She looked straight before her for an instant, and
then, with a swift and stealthy movement, took hold of her
husband's hand below the table. Alas! she might have spared
herself the dexterity. For the poor fellow was so overcome by this
caress that he stopped with his mouth open in the middle of a word,
and by the expression of his face plainly declared to all the
company that his thoughts had been diverted into softer channels.
If it had not been rather amiable, it would have been absurdly
droll. His wife at once withdrew her touch; but it was plain she
had to exert some force. Thereupon the young man coloured and
looked for a moment beautiful.
Leon and Elvira both observed the byplay, and a shock passed from
one to the other; for they were inveterate match-makers, especially
between those who were already married.
"I beg your pardon," said Leon suddenly. "I see no use in
pretending. Before we came in here we heard sounds indicating - if
I may so express myself - an imperfect harmony."
"Sir - " began the man.
But the woman was beforehand.
"It is quite true," she said. "I see no cause to be ashamed. If
my husband is mad I shall at least do my utmost to prevent the
consequences. Picture to yourself, Monsieur and Madame," she went
on, for she passed Stubbs over, "that this wretched person - a
dauber, an incompetent, not fit to be a sign-painter - receives
this morning an admirable offer from an uncle - an uncle of my own,
my mother's brother, and tenderly beloved - of a clerkship with
nearly a hundred and fifty pounds a year, and that he - picture to
yourself! - he refuses it! Why? For the sake of Art, he says.
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