a set brkin was a member of the theatrical

Judges an excellent and influential little Club of journalists and literary people and he knew shimer and Stargate and Whiffle of the red dragon and and besides these were the Revels they knew the Revels quite well Sydney Revel before his rapid rise to prominence as a writer of epigrammatic essays that were

Quite above the ordinary public had been an assistant Master at one of the best folkstone schools brkin had brought him home to te several times and it was he had first suggested Helen should try and write it’s perfectly easy Sydney had said he had been writing occasional

Things for the evening papers and for the weekly reviews even at that time then he had gone up to London and had almost unavoided become a dramatic critic those brilliant essays had followed and then red hearts a beating the romance that had made him it was a

Tale of Spirited Adventure full of Youth and beauty and naive passion and generous devotion bold as the Bookman said and Frank in places but never in the slightest degree morbid he had met and married an American Widow with quite a lot of money and they had made a very

Distinct place for themselves Kips learned in the literary and artistic Society of London Helen seemed to dwell on the rebels a great deal it was her exemplary story and when she spoke of Sydney she often called him Sydney she would become thoughtful she spoke most of him naturally because she had still

To meet Mrs Revel certainly they would be in the world in no time even if the distant connection with the boa’s family came to nothing gathered that with his marriage and the movement to London they were to undergo that subtle change of name cot had first adumbrated they were to become quips Mr

And Mrs quips or was it quip it’ll be rum at first said Kips I Des I shall soon get into it so in their several ways they all contributed to enlarge and refine and exercise the intelligence of Kips and behind all these other influences and as it it were presiding

Over and correcting these influences was Kip’s nearest friend cot a sort of Master of the ceremonies you figure his face blowing slightly with solicitude his slate colored projecting but not unkindly I intent Upon Our Hero the thing he thought was going off admirably he studied Kip’s character

Immensely he would discuss him with his sister with Mrs walshingham with the freckled girl with anyone who would stand it he is an interesting character he would say likable a sort of Gentleman by Instinct he takes to all these things he improves every day he’ll soon get sang

Freud we took him up just in time he wants now well next year perhaps if there is a good extension literature course he might go in for it he wants to go in for something like that he’s going in for his bicycle now said Mrs walshingham that’s all right for summer

Said cot but he wants to go in for some serious intellectual interest something to take him out of himself a little more savoir fair and self-forgetfulness is more than half the secret of sanua the world as C presented it was in part an endorsement in part an amplification and in part A

Rectification of the world of Kips the world that derived from the old couple in new Romney and had been developed in the Emporium the world in fact of common British life there was the same subtle sense of social graduation that had moved misses Kips to prohibit intercourse with laborers children and

The same dread of anything common that had kept the personal quality of Mr shalford’s establishment so high but now a certain disagreeable doubt about Kip’s own position was removed and he stood with coot inside the sphere of gentlemen assured within the sphere of gentlemen there are distinctions of rank indeed

But none of class there are the big people and the modest refined gentlemanly little people like cot who may even dabble in the professions and counters trades there are Lords and magnificences and there are gentle folk who have to manage but they can all call on one another they preserve a general equality

Of deportment throughout they constitute that great state within the state Society or at any rate they make believe they do but really said the pupil not what you call being in society yes said coot of course down here one doesn’t see much of it but there’s local

Society it has the same rules calling and all that precisely said coot Kips thought whistled a bar and suddenly broached a question of conscience I often wonder he said whether I oughtn’t to dress for dinner when I’m alone a cot protruded his lips and reflected not full dress he adjudicated

That would be a little excessive but you should change you know put on a mess jacket and that sort of thing easy dress that is what I should do certainly if I wasn’t in harness and poor he coughed modestly and patted his hair behind and after that the washing

Bill of Kips quadrupled and he was to be seen at times by the band stand with his Light Summer Overcoat unbuttoned to give a glimpse of his nice white tie he and cot would be smoking the gold tipped cigarettes young walshingham had prescribed as Chic and appreciating the

Music highly that’s puff a very nice bit Kips would say or better that’s nice and at the first grunts of the loyal Anthem up they stood with religiously uplifted hats whatever else you might call them you could never call them disloyal the bound boundary of society was admittedly

Very close to cou and Kips and a leading solicitude of the true gentleman was to detect clearly those beneath him and to behave towards them in a proper spirit it’s just there it’s so hard for me said Kips he had to cultivate a certain distance to acquire altogether the art

Of checking the presumption of bounders and Old Friends it was difficult cou admitted that’s what so hardkor I mean awkward I got mixed up with this lot air said Kips you could give them a hint said coot ow oh the occasion will suggest something the occasion came one early

Closing night when Kips was sitting in a canopy chair near the Bandstand with his summer Overcoat fully open and a new jbus pulled slightly forward over his brow waiting for coot they were to hear the band for an hour and then go down to assist Miss Miss cot and the freckled

Girl in trying over some of Beethoven’s Duets if they remembered them that is sufficiently well and as Kips lounged back in his chair and occupied his mind with his favorite Amusement on such evenings which consisted chiefly in supposing that everyone about him was wondering who he was came a rude rap at

The canvas back and the voice of Pierce it’s nice to be a gentleman said Pierce and swung a penny chair into position while buggin appeared smiling agreeably on the other side and lent upon his stick he was smoking a common Brier pipe two real ladies very fashionably dressed

And sitting close at hand glanced quickly at Pierce and then away again and it was evident their Wonder was at an end he’s all right said bugin removing his pipe and surveying Kips ELO buggin said Kips not too cordially how goes it all right holidays next next week if you don’t look out

Kips I shall be on the Kong before you you going te bolone rather parly Vu Francy you bet I shall a a bit of a run over there one of these days said Kips there came a pause Pierce applied the top of his stick to his mouth for a

Space and regarded Kips then he glanced at the people about them I say Kips he said in a distinct loud voice see her ladyship lately Kips perceived the audience was to be impressed but he responded half-heartedly no I a’t he said she was along of Sir William the

Other night said Pierce still loud and clear and she asked to be remembered to you it seemed to Kips that one of the two ladies smiled faintly and said something to the other and then certainly they glanced at Pierce Kips flushed scar charlot did she he answered buggins laughed good humoredly over his

Pipe Sir William suffers a lot from his gout Pierce continued unabashed bugin much amused with his pipe between his teeth Kips became aware of cot at hand coot nodded rather distantly to pierce hope I haven’t kept you waiting Kips he said I kept a chair for you said Kips and removed a guardian

Foot but you’ve got your friends said coot oh we don’t mind said Pierce cordially the more the merrier and why don’t you get a chair buggins buggin shook his head in a sort of aide to pierce and cot coughed behind his hand been kept late at business asked Pierce

Cot turned quite pale and pretended not to hear his eyes sought in space for a time and with a convulsive movement he recognized a distant acquaintance and and raised his hat Pierce had also become a little pale he addressed himself to Kips in an undertone Mr Cot isn’t he he asked cot

Addressed himself to Kips directly and exclusively his manner had the calm of extreme tension I’m rather late he said I think we ought almost to be going on now Kip stood up that’s all right he said which way are you going said Pierce standing also and brushing some crumbs

Of cigarette ash from his sleeve for a moment coot was breathless thank you he said and gasped then he delivered the necessary blow I don’t think we’re in need of your Society you know and turned away Kips found himself falling over chairs and things in the wake of coot and then they

Were clear of the crowd for a space cot said nothing then he remarked abruptly and quite angrily for him I think that was awful cheek Kips made no reply the whole thing was an interesting little object lesson in distance and it stuck in the front of Kip’s mind for a long

Time he had particularly Vivid the face of pierce with an expression between astonishment and anger he felt as though he had struck Pierce in the face under circumstances that gave Pierce no power to reply he did not attend very much to the Duets and even forgot at the end of

One of them to say how perfectly lovely it was but you must not imagine that the national ideal of a gentleman as C developed it was all a matter of deportment and selectus a mere isolation from debasing associations there is a serious side a deeper aspect of the true true gentleman

The true gentleman does not wear his heart on his sleeve he is a polished surface above deeps for example he is deeply religious as coot was as Ms walshingham was but outside the walls of a church it never appears except perhaps now and then in a pause in a profound

Look in a sudden avoidance in quite a little while Kips also had learned the pause the profound look the sudden avoidance that final refinement of spirituality impressionistic piety and the true gentleman is patriotic also when one saw cot lifting his hat to the National anth then perhaps one got a glimpse of what

Patriotic emotions what worship the Polish of a gentleman May hide or singing out his deep notes against the hosts of Midian in the Saint stylight choir then indeed you plumbed his spiritual side Christian Dost thou heed them on the Holy Ground how the hosts of Midian prowl and prowl around Christian

Up and smile at them but these were but gleams for the rest religion nationality passion money politics much more so those Cardinal issues birth and death the true gentleman skirted about and became facially rigid towards and ceased to speak and panted and blue one doesn’t

Talk of that sort of thing cot would say with a gesture of the knuckly hand oh course Kips would reply with an equal significance profundities deep as it were blowing to deep one does not talk but on the other hand one is punctilious to do actions

Speak Kips in spite of the fact that the walshingham were more than a little LAX Kips who had formerly flitted Sunday after Sunday from one folkstone Church to another had now a sitting of his own paid for duly at St stylight there he was to be seen always

At the Surplus evening service and sometimes of a morning dressed with a sober precision and with an eye on cud in the chancel no difficulties now about finding the place in his book he became a communicant again he had lapsed soon after his confirmation when the young

Lady in the costume room who was his adopted sister left the Emporium and he would sometimes go around to the vestri for cot after the service one evening he was introduced to the honorable and Reverend Den Moore he was much too confused to say anything and the noble

Cleric had nothing to say but indisputably they were introduced no you must not imagine our national ideal of a gentleman is without its serious side without even its Stern and uncompromising side the imagination no doubt refuses to see C displaying extraordinary refinements of Courage upon the stricken field but in the walks

Of Peace there is sometimes sore need of sternness charitable as one may be one must admit there are people who do things impossible things people who place themselves out of it in countless ways people moreover who are by a sort of predestination out of it from the beginning and against these Society has

Invented a terrible protection for its cery the cut the cut is no joke for anyone it is excommunication you may be cut by an individual you may be cut by a set or you may be and this is so tragic that beautiful romances have been written

About it cut by the county one figures coot discharging this last Duty in cutting somebody coot erect and pale never speaking going past with eyes of pitiless slate lower jaw protruding a little face pursed up and cold and stiff it never dawned upon Kips that he would

One day have to face this terrible front to be tooot not only as one dead but as one gone more than a stage or so in Decay cut and passed banned and Outcast forever yet so it was to be one cannot hide any longer that all this fine

Progress of Kips is doomed to end in collapse so far indeed you have seen him Ascend you have seen him becoming more refined and careful day by day more carefully dressed less clumsy in the ways and methods of social life you have seen the gulf widening between himself and his former low

Associates I have brought you at last to the vision of him faultlessly dressed and opposed in an atmosphere of Candlelight and chanting in his own sitting in one of the most fashionable churches in folkstone all the time I have refrained from the lightest touch upon the tragic

Note that must now creep into my tail yet the net of his low connections has been about his feet and moreover there was something interwoven in his being chapter 6 discords one day Kip set out upon his newly mastered bicycle to new Romney to break the news of his engagement to his

Uncle and Aunt this time positively he was now a finished cyclist but as yet an unseasoned one the Southwest wind even in its summer guise as one meets it in the marsh is the equivalent of a reasonable Hill and ever and again he got off and refreshed

Himself by a spell of walking he was walking just outside new Romney Preparatory to his triumphal entry one hand off when abruptly He Came Upon and pornic it chanced he was thinking about her at the time he had been thinking curious things whether after all the atmosphere of new Romney and the marsh

Had not some difference some faint imp palpable quality that was missing in the great and fashionable world of folkstone behind there on the hill here there was a homeliness a familiarity he had noted as he passed that old Mr Clifford Down’s gate had been mended with a fresh piece of string

In folkstone he didn’t take notice and he didn’t care care if they built 300 houses come to think of it that was odd it was fine and Grand to have 12200 a year it was fine to go about on trams and omnibuses and think not a person aboard was as rich as

Oneself it was fine to buy and order this and that and never have any work to do and to be engaged to a girl distantly related to the Earl of Bo pra but yet there had been a zest in the old time out here a rare zest in the holidays in

Sunlight on the sea beach and in the High Street that failed from these new things he thought of those bright Windows of holiday that had seemed so glorious to him in the retrospect from his Apprentice days it was strange that now amidst his present splendors they were glorious still all those things

Were over now perhaps that was it something had happened to the world and the old light had been turned out he himself was changed and Sid was changed terribly changed and in no doubt was changed he thought of her with the hair blown about her flushed cheeks as they

Stood together after their race certainly she must be changed and all the magic she had been fraught with to the very Hem of her short petticoats gone no doubt forever and as he thought that or before and while he thought it for he came to all these things in his own vague and

Stumbling way he looked up and there was Anne she was 7 years older and greatly altered yet for the moment it seemed to him that she had not changed at all and he said and she with a lifting note it’s art Kips then he became aware of changes

Improvements she was as pretty as she had promised to be her blue eyes as dark as his memory of them and with a quick High color but now Kips by several inches was the taller again she was dressed in a simple gray dress that showed her very clearly as a straight

And healthy little woman and her hat was was Sunday fied with pink flowers she looked soft and warm and welcoming her face was Alik to Kips with her artless gladness at their encounter it’s art Kips she said rather said Kips you got your holidays it flashed upon Kips that Sid

Had not told her of his great Fortune much regretful meditation upon Sid’s Behavior had convinced him that he himself was to blame for exasperating boastfulness in that affair and this time he took care not to air in that direction he aired in the other I’m

Taking a bit of a holiday he said so am I said Anne you been for a walk asked Kips and showed him a bunch of Wayside flowers it’s a long time since I seen you an why how long must it be seven 8 years nearly it don’t do to count said

An it don’t look like it said Kips with the slightest emphasis you got a mustache said and smelling her flowers and looking at him over them not without admiration Kips blushed presently they came to the bifurcation of the roads I’m going down this way to Mother’s Cottage

Said Anne I’ll come a bit your way if I may in new Romy social distinctions that are primary realities in folkstone are absolutely non-existent and it’s seemed quite permissible for him to walk with Anne for all that she was no more than a servant they talked with remarkable ease

To one another they slipped into a vein of intimate reminiscence in the easiest manner in a little while Kips was amazed to find an and himself at this you are Ember that half six pence what you cut for me yes I got it still she hesitated funny wasn’t it she she said

And then you got yours Arty rather said Kips what do you think and wondered in his heart of hearts why he had never looked at that six P for so long and smiled at him frankly I didn’t expect you’d keep it she said I thought often

It was silly to keep mine besides she reflected it didn’t mean anything really she glanced at him as she spoke and met his eye oh didn’t it said Kips a little late with his response and realizing his infidelity to Helen even as he spoke it didn’t mean much anyhow said and you

Still in the drapery I’m living at folkstone began Kips and decided that that sufficed didn’t Sid tell you he met me no here yes the other day about a week or more ago that was before I came ah that was it said Kips EAS got on said

And got his own shop now Ry he told me they found themselves outside mugget Cottages you going in said Kips iose so said Anne they both hung upon the paws and took a plunge Jew often come to New Romney she said I ride over a bit at times said Kip

Another pause and held out her hand I’m glad I seen you she said extraordinary impulses arose in neglected parts of Kip’s being and he said and stopped yes said she and was bright to him they looked at one another all and more than all of those first emotions of

His adolesence had come back to him her presence banished a multitude of countervailing considerations it was and more than ever she stood breathing close to him with her soft looking lips a little apart and gladness in her eyes I’m awful glad to see you again he said it brings back Old Times

Doesn’t it another pause he would have liked to have had a long talk to her to have gone for a walk with her or something to have drawn nearer to her in any conceivable way and above all to have had some more of the appreci ation

That Shone in her eyes but a vestage of folk Stone still clinging to him told him it wouldn’t do well he said I must be getting on and turned away reluctantly with a will under compulsion when he looked back from the corner she was still at the gate she was

Perhaps a little disconcerted by his Retreat he felt that he hesitated for a moment half turned stood and suddenly did great things with his hat that hat the the wonderful hat of our civilization in another minute he was engaged in a singularly absent-minded conversation with his uncle about the usual

Topics his uncle was very anxious to buy him a few upright clocks as an investment for subsequent sale and there were also some very nice Globes one terrestrial and the other Celestial in a shop at lydd that would look well in a drawing room and inevitably increase in

Value Kips either did or did not agree to this Pur he was unable to recollect the Southwest wind perhaps helped him back at any rate he found himself through dim Church without having noticed the place there came an odd effect as he drew near Hive the

Hills on the left and the trees on the right seemed to draw together and close in upon him until his way was straight and narrow he could not turn around on that treacherous half tamed machine but he knew that behind him he knew so well spread the wide vast flatness of the

Marsh shining under the afternoon sky in some way this was material to his thoughts and as he rode through he he came upon the idea that there was a considerable amount of incompatibility between the existence of one who was practically a gentleman and of an in the neighborhood of Seabrook he began to

Think he had in some subtle way lowered himself by walking along by the side of Anne after all she was only a servant an she called out all the least gentlemanly instincts of his nature there had been a moment in their conversation when he had quite distinctly thought it would really

Be an extremely nice thing for someone to kiss her lips there was something warming about an at least for Kips she impressed him as having someone during their vast interval of Separation contrived to make herself in some distinctive way his fancy keeping that half six pence all this time it was the

Most flattering thing that had ever happened to Kips he found himself presently sitting over the art of conversing lost in the strangest musings he got up walked about became stagnant at the window for a space roused himself and by way of something lighter tried Sesame and Lily from that too his attention

Wandered he sat back Anan he smiled an non sighed he arose pulled his keys from his pocket looked at them decided and went upstairs he opened the little yellow box that had been the nucleus of all his possessions in the world and took out a small escr

Toire the very humblest sort of present and opened it kneeling and there in the corner was a little packet of paper sealed as a last defense against any prying Invader with red sealing wax it had gone untouched for years he held this little packet between finger and

Thumb for a moment regarding it and then put down the escr toire and broke the seal as he was getting into bed that night he remembered something for the first time Dash it he said dashed if I told M this time well I shall a to go

Over to new Romney again he got into bed and remained sitting pensively on the pillow for a space it’s a rum world he reflected after a vast interval then he recalled that she had noticed his mustache and embarked upon a sea of egotistical musings he imagined himself telling and

How rich he was what a surprise that would be for her finally he sighed profoundly blew out his candle and snuggled down and in a little while he was asleep but the next morning and at intervals afterwards he found himself thinking of an and the bright the desirable the

Welcoming and with an extraordinary streakiness he wanted quite badly to go and then as badly not to go over to new r me again sitting on the Lees in the afternoon he had an idea I ought to a told her I suppose about my being engaged an all sorts of dreams and

Impressions that had gone clean out of his mental existence came back to him changed and brought up to date to fit her altered presence he thought of how he had gone back to New Romney for his Christmas holidays determined to kiss her and of the awful blankness of the

Discovery that she had gone away it seemed incredible now and yet not wholly incredible that he had cried real tears for her how many years was it ago daily I should thank my maker that he did not appoint me sensor of the world of men I should temper a fierce Injustice with a

Spasmodic indecision that would prolong rather than mitigate the bitterness of the day for human dignity for all conscious human superiority I should lack the beginnings of charity for Bishops prosperous School Masters judges and all large respect pampered souls and more especially Bishops towards whom I bear an atavistic Viking Grudge dreaming

Not infrequently and with invariable zest of gys and landings and well-known living ornaments of the Episcopal bench sprinting Inland on twinkling Gators before my thirsty blade all these people I say should treat below their deserts but on the other hand for such as Kips there the exasperating indecisions would

Come in the Judgment would be arrested at Kips everyone and everything would wait you would wait the balance would Sway and Sway and whenever it healed towards an adverse decision my finger would set it swaying again Kings Warriors Statesmen brilliant women of our first families personalities Gallants panting with indignation

Headline Humanity in general would stand undamned unheeded or be damned in the the most casual manner for their importunity while my ey went about for anything possible that could be said on behalf of Kips albeit I fear nothing can save him from condemnation upon this present score that within 2 days he was

Talking to and again one seeks excuses overnight there had been an encounter of Chito and young walshingham in his presence that had certainly warped his standards they had called within a few minutes of each other and the two swayed by viral attentions to Old meth four stars had talked against each other over

And at the hospitable presence of Kips walshingham had seemed to win at the beginning but finally Chito had made a magnificent display of vociferation and swept him out of existence at the beginning Chito had opened upon the great profits of playwrights and young walshingham had capped him at once with a cynical but

Impressive display of knowledge of the High Finance if Chito boasted his thousands young walshingham boasted his hundreds hundreds of thousands and was for a space left in sole possession of the stage juggling with The Wealth of Nations he was going on by way of financial politics to the Overman before

Chito recovered from his first check and came back to Victory talking of women said Chito coming in abruptly upon some things not generally known Beyond walshingham more immediate circle about a recently departed Empire Builder talking of women and the way they get at a man though as a matter of fact they

Had been talking of the corruption of society by speculation upon this new topic Chito was soon manifestly Invincible he knew so much he had known so many young walshingham did his best with epigrams and reservations but even to Kips it was evident that this was a book-learned depravity one felt walshingham had never

Known the inner realities of passion but Chito convinced and amazed he had run away with girls he had been run away with by girls he had been in love with several at a time not counting Bessie he had loved and lost he had loved and refrained and he had loved and failed he

Threw remarkable lights upon the moral state of America in which country he had toured with great success he set his talk to the tune of one of Mr Kipling’s best known songs he told an incident of simple romantic passion a Delirious dream of love and beauty in a Saturday

To Monday Steamboat trip up the Hudson and tagged his end with I learned about women from after that he adopted the refrain and then lapsed into the Praises of Kipling little Kipling said Chito with the familiarity of affection he knows and broke into quotation I’ve taken my fun where I

Found it I’ve rogued and I’ve ranged in my time I’ve had my picking of sweethearts and four of the lot was Prime these things I say affect the moral standards of the best of us I’d have liked to have written that said chlo that’s life that is but go and put

It on the stage put even a bit of the realities of life on the stage and see what they’ll do to you only Kipling could Venture on a job like that that poem knocked me I don’t say Kipling hasn’t knocked me before and since but that was a fair knockout

And yet you know there’s one thing in it this I’ve taken my fun where I found it and now I must pay for my fun for the more you a known OE the others the less will you settle to one well in my case anyhow I don’t know how much that proves

Seeing I’m exceptional in so many things and there’s no good denying it but so far as I’m concerned I tell you too but of course you needn’t let it go any farther I’ve been perfectly faithful to Muriel ever since I married her ever since not once not even by accident have

I ever said or done anything in the slightest his little brown eye became pensive after this flattering intimacy and the gorgeous draperies of His abundant voice fell into Graver folds I learned about women from ER he said impressively yes said walshingham getting into the hinder spaces of that

Splendid pause a man must know about women and the only sound way of learning is the experimental method if you want to know about the experimental method my boy said Chito resuming so they talked xpd hercul as coot that cultivated polyglot would have put it and in the

Small hours Kips went to bed with his brain whirling with words and whiskey and sat for an unconscionable time upon his bed Edge musing sadly upon the unmanly monogamy of soul that had cast its shadow upon his career musing with his thoughts pointing around more and more certainly to the possibility of at

Least duplicity with Anne for some days he had been refraining with some insistence from going off to new Romy again I do not know if this may count in pation of his misconduct men real strong Soul healthy men should be I suppose impervious to conversational atmospheres but I have

Never claimed for Kips a place at these high levels the unquenchable fact remains that the next day he spent the afternoon with and and found no scruple in displaying himself a budding Lover he had met her in the High Street had stopped her and almost on the spur of

The moment had boldly proposed a walk for the sake of old times I don’t mind said Anne her consent almost frightened Kips his imagination had not carried him to that it would be a lark said Kips and looked up the street and down now he

Said I don’t mind a bit Arty I was just going for a walk along toward St Mary’s letun go that way B and D the church said Kips and presently they found themselves drifting seaward in a mood of pleasant commonplace for a while they talked of

Sid it went clean out of Kip’s head at that early stage even that and was a girl according to the exposition of chitter and for a time he remembered only that she was Anne but afterwards with the reek of that talk in his head he lapsed a little from that personal

