http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/ presents:
Guests in the House by Hermynia Zur Mühlen (1883‐1951) London: Frederick Muller, 1947. No translator named. No indication that the work was translated.
Reproduced with permission of Patrik von zur Mühlen.
Original German title: Nora hat eine famose Idee. First serialized in the Vienna magazine Bunte Woche, 6 November 1932 ‐ 14 May 1933.
Dr. Patrik von zur Muehlen Trierer Strasse 57 D-53115 Bonn Germany
Dear Mrs. Ockerbloom,
Professor Gossman asked me to inform you about the copyright problems concerning the books of Hermynia Zur Muehlen. Indeed, these problems seem to be very murky, but I can help you to clear them up. The marriage of Hermynia and my great-uncle Viktor von zur Muehlen was dissolved in 1920, so that neither the family as a whole nor any member of it is entitled to the copyright of her novels, fairy tales, essays etc. In 1938 she married her second husband Stefan Klein, a citizen of Czechoslovakia; he died nine years after her in 1960 – as we know – without a testament. They had no children, and neither had brothers or sisters who could claim the copyright. The Publishing House – the Malik Verlag – where most of her books were published belonged to the Communist Party; it does not exist today. Moreover, German copyright had a validity of 50 years (now 70 years) and Hermynia Zur Mühlen died in 1951; hence no other publisher, such as S. Bermann Fischer, or anybody else, can enter a protest against any form of reprinting, re-editing or republishing of her books; the books are available for everybody. With respect to her translated books there we have the same situation. As I know, all of her books were translated by herself anonymously or under a pseudonym (i.e. Lawrence H. Desberry), perhaps revised by a native speaker. In the last fifty years many of her books have been reprinted or republished without any problems. In many cases the publishers asked me or relatives of mine and always we gave the same answer. I would much appreciate seeing her works published, whether printed or posted to the internet or in any other form.
Sincerely yours
Patrik von zur Mühlen
By the same Author
WE POOR SHADOWS CAME THE STRANGER ' • [Juests tn
by @ounless C(jfermynia <6t'ur (}!J!z:Uhlen
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, , , I \ i LONDON grede"ick Gnuller cf!imiled , 29 GREAT JAMES STREET
W.,C.I , f !._<~,) FIRST PUBLISHED BY FREDERICK MULLER, LTD. IN 1947 PRINTED IN' GREAT BRITAIN BY WYMAN & $ONS LTD. LONDON, READING AND FAKENHAM CHAPTER I /:".-/.- /. yiNC; at ease in an arm-chair, Nom Sternbach yawned L and stretched herself lazily. It was much too sultry to go to bed. Even on. the balcony the heat of the August night was unbearable, and the wind rustling . the leaves in the garden seemed to tome from a furnace. Nora' put out her hand for the paper lying on the small , table and began turning over the pages. In the mellow light of the reading lamp she skimmed the news. Politics bored her; suicides-what a lot of people seemed to commit suicide nowadays; trade-news, a long and dull a~ticle on the Elster Bank; advertisements, perhaps she'd find a cook-Martha's 'cooking had, been vile for the last three weeks; she would have to give her notice. A car came up the hill, stopped before the gate, began humming again. Nora frowned and looked at her watch. Midnight; surely Ottokar .could not be back already? The car had stopped. Nora heard her husband's low voice and the louder one of the chauffeur. The man , , seemed to have a lot to say. After a while Nora heard his " Good night, Count Ottokar," and then the car being driven in the direction of the garage. Nora got up, smoothed her tousled hair and stepped into the sitting-room. , As soon as her husband opened the door, she said impatiently: " Why are you back so early? " ~ He went up to her and kissed her hand. bJl "It's past midllight, dear. I did not want to keep ~ the poor devil of a chauffeur, waiting any longer." . "The chauffeur 1 Ottokar, don't prevaricate, confess TIns BOOK 15 PRODUCED IN that you've once again forgotten to be unfaithful to me." COMPLETE CONFORMITY WITH THE \li! The tall slender, fair-haited man gazed at her in dismay. AUTHORISED ECONOMY STANDARDS "'~' '1L2,1_14r.'(~) 1 :\.; 6 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE G U EST SIN- ,T H E HO USE 7 "Good gracious, Nora, I really did forget. You see, " A pretty kettle of fish. The woman's got engaged I met Professor Brown and we went to his house. He's and is afraid her fiance might come to hear of it. She discovered a most interesting fact likely to revolutionize really might know by now how hopelessly virtuous you the whole doctrine of heredity. I must tell you about it." are. But she won't listen to reason, and the whole thing's . " I don't want to hear about congenital idiots and that off. What are we to do ? " kind of thing. You know it bores me to tears. You'd Ottokar looked guilty. better think of poor Miss Grey who has been waiting "I'm so sorry, dear. You must forgive me. If for you at the Regina bar ever since ten o'clock. That's only we could manage some other way. But the the foufth time you've phnted her. How am I evel: to law . . ." get my divorce if you will forget to be unfaithful to " Don't for goodness' sake deliver· a lecture on the law me?" of divorce. I'.m frantic. I really believe you do it on " Heavens! Poor Miss Grey! How abominably rude purpose. You don't want me to divorce you." of me. I must send her some flowers to-morrow." He looked at her wistfully. " You won't. You'll take her up the Semmering "I want you to do whatever you think best, dear. to-morrow and trot her about all over the place. You'll Even if it hurts m.e." dine with her and spend the night at the hotel with her. Her voice grew gentler. I won't let you put it off for ever." "You're a dear. I can quite imagine another woman Sitting down with a sigh, Ottokar gloomily lit a cigar" being happy with you. But I . . ." ette. Nora went over to her writing table and took off She shrugged nervously. the telephone receiver. Her thin fingers nervously dialled "I know I bore you. I'm too quiet; you ought to the number. After a short while she heard a familiar have a live wire for a husband, not a dull fellow like me. voice. But you'll get your divorce. I promise not to keep you "Nora Sternbach speaking. You really must forgive 'w~iting any ~onger. ),' my husband, dear Miss Grey. He was unable to come. "You'd better make a note of it: IO p.m. be unfaithful He had a most important business appointment"; making to my wife." a face at her husband, she whispered: "I'm sure you've " I wish you would not laugh, Nora. The whole thing never had one in your life." She went on talking into is disgusting." the telephone. "What did you say? Oh no, to-morrow. •.' . "I think so too. It would be much nicer to separate He'll come and fetch you in the car. At eleven. Will in, a friendly way. Because we. really are good friends, , that suit you? You can't? But surely it's only a for- aren't we? But it can't be done. You refuse to beat mality .... No, he'll sit in an easy chair and read, and me, and I suppose you don't want me to--" you can sleep all night long .... Dear Miss Grey.... " He interrupted her, betraying temper for the first time. Nora began to coo. "Darling Miss Grey, you're not going " Certainly not. I would never allow you ..." to leave me in the lurch? After all, you promised. . . ." She gave him a searching look. She went on talking for another minute, then she slammed " What makes you hate the idea so? Love for me or down the receiver...... consideration for the family name?" :ji;
GUES.TS IN THE H,OUSE 9 8 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE-- He opened the door for her and she left the room with- He 'hesitated, and she watched him with growing out another word. irritation. How she had come to hate his eternal Th~ indetermination during the two years of her married Ottokar ptlt out the light and sat down again. room was very quiet. From time to time he heard the life. sle~py "Maybe both," he said at last. "You know I don't honk of a passing car, and once a bird woke up care a hang for my title. That kind of thing is growing and twittered in the branches of an old walnut-tree. After a while he got up and went out on to the balcony. In obsolete. But the'Sternbachs were always decent,. arid their women never got talked about. And as we're the Nora's room the light was still on. last of the family I really should prefer " ~, You'll marry again." * * * " No." Nora could not sleep. She tossed from side to side " Was marriage with me so odious that you don't want and even the thin silk blanket seemed too heavy. She to try the experiment a second time?" " On the contrary, it was so good a thing that I could threw it off with an impatient movement. Taking up a I book' she tried to read, but the book bored her; she pever marry another woman." . "Don't say that, my dear, you make me feel a beast. could not get up an. interest in the story. She turned off the light and closed her eyes, trying to' make her mind Sometimes I think we might have got on beautifully if a blank. But she was wider awake than ever. Jumping we had had less money . . ..if I had had something to out of bed she sat down in the .bow window and lit a do." She reached for a cigarette and burst out laughing. cigarette. "I'm talking nonsense. You would be lost without' In the distance summer lightning flashed across the money, without servants to wait on you, without a solicitor sky. It grew stronger and black clouds hid the stars. Thunder rumbled through the peaceful night, and heavy who manages all your affairs." rain-drops pattered on the leaves. A smell of damp earth He flushed a dark red. came through the open window; the cool was delightful H I certainly seem to cut a sorry figure," he said, a tinge of bitterness in his voice. \' Unfortunately you're after the hot day and the sultry evening. Nora drew a deep breath, feeling less nervous. She right." loved thunderstorms and all untamed things; she adored "I did not mean to hurt you. Sorry." every kind of noi,se-barbaric music, the honking of cars, She got up slowly. " I'm going to bed. Good night. You may kiss me, the ringing and screeching of trams, the rumbling' of trucks. She had known too much quiet and calm as a there's no one to see us." He stooped down to her-she hardly reached his girl. Her thoughts went back to the small watering-place shoulders-and gently kissed her on the forehead. where her father was a doctor. Long ago, before her Her low laugh sounded slightly annoyed. "That's the way you kiss a woma!). you pretend to time, it had been full of life. Famous men and women had come there from all over the world, and the old love. And then you're surprised ...." 11 10 GUESTS IN 'tHE. HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE ba,oque houses proudly dlsplayed faded inscriptions boast- Two years ago-she wa,s just nineteen-a young man ing of artists, statesmen and 'poets who had once lived had com~ to consult her father; a well dres,sed, handsome there. In deserted gardens old rose-trees shed their petals young man., . on weed-choked paths. Climbing up the green hill hotels Her mother had watched him enter the house, and 1n and boardlng houses shrieked on immense posters for the evening she assailed her husband with questions. guests that never came. The big Casino-park and the "Who was that young 'man? Is he going ,to once famous spring were deserted, and the forest where stay here for some time? What is the matter With the baths had been was visited only by squirrels and birds. him? " Nora remembered the deadly dullness of her home. The doctor pushed up his glasses, and keeping his The small windows, looking out on an empty, narrow finger between the pages of his medical journal, replied by-street, the cheerless rooms, Her father, taciturn and grumpily: ' moody, her mother, caring only for local events--engage- H Count Sternbach, a Viennese." ments, weddlngs, births and the death of men and women Nora could still remember her mother's small blue eyes who had been her husband's patients, Her world was a sparkling with inquisitiveness. tiny one, consisting of town gossip, the price of food "Has he got money? Where is he staying?" and the flightiness of modern maids, ," At the Bristol. Why do you want to know? " Nora had wanted to leave home to go and live in Nora's mother had only smiled slyly. Her husband Vienna and get a job. But her parents would not let her. had not O'uessed what her questions meant, but Nor!!, had. " You ought to thank God that you have not to earn She kne; exactly what her, mother was thinking: "Just your living like other girls," her mother used to say. the husband I want for my daughter-rich, good-looking, " Just think if you had to work in a stuffy office. You and a count. Nora is quite pretty enough to marry a don't ,know how well off you are," count; I must do my best." ' Summer brought a few guests; mostly rheumatic old Thinking ,of the weeks that followed, Nora's sr:Ule people who lay about in deck-chairs, and spent their time grew grim. The young man had been an easy prey. He eating and sleeping. was touched, by ,the maternal kindness shown by the Nora walked in the Casino-park, watching the guests doctor's wife, and enjoyed' cor:Ung to the house. After rest, listening to the band and longing to get away. In a week Mrs. Berend knew all there was to know: that winter the small town hibernated, slumbering plaCidly Ottokar was the only son of Count Sternbach; that he under a thick blanket of snow. Nora sat by the fire, had a younger sister who was at school in Switzerland; half dazed by boredom. She read all day long, preferring that his parents wanted him to marry; that he was wealthy novels that told her about the big world she was cut off and terribly shy; that he was afraid of girls and greatly from; about dances, shows, music and fun. Looking up interested in medlcjne. she would see her father buried in a medical journal and Ottokar was handsome and charr:Ung, and Nora wanted her mother darning socks. Sometimes she felt that she to leave home at any price. Fate had given her a chance; would g9 mad;' that she would be capable of committing why should she not grasp it? a crime only to get away. Four weeks later Ottokar proposed, stammering and GUESTs'. IN 'I'HE HOUSE '3 12 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE longed for her mother, who was a master in' the art of stuttering,' and was accepted. The doctor's wife was bliss- making scenes. ' fully happy. ,Neither she nor her daughter ever knew She wished that she conld fall in love with another that the opposition of the Sternbach family against his man; it wonld make a change. She would ha.J.e been marriage with a "little nobody" had driven Ottokar to afraid of Ottokar finding her out. But other men bored propose. He had all the obstiuacy proper to quiet people, her too. Everything bored her. She felt she would not and he hated class-distinctions. be able to go on like this any longer. " They were married in August. Mrs. Berend was off When they had been married two years she told her her head with joy. She only opened her mouth to say: husband that she wanted a divorce. He did not seem "My son-in-law, Count Sternbach ... my daughter's surprised. His face grew sad, but he only said: mother-in-law, the Countess ...." She felt as thouo-h " If you feel like that, my dear. . . . Of course I shall she herself had been ennobled, and thanked God on her do what you want." bended knees, so she said, for the happiness of her only,' He had stared out of the window without speaking, dearly beloved child. whilst she nervously waited for him to say something, Happiness ... ? Nora, re-living the past two years; to tty and make her change her mind, or at least to be shrugged impatiently. Marriage had given her /hloney angry for once. and a title, a fine house in Vienna, and the pleasure of When he turned his head, he only said gently: beIng well-dressed and greatly admired. But the capital "I'm glad my parents are dead. They would have had ~ecome poverty-st,icken after the Great War, and , hated it. I shall talk to my solicitor to-morrow. Of course glamorous, merry, light-hearted Vienna was a thing of I shall let you divorce me." the past. As soon as Nora had become accustomed to Rather unreasonably Nora had felt hurt. He did not being ,a wealthy woman-and to-day it seemed to her seem to mind losing her. After all, she was pretty, and that, this had come to pass in a very short time-the old she could be charming if she wanted to. He nlight have deadly boredom that had tortured her at horne ,returned. shown distress. Ottokar spoilt her. He left no wish of hers unfulfilled., hus~ " We'll remain good friends all the same, won't we ? " Even her in-laws had become reconciled; But her she had asked rather timidly. band bored her, and ,his calm irritated her. . When they H Of course, my dear." were alone he would read for hours without saying a Then he had suddenly .flushed and looked uncomfort- word, just as her father had done. She knew that he able. ' hated everything she liked-noise, bustle, parties, dances - '~As to the alimony, you know of course that I shall and night clubs. ' allow you more than you are entitled to by law? " She grew peevish and discontented. It a,nnoyed her Nora had been sure of it. She felt ashamed of having that Ottokar always remained the same-courteous and given money a thought; and because she felt ashamed, gentle. If only he, too, would be unkind and just for had salii dryly: once' cross, . unjust, like other people. If only he would ~'I should like to have the house." not always let her have her way. If qnly he would some- '" All right. I shan't rernain in Vienna after the divorce." times fly into a temper. There were days when she even G U EST S rN· THE H 0 USE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE 15 Nora had expected to be divorced within a few weeks, " After all, you are a gentleman, Ottokar; you ought but she had not reckoned with Ottokar's absent-minded- to know better. r must say I'm terribly disappointed in ness. For the last two months he had kept forgetting to you." . . give her grounds for divorce. Remembering the unlucky "I'm sorry,' Mama." inoident of the evenitlg, she frowned. Did he really "But, as r. told Nora, wives must learn to forgive. forget it or was he after all hoping she would change After all, you're young and young men do get carried her mind and let herself be influenced by her mother? away. r suppose you lost your head and the hussy tempted As soon as she had heard of the pending divorce, Mrs. you. You were unable to resist her glamour." Berend had rushed up to town, arriving at the house, Ottokar, thinking of Miss Grey who was forty if 'she red in the face, flustered, breathless, her hat awry, stern were a day and who had a fearful squint, could not repress and angry. a smile.
