This was what happened, Theodora came down the steps, her stately figure
outlined in its darkness against the gush of lamplight from the porch.
Arnold Sherman asked her if he might see her home. Theodora took
his arm calmly, and together they swept past the stupefied Ludovic,
who stood helplessly gazing after them as if unable to believe his eyes.
For a few moments he stood there limply; then he started
down the road after his fickle lady and her new admirer.
The boys and irresponsible young men crowded after,
expecting some excitement, but they were disappointed.
Ludovic strode on until he overtook Theodora and Arnold Sherman,
and then fell meekly in behind them.
Theodora hardly enjoyed her walk home, although Arnold Sherman
laid himself out to be especially entertaining. Her heart yearned
after Ludovic, whose shuffling footsteps she heard behind her.
She feared that she had been very cruel, but she was in for it now.
She steeled herself by the reflection that it was all for his own good,
and she talked to Arnold Sherman as if he were the one man in the world.
Poor, deserted Ludovic, following humbly behind, heard her, and if
Theodora had known how bitter the cup she was holding to his lips
really was, she would never have been resolute enough to present it,
no matter for what ultimate good.
Pages:
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31