Relation they came out upon the beach and sat down in a tumbled pebbly place where a meager grass and patches of sea poppy were growing and Kips reclined on his elbow and tossed pebbles in his hand and then sat up sunlet regarding him they talked in fragments they exhausted Sid they

Exhausted did end and Kips was Cherry of his riches he declined to a faint love making I got that ARF six P still he said really that changed the key I always kept mine somehow said an and there was a pause they spoke of how often they had thought of each other

During those intervening years Kips may have been untruthful but and perhaps was not I met people here and there said n but I never met anyone quite like you Arty it’s Jolly our meeting again anyhow said Kips look at that ship out there she’s pretty close in he had a dull

Period became indeed almost pensive and then he was enterprising for a while he tossed up his Pebbles so that as if by accident they fell on an’s hand then very penitently he stroked the place that would have led to all sorts of catri on the part of flow banks for

Example but it disconcerted and checked Kips to find and made no objection smiled pleasantly down on him with eyes half shut because of the sun she was taking things very much for granted he began to talk and chitterlow standards resuming possession of him he said he had never forgotten her I never

Forgotten you either Arty she said funny isn’t it it impressed Kips also as funny he became reminiscent and suddenly a warm summmer evening came back to him remember them chafers and he said but the reality of the evening he recalled was not the chase of cockchafers the great reality that had

Suddenly Arisen between them was that he had never kissed an in his life he looked up and there were her lips he had wanted to vary badly and his memory leaped and annihilated an interval that old resolution came back to him and all sorts of new resolutions passed out of

Mind and he had learned something since those boyish days this time he did not ask he went on talking his nerves began very faintly to quiver and his mind grew bright presently having satisfied himself that there was no one to see he sat up beside her and remarked upon the

Clearness of the air and how close dungeoness seemed to them then They Came Upon a pause again and he whispered and put an arm that quivered about her she was mute and unresisting and as he was to remember solemn he turned her face towards him and kissed her lips and she kissed him

Back again kisses Frank and tender as a child it was curious that in the retrospect he did not find nearly the satisfaction in this infidelity he had imagined was there it was no doubt desperately doggish doggish to an almost chitter esque degree to recline on the

Beach at littlestone with a girl to make love to her and to achieve the Triumph of kissing her when he was engaged to another girl at folkstone but somehow these two people were not girls they were Anne and Helen particularly Helen declined to be considered as a girl and

There was something in an’s quietly friendly eyes in her Frank smile in the naive pressure of her hand there was something undefended and welcoming that imparted a flavor to the business upon which had not counted he had learned about women from her that refrain ran through his mind and deflected his

Thoughts but as a matter of fact he had leared about nothing but himself he wanted very much to see and some more and explain he did not clearly know what it was he wanted to explain he did not clearly know anything it is the last achievement of the intelligence to

Get all of one’s life into one coherent scheme and Kips was only in a measure more aware of himself as a whole than is a tree his existence was an affair of dissolving and recurring moods when he thought of Helen or and or any of his friends he thought sometimes of this

Aspect and sometimes of that and often one aspect was finally in congruous with another he loved Helen he revered Helen he was also beginning to hate her with some intensity when he thought of that expedition to Lim profound vague beautiful emotions flooded his being when he thought of paying calls with her

Perforce or of her latest comment on his bearing he found himself rebelliously composing Fierce and pungent insults couched in the vernacular but Anne whom he had seen so much less of was a simpler memory she was pretty she was almost softly feminine and she was possible to his

Imagination just exactly where Helen was impossible more than anything else she carried the charm of respect for him the slightest glance of her eyes was bomb for his perpetually wounded self-conceit chance suggestions it was set the tune of his thoughts and his state of health and repletion gave the

Color yet somehow he had this at least almost clear in his mind that to have gone to seea and a second time to have implied that she had been in possession of his thoughts through all this interval and above all to have kissed her was shabby and wrong only unhappily

This much of Lucidity had come now just a few hours after it was needed for days after this it was that Kips got up so late he got up late cut his chin while shaving kicked a slipper into his sponge bath and said Dash perhaps you know those intolerable mornings dear reader

When you seem to have neither the heart or the strength to rise and your nervous adjustments are all wrong in your fingers thumbs and you hate the very birds for singing you feel inadequate to any demand whatever often such Awakenings follow a poor night’s rest and commonly they mean

Indiscriminate eating or those subtle mental influences old Kips ascribed to fuzzle Ale in the system or worry and with Kips albeit Chito had again been his guest overnight assuredly worry had played a leading role troubles had been Gathering upon him for days there had been a sort of concentration of these

Hosts of Midian overnight and in the gray small hours Kips had held his review the dominating trouble marched under this Banner Mr Kips Mrs benden boding at home Thursday September 16th anagrams 4 to 6:30 RSVP a banner that was the fact simile of a card upon his Looking Glass in the

Room below and in relation to this terribly significant document things had come to a pass with Helen that he could only describe in his own expressive idiom as word it had long been a smoldering issue between them that Kips was not availing himself with any energy or freedom of

The opportunities he had of social exercises much less was he seeking additional opportunities he had it was evident A peculiar dread of that Universal afternoon enjoyment the call and Helen made it unambiguously evident that this dread was silly and had to be overcome his first display of this

Unmanly weakness occurred at the CPS on the day before he kissed Anne they were all there chatting very pleasantly when the little servant with the big cap announced the younger Miss was whereupon Kips manifested a lively horror and Rose partially from his chair oh gum he protested can’t I go

Upstairs then he sank back for it was too late very probably the younger Miss was had heard him as she came in Helen said nothing of that though her manner may have shown her surprise but afterward she told Kips he must get used to seeing people and suggested that he

Should pay a series of calls with M walshingham and herself Kips gave a reluctant Ascent at the time and afterwards displayed a talent for evasion that she had not suspected in him at last she did succeed in securing him for a call upon Miss puncher of Radner Park a particularly

Easy call because Miss puncher being so deaf once could say practically what one liked and then outside the gate he shered again I can’t go in he said in a faded voice you must said Helen beautiful as ever but even more than a little hard and forbidding I can’t he produced his

Handkerchief hastily thrust it to his face and regarded her over it with rounded hostile eyes possible he said in aoar strange voice out of the handkerchief naz’s bleed in dot but that was the end of his power of resistance and when the rally for the anagram te occurred she bore down his feeble

Protests altogether she insisted she said frankly I am going to give you a good talking to about this and she did from cot he gathered something of the nature of anagrams and anagram parties an anagram cot explained was a word spelled the same way as another only differently arranged as for instance

T o c o e would be an anagram for his own name coot t o e repeated Kips very carefully or t o e o said coot or t o e o said Kips assisting his poor head by nodding it at each letter toe company like he said in his efforts to

Comprehend when Kips was clear what an anagram meant cot came to the second heading the T Kips gathered there might be from 30 to 60 people present and that each one would have an anagram pinned on they give you a card to put your guesses on

Rather like a dance program and then you know you go around and guess said coot it’s rather good fun ooh rather said Kips with simulated Gusto it shakes everybody up together said coot Kips smiled and nodded in the small hours all his painful meditations were threaded by

The vision of that anagram te it kept marching to and fro and in and out of all his other troubles from 30 to 60 people mostly ladies and callers and a great number of the letters of the alphabet and more particularly p i k PS

And t o e c o and he was trying to make one word out of the whole interminable procession this word as he finally gave it with some emphasis to The Silence of the night was Dem then wreathed as it were in this lettered procession was the

Figure of Helen as she had appeared at the moment of words her face a little hard a little irritated a little disappointed he imagined himself going around and guessing under her eye he tried to think of other things without lapsing Upon A still deeper uneasiness that was wreathed with Yellow Sea

Poppies and the figures of buggin Pierce and carshot three murdered friendships Rose reproachfully and the Stillness and changed horrible apprehensions into unspeakable remorse last night had been their customary night for the banjo and Kips with a certain tremulous uncertainty had put old Methuselah amidst a retinue of glasses on the table

And opened a box of choice cigars in vain they were in no need it seemed of his Society but instead Chito had come anxious to know if it was all right about that Syndicate plan he had declined anything but a very weak whiskey and soda just to drink at least

Until business was settled and had then opened the whole affair with an effect of great orderliness to Kips soon he was taking another whiskey by sheer inadvertency and the complex fabric of his conversation was running more easily from the broad Loom of his mind into that pattern had interwoven a narrative

Of extensive alterations in the pestered butterfly the neck and Beetle business was to be restored the story of A Grave difference of opinion with MES Chito where and how to live after the play had succeeded the reasons why the honorable Thomas Norgate had never financed a Syndicate and much matter also about The

Syndicate now under discussion but if the current of their conversation had been vertical and crowded the outcome was perfectly clear Kips was to be the chief participator in The Syndicate and his contribution was to be £2,000 Kips groaned and rolled over and found Helen as it were were on the other

Side promise me she had said you won’t do anything without consulting me Kips at once rolled back to his former position and for a space lay quite still he felt like a very young rabbit in a trap then suddenly with extraordinary distinctness his heart cried out for

Anne and he saw her as he had seen her at new Romney sitting amidst the Yellow Sea poppies with the sunlight on her face his heart called out for her in the dark Darkness as one calls for rescue he knew as though he had known it always

That he loved Helen no more he wanted an he wanted to hold her and be held by her to kiss her again and again to turn his back Forever on all these other things he rose late but this terrible Discovery was still there undispellable could pull the bell for

The hot constituents of his multifarious breakfast and then he turned to his letters there were two real letters in addition to the customary electric belt advertisement Continental Lottery circular and beding touts card one was in a slight morning envelope and addressed in an unfamiliar hand this he

Opened first and discovered a note Mrs Raymond was requests the pleasure of Mr Kips company at dinner on Tuesday September 21st at 8:00 with a hasty movement Kips turned his mind to the second letter it was an unusually long one from his uncle and ran as follows my dear nephew we are

Considerably startled by your letter though expecting something of the sort and dispose to hope for the best if the young lady is a relation to the Earl of boe’s well and good but take care you are not being imposed upon for there are many who will be glad enough to snap you

Up now your circumstances are altered I waited on the old Earl once while in service and he was remarkably close with his tips and suffered from corns a hasty old gent and hard to please I dare say he has forgotten me altogether and anyhow there is no need to rake up

Bygones tomorrow is bus day and as you say the young lady is living nearby we shall shut up shop for there is really nothing doing now what with all the visitors bringing everything with them down to there very children’s pales and say how to do to her and give her a bit

Of a kiss and encouragement if we think her suitable she will be pleased to see your old Uncle we wish we could have had a look at her first but still there is not much Mischief done and hoping that all will turn out well yet I am your

Affectionate Uncle Edward George Kips my heart burns still very bad I shall bring over a few bits of rubub I picked up a sort you won’t get in folkstone and if possible a good bunch of flowers for the young lady comeing over today said Kips standing helplessly with the letter in

His hand ow the juice I can’t kiss I can’t even face a terrible anticipation of that Gathering framed itself in his mind a hideous impossible disaster his voice went up to a note of Despair and it’s too late to Telegraph and stop M about 20 minutes after this

An outp Porter in Castle Hill Avenue was accosted by a young man with a pale desperate face an exquisitely rolled umbrella and a heavy Gladstone bag carry this to the station will you said the young man I want to catch the next train to London you’ll a to look sharp I hav’t

Very much time chapter 7 London London was Kip’s third world there were no doubt other worlds but Kips knew only these three firstly new Romney and the Emporium constituting his primary World his world of origin which also contained an secondly the world of culture and refinement the world of

Which cot was chaperon and into which Kips was presently to marry a world that was fast becoming evident absolutely incompatible with the first and thirdly a world still to a large extent unexplored London London presented itself as a place of great gray spaces and incredible multitudes of people centering about chairing cross station

And the Royal Grand Hotel and containing at unexpected arbitrary points shops of the most amazing sort statuary squares restaurants where it was possible for clever people like walshingham to order a lunch item by item to the waiters evident respect and sympathy exhibitions of incredible things the walshingham had

Taken him to the arts and crafts and to a picture gallery and theaters London moreover is rendered habitable by Handsome cabs young walshingham was a natural cab taker he was an allround large-minded young man and he had in the course of their two days stay taken Kips

Into no less than nine so that Kips was singularly not afraid of these vehicles he knew that wherever you were so soon as you were thoroughly lost you said hi to a cab and then Royal Grand Hotel day and night these trusty conveyances are returning the straight

Londoner back to his Point of Departure and were it not for their activity in a little while the whole population so vast and incomprehensible is the intricate complexity of this great City would be hopelessly lost forever at any rate that is how the thing presented itself to Kips and I

Have heard much the same from from visitors from America his train was composed of corridor carriages and he forgot his trouble for a time in the wonders of this modern substitute for Railway compartments he went from the non-smoking to the smoking carriage and smoked a cigarette and strayed from his

Second class Carriage to a first and back but presently black care got aboard the train and came and sat beside him the exhilaration of Escape had evaporated now and he was presented with a terrible picture of his aunt and Uncle arriving at his lodgings and finding him

Fled he had left a hasty message that he was called away suddenly on business ver important business and they were to be sumptuously entertained his immediate motive had been his passionate dread of an encounter between these excellent but unrefined old people and the walshingham but now that end was secured he could

See how thwarted and exasperated they would be how to explain to them he ought never to have written to to tell them he ought to have got married and told them afterwards he ought to have consulted Helen promise me she had said oh Dash said Kips and got up and walked back

Into the smoking car and began to consume cigarettes suppose after all they found out the walshingham address and went there at chering Cross however there were distractions again he took a cab in an entirely walshingham manner and was pleased to note the enhanced respect of the cabman when he mentioned the Royal

Grand he followed walshingham routine on their previous visit with perfect success they were very nice in the office and gave him an excellent room at 14 Shillings the night he went up and spent a considerable time in examining the furniture of his room scrutinizing himself in its various mirrors and

Sitting on the edge of the bed whistling it was a vast and Splendid apartment and cheap at 14 sh feelings but finding the figure of and inclined to resume possession of his mind he roused himself and descended by the staircase after a momentary hesitation before the lift he

Had thought of lunch but he drifted into the great drawing room and read a guide to the hotels of Europe for a space until a doubt whether he was entitled to use this palacial apartment without extra charge arose in his mind he would have liked something to eat very much

Now but his inbred Terror of the table was very strong he did at last get by a porter in uniform towards the dining room but at the sight of a number of waiters and tables with remarkable complications of knives and glasses Terror seized him and he backed out

Again with a mumbled remark to the waiter in the doorway about this not being the way he hovered in the hall and Lounge until he thought the presiding Porter regarded him with suspicion and then went up to his room again by the staircase got his hat and umbrella and

Struck boldly across the courtyard he would go to a restaurant instead he had a moment of elation in the Gateway he felt all the Strand must notice him as he emerged Through The Great Gate of the hotel one of these here Rich swells they would say don’t they do it just a cabman

Touched his hat no fear said Kips pleasantly then he remembered he was hungry again yet he decided he was in no great hurry for lunch in spite of an internal protest and turned Eastward along the Strand in a leisurely manner he tried to find a place to suit him

Soon enough he tried to remember the sort of things walshingham had ordered before all things he didn’t want to go into a place and look like a fool some of these places Rook you Dreadful besides making fun of you there was a place near Essex Street where there was

A window brightly full of chops tomatoes and lettuce he stopped at this and reflected for a time and then it occurred to him that you were expected to buy these things raw and cook them at home anyhow there was sufficient doubt in the matter to stop him he drifted onto a neat

Window with champagne bottles a dish of asparagus and a framed menu of a two Shilling lunch he was about to enter when fortunately he perceived two waiters looking at him over the back screen of the window with a most ironical expression and he sheared off off at once there was a wonderful smell

Of hot food halfway down Fleet Street and a NIC looking Tavern with several doors but he could not decide which door his nerve was going under the strain he hesitated at farington Street and drifted up to St Paul’s and round the church yard full chiefly of dead Bargains in the shop Windows to

Cheapside but now Kips was getting demoralized and each house of refreshment seemed to promise still more complicated obstacles to food food he didn’t know how you went in and what was the correct thing to do with your hat he didn’t know what you said to the waiter

Or what you called the different things he was convinced absolutely he would fumble as shafford would have said and look like a fool somebody might laugh at him the hungrier he got the more unendurable was the thought that anyone should laugh at him for a time he considered an extraordinary expedient to

Account for his ignorance he would go in and pretend to be a foreigner and not know English then they might understand presently he had drifted into a part of London where there did not seem to be any refreshment places at all oh Dash said Kips in a sort of Agony of

Indecisiveness the very next place I see in I go the next place was a fried fish shop in a little side street where there were also sausages on a gas lit Grill he would have gone in but suddenly a new scruple came to him that he was too

Well-dressed for the company he could see dimly through the steam sitting at the counter and eating with a sort of nonchalant speed he was half-minded to resort to a handsome and brave the Terrors of the dining room of the royal Grand they wouldn’t know why he had gone

Out really when the only person he knew in London appeared as the only person one does know will do in London and slapped him on the shoulder Kips was hovering at a window at a few yards from the fish shop pretending to examine some really strikingly cheap pink baby linen

And trying to settle finally about those sausages hello Kips cried Sid spending the millions Kips turned and was glad to perceive no lingering vestage of the Chagrin that had been so painful at new Romney Sid looked grave and important and he wore a quite new silk hat that

Gave a commercial touch to a generally socialistic costume for a moment the sight of Sid uplifted Kips Wonder wonderfully he saw him as a friend and Helper and only presently did it come clearly into his mind that this was the brother of Anne he made amiable

Noises I’ve just been up this way Sid explained buying a secondhand in a melling stove I’m going to the Nel myself L said Kips yes do me a lot of good let the customer choose his color see what brings you up Kips had a momentary vision of his

Foiled uncle and aunt just a bit of a change he said Sid came to a swift decision come down to my little show I got someone I’d like to see talking to you even then Kips did not think of and in this connection well he said trying to invent

An excuse on the spur of the moment fact is he explained I was just looking around to get a bit of lunch dinner we call it said Sid but that’s all right you can’t get anything to eat here about if you’re not too hoty to do a bit of

Sluming there’s some mutton spoiling for me now the word mutton affected Kips greatly it won’t take us AR an hour said Sid and Kips was carried he discovered another means of London Locomotion in the underground Railway and recovered his self-possession in that interest you don’t mind going third asked Sid and Kip

Said nor a bit of it they were silent in the train for a Time on account of strangers in the carriage and then Sid began to explain who it was that he wanted Kips to meet it’s a chap named masterman do you know end of good he

Occupies our first floor front room you know it isn’t so much for gain I let his company we don’t want the whole poos and another I knew the man before met him at our sociological and after a bit he said he wasn’t comfortable where he was

That’s how it came about he’s a first class chap first class science you should see his books properly he’s a sort of journalist he’s written a lot of things but he’s been too ill lately to do very much poetry he’s written all sorts he writes for the common wheel sometimes

And sometimes he reviews books E’s got Eeps of books Eeps besides selling a lot he knows a regular lot of people and all sorts of things he’s been a dentist and he’s a qualified chemist and I seen him often reading German and French taught himself he was here Sid indicated South

Kensington which had come opportunely outside the carriage windows with a nod of his head 3 years studying science but you’ll see him when he really gets to talking he pours it out ah said Kips nodding sympathetically with his two hands on his umbrella knob he’ll do big

Things someday said Sid he’s written a book on science already physiography it’s called Elementary physiography someday he’ll write in advanced when he gets time he let this soak into k I can’t introduce you to Lords and swells he went on but I can show you a

Famous man that’s going to be I can do that least ways unless Sid hesitated heun’s got a frightful cough he said he won’t care to talk with me Wade Kips that’s all right he won’t mind he’s fond of talking he’d talk to anyone said Sid reassuringly and added a a

Perplexing bit of London IED Latin he doesn’t put anything non Alam you know I know said Kips intelligently over his umbrella knob though of course that was altogether untrue Kips found Sid’s shop a practicall looking establishment stocked with the most remarkable collection of bicycles and pieces of bicycle that he

Had ever beheld my hiring stock said Sid with a wave to this iron mongery and there’s the best machine at a democratic price in London the red flag built by me see he indicated a graceful gray brown framework in the window and there’s my stock of accessories store prices go in

For Motors a bit added Sid mutton said Kips not hearing him distinctly Motors I said over mutton Department air and he opened a door that had a curtain guarded window in its upper panel to reveal a little room with red walls and green furniture with a white clothed table and

The generous promise of a meal Fanny he shouted here’s art Kips a bright-eyed young woman of five or six and 20 in a pink print appeared a little flushed from cooking and wiped a hand on an apron and shook hands and smiled and said it would all be ready in a minute

She went on to say she had heard of Kips and his luck and meanwhile Sid vanished to draw the beer and returned with two glasses for himself and Kips drink that said Sid and Kips felt all the better for it I give Mr masterman is upstairs

An hour ago said Mrs Sid I didn’t think e ought to wait a rapid succession of brisk movements on the part of everyone and they were all four at dinner the fourth person being Master Walt Whitman pornick a cheerful young gentleman of one and a half

Who was given a spoon to hammer on the table with to keep him quiet and who got Kips right at the first effort and kept it all through the meal combining it first with this previous acquisition and then that peacock Kips said Master Walt at which there was

Great laughter and also more mutton Kips HEK a regular wner said Mrs Sid for catching up words you can’t say a word but what Ease on to it there were no Serv and less ceremony and Kips thought he had never enjoyed a meal so much everyone was a little excited by the

Meeting and chatting and disposed to laugh and things went off easily from the very beginning if there was a pause Master Walt filled it in Mrs Sid who tempered her enormous admiration for Sid’s intellect and his socialism and his severe business methods by a motherly sense of her sex

And seniority spoke of them both as you boys and dilated when she was not urging Kips to have some more of this or that on the disparity between herself and her husband shouldn’t have thought there was a year between you said Kips you seem just a match I’m his match anyhow said

Miss Sid and no epigram of young walshingham was ever better received match said young Walt coming in on the trail of the joke and getting around for himself any sense of superior Fortune had long vanished from Kip’s mind and he found himself looking at host and hostess with enormous respect really old

Sid was a wonderful chap here in his own house at 2 and 20 carving his own mutton and lording it over wife and child no legacies needed by him and mrss Sid so kind and bright and Hearty and the child old Sid’s child old Sid had jumped round a bit it needed the

Sense of his fortune at the the back of his mind to keep Kips from feeling abject he resolved he’ buy Young Walt something tremendous in toys at the first opportunity drop more beer art right you are old man cut Mr Kips a bit more bread

Sid can’t I pass you a bit Sid was all right Sid was and there was no mistake about that it was growing up in his mind that Sid was the brother of Anne but he said nothing about her for excellent reasons after all because he remembered Sid’s irritation at her name when they

Had met in new Romney seemed to show a certain separation they didn’t tell each other much he didn’t know how things might be between an and Sid either still for all that Sid was Anne’s brother the furniture of the room did not assert itself very much above the cheerful

Business at the table but Kips was impressed with the idea that it was pretty there was a dresser at at the end with a number of gay plates and a mug or so a Labor Day poster by Walter crane on the wall and through the glass and over

The blind of the shop door one had a glimpse of the bright colored advertisement cards of bicycle dealers and a Shelf full of boxes labeled the Paragon Bell the scarum Bell and the patent Omi horn it seemed incredible that he had been in folkstone that morning and even now his aunt and

Uncle it didn’t do to think of his aunt and uncle when Sid repeated his invitation to come and see masterman Kips now flushed with beer and Irish stew said he didn’t mind if he did and after a preliminary shout from Sid that was answered by a voice in a cough the two went

Upstairs masterman’s a rare one said Sid over his arm and in an undertone you should hear him speak at a meeting if he’s in form that is he wrapped and went went into a large untidy room this is Kips he said you know the chap I told

You of with 12 undread a year masterman sat gnawing at an empty pipe and as close to the fire as though it was a light and the season midwinter Kips concentrated upon him for a space and only later took in something of the frozy furniture the little bed

Half behind and evidently supposed to be wholly behind a careless screen the spatoon by the fender the remains of a dinner on the chest of drawers and the scattered books and papers masterman’s face showed him a man of 40 or more with curious Hollows at the side of his

