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Updated: July 5, 2025
"I have to wait for Mrs. Gasgoyne and Delia." "Delia! Delia! Goddess of proprieties, has it come to that!" He saw a sudden glitter in Gaston's eyes, and changed his tone. "Well, an' a man will he will, and he must be wished good-luck. So, good-luck to you! I'm sorry, though, for that cuisine in Paris, and the grand picnic at Fontainebleau, and Moban and Cerise. But it can't be helped."
Why, he has lived most of his life with savages!" "Vandyke might have painted the man," Lord Dargan had added. "Vandyke did paint him," had put in Delia Gasgoyne from behind her mother. "How do you mean, Delia?" Mrs. Gasgoyne had added, looking curiously at her. "His picture hangs in the dining-room."
Another half-hour, wherein he was learning every minute, nothing escaping him, everything interesting him; his grandfather and Mrs. Gasgoyne especially, then the ladies retired slowly with their crippled hostess, who gave Gaston, as she rose, a look almost painfully intense. It haunted him. Now Gaston had his chance.
Cawley was helped up-stairs to see him. She was gaunt and hollow-eyed. Lady Belward and Mrs. Gasgoyne were present. The woman made her respects, and then stood at Gaston's bedside. He looked up with a painful smile. "Do you forgive me?" he asked. "I've almost paid!" He touched his bandaged head.
"You are thought prudent, sir!" "Ah! an enemy hath said this." Gaston looked towards the Ladies Gallery. Delia's eyes were on him; Alice was gone. A half-hour later he stood in the lobby, waiting for Mrs. Gasgoyne, Lady Dargan, and Delia to come. He had had congratulations in the House; he was having them now. Presently some one touched him on the arm. "Not so bad, Cadet."
Three of them, indeed, had been drinking his health. They embraced him and kissed him, begging him to come with them for absinthe. He arranged the matter with a couple of francs. Then he wondered what now was to be done. He could not insult the Gasgoynes by asking them to come to the chateau. He proposed the Hotel de France to Mr. Gasgoyne, who assented.
They slipped the painter, a sailor took Andree's place at the helm, the oars were got out, and they made over to the channel, grazing the bar once or twice, by reason of the now heavy load. Warren Gasgoyne and Gaston had not yet spoken in the way of greeting. The former went to Delia now and said a few cheery words, but, from behind her handkerchief, she begged him to leave her alone for a moment.
Then, he added, suddenly: "Of course you know how we feel about our rescue. It was plucky of you." "Pluckier in the girl," was the reply. "Brave enough," the honest rejoinder. Gaston had an impulse to say, "Shall I thank her for you?" but he was conscious how little right he had to be ironical with Warren Gasgoyne, and he held his peace.
Presently Lord Dargan asked Gaston if he would bring Lady Dargan to the other end of the room, where Miss Gasgoyne was to join her mother. As they went, Lady Dargan said a little breathlessly: "Will you do something for me?" "I would do much for you," was his reply, for he understood! "If ever you need a friend, if ever you are in trouble, will you let me know? I wish to take an interest in you.
But how different from Delia! He suddenly turned, and said bluntly, in a low voice: "Belward, what a fool what a fool! You had it all at your feet: the best the very best." Gaston answered quietly: "It's an awkward time for talking. The rocks will have your yacht in half an hour." Gasgoyne turned towards it. "Yes, she'll get a raking fore and aft."
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