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recognised as the threecornered note.
I took the thing between finger and thumb, and glanced over the
poem. I have read much indifferent modern verse in my timeI
sometimes take a slushbath after tea at the clubbut I could
not have imagined the English language capable of such emulsion.
It was execrable. The first couplet alone contained an idea.
Thou art a lovely girl and so very nice
I dream till death upon your face.
To the wretch's ear it was a rhyme! I destroyed the noisome
thing and cast it into the wastepaper basket.
Prison, said I, would be a luxurious reward for him. In a
properly civilised country he would be bastinadoed and hanged.
Yes, he is dam bad, said Carlotta, serenely.
Good heavens! I cried, the ruffian has even taught you to
swear. If you dare to say that wicked word again, I'll punish
you severely. What is his horrid name?
Pasquale, said Carlotta.
Pasquale?
Yes, he likes to hear me say 'dam.' Oh, the other? Oh, no, he
is too stupid. He does not say anything. His name is Timkins. I
only play with him. He is so funny. He can go and kill himself;
I won't care.
Never mind about Timkins, said I, I want to hear about
Pasquale. When did he teach you that wicked, wicked word?
I think Carlotta flushed as she regarded the point of her red
slipper.
I went for a walk and he met me at the corner and walked here by
my side. Was that wicked?
What would the excellent Hamdi Effendi have said to it?
Womanlike she evaded my question.
I hope Hamdi is dead. Do you think so?
I hope not. For if you behave in this naughty manner, I shall
have to send you back to him.
She had imperceptibly moved nearer my chair until she stood quite
close to my side, so that as I spoke the last words I looked up
into her face. She put her arm about my shoulders. It is one of
her pretty, caressing ways.
I will be goodvery good, she said.
You will have to, said I, leaning back my head.
She must have caught a relenting note in my voice; for what
happened I feel even now a curious shame in noting down. Her
other arm flew under my chin to join its fellow, and holding me a
prisoner in my chair, she bent down and kissed me. She also laid
her cheek against mine.
I am still aware of the indescribable, soft, warm pressure,
although she has gone to bed hours ago.
I vow that a man must be less a man than a petrified egg to have

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