Forehead and about his eyes his eyes were very bright there was a spot of red in his cheeks and the wiry black mustache under his short red nose had been trimmed with scissors into a sort of brush along his upper lip his teeth were darkened ruins his jacket collar

Was turned up about a knitted white- neck wrap and his sleeves betrayed no cuffs he did not rise to greet Kips but held out a thin wrist hand and pointed with the other to a bedroom armchair glad to see you he said sit down and make yourself at home will you

Smoke Kip said he would and produced his store he was about to take one and then with a civil afterthought handed the packet first to masterman and Sid masterman pretended surprised to find his pipe out before he took one there was an interlude of matches Sid pushed

The end of the screen out of his way sat down on the bed thus frankly admitted and prepared with a certain quiet satisfaction of manner to witness masterman’s treatment of Kips and how does it feel to have 12200 a year asked masterman holding his cigarette to his

Nose tip in a curious manner it’s rum confided kips after a reflective interval it feels Juiced rum I never felt it said masterman it takes a bit of getting into said Kips I can tell you that masterman smoked and regarded Kips with curious eyes I expect it does he said presently

And has it made you perfectly happy he asked abruptly I couldn’t hardly say that said Kips masterman smiled no he said has it made you much happier it did at first yes but you got used to it how long for example did the real Delirious excitement last ooh that perhaps a week

Said Kips masterman nodded his head that’s what discourages me from amassing wealth he said to Sid you adjust yourself it doesn’t last I’ve always had an inkling of that and it’s interesting to get it confirmed I shall go on sponging for a bit longer on you I think you don’t said

Sid no fear £24,000 said masterman and blew a cloud of smoke Lord doesn’t it worry you it is a bit worrying at times things happen going to marry yes hum lady I guess of a superior social position rather said Kips cousin to the Earl of Bo pra masterman readjusted his

Long body with an air of having accumulated all the facts he needed he snuggled his shoulder blades down into the chair and raised his angular knees I doubt he said flicking cigarette Ash into the atmosphere if any great gain or loss of money does as things are at

Present make more than the slightest difference in one’s happiness it ought to if money was what it ought to be the token for given service one ought to get an increase in power and happiness for every pound one got but the plain fact is the times are

Out of joint and money money like everything else is a deception and a disappointment he turned his face to Kips and enforced his next words with the index finger of his lean lank hand if I thought otherwise he said I should exert myself to get some but if one sees

Things clearly one is so discouraged so confoundedly discouraged when you first got your money you thought that it meant you might buy just anything you fancied I was a bit that way said Kips and you found that you couldn’t you found that for all sorts of things it

Was a question of where to buy and how to buy and what you didn’t know how to buy with your money straight St away this world planted something else upon you I got rather done over a banjo first day said Kips least ways my uncle says exactly said

Masterman Sid began to speak from the bed that’s all very well masterman he said but after all money is power you know you can do all sorts of things I’m talking of Happiness said masterman you can do all sorts of things with a loaded gun in the Hammersmith Broadway but nothing practically that

Will make you or anyone else very happy nothing power is a different matter altogether as for happiness you want a world in order before money or property or any of those things that have any real value and this world I tell you is hopelessly out of joint man is a social

Animal with a mind nowadays that goes around the globe and a community cannot be happy in one part and unhappy in another it’s all or nothing no patching anymore forever it is the standing mistake of the world not to understand that consequently people think there is a class or order somewhere just above

Them or just below them or a country or place somewhere that is really safe and happy the fact is society is one body and it is either well or ill That’s the Law this Society we live in is ill it’s a fractious feverish invalid gouty greedy and ill-nourished you can’t have

A happy left leg with neuralgia or a happy throat with a broken leg that’s my position and that’s the knowledge you’ll come to I’m So Satisfied of it that I sit here and wait for my end quite calmly sure that I can’t better things

By bothering in my time and so far as I am concerned that is I’m not even greedy anymore my egotism is at the bottom of a p pond with a philosophical brick around its neck the world is ill my time is short and my strength is small I’m as

Happy here as anywhere he coughed and was silent for a moment then brought the index finger around to Kips again you’ve had the opportunity of sampling two grades of society and you don’t find the new people you’re among much better or any happier than the old no said Kips

Reflectively no I ate I haven’t seen it quite like that before but no they’re not and you might go all up the scale and down the scale and find the same thing man’s a gregarious Beast a gregarious beast and no money will buy you out of your own time any more than

Out of your own skill all the way up and all the way down the scale there’s the same discontent no one is quite sure where they stand and everyone’s fretting the herds uneasy and fever feverish all the old tradition goes or has gone and there’s no one to make a new tradition

Where are your Nobles now where are your gentlemen they vanished directly The Peasant found out he wasn’t happy and ceased to be a peasant there’s big men and little men mixed up together that’s all none of us know where we are your cads in a bank holiday train and your

Cads on a 2,000lb motor except for a difference in scale there’s not a pin to choose between them your smart Society is as low and vulgar and uncomfortable for a balanced Soul as a gin Palace no more and no less there’s no place or level of honor or fine living left in

The world so what’s the good of climbing ear ear said Sid it’s true said Kips I don’t climb said masterman and accepted Kip’s silent offer of another cigarette no he said this world is out of joint it’s broken up and I doubt if it will heal I doubt very much if it’ll

Heal we’re in the beginning of the sickness of the world he rolled his cigarette in his lean fingers and repeated with satisfaction the sickness of the world it’s we’ve got to make it better said Sid and looked at Kips ah Sid’s an optimist said masterman so are you most times said Sid

Kips another cigarette with an air of intelligent participation frankly said masterman recrossing his legs and expelling a jet of smoke luxuriously frankly I think this civilization of ours is on the topple there’s socialism said Sid there’s no imagination to make use of it we’ve got to make one said Sid in a

Couple of centuries perhaps said masterman but Meanwhile we’re going to have a pretty acute Attack Of Confusion confusion Universal confusion like one of those crushes when men are killed and maimed for no reason at all going into a meeting or crowding for a Train Commercial and Industrial stresses political exploitation tariff Wars

Revolutions all the Bloodshed that will come of some fools calling half the white world yellow these things alter the attitude of everybody to everybody everybody’s going to feel them every fool in the world panting and shoving we’re all going to be as happy and comfortable as a household during a

Removal what else can we expect Kips was moved to speak but not in answer to masterman’s inquiry I’ve never rightly got the thing of this socialism he said what’s it going to do like they had been imagining that he had some Elementary idea in the

Matter but as soon as he had made it clear that he hadn’t Sid plunged at Exposition and in a little while masterman abandoning his pose of the detached man ready to die joined in at first he joined in only to correct Sid’s version but afterwards he took control his manner

Changed he sat up and rested his elbow on his knees and his cheek flushed a little he expanded his case against property and the property class with such Vigor that Kips was completely carried away and never thought of asking for a Clear Vision of the thing that

Would fill the void this abolition might create for a time he quite forgot his own private opulence and it was as if something had been lit in masterman his ler passed he enforced his words by gestures of his long thin hands and as he passed swiftly from point to

Point of his argument it was evident he grew angry today he said the world is ruled by rich men they may do almost anything they like with the world and what are they doing laying it waste here here said Sid very sternly masterman stood up gaunt and long thrust his hands

In his pockets and turned his back to the fireplace collectively the Rich today have neither heart nor imagination no they own Machinery they have knowledge and instruments and Powers beyond all previous dreaming and what are they doing with them think what they are doing with them Kips and think

What they might do God gives them a power like the Motorcar and all they can do with it is to go careering about the roads in goggled masks killing children and making Machinery hateful to the soul of man true said Sid true God gives them means of communication power

Unparalleled of every sort time and absolute Liberty they waste it all in Folly here under their feet and Kip’s eyes followed the direction of a lean index finger to the Hearth rug under their accursed wheels the great mass of men festers and breeds in Darkness Darkness those others make by

Standing in the light the darkness breeds and breeds it knows no better unless you can crawl or Pander or Rob you must stay in the stew you are born in and those Rich beasts above claw and clutch as though they had nothing they Grudge us our

Schools they Grudge us a gleam of light and air they cheat us and then seek to forget us there is no rule no guidance only accidents and happy flukes our multitudes of poverty increase and this crew of rulers makes no provision foresees nothing anticipates nothing he

Paused and made a step and stood over Kips in a white heat of anger Kips nodded in a non-commital manner and looked hard and rather gloomily at his host’s slipper as he talked it isn’t as though they had something to show for the waste they make of us Kips they

Haven’t they are ugly and cowardly and mean look at their women painted dyed and drugged hiding their ugly shapes under a load of dress there isn’t a woman in the swim of society at the present time wouldn’t sell herself Body and Soul who wouldn’t lick the boots of a Jew or marry a

rather than live decently on a 100 a year on what would be wealth for you and me they know it they know we know it No One Believes In them No One Believes In nobility anymore nobody believes in kingship anymore nobody believes there is Justice

In the law but people have habits people go on in the old grooves as long as there’s work as long as there’s weekly money it won’t last Kips he coughed and paused wait for the lean years he cried wait for the lean years and suddenly he

Fell into a struggle with his cough and spat a gout of blood it’s nothing he said to Kip’s note of startled horror he went on talking and the protests of his cough interlaced with his words and Sid beamed in an ecstasy of painful admiration look at the fraud they have

Let life become the miserable mockery of the hope of one’s youth what have I had I found myself at 13 being forced into a factory like a rabbit into a chloroformed box 13 when they children are babies but even a child of that age could see what it meant that hell of a

Factory monotony and toil and contempt and dishonor and then death so I fought at 13 mintons crawling up a drain pipe until you die echoed in Kip’s mind but masterman instead of minton’s growl spoke in a high indignant tenor I got out at last somehow he said quietly

Suddenly Plumping back in his chair he went on after a pause for a bit some of us get out by luck some by cunning and crawl onto the grass exhausted and crippled to die that’s a poor man’s success Kips most of us don’t get out at

All I worked all day and studied half the night and here I am with the common consequences Beaton and never once have I had a fair chance never once his lean clenched fist flew out in a gust of tremulous anger these skunks shut up all the University scholarships at 19 for

Fear of men like me and then do nothing we’re wasted for Nothing by the time I’d learned something the doors were locked I thought knowledge would do it I did think that I’ve fought for knowledge as other men fight for bread I’ve starved for knowledge I’ve turned my back on

Women I’ve done even that I’ve burst my accursed lung his voice rose with impotent anger I’m a better man than any 10 princes alive and I’m beaten and wasted I’ve been crushed trampled and defiled by a drove of hogs I’m no use to myself or the world I’ve thrown my life

Away to make myself too good for use in this Huer scramble if I had gone in for business if I had gone in for plotting to cheat my fellow men ah well it’s too late it’s too late for that anyhow it’s too late for anything now and I couldn’t

Have done it and over in New York now there’s a pet of society making a corner in Wheat by God he cried hely with a clutch of the lean Hand by God if I had his throat even now I might do something for the world he glared at Kips his face

Flushed deep his sunken eyes glowing with passion and then suddenly he changed altogether there was a sound of tea things rattling upon a tray outside the door and Sid Rose to open it all of which amounts to this said masterman suddenly quiet and again talking Against

Time the world is out of joint and there isn’t a soul alive who isn’t half waist or more you’ll find it the same with you in the end wherever your luck may take you I suppose you won’t mind my having another cigarette he took Kip’s cigarette with a hand that trembled so

Violently it almost missed its object and stood up with something of guilt in his manner as Mrs Sid came into the room her ey met his and marked the flush upon his face been talking socialism said Mrs Sid a little severely 6:00 that day found Kips drifting Eastward along the Southward

Margin of rotten row you figure him a small respectably attired figure going slowly through a sometimes immensely difficult and always immense world at times he becomes pensive and whistles softly at times he looks about him there are a few riders in the row a carriage flashes by every now and then along the

Roadway and among the Great roaded and Laurels and upon the green sword there are a few groups and isolated people dressed in the style Kips adopted to call upon the walshingham when first he was engaged amid the complicated confusion of Kip’s mind was a regret that he had

Not worn his other things presently he perceived that he would like to sit down a green chair tempted him he hesitated at it took possession of it and lent back and crossed one leg over the other he rubbed his under lip with his umbrella handle and reflected upon

Masterman and his denunciation of the world bit ORF is e a poor chap said Kips and added I wonder he thought intently for a space I wonder what he meant by the lean years the world seemed a very solid and prosperous concern just here and well Out Of Reach of masterman’s

Dying clutch and yet it was curious he should have been reminded of Minon his mind turned to a far more important matter just at the end Sid had said to him Cen n and as he was about to answer you’ll see a bit more of her now she’s got a place in

Folkstone it had brought him back from any concern about the world being out of joint or anything of that sort an one might run against her any day he tugged at his little mustache he would like to run against him very much and it would be Juiced awkward if I did in

Folkstone it was a jolly sight too close then at the thought that he might run against and in his beautiful evening dress on the way to the band he fluttered into a momentary dream that jumped abruptly into a nightmare suppose he met her when he was

Out with Helen oh low said Kips life had developed a new complication that would go on and go on for some time he wished with the utmost fervor that he had not kissed Anne that he had not gone to new Romney the second time he marveled at his amazing forgetfulness of Helen on

That occasion Helen took possession of his mind he would have to write to Helen an easy off-hand letter to say that he had come to London for a day or so he tried to imagine her reading it he would write just such another letter to the

Old people and say he had had to come up on business that might do for them all right but Helen was different she would insist on explanations he wished he could never go back to folkstone again that would settle the whole Affair a passing group attracted his attention two faultlessly

Dressed gentlemen and a radiantly expensive lady they were talking no doubt very brilliantly his eyes followed them the lady tapped the arm of the left-hand gentleman with a daintily tinted glove swells no end his soul looked out upon life in general as a very small nestling might

Peep out of its nest what an extraordinary thing life was to be sure and what a remarkable variety of people there were in it he lit a cigarette and speculated upon that receding group of three and blew smoke and watched them they seemed to do it all right probably

They all had incomes of very much over 1200 a year perhaps not probably none of them suspected as they went past that he too was a gentleman of independent means dressed as he was without distinction of course things were easier for them they were brought up always to

Dress well and do the right thing from their very earliest years they started clear of all his perplexities they had never got mixed up with all sorts of different people who didn’t go together if for example that lady there got engaged to that gentleman she would be quite safe from any

Encounter from a corpulent osculatory uncle or chitterlow or the dangerously insignificant eye of pierce his thoughts came round to Helen when they were married in quips or quip cot had failed to justify his s and in that West End flat and shaken free of all these low class

Associations would he and she parade here of an afternoon dressed like that it would be rather fine to do so if one’s dress was all right Helen she was difficult to understand at times he blew extensive clouds of cigarette smoke there would be teas there would be

Dinners there would be calls of course he would get into the way of it but anagrams were a bit stiff to begin with it was beastly confusing at first to know when to use your fork at dinner and all that still he felt an extraordinary doubt whether he would get into the way

Of it he was interested for a space by a girl and groom on Horseback and then he came back to his personal preoccupations he would have to write to Helen what could he say to explain his absence from the anagram te she had been pretty clear she wanted him to come he

Recalled her Resolute face without any great tenderness he knew he would look like a silly ass at that confounded tea suppose he sure jerked it and went back in time for the dinner dinners were beastly difficult too but not as bad as anagrams the very first thing that might

Happen when he got back to folkstone would be to run against and suppose after all he did meet and when he was with Helen what queer encounters were possible in the world thank goodness they were going to live in London but that brought him around to Chito the chitos were coming to London

Too if they didn’t get money they’d come after it they weren’t the sort of people to be choked off easily and if they did they’d come to London to produce their play he tried to imagine some seemly social occasion invaded by Chito and his rhetoric by his torrential Thunder of

Self assertion the whole company flattened there under like wheat under a hurricane confound and hang chitterlow yet somehow some when one would have to settle accounts with him and there was Sid Sid was Anne’s brother he realized with sudden horror the social indiscretion of accepting Sid’s invitation to dinner Sid wasn’t the sort

Of chap one could snub or cut and besides an’s brother he didn’t want to cut him it would be worse than cutting buggin and Pierce a sight worse and after that lunch it would be the next thing to cutting in herself and even as to Anne suppose he was with Helen or

Coot oh blow he said at last and then viciously blow and so Rose and flung away his cigarette end and pursued his reluctant duting way towards the really quite uncongenial splendors of the royal Grand and it is vulgarly imagined that to have money is to have no troubles at

All Kips endured SP Splender at the Royal Grand hotel for three nights and days and then he retreated in disorder the Royal Grand defeated and overcame and routed Kips not of intention but by sheer Royal grander grander combined with an organization for his comfort carried to excess on his return He Came

Upon A difficulty he had lost his circular piece of cardboard with the number of his room and he drifted about the hall and passages in a state of perplexity for some time until he thought all the porters and officials in Gold Lace caps must be watching him and

Jesting to one another about him finally in a quiet Corner down below the hairdresser’s shop he found a kindly looking personage in Bottle green to whom he broached his difficulty I say he said with a pleasant smile I can’t find my room nohow the personage in Bottle

Green instead of laughing in a nasty way as he might well have done became extremely helpful showed Kips what to do got his key and conducted him by lift and passage to his chamber Kips tipped him half a crown safe in his room Kips pulled himself together for

Dinner he had learned enough from Young walshingham to bring his dress clothes and now he began to assume them unfortunately in the excitement of his flight from his aunt and uncle he had forgotten to put in his other boots and he was sometime deciding between his purple cloth slippers with a golden

Maragold and the prospect of cleaning the boots he was wearing with the towel but finally being a little foot sore he took the slippers afterwards when he saw the porters and waiters and the other guests catch a sight of the slippers he was sorry he had not chosen the

Boots however to make up for any want of style at that end he had his Crush hat under his arm he found the dining room without excessive trouble it was a vast and splendidly decorated place and a number of people evidently quite o fate were dining there at little tables lit

With Elric red shaded candles gentlemen in evening dress and ladies with dazzling astonishing necks Kips had never seen evening dress in full Vigor before and he doubted his eyes and there were also people not in evening dress who no doubt wondered what Noble family Kips represented there was a band in a

Decorated recess and the band looked collectively at the purple slippers and so lost any chance they may have had of a collection so far as Kip was concerned the chief drawback to This Magnificent place was the excessive space of floor that had to be crossed before you got your purple slippers hid

In under a table he selected a little table not the one where a rather impudent looking waiter held a chair but another sat down and finding his jbus in his hand decided after a moment of thought to rise slightly and sit on it it was discovered in his abandoned chair

At a late hour by a supper party and restored to him next day he put the napkin carefully on one side selected his soup without difficulty clear please but he was rather floored by the presentation of a quite splendidly bound wine card he turned it over discovered a

Section devoted to Whiskey and had a bright idea air he said to the waiter with an encouraging movement of his head and then in a confidential manner you haven’t any old methusa three stars a the waiter went away to inquire and Kips went on with his soup with an enhanced

Self-respect finally old methusa being unobtainable he ordered a Claret from about the middle of the list letun a some of this he said he knew Claret was a good sort of wine a half bottle said the waiter right you are said Kips he felt he was getting on he lent back

After his soup a man of the world and then slowly brought his eyes around to the ladies in evening dress on his right he couldn’t have thought it they were Scorchers just a bit of black velvet over the shoulders he looked again one of them was laughing with a glass of wine half

Raised wicked-looking woman she was the other the Black Velvet one was eating bits of bread with nervous quickness and talking fast he wished old buggins could see them he found a waiter regarding him and blushed deep ly he did not look again for some time and became confused

About his knife and fork over the fish presently he remarked a lady in pink to the left of him eating the fish with an entirely different implement it was over the Volo vent that he began to go to Pieces he took a knife to it then saw

The lady in pink was using a fork only and hastily put down his knife with a considerable amount of rich creaminess on the blade upon the cloth then then he found that a fork in his inexperienced hand was an instrument of Chase rather than capture his ears became violently

Red and then he looked up to discover the lady in pink glancing at him and then smiling as she spoke to the man beside her he hated the lady in pink very much he stabbed a large piece of the Volo vent at last and was too glad

Of his luck not to take a mouthful of it but it was an extensive fragment and pieces escaped him shirt front dash it he said and had resort to his spoon his waiter went and spoke to two other waiters no doubt jeering at him he became very Fierce suddenly erir he said

Gesticulating and then clear this away the entire dinner party on his right the party of the ladies in advanced evening dress looked at him he felt that everyone was watching him and making fun of him and the in justice of this angered him after all they had every

Advantage he hadn’t and then when they got him there doing his best what must they do but glance and sneer and nudge one another he tried to catch them at it and then took refuge in a second glass of wine suddenly and extraordinarily he found himself a

Socialist he did not care how close it was to the lean years when all these things would end mutton came with peas he arrested the hand of the waiter no peas he said he knew something of the difficulty and danger of eating peas then when the peas went away again he

Was embittered again Echoes of masterman’s burning rhetoric began to reverberate in his mind nice lot of people these were to laugh at anyone women half undressed it was that made him so beastly uncomfortable how could one eat one’s dinner with people about him like that

Nice lot they were he was glad he wasn’t one of them anyhow yes they might look he resolved if they looked at him again he would ask one of the men who he was staring at his perturbed and angry face would have concerned anyone the band by an unfortunate accident was playing

Truculent military music the mental change Kips underwent was in its way what psychologists call a conversion in a few few moments all Kip’s ideals were changed he who had been practically a gentleman the sedulous pupil of cot the punctilious razor of hats was instantly a rebel an outcast the hater of

Everything stuck up the foe of society and the social order of today here they were among the profits of their robbery these people who might do anything with the world no thanks he said to a dish he addressed a scornful eye at the shoulders of the lady to his left

Presently he was refusing another dish he didn’t like it fussed up food probably cooked by some Foreigner he finished up his wine and his bread no thanks no thanks he discovered the eye of a diner fixed curiously upon his flushed face he responded with a glare couldn’t he go without things if he

Liked what’s this said k I to a great green cone ice said the waiter I’ll aam said Kips he seized a fork and spoon and assailed the bomb it cut rather stiffly come up said Kips with concentrated bitterness and the truncated Summit of the bomb flew off suddenly traveling Eastward with remarkable

Velocity flop it went upon the floor a yard away and for a while time seemed empty at the adjacent table they were laughing together shy the rest of the bomb at them flight at any rate a dignified withdrawal no said Kips no more arresting the polite attempt of the

Waiter to serve him with another piece he had a vague idea he might carry off the affair as though he had meant the ice to go on the floor not liking ice for example and being annoyed at the Badness of his dinner he put both hands on the table trust back his chair

Disengaged a purple slipper from his napkin and Rose he stepped carefully over the prostrate ice kicked the napkin under the table thrust his hands deep into his pockets and marched out shaking the dust of the place as it were from his feet he left behind him a melting

Fragment of ice upon the floor his gibus hat warm and compressed in his chair and in addition every social ambition he had ever entertained in the world Kips went back to to folkstone in time for the anagram tea but you must not imagine that the change of heart that came to

Him in the dining room of the royal Grand Hotel involved any change of attitude toward this promised social and intellectual treat he went back because the Royal Grand was too much for him outwardly calm or at most a little flushed and ruffled inwardly Kips was a horrible tormented battleground of

Scruples doubts shames and self- assertions during that three days of silent desperate grappling with the big hotel he did not intend the monstrosity should beat him without a struggle but at last he had sullenly to admit himself overcome the odds were terrific on the one hand himself with among other things

Only one pair of boots on the other a vast Wilderness of rooms covering several acres and with over a thousand people staff and visitors all chiefly occupied in looking queerly at kips in laughing at him behind his back in watching for difficult Corners at which to confront and perplex him and inflict

Humiliations upon him for example the hotel scored over its electric light after the dinner the chambermaid a hard unsympathetic young woman with a superior manner was summoned by a bell Kips had rung under the impression the button was the electric light switch look there said Kips rubbing a shin that

Had suffered during his search in the dark why aren’t there any candles or matches the hotel explained and scored heavily it isn’t everyone is up to these things said Kips no it isn’t said the chambermaid with ill-concealed scorn and slammed the door at him suppose I ought

To have tipped her said Kips after that Kips cleaned his boots with a pocket handkerchief and went for a long walk and got home in a handsome but the hotel scored again by his not putting out his boots and so having to clean them again in the morning the hotel also snubbed

