"Swinburne, Mr.
Kinosling? Ah, SWINBURNE!"
"Not Swinburne," said Mr. Kinosling chastely. "No."
That concluded all the remarks about Swinburne.
Miss Beam retired in confusion behind another lady; and somehow there
became diffused an impression that Miss Beam was erotic.
"I do not observe your manly little son," Mr. Kinosling addressed his
hostess.
"He's out playing in the yard," Mrs. Bassett returned. "I heard his
voice just now, I think."
"Everywhere I hear wonderful report of him," said Mr. Kinosling. "I
may say that I understand boys, and I feel that he is a rare, a fine, a
pure, a lofty spirit. I say spirit, for spirit is the word I hear spoken
of him."
A chorus of enthusiastic approbation affirmed the accuracy of this
proclamation, and Mrs. Bassett flushed with pleasure. Georgie's
spiritual perfection was demonstrated by instances of it, related by
the visitors; his piety was cited, and wonderful things he had said were
quoted.
"Not all boys are pure, of fine spirit, of high mind," said Mr.
Kinosling, and continued with true feeling: "You have a neighbour, dear
Mrs. Bassett, whose household I indeed really feel it quite impossible
to visit until such time when better, firmer, stronger handed, more
determined discipline shall prevail. I find Mr. and Mrs. Schofield and
their daughter charming----"
Three or four ladies said "Oh!" and spoke a name simultaneously. It was
as if they had said, "Oh, the bubonic plague!"
"Oh! Penrod Schofield!"
"Georgie does not play with him," said Mrs.
Pages:
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207