H Ha"v:e you taken leave of your senses, Nota? I won't . His mother-in-law saw the smile, and felt annoyed . have it. You're not going to be so foolish. A divorce 1 . " r never thought of you as a heartless cynic, Ottokar. Just think what the people at home would say. You After all the trouble your poor parents took to bring you know how they feel about divorce." up properly. My poor child, my poor Nora! How she Vaguely Nora saw in her mind's eye the" people at must have .suffered 1 But don't let's cry pver spilt milk. home," the proprietors of the big hotels, the chemist, Nora will forgive, you. A loving wife always forgives." the vicar and his fat wife, the manager of the Casino and She lowered her voice to a whisper: "I, too, had to his thin one. She almost heard them whisper: forgive my dear husband, fifteen years ago. It was in " Have you heard the news? Doctor Berend's daughter June; I remember perfectly. Such a rainy June. I. was is getting a divorce.· Of course her parents pretend it'~ terribly unhappy, but r forgave him. Nora is sure to ...,." the husband's fault. But the girl always was fast .... Ottokar interrupted her. . No one ever understood that delightful young Count ." Nota is not going to forgive me, Mama. Please don't marrying her. ... ." worry her." "I shall. die with shame if my friends get to know Mrs. Berned gazed at him reproachfully. . about it," Mrs. Berend had said tearfully. " You're the typical, frivolous aristocrat, Ottokar; the "I'm sorry, Mother, but it can't be helped." kind one reads about in novels. You don't nnderstand Mrs. Berend had sighed gustily and had gone on talking the sacredness of matrimony. Only the upper middle till Ottokar came home. Hearing him come in, she had classes lead an exemplary family-life. It would have been run to meet him in the hall. much better for my poor daughter had she married a " rye just been talking to my daughter," she had said doctor or a lawyer. I told her so at the time. But she grimly. "But she won't listen to me. No wonder, poor was head over heels in love with you, and would not . child. For you must admit, Ottokar, that it is a shame listen to me. She always was headstrong. You must to be unfaithful to one's wife after so short a time. have guessed, Ottokar, that r was against the marriage' r would never have thought it of you. . . /' from the very first. Unfortunately, r was only too right." Ottokar had gazed helplessly at the angry woman, Ottokar tried vainly to remember his mother-in-law's 16 'GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUES,'I'S IN THE HOUS'E '7 opposItIOn to their marriage. He felt miserable, and She rather liked what she saw: dark, curly hair, grey wanted to get away. eyes, 'a small straight nose, a slight figure. Yes, when " I'm sure you are right, Mama. But we must do what I'm free, quite free, I'm sure to have a good time, Nora wants." \ She felt happy and sleepy. Getting into the low gr,y Mrs. Berend's small eyes grew bright with curiosity. Empire bed she rolled herself up, turned off the light, "Nora is so secretive; I hardly know anything ... and fell asleep at once. Tell me, Ottokar, how often were you unfaithful to my poor child?" , Ottokar changed colour. Murmuring a few unintelligible words, he ran from the hall and fled to his study, bolting the door behind him. CHAPTER II After his mother-in-law had gone home, he said to his wife: 'OLDING the divorce 'papers in her hand, Nora smiled "Listen, Nora, you know that I always do what you H happily. Her solicitor !lad just left her. She sat want. But for goodness' sake don't let your mother talk in her small sitting-room, making plans. What was she to me. I'm always afraid of blurting out the truth when going to'db? Travel; go away as soon as possible, so she has me on the carpet.", as to escape her mother who was sure to come to town, . Nora looked out into the pouring rain and laughed weeping and sighing and, as likely as not, offering to stay softly, remembering the talks between Ottokar and her with her "poor unhappy child" for an indefinite time. mother. ,Then she grew serious again. ' There was no danger of her father' coming here. He had What a pity that kind, charming man bores me so had only one talk with her, and Nora felt rather un- terribly, she mused. He's behaving so. decently, poor comfortable when she remembered his words: dear. I'm sick of the whole thing. But I simply must "It wasn't fair of you to marry the mari, Besides, I be free to do as I like. After the divorce I shall have can't believe that you really care whether he's faithfult~. a good time; lots of money to spend, a title and no you or. not. ' But it's your business, not mine." , husband. He can have his little, sister to live with him. Where should she go first? To think that she could What a blessing that Irene is seventeen and is leaving travel round the whole world if she wanted to ! school. He'll be perfectly happy with her. The large table in the middle of the room was covered She shuddered; the storm was driving icy raindrops with advertisements of tourists' offices and ocean liners. through the window. Looking out she saw a dark. figure Norahad decided not to go to Switzerland or Italy, as standing on the balcony. ' most people did; not even to Egypt or Algiers, but to Ottokar, she thought., He can't sleep, either. But what the South Sea Islands, or maybe to South Aq>erica-to is keeping him awake? The idea of losing me, or Pro- countries gay with bright colours and sun. Perhaps Cali- fessor Brown's new doctrine of heredity? fornia would be rather nice. . . . I-iollywood. . . . She shook herself like a dog that has just conie out of The telephone rarig. Nora took up the teceiver and the water. Then she got up and stood before her mirror. recognized Ottokar's voice. B IS GUE~TS IN' THE HOUSE GUESTS IN TH,E HOUSE '9 , "May I come round? I have got to tell you some- " I had a letter from my solicitor this morning " thing." He broke off and looked at her helplessly. "Do. You can help me make up my mind where I'm "Well? " to go to," "Nora, it's simply awful to have to tell you, dear. " I'll be with you in ten minutes." . . I had settled eight thousand a month on Y9U , The servant who announced him was visibly embar- and ..." rassed, and did not know what to say. Nora hid a smile "Go on." listening to his stammering words: "The bank ..." he hesitated. "You know, the "The Count . . . Count Sternbach. " Elster Bank, whereI banked; it's failed. All my money Of course it was funny hearing Ottokar announced like is gone." any casual visitor. Nora grew pale. She remained silent for a little while, She got np to meet him. trying to· make, sense of what Ottokar had told her. Then "How nice of yon to come, Ottokar. I wanted to she said impatiently: thank you for having made things so easy for me." "Why, for goodness' sake, didn't you look after your He kissed her hand and smiled rather wryly. , affairs?" "Your man certainly painted me as black as a nigger 'f The solicitor always did everything. I don't under- in court," he said with an undertone of reproach. " I stand anything 'about it. A big concern has gone bank- felt like old Casanova; the libertine. And your mother rupt and has ruined the bank. At least, that's what my has written me ten pages filled with horror and reproaches: solicitor'told me. What on earth do I know about con- if only she bad known what kind of man she had trusted cerns? I always hated that kind of thing. I see now' her poor innocent child to . . ." that it was a mistake. I ought to have kept myself in- " Poor Ottokar." formed for your sake." " The worst is yet to come. Since the divorce has been He sighed. _ , pronounced, eight women have written to me offering " I'm a hopeless idiot, my dear. But it's too bad that me their-let's call it 'love.' As if I were a boxer or you should suffer ...." a star." "Isn't there anything left?" " You'd better be careful, or you'll be married again "About twenty thousand schillinge. They were de- before you know where you' are." posited somewhere else. I thought of giving you fifteen Ottokar' grew serious. thousand. I'd like to keep five thousand, if you don't , "No danger of that. I've got to tell you something mind. You see, I shall have to look after Irene." very unpleasant, Nora. I don't know how to do it, my Nora laughed. dear .... It's terribly hard on you." "With five thousand schillinge. Oh, my dear!" / " What's happened? " " Professor Brown has promised to let me work in his He sat down opposite to her in the small an,,-chair he laboratory. Of course, at first I'll only get ,a tiny salary." had always hated because, sitting in it, he had never known Nora gazed at hitp compassionately. How ,decent he what to do with his legs. was, and how absolutely helpless., How on earth was he 20 G,UES'I'S IN THE HOUSE GUES'TS IN THE HOUSE 21 to 'get on in a world that demanded brutality, bluffing, "But ·we're divorced, Nota. Luckily for you." , arrogance? ' H One can't leave a man· in the lurch when he's just " You'll never be abk to earn your Hving." , lost all hjs ,money." "I'll have to manage somehow. If only you . . . Why on earth, she wondered, did I say that? It's the You never expected to be poor. How are you going to kind of thing my father might have said; the dear old stand it? " man who never went back on anyone or betrayed his " After all," she said, her smile growing gentler, "I principles. wasn't born a millionaire. We had to do a lot of econo- Ottokar shook his head. mizing at home." " That's impossible, my dear." "Ies sweet of you not to reproach me." "It isn't. Remember twenty thousand are more than She fell silent and grew thoughtful. He took a cigar- fifteen thousand and five thousand. And ,don't forget ette and began to smoke. Irene. You'll ,never be able to look after her. But "You're so pretty, Nora," he said after a little while, l' . .." She" suddenly grew eager. "Believe me, looking intently at her. " You're sure to marry again. Ottokar; I'll manage to make money." That's the one thing that comforts me. In the meantime H And I'm to sponge on you? " you might go and live with your parents." ," Oh, don't be silly.'" "Anything rather than that." "I might accept for Irene," he said slowly. Nora " Darling, we'll have to sell the house and the car too, could see how much even this concession hurt his pride. 1'm afraid." " She is only seventeen, spoilt, accustomed to have every- Go home; return to the desolate dreariness she had thing done for her. As for me, no.... " escaped from so gladly two years ago. Back to her shabby His .opposition annoyed her. He had always given way little room with the faded wallpaper, the horrible yellow to her up to now. She came and sat on, the arm of his roses on the brown background she had always loathed. chair. Back to the endless evenings, to the loud voice of her H Don't be a mule) Ottokar." mother talking inanities, to the spitefulness of her old " I'm not a mule." friends .. :. She, could hear them saying: "Of course, " Then don't be so proud. Why won't you accept my , Nora HAD to marry a count. Nothing else was good , help? " enough for her. See what's come of it. She's divorced He smiled. and' hasn't got a penny." "Darling, you're talking as if you had already made , Suddenly it struck her how much the silent man sitting a fortune.' Remember that you have nothing but a miser- opposite to her had given her during their married life. able fifteen thousand." "What had, she given in' return ? " Seventeen thousand. I've got two thousand left from ~, Listen! " she said. H As things have fallen out this my allowance." way, we'd better remain together." Stooping, she stroked his curly hair. He stared at' her incredulously. His eyes fell on the " Look here, you can't leave me in the lurch. It would divorce papers lying on the table. be most unfair. I want your help.". 22 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN TBE HOUSE 23 He looked up wistfully. to-morrow morning, and next week we'll go and fetch - H You never said that before." Irene. No, you'd better go alone. It will be cheaper." ",But it's true, nevertheless. I want you ... Don't go She rang the bell., away. We'll fetch Irene at Lausanne and live together " The Count is staying for lunch," she told the servant. all three of us." "And tell the maid to put his room in order. He's " You keep forgetting that we're divorced." coming here to-morrow." " Don't make such a fuss just because of a divorce." ~, Yes, Madam." She got up and went to the 'phone. "Now we'll talk things over, Ottokar. We won't sell "What are you doing? " he asked. the house. Houses are cheap just now. And if we take ", Calling up your hotel and telling the manager that a flat we'll have to pay rent. The car," she sighed mourn- you are giving up your room to-morrow. We must not fully, "we'll have to sell that." , spend more money than necessary." " My. poor chB:#eur!" She got the connection and Ottokar, listening, was too Nora laughed 'rather unkindly. dumbfounded to object. "Isu't that just like you. You lose about a million The~ she sat down again on the arm of his chair. and instead of being sorry for yourself you pity the "There, that's done. You'd better go to the hotel at chauffeur. " once and pack your things. Then come back." ". You see, dear, it's on account of the baby." "You're crazy, Nora. You'll spoil all your chances." "What baby? What are you talking about? " . " Bother the chances." " He's got a little boy of three. Such a darling. His He looked at her searchingly. wife died about a year ago. He's been living with a girl "Do you really mean it? Do you want to live with friend who looked after the child, but last month she ran me again?" away with another man. He wants to marry again, for "I want to stay with you. Not as your wife, just as the child's sake; but he says it's so hard to find a good a friend who is going to help you to make good." wife. And if he has to go on the dole. . .. He has a "And you really think I shall be able to stand that nice little flat~two rooms and a kitchen~but he won't kind of thing? " , be able to afford it if I can't keep him on." " You've been able to stand it for months. Please, "How do you khOW all that?" don't suddenly come the passionate lover over me. Let's " He told me all about it. You've forgotten that we're try it for half a year. If we don't make good, you can old friends. I went to see him once, and he showed me leave me." the boy. He's awfully proud of him. If only he were Her small, rather hard face grew softer. married, things would be much easier for him." "Surely you know that I'm fond of you, Ottokar? Nora screwed up her eyes as was her wont when think- Really, I am. Excepting my father, you're the most decent ing intently. man I ever met. Unfortunately also tl:]e dullest. But '" He says he'd give a month!s pay, if only he could perhaps having to earn money will wake you up. Don't find a good wife." contradict me. Everything is settled. You'll come here Ottokar's thoughts were still with the chauffeur. GUESTS IN~ THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE 25 " Poor oid Huber." Ialways wanted to go exploring. One can do it without Nora said nothiug. . going through the desert in a caravan.' I believe there " I hate having to give him notice." are quite enough queer creatures to be found here; no " He's good looking," Nora said. "Very good looking." need to penetrate a virgin forest." Noticing his amaze- Ottokar stared at her. ment, she adde4,; "You're a queer creature too, and so "What are you talking about?" am I. We've lived together for two years without getting " And he really can't find a suitable wife ?