Him by bringing him hot water when he was fully dressed and looking surprised at his collar but he got a breakfast I must admit with scarcely any difficulty after that the hotel scored heavily by the fact that there are 24 hours in the day and Kips had nothing to do in any of

Them he was a little footsore from his previous days pedestrianism and he could make up his mind for no long excursions he flitted in and out of the Hotel several times and it was the polite Porter who touched his hat every time that first set Kips tipping what e

Wants is a tip said Kips so at the next opportunity he gave the man an unexpected Shilling and having once put his hand in his pocket there was no reason why he should not go on he bought a newspaper at the bookstall and tipped the boy the rest of the Shilling and

Then went up by the lift and tipped the man a six P leaving his newspaper inadvertently in the lift he met his chambermaid in the passage and gave her half a crown he resolved to demonstrate his position to the entire establishment in this way he didn’t like the place he

Disapproved of it politically socially morally but he resolved no taint of meanness should disfigure his sojourn in its luxurious Halls he went down by the lift tipping again and being accosted by a waiter with his jbus tipped the finder half a crown he had a vague sense that

He was making a flank movement upon the hotel and buying over its staff they would regard him as a character they would get to like him he found his stock of small silver diminishing and replenished it at a desk in the hall he tipped a man in Bottle green who looked

Like the man who had shown him his room the day before and then he saw a visitor eyeing him and doubted whether he was in this instance doing right finally he went out and took chance buses to their destinations and wandered a little in remote wonderful suburbs and returned he

Lunched at a Chop House in Islington and found himself back in the Royal Grand now unmistakably footsore and London weary about three he was drawn towards the drawing room by a neat placard about afternoon tea it occurred to him that the campaign of tipping upon which he

Had embarked was perhaps after all a mistake he was confirmed in this by observing that the hotel officials were watching him not respectfully but with a sort of amused Wonder as if to see whom he would tip next however if he backed out now they would think him an awful fool everyone

Wasn’t so rich as he was it was his way to tip still he grew more certain the hotel had scored again he pretended to be lost in thought and so drifted by and having put hat and umbrella in the cloak room went into the drawing room for

Afternoon tea there he did get what for a time he held to be a point in his favor the room was large and quiet at first and he sat back restfully until it occurred to him that his attitude brought his extremely Dusty boots too prominently into the light so instead he

Sat up and then people of the upper and upper middle classes began to come and group themselves about him and have tea likewise and so revived the class animosities of the previous day presently a fluffy fair-haired lady came into prominent existence a few yards away she was talking to a respectful

Low-voiced clergyman whom she was possibly entertaining at tea no she said dear Lady Jane wouldn’t like that Mumble Mumble Mumble from the clergyman poor dear Lady Jane was always so sensitive the voice of the lady sang out clear and emphatic a fat hairless importantl looking man joined this group took a

Chair and planted it firmly with its back in the face of Kips a thing that offended Kips mightily are you telling him gurgled the fat hairless man about dear Lady Jane’s Affliction a young couple lady brilliantly attired and the man in a magnificently cut frock coat arranged themselves to the right also

With an air of exclusion towards Kips I’ve told him said the gentleman in a flat abundant voice my said the young lady with an American smile No Doubt they all thought Kips was out of it a great desire to assert himself in some way surged up in

His heart he felt he would like to cut in on the conversation in some dramatic way a monologue something in the manner of masterman at any rate abandoning that as impossible he would like to appear self-centered and at ease his eyes wandering over the black surfaces of a noble architectural Mass close by

Discovered a slot an enameled plaque of directions it was some sort of musical box as a matter of fact it was the very best sort of Harmon icon and specially made to the scale of the hotel he scrutinized the plaque with his head at various angles and glanced about him at his neighbors

It occurred to Kips that he would like some music that to inaugurate some would show him a man of taste and at his ease at the same time he rose read over a list of tunes selected one halfhazard pressed his six pence it was six P home and prepared for a confidential refined

Little Melody considering the high social tone of the royal Grand it was really a very loud instrument indeed it gave vent to three deafening bravs and so burst the dam of Silence that had long pented in it seemed to be chiefly full of the great uncles of trumpets

Megalot trombones and Railway brakes it made sounds like shunting trains it did not so much begin as blow blow up your counter scarp or Rush forward to storm under cover of melodious shrapnel it had not so much an air as a Ricochet the music had in short the

Inimitable quality of soua it swept down upon the friend of Lady Jane and carried away something socially striking into the Eternal Night of the unheard the American Girl to the left of it was born shrieking into the inaudible Hi cockalorum tole tole tole l hi Co pum tole little Lou bump bump bump

Bump joyous exorbitant music it was from the gigantic Nursery of the future bearing the hearer along upon its torrential succession of sounds as if he was in a cask on Niagara wo yah and have it you the strenuous life yaha stop a reprieve a reprieve no B bang bump everybody looked

Around conversation ceased and gave place to gestures the friend of Lady Jane became terribly agitated can’t it be stopped She vociferated pointing a gloved finger and saying something to the waiter about that Dreadful young man ought not to be working said the clerical friend of Lady

Jane the waiter shook his head at the fat hairless gentleman people began to move away Kips lent back luxurious and then tipped with a half crown to pay he paid tipped like a gentleman rose with an easy gesture and strolled towards the door his Retreat evidently completed the

Indignation of the friend of Lady Jane and from the door he could still discern her gestures as asking can’t it be stopped the music followed him into the passage and pursued him to the lift and only died away completely in the quiet of his own room and afterwards from his

Window he saw the friend of Lady Jane and her party having their tea carried out to a little table in the court bump bump bump bump floated up to him and certainly that was a point to him but it was his only score all the rest of the

Game lay in the hands of the upper classes and the big hotel and presently he was doubting whether even this was really a point it seemed a trifle vulgar come to think it over to interrupt people when they were talking he saw a clerk peering at at him from the office

And suddenly it occurred to him that the place might get back at him tremendously over the bill they would probably take it out of him by charging pounds and pounds suppose they charged more than he had the clerk had a particularly nasty face just the face to take advantage of

A vacillating Kips he became aware of a man in a cap touching it and produced his Shilling automatically but the strain was beginning to tell it was a deuce and all of an expense this tipping if the hotel chose to stick it on to the bill something tremendous what was Kips

To do refus to pay make a row if he did he couldn’t fight all these men in Bottle green he went out about seven and walked for a long time and dined at last upon a chop in the Houston Road then he walked along to the edge wear Road and

Sat and rested in the metropolitan music hall for a time until a trapes performance unnerved him and finally he came came back to bed he tipped the lift man six pence and wished him good night in the silent watches of the night he reviewed the tale of the day’s tipping

Went over the horrors of the previous night’s dinner and heard again the triumphant Bray of the harmonicon devil released from its long imprisonment everyone would be told about him tomorrow he couldn’t go on he admitted his defeat never in their whole lives had any of these people seen such a fool as he

Ug his method of announcing his withdrawal to the clerk was touched with bitterness I’m going to get out of this said Kips blowing windily letun see what you got on my bill one breakfast asked the clerk do I look as if I’d ate to at his departure

Kips with a hot face convulsive gestures and an embittered heart tipped everyone who did not promptly and actively resist including an absent-minded South African Diamond Merchant who was waiting in the hall for his wife and succumbed to Old habit he paid his cabman a four Shilling piece at chering Cross having no smaller

Change and wished he could burn him alive then in a sudden reaction of economy he refused the proferred help of a porter and carried his bag quite violently to the train chapter 8 Kip Center Society submission to inexorable fate took Kips to the anagram te

At any rate he would meet Helen there in the presence of other people and be able to carry off the worst of the difficulty of explaining his little jaunt to London he had not seen her since his last portentous visit to new Romney he was engaged to her he would have to marry

Her and the sooner he faced her again the better before wild plans of turning socialist defying the world and repudiating all calling forever his heart on second thoughts sank he felt Helen would never permit anything of the sort as for the anagrams he could do no

More than his best and that he was resolved to do what had happened at the Royal Grand what had happened at new Romney he must bury in his memory and begin again at the Reconstruction of his social position and bugin Chito all these seen in the matter of fact light

Of the folkstone train stood just as they stood before people of an inferior social position who had to be eliminated from his world it was a bother about an a bother and a Pity his mind rested so for a space on and until the memory of

These anagrams Drew him away if he could see cot that evening he might he thought be able to arrange some sort of connivance about the anagrams and his mind was chiefly busy sketching proposals for such an arrangement it would not of course be ungentlemanly cheating but only a little

Mystification cot very probably might drop him a hint of the solu ution of one or two of the things not enough to win a prize but enough to cover his shame or failing that he might take a humorous quizzical line and pretend he was pretending to be very stupid there were

Plenty of ways out of it if one kept a sharp Lookout the costume Kips were to the anagram te was designed as a compromise between the strict letter of high fashion and seaside laxity a sort of easy semi-state for afternoon Helen’s first reproof had always lingered in his mind he wore a

Frock coat but mitigated it by a Panama Hat of romantic shape with a black band gray gloves but for relaxation Brown button boots the only other man besides the clergy present a new doctor with an attractive wife was in full afternoon dress cot was not there Kips was a

Little pale but quite self-possessed as he approached Mrs benden Bing’s door he took a turn while some people went in and then faced it manfully the door opened and revealed Anne in the background through a draped doorway behind a big Fern in a great art pot the Elder Miss boding was visible

Talking to two guests the auditory background was a froth of feminine voices our two young people were much too amazed to give one another any formula of greeting though they had parted warmly enough each was already in a state of extreme tension to meet the demands of this great and unprecedented

Occasion of an anagram tea lore said an her sole remark and then the sense of Mis bodings I Ruled her straight again she became very pale but she took his hat mechanically and he was already removing his gloves and he said in a low tone and then

Fancy the eldest Miss boding knew Kips was the sort of guest who requires nursing and she came forward vocalizing charm she said it was awfully jolly of him to come awfully Jolly it was awfully difficult to get any good men she handed Kips forward mumbling in a dazed

Condition to the drawing room and there he encountered Helen looking unfamiliar in an unfamiliar hat it was as if he had not met her for years she astonished him she didn’t seem to mind in the least his going to London she held out a shapely hand and smiled

Encouragingly you faced the anagrams she said the second Miss boding accosted them a number of oblong pieces of paper in her hand mysteriously inscribed take an anagram she said take an anagram and boldly pinned one of these brief documents to Kips lapel the letters were sipy and Kips from the very

Beginning suspected this was an anagram for quips she also left a thing like a long dance program from which dangled a little pencil in his hand he found himself being introduced to people and then he was in a corner with a short lady in a big Bonnet who was pelting him

With gritty little bits of small talk that were gone before you could take hold of them and reply very hot said this lady very hot indeed hot all the summer remarkable Year all the years remarkable now don’t know what we’re coming to don’t you think so Mr Kips oo rather said Kips and

Wondered if and was still in the Hall an he ought not to have stared at her like a stuck fish and pretended not to know her that couldn’t be right but what was right the lady in the big Bonnet proceeded to a second discharge hope you’re fond of anagrams

Mister Kips difficult exercise still one must do something to bring people together better than Ludo anyhow don’t you think so Mr Kips and fluttered past the open door her eyes met his in amazed inquiry something had got dislocated in the world for both of them he ought to have told her he was

Engaged he ought to have explained things to her perhaps even now he might be able to drop her a hint don’t you think so Mr Kips oo rather said Kips for the third time a lady with a tired smile who was labeled conspicuously wagal link drifted toward Kips interlocutor and the

Two fell into conversation Kips found himself socially AGR he looked about him Helen was talking to a curet and laughing Kips was overcome by a vague desire to speak to Anne he was for sidling door Ward what are you please said an extraordinarily bold tall girl and arrested him while she took down

Sipi I’m sure I don’t know what it means she explained I’m sir bub don’t you think anagrams are something chronic Kips made stockish noises and the young lady suddenly became the nucleus of a party of excited friends who were forming a Syndicate to guess and barred his Escape she took no

Further notice of him he found himself jammed against an occasional table and listening to the conversation of M wagal link and his lady with the big Bonnet she packed her two beauties off together said the lady in the big Bonnet time enough two don’t think much of this girl

She’s got his housemid now pretty of course but there’s no occasion for a housemid to be pretty none whatever and she doesn’t look particularly up to her work either kind of amzed expression you never can tell said the lady labeled wagal link you never can tell my

Wretches are big enough heaven knows and do they work not a bit of it Kips felt dreadfully out of it with regard to all these people and dreadfully in it with Anne he scanned the back of the big Bonnet and concluded it was an extremely ugly Bonnet indeed it got jerking

Forward as each short dry sentence was snapped off at the end and a plume of osprey on it jerked excessively she hasn’t guessed even one followed by a shriek of girlish mert came from the group about the tall bold girl they’d shriek at him presently perhaps Beyond thinking his own anagram

Might be quips he hadn’t a notion what a chatter they were all making it was just like a summer sale just the sort of people who’d give a lot of trouble and swap you and suddenly the smoldering fires of rebellion leapt to Flame again these were a rotten lot of people and

The anagrams were rotten nonsense and he Kips had been a rotten fool to come there was away there still laughing with her curate pity she couldn’t marry a curate and leave him Kips alone then he’d know what to do he disliked the whole Gathering collectively and in

Detail why were they all trying to make him one of themselves he perceived unexpected ugliness everywhere about him there were two great pins jabbed through the tall girl’s hat and the swirls of her hair below the brim with the minutest piece of tape tie up showing did not not repay close examination

Misses wagal Len wore a sort of mumps bandage of lace and there was another lady perfectly dazzling with beads and jewels and bits of trimming they were all flaps and angles and flounces these women not one of them looked as neat and decent a shape as n’s clean trim little

Figure Echoes of masterman Woke Up in him again ladies indeed here were all these chattering people with money with Leisure with every chance in the world and all they could do was to crowd like this into a couple of rooms and jabber nonsense about anagrams could sipi really mean quips

Floated like a dissolving wreath of mist across his mind abruptly resolution stood armed in his heart he was going to get out of this excuse me he said and began to Wade Neck Deep through the bubbling tea party he was going to get out of it all

He found himself close by Helen I’m morph he said but she gave him the briefest glance she did not appear to hear him still Mr spratling down you must admit there’s a limit even to Conformity she was saying he was in a curtained Archway and then was before

Him carrying a tray supporting several small sugar bowls he was moved to speech what a lot he said and then mysteriously I’m engaged to her he indicated Helen’s new hat and became aware of a skirt he had stepped upon and stared at him helplessly born past in the grip of incomprehensible

Imperatives why shouldn’t they talk together he was in a small room and then at the foot of the staircase in the hall he heard the rustle of a dress and what was conceivable his Hostess was upon him butun not going Mr Kips she said I must

He said I got to but Mr Kips I must he said I’m not well but before the guessing without any tea and appeared and hovered behind him I got to go said Kips if he paried with her Helen might awake to his desperate attempt of course if you must go it’s something I’ve

Forgotten said Kips beginning to feel regrets really I’m must Miss Bing turned with a certain offended dignity and and in a state of Flushed calm that evidently concealed much came forward to open the door I’m very sorry he said I’m very sorry half to his Hostess and half

To her and was swept past her by Superior social forces like a drowning man in a Mill Race and into the Upper sandgate Road he half turned upon the step and then slam went the door he retreated along the leaves a thing of Shame and perplexity Mrs bodings AG

Grieved astonishment uppermost in his mind something reinforced by the glances of the people he was passing pressed its way to his attention through the tumultuous disorder of his mind he became aware that he was still wearing his little placard with the letters sipi dashit he said clutching off this

Abomination in another moment its several letters their task accomplished were scattering Glee y before the breeze down the front of the leav Kips was dressed for misses wasa’s dinner half an hour before it was time to start and he sat waiting until cot should come to take him around manners and rules of

Good Society lay before him neglected he had read the polished pros of the member of the aristocracy on page 96 as far as the acceptance of an invitation is in the eyes of diners out a binding obligation which only ill Health family bereavement or some all-important reason justifies its being

Set on one side or otherwise evaded and then he had lapsed into gloomy thoughts that afternoon he had had a serious talk with Helen he had tried to express something of the change of heart that had happened to him but to broach the real state of the matter had been

Altogether too terrible for him he had sought a minor issue I don’t like all this Society he had said but you must see people said Helen yes but it’s the sort of people you see he nerved himself I didn’t think much of that lot at the anagram te you

Have to see all sorts of people if you want to see the world said Helen Kips was silent for a space and a little short of breath my dear Arthur she began almost kindly I shouldn’t ask you to go to these Affairs if I didn’t think it good for you should I

Kips acquiesced in silence you will find the benefit of it all when we get to London you learn to swim in a tank before you go out into the sea these people here are good enough to learn upon they’re stiff and rather silly and dreadfully narrow and not an idea in a

Dozen of them but it really doesn’t matter at all you’ll soon get savoir Fair he made to speak again and found his powers of verbal expression lacking instead he blew a sigh Youk get used to it all very soon said Helen helpfully as he sat meditating over that

Interview and over the vistas of London that opened before him on the little flat and te’s and occasions and the constant presence of brkin and all the bright Prospect of his new and better life and how he would never see and anymore the housemid entered with a little package a small square envelope

To Arthur Kips Esquire a young woman left this sir said the housemaid a little severely eh said Kips what young woman and then suddenly began to understand she looked an ordinary young woman said the housemaid coldly ah said Kips that’s all right he waited till the door had closed behind

The girl staring at the envelope in his hand and then with a curious feeling of increasing tension tore it open as he did so some quicker sense than sight or touch told him its contents it was Ann’s half six pence and besides not a word then she must have

Heard him she had kept the half six pence all these years he was standing with the envelope in his hand trying to get on from that last inference when cot became audible without coot appeared an evening dress a clean and radiant coot with large greenish white gloves and a

Particularly large white tie edged with black for a third cousin he presently explained nce isn’t it he could see Kips was pale and Disturbed and put this down to the approaching social trial you keep your nerve up Kips my dear Chap and you’ll be all right said coot with a big

Brotherly glove on Kip’s sleeve the dinner came to a crisis so far as Kip’s emotions were concerned with Misses benden B talk about servants but before that there had been several things of greater or smaller magnitude to perturb and disarrange his social front one little matter that was mildly Insurgent

Throughout the entire meal was if I may be permitted to mention so intimate a matter the behavior of his left brace the webbing which was of a cheerful Scarlet silk had slipped away from its Buckle fastened no doubt in agitation and had developed a strong tendency to place itself obliquely in

The manner rather of an official decoration awart his spotless front it first asserted itself before they went into dinner he replaced this ornament by a dexterous thrust when no one was looking and thereafter the suppression of his novel Innovation upon the stereotyped somberness of evening dress became a standing

Preoccupation on the whole he was inclined to think his first horror excessive at any rate No One remarked upon it however you imagine him constantly throughout the evening with one eye and one hand whatever the rest of him might be doing predominantly concerned with the weak corner but this

I say was a little matter what exercised him much more was to discover Helen quite terribly in evening dress the young lady had let Her Imagination Rove London Ward and this costume was perhaps an anticipation of that clever little flat not too far west which was to

Become the center of so delightful a literary an artistic set it was of all the feminine costumes present most distinctly an evening dress one was advised Miss walshingham had arms and shoulders of a type by no means despicable one was advised Miss walshingham was capable not only of

Dignity but charm even a certain glow of charm it was you know her first evening dress a tribute paid by walshingham Finance to her brightening future had she wanted keeping in countenance she would have had to have fallen back upon her Hostess who was resplendant in black

And steel the other ladies had to a certain extent compromised Ms walshingham had dressed with just a refined Little V and Mrs Bend in boding except for her dear modeled arms confided scarcely more of her plump charm to the world the Elder Miss boding stopped short of shoulders

And so did Miss was but Helen didn’t she was had kips had eyes to see it a quite beautiful human figure she knew it and she met him with a radiant smile that had forgotten all the little difference of the afternoon but to Kips her appearance was the last

Release with that she had become as remote As foreign as incredible as a wife and mate as though the nidian Venus herself in all her simple Elegance was before Witnesses declared to be his if indeed she had ever been credible as a wife and mate she ascribed his confusion to modest

Reverence and having blazed smiling upon him for a moment turned a shapely shoulder towards him and exchanged a remark with Mrs benden boding an’s poor little half six pence came against Kip’s fingers in his pocket and he clutched at it suddenly as though it was a Talisman then he abandoned it to

Suppress his order of the brace he was affected by a cough Miss was tells me Mr Revel is coming Mrs Bing was saying isn’t it delightful said Helen we saw him last night he stopped on his way to Paris heun’s going to meet his wife there Kip’s eyes rested for a moment on

Helen’s dazzling deltoid and then went inquiringly accusingly almost a cot’s face where in the presence of this terrible emergency was the Gospel of suppression now that furtive treatment of religion and politics and birth and death and bathing and babies and all those things which constitutes your true gentleman he had been too

Modest even to discuss this question with his mentor but surely surely this quintessence of all that is good and nice could regard these unsolicited confidences only in one way with something between relief and the confirmation of his worst fears he perceived by a sort of twitching of the exceptionally abundant Muses about cot’s

Lower jaw in a certain deliberate avoidance of one particular direction by by these pale but Resolute gray eyes by the almost convulsive grip of the ample greenish white gloves behind him a grip broken at times for controlling Pats at the black bordered tie and the back of

That spacious head and by a slight but increasing disposition to cough that cot did not approve to Kips Helen had once supplied a delicately beautiful dream a thing of romance and unsubstantial mystery but this was her final materialization and the last thin re of Glamour about her was

Dispelled in some way he had forgotten how and it was perfectly incomprehensible he was bound to this dark solid and determined young person whose Shadow and suggestion he had once loved he had to go through with the thing as a gentleman should still and when he was sacrificing an he wouldn’t

Stand this sort of thing whatever else he stood should he say something about her dress to her tomorrow he he could put his foot down firmly he could say look a I don’t care I ain’t going to stand it see she’d say something unexpected of course she always did say something

Unexpected suppose for once he overrode what she said simply repeated his point he found these thoughts battling with certain conversational aggressions from Mrs was and then Revel arrived and took the center of the stage the author of that brilliant romance red hearts a beating was a less imposing man than

Kips had anticipated but he speedily effaced that disappointment by his predominating manners although he lived habitually in the Vivid world of London his collar and tie were in no way remarkable and he was neither brilliantly handsome nor curly nor long-haired his personal appearance suggested armchairs rather than the equestrian exercises and Amorous toying

And passionate intensities of his Masterpiece he was inclined to be fat with whitish flesh muddy colored straight hair he had a rather shapeless and truncated nose and his chin was asymmetrical one I was more inclined to stare than the other he might have been esteemed a little undistinguished

Looking were it not for his bees waxed mustache which came amidst his features with a pleasing note of in congruity and the Whimsical wrinkles above and about his greater eye his regard sought and found found Helen as he entered the room and they shook hands presently with an air of intimacy Kips

For no clear reason found objectionable he saw them clasp their hands heard cot’s characteristic cough a sound rather more like a very very old sheep a quarter of a mile away being blown to Pieces by a small charge of gunpowder than anything else in the world did some confused beginnings of a

Thought and then they were all going into dinner and Helen’s shining bare arm lay along his sleeve Kips was in no state for conversation she glanced at him and though he did not know it very slightly pressed his elbow he struggled with strange respiratory dislocations before them went coot

Discoursing in amiable reverberations to Mrs walshingham and at the head of the procession was Mrs benden boding talking fast and brightly beside the erect military figure of little Mr was he was not a soldier really but he had caught a martinet bearing by living so close to

Sha Cliffe Revel came last in charge of Mrs W’s queenly black and steel politely admiring in a flute-like cultivated voice the Mellow wallpaper of the staircase Kips marveled at everybody’s self-possession from the earliest spoonful of soup it became evident that Revel considered himself responsible for the table talk and before the soup was

Over it was almost as Manifest that Mrs benden boding inclined to consider his sense of responsibility excessive in her Circle misses benden boding was esteemed an agreeable rattle her Manner and appearance were conspicuously vivacious for one so plump and she had an almost Irish facility for humorous description she would keep people amused

All through an afternoon call with the story of how her jobbing Gardener had got himself married and what his home was like or how her favorite but Mis sticks and W had all his unfortun children taught almost every conceivable instrument because they had the phenological bump of Music abnormally

Large they got to trombones my dear she would say with her voice coming to a climax usually her friends conspired to draw her out but on this occasion they neglected to do so a thing that militated against her Keen desire to shine in revel’s eyes after a time she

