"
At this I laughed, I think, wondering the while if Anthony would ever
know how much I loved and admired him.
I remember a stretch of green turf screened by trees; a solemn pacing
to and fro by various grave-faced persons; a careful measuring of
distances and selection of ground.
I remember some objection that Anthony made as to the light, whereupon
the solemn measuring and pacing was gravely done all over again. I
also recall that Anthony, while discussing or overseeing these grave
proceedings, would often lift his head and glance hastily round about
with a swift, keen-eyed expectancy.
I remember the sun peeping forth at last to make the world glorious
and warm the chill in my bones.
And then Anthony came towards me, carrying a pistol, and I noticed
that his hand shook as he offered it to me.
"God love you, Perry," he said, a little huskily. "You look as
unconcerned, as cool as--as a confounded cucumber! And now, Perry,
remember to aim low, all pistols are apt to throw high--so, for
heaven's sake aim low, old fellow."
"Do I stand here, Anthony?"
"Yes--damned fellow insists on twelve paces!" said he, his voice
sounding hoarser than ever, and I saw his glance wandering again, here
and there, to and fro, in almost desperate fashion.
"Mr. Vere-Manville," called Devereux's second, "may I trouble you a
moment, pray?"
Left alone, I stood watching the play of sunshine amid the leaves,
when I was roused by a touch and found Captain Danby beside me.
Pages:
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422