-" to know one another. You'll see that you'll discover all " So he says. Why do you want to know? .. We're kinds of nice things in my make-up, and I'll probably do talking about giving him notice, not about finding him the same about you." a wife." (~ Y DU really wan( me to stay here?" "Listen, Ottokar! You'll give him notice. We can't . " But, my.dear, we settled that hours ago. What were afford the car. But tell him that he can come and live you going to say}" in the attic rooms with the child as long as he is out of "We've got to find out how much we .can spend a wot:k." month; we must ..." "You're a darli.ng." " Oh, do leave it to me." "Don't take me for a lady bountiful. I know why· " But it's my duty. " I'm doing it," " Don't be a bore. You can do somethipg much more "Why? " unpleasant." "I'll tell you .one of these days." " What? " Her eyes were sparkling, her sinall mouth was smiling " You can go and see my. parents this afternoon and mischievously. tell them that we're going to remain together." "We'll get on all right, you'll see. I've had an idea, "Nora, darling, really ...." a wonderful idea. No, I won't tell you yet. I've got to "I dop't feel up to THAT; I need my pluck for other think it over first." things." " Can I help you or shall I accept Professor Brown's She took a railway guide from her writing table and offer/' turned over the pages. " Accept it. I know you'd be miserable if you didn't "Lunch is at one. There's a train at three forty-five. earn something too." You can take that. You can come back with the seven- " Too? Nora, do tell me what you are going ten train; we'll have late dinner. . . ." to do." Ottokar gave in. He was far too bewildered and wretched "Wait! You'll see." to put up a fight, and somehow he did not even feel that She pushed the advertisements of the tourists' offices he wanted to. . and the ocean linets off the table. Buying his ticket, he remembered that he had to econo- "The South Sea Islands can wait, and so can Cali- mize, and for the first time in his life took a third-class fornia. Nevertheless, I'm going to a foreign country- ticket. And for the first time in his life he mastered his the country of work, maybe of poverty. As a little girl shyness and talked to the people in the compartment. 26 GUESTS IN THE HOUS"E GUESTS IN, THE HOUSE He didn't want to think about the unpleasant time in If only the doctor would come home; perhaps then his store for him. ' wife would grow silent for a while. His ears began to Talking and listening to the conversations all around, hum; he felt sick and giddy, but Mrs. Berend went on he recalled Nora's words, about the foreign country. This talking unceasingly and did not seem to tire. third-class with the hard wooden benches really was one, At last the clock struck a quarter to seven. Ottokar populated by men and women whose lives seemed un- jumped up. intelligible and even mysterious to him. The kind of " You must excuse me, Mama; I've got to go. Other- thing 'one read about in modern books, but never really , wise I shall miss my train." ,believed. The people compared the amounts they earned , When he wanted to tip the maid he discovered with in a week and Ottokar blushed, discovering that he spent dismay that he had only got ten groschen left. He had to more money on cigarettes in a month than a family with' go back to the sitting-room and ask Mrs. Berend for his fare. one child on their whole budget. He, tried hard doing Laughing scornfully she gave him five schillinge. accounts in his head, and failed miserably. "So that's the way things are! You make my poor A young woman with a baby was crying because her daughter miserable i'nd then you expect us to support husband, who was a builder, had fallen from the scaffolding you! " and was lying in hospital. " Sorry, Mama! I'll send you the money to-morrow." " And we were so glad when he got work at last." "To-morrow never comes. But as I always say: When she got out at a small station Ottokar hurriedly , A"iistocrats and swindlers are much of a muchness'. n pressed all the money he had found in his purse into her hand. Ottokar hastily pocketed the money and fled. He reached the small watering-place and listened The train was late. Ottokar, walking up and down patiently for two endless hours to Mrs. Berend's reproaches. the platform espied Mrs. Berend who had come to meet The good lady was not chaiy of them. a friend. He hastily hid behind a post, but her loud voice " First, of all you make my poor daughter unhappy by reached him : leading an immoral life-I never knew a man could be " Yes, my dear, I've just had a delightful visit from my so wicked before I heard Nota's solicitor in court--and son-in-law, Count Sternbach. We're great friends; he now that you're divorced you talk her over into living in looks upon me as a mother ever since his poor mother sin! Not only that. You go and lose all your money! died. He simply adores me. Of course no one can deny I really don't know what to say to you. But I always that those old families, with their ancient traditions. . . ." told my daughter: 'Nora,' I said,.' whatever you do, don't marry an aristocrat. One never knows how it will turn out.' And I was right. Living together without being married! A man who cannot even look after his CHAPTER III bank deposit! Of course, a count is too high and mighty for that kind of thing." 'OUR people were standing in front of the garage, Ottokar kept wondering how a human being could go F saying good-bye to the fine blue car that was to on talking for so long a time without getting hoarse. be delivered to its new owner by eleven. 28 G U EST SIN T H!i H 0 q S E GUESTS IN TH'E HOUSE Ottokar, gazing at the car, suddenly saw in his mind's The chauffeur sighed gustily. eye a brown copy book into which he had long ago ,~ For the last time." written one of those wise sentences school teachers love Nora forced a smile. to dictate: _ "In a few months' time, Huber, you'll be driving the car again," she said cheerfully. " Don't cling to the things that pass away, "Please God. But when aristocrats go smash they Beauty and happiness cannot stay." usually take a long time to recover," and be gave his former master a compassionate smile. At the time he had written the words they had made They watched the car -driving through the gate, down no impression upon him, but to-day, remembering them, the 'lull that led to the dty. Then they walked back to he suddenly began to think about them. - Why NOT cling the house in the cold, drizzling autumn rain, and sat in to the things that pass away? Did not life itself " pass Nora's sitting-room, huddling close to the fire. away" too, and ought one not to make it as beautiful as " Huber doesn't believe in our efficiency," Irenesaid. possible? Maybe, the world would be better off, ,if part "I'm afraid he's right," Ottokar replied mournfully. 'of humanity-Ottokar thought of the passengers he had " If he thinks of you only, maybe," his sister said with travelled with in the third-class carriage-insisted upon a teasing smile. "But then, poor boy, you were handi- having the things that passed away, including that most capped frpm the very beginning. The idea of calling a precious of them all-life. Had they not allowed them- baby , Ottohr '! Of course poor Mama wanted to have selves to be robbed of it during the ghastly years of the a Czech name in the family, nevertheless, only kings should Great War·, as if it had- been a worthless thing,. rubbish, bear that name, and the only one I can remember-the fit only to be thrown away? gallant Bohemian king-was conquered by a practical Irene's clear young voice broke in upon his musings. Swiss Habsburg, who wasn't in the least bit romantic but She too was looking at the car and saying, half laughing, knew exactly what he ",anted." half serious: Nora smiled at Irene. " Just the right weather for saying' Good-bye '-grey "I like you," she said impulsively. "We .two will be and desolate." efficient for all three of us. I must admit that I was rather Thank goodness, Ottokar thought, -that she does not frightened when I saw you at the station. You're so take it to heart. He "lanced at Nora. She was a little slim, so fair, you look so delicate. I felt sure you'd cry pale, a little wistfuL "The only one who really seemed and make an awful fuss." upset was the chauffeur. He stared at the car with wet "Nonsense. I only look so; I'm really as strong as eyes and said rebelliously: . a horse. I can take it. I never let anything get me " Our lovely car, what a shafne! And the silly idiot who down." bought it can't even drive properly. Besides, you sold it " What do you know of life, my child?" Ottokar said much too cheap, sir. If you had listened to me. . . ." wearily. "What did you learn at your Swiss school? " Irene looked at her watch. "Oh, the usual stuff, and tennis and dancing." " You'll have to go, Mr. Huber," she said. H You won't make a fortune that way." GUEST.S IN THE· HOUSE 30 GUESTS IN 'l'HJ? HOUSE 3' "Why not? Have you never heard of tennis profes- " Are we going to. live by writing addresses as poor sionals, Ottokar? If I work hard I could be one in quite people do in novels? They never seem to make much a short time. Don't make faces, my dear; you needn't money that way as far as I can remember." H Don't be an' idiot." be a snob." Nora passed the cigarettes to her sister-in-law, who Nora was studying the directory. "Wai:, take' an envelope, a blue one with a crown. shook her head. "No, thanks. Smoking is bad for tennis." Now write: Mrs. Margot Wiker, ,8 , Sand Street , I". She got up and walked to the window. "Who is Mrs. Margot Wiker." . "Why don't you sell the house? " " I don't kr;o,w, but I see that she's a widow, and Margot "I wanted to," her brother said, "hut Nota insists sounds prOlnlSmg. A woman who's called Margot is sure to want to marry a second time." . upon .our keeping it." "I must have a house; I must have what people call ".Loo~ here, t9:ora, are you absolutely crackers? What , elegant' rooms," Nota explained. bUSiness is it of ours that Margot wants to marry again ?" " You'll see. . Have you written the address? Give " Why?" "I'll tell you later on. No, don't ask anything now. me the envelope." Ottokar is sure to be against my plan. He'll know all '. Nora took a hand-made card from a stack and slipped it mto the envelope. Then she returned to the directory about it as soon as it's working. Of course we'll econo- ~ mize in other ways. We'll have to manage with two maids . "Write: Karl von Ahler, Alser St. IV. He's got title and no money. Otherwise he'd never live on the and a cook." "Do you call that economizing?" tbp floor. And Margot is rich. Have you written the "Don't say anything, Irene, before you know what address? " we are going to do. Otto, aren't you due at your Professor's "I won't write another word before you tell me what you intend to do." place? " "I thought we were going to talk things over." "I'm sending out invitations." "That's just what Irene and I are going to do, but " Invitations? Have you forgotten that we've got to economize? " without you." "That's just the reason why. Write: Miss Kicki Ottokar looked hurt. "We don't want you," Nota said cruelly. "Do go." Kater, no, wait a moment. Kicki sounds suspicious. And as always, Ottokar obeyed his wife-who was his I'm SUIe she's no virtuous maiden longing for a husband. wife no longer-and left the room. On the other hand she's sure to be pretty, and we need pretty women. Yes;write, Miss Kicki Kater, c/o Grundel * * * Kartner St. 10.)' ' " Nora, . you MUST tell me what you mean by all this H Now we'll work," Nora said, as soon' as the door had closed behind Ottokar. "Give me the directory, please. nonsense. " Thank you. Sit down at the writing table; you must "Promise you won't tell Ottokar." H I prot?Jlse." write addresses." GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE 33 " Listen t Do you' ever read the matrimonial advertise- "But Nora, all that costs a lot of money, and what ments in the paper? " . are we to :get out of it ? " Nora smiled superciliously. " Hardly ever." " If you did, you'd know how many people want. t? " A commission, my dear. rye been told that one can marry and somehow can't manage to do so. A man is make a lot of money that way." searching for an AFFECTIONATE HEART, or, maybe, a ." But if the people don't come?" LOVING ONE, fair, Aryan, fond of musIc. Other young ." They will ~ome. The man who wants to marry a men confide to the world that they are six foot two and falr-halred musical Aryan has been advertising for the . are longing for a happy home. MERRYHEART wantS to . last two months. He's sure to come. We'll send the make a man happy. Divorced women-the husband invitations care of the paper." . being the guilty party, as in our family-want to be c?n- " Where are you going to find the fair-haired Aryan? " soled, and a NATURE-LoVING ARYAN-the e,:,presslOn "Oh, there's 8Jlre to be one. And if not aren't you makes me sick-is wishing to marry. Do you think the~e fair? Aren't, you an Aryan?" ' people ever meet? Does the Aryan who loves mUSiC H Nora 1 Surely you won't . . " meet the MERRYHEART? Do they marry, and does she "Don:t be frightened. . I'm not going to sell you. play the piano for him after dinner? Does the young But you re really very pretty, thank goodness, and you man six foot two meet the girl who does not care for can flirt with the young man till he finds the lady of his I going out and only wants a happy home? Or does the choice." Aryan nature-lover meet. the right divorcee? Believe me, . Irene burst out laughing. I they never do; And if by chance they should get to "Of all ~he crazy' ideas .... But perhaps you're right; I know one anOther, where do they meet? . Ho,:" do they perhaps we 11 really make money that way. But Ottokar . meet? Through a horrible uncivilized matr1moll1~l agency. he'll" n~ver .... , I That is one of the evlls of our days, and I'm gomg to do "He's not to know anything about it, at least not at i' away with it. Look!" first. Tell .him that I've got to invite people so as to get She pushed over one of the hand-made cards and Irene m touch wlth business men and women. He'll be charm- I ing, as he ~lways is. Besides, he'll be an excellent walking I read: gentleman." . ' "Countess Sternbachrequests the pleasureofMr.