Soap Info

Next Soap (25) | Previous Soap (23)

you are neither a dog nor a cat nor an umbrella, these refuges
are unavailable.
The cab reached the Strand.
East or west, sir? inquired the driver.
West, said I, at random.
We drove down the Strand at a leisurely pace. I passed through a
phase of agonised thought. By my side was a helpless, homeless,
friendless, penniless young woman, as beautiful as a goddess and
as emptyminded as a baby. What in the world could I do with
her? I looked at her in despair. She met my glance with a
contented smile; just as if we were old acquaintances and I were
taking her out to dinner. The unfamiliar roar and bustle of
London impressed her no more than it would have impressed a
little dog who had found a kind master.
Suppose I gave you some money and put you down here and left
you? I inquired.
I should die, she answered, fatalistically. Or, perhaps, I
should find another kind gentleman.
I wonder if you have such a thing as a soul, said I.
She plucked at her gown. I have only thisand it is very
ugly, she remarked again. I should like a pink dress.
We crossed Trafalgar Square, and I saw by Big Ben that it was a
quarter to six. I could not drive through London with her for an
indefinite period. Besides, my half past seven dinner awaited
me.
Why, oh, why has Judith gone to Paris? Had she been in town I
could have shot Carlotta into Tottenham Mansions, and gone home
to my dinner and Cristoforo da Costa with a light heart. Judith
would have found Carlotta vastly entertaining. She would have
washed her body and analysed her temperament. But Judith was in
retreat with Delphine Carrere, and has left me alone to bear the
responsibilities of lifeand Carlotta.
The cab slowly mounted Waterloo Place. I had thought of my aunts
as possible helpers, and rejected the idea. I had thought of a
police station, a hotel, my lawyers (too late), a furnished
lodging, a hospital. My mind was an aching blank.
Where do you live? asked Carlotta.
I looked at her and groaned. It was the only solution. Up
Regent's Park way, I replied, aware that she was none the wiser
for the information.
I gave the address to the cabman through the trapdoor in the
roof.
I'm going to take you home with me for tonight, I said,
severely. I have an excellent French housekeeper who will look
after your comfort. And tomorrow if that infernal young
scoundrel of a lover of yours is not found, it will not be the

Next Soap (25) | Previous Soap (23)

Soap Index