But even so I shivered, for the gloomy shadow of the
wood seemed all about me still and therewith a growing depression that
would not be banished but held me in thrall despite sunshine and
cheery inn. What was it that I feared? I asked myself, and
why--why--why?
I found Anthony awaiting me, but even his cheer presence failed to
dispel my gloom. And so in a while, my horse being ready, we set out
for London with hearty "God-speeds" from George and his wife Mary. But
all the way back, my mind still laboured with these same perplexing
questions:
What was it that I feared? And why--why--why?
And thereto I found no answer.
CHAPTER IV
OF A SCARABAEUS RING AND A GOSSAMER VEIL
"Ye're a little pale--yes, a trifle haggard, Perry, but there's
nothing like a romantic pallor to attract the feminine regard and
captivate the female heart, my boy--I'm married and I know! But your
dress is a thought too sombre, I think, considering your youth, though
I'll admit it suits you and there's a devilish tragic melancholy
Danish-air about ye as should nail the female orb--"
"Don't be an ass, Anthony. How is my cravat?"
"Work of art, begad! How are my pantaloons, Perry? My tailor's made
'em too loose, the damned scoundrel. I'm wrinkled like a rhinoceros,
by heaven! Keep your eye on 'em when I bend--"
"My dear Anthony," said I, "if they were any tighter you couldn't
bend--"
"Well, my coat, Perry--how is it behind?"
"Admirable!"
"Feels like a sack, demmit! My Loveliness has the eye of a hawk,
you'll understand--hasn't seen me for a whole month--nothing like
first impressions, begad.
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