Perceived that the only thing for her to do was to cut in on the talk on her own account and this she began to do she made several ineffectual snatches at the general attention and then Revel drifted towards a topic she regarded as particularly her own The Ordering of

Households they came to the thing through talk about localities we are leaving our house in the boltons said Revel and taking a little place at Wimbledon and I think of having rooms in danne’s Inn it will be more convenient in many ways my wife is furiously Addicted to Golf an exercise

Of all sorts and I like to sit about in clubs I haven’t the strength necessary for these hygienic proceedings and the old Arrangement suited neither of us and besides no one could imagine the demoralization the domestics of West London have undergone during the last 3 years it’s the same everywhere said Mrs

Benden boding very possibly it is a friend of mine calls it the serval tradition in Decay and regards it all is a most hopeful phenomenon he ought to have had my last two criminals said Mrs benden boding she turned to M waswell Revel came again a

Little too late with a possibly and I haven’t told you my dear she said speaking with valuable rapidity I’m in trouble again the last girl the last girl before I can get a cook my hard one housemid she paused Chucks it Panic asked young walshingham mysterious grief everything marry as a

Marriage Bell until my anagram tea then in the evening a portentous rigor of bearing a word or so from my aunt and immediately floods of tears and notice for a moment her eye rested thoughtfully on Kips as she said is there anything heart- trending about anagrams I find them so said

Revel I but Mrs benden Bing got away again for a time it made me quite uneasy Kips jabbed his lip with his Fork rather painfully and was recalled from a fascinated glare at Mrs boding to the immediate facts of dinner we anagrams might not have offended the good

Domestics moral code you never can tell we made inquiries no no no she must go and that’s all one perceives said Revel in these disorders dimly and distantly the last dying glow of the age of romance let us suppose Mrs boding let us at least try to suppose it is love Kips

Clattered with his knife and fork it’s love said Mrs boding what else can it be beneath the orderly humdrum of our lives these romances are going on until at last they bust up and give notice and upset our hrum altogether some fatal wonderful Soldier the passions of the common or

House domestic said Revel and recovered possession of the table upon the troubled disorder of Kip’s table manners there had super vented a quietness an unusual calm for once in his life he had distinctly made up his mind on his own account he listened no more to Revel he

Put down his knife and fork and refused anything that followed cot regarded him with tactful concern and Helen flushed a little about half 9 that night came a violent pull at the bell of Mrs binden boding and a young man in a dress suit a jibas and other marks of exalted social

Position stood without awart his white expanse of breast lay a ruddy bar of patterned silk that gave him a singular distinction and minimized the glow of a few small stains of burgundy his Gus was thrust back and exposed a disorder of hair that suggested a reckless

Desperation he he had in fact burnt his boats and refused to join the ladies cot in the subsequent conversation had protested quietly you’re going on all right you know to which Kips had answered he didn’t care about that and so after a brief tussle with walshingham detaining arm had got away I got

Something to do he said oh and here he was panting an extraordinary resolve the door opened revealing the pleasantly furnished Hall of Misses benden boding lit by Rose tinted lights and in the center of the picture neat and pretty in black and white stood an at the sight of Kips her color

Vanished and said Kips I want to speak to you I got something to say to you right away see I’m this ain’t the door to speak to me at said Anne but Anne it’s something special you spoke enough said Anne an besides that’s my door down there

Basement if I was caught talking at this door but an I’m basement after 9 them my hours I’m a servant and likely to keep one if you’re calling here what name please but you got your friends and I got mine and you mustn’t go talking to

Me but an I want to ask you someone appeared in the hall behind and not here said and don’t know anyone of that name and incontinently slammed the door in his face what was that and said Mrs benden bodings invalid ant goam a little intoxicated ma’am asking for the wrong

Name ma’am what name did he want asked the lady doubtfully no name that we know ma’am said an H hustling along the hall towards the kitchen stairs I hope you weren’t too short with him an no shorter than he deserved considering how he behaved said Anne with her bosom heaving and misses bendon

Bodings invalid ant perceiving suddenly that this call had some relation to Anne’s private and sentimental trouble turned after one moment of hesitating scrutiny away she was an extremely sympathetic lady was Mrs benden bodings in valid ant she took an interest in the servants imposed piety extorted confessions and followed human nature

Blushing and lying defensively to its reluctantly revealed recesses but Anne’s sense of privacy was strong in her manner under drawing out and encouragement sometimes even alarming so the poor old lady went upstairs again the basement door opened and Kips came into the kitchen he was flushed and panting he struggled for

Speech air he said and held out two half sixpences and stood behind the kitchen table face pale and eyes round and now and it simplified Kips very much he could see she had indeed been crying well she said don’t you see and moved her head slightly I kept it all

These years you kept it too long his mouth closed and his flush died away he looked at her the amulet it seemed had failed to work and he said well an the conversation still hung fire and he said made a movement with his hands that suggested appeal and advanced a step and

Shook her head more defiantly and became defensive look here and said Kips I’ve been a fool they stared into to each other’s miserable eyes and he said I want to marry you and clutched the table Edge you can’t she said faintly he made as if to approach her around the table

And she took a step that restored their distance I must he said you can’t I must you got to marry me an you can’t go marrying everybody you got to marry ER I shant and shook her head you’re engaged to that girl lady rather you

Can’t be engaged to me I don’t want to be engaged to you I’ve been engaged I want to be married to you see right away and turned a shade paler but what you mean she asked come right off to London and marry meow what you mean Kips became extremely

Lucid and Earnest I mean come right off and marry me now before anyone else can see in London in London they stared at one another again they took things for granted in the most amazing way I couldn’t said and for one thing my months not up for more and three weeks

Yet they hung before that for a moment as though it was insurmountable look there Anne ARS to go ARS to go she wouldn’t said Anne then come without ours Ting said Kips she’s keep my box she won’t she will she won’t you don’t know her well Dash sure letter letter

Who cares I’ll buy you a on dread boxes if you’ll come it wouldn’t be right towards her it isn’t her you got to think about an it’s me and you even treated me properly she said you even treated me properly Ary you didn’t ought to a I didn’t say I add he interrupted

Did I and he appealed I didn’t come to Argy I’m all wrong I never said I wasn’t it’s yes or no me or not I’ve been a fool there see I’ve been a fool ain’t that enough I got myself all tied up with everyone and made a fool of myself

All around he pleaded it isn’t as if we didn’t care for one another an she seemed impassive and he resumed his discourse I thought I wasn’t likely ever to see you again an I really did it is n as though I was seeing you all the time

I didn’t know what I wanted and I went and behaved like a fool just as anyone might I know what I want and I know what I don’t want now an well will you come will you come silence if you don’t answer me and I’m desperate if you don’t answer me now if

You don’t say you’ll come I’ll go right out now he turned dward passionately as he spoke with his threat incomplete I’ll go he said I hav’t a friend in the world I been and throwed everything away I don’t know why I done things and why I hav’t all I know is I

Can’t stand nothing in the world anymore he choked the pier he said he fumbled with the door latch grumbling some inarticulate self-pity as if he sought a handle and then he had it open clearly he was was going Arty said an sharply he turned about and the two hung

White and tense I’ll do it said an his face began to work he shut the door and came a step back to her staring his face became pitiful and then suddenly they moved together Arty she cried don’t go and held out her arms weeping they clung close to one another

Oh I’ve been so miss Bell cried Kips clinging to this life buoy and suddenly his emotion having no further serious work in hand burst its way to a loud boohoo his fashionable and expensive jbus flopped off and fell and rolled and lay neglected on the floor I been so

Missbell said Kips giving himself vent oh I been so missbell an be quiet said an holding his pore blubbering head tightly to her heaving shoulder and herself all a quiver be quiet she’s there listening she’ll gear you Arty on the stairs Anne’s last words when an hour

Later they parted Mrs and miss benden boding having returned very audibly upstairs deserve a section to themselves I wouldn’t do this for everyone mind you whispered Anne chapter 9 the Labyrinth Adon you imagine them fleeing through our complex and difficult social system as it were for Life first on foot and

Severally to the folkstone Central Station then in a first class Carriage with Kip’s bag as Soul chaperon to chairing cross and then in a four-wheeler along rumbling palpitating slow flight through the multitudinous swarming London streets to Sid Kips kept peeping out of the window it’s the next Corner after this I

Believe he would say for he had a sort of feeling that it SIDS he would be immune from the hottest Pursuits he paid the cabman in a manner adequate to the occasion and turned to his prospective brother-in-law me and Anne he said we going to marry but I thought began Sid

Kips motioned him towards explanations in the shop it’s no good my arguing with you said Sid smiling delightedly as the case unfolded you done it now and masterman being apprised of the nature of the affair descended slowly in a state of Flushed congratulation I thought you might find

The higher life a bit difficult said masterman projecting a bony hand but I never thought you’d have the originality to clear out won’t the young lady of the superior classes swear never mind it doesn’t matter anyhow you were starting a climb he said at dinner that doesn’t lead anywhere you

Would have clambered from one one refinement of vulgarity to another and never got to any satisfactory top there isn’t a top it’s a squirrels cage things are out of joint and the only top there is is a lot of Blazing card playing women and betting men you should read

Modern society seasoned with archbishops and officials and all that sort of glossy pandering Bosch you’d have hung on a disconsolate dismal little figure somewhere up the ladder far below even the Motorcar class while your wife larked about or fretted because she wasn’t a bit higher than she was I found

It all out long ago I’ve seen women of that sort and I don’t climb anymore I often thought about what you said last time I saw you said Kips I wonder what I said said masterman in parenthesis anyhow you’re doing the right insane thing and that’s a rare

Spectacle you’re going to marry your equal and you’re going to take your own line quite independently of what people up there or people down there think you ought or ought not to do that’s about the only course one can take nowadays with everything getting more muddled and

Upside down every day make your own little world in your own house first of all keep that right side up whatever you do and marry your mate that I suppose is what I should do if I had a mate but people of my sort luckily for the world

Don’t get made in paars no besides however and abruptly taking advantage of an interruption by Master Walt he lapsed into thought presently he came out of his musings after all he said there’s hope what about said Sid everything said masterman where there’s life There’s Hope said Mrs Sid but none of you aren’t

Eating anything like you ought to masterman lifted his glass here’s to hope he said the light of the world Sid beamed at Kips as who should say you don’t meet a character like this every dinner time here’s to Hope repeated masterman the best thing one can have

Hope of Life yes he imposed his movement of magnificent self-pity on them all even young Walt was impressed they spent the days before their marriage in a number of agreeable excursions together one day they went to Q by Steamboat and admired the house full of paintings of flowers

Extremely and one day they went early to have a good long day at the Crystal Palace and enjoyed themselves very much indeed they got there so early that nothing was open inside all the Stalls were wrappered up and all the minor exhibitions locked and barred they seemed the minutest creatures even to

Themselves in that enormous empty aisle and their echoing footsteps indecently loud they contemplated realistic groups of plaster Savages and then thought they’d be queer people to have about she was glad there were none in this country they meditated upon replicas of classical statuary without excessive comment Kip said at large it must have

Been a queer world then but and very properly doubted if they really went about like that but the place at that early hour was really lonely one began to fancy things so they went out into the October Sunshine of the mighty Terraces and wandered amidst miles of Stucco tanks and about those quiet

Gargantuan grounds a great gray emptiness it was and it seemed marvelous to them but not nearly so marvelous as it might have seemed I never see a finer place never said Kips turning to survey the entirety of the enormous glass front with Paxton’s vast image in the center

What it must a a cost to build said and and left her sentence eloquently incomplete presently they came to a region of caves and waterways and amidst these waterways strange reminders of the possibilities of the Creator they passed under an arch made of a whale’s jaws and discovered amidst herbage as if they

Were browsing or standing unoccupied and staring as if amazed at themselves huge Effigies of iguanodons and dinoia and mastadons and such like cattle gloriously done in green and gold they got everything said Kips Earl’s Court isn’t a patch on it his mind was very greatly exercised by these monsters

And he hovered about them and returned to them you’d wonder how they ever got enough to eat he said several times it was later in the day and upon a seat in the presence of the green and gold Labyrinth Adon that looms so splendidly above the lake that the Kipas fell into

Talk about their future they had made a sufficient lunch in the palace they had seen pictures and no end of remarkable things and that and the Amber sunlight made a mood for them quiet and philosophical a heaven mood Kips broke a contemplative Silence with an Abrupt illusion to one principal

Preoccupation I shall offer an apology and I shall offer her brother damages if she likes to bring an action for breach after that well I done all I can they can’t get much out of reading my letters in court because I didn’t write none I thou or tool settle all that

Anyhow I ain’t much worried about that that don’t worry me very much and no and then it’s a lark are marrying it’s curious how things come about if I ad and run against you where should I a been now even after we met I didn’t seem to

See it like not marrying you I mean until that night I came I didn’t really I didn’t neither said an with thoughtful eyes on the water for a Time Kip’s mind was occupied by the prettiness of her thinking face a faint tremulous network of Lights reflected from the ripples of

A passing Duck played subtly over her cheek and faded away and reflected iose things add to be she said Kips mused it’s curious how however I got on to be engaged to her she wasn’t suited to you said an suited no fear that’s just it

How did it come about I expect she led you on said an Kips was half-minded to Ascent then he had a twinge of conscience it wasn’t that and he said it’s curious I don’t know what it was but it wasn’t that I don’t recollect no life’s Jolly rum that’s one

Thing anyhow and I suppose I’m a rum sort of fell I get excited sometimes and then I don’t seem to care what I do that’s about what it was really still they meditated Kips with his arms folded and pulling at his scanty mustache presently a faint smile came

Over his face we’ll get a nice little ooze out it way it’s Amer than folkstone said Anne just a nice little ooze said Kips there’s hug henden of course but that’s L besides being miles too big and I wouldn’t live in folkstone again somehow not for anything I’d like to a a

Booze of my own said an I’ve often thought being in service how much I’d like to manage a booze of my own you’d know all about what the servants was up to anyhow said Kips amused servants we don’t want no servants said an startled you’ll a to a a servant said

Kips if it’s only to do the Eevee work of the who what and not be able hardly to go into my own kitchen said Anne you ought to a a servant said Kips one could easy a a woman in for anything that’s Eevee said Anne besides if I add one of the

Girls one sees about nowadays I should want to be taking the broom out of and and do it all over myself I’d manage better without > we ought to a one servant anyhow said Kips else how should we manage if we wanted to go out together or anything like that I might

Get a young girl said n and bring her up in my own way k hiips left the matter at that and came back to the house there’s little bozas going into hidee just the sort we want not too big and not too small will a a kitchen and a dining room

And a little room to sit in of a night it mustn’t be a goo with a basement said an what’s a basement it’s a downstairs where there’s not AR enough light and everything got to be carried up and down up and down all day coals and everything

And it’s got to a a water tap and sink and things upstairs you’d hardly believe Arty if you ad and been in service how cruel and silly some ooas are built you’d think they add a spite against servants the way the stairs are made we won’t a one

Of that sort said Kips we’ll a a quiet little life now go out a bit now come home again read a book perhaps if we got nothing else to do a old buggin in for an evening at times a sit down there’s bicycles I don’t fancy myself on a

Bicycle said Anne a a trailer said Kips and sit like a lady I’d take you out to new Romney easy as anything just to see the old people I wouldn’t mind that said an will just a a sensible little ooze and sensible things no art or anything

Of that sort nothing stuck up or anything but just sensible we be as right as anything an no socialism said and starting a lurking doubt no socialism said Kips just sensible that’s all I Des say it’s all right for them that understand it Arty but I don’t agree with this

Socialism I don’t neither really said Kips I can’t argue about it but it don’t seem real like to me all the same masterman’s a clever fellow and I didn’t like him at first Arty but I do now in a way you don’t understand him all at once he’s so clever said Kips

ARF the time I can’t make out what he’s up to he’s the cleverest chap I ever met I never heard such talking e ought to write a book it’s a rum world and when a chap like that isn’t hardly bble to earn a living it’s is elf said Anne I expect

It is said Kips and ceased to talk for a little while then he spoke with deliberation C A might be the saving of MN he glanced doubtfully at Anne and she was looking at him even fondly you think of other people a lot said an I’ve been looking at you sitting there and

Thinking I suppose I do I suppose when one’s happy one does you do said Anne we shall be happy in that little ooze and don’t why think she met his eyes and nodded I seem to see it said Kips sort of cozy like about tea

Time and muffins kettle on the OB cat on the earth rug we must get a cat and and you there they regarded each other with appreciative eyes and Kips became irrelevant I don’t believe leave and he said I hav’t kissed you not for or an hour least ways not since we was in

Those caves for kissing had already ceased to be a matter of thrilling adventure for them and shook her head you be sensible and go on talking about Mr masterman she said but Kips had wandered to something else I like the way your bear turns back just there he

Said with an indicative finger it was like that I remember when you was a girl sort of wavy I’ve often thought of it remember when we raced that time outband D the church then for a time they sat idly each following out agreeable meditations it’s rum said Kips what’s

Rum how everything’s AED said Kips who a thought of our being air like this 6 weeks ago who’ a thought of my ever aing any money his eyes went to the big Labyrinth Adon he looked first carelessly and then suddenly with a growing interest in its vast face I’m

Dashed he murmured and became interested he laid a hand on her arm and pointed and scrutinized the Labyrinth Adon and then came around to Kip’s face in mute interrogation don’t you see it said Kips see what EAS Just Like Old coot it’s extinct said an not clearly

Apprehending ID desity e is but e Just Like Old coot all the same for that Kips meditated on the Monstrous shapes in sight I wonder how all these old anti delium animals got extinct he asked no one couldn’t possibly a killed them why I know that said Anne they was overtook

By the flood Kip meditated for a while but I thought they had to take two of everything there was within reason they add said an the Kipas left it at that the great green and gold Labyrinth Adon took no notice of their conversation it gazed with its wonderful

Eyes over their heads into the infinite inflexibly calm it might indeed have been Co himself there coot the unassuming cutting them dead and in due course these two simple Souls married and Venus urania the goddess of wedded love the goddess of tolerant kindliness or meeting halfway to whom all young

Couples should pray and offer sacrifices of self who is indeed a very great and Noble and kindly goddess was in some Manner propitiated and bent down and blessed them in their Union book chapter 3 kipes chapter 1 the housing problem honeymoons and all things come to an end

And you see at last Mr and Mrs Arthur Kips descending upon the high platform coming to hee to find that nice little house to realize that bright dream of a home they had first talked about in the grounds of the Crystal Palace they are a valiant couple you

Perceive but small and the world is a large and congruous system of complex and difficult things Kips wears a gray suit with a wing pooke collar and a neat smart tie Mrs Kips is the same bright and healthy little girl woman you saw in the

Marsh not an inch has been added to her stature in all my voluminous narrative only now she wears a hat it is a hat very unlike the hats she used to wear on her Sundays out a flourishing hat with feathers and buckle and bows and things

The price of that hat would take many people’s breath away it cost 2 ginies Kips chose it Kips paid for it they left the shop with flushed cheeks and smarting eyes glad to be out of range of the condescending saleswoman Arty said an you didn’t ought

To a that was all and you know the Hat didn’t suit in a bit her clothes did not suit her at all the simple cheap clean brightness of her former style had given place not only to this hat but to several other things in the same key

And out from among these things looked her pretty face the face of a wise little child an artless Wonder struggling through a Preposterous dignity they had bought that hat one day when they had gone to see the shops in Bond Street Kips had looked at the passers by and it had suddenly occurred

To him that and was dowy he had noted the Hat of a very proud looking lady passing in an electric brew and had resolved to get and the nearest thing to that the railway Porters perceived some subtle incongruity in and the knot of cabmen in the station doorway the two

Golfers and the lady with daughters who had also got out of the train and Kips a little pale blowing a little not in complete possession of himself knew that they noticed her and him and an it is hard to say just what and observed of

These things a said Kips to a cabman and regretted too late a vanished H I got a trunk up there he said to a ticket in inspector marked a k ask a porter said the inspector turning his back damn said Kips not altogether inaudibly it is all very well to sit in

The sunshine and talk of the house you will have and another altogether to achieve it we English all the world indeed today live in a strange atmosphere of neglected great issues of insistent triumphant Petty things we are given up to the fine littleness of intercourse table manners and small

Correctitude are the substance of Our Lives you do not Escape these things for long even by so catastrophic a proceeding as flying to London with a young lady of no wealth and inferior social position The Mists of noble emotion swirl and pass and there you are divorced from all your deities and

Grazing In The Meadows Under The Argus eyes of the social system the innumerable mean judgments you feel reigning upon you upon your clothes and bearing upon your pretensions and movements our world today is a meanly conceived one it is only an added meanness to conceal that fact for one

Consequence it has very few nice little houses such things do not come for the asking they are not to be bought with money during ignoble times its houses are built on the ground of monstrously Rich shabby extortionate landowners by poor parsimonious greedy people in a mood of elbowing

Competition what can you expect from such ridic ridculous conditions to go house hunting is to spy out the nakedness of this pretentious world to see what our civilization amounts to when you take away curtains and flounces and carpets and all the fluster and distraction of people and fittings it is

To see mean plans meanly executed for mean ends the conventions torn aside the secrets stripped the substance underlying all such Chester cery soiled and worn and left so you see our poor dear Kip’s going to and fro in Hive in sandgate in Ashford and Canterbury and

Deal and do at last even in folkstone with orders to view pink and green and white and yellow orders to view and labeled keys in Kip’s hand and frowns and perplexity upon their faces they did not clearly know what they wanted but whatever it was they saw they knew they

Did not want that always they found a confusing multitude of houses they could not take and none they could their dreams began to turn mainly on empty abandoned looking rooms with unfaded patches of paper to Mark the place of vanished pictures and doors that had lost their keys they saw rooms floored

With boards that yawned apart and were splintered skirtings eloquent of the industrious Mouse kitchens with a dead black beetle in the empty cupboard and a hideous variety of coal holes and dark cupboards Under the Stairs they stuck their little heads through roof trap doors and gazed at disorder organized ball TAPS at The

Bleak filthiness of unstoppered roofs there were occasions when it seemed to them that they must be the victims of an elaborate conspiracy of house agents so Bleak and cheerless is a secondhand empty house in comparison with the humblest of inhabited dwellings commonly the houses were too big they had huge windows that demanded

Vast curtains in mitigation countless bedrooms acreage of stone steps to be cleaned kitchens that made in protest she had come so far towards a proper conception of Kip’s social position as to admit the prospect of one servant but lore she would say you’d want a manservant in this booze when the houses

Were not too big then they were almost invariably the product of speculative building of that multitudinous Hasty building for the extravagant multitude of new births that was the essential disaster of the 19th century the new houses and refused as damp and even the youngest of these that had been in use

Showed remarkable signs of a sickly Constitution the plaster flaked away the floors gaped the paper moldered and peeled the doors dropped the bricks scaled and the railings rusted nature in the form of spiders earwigs cockroaches mice rats fungi and remarkable smells was already fighting her way back and the plan was invariably inconvenient

Invariably all the houses they saw had a common quality for which she could find no word but for which the proper word is in civility they build these boozes she said as though girls wasn’t human beings Sid’s social democracy had got into her blood perhaps and anyhow they went about

Discovering the most remarkable inconsiderateness in the Contemporary house there’s kitching stairs to go up Arty and would say some poor girls got to go up and down up and down and be tired tied out just because they haven’t the sense to leave enough space to give

Their steps a proper rise and no water upstairs anywhere every drop got to be carried it’s boozes like this where girls out it’s aing boozes built by men I believe makes all the work in trouble said Anne the kipes you see thought they were looking for a reasonably simple

Little contemporary house but indeed they were looking either for Dreamland or 1975 ad or thereabouts and it hadn’t come but it was a foolish thing of Kips to begin building a house he did that out of an extraordinary animosity for house agents he had conceived everybody hates house agents just as everybody loves

Sailers it is no doubt a very Wicked and unjust hatred but the business of a novelist is not ethical principle but facts everybody hates house agents because they have everybody at a disadvantage all all other callings have a certain amount of give and take the house agent simply takes all other

Callings want you your solicitor is afraid you may change him your doctor cannot go too far your novelist if only you knew it is mutely AB towards your unspoken wishes and as for your trades people Milkmen will fight outside your front door for you and green grossers

