One of Our Conquerors - World eBook Library

George Meredith
CHAPTER XXXIII
the ladies hoped she would find the morning’s walk to have
been enough; good little man though Skepsey was, they were
A PAIR OF WOOERS
sure. But there is the incongruous for young women of station
on a promenade.
THAT ASHEN LOOK of the rise out of death from one of our Mr. Barmby headed to the pier. After pacing up and down
mortal wounds, was caused by deeper convulsions in Nesta’s between the briny gulls and a polka-band, he made his way
bosom than Dartrey could imagine.
forethoughtfully to the glass-sheltered seats fronting East:
She had gone for the walk with Mr. Barmby, reading the where, as his enthusiasm for the solemnity of the occasion
omen of his tones in the request. Dorothea and Virginia excited him to say, ‘We have a view of the terraces and the
would have her go. The clerical gentleman, a friend of the cliffs’; and where not more than two enwrapped invalid figures
were ensconsed. Then it was, that Nesta recalled her
Rev. Abram Posterley; and one who deplored poor Mr.
Posterley’s infatuation; and one besides who belonged to anticipation of his possible design; forgotten by her during
Nesta’s musical choir in London: seemed a safe companion their talk of her dear people: Priscilla Graves and Mr.
for the child. The grand organ of Mr. Barmby’s voice, too, Pempton, and the Yatts, and Simeon Fenellan, Peridon and
assured them of a devout seriousness in him, that arrested Catkin, and Skepsey likewise; and the very latest news of her
any scrupulous little questions. They could not conceive his mother. She wished she could have run before him, to spare
uttering the nonsensical empty stuff, compliments to their him. He would not notice a sign. Girls must wait and hear.
beauty and what not, which girls hear sometimes from inconsiderate
gentlemen, to the having of their heads turned. the sinking into its fellow; and onward again for the swell
It was an oratorio. She watched the long wave roll on to
Moreover, Nesta had rashly promised her father’s faithful and the weariful lapse; and up at last bursting to the sheet of
servant Skepsey to walk, out with him in the afternoon; and white. The far-heard roar and the near commingled, giving
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