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Updated: May 10, 2025
While he was gone Mary arranged an impromptu farewell party for him, so that instead of spending a rather depressing evening alone with her, as he had expected, he found himself surrounded by cheerful friends McEwan, the Farradays, their next neighbors, the Havens, and one or two others.
At sight of it, Mary's spirits subconsciously responded by a distinct upward lift. Stefan waved his brush without shaking hands, and then, seeing Constance, broke into a smile. "How delightful, Mrs. Elliot! How did you come? By auto? And you drove Miss Berber? We are honored. You are our first visitors except the Farradays. Come and see my studio."
In the afternoon they walked over to the Farradays', where there was a tree for Jamie and a few friends, including the chauffeur's and gardener's children. Here Stefan prowled into the picture gallery, while Mary, surrounded by children, was in her element. Returning to the drawing room, Stefan watched her playing with them as he had watched her on the Lusitania fifteen months before.
When the guests began to leave, Mary urged the Farradays to remain a little longer. "It's only five o'clock," she reminded them. Mrs. Farraday settled herself comfortably, and drew out her khaki-colored knitting. James lit his pipe, and Stefan wheeled forward to the glow of the fire, fitting a cigarette into his new amber holder.
Terrified, she telephoned for Dr. Hillyard, and received her at the door with a white face. It was a Sunday morning, and McEwan had just dropped in with some chrysanthemums from the Farradays' greenhouse. Finding Mary disturbed he had not remained, and was leaving the house as the doctor drove up. Dr. Hillyard's first words were reassuring.
"You don't mean to say we are moving to-day?" "Yes, you goose," she laughed, "don't you remember?" "I'm frightfully sorry, Mary, but I made an engagement for this evening, to go to the theatre. I knew you would not want to come," he added. Mary looked blank. "But, Stefan," she exclaimed, "everything is arranged! We are dining with the Farradays.
Mary fell into the habit of borrowing the Farradays' car when she saw such a mood approaching, and sending Stefan for long drives alone. The rushing flight seldom failed to carry him beyond the reach of his black mood. Returning, he would plunge into work, and the next day would find him calm and smiling once again. He suffered much pain from his back, but this he bore with admirable patience.
"What about the Farradays, and Constance, and the Sparrow and Lily and Henrik and McEwan and the Havens and Madame Corriani and " "Oh, stop!" she laughed, covering his mouth with her hand. "And even in Paris," he concluded, holding the hand, "Adolph, and yes, and Felicity Berber. Are they all 'prejudiced in your favor'?" "Why do you include the last named?" she asked, rather low.
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