Call in tears if you discard them suddenly but who ever heard of a house agent struggling to serve anyone you want to get a house you go to him you disheveled and angry from travel anxious inquiring he calm clean inactive reticent quietly doing nothing you beg him to reduce rents white wash ceilings

Produce other houses combine the summer house of number six with the conservatory of no four much he cares you want to dispose of a house then he is just the same serene indifferent on one occasion I remember he was picking his teeth all the time he answered me

Competition is a mockery among house agents they are all alike you cannot wound them by going to the opposite office you cannot dismiss them you can at most dismiss yourself they are invulnerabledr too far usually even for a sudden Swift lunge with an umbrella and to throw away

The keys they lend you instead of returning them is larsy and punishable as such it was a house agent in Dover who finally decided Kips to build Kips with a certain faltering in his voice had delivered his ultimatum no basement not more than eight rooms hot and cold water

Upstairs Cole Cellar in the house but with intervening doors to keep dust from the skullery and so forth he stood blowing you’ll have to build a house said the house agent sighing wearily if you want all that it was rather for the sake of effective answer than with any

Intention at the time that Kips mumbled that’s about what I shall do this goes on whereupon the house agent smiled he smiled when Kips came to turn the thing over in his mind he was surprised to find quite a considerable intention had germinated and was growing up in him

After all lots of people have built houses how could there be so many if they hadn’t suppose he really did then he would go to the house agent and say he while you’ve been getting me a suitable ooze blowed if I even built one go round to all of them all the house

Agents in folkstone in do Ashford Canterbury Margate Ramsgate saying that perhaps then they might be sorry it was in the small hours that he awoke to a realization that he had made up his mind in the matter and he said and and also used the sharp of his elbow

And was at last awakened to the pitch of an indistinct inquiry what was the matter I’m going to build a house an eh said Anne suddenly as if awake build a house and said something incoherent about he’d better wait until the morning before he did anything of the sort and

Immediately with a fine trustfulness went fast asleep again but Kips lay awake for a long while building his house and in the morning at breakfast he made his meaning clear he had smarted under the indignities of house agents long enough and this seemed to promise revenge a fine

Revenge and you know we might really make rather a nice little ooze out of it like we want so resolved it became possible for them to take a house for a year with a basement no service lift black leading to do everywhere no water upstairs no bathroom vast sash windows to be cleaned

From the sill Stone steps with a twist and open to the Rain into the coal Cellar insufficient cupboards unpaved path to the dust bin no fireplace to the servants bedroom no end of splintery wood to scrub in fact a very typical English middle class house and having

Added to this house some furniture and a languid young person with unauthentic golden hair named gwindel who was engaged to a sergeant major and had formerly been in an Hotel having moved in and spent some sleepless nights varied by nocturnal Explorations in search of burglars because of the

Strangeness of being in a house for which they were personally responsible Kips settled down for a time and turned himself with considerable resolution to the project of building a home at first Kips had gathered advice finding an initial difficulty in how to begin he went into a builder’s shop at

Seabrook one day and told the lady in charge that he wanted a house built he was breathless but quite determined and he was prepared prepared to give his order there and then but she temporized with him and said her husband was out and he left without giving his name also

He went and talked to a man in a cart who was pointed out to him by a Workman as the Builder of a new house near saltwood but he found him first skeptical and then overpoweringly sarcastic I suppose you build a gooze every holiday he said and turn from Kips

With every symptom of contempt afterwards carshot told alarming stories about builders and shook Kip’s expressed resolution a good deal and then Pierce raised the question whether one ought to go in the first instance to a builder at all and not rather to an architect Pierce knew a man at Ashford

Whose brother was an architect and as it is always better in these matters to get someone you know the Kips has decided before Pierce had gone and ket’s warning had resumed their sway to apply to him they did so rather dubiously the architect who was brother of Pierce’s friend appeared as a small

Alert individual with a black bag and a cylindrical silk hat and he sat at the dining room table with his hat and his bag exactly equidistant right and left of him and maintained a demeanor of impressive woodenness while Kips on the Hearth rug with a quaking sense of gigantic

Enterprise vacillated answers to his inquiries and held a watching brief for herself in a position she had chosen as suitable to the occasion inside the corner of the carved Oak sideboard they felt in a sense at Bay the architect began by asking for the site and seemed a little discomposed to

Discover this had still to be found I thought of building just anywhere said Kips I hav’t made up my mind about that yet the architect remarked that he would have preferred to see the site in order to know where to put what he called his ugly side but it was quite possible of

Course to plant a house in the air on the level simply with back and front assumed if they would like to do that Kips flushed slightly and secretly hoping it would make no great difference in the fees said a little doubtfully that he thought that would be all right

The architect then marked off as it were the first section of his subject with a single dry cough opened his bag took out a spring tape measure some hard biscuits a metal flask a new pair of dog skin gloves A Clockwork Motorcar partially wrapped in paper a bunch of violets a

Paper of small brass screws and finally a large distended notebook he replaced the other objects carefully opened his notebook put a pencil to his lips and said and what accommodation will you require to which Anne who had followed his every movement with the closest attention and a deepening dread replied with the violent

Suddenness of one who has long Lane in weight Cub buds anyhow she added catching her husband’s eye the architect wrote it down and how many rooms he said coming to secondary matters the young people regarded one another it was dreadfully like giving an order how many bedrooms for example asked the

Architect one suggested Kips inclined now to minimize at any cost there’s gwindel said Anne visitors perhaps said the architect and temperately you never know two perps said Kips we don’t want no more than a little booze you know but the meest shooting box said the architect they got to six he beat them

Steadily from bedroom to bedroom the word Nursery played across their imaginative Skies he mentioned it as the remotest possibility and then six being reluctantly conceded and came forward to the table sat down and delivered herself of one of her prepared conditions OT in cold water

She said laid on to each room any ow it was an idea long since acquired from Sid yes said Kips on the Hearth rug OT and cold water laid onto each bedroom we’ve settled on that it was the first intimation to the architect that he had to deal with a couple of exceptional

Originality and as he had spent the previous afternoon in finding three large houses in the Builder which he intended to combine into an original and opyright design of his own he naturally struggled against these novel requirements he enlarged on the extreme expensiveness of Plumbing on the extreme expensiveness of everything not already

Arranged for in his scheme and only when and declared she’d as soon not have the house as not have her requirements and Kips blenching the while had said he didn’t mind what a thing cost him so long as he got what he wanted did he allow a kindred originality of his own

To appear beneath the acquired professionalism of of his methods he dismissed their previous talk with his paragraphic cough of course he said if you don’t mind being unconventional he explained that he had been thinking of a queen in style of architecture and directly she heard her

Name shook her head at Kips in an aside so far as the exterior went for his own part he said he liked to have the exterior of a house in a style not priggish in a style but mixed with one style uppermost and The Gables and Dormers and

Casements of the queen and style with a little rough cast and Sham timbering here and there and perhaps a bit of an overhang Diversified a house and made it interesting the advantages of what he called a queen and style was that it had such a variety of

Features still if they were prepared to be unconventional it could be done a number of houses were now built in the unconventional style and were often very pretty in the unconventional style one frequently had what perhaps he might call internal features for example an Old English Oak staircase and gallery

White ruffcast and green paint were a good deal favored in houses of this type he indicated that this excursus on style was finished by a momentary use of his cough and reopened his notebook which he had closed to wave about in a moment of descriptive enthusiasm while expatiating on the

Unbridled wealth of external features associated with Queen Anne six bedrooms he said moistening his pencil one with barred Windows suitable for a nursery if required Kips endorsed this huskily and reluctantly there followed a most interesting discussion upon house building in which Kips played a minor part they passed from bedrooms to the

Kitchen and skullery and there and displayed an intelligent exactingness that won the expressed admiration of the architect they were particularly novel upon the position of the coal seller which inheld to be altogether too low in the ordinary house necessitating much heavy carrying they dismissed as impracticable the idea of having coal

Seller and kitchen at the top of the house because that would involve carrying all the coal through the house and there with much subsequent cleaning and for a time they dealt with a conception of a coal seller on the ground floor with a light staircase running up outside to an exterior shoot

It might be made of feature said the architect a little doubtfully jotting down a note of it it would be apt to get black you know then they passed to the alternative of service lifts and then by an inspiration of the architect to the possibilities of gas heating Kips did a

Complicated verbal Fugue on the theme gas heating heats the air with variable aspirates he became very red and was lost to the discussion altogether for a time though his lips kept silently on subsequently the architect wrote to say that he found in his notebook very full and explicit directions for bow Windows

To all rooms for bedrooms for water supply lift height of stairs and absence of twists therein for a well-ventilated kitchen 20 ft square with two dressers and a large box window seat for skullery and ouses and offices but nothing whatever about drawing room dining room library or

Study or approximate cost and he awaited further instructions he presumed there would be a breakfast room dining room drawing room and study for Mr Kips at least that was his conception and the young couple discussed this matter long and ardently and was distinctly restrictive in this

Direction I don’t see what you want a drawing room and a dining and a kitchen for if we was going to let in summer well and good but we’re not going to let consequently we don’t want so many rooms then there’s a ball what use is a ball

It only makes work and a study Kips had been humming and stroking his mustache since he had read the architect’s letter I think I’d like a little bit of a study not a big one of course but one with a desk and bookshelves like there was in

Hug henden I’d like that it was only after they had talked to the architect again and seen how scandalized he was at the idea of not having a drawing room that they consented to that internal feature they consented to please him but we sh never use it said an Kips had his

Way about a study when I get that study said Kips I shall do a bit of reading I’ve long wanted to do I shall make a habit of going in there and reading something an hour every day there’s Shakespeare and a lot of things a man

Like me ought to read besides we got to B somewhere to put the encyclopedia I’ve always thought a study was about what I’ve wanted all along you can’t help reading if you got a study if you aent there’s nothing for it so far as I can see but tshai novels he looked down

At and and was surprised to see a joyless thoughtfulness upon her face fency an he said not too buoyantly aing a little booze of our own it won’t be a little booze said in not with all the rooms any lingering doubt in that matter was dispelled when it came to plans the

Architect Drew three sets of plans on a transparent bluish sort of paper that smelt abominably he painted them very nicely brick red and ginger and arsenic green and a Leen sort of blue and brought them over to show our young people the first set were very simple with practically no

External features a plain style he said it was but it looked a big sort of house nevertheless the second had such extras as a conservatory by Windows of various sorts one roughcast Gable and one half timbered Ditto in plaster and a sort of overhung veranda and was much more

Imposing and the third was quite fungoid with external features and honeycombed with internal ones it was he said practically a mansion and altogether a very Noble fruit of the creative mind of man it was he admitted perhaps almost too good for hive his art had run away

With him and produced a modern mansion in the best folkstone style it had a central Hall with a staircase a moish gallery and tutor stained glass window crenelated battlements to the leading over the Portico an octagonal bulge with octagonal bay windows surmounted by an oriental Dome

Of metal lines of yellow bricks to break up the red and many other richnesses and attractions it was the sort of house ornate and in its dignified way voluptuous that a city magnate might build but it seemed excessive to the Kipas the first plan had seven bedrooms

The second 8 the thir 11 that had the architect explained worked in as if they were pebbles in a mountaineer boat their big boozes said and directly the elevations were unrolled Kips listened to the architect with round eyes and an exuberant caution in his manner anxious not to commit

Himself further than he had done to the Enterprise and the architect pointed out the features and other objects of Interest with the scalpel belonging to a pocket manicure set that he carried and watched Kip’s face and communicated with him furtively over the architect’s head

Not so big said n’s lips it’s a bit big for what I meant said Kips with a reassuring eye on an you won’t think it big When You See It Up said the architect you take my word for that we don’t want no more than six bedrooms

Said Kip I make this one a box room then said the architect a feeling of impotence silenced Kips for a time now which said the architect spreading them out is it to be he flattened down the plans of the most ornate Mansion to show it to better

Effect Kips wanted to know how much each would cost at the outside which led to much alarmed signaling for man but the architect could estimate only in the most General way they they were not really committed to anything when the architect went away Kips had promised to

Think it over that was all we can’t a that gooze said an they miles too big all of them agreed Kips you’d want for servants wouldn’t be hardly enough said an Kips went to the Hearth rug and spread himself his tone was almost offand next time e comes said Kips I’ll

Explain to him it isn’t at all the sort of thing we want it’s it’s a misunderstanding you got no occasion to be anxious about it an I don’t see much good really in building in Boo at all said Anne ooh we got to build a Goo now

We begun said Kips but now saasen we add he spread out the most modest of the three plans and scratched his cheek it was unfortunate that old Kip came over the next day old Kips always produced peculiar states of Mind in his nephew a rash assertiveness a disposition towards

Display unlike his usual self there had been great difficulty in reconciling both these old people to the pornic mallan and at times the controversy echoed in Old Kip’s expressed thoughts this perhaps it was and no ignoble vanity that set the note of florid successfulness going in Kip’s conversation whenever his Uncle appeared

Mrs Kips was as a matter of fact not reconciled at all she had declined all invitations to come over on the bus and was a tacern Hostess on the one occasion when the young people called at the toy shop on roote for misses poor Nick she displayed a tendency to sniff that was

Clearly due to Pride rather than qar and except for telling and she hoped she would not feel too stuck up about her marriage ref finded her conversation to her nephew or the infinite the call was a brief one and made up chiefly of pauses no refreshment was offered or

Asked for and and departed with a singularly High color for some reason she would not call at the toy shop when they found themselves again in new Romney but old Kips having adventured over and tried the table of the new Minaj and found it to his taste showed

Many signs of softening towards Anne he came again and then again he would come over by the bus and except when his mouth was absolutely full he would give his nephew one solid and continuous mass of advice of the most subtle and disturbing description until it was time to toddle

Back to the High Street for the afternoon bus he would walk with him to the Sea front and commence per parlays with boatmen for the purchase of one of their boats you ought to keep a boat of your own he said though Kips was a singularly poor sailor or he would

Pursue a plan that was forming in his mind in which he should own and manage what he called weekly property in the less conspicuous streets of Hive the cream of that was to be a weekly collection of rents in person the nearest approach to feudal Splendor left

In this democratized country he gave no hint of the source of the capital he designed for this investment and at times it would appear he intended it as an occupation for his nephew rather than himself but there remained something in his manner towards an in the glances of

Scrutiny he gave her unawares that kept Kips alertly expansive whenever he was about and in all sorts of ways it was on account of old Kips for example that our Kips plunged one day a golden plunge and brought home a box of CER Bundy 9 Penny cigars and substituted Blue Label old

Methusa for stars for the common and generally satisfactory white brand some of this is whiskey my boy said old Kips when he tasted it smacking critical lips saw a lot of young officer Fellers coming along said old Kips you ought to join the volunteers my boy and get to

Know a few I Des I shall said Kips later they’d make you an officer you know and no time they want officers said old Kips it isn’t everyone can afford it they’d be regular glad to a you ain’t Bor a dog yet not yet uncle a a Seager not a modic car

Not yet uncle there’s no Yuri about that and don’t get one of these air trashy cheap ones when you do get it my boy get one as last a lifetime I’m surprised you don’t I are a bit more and don’t seem to fency a Modi

Car said Kips ah said old Kips I expect not and glan a comment at the door she ain’t used to going out he said more at om indoors fact is said Kips hastily we thinking of building a booze I wouldn’t do that my boy began old Kips but his

Nephew was routing in the sheaner drawer amidst the plans he got them in time to check some further comment on an um said the Old Gentleman a little impressed by the extraordinary odor and the unusual trans parency of the tracing paper Kips put into his hands thinking of building

A booze are you Kips began with the most modest of the three projects old Kips read slowly through his silver rimmed spectacles plan of a booze for Arthur Kips Esquire um he didn’t warm to the project all at once and then drifted into the room to find him still scrutinizing the architect’s

Proposals a little doubtfully we couldn’t find a decent ooze anywhere said Kips leaning against the table and assuming an off-hand note I didn’t see why we shouldn’t run up one for ourselves old Kips could not help liking the tone of that we thought we might see said Anne it’s a speculation of course

Said old Kips and held the plan at a distance of 2 feet or more from his glasses and frowned this isn’t exactly the Ooze I should expect you to a thought of though he said practically it’s a villa it’s the sort of oo a bank clerk might a t

Isn’t what I should call a gentleman’s ooze Arty it’s plain of course said Kips standing beside his uncle and looking down at this plan which certainly did seem a little less magnificent now than it had at the first encounter you mustn’t a it too plain said old Kips if

It’s comfortable and hazarded old Kips glanced at her over his spectacles you ain’t comfortable my gal in this world not if you don’t live up to your position so putting compactly into contemporary English that fine old phrase no bless oblig a ooze of this sort is what a

Retired Tradesman might a or some little whipper snapper of a esitor but you of course that isn’t the O New York plan said Kips and tried the middle one but it was the third one which won over old Kips now that’s a booze my boy he said at the sight of it

And came and stood just behind her husband’s shoulder while old Kips expanded upon the desirability of the larger scheme you ought to a a billiard room he said I don’t see that but all the rests all right A lot of these air officers air UD be glad of a game of

Billiards what’s all these dots said old Kips Shrubbery said Kips flowing s rubs there’s 11 bedrooms in that booze said and it’s a bit of a lot Ain’t It uncle you’ll want M my girl as you get on you’ll be aing visitors friends of your usband perps from the school of musketry

What you want him to get on with you can’t never tell if we a a great s rubbery and ventured we shall a to keep a gardener if you don’t a a s rubbery said old Kips with a note of patient reasoning how are you to prevent every

Jackanapes that goes by staring into your drawing room Winder perps when you get someone a bit special to entertain we ain’t used to a s rubbery said and mishly we get on very well air it isn’t what you’re used to said old Kips it’s what you ought to a now and with that

And dropped out of the discussion study and libery old Kips read that’s right I see a Tantalus the other day over Brooklyn the very thing for a gentleman study I’ll try and get over and bid for it by bus time old Kips was quite enthusiastic about the house

Building and it seemed to be definitely settled at the largest plan was the one decided upon but and had said nothing further in the matter when Kips returned from seeing his uncle into the bus there always seemed a certain doubt whether that portly figure would go into the

Little red tiptop box he found and still standing by the table looking with an expression of comprehensive disapproval at the three plans there don’t seem much the matter with uncle said Kips assuming the Hearth rug spite of is urn e opt up them steps like a bird and

Remained staring at the plans you don’t like them plans hazarded Kips no I don’t Arty we got to build something now but it’s a gentleman’s boo Arty it’s it’s a decent size oh course Kips took a flirting look at the drawing and went to the window look at the cleaning free

Servants will be lost in that ooze Arty we must a servants said Kips and looked despondently at her future residents we got to keep up our position anyhow said Kips turning toward Wards her it stands to reason and we got a position very well I can’t a you scrub bin

Floors you got to a a servant and you got to manage a ooze you wouldn’t a me ashamed and opened her lips and did not speak what asked Kips nothing said an only I did want it to be a little ooze Arty I wanted it to be a Andy little

Ooze just for us Kip’s face was suddenly flushed and muish he took up the curiously smelling tracings again I’m not a going to be looked down upon he said it’s not only Uncle I’m thinking of and stared at him Kips went on I won a that young walshingham F instance sneering and

Sniffling at me making out as if we was all wrong I see him yesterday nor C neither I’m as good we’re as good whatever appened silence and the rustle of plans he looked up and saw Anne’s eyes bright with tears for a moment the two stared

At one another we a the big oo said an with a gulp I didn’t think of that Ary her aspect was fierce and Resolute and she struggled with emotion will a the Big O she repeated they shant say I dragged you down with a me none of them

Shant say that I’ve thought I’ve always been afraid of that Kips looked again at the plan and suddenly the grand house had become very Grand indeed he blew no Arty none of them shant say that and with something blind in her motions and tried to turn the plan round to her

After all Kips thought there might be something to say for the milder project but he had gone so far that now he did not know how to say it and so the plans went out to the builders and in a little while Kips was committed to £2,500 worth

Of building but then you know he had an income of ,200 a year it is extraordinary what minor difficulties cluster about house building I say and remarked Kips one day we shall a to call this little goo by a name I was thinking of Cottage but I don’t know whether M

Cottage is quite the thing like all these little fishermen’s places are called Cottages I like Cottage said Anne it’s got 11 bedrooms DC said Kips I don’t see how you can call it a cottage with more bedrooms than four properly speaking it’s a large Villa prople it’s almost a

Big booze least weighs a booze well well said Anne if you must call it Villa home Villa I wish it wasn’t Kips meditated how about Eureka Villa he said raising his voice what’s Eureka it’s a name he said there used to be Eureka dress Fasteners there’s lots of names come to

Think of it to be got out of a shop there’s pajama Villa I remember that in the hosery no come to think that wouldn’t do but Mariposa sort of oatmeal cloth that was no Eureka’s better and meditated it seems silly like to a a name that don’t mean much perhaps it

Does said Kips though it’s what people a to do he became meditative I got it he cried not Ora said an no there used to be a ooze at Hastings opposite our school quite a big ooze it was St an’s now that no said Mrs Kips with decision thanking you kindly but I

Don’t have no Butcher Boys making game of me they consulted kshot who suggested after some days of reflection wcom as a graceful reminder of Kip’s grandfather old Kips who was four Upton manor house where he had once been second footman bugin who favored either a Stern simple number number one if

There were no other houses there or something patriotic as Empire Villa and Pierce who inclined to Sandringham but in spite of all this help they were still undecided when amidst violent perturbations of the soul and after the most complex and difficult haggling wranglings fears muddles and goings to and fro Kips

Became the joyless owner of a freehold plot of 38 of an acre and saw the turf being wheeled away from the site that should one day be his home chapter 2 the callers the Kipas sat at their midday dinner table and amidst the vestages of rhubarb pie and discussed two postcards

The 1:00 post had brought it was a rare bright moment of sunshine in a wet and windy day in the March that followed their marriage Kips was attired in a suit of brown with a tie of fashionable green while in war one of those picturesque loose robes that are usually

Associated with sandals and advanced ideas but there weren’t any sandals on and or any advanced ideas and the robe had come quite recently through the councils of Mrs Sid pornic it’s artlike said Kips giving way it’s more comfortable said an the room looked out by French Windows upon a little patch of

Green and the hee parade the parade was all shiny wet with rain and the green gr sea tumbled and tumbled between parade and Sky the Kips Furniture except for certain chromolithographs of Kips incidental choice that struck a quiet note amidst the wallpaper had been tactfully forced by an expert salesman

And it was in a style of mediocre Elegance there was a sideboard of carved Oak that had only one fault it reminded Kips at times of wood carving and its panel of beveled glass now reflected the back of his head on its shelf were two books from Parson’s Library each with a

Place marked by a slip of paper neither of the kipes could have told you the title of either book they read much less the author’s name there was an ebony over mantle set with files and pots of brilliant color each duplicated by Looking Glass and bearing also a pair of

Chinese jars made in Birmingham a wedding present from mister and Mrs Sydney pornic and several Sumptuous Japanese fans and there was a turkey carpet of great richness in addition to these modern exploits of messers bunt and bubble there were two inactive tall clocks whose extreme dilapidation appealed to

The Connoisseur a terrestrial and a Celestial Globe the latter deeply indented a number of Good Old Iron molded and Dusty books and a stuffed owl wanting one easily replaceable glass eye obtained by the exertions of Uncle Kips the table equipage was as much as possible like Mrs benden ings only more

Costly and in addition there were green and Crimson wine glasses though the kipes never drank wine Kips turned to the more legible of his two postcards again unavoidably prevented from seeing me today e says I like is cheek after I give him is start and everything he blew

He certainly treats you a bit Oran said Anne Kips gave vent to his dislike of young walshingham heun’s getting too big for his britches he said I’m beginning to wish she ad brought an action for breach ever since e said she wouldn’t e seemed to think I’ve got no right to

Spend my own money e never liked your building the whoo said an Kips displayed wrath what the goodness as it got to do with him Overman indeed he added overmantle he tries that on with me I’ll tell him something he won’t like he took up the second card dashed if I can read

A word of it I can just make out chit llo at the end and that’s all he scrutinized it it’s like someone in a fit writing this here might be W ha a t what p r i c e I got it what price Harry

Now it was a sort of saying of is I expect e either done something or not done something toward starting that play an I expect that’s about it said an Kip grunted with effort I can’t read the rest he said at last noow a thoroughly annoying post he pitched the card on the

