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She murmured that she was not avoiding me, but was in a hurry.
I don't believe it, said I. People have been telling you that
I am a vile, wicked man who does unspeakable things, and like a
good little girl you are afraid to talk to me. Tell people, the
next time you see them, with my compliments, that they are
malevolent geese.
I lifted my hat and relieving Rosalie of my terrifying presence,
walked away in dudgeon. I felt abominably and unreasonably angry.
I bethought me of my Aunt Jessica, whom I held responsible for
her niece's behaviour. A militant mood prompted a call. After
twenty minutes in a hansom I found myself in her drawingroom.
She was alone, the girls being away on country house visits.
Her reception was glacial. I expressed the hope that the
yachting cruise had been a pleasant one.
Exceedingly pleasant, snapped my aunt.
I trust Dora is well, said I, keeping from my lips a smile that
might have hinted at the broken heart.
Very well, thank you.
As I do not enjoy a staccato conversation, I remained politely
silent, inviting her by my attitude to speak.
I rather wonder, Marcus, she said at last, at your referring
to Dora.
Indeed? May I ask why?
May I speak plainly?
I beseech you.
I have heard of you at Etretat with your ward.
Well? I asked.
_Verbum sap_, said my aunt.
And you have let Mrs. Ralph and Rosalie know of my summer
holiday and given them to understand that I am a monster of
depravity. I am exceedingly obliged to you. I have just met
Rosalie in the street, and she shrank from me as if I were the
reincarnation of original sin.
I have no doubt that in her innocent mind you are, replied my
Aunt Jessica.
The indulgent smile wherewith she used to humour my
eccentricities had gone, and her face was hard and unpitying.
I am glad I have such charitableminded relations, said I.
I am a woman of the world, my aunt retorted, but I think that
when such things are flaunted in the face of society they become
immoral.
I rose. Do evil by stealthas much as you like, said I, but
blush to find it fame.
With a gesture my aunt assented to the proposition.
On the other hand, said I, heatedly, I have been doing a
certain amount of good both by stealth and openly, and I
naturally blush with indignation to find it accounted infamous.
I looked narrowly into my aunt's eyes and I read in them entire
disbelief in my protest. I swear, if I had proved my innocence

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