--'s. "Nora, your own husband! " li company at her party .on the -.-. -. Ladies and g~ntle " He isn't my husband. Perhaps I can find a nice wife Ji" for him." I, men with matrimoll1al ambmons Will meet SUItable I' partners. Pleasant company. Refreshments." Irene grew serious. ., "I was terribly angry with you when I heard about 1 I' "Now, do you understand? There will always be your divorce. Of course I knew that Ottohr had never idiots who love going to a party given by . a countess. been unfaithful to you. He's much too fond of you. I The people will come in shoals. They'll meet m a glamor- simply hated you. Then Ottohr came to Lausanne and ous atmosphere. They will faU in love, marry, and ..." told me: ',We've. lost all our money. You've got to C HGUES'I'S IN 'I'HE HOUSE GUES'TS IN THE HOUSE 35 come home and live with Noraand me.' I was absolutely \ girl unfortunately seems to have found a husband in the dumbfounded. You~re divorced and yet you're living meantime or to have changed her mind. You'll have together. As long as he was rich you wanted to leave to play her part, Irene. Karl von Ahler is coming; he's him, 'and now that h<8 poor ..." " a German officer on half-pay and sure to be odious, but "I simply could not leave JVm; you must admit that you'll have to flirt. with him if no other fair girl turns he would never be able.to cope with life all by himself." up. We must not lose him. Even a 'von ' is precious." " Perhaps you're right. But that does not explain your She took tip another letter. change of heart. . . ." " This sounds promising: a count, excellent old family, "Never mind my heart. Write: Mr. B. Arend good looking. We're sure' to find a wife for him." Schiinbmnn. . . ." The maid came with a wire. Nora read it and tore it into tiny shreds. She looked upset. "What's up ?:'.. Irene asked a trifle nervously. * * * " Mother! She's coming this afternoon and intends to stay here for two days. What on earth are we to do ? " " Ottokar" Nora said at breakfast about a week later. "Wire and ask her to come to-morrow." "You must'stay at home after dinner to-night. I'm . ex~' " You don't know mother. Nothing in the world can pecting a few people. You'll have to be here." make her change her mind." "Who is coming,?" Nora rested her head in both hands and said de- "You don't know the people. They're· ... they~re spairingly: "Just when things were going bea)ltifully. business people I've got to meet. They'll be most useful ... What .ARE we to do ? " to us. Do stay at home and be charming." " Send her to a play." "Darling, I .don't want to preach, but having guests " She hates the theatre." costs money, and we really ..." ." . " Shall I take her to the pictures? " , "Sometimes one HAS to use one's capital, Nora said "No, I need you here. Besides, Mother dislikes the grandiloquently, delighted with the business-like sound of pictures. It's simply ghastly. She'll spoil everything." her own words. Irene considered. , Ottokar shrugged. . " You'll have to tell your mother that you have had " I don't understand anything about business. Perhaps to invite some business people." you do." "I might do that. But how am I to explain mother H Anyway, you'll be here, won't you? " to our guests?" " If you want me to, of course." . . " Look here," Irene said eagerly, " there's-a Mr. I(ramer After breakfast Nora and Irene sat in the small slttmg- coming who wants to marry a widow between fifty and room re-reading the letters that had come in answer to sixty, being desirous-so he writes-of spending his old the invitations. . age in peilfe and happiness. We'll introduce your mother "Mato'ot is coming, and the young man six foot two, as' a widow." and the "'Aryan nature-lover. The one fair-haired Aryan " And you really expect the poor man to beneve that 36 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS'IN THE HOUSE 37 he could spend his old age in peace and happJness married exhausted me, but of course I'll help you to do your duty to mother?" . as a hostess." . "We'll give her a 'van' and we'll give him one too, "Go and hive a little rest now, dear Mrs. Berend," then your mother is sure to be nice to him." .Irerie said coaxingly. "You will feel all th" better after- " Nora sighed doubtfully. wards and look better too.'" ," We'll have to manage somehow. Come along, Irene, "Perhaps you're right, my child. Tell Marie to wake let's go shopping. "The food must be really good at the me up in an hour." first party. I'm so glad that the chauffeur has agreed to She'left the room. Ottokar went to his study. Nora ,play the footman. It looks ever so much better if a man and Irene sat in the large drawing-room, feeling terribly answers the door." excited. , They had put on tbeir prettiest frocks and had had their hair set. The house was brilliantly lighted, and the sideboard·, in the dining-foom looked decidedly * * * tempting. .
> The first ring came at nine. After a rather sketchy dinner Nora said to her husband: Huber, wearing the Sternbach livery, announced: " I'd rather you didn't' come in before half-past nine, "-Mrs. Wiker." Ottokar. By then all the people will be here." "Oh dear," Irene whispered as a young, very pretty " I 'Can't imagine why you allow Nora to give parties, woman entered the room. "Black hair, black eyes. Ottokar," Mrs. Berend said' reprovingly. "That kind We'll never find a husband for her." ';f thing costs a lot of money." Nora received her guest with great cordiality. " Business; it's a -business affair," he stammered. Nora "I do hope you understand my reason for coming, had instructed him to say that. Countess," Mrs, Margot Wiker said. "I don't really "I simply can't understand you. How can you allow ,care to marry. My husband has left me a tidy fortune, poor dear Nora to get mixed up with business people? and I rather enjoy being a widow. But I wanted to make After all she's a Countess Sternbach and noblesse oblige." your acquaintance. That's why I came." Irene came to her brother's aid. " Of course. I'm delighted to meet you." " Y QU can't call it a business affair in the literar sense Huber opened the folding door. of the word, dear Mrs. Berend," she said sweetly. "You "Mr. Gedecke." will meet only the very best people to-night. You see, "The Aryan nature-lover," Irene hurriedly whispered nowadays aristocrats have to work too. Just remember , to her sister-in-law. how many of them belong to a board of directors." Mr. <;;edecke was small and rather fat. He spoke with "That's true." Mrs. Berend said slightly mollified. a pronounced Prussian accent. Seeing pretty Margot Nora looked at her affectionately. he frowned, but when hjs eyes fell upon Irene's fair hair " You look so tired, dearest. If you don't feel up to and blue eyes, his face grew more amiable. seeing people, just go to bed." "Gedecke," he 'introduced himself stiffly. "I ama "No, my child. I AM tired'; the journey here has German, although I live in Austria." GUESTS IN TBE BOUSE GUESTS IN ,THE HOUSE ,39 "I'm SO pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. them seemed to please him. He went and sat heside Gedecke," Nora said. "I have heard such a lot about Nora, who was trying hard to make her guests feel at you." home. The moment Mrs. Berend entered the room, the Mr. Gedecke looked flattered. Count seemed to Jose all' interest in his hostess. After " I'm sure, I'm greatly honoured. You must not think, a little while he retired to a corner with the elderly lady Countess Sternbach, that I waut to marry. But one likes and began making love to her. . to meet the best people, and unfortunately there are so Nora could hardly prevent herself laughing as she few left in your country. Not as at home, in Germany. watched the flattered expression on her mother's face. , May I ask who told you about me? " Mrs. Berend had not been flirted with for at least thirty Nora flushed nervously; why had she said that? After years. But Irene frowned nervously, and the other women all, she could not answer "The paper." Irene rushed began to look annoyed. into the breach. At a quarter ,to ten Huber threw open the door with "Do introduce Mr. Gedecke tome," she said, giving a flourish: him the glad eye. ' H Count Sternbach." "Sorry, dear! Mr. Gedecke, Countess, Sternbach, Ottokar came in, bewildered, feeling as if in a dream. Mrs. Wiker." Why did the chauffeur annOUnce him in his own house? Mr. Gedecke bowed twice-a deep bow meant for the And, his glance falling upon Mr. Gedecke and Kat! von fair aristocrat, a negligent one for the black-haired com- Ahler, what were these awful people doing here? moner, Mrs. Wiker. Then he drew up a chair beside Irene ran up to him and said in a whisper: "Don't Irene and began to talk about nature at once. look astonished, whatever happens. It's all in the day's More guests arrived: Kat! von Abler, a squat red- work." Then she introduced him, stressing the words: , faced man who looked like a butcher and who appeared " My brother." ' fascinated by Miss Kicki Kater, who really seemed to be Ernestine Salt blushed all over 'when Ottokar kissed I what Nora had imagined; a MERRYHEART, whose name her hand. Nobody had ever done that before. Count I was Ernestine Salt, fortyish, and looking as miserable' Ponitzky screwed up his eyes and a queer little smile as could be; the young man' six foot two, who had an twisted his lips. " I impediment in his speech and who looked round the room Nora, frightened out of her wits at the idea that either desperately as if wanting to find a corner in which to Ottokar or her mother might say something awful, said blde; Count Ponitzky, by no means old as Irene had hurrIedly: expected-a tall, handsome, charming man, well-dressed, "Let's go into the dining-room. I'm sure you'd all with delightful manners. like a drink. Take in Mrs. Wiker, Mr. Cap," she said Kicki Kater suddenly seemed to grow bored with Kat! to the young man six foot two. "She looks as if a glass of von Abler and began flirting with the Count. Watching champagne might do her good." him surreptitiously, even Ernestine Salt's unhappy face , Ottokar gave his arm to Ernestine Salt, who suddenly grew a little more cheerful. I. looked as if she really had a merry heart. The others Count Ponitzky studied all the women, but none of followed and sat down at the large mahogany table. The GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE
last to come were Mrs. Berend and Count Ponitzky. She "I said a MAN, Miss Irene; not a' gentleman. He's was talking volubly, and the Count was listening with a badly dressed; he does not belong in here. What am fascinated expression on his handsome face. I to do with him? Send hini away?" Nora went up to Irene, who was pouring herself out a Irene considered an instant . glass of champagne. ." No, we won't send anyone away." "Look at mother," she said nervously. H I'm sure "But, I told you, Miss Irene, he's a man, not, a something terrible is going to happen." gentleman. " "Don't worry. I told the Count that she was a very "For our purpose a man 18 better I than a gentleman," rich widow and rather a crank. So it does not matter Irene said frivolously with a little laugh. in the least what she says. She'll hardly talk about your Huber stared at her and grew red in the face. Irene father, will she?" went into the hall. Nora, thinking of the quiet, taciturn man who had so A little man· was standing there, turning his hat ner- little to say in his own house, nodded. vouslT between his fingers. A little, shabby, timid man, "No, she's not likely to mention him." visibly over-awed by the grandeur of his surroundings. Then she went and sat down beside the Aryan Nature He had kind brown eyes and a pleasant face which Irene Lover. liked at first sight. "Come in, Mr. I(ramer," she said gently. (( We're just having supper." The little man began to stammer. CHAPTER IV "I never knew . . . perhaps . . . I think I'd better go." ow at last' the guests seemed to be feeling happy. H Why?" N Nora gave a sigh of relief; everything was going " I think it would be wiser." well. Mr. Cap was chatting away to Margot Wiker, the "No. Do come and have supper, Mr. Kramer." Aryan Nature Lover was drinking hard and eating noisily, The little man plucked up 'courage .. Kick:i Kater was flirting with all the men, and Ernestine "Miss . . . I don't fit in here. . I must tell you the Salt was laughing gaily at Ottokar's harmless jokes. truth; my name is not I