Table stood up and went to the window where and after a momentary reconnaisance at chito’s hieroglyphics came to join him wonder what I shall do this afternoon said Kips with his hands deep in his pockets he produced and lit a cigarette go for a walk iose said an I

Been for a walk this morning suppose I must go for another he added after an interval they regarded the windy waste of sea for a space wonder why it is e won’t see me said Kips returning to the problem of young walshingham it’s all lies about is being too busy and offered

No solution rain again said Kips as the Lash of the little drops stung the window ooh bother said Kips you got to do something look there an I’ll go or for a regar through the rain up by saltwood round by Newington over the camp and so round and back and see ow

They’re getting on about the whoo see and look there you get gwindel to go out a bit before I come back if it’s still rainy she can easy go around and see her sister then will a a bit of tea with teacake all buttery see toast it ourselves P

Wraps I Des I can find something to do in the gooze said and considering you’ll take your MacIntosh and leggings iose you’ll get wet without your Macintosh over those roads Rio said Kips and went to ask gwindel for his brown leggings and his other pair of boots things conspired to

Demoralize Kips that afternoon when he got outside the house everything looked so wet under the drive of the southwester that he abandoned the prospect of the clay Lanes towards Newington altogether and turned East to folkstone along the seab brook dega his Macintosh flapped about him the rain stung his

Cheek for a time he felt a hearty man and then as abruptly the rain ceased and the wind fell and before he was through sandgate High Street it was a bright spring day and there was Kips in his MacIntosh and squeaky leggings looking like a fool inertia carried him another

Mile to the leaves and there the whole world was pretending there had never been such a thing as rain ever there wasn’t a cloud in the sky except for an occasional puddle the asphalt paths looked as dry as a bone a smartly Dressed Man in one of those overcoats

That look like ordinary cloth and are really most deceitfully and unfairly waterproof passed him and glanced at the stiff folds of his Macintosh Dam said Kips his Macintosh swished against his leggings his leggings piped and whistled over his boot tops why do I never get anything right Kips asked of a bright implacable

Universe nice old ladies passed him refined people with tidy umbrellas bright beautiful supercilious looking children of course the right thing for such a day as this was a light overcoat and an umbrella a child might have known that he had them at home but how could

One explain that he decided to turn down by the Harvey monument and Escape through Clifton Gardens towards the hills and thereby he came upon coot he already felt the most abject and propitiatory of social outcasts when he came upon on cot and cot finished him he

Passed within a yard of coot cot was coming along towards the leav and when Kip saw him his legs hesitated about their office and he seemed to himself to stagger about all over the foot path at the sight of him coot started visibly then a sort of riger Vy passed through

His frame his jaw protruded and errant bubbles of air seemed to escape and run about beneath his loose skin seemed I say I am perfectly well aware that there is really connective tissue in cot as in all of us to prevent anything of the sort his eyes fixed themselves on the horizon and

Glazed as he went by Kips could hear his even Resolute breathing he went by and Kips staggered on into a universe of dead cats and dust heaps rind and Ashes cut cut it was part of the inexurable decrees of Providence that almost immediately afterwards the residuum of

Kips had to pass a very very long and observant looking girl school Kips recovered Consciousness again on the road between sha Cliffe station and Sheran though he cannot remember indeed to this day he has never attempted to remember how he got there and he was back at certain thoughts suggested by

His last night’s novel reading that linked up directly with the parial likee emotions of these last encounters the novel lay at home upon the sheaner it was one of society and politics there is no need whatever to give the title or name the author written with a heavy-handed thoroughness

That overrode any possibility of resistance on the part of the Kip’s mind it had crushed all his poor little edifice of ideals his dreams of a sensible unassuming existence of snugness of not caring what people said and all the rest of it to dust it had reinstated squarely and strongly again

The only proper conception of English social life there was a char character in the book who trifled with art who was addicted to reading French novels who dressed in a loose careless way who was a sorrow to his dignified silvery haired political religious mother and met the

Admonitions of Bishops with a front of brass he treated a nice girl to whom they had got him engaged badly he married beneath him some low thing or other and sank Kips could not escape the application of the case he was unable to see how this sort of thing looked to

Decent people he was unable to gauge the measure of the penalties due his mind went from that to the Frozen marble of cot’s Visage he deserved it that day of remorse later it found him coming upon the sight of his building operations and surveying it in a mood near to despair

His Macintosh over his arm hardly anyone was at work that day no doubt the builders were having him in some obscure Manner and the whole Place seemed a dismal and depressing litter the Builder shed black lettered Wilkins Builder hiye looked like a stranded thing amidst a cast up disorder of wheelbarrows and

Wheeling planks and Earth and sand and Bricks the foundations of the walls were trenches full of damp concrete drying in patches the rooms it was incredible they could ever be rooms were shaped out as squares and Oblongs of course wet grass and sorl they looked absurdly small dishonestly small what could you expect

Of course the builders were having him building too small building all wrong using bad materials old Kips had told him a wrinkle or two the builders were having him young walshingham was having him everybody was having him they were having him and laughing at him because they didn’t respect him they didn’t

Respect him because he couldn’t do things right who could respect him he was an outcast he had no place in the world he had had his chance in the world and turned his back on it he had behaved badly that was the phrase here a great

House was presently to arise a house to be paid for a house neither he nor and could manage with 11 bedrooms and four disrespectful servants having them all the time how had it all happened exactly this was the end of his great Fortune what a chance he had had if he

Had really carried out his first intentions and stuck to things how much better everything might have been if he had got a tutor that had been in his mind originally a special sort of tutor to show him everything right a tutor for gentlemen of neglected education if he had read more and

Attended better to what cot had said coot who had just cut him 11 bedrooms what had possessed him no one would ever come to see them no one would ever have anything to do with them even his aunt cut him his uncle treated him with a half contemptuous

Sufferance he had not a friend worth counting in the world buggin carshot Pierce shop assistants the poor Nicks a low socialist lot he stood among his foundations like a lonely figure among ruins he stood among the ruins of his future and owned himself a foolish and

Mistake Aken man he saw himself and and living out their shameful lives in this great crazy place as it would be with everybody laughing secretly at them and their 11 rooms and nobody approaching them nobody nice and right that is forever and Anne what was the matter

With Anne she’d given up going for walks lately got touchy and tearful been fitful with her food just when she didn’t ought to it was all a part of the judgment upon wrongdoing it was all part of the social penalties that Juggernaut of a novel had brought home to his mind

He let himself in with his latch key he went moodily into the dining room and got out the plans to look at them he had a vague hope that there would prove to be only 10 bedrooms but he found there were still 11 he became aware of and standing over

Him look air Arty said Anne he looked up and found her holding a number of white Oblongs his eyebrows Rose it’s collars said Anne he put his plans aside slowly and took and read the cards in Silence with a sort of solemnity callers after all then perhaps

He wasn’t to be left out of the world after all Mrs G poret Smith Miss porit Smith Miss Mabel porit Smith and two smaller cards of the Reverend G poret Smith low he said clergy there was a lady said an and two grown up gals all dressed up and him

There wasn’t no I’m not he held out the little card no there was a lady and two young ladies but these cards why they go and leave these two little cards with the Reverend G Smith on four not if e wasn’t with m e wasn’t

With m m not a little chap dodging about b d the others and didn’t come in I didn’t see no gentleman with them at all said Anne rum said Kips a half forgotten experience came back to him I know he said waving the Reverend gentleman’s

Card e give M the slip that’s what he’d done gone off while they was rapping before you let m in it’s a fair call anyhow he felt a momentary base satisfaction at his absence what did they talk about an there was a pause I didn’t let am in

Said an he looked up Suddenly and perceived that something unusual was the matter with Anne her face was flushed her eyes were red and hard didn’t let m in no they didn’t come in at all he was too astonished for words I answered the door said in I’d been upstairs nelling

The floor how was I to think about callers Arty we ain’t never had collars all the time we’ been air I’d sent gwindel out for a breath of fresh air and there I was upstairs nelling that floor she done so bad so as to get it

Done before she came back I thought I’d enamel that floor and then get tea and a it quiet with you toast and all before she came back I was was I to think about callars she paused well said Kips what them they came and wrapped how was I to know I

Thought it was a Tradesman or something never took my apron off never wiped the enamel off my Ants nothing there they was she paused again she was getting to the disagreeable part what they say said Kips she says is Mrs Kips at home see to

Me yes and me all painty and no cap on and nothing neither mrss nor servant like there Arty I could have sunk through the floor with shame I really could I could hardly get my voice I couldn’t think of nothing to say but

Just not at home and out of a bit like i e d the tray and they give me the cards and went and ow I shall ever look that lady in the face again I don’t know and that’s all about it Arty they looked me

Up and down they did and then I shut the door on them goo said Kips and went and poked the fire needlessly with a passion quivering hand I wouldn’t a add that happen for 5B said Kips a clergyman and all and dropped the poker into the

Fender with some claw and stood up and looked at her hot face in the glass Kip’s disappointment grew you did ought to a known better than that an you really did he sat forward cards in hand with a deepening sense of social disaster the things were laid upon the

Table toast sheltered under a cover at Mid Fender the teapot warmed beside it and the kettle just lifted from The Hub sang amidst the coals and glanced at him for a moment then stooped with the kettle holder to to wet the tea sha said Kips with his mental state

Developing I don’t see it’s any use getting in a state about it now said Anne don’t you I do see a these people good people want to associate with us and here you go and slap m in the face I didn’t slap m in the face you do

Practically you slams the door in their face and that’s all we C of am ever I wouldn’t a add this appen not for a 10B note he rounded his regrets with a grunt for a while there was silence save for the little Stir of an’s movements

Preparing the tea T Ry said an handing him a cup Kips took it I put sugar once said an ooh Dash it who cares said Kips taking an extraordinarily large additional lump with Fury quivering fingers and putting his cup with a slight excess of force on the recess

Cupboard who cares I wouldn’t a add that happen he said bidding steadily against accomplished things for 20 lb he gloomed in silence through a long minute or so then and said the Fatal thing that exploded him Ary she said what there’s buted toast down there by your foot

There was a pause husband and wife regarded one another but to he said you go and mess up them collars and then you try and stuff me up with buted toes buted toes indeed air our first chance of knowing anyone that’s at all fit to associate with look air an tell you what

It is you got to return that call return that call yes you got to return that call that’s what you got to do I know he waved his arm vaguely towards the miscellany of books in The Recess it’s in manners and roles of good sidy you

Got to find just how many cards to leave and you got to go and leave M see ‘s face expressed Terror but Arty how can I how can you how could you you got to do it anyhow they won’t know you not in your Bond Street at if they do they won’t say

Nothing his voice assumed a note of intreaty you Muse an I can’t you Muse I can’t and I won’t anything in reason I’ll do but face those people again I can’t after what as AED you won’t no so there they go ORF and we never see them again and so it

Goes on so it goes on we don’t know nobody and we sh know anybody and you won’t put yourself out not a little bit or take the trouble to find out anything how it ought to be done terrible pause I never ought to a married you Arty that’s

The TRU oh don’t go into that I never ought to a married you Arty I’m not equal to the position if you ad and said you drown yourself she choked ion see why you shouldn’t try and I’ve improved why don’t you stead of which you go sending out the servant and ning

Floors and then when visitors come I was I to know about why are old visitors cried and in a whale and suddenly got up and fled from amidst their ruined tea the tea of which toast all buttery was to be the crown and Glory Kips watched her with a momentary

Consternation then he hardened his heart ought to a known better he said going on like that he remained for a space rubbing his knees and muttering he admitted scornfully I can’t and I won’t he saw her as the source of all his shames presently quite mechanically he stooped down and lifted the flowery

China cover Dash but to he shouted at the sight of it and clapped the cover down again hard when gwindel came back she perceived things were in a slightly unusual Poise Kip Sat by the fire in a rigid attitude reading a casually selected volume of the Encyclopedia Britannica and and was

Upstairs and inaccessible to reappear at a later stage with rened eyes before the fire and still in a perfectly assimilable condition was what was evidently an untouched supply of richly buttered toast under a cracked cover they’ve add a bit of a tiff said gwindel attending to her duties in the kitchen

With her outdoor hat still on and her mouth full they rummens if ever my eye and she took another piece of n’s generously buttered toast the Kipas spoke no more that day to one another the squabble about cards and buttered toast was as serious to them as the most rational of differences

It was all rational to them their sense of wrong burnt within them their sense of what was owing to themselves the duty of implacability the obstinacy of pride in the small hours Kips lay awake at the nadir of unhappiness and came near groaning he saw life as an extraordinarily desolating muddle his

Feudal house his social discredit his bad behavior to Helen his low marriage to an he became aware of something irre regular in an’s breathing he listened she was awake and quietly and privately sobbing he hardened his heart resolutely he hardened his heart the stupid little tragedies of these clipped and limited

Lives what is the good of keeping up the idyllic sham and pretending that ill-educated misdirected people get along very well and that all this is harmlessly funny and nothing more you think I’m going to write fat silly grinning novels about half educated undertrained people and keep it up all

The time that the whole thing’s nothing but funny as I think of them lying unhappily there in the darkness my vision pierces the night see what I can see above them brooding over them I tell you there is a monster a lumpish monster like some great clumsy Griffin thing

Like the Crystal Palace Labyrinth Adon like coot like the Leen goddess dullness pope of hord like some fat proud flunky like Pride like indolence like all that is darkening and heavy and obstructive in life it is matter and darkness it is the antio stupidity my Kips has live in its shadow

Shalford and his apprenticeship system the Hastings Academy the ideas of cot the ideas of the old kipes all the ideas that have made Kips what he is all these are its shadow but for that monster they might not be groping among false ideas and hurt one another so sorely and so

Stupidly but for that the glowing promise of childhood and youth might have had a happier fruition thought might have awakened in them to meet the thought of the world the quickening sunshine of literature pierced to the substance of their souls their lives might not have been divorced as now they

Are divorced forever from the apprehension of beauty that we favored ones are given the vision of the Grail that makes life fine forever I have laughed and I laugh at these two people I have sought to make you laugh but I see through the darkness

The Souls of my kipes as they are as little pink strips of living stuff like the bodies of little ill-nourished ailing ignorant children children who feel pain who are naughty and muddled and suffer and do not understand why and the claw of this Beast rests upon them chapter 3

Terminations next morning came a remarkable telegram from folkstone please come at once urgent walshingham said the telegram and Kips after an agitated but still ample breakfast departed when he returned his face was very white and his countenance disordered he let himself in with his latch key and came into the dining room

Where and sat affecting to work at a little thing she called a bib she heard his hat fall in the hall before he entered as though he had missed the peg I got something to tell you and he said disregarding their overnight quarrel and went to the Hearth rug and took hold of

The mantle and stared at and as though the sight of her was novel well said an not looking up and working a little faster e gone and looked up sharply and her hands stopped who’s gone for the first time she perceived Kip’s palor young walshingham I saw her and she told

Me gone what you mean cleared out gone off for good what for for is elf said Kips with sudden bitterness E’s been speculating he speculated our money and E speculated their money and now E’s took is okay that’s all about it an you mean I mean e ORF and our 24000s ORF to

And there we are smashed up that’s all about it an he panted and had no vocabulary for such an occasion oh low she said and sat still Kips came about and stuck his hands deeply in his trouser Pockets speculated every penny L it all and Gorn even his lips were white you

Mean we ain’t got nothing left Ry not a penny not a bloomen penny n no a gust of passion Whirled across the soulle of Kips he flung out a knuckly fist if I add him air he said i’ i’ i’ ring his neck for him IED Ed his voice Rose to a

Shout he thought of gwindel in the kitchen and fell to ug but Ary said n trying to grasp it you mean to say he’s took our money speculated it said Kips with an illustrative flourish of the arm that failed to illustrate bought things dear and sold M cheap and played the

Anky Panky jackass with everything we got that’s what I mean he’s done n he repeated this last sentence with the addition of violent adverbs you mean to say our money’s gone Ry tur dasit yes and swore Kips exploding in a shout ain’t I telling you he was immediately sorry I didn’t mean

To follower at you and he said but I’m All Shook Up I don’t hardly know what I’m saying every penny but Arty Kips grunted he went to the window and stared for a moment at a sunlet sea gourd he swore I mean he said coming back to an

And with an air of exasperation that he’s bezel and oated that’s what I mean an and put down the bib but what are we going to do Arty Kips indicated ignorance wrath and despair with one comprehensive gesture of his hands he caught an ornament from the mantle and

Replaced it I’m going to bang about he said if I ain’t precious careful you saw or you say yes what did she say zackly said an told me to see a esitor told me to get someone to help me at once she was there in Black like she used to be

And speaking cool and careful like Elan she’s precious Ard is Elan she looked at me straight it’s my fault she said I ought to a warned you only under the circumstances it was a little difficult straight as anything I didn’t hardly say anything to her I didn’t seem to begin

To take it in until she was showing me out I ad a anything to say just as well perhaps she talked like a call aost she said what was it she said about her mother my mother’s overcome with grief she said so naturally everything comes on me and she told you to get

Someone to belp you yes I’ve been to Old Bean oh Bean yes what I took my business away from what did he say he was a bit often at first but then e Come round he couldn’t tell me anything till he knew the facts what I know of young

Walshingham there won’t be much help in the facts no he reflected for a space it’s a smashup an more likely than not and ease left us over EAD in debt we got to get out of it just ow we can we got to begin

Again he went on ow I don’t know all the way oh my Eads been going we got to get a living somehow or other aing time to ourselves and a bit of money to spend and no hurry and worry it’s all over forever an we was fools an we didn’t

Know our benefits we’ been caught gourd gour he was on the verge of banging about again they heard a jingle in the passage the large soft impact of a servant’s indoor boots as if she were a part a mitigatory part of Fate came gwindel to lay the midday meal Kips displayed

Self-control forth with and picked up the bib again and bent over it and the Kipas bore themselves gloomily perhaps but not despairful while their dependent was in the room she spread the cloth and put out the cutlery with a slow inaccuracy and Kips after a whisper to

Himself went again to the window and got up and put away her work methodically in the chefan ear when I think said Kips as soon as the door closed again behind gwindel when I think of the old people and aing to tell M of it all I want to

Smash my EAD against the nearest wall smash my silly brains out and buggin buggin what i’ AR promised to start in a little outfitting shop in rendevu Street gwindel and returned and restored dignity the midday meal spread itself slowly before them gwindel after her custom left the door open and Kips

Closed it carefully before sitting down he stood for a moment regarding the meal doubtfully I don’t feel as if I could swallow a mouthful he said you got to eat said Anne for a time they said little and one once swallowing was achieved ate on with a sort of

Melancholy appetite each was now busy thinking after all said Kips presently whatever appens they can’t turn us out or sell us up before next quarter day I’m pretty sure about that sell us up said Anne I desie we bankrupt said Kips trying to say it easily and helping

Himself with a trembling hand to unnecessary potatoes then along silence and ceased to eat and there were silent tears more potatoes Arty choked Anne I couldn’t said Kips no he pushed back his plate which was indeed replete with potatoes got up and walked about the room even the dinner table looked distraught and

Unusual what to do I don’t know he said oh Lord he ejaculated and picked up and slapped down a book then his eye fell upon another postcard that had come from Chito by the morning’s post and which now lay by him on the mantle shelf he took it up

Glanced at its imperfectly legible message and put it down delayed he said scornfully not produced in the smalls or is it smells D says how can one understand that anyhow ease I’m bugging again something about the Strand no well ease add all the money you’ll

Ever get out of me I’m done he seemed to find a momentary relief in the dramatic effect of his announcement he came near to a Swagger of Despair upon the Hearth rug and then suddenly came and sat down next to an and rested his chin on the knuckles of

His two clenched hands I’ve been a fool and he said in a gloomy monotone I’ve been a brasted fool but it’s hard on us all the same it’s hard how was you to know said an I ought to have known I did in a sort of way know

And there we are I wouldn’t care so much if it was myself but it’s you and air we are regular smashed up and you he checked at an unspeakable aggravation of their disaster I knew e wasn’t to be depended upon and there I left it and you got to

Pay what’s to happen to us all I don’t know he Thrust out his chin and glared at fate ow do you know e speculated everything said and after a silent survey of him e as said Kips irritably holding firm to disaster she say so she don’t know of

Course but you depend upon it that’s it she told me she knew something was on and when she found Im gone and a note left for her she knew it was up with m e went by the nightboat she wrote that telegram off to me straight away and surveyed his

Features with tender perplexed eyes she had never seen him so white and drawn before and her hand rested an inch or so away from his arm the actual loss was still as it were AAR from her the immediate thing was his enormous distress how do know she said and

Stopped it would irritate him too much Kip’s imagination was going headlong sold up he admitted presently and and flinched going back to work day after day I can’t stand it an I can’t and you it don’t do to think of it said Anne presently He Came Upon A resolve I keep

On thinking of it and thinking of it and what’s to be done and what’s to be done I shant be any good om Sr forun it keeps on going round and round in my EAD and round and round I better go for a walk or something I’d be no Comfort to you

And I should want to vowl and ammer things if I H about om my fingers is all a twitch I shall keep on thinking ow I might a stopped it and CED myself a fool he looked at her between pleading and shame it seemed like deserting her and

Regarded him with tear dimmed eyes you’d better do what’s good for you Arty she said I’ll be best cleaning it’s no use sending off gwindel before her month and the top room wants turning out she added with a sort of grim humor may as well

Turn it out now while I got it I better go for a walk said Kips and presently our poor expl fled Kips was marching out to bear his sudden misery habit turned him up the road towards his growing house and then suddenly he perceived his direction oh lore and turned aside and

Went up the Steep way to the Hill Crest and the saddling road and over the line by that tree embowered Junction and awart the wide Fields towards ping a little black marching figure and so up the downs and over the hills with he had never gone before he came back long

After after dark and then met him in the passage where you been Arty she asked with a strain note in her voice I’ve been walking and walking trying to tire myself out all the time I’ve been thinking what shall I do trying to fix something up all out of nothing I didn’t

Know you meant to be out all this time Kips was gripped by compunction I can’t think what we ought to do he said presently you can’t do anything much Arty not till you hear from Mr Bean no I can’t do anything much that’s just it and all this time I keep

Feeling if I don’t do something the top of my EA deal bust been trying to make up advertisements AR the time I’ve been out about finding a place good salesman and stockkeeper and good Manchester dresses window dressing lore fancy that all beginning again if you went to stay

With Sid a bit if I sent every penny I got to you I do know I do know when they had gone to bed there was an elaborate attempt to get to sleep in one of their great waking pauses Kips remarked in a muffled tone I didn’t mean to frighten

You and being out so late I kept on walking and walking and somehow it seemed to do me good I went out to the bill toop ever so far beyond Stanford and sat there ever so long and it seemed to make me better just looking over the marshik and seeing the

Sunet very likely said an after a long interval it isn’t so bad as you think it is Arty it’s bad said Kips very likely after all it isn’t quite so bad if there’s only a little there came another long silence and said Kips in the quiet

Darkness yes said an and said Kips and stopped as though he had hastily shut a door upon speech I kept thinking he said trying again I kept thinking after all I’ve been cross to you and a fool about things about them cards and but his voice shook to Pieces we a been happy

And somehow together and with that he and then she fell into a passion of weeping they clung very tightly together Closer Than They had been since ever the first brightness of their married day turned to the gray of common life again all the disaster in the world could not

Prevent their going to sleep at last with their poor little troubled heads close together on one pillow there was nothing more to be done there was nothing more to be thought time might go on with his mischiefs but for a little while at least they still had one

Another Kips returned from his second interview with Mr Bean in a state of strange excitement he let himself in with his latch key and slammed the door and and he shouted in an unusual note an and replied distantly something to tell you said Kips something noo and appeared

Apprehensive from the kitchen and he said going before her into the little dining room for his news was too dignified for the passage very likely and oh Bean says we shall a he decided to prolong the suspense guess I can’t Arty think of a lot of money a 100 pounds

Perps he spoke with immense deliberation over a faux sand pounds and stared and said nothing only went a shade whiter over he said a most certainly over he shut the dining room door and came forward hastily for and it was clear meant to take this mitigation of their disaster with a complete

Abandonment of her self-control she came near flopping she fell into his arms Arty she got to At Last and began to weep clinging tightly to him pretty near certain said Kips holding her a faux sand pounds I said Arty she wailed on his shoulder with the note of accumulated