" Madam, H Why?" " Although you did not think it necessary to invite me to " For my husband? ," your parties, I shall nevertheless take the liberty of coming " But you're not married any longer, my dear. What's next Sundqy. I have reason to think that your business- wrong with my idea? You can't prevent Ottokar marrying enterprise has an interest for me. again and being happy with another woman." " Yours faithfully, Nora looked at her sister-in-law with a baneful glance. "Mrs. Theresia KZepper." " I must say, Trene, sometimes you're simply foul." She got up and hurriedly left the room. Irene laughed Casimir whistled through his teeth. softly. Then she. looked at the clock: as late as that I " Theresia Klepper. Do you know who that is ? " I've got to go and have my tennis lesson. " I haven't got the haziest notion." She left the photos lying on the table, and went to her " A rival! You can read her firm's advertisements in room to change her dress. all Sunday papers. What does the old hag want to come here for? Does she intend to spy? Or does she want * * * to steal our clients ? " Huber came into the sItting-room intending to tidy " How awful! " Nota cried. "Just think if she said up a bit. He saw the photos on the table and the open something to Ottokar about it. It would be a catastrophe. album with Nantje van Dam's pictnre. It's hard enough to make him understand why I'm giving Studying it attentively he scratched his head. He felt another party, and inviting such a lot of guests ...." perturbed. To think that the master's wife has taken "Never mind, we'll manage somehow," Casimir tried up that kind of business, 'he thought sadiy. Of course, to comfort her. "Though I must admit it's rather annoy- he had always disliked her; she had never been good ing. Well, you'd better stick the photos in the album enough for his master. But he never imagined she'd and mark them with a number. And don't forget to write . . . a dirty business. . . . And if the police should get' the names and fortunes of our new clients into the ledger. to know . . . Good Lord, what a scandal! Their good I've got to go. My young friend Mann is expecting reputation would be l<)st. He really ought to tell the ,me. I only borrowed the car for an hour. So long. Count . . . but how could he? I'll come to dinner on Sunday just to see that everything Huber had grownup with Ottokar on the Sternbach is all right." estate. They had been inseparable as children, and had played many a prank together. When Ottokar married, * * * he went to fetch Huber-who had left the estate in Czecho- slavia to become a taxi chauffeur at Prague-back to "That Dutch girl is simply stunning, and she looks Vienna. They were good friends still-but how is one rather a dear," !tene said, sticking the ,photo into the to tell even the best of friends : r
88 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE " Count Ottokar, I hate telling you, but I've got to do She looked into the glass. I really look nice in cami- it. You must know the truth. The Countess, your knickers, she thought; I've got long slim legs-my figure divorced wife, is in the white slave traffic! " is good. Then she blushed furiously at the idea that any Huber sadly imagined Ottokar's horrified face. No, one might see her like this, and at the still more sinful he had not got the heart to tell him. He closed the wish that someone would. Her late father would turn album and hid the photos under a magazine. in his grave if he knew what a shameless creature his daughter had become. Out of the past, out of the shades of oblivion, a heavy hand reached for her, wanting to throttle her, trying to CHAPTER VIU rob her, even now of all chances of happiness. Ernestine shuddered. Suddeniy she felt utterly discouraged. I'm RNESTINE SALT was dressing. She had lit not only forty-two, she thought hopesslely, aud I'm foolish euough E the electric light, but also the candles in the old- to think that. . . . People will only laugh at me: silly fashioned candiesticks which had been one of her mother's old woman, they'll say, trying to look like a young girl. wedding presents many years ago. The pink dress with I' . . . It would be better not to go to the party at all. . . . the creamy lace lay on the bed. . I Ernestine's spirit began to yield to her dead father's sinister Her hands trembling with excitement, Ernestine put on influence, but her body, which had begun to have a her new cami-knickers. She had succumbed to tempta- life .' of its own, repelled the' attack. It stiffened and 11 tion and bought a pair of lovely silk ones. For the first seemed to cry out: "Look at me, how young I time in her life she enjoyed the feeling of dressing up. have remained, how slender, how supple.. Look at my Irene had advised her to make up, but there was no need long sleuder legs, my pretty hands, my soft white skin. for it. Ernestine's cheeks were flushed with happiness, ... I am alive; I'm stronger than your fear, stronger her freshiy-waved soft hair shone in the candlelight, her than the dead man who grudged me life. I demand my brown eyes were sparkling. rights." , She looked at the frock again and again, putting off In the desolate silent room Ernestine burst out laugh- the minute of slipping into it. She was tortured by a ing. She felt liberated, sure of herself. She went to the secret fear: what if it did not suit her . . . if it was bed, picked up the frock and put it on. too girlish . . . if she looked ridiculous in it? An old Then she hesitated for an instant, her eyes closed, her maid masquerading as a young girl? hands blindly stroking the soft silk, following the slender Ernestine breathed a prayer: "Dear God, let me look line of her hips. pretty, just for to-night .... You know, dear God, that Yes, she thought, my body is young . . . meant for I never cared how I looked, that I never had time for love.... If oniy I could leave the room with closed eyes, it. But if I was a dutiful daughter aud sister-and I really without a single look into the glass . . . if only tried to be-then let me look pretty to-night; let me be I'm afraid to look into the mirror, to see my face ... happy to-night. . Only just for to-night. As happy as I don't want to know how I look. other women are during their whole life. Please, dear God." She sat down hefore the old-fashioned toilette-table, GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE still keeping her eyes closed. Her hands had grown icy The fateful minute had come. If I give in now, cold and her forehead was damp. Ernestine thought, I'm lost for ever. But if I conquer Then, plucking up courage, she opened her eyes. The my fear. . . . , candles were burning brightly, throwing a mellow light Her voice was rather shaky as she repeated the words upon her face. She stared into the glass. W~s that she had been practising for so many days: really she? In the soft candle-light the tiny wrinkles " I shall come home when I please, Mrs. Leger." life had drawn in her face disappeared. She saw big The widow felt as if the world was coming to an end. brown eyes, a red mouth and silky hair., And the lovely Was it really timid, apologetic Miss Salt who dared to line of her white shoulders. speak to her in that tone? The elderly spinster who sat In this instant the real Ernestine was born. No one at home making lace ? will laugh at me, she exulted. No one will ignore me. " AIL my lodgers," she said severely, "are respectable I am a woman, I am alive, I am pretty. She shook off and well-bred people. None of them thinks of staying the dead hand that wanted to hold her back, she smiled out late. I cannot allow you to ...." at the faded portrait of her little dead mother: Are you The words stuck in her throat. Ernestine smiled. pleased with me, darling? Are you proud of your pretty Ernestine did not, as she usually did, begin to stammer daughter? It seemed to her as if she was feeling not and to excuse herself. She said very sweetly, very placidly: only her own passionate longing fcr life and happiness, "I'm quite ready to give up my room if I'm not re- but also that of the woman who had had so joyless a life spectable enough for you." 'and who had been so glad to die. ' The widow remembered the many furnished rooms There was a knock at the door. standing empty in town. She grew frightened. H Come in ! " "Dear Miss Salt, you're mistaken; I never meant it The Widow Leger entered the room. She threw a dis- like that. I am delighted to think that you will have a approving glance at the burning candles and then at,' good time. At your age a girl must have some fun. And E:rnestine. ~ you are looking perfectly charming." " How smart you are," she said spitefully; "a bit too Ernestine was amazed. Was it so easy to overcome girlish for your age." the enemy? Must one only be calm and firm and not Ernestine laughed. She could harclly believe that the let oneself be intimidated? If only she had known it merry mischievous laugh was her own. years ago. " Dear Mrs. Leger, nowadays one isn't an old woman She shrugged. Why think of the past ? There was at forty-two as one used to be when you were young." the present to' enjoy and, perhaps, the future too. The widow stared at her. She had never heard her lodger talk like that before. * * * "Perhaps, if you think so ...." Then, anxious not to forfeit her authority she added ,severely: The first party at the Sternbach's had been a small one; "Don't come home too late. You know that I can't the second, Casimir had decided, was to be a much more go to sleep before having bolted the door." formal affair. GUESTS IN THE HOUSE 1 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE 93 " For once we'll have to spend money," he had declared. "Go to " " It can't be helped. But it will pay." But already Irene was standing beside Mr. Schiro, her He came to dinner, much to Ottokar's disgust, and hand on his arm, an ominous little smile on her lips. inspected the rooms, the sideboard, the preparations in The young man gave a start, flushed and stammered: the kitchen. Then he drove off in the well-known blue " Are you going to the south of France this year, Mr. car to meet his friends who had come down from the Schiro, or to Egypt? " Semmering for the evening. Then he beat a hasty retreat and sat down beside the He promised to return before the other guests came. Aryan Nature-Lover. . " Should I be late," he said to Nora, "mind you don't Old Schiro laughed good-naturedly. forget to be aristocratic. Amiable but reserved. Don't " Poor Mann," he said. "His boy is even. more of a forget." handful than my daughter. Well, youth must sow its Nora promised not to forget, and forgot it as soon wild oats, and nowadays wild oats frequently grow in as Mr. Schiro and Midam came into the drawing-room. the field of politics." She had been feeling rather ill at ease, but the sight of Irene laughed too, but not in the least good-naturedly. the kind old face gave her back her self-possession. Old She said a few words to old Schiro and followed young Schiro knew all about everything, and Nora felt sure that Mann. Seeing her he got up nervously. he would be helpful. Besides, he really looked the business Irene looked daggers at him, turned up her nose and . man he was, and that would please Ottokar. As to Midam, gave a sniff of disgnst. she was a darling. At first she seemed rather sullen; The boy stood to attention, as though she had been probably she had not wanted to go to the party. Nota his commanding officer could well imagine the scene between father and daughter, "You may sit down," Irene said condescendingly. but Irene went up to her at once and after a short while " And if you manage to behave decently, you may even they were talking nineteen to the dozen; about flying, stay." of course. We won't earn the one per cent. if Irene "After all, Countess Sternbach, I've been invited to goes on like that, Nora thought, but perhaps we'll earn the party." three. " Against my will. Unfortunately as you're our guest, Mr. Bite and Ernestine Came at the same time and went I have to put up with you, but if I notice anything, the and sat in a corner. tiniest of tiny things "-her smile became a threat- About half-past nine Casimir arrived with his new " don't forget. The best back-hand of Lausahne !" . friends: Nantje van Dam, even more beautiful than her The boy looked uncomfortable and bowed silently. picture, and a fat father van Dam who looked as if he Irene turned her back on him and went up to Nota, could buy up the whole company. . who was talking to a very smart woman, the wrong side There was a moment of embarrassment when young of forty. Maun was introduced to Mr. Schiro. The boy stared " Just a minute, Nota." at the old man, grew red in the face and opened his Nora got up and followed her to the other side of the mouth : room. 94 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE 95 It IS "What do you want?" she said impatiently. " I'm " He a gangster," Irene grumbled, and went to meet talking with ten thousand schillinge per cents., and you +. Margot Wiker who was just coming in. come and call me away." ! The Aryan Nature-Lover, Mr. van Dam and Mr. Schiro "Do look after the other guests as well. I can't-be were sitting together at a small table talking eagerly. everywhere at the same time." They spoke about butter, growing hot and excited about " Casimittold me to sit here and look aristocratic." that gentle produce of a gentle animal. Ottokar, passing "And if the Aryan Nature-Lover and that cad them on the way to the other room, overheard a few Mann ..." \ words. Butter, he thought-butter, of all things in the "Casimir said that all political disputes were going to world I Is Nora going to start a dairy? I MUST find out be settled by him and by you.." - who those people are, and why Nora has got to meet "Just like lhim. Good Lord, Mann is talking to them. I'll ask her to-night as soon as we are alone. Miriam. What are we to do ? " He almost bU!l:lped into a plump, very blonde lady Casimir who had come up, laughed. who, lifting an ()ld-fashioned lorgnette to her eyes, said: " Don't worry. Austrian anti-Semites forget their anti- " Count Sternbach? " Semitism when they meet so rich and so pretty a Jewess. (' Yes." May they never change." "Glad to meet you, Count. My name is Theresia A very respectable looking man in black was just being Klepper. You have probab,ly heard it before." announced: "Sorry, you must forgive me; I never can remember " The reverend Mr. Daniel.?' names. Have I had the pleasure of meeting you before? " "Who is that?" Nora whispered. "No, Count. I oniy thought as I am the head of a "One of my twenty newcomers/' Casimir said. ~'A rival firm. . . ." Baptist preacher from Chicago. A charming man. It " I beg your pardon! " looks well to have so respectable a man at your party. " We're in the same business." You. must be very nice to him, Countess Nora." " Butter?" Ottokar stammered, absolutely at a loss. lrene put out her hand and stopped her sister-in-law. The plump lady stared at him in amazement. "Nora, that man's a gangster. Take off your pearls. " Butter? Wbatmakes you think of butter? " Put them away safely. I tell you, the man is a gangster." Casimir, who had been uneasily watching Ottokar and "Don't be silly, Irene. Because he comes from the plump lady, came up almost at a run. Chicago! How absurd you are. You read too many " Mrs. Klepper, may I introduce myself, Count Ponitzky ? thrillers." - Countess Sternbach has asked me to take you in to " He IS a gahgster. Look, something's sticking out in supper." his right trouser pocket. That's where the gangsters He offered her his arm. carry their gun. You'll see; suddeniy the lights will Ottokar .remained standing where he was. I seem go out, the man will call out ' Stick up your hands,' and to have been mistaken, he thought. It isn't butter after that will be the end of our venture." all. A great fear took hold of him. Perhaps the word " Don't talk nonsense. Go and talk to our guests." butter was used to camouflage a much less harmiess thing, GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HO.USE 97 perhaps an article that could not be sold openly in the He certainly seemed different from all the other men in market-morphia, co,caine . . .? the room. After all, she mused, toying with her food, Irene came up and caught hold of his arm. any pretty woman can become a countess by marriage; , "Don't stand about like that," she said impatiently. but to' be the wife of a famous author. . . . I might have "Do go and talk to your guests. Take Miss van Dam a salon. . . . ' in to supper." Miriam was seated beside the journalist. Thank good- " Irene, I must know the truth. What are you trading ness; Irene said, watching them, old Schiro will be in? Ha~ it got to do with drugs?" pleased. If Miriam falls for the man, she won't go against " Drugs? So I was right after all, and he IS a gangster. the family traditions. Mr. Mann sat on Miriam's left- I knew it at once. But how on earth did you find it out, a tame, gentle, very shy Mr. Mann. Ottokar ?" And she gazed at him almost admiringly. The Aryan Nature-Lover had been greatly attracted by " GANGSTER? Who on earth is a gangster? " Mrs. Klepper's blpnde hair. He sat on her right, talking "We haven't got time to talk now. Miss van Dam eagerly and drinking hard. is standing by the window all alone and looking lost. Mr. Cap and Miss Kicki Kater had not turned up, but Go and take her in to supper at once." there were so many new guests that no one missed them. , Ottokar obeyed. Irene remained in the drawing-room Irene's eyes roved from one table to the other. Resting for a moment. Hastily taking off her rings and a turC on the one in the corner they grew soft: she was seeing quoise chain she thrust them into the drawer of the big an uilUsual sight-two perfectly happy people. Mr. Bite Empire table. Then she too went into the dining-room. and Ernestine Salt. What a lot they had to say to each ii Casimir WAS a genius. He had had small tahles put other. They hardly had time to eat. Ernestine was " up and had placed the guests so cleverly that none of I, laughing merrily, and Mr. Bite was gazing at her with them could be bored. Margot was sitting beside Mr. I adoring eyes. They will make a match of it, Irene thought, Rack, the author, who was entertaining her with the and felt a glow of pleasure at the idea. Of course we story of his success. cannot take a percentage from the poor devils; on the " The papers are simply wild about me," he was saying. contrary, we shall have to give them a wedding present. " And the Radio is always bothering me to give a talk. I hope the others will turn out to be more profitable. It isn't true that genius is not recognized nowadays." . . . She looked at Ottokar and Nantje van Dam. Her He broke off to throw a nervous glance at Mr. Bite brother had not been so cheerlul for ages. It would be who was sitting at the next table. Then his eyes returned rather a good thing-Dutch gulden and a beautiful wife. to Margot's rubies. . . . Nantje seemed a nice girl, much gentler and sweeter " I don't care for money," he went on, H but I do care than Nora.... Irene threw a glance at her sister-in-law, tremendously for fame, for an immortal name. And I who did not look as if she were enjoying herself. She know for sure that I shall not fight and suffer and work looked decidedly cross, and was hardiy listening to the in vain." Reverend Mr. Daniel who was doing his best to amuse He really sounded convincing, and Margot nodded her. The Reverend Mr. Daniel. ... Of course he,HAD with a dreamy smile. She rather liked the young, man. ' to sit beside Nora.... And Nora was wearing the famous G GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE 99 Sternbach pearls.. . . What a temptation for a gangster out of the cold, and the room is delightfully warm, and from Chica,go ... ! lrene tried to catch Casimir's eyes. someone very dear is waiting in the hall, and a gentle After all, he had introduced the gangster, to them; he voice says: 'Poor Theodore, you must be frozen. Come ought to keep an eye on him. But Casimir was talking \ into the kitchen. Dinner is ready.' And after dinner we' away to the lady who represented a commission of ten sit together in the sitting-room and . . ." thousand schillinge and whose name was Mrs. Ride. He " Yes," Ernestine said dreamily, "we sit together and never noticed lrene's imploring glances. each of us has such a lot to tell the other; all the things' After they had left the dinner table lrene tried to find that happened during the day. And one is not lonely Casimir. At last she hunted. him down in the library, any longer and need not be afraid of anything. Outside but he was not alone; he was kissing the lady of the ten the window snow is falling and the streets are white with thousand schillinge who seemed rather to enjoy it. frost. But inside one is living on a tiny, cosy, warm lrene went back to the drawing-room, and helped Nora island." to pour out CJ)ffee. , Both fell silent" but each of them knew what the other " Why are you looking so cross, Nora ? " she whispered. was thinking of, was' hoping for: the one and only real " Are you tired?" happiness; not to be lonely any longer. " Cross? I'm not cross; what makes you think so ? " Once again' the Widow Leger put out het head on Nora forced a smile. hearing Erne,stine come in. But she did not scold; she "Everything is going beautifully. Just look what a said kindiy : good time the people are having." " Come in for a moment, dear Miss Salt, and tell me " Just look at your brother making love to that odious all about the party." Nantje van Dam. It's absolutely indecent." And Ernestine, feeling so happy that she loved even " Odious? But, my dear, she's charming, and it would Mrs. Leger, accepted the invitation; be such a good thing for Ottokar." " She isn't charming at all. She's stupid and insipid, * * * .and Casimir is right-she'll be as fat as a pig in a few years' time." Ottokar had intended to talk things over with the two, * * * women, but it was so late that he put it off to the' follow- The last guests left about two. Mr. Bite, fortified by ing day and went to bed. lrene opened the windows love and brandy, asked Ernestine to let him accompany wide to let out the cigarette smoke. She felt tired, and her. They walked slowly. A 'gentle breeze wafted yellow was looking forward to a good long sleep. leaves at their feet. Overhead the stars were shining Just as she was beginning to put out the lights, No,a . brightly. rushed in, pale and upset. "What a glorious night," Ernestine said softly. "Irene, my pearls are gone! " " Yes. As a rule I hate the autumn, because winter is " Your pearls? What did I tell you? Of course, the coming and winter is so dreary. But even winter need gangster has taken them. Didn't I tell you to take them, not be desolate if one has a nice home. . . . One comes off? " 100 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN T.HE HOUSE 101 Nora sank on a chair and began to cry. dwindling. They really ought to economize; but where "Ottokar gave them to me as a wedding present. I were they to begin? She had forgotten how to live loved them.... " economically during her married life. "Oh, for goodness' sake, don't be sentimental. .Wed- The sadness and hopelessness of the small hours· of ding present! You're always forgetting that you're the morning took her by the throat; the melancholy, divorced. How much do you think they were worth? " bred by the merciless time before the dawn when every- " A lot. They're beautiful pearls. And a family heir- thing seems lost and futile, when fear tortures those who loom! What am I to do ? " cannot sleep, crept in on her. Everything in the room " Where is the gangster staying?" took on a hostile air-the mirror looked like an immense "On the Semmering. I don't know the name of the ghostly plain where one loses one's way; the furniture hotel, he mentioned it, but I've forgotten." made faces; weird noises disturbed the quiet of the night " Just like you." with creakings, whispers and sighs. The tick-tock of the Irene ran to the telephone. clock told of death, drawing closer and closer; of the "I must ring up Casimir. He brought the man here. present being swallowed up by the past. He's responsible. Hullo ... !. Can I speak to Count . The thought of the irrevocable past made her heart Ponitzky? Yes, at once. Never mind. Wake him up. ache. In forty or fifty years she and Ottokar and Irene o • • It's most important ...." would be. old or dead. Everything happy and beautiful After a short while a sleepy voice explained that the would belong to the past. Did not the care-free years Count was not at home. of her married life belong to it already? Had not even Forgetting her weariness, Irene stayed up for hours, last· night become its prey? And every second told by ringing up the hotel every ten minutes. But the answer the ticking of the clock fell into the abysmal void of things was always the same: The Count had not come home. that .had been. Casimir had driven off with the lady of tpe ten thousand During the first year of their marriage, at a time when schillinge, and was not to be found all next day. she had still taken the trouble to conceal how terribly his ideas bored her, Ottokar had sometimes voiced such thoughts. How strange that to-night, nervous and de- pressed, she should have the same. She felt like getting CHAPTER IX up and knocking at Ottokar's door, crying out: "Let me come in ... I'm frightened. Everything is so ORA passed a sleepless night. She began to. feel mysterious, so uncam1Y: life and death. Everything N doubtful about her idea. Up to now it had only passes so quickly ; hold me'tight, make me feel safe. . . ." cost money, and she had lost her pearls .... She tried to banish her fear· by thinking of practical She suddenly,remembered plump Mrs. Klepper. Why things, but they were not in the least encouraging. We had the woman come? Could she put a spoke in their shall never earn any rrioney; we shall become really poor; wheel? we shall have to sell the house. . . . Of course, Ottokar Nora began to count. Their capital was rapidly will manage somehow with the salary the Professor pays 102 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE 103 him. He can live practically on nothing. And Irene? Hearing Ottokar say tlrat kind of thing, she had I need not worry about her. She'll hecome a tennis pro; often felt like screaming. What business of his was it, and make lots of money. But I . .. What am I to do ? if the postman looked ill? Ottokar was sickeningly Go home, back to that dead-alive little place; live witlr sentimental. my parents? Father would be kind, in his way, but But now, in this sorrowful night, harrowed by worries mother . . . Of course, she does not mean to be unkind, and anxiety, she herself fell to thinking of the young man but she would never stop reproaching me, and after all in the bank, of the postman who looked so ill, of the it's not my fault that the bank failed. innumerable men and women who could not sleep because The bank. . . . Up to now the word had meant a they were worried to death, thinking of the rent, or the big building, polite men working behind a counter, blue grocer's bill. envelopes, letters explaining how big one's deposit was Strangely enough, she ceased to be afraid. She was or, sometimes, asking one to sign something. But surely not alone any longer; she belonged to all the. people to there must be another side to it? A bank could be some- whom life was unkind. She felt herself blushing in the thing dangerous, something evil; it possessed tlre power dark: how could ·she. be such a coward? She was rich to impoverish people in a single day. A bank could in comparison with others. If she made up her mind to burst like a soap bubble. .What happened to tlre polite give up PLAYING at work, if she would take things seri- men behind the counter when it did? Did they vanish ously . . . tlren surely she would be able to make a in smoke and mist like ghosts, or did they lie awake at . success of this funny business of tlreirs. night and count, no longer tlre millions belonging to She glanced towards the window. A pale ray of others, but the pennies belonging to them? sun was gliding through the blinds, driving away the Nora remembered the nice young man who had looked ghosts. tanned and well for about a fortnight a year, just after Suddenly she felt dead tired. She stretched herself in his holidays, ahd who was as pale as the faded wall-paper her comfortable bed, her thoughts began to grow con- behind his back the rest of the time. .Was he still sitting fused. She saw Ottokar giving the postman a lift in behind his counter, weary and polite, saying: "Please, their car, saw Irene playing tennis with old Schiro, saw sign here," or had he lost his job because his bank had Nantje van Dam falling from a· cliff. Then tlre phantoms been badly hit by the failure of tlre Elster Bank? She vanished and she fell asleep. suddenly remembered that the young 'man had worn a wedding 'ring; he had to keep a wife,maybe children, poor devil. . . . She thought. of him with sympathy and * * * compassion. For the first time she understood a weakness of Ottokar's that had always annoyed her-his interest When Nora came down to breakfast in the morning, in otlrer people. She had believed it to be a pose when the maid handed her two notes. One was from Ottokar : he had said: "How ill our poor postman looks. l'm sure he's got something wrong with his kidneys. And "Have had to leave town. Did not want to ·wake you. he's got to walk such a lot." . Back in two or three days. Best love.-Ottokar." 104 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HO'USE 1 0 5 The second was in Irene's energetic, rather sprawling writing-table drawer. Ottokar's Browning had gone. hand: . . . Had Irene taken it ? She was on the verge of tears. She rang once more "Casimir has disappeared. Cannot get in touch with for the maid and told her to call Huber. Of course he him. Am going to the Semmering to get back your pearls was not in their service any longer, but he still lived in from the gangster. Mqy be back late, don't worry.