Wrongs very likely it wasn’t so bad there’s things he said when presently he came to particulars e couldn’t touch the no place it’s freeold and paid for and with the bit of building on it there’s five or 600 pound perps say War free undread for safety we can’t be sold up to finish

It like we thought oh Bean says we can very likely sell it and get money e says you often get a chance to sell a oo lesson ARF done specially free old very likely eay then there’s hug henden hug hend and as a been mortgaged and not for more

Than arit value there’s a undread or so to be got on that and the furniture and the rent for the summer still coming in E says there’s very likely other things a faux sand pounds that’s what e said e said it might even be more they were

Sitting now at the table it Alters everything said Anne I’ve been thinking that an all the way home I came in the motor car first ride I’ve had since the smash we needn’t send off gwindel least ways not till after you know we needn’t

Turn out of air not for a long time what we’ve been doing for the O people we can go on doing a most as much and your mother I wanted to Aller coming along I pretty near run coming down the road by the hotel oh I am glad we can stop air

And be comfortable a bit said N I am glad for that I pretty near told the driver on the motor only e was the sort won’t talk you see and we be able to start a shop we’ll be able to get into something like all about our aing to go

Back to places and that all that doesn’t matter anymore for a while they abandoned themselves to ejaculating transports then they fell talking to shape an idea to themselves of the New Prospect that opened before them we must start a sort of shop said Kips whose imagination had been working it’ll a to

Be a shop drapery said Anne you want such a lot of capital for the drapery more than a th000 pounds you want by a long way to start at anything like proper well outfitting like buggin was going to do Kips glanced at that for a moment

Because the idea had not occurred to him then he came back to his prepossession well I thought of something else and he said you see I’ve always thought a little Bookshop it isn’t like the drapery aing to be learnt I thought even before this smashup how

I’d like to a something to do instead of always aing holidays always like we a been aing he reflected you don’t know much about books do you Ry you don’t want to he Illustrated I noticed when we used to go to that libery at folkstone ladies

Weren’t anything like what they was in a Drapers if you hav’t got just what they want it’s oh no and out they go but in a book shop it’s different one book’s very like another after all what is it something to read and done with it’s not

A thing that matters like print dresses or cetes where you either like am or don’t and people judge you by they take what you give m in books and lib and glad to be told what to see how we was up at that libery he paused you see n well I read n

Advertisement the other day I’ve been asking Mr Bean it said £500 what did branches said Kips and failed to understand it’s a sort of thing that gets up book shops all over the country said Kips I didn’t tell you but I ared about it a bit Anie I dropped

It again before this smash I mean I’d thought I’d like to keep a shop for a lark Anie then I thought it’s silly besides it UD a been beneath me he blushed vividly it was a sort of project of mine an an It wouldn’t a done he

Added it was a tortuous Journey when the kipes set out to explain anything to each other but through a maze of fragmentary elucidations and questions their minds did presently begin to approximate to a picture of a compact bright little shop as a framework for themselves I thought of it one day when

I was in folkstone I thought of it one day when I was looking in at a window I see a chap dressing a window and he was whistling regar light Ed I thought thought then I’d like to keep a book shop anyhow just for something to do and when people

Weren’t about then you could sit and read the books see it wouldn’t be ARF bad they mused each with elbows on table and Knuckles to lips looking with speculative eyes at each other very likely we’ll be happier than we should a been with more money said Kips presently

We wasn’t hardly suited reflected and and left her sentence incomplete Fish Out of Water like said Kips you won a to return that call now said Kips opening a new branch of the question that’s one good thing low said and visibly brightening no more I shant I don’t as suppose they’d want

You to even if you did with things as they are a certain added brightness came into Anne’s face nobody won’t be able to come leaving cards on us Ry now anymore we are out of that there isn’t no necessity for us to be stuck up said Kips anymore

Forever Air we are and common people with just no position at all as you might say to keep up no 7ts not if you don’t like no dressing better than other people if it wasn’t we’ been robbed dashed if I’d care a wrap about losing that money I believe his face shown with

The rare pleasure of paradox I really believe and it’ll prove a Savon in the end the remarkable advertisement which had fired Kip’s imagination with this dream of a Bookshop opened out in the most alluring way it was one little facet in a comprehensive scheme of transatlantic origin which was to make

Our oldw world methods of book selling sit up and it displayed an imaginative briskness a Lucidity and promise that aroused the profoundest skepticism in the mind of M Bean to Kip’s renewed investigations it presented itself in an expository Illustrated pamphlet far too well printed Mr Bean thought for a reputable

Undertaking of the most convincing sort Mis Bean would not let him sink his capital in shares in its projected company that was to make All Things New in the world of books but he could not prevent Kips becoming one of their Associated book sellers and so when

President ly it became apparent that an epic was not to be made and the associated book sellers trading Union limited receded and dissolved and liquidated a few drops and vanished and went away to talk about something else Kips remained floating undamaged in this interestingly uncertain universe as an

Independent book seller except that it failed the associated book sellers trading Union had all the Stigmata of success its fault perhaps was that it had them all instead of only one or two it was to buy wholesale for all its members and Associates and exchange stock having a common books in stock

List and a common lending library and it was to provide a uniform registered shop front to signify all these things to the intelligent passerby except that it was controlled by buoyant young over men with a touch of Genius in their arithmetic it was I say a most plausible and hopeful project

Kips went several times to London and an agent came to hidee Mister Bean made some timely interventions and then behind a veil of planks and an announcement in the High Street the uniform registered shop front came rapidly into being associated book sellers trading Union said this shop front in a refined artistic lettering

That book buyers were going to Value as wise men over 40 Value the proper label for burn Castell doctor and then Arthur kips next to starting a habd daser shop I doubt if Kips could have been more truly happy than during those weeks of preparation there is of course nothing

On Earth and I doubt at times if there is a joy in heaven like starting a small habd daser shop imagine for example having a drawer full of tapes one whole piece most exquisitely blocked of every possible width of tape or again an army of neat large

Packages each displaying one C Le of hooks and eyes think of your Cottons your drawer of colored silks the little less least of the compartments and thin packets of your needle drawer poor princes and wretched gentle folk mysteriously above retail trade May taste only the faint unsatisfactory

Shadow of these Delights with trays of stamps or butterflies I write of course for those to whom these things appeal there are clouds alive who see nothing or next to nothing in spools of mercerized cotton and endless bands of paper set pins I write for the wise and as I write I

Wonder that Kips resisted Haberdashery he did yet even starting a Bookshop is at least 20 times as interesting as building your own house to your own design in unlimited space and time or any possible thing people with indisputable social position and sound Securities can possibly find to do

Upon that I rest you figure Kips going to have a look to see how the little shop is getting on the shop that is not to be a loss and a spending of money but a gain he does not walk too fast towards it as he comes into view of it his paces

Slacken and his head goes to one side he crosses to the pavement opposite in order to inspect the fascia better already his name is adumbrated in faint White Lines stops in the middle of the road and scrutinizes imaginary details for the benefit of his future nextdoor neighbor the Curiosity shop man and so

At last in a smell of paint and of the shavings of imperfectly seasoned Pinewood the shop is already glazed and a carpenter is busy over the fittings for adjustable shelves in the side windows a painter is busy on the fixtures roundabout shelving above and drawers below which are to accommodate

Most of the stock and the counter the counter and desk are done Kips goes inside the desk the desk which is to be the Strategic center of the shop brushes away some sawdust and draws Out The Marvelous till here gold is to be here silver here copper notes locked up in a

Cash boox in the well below then he leans his elbows on the desk rests his chin on his fist and fills the shelves with imaginary stock books Beyond reading every day a man who cares to wash his hands and read uncut pages artfully may have his cake and eat it

Among that stock under the counter to the right paper and string are to lurk ready to LEAP up and embrace good sold on the table to the left art publications whatever they may prove to be he Maps it out serves an imaginary customer receives a dream seven and six

P packs bows out he wonders how it was he ever came to fancy a shop a disagreeable place it’s different he says at last after musing on that difficulty being your own it is different or again you figure Kips with something of the air of a young sacristan handling his brightly virginal

Account books and looking and looking again and then still looking at an unparalleled specimen of copper plate engraving ruled money below and above bearing the words in account with Arthur Kips loud flourishes the book seller’s trading Union temperate decoration you figure in sitting and stitching at one point of the

Circumference of the light of the lamp stitching queer little garments for some unknown stranger and over against her sits Kips before him is one of those engraved memorandum forms a moist pad wet with some thick and greasy greenish purple ink that is also spreading quietly but steadily over his fingers a

Cross- nibbed pen for first aid surgical assistance to the patient in his hand a dating rubber stamp at intervals he brings down this ladder with great care and emphasis upon the paper and when he lifts it there appears a beautiful oval design design of which paid Arthur Kips the associated book sellers trading

Union and a date are the essential ingredients stamped in purple ink Anon he turns his attention to a box of small round yellow labels declaring this book was bought from the associated book sellers trading union he licks one with deliberate care sticks it on the paper before him and defaces it with great

Semity I can do it and he says looking up brightly for the associated book sellers trading Union among other brilliant Notions and Inspirations devised an ingenious system of taking back its books again in part payment for new ones within a specified period when it failed all sorts of

People were left with these unredeemed pledges in hand amidst all this bustle and interest all this going to and fro before they moved in to the High Street came the great crisis that hung over the Kipas and one morning in the small hours n’s child was born Kips was coming to

Manhood swiftly now the once rabbit-like soul that had been so amazed by the discovery of chubs in the human interior and so shocked by the sight of a woman’s shoulder blades that had found shame and anguish in a mislay gibus and Terror in an anagram tea was at last facing the greater

Realities he came suddenly upon the master thing in life birth he passed through our hours of listening hours of impotent fear in the night and in the Dawn and then there was put into his arms something most wonderful a weak and wailing creature incredibly heart stirringly soft and

Pitiful with minute appealing hands that it rung his heart to see he held this miracle in his arms and touched its tender cheek as if he feared his lips might injure it and this Marvel was his son and there was Anne with a greater strangeness and a greater familiarity in

Her quality than he had ever found before there were little beads of perspiration on her temples and her lips and her face was flushed not pale as he had feared to see it she had the look of one who emerges from some strenuous and invigorating act he bent down and kissed

Her and he had no words to say she wasn’t to speak much yet but she stroked his arm with her hand and had to tell him one thing heun over 9 lb Arty she whispered best Bessie’s wasn’t no more than eight to have given Kips a pound of triumph over

Sid seemed to her almost to justify n dimus she watched his face for a moment then closed her eyes in a kind of blissful exhaustion as the nurse with something motherly in her manner pushed Kips out of the room Kips was far too much preoccupied with his own life to

Worry about the further exploits of Chito the man had got his 2,000 on the whole Kips with was glad he had had it rather than young walshingham and there was an end to the matter as for the complicated transactions he achieved and proclaimed by mainly elgible and always incomprehensible

Postcards they were like passing voices heard in the street as one goes about one’s urgent concerns Kips put them aside and they got in between the pages of the stock and were lost forever and sold in with the goods to customers who puzzled over them mightily then one morning as he was

Dusting round before bre breakfast chitterlow returned appeared suddenly in the shop doorway Kips was overcome with amazement it was the most unexpected thing in the world the man was in evening dress evening dress in that singularly crumpled state it assumes after the hour of Dawn and above his

Disheveled red hair a smallish jbus hat tilted remarkably forward he opened the door and stood tall and spread with one vast White Glove flung out as if to display how burst a glove might be his eyes bright such wrinkling of brow and mouth as only an experienced actor can

Produce and a singular Radiance of emotion upon his whole being an altogether astonishing spectacle it was amazing beyond the powers of Kips the bell jangled for a bit and then gave it up and was silent for a long great second everything was quietly attentive Kips was amazed to his uttermost had he

Had 10 times the capacity he would still have been fully amazed it’s chit low he said at last standing duster in hand but he doubted whether it was not a dream sit gasped that most excitable and extraordinary person still in an incredibly expanded attitude and then

With a slight forward jerk of the starry split glove Biff he could say no more the tremendous speech he had had already vanished from his mind Kip stared at his extraordinary face IAL changes vaguely conscious of the truth of the teachings of Nisbet and lombroso concerning Men of Genius then suddenly chito’s features

Were convulsed the histrionic fell from him like a garment and he was weeping he said something indistinct about old Kips good old Kips oh old Kips and somehow he managed to mix a chuckle and a sob in the most remarkable way he emerged from somewhere near the middle of his his

Original attitude a merely life-sized creature my play boohoo he sobbed clutching at his friend’s arm my play Kips sa you know well cried Kips with his heart sinking in sympathy it ain’t no Hal Chito no it’s a success my dear chap my dear boy oh it’s a b you boohoo a big

Success he turned away and wiped streaming tears with the back of his hand he walked a pace or so and turned he sat down on one of the specially designed artistic chairs of the associated book sellers trading Union and produced an exiguous lady’s handkerchief extraordinarily Bella said

He choked my play and covered his face here and there he made an unsuccessful effort to control himself and shrank for a space to the dimensions of a small and pathetic creature his great nose suddenly came through a careless place in the handkerchief I’m knocked he said in a

Muffled voice and so remained for a space wonderful veiled he made a gallant effort to wipe his tears away I had to tell you he said gulping be all right in a minute he added calm and sat still Kip stared in commiseration of such success then he heard footsteps and went quickly

To the house doorway just a minute he said don’t go in the shop and for a minute it’s Chito he’s a bit essited but he’ll be better in a minute it’s knocked him over a bit you see his voice sank to a hushed note as one who announces death these

Made a success with his play he pushed her back lest she should see the scandal of another male ‘s tears soon Chito felt better but for a little while his manner was even alarmingly subdued I had to come and tell you he said I had to astonish someone Muriel she’ll be first

Rate of course but she’s over at dim church he blew his nose with enormous noise and emerged instantly a merely Gess Optimist I expect she’ll be precious glad she doesn’t know yet my dear boy she’s at dim church with a friend she’s seen some of my first nights before

Better out of it I’m going to her now I’ve been up all night talking to the boys and all that I’m a bit off at just for a bit but it knocked M it knocked everybody he stared at the floor and went on in a monotone they laughed a bit at the

Beginning but nothing like a settled laugh not in until the second act you know the chap with the beetle down his neck little chish did that bit to writes then they began to writes his voice warmed and increased laughing it made me laugh we jumped M into the third act before they

Had time to cool everybody was on it I never saw a first night go so fast laugh laugh laugh laugh laugh laugh he HED the last word with stupendous violence everything they laughed at they laughed at things that we hadn’t meant to be funny not for one moment Biff Biz curtain a fair

Knockout I went on but I didn’t say a word chish did the patter shouting it was like walking under Niagara going across that stage it was like never having seen an audience before then afterwards the boys his emotion held him for a space dear old boys he murmured his words multiplied his importance

Increased in a little while he was restored to something of his old self he was enormously excited he seemed unable to sit down anywhere he came into the breakfast room so soon as Kips was sure of him shook hands with Mrs Kips parenthetically sat down and immediately

Got up again he went to the bassinet in the corner and looked absentmindedly at Kips Junior and said he was glad if only for the youngster sake he immediately resumed the threat of his discourse he drank a cup of coffee noisily and walked up and down the room talking while they attempted breakfast

Amidst the Gale of his excitement the infant slept marvelously through it all you won’t mind my S sitting down Mrs Kips I couldn’t sit down for anyone or I’d do it for you it’s you I’m thinking of more than anyone you and Muriel and all old Pals

And good friends it means wealth it means money hundreds and thousands if you’d heard M you’d know he was silent through a portentous moment while topics battled for him and finally he burst and talked of them all together it was like the rush of water when a dam

Bursts and was is out a fair-sized provincial town all sorts of things floated along on the swirl for example He was discussing his future behavior I’m glad it’s come now not before I’ve had my lesson I shall be very discreet now trust me we’ve leared the value of

Money he discussed the possibility of a Country House of taking a martello tower as a swimming box as one might say a shooting box of living in Venice because of its artistic associations and Scenic possibilities of a flat in Westminster or a house in the West End he also

Raised the question of giving up smoking and drinking and what classes of drink were especially noxious to a man of his Constitution but discourses on all this did not prevent a parenthetical computation of the probable profits on the supposition of a thousand Knights here and in America nor did it ignore

The share Kips was to have nor the gladness with which Chito would pay that share nor the surprise and regret with which he had leared through an indirect source which awakened many associations of the turpitude of young walshingham nor the distaste Chito had always felt for young walshingham and Men of his

Type an excursus upon Napoleon had got into the torrent somehow and kept bobbing up and down the whole thing was thrown into the form of a single complex sentence with parenthetical and subordinate Clauses fitting one into the other like Chinese boxes and from first to last it never

Even had an air of approaching anything in the remotest degree partaking of the nature of a full stop into this Deluge came The Daily News like The Gleam of light in what’s picture the waters were assuaged while its sheet was opened and it had a column a whole column of Praise

Chito held the paper and Kips read over his left hand and and under his right it made the Fair more real to Kips it seemed even to confirm Chito against lurking doubts he had been concealing but it took him away he departed in a whirl to secure a copy of every morning

Paper Every Blessed rag there is and take them all to dim church and Muriel forth with it had been the sendoff the boys had given him that had prevented his doing as much at chering Cross let alone that he only caught it by the skin of his teeth besides which the bookstall

Was open his white face lit by a vast excitement bid them a tremendous farewell and he departed through the sunlight with his buoyant walk buoyant almost to the tottering pitch his hair as one got its sunlet in the street seemed to have grown in the night they

Saw him stop a news boy Every Blessed rag floated to them on the notes of that gorgeous voice the news boy too had happened on luck something like a faint cheer from the the news boy came down the air to terminate that transaction chitterlow went on his way

Swinging a great budget of papers a figure of merited success the news boy recovered from his emotion with a jerk examined something in his hand again transferred it to his pocket watched Chito for a space and then in a sort of hushed Silence resumed his daily routine and and Kips watched that receding

Happiness in silence until he vanished Round the Bend of the road I am glad said and at last speaking with a little sigh so am I said Kips with emphasis for if ever a fell has worked and waited it’s I’m they went back through the shop rather thoughtfully and

After a peep at The Sleeping Baby resumed their interrupted breakfast if ever a fell has worked and waited it’s I’m said Kips cutting bread very likely it’s true said an a little wistfully what’s true about all that money coming Kips meditated I don’t see why it shouldn’t

Be he decided and handed and a piece of bread on the tip of his knife but we’ll keep on the shop he said after an interval for further reflection all the same I hav’t much trust in money after the things we’ve seen that was 2 years

Ago and as the whole world knows the pestered butterfly is running still it was true it has made the fortune of a once declining Little Theater in the Strand night after night the great Beetle scene draws happy tears from a house packed to repletion and Kips for all that Chito is

Not what one might call a businessman is almost as rich as he was in the beginning people in Australia people in laner Scotland Ireland in New Orleans in Jamaica in New York and Montreal have crowded through doorways to Kips and M lured by the hitherto unsuspected humors of the entomological drama wealth Rises

Like an exhalation all over our little planet and condenses or at least some of it does in the pockets of Kips it’s rum said Kips he sat in the Little Kitchen out behind the Bookshop and philosophized and smiled while and gave Arthur Wy Kips his evening tub before

The fire Kips was always present at this ceremony unless customers prevented there was something in the mixture of the odors of tobacco soap and Domesticity that Charmed him unspeakably chucker d o man he said affably wagging his pipe at his son and thought incidentally after the manner of

All parents that very few children could have so straight and clean a body dad’s got a check said Arthur Wy Kips emerging for a moment from the towel e gets old of everything said an you can’t say a word D I got a check this marvelous child

Repeated yes oh man I got a check and it’s got to go into a bank for you against when you got to go to school see so you’ll grow up knowing your way about a bit dad’s got a check said the Wonder sun and then gave his mind to making

Mighty splashes with his foot every time he splashed laughter overcame him and he had to be held up for fear he should tumble out of the tub in his Mart finally he was toweled to his toe tips wrapped up in warm flannel and kissed and carried off to bed by Anne’s

Cousin and Lady help Emma and then after an had carried away the bath into the skullery she returned to find her husband with his pipe extinct and the check still in his hand two faux sand pounds he said it’s dashed rum what a I done to get two faux sand pounds an what

A you not to said an he reflected upon this view of the case I sh never give up this shop he said at last we’re very happy air said Anne not if I add 5 fand pounds no fear said Anne you got a shop said Kips and you come along in a year’s

Time and there it is but money look how it come and goes there’s no sense in money you may kill yourself trying to get it and then it comes when you aren’t looking there’s my original Money where is it now gone and it’s took young walshingham with it and E’s gone too

It’s like playing Skittles long comes the ball right and left you fly and there it is rolling away and not changed a bit no sense in it he’s gone and she’s gone gone off with that chap Revel that sat with me at dinner married man and chit low Rich

Lore What a fine place that Garrick Club is to be sure where I add lunch with him better an any hotel footmen in powder they got not waiters and footmen ease rich and me rich in a sort of way don’t see much sense in it and

Over you look at it he shook his head I know one thing said Kips what I’m going to put it in just as many different banks as I can see 50 air 50 there pause it I’m not going to invest it no fear it’s only throwing

Money away said an I’m Aram mind to bury some of it under the shop only I expect one UD always be coming down at nights to make sure it was there I don’t seem to trust anyone not with money he put the check on the table corner and smiled

And tapped his pipe on the grate with his eyes on that wonderful document spose old Bean started ORF he reflected one thing e is a bit lame e wouldn’t said n not M I was only joking like he stood up put his pipe among the candlesticks on the mantle took up the

Check and began folding it carefully to put it back in his pocketbook a little bell jangled shop said Kips that’s right keep a shop and the shop will keep you that’s how I look at it an he drove his pocketbook securely into his breast pocket before he opened the living room

Door but whether indeed it is the Bookshop that keeps Kips or whether it is Kips who keeps the Bookshop is just one of those commercial Mysteries people of my unari metical temperament are never able to solve they do very well the deers anyhow thank heaven the Bookshop of Kips is on the

Left hand side of the he High Street coming from folkstone between the yard of the Livery stable and the shop window full of old silver and such like things it is quite easy to find and there you may see him for yourself and speak to him and buy

This book of him if you like he has it in stock I know very delicately I’ve seen to that his name is not not Kips of course you must understand that but everything else is exactly as I have told you you can talk to him about books about politics about going to balone

About life and the ups and downs of Life perhaps he will quote you buggin from whom by The Bu one can now buy everything a gentleman’s wardrobe should contain at the little shop in Rendevous Street folkstone if you are fortunate to find Kips in a good mood he may even let you

Know how he inherited a Fortune once run through it he’ll say with a not unhappy smile got another afterwards speculating in plays needn’t keep this shop if I didn’t like but it’s something to do or he may be even more intimate I seen some things he said to me once raver

Life why once I I loped I did really of course you will not tell Kips that he is Kips or that I have put him in this book he does not know and you know one never knows how people are going to take that sort of thing I am an old and trusted

Customer now and for many amiable reasons I should prefer that things remained exactly on their present footing one early closing evening in July they left the baby to the servant cousin and Kips took in for a row on the he Canal it was a glorious evening and

The sun set in a mighty Blaze and left a world warm and very still the Twilight came and there was the water shining bright and the sky a deepening blue and the great trees that dipped their boughs towards the water exactly as it had been when he paddled home with Helen when her

Eyes had seemed to him like Dusky Stars he had ceased from rowing and rested on his OES and suddenly he was Touched By The Wonder of Life the strangeness that is a presence stood Again by his side died out of the darknesses beneath the shallow weedy stream of his being Rose a

Question a question that looked up dimly and never reached the surface it was the question of The Wonder of the beauty the purposeless inconsecutive beauty that falls so strangely among the happenings and memories of life it never reached the surface of his mind it never took to

Itself substance or form it looked up merely as the Phantom of a face might look out of deep Waters and sank again to nothingness Arty said Anne he woke up and pulled a stroke what he said penny for your thoughts Arty he considered I really don’t think I was

Thinking of anything he said at last with a smile no he still rested on his OES I expect he said I was thinking just what a rumo everything is I expect it was something like that queer old AR ain’t I I don’t suppose there ever was a

Chap quite like me before he reflected for just another minute ooh I don’t know he said and roused himself to pull