-Irene." the "tric with the child, and helped in· the house when they had guests. Nora knew that the chauffeur disliked Nora felt herself growing pale. If the man REALLY her, but she remembered gratefully ~hat he loved Ottokar was a gangster . . . . She knew Irene. The gid feared and was fond of Irene. Perhaps he could advise her nothing, and the idea of danger only lured her on. What what to do. was she to do? Ring up the police ?But what was she Huber came in, looking severe and disapproving. to say? You cannot accuse a man on a mere suspicion. "You wante(tme', madam?"· · • . Besides anyone of the guests might have taken the " Huber, I'm so frightened. Countess Irene has gone peads. It might even have been Casimir; it certainly WAS to the Semmering.!' queer that he had disappeared. What on earth did Irene He stared at her, a look of amazement on his face. intend to do? And what would be the result of her "But surely, that's no reason to be frightened." , folly? "Yes, but that's not all. Last night someone stole my Nora drank one cup of tea after the other, but was pearls." unable to eat. That dreadful girl;. one never knew what Huber shook his head. she was up to. And if anything happened to Irene, Ottokar "You must excuse the liberty I am taking, madam," would be sure to say that it was Nora's fault. Of course he said, "but what can you expect if you go in for a he HAD to be away when she ·needed him. Where had he disreputable business and get mixed up with that kind gone to? Why had he only ·written a short note, giving of people?" no explanations? After all, she had a right to know. "Disreputable business?" · .. Nora put her hand to her aching head. Ottokar Huber grew embarrassed. was gone, and she .did not even know where to. He " Of course I'm not entitled to say anything, neverthe- might at least have given her his address. . . . Irene. less, I have been greatly worried by the idea that Count · . . Ought she to drive to the Semmering? It would Ottokar's wife-excuse me, Count Ottokar's divorced be terribly expensive. When did the- next train leave? wife-had taken up so dirty a business. I did not want She rang for the maid. to tell the Count, because it would have made hi!)1 ·miser- " When did Countess Irene go out?" she asked. able, but really, madam, you must not forget that if ever " About eight, madam." the police ..." More than two hours ago! She would be too late even Nora stared at him. Had the man. taken leave of his if she took a taxi. A thought flashed through her brain, senses? making her blood freeze. She jumped up and ran to " The police? But surely it isn't my fault if someone Ottokar's room. Her hands trembling, she opened the steals my peads?" 106 GUESTS IN THE HO-USE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE " I am not talking about the pearls, although of course " No, wait! '1'11 be all right at once. But listen, Huber ! they ate a great loss. I am thinking of the business you You've got to help me. My husband . . . Count Ottokar have taken up. . . ." . is not in town, and Countess Irene ... ~" "I really ·don't know what you mean. After all, lots " What has Countess Irene been up to now? " of people are in the same business. If you read the "Listen, Huber, and don't interrupt me or I shall cry Sunday papers ...." again. Last night my pearls were stolen, and Countess "I only read the political part," Huber said severely. Irene suspects one of our guests"':'the American gentle- "Besides, I really don't think-you must excuse me- man," but I simply can't believe that this trade ever adver- Huber looked incredulous . tises. . . ." . "What do Americans want to steal our pearls for? " Of course it does. Mrs. Klepper,the fat woman who They're rich enough as it is." came here last night, advertise~ her matrimonial agency " Of course I .. don't know whether he really is the thief. twice a week." But Countess Irene has gone to the Semmering where the "Matrimonial agency . . .?" American is staying, and I'm afraid ..." Huber caught his breath. " You have a matrimonial " No wonder! Goodness alone knows what Countess agency, madam? Thank God that it's only that! " Irene will do." " What DID you think? " What a Job's comforter.. Nora almost began crying Huber grew red in the face and avoided meeting her anew., eyes. "Huber, you've got a motor cycle. I wanted to go "I'd rather not say it.~' to the Semmering myself, but what good would I be? " You must." You're a man, you eau tackle the gangster if it's neces- " You must excuse me, madam. . . but all those sary. And you'll get there much faster than by. train. photos of young women lying about in the drawing-room. Huber, please, will you go, for Count Ottohr's sake?" • . . I thought .'. . I feared, . . . If people are keen on ." All right, madam. Where does the American live?" . making money they don't always mind what ..." "I don't know .. I only know that his name is Daniel, " Tell me what you thought." and that he comes from Chicago." "I . . . I greatly feared that you had gone into the " I suppose that IS the name he has given at the hotel? " white ~Iave traffic, madam." "Dear me, I never thought of that. Perhaps he calls. Huber hung his head, the very picture of embarrassment. himself by another name on the Semmering." Nota burst out laughing. She could not stop, and " Don't worry, madam. I'll hunt out the rascal. I'm suddenly her laughter changed to tears. She sat there, off at once." crying helplessly, teats running down her cheeks, her " Thank you, But, Huber, you don't know the worst whole body shaken by sobs. yet: Countess Irene has taken my husband's revolver. Huber gazed at her anxiously.. · . .. I'm ftightened to death. Just think what might " Shall I get you a glass of water, madam? Or shall happen! ". I eaU Made?" Huber laughed. 108 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN '.tHE HOUSE 109 "Don't laugh. You know h"r. You know how im- "Delighted to see you, Countess. But ... I'm not pulsive she is." dressed for receiving visitors. If you'll excuse me just "It's not likely that she'll shoot the rascal." for a moment.- . . ." " How can you be so sure of it? If he attacks her " "Oh, I don't mind." " Don't worry, madam. I cleaned the Browning four Surely he will not have a gun in his pyjama pocket, days ago, and it's not loaded .. I'll be off now." Irene reflected ; better not let him dress. He left the room and five minutes later Nora heard the The waiter came with the breakfast. He stared with puffing and rattling of the motor-cycle on the drive before amazement at the reverend gentleman who was receiving the house. so pretty a girl so early in the morning-and in his * * * pyjamas. H You know why I've come," Irene said, as soon as Irene had got into the train at eight and was gazir,g the waiter had clos.ed the door behind him. out of the window, enjoying the lovely autumn morning. " Of course, I'm delighted and honoured by your visit. The hedges were drenched with dew, and the long white I was just going to write to Countess Sternbach to thank threads of an Indian summer were floating in the air. her for a most pleasant evening." Groves of chestnut trees were a mass of gold, and in the H A most profitable one too, wasn't, it? " tiny allotments Virginia creepers covering the fences "I'm afraid I don't know what you mean." looked like climbing flames. The world was beautiful, Mr. Daniel calmly sat down at the breakfast table. and Irene was seeking an adventure. She .felt blissfully "May I eat my breakfast? I'm very hungry. The happy. mountain air, you know. May I order breakfast for you Arriving on the Semmering she considered for a moment. too? " Of course, the gangster was sure to stay at the best hotel. What cheek, Irene thought; fancy the fellow asking She went there and asked the hall porter for the room me to breakfast with him. number of the Reverend Mr. Daniel. "No, thank you. I'd like to settle our little business." " Shall I announce madam? " the man asked, surprised " Business? " at the early visitor. . " Yes, don't pretend that you don't know what I "No, thank you. I've got an appointment." mean." She went up in the lift and knocked at the door of "I really don't know," the gangster said pleasantly, Number 48. • pouring himself out a cup of coffee. "But if there is " Come in,! " anything I can do for you, I'll be only too glad ...." The reverend gentleman was still dressed in his pyjamas, "We don't want to make a fuss," Irene said coldly. and looked rather embarrassed when Irene entered the " We'd hate to have to call the police, and I'm sure you room. He had been expecting the waiter· with his don't want the affair to get into the papers." . breakfast. She took out the Browning and laid it on her lap .. "I've got to talk to you, Mr. Daniel," Irene said, and "You'd better let me have the ..." sat down unceremoniously. The gangster put down his cup and stared at the gun. 110 G U EST SIN THE HO D.S E r GUESTS IN THE HOUSE III "What ARE you talking about? And why . ?" I happened-an instant later the gun was lying on the She interrupted him rudely: table in front of him. He lifted it up gingerly, studied " You'd better let me have .them at once." it and burst out laughing .. " What am I to let you have? Why have yO)! come? "Why, it's not even loaded I " Are you trying to blackmail me ? I'll lodge a complaint Irene changed colour and clenched her fists under the with the police. I'll get the American Consul to . . ." table. Irene laughed scornfully. " Give me back the pearls," she said. . " Oh, give up pretending. It won't do you any good. " Look he1;e, young lady, a1;e you qnite sane? I know I know what you are." nothing about the pearls you keep talking of. If you " What I am? Vicar of Trinity Church, Chicago." don't get out at once, I'll have the police in. . . ." "Perhaps you're that, too, in your leisure hours. I " Last night you stole my sister-in-Iaw's pearls," Irene's don't care if you are. But I do know what your real voice was a trifle· shaky. "Give them back to me. We profession is." don't want to send you to prison; we only want the ." Have you taken leave of your senses?" pearls back." The gangster, jumped up, red with rage. The gangster went over to the telephone. Irene's " Don't move· 1 " heart gave i jump. What was going to happen now? Irene lifted the Browning from her lap and took aim. The gangster was dialling. "Good Lord I" The gangster looked alarmed for a "Just a minute." He spoke a few words into the moment. "Is this a robber's den? What are you 'phone. Then turning to Irene, he said: . doing? " " The American Consul is on the 'phone. Come and' H Sit down I " talk to him." . The gangster obeyed meekly. Feeling dazed and shaky Irene walked over to the " And now tell me where the pearls are. We're not telephone and took up the receiver. A pleasant drawling going to call in the police. I only want the pearls back." voice came through the 'phone. The longer the pleasant " The pearls? What pearls ? " voice spoke, the more dismayed Irene felt. Her temples The gangster mopped his forehead with his napkin. throbbed; she could hardly make sense of what she " The pearls you stole last night from my sister-in-law." heard: The gangster jumped up again. " Yes, of course, the Reverend Mr. Daniel, a well- " Look here! That's really going too far, young lady. known preacher... a great philanthropist, a most You come here at a time when decent people are still in honourable man. . . . A great friend of mine. . . ." bed, prevent me from having my breakfast in peace, That was her gangster I . insult me ..." She put back the receiver with a trembling hand. Irene began to feel nervous. If the man attack.ed her . Mr. Daniel had sat down again and was eating bread . " She raised the Browning. and honey. "Put away that silly toy I" the gangster yelled. He . " Well? " he said. stretched out his hand and-Irene never knew how it Irene stood before him, pale, dismayed, desperately mlI' ' 112 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE ,\ ' GUESTS IN THE HOUSE I13 ,I''1·, "; embarrassed. If only I were Nora, she thought, I would about N~ntje or anything else? The only thing she burst out crying, and things would come right some- could think of was the ghastly mistake she had made. how. ,But I can't cry. And I dare not pretend. What will Taking leave of Mr. van Dam who gazed after her with the man do? Can he have me convicted for blackmail ? a bewildered look, she walked on slowly and reached the She began stammering excuses. road. A motor-cycle came tearing round the corner. " I'm terribly sorry.... Please, do forgive me." The brake creaked. Huber jumped off. Mr. Daniel looked at her with twinkling eyes and an " Ah, there you are, Countess Irene. Thank goodness am used smile. that I've found you. Are you all right?" "All right," he said at last. "We won't talk about ," Why shouldn't I be all right? Can't I come up here it any more, You'll explain another time. But remember, to enjoy a fine morning?" , if you intend to fight a gangster, you'd better make sure "Countess Stembach was terribly frightened. She was that your gun is loaded." afraid that . . ." , He gave her back the Browning. " ~h Hu~er, please don't .talk nonsense. Everything is "Sorry, young lady, but I must ask you to go now. all nght. III come home wIth you in the side-car." I'd like to dress. It's rather chilly here. The mountain " If I had only known you were safe. I came so fast air. Besides, you Continentals can never keep your rooms that a policeman stopped me and took down my name." properly heated, and I'm a subject to colds. I really must « That will cost us five schillinge at least." go and dress." HAs long a,S nothing has happened to you. Countess * * * Stembach was afraid the gangster might have ..." Standing aimlessly in front of the hotel Irene felt giddy "Th~re's no gan~ster in the whole place. Don't say and sick. Never again-she vowed-never again shall such things. There s only a silly ass, and that's me." , I read a book in which the hero is a gangster. I HAVE She saw that Mr. van Dam had come up and was made a fool of myself. How Nora and Ottokar will staring at them. He must have heard her last words. laugh at me! Good Lord, what would the man think? Perhaps he Walking through the grounds she met Mr. van Dim. ,:ould never come to their parties again because he be- The fat Dutchman seemed surprised to see her. he~ed them to be mad or something. She smiled sweetly. "What an early bird you are; Countess. Are you . I.,' , I quarrelled with my sister-in-law ..." she going mountaitl:eering? " 1 saId with a stammer, "and I ran off. So of course they " No. I... I just wanted to make the most of a felt anxious about me ...." lovely morning, and the Semmering is so beautiful in She s~w that he d!d not believe her, and felt desperate. autumn." , . Everything was gOing wrong. She hastily shOok Mr. "Glorious weather we're having. I'm up early, too, van Dam's hand, and got into the side-car. for once. I've just taken my daughter to the station. " Get a move on, Huber, and for goodness' s!like don't She's off for a few days." talk to me." " Really?" Irene said, not troubling to show any :rrees and hedges flew past. The sun was shining interest in Nantje van Dam's doings. What did she care bnghtly, the sky was a sapphire blue, but Irene never H II4 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE IIj noticed it. She was busy calling herself names and wonder- She turned round and glared at her sister-in-law. . ing whether the van Dams would come to their next " Your brother has also left town for a few days.. Like party. Nantje. Funny, isn't it ? " * * * "Where has Ottokar gone to?" Irene asked inno- cently, pouring herself out her third cup of tea. N ora, who had been waltlng at the window for the " How am I to know? He did not trouble to tell me. puffing of the motor-cycle, came to meet her. He only left a note saying that he had to leave town. "Have you got the pearls? Did you get the better That was all." of the gangster? Did he put up a fight? " "Why are you so vexed? " " He's not a gangster; he's a well-known preacher and "I'm not vexed.. Why should I be? I don't care a most respectable man. If you love me, Nora, you will what he does. I don't care where he goes to, nor how .never, never say another word about the whole thing. long he stays away.... But I must say you Sternbachsare Give me something to eat. I had no breakfast, and am odious people. Yes, Irene, you're odious too. Everything starving." goes wrong-the bank fails, my pearls get stolen, Nantje They went into the dining-room. van Dam goes away for a few days, your brother dis- "You've certainiy not lost your appetite,"· Nora said appears, and you. sit there eating toast as if nothing had watching Irene eat. "But I should like to know who happened." can have stolen my pearls if it wasn't the man from Irene put down the toast and stared at her sister-in-law. Chicago. I tried to ring up Casimir; I 'phoned his hotel H Are you mad?" five rimes. He hasn't come home. Don't you think HE "Not yet, though. I'm sure to be if I live with you did it after all?" any longer." She ran out of the room, banging the door "I shall never again suspect anyone as long as I live. behind her. I'd rather die than make such a fool of myself a second rime. By the way, I met old van Dam. He told me that Nantje has gone away for a few days, and that he doesn't I know whether she'll be back in rime for our next party." H REALLY?" CHAPTER X " What's up? What makes you say' really 'like that? " Nora got up and walked to the window; Turning her ITTING in the train, south-bound, Ottokar asked him- back upon Irene she looked into the garden, struggling S self what had induced him to undertake the journey. with a fit of rage. . He took out the letter his father's old solicitor had written "Nota.... " him, and re-read it. The old man asked him to go to " Yes." Innsbruck at once. Miss Hoper, a distant relation of his· "What IS the matter?" father's, wanted to see him. Ottokar tried in vain to "Nothing. You're always imagining things·. Just as remember her; he could not even recall having you thought the man was a gangster." ~ver heard her name, but the solicitor wrote that she II6 GVESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE II7 was old and very ill, and longing to,' see her dear I really am-a gentleman, not a gent, a real gentleman cousin's son. who does nothing shady for the sake of making money, Old Mr. Haik, the solicitor, knew Ottokar inside out, who does not sell himself. . . . , and had decided on keeping back some rather important The pleasant sensation called up by this thought vanished information. He had been sure that the words " An old, quickly. It will come easy to me, he thought with a wry sick woman" would do the trick, and the less Ottokar smile; who would want, to buy me? knew about his father's cousin, the better. He looked out of the window, watching the small He had not been mistaken. Two hours after he had Tyrolese villages hurry past, tiny houses huddling round received the letter, Ottokar was travelling south. Prob-' the village church. They looked peaceful and happy. I ably the poor woman was not only, old and ailing, but wish I was a peasant, Ott6kar thought; but I'd certainly also in reduced circumstances. Perhaps she' expected him be a bad farmer. I would never be any good at a pro- to lend her some money! How on earth could he do fession that demands, hard work. Serves me right to have so ? He thought of the laboratory and his tiny salary; he lost my money. . . . There is no room in our world for would never get a rise, he would always remain the gifted idlers. But I am sorry for Nora.... She loves a leisurely amateur who owed his job to the kindness of strangers. comfortable life, loves beirig surrounded by beautiful Suddenly he felt disgusted with himself. What was things. . . . Irene is sure to get on. What a pity she he? A man who could not even maintain his wife. If isn't a boy. She's much more energetic and efficient than only he had eno,,\ghmoney to study and pass an examina- I am. If only I knew what the two girls are doing, what , tion; but the money belonged to Nora and Irene. Money. kind of business they have taken up. . . . All those queer . . . During thirty-four years of his life he had never people that come to our house." . . I don't like it; I given it a thought-one had it, one spent it; there was don't like it at all. But I have no right to interfere with always some more at the bank .... I was a fine gentle- my dlvorced wife's plans. Besides, the house belongs to man, he thought angrily; people flattered me-yes, even her. I am living in her house; she is keeping me, up to in our democratic days .... But what made a fine gentle- a certain point. . . . It sounds beastly. I cannot go on man of me? A bank deposit; a big fortune. The bank like that; ... And now there is the old lady. If we has gone smash. I have suddenly ceased to be a fine should have to maintain, her too. . . . She is old and gentleman, and have turned out to be a helpless fool who sick; I must help her. cannot work, who cannot get a job-at least not a job The train stopped. Ottokar got out. The high mouu- that brings in money. Now at last I am really I. Before tains looking down upon the town were already covered I was money plus a title. . . . He looked down at his with Snow. He drove through rather desolate, empty, well-fitting suit. What shall I be when my clothes have wind-swept streets. The taxi passed the old Renaissance got shabby, when I am down at heel? How will people Cathedral and the ancient Imperial palace, left the main treat me then? street, turned into large and beautifully-kept grounds, A feeling of pride he had never experienced before ' and stopped before a big hotel. awoke in his heart: when that happens, when I have Ottokar was surprised and slightly dismayed. The old lost the backgrOund my money gave me, I shall be what lady seemed to be staying at the best hotel in town. Then lIS GUESTS IN THE HOUSE G U EST SIN THE HO USE II9 a ray of hope lit up his gloom: perhaps she was not woman was mad! Old Haik really might have mentioned quite so badly off after all. it in his letter. He took a small room on the top floor and asked "No," the old lady said, as if she had guessed his the hall porter to inform Miss Hoper that he had thoughts. "I'm not mad, my dear boy. I've only been arrived. paralysed for forty years. I had a fall hunting.... '~ After a short while a page knocked at his door and Ottokar felt a shiver run along his spine; to be para- took him to the first floor, where he threw open a door. lysed for forty years, to be as good as dead all that time. Ottokar felt a slight shock: a sitting-room-the woman He ought to say something appropriate, but what COULD had got. a suite! How terribly extravagant! He had he say? quite forgotten that a few months ago he would never " Don't hunt for words of sympathy, dear boy. After have dreamt of not taking one himself. all, life was quite bearable. I enjoyed l;eading and meeting The room was rather dark. Ottokar looked round and people, though I.must admit that I prefer books. I en- saw a slight white-haired figure lying on a couch. A gentle, joyed going south and staying in Italy and Spain. I've tired voice said : grown accustomed to going about in a bath chair. The " Ottokar ? " only thing I never got over is that you're my nephew " Yes." and not my' son." .' Not knowing how to address the old lady he politely She fell silent for a moment, and studled Ottokar's face. kissed her hand without saying a word. " You remind me of your father. That's how he looked "Sit down, my boy; but first turn on the light. I when he begged fie to marry him, a few months after want to see how you look." I had become a cripple. But I loved .him too dearly to Ottokar turned on the light and gazed at the figure on burden his life with an invalid wife. . . . He was quite the couch. He saw a small, ivory-coloured face with big happy with your mother, but it rather comforted me to violet eyes that were looking him througn and through. know that she was only second best after all." A thin hand pointed to a chair. He obeyed silently, Ottokar fidgeted on !jis chair. ' He was still trying in feeling terribly uncomfortable. vain to find something to say, but the old lady's out- "Do you know who I am?" the tired voice said. spokenness made him feel shy. "Did your father ever tell you about me?" " You DO remind me of your father. He too used to Ottokar shook his head. get so terribly shy, unable to say a word." " I'm so sorry, I can't remel;l1ber." The old lady laughed. It was a strangely youthful The small face grew wistful; then the pale lips smiled. laugh. "We never met for forty years, your father and I. Ottokar .forced a smile. Of course, he would not remember me." "You wanted to see me, dear aunt ..." he said, She is talking as if my father were still alive, he thought. hesitatingly. " And I've been dead for forty years," the tired voice " Yes, my boy, I wanted to see you. I won't live much went on. "The dead are forgotten so soon." longer, a few months at the utmost. No, please, don't Ottokar felt almost frightened. Why, the poor old tell me you are sorry. Forty years of paralysis are quite IZO GUESTS IN THE HOU,SE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE 121 enough. I never cared for my relations; they alway~ " Yes," he said softly. "I love Nora; I love her very bored me. But a few days ago I suddenly felt I had to much indeed." see someone who was· related to me-who might have " That's right. Why didn't she come too? " been a much closer relation had I not insisted upon tiding . Ottokar changed colour. Would the old lady never that cursed chestnut mare." stop asking questions?" She laughed again. " She ... she isn't feeling very well." "Don't you think you might say something in your "You need not blush like a girl, Ottokar. It's quite turn? " a well-known fact that women have babies. I'm so glad. " If I can help you. If there is anything I can do. " I was afraid the family would become extinct. You have The old lady threw him a strange look. been married for two years. . . . But now everything is " What did old Haik tell· you? " all right." " That you were ill." The big violet.·eyes sparkled in the ivory white face. "Nothing else? And what did you think?" "I am so glad," she repeated. " It was wise of your "That . . . that you might be badly off and that I wife not to travel. . Tell her to take great care of herself. . . that we ..." I do hope it will be a boy." " And you set out at once, just to come and see an old Ottokar felt his forehead grow moist. He lacked the sick woman? " . courage to disillusion the old lady. Perhaps she was " Of course. I thought, perhaps if you cared to com,,"· really going to die soon, then she need not know that and live with us, we might ..." he would never have a son, that he was the last of the "Didn't you lose all your money in the Elster Bank family. smash? " "It's ... it's not going to be just now," he stam- " Yes, all except twenty thousand schillinge. But we· mered. could always manage somehow. I'm .sure we could." " When do you expect the baby?" " You were always bad at business affairs, you Stern- " Oh, I don't quite know. Not for many a month.. " bachs. Don't worry about me, my boy. I've got enough "Well, it can't be more than seven or eight," the old money for the short span of time I shall go on cumbering lady said with a laugh. "But I can quite understand the earth. Tell me, was your wife pleased at the idea of your impatience. You must be very kind to your wife, my coming to live with you?" Ottokar." H Of course." " Yes." The old lady looked at him and put a rather indiscreet "I should have loved to meet her. I had thought of question: coming to Vienna ...." "Do you love your wife? ?' Good Lord, that would be a disaster I She does not know that we are divorced, Ottokar "I don't think I shall, after all. A woman who is thought. I am sure it would sadden her if I told her. expecting a baby ought not to see sad things, and I'm We never had a divorce in the family. Why gtieve her, not exactly a cheerful sight." poor soul? After all, I can answer without lying. She said it in a matter-of-fact way, without the least 122 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE G U EST SIN THE HO U SE self-pity, and Ottokar silently admired her pluck. Once Ottokar remained at Innsbruck for three days. He again she guessed his thoughts in an almost uncanny way. accompanied the old lady on her drives in the country; " You must not think that I have been nnhappy all he sat in her room and chatted with her when she felt these years. At first, of course, it was simply hell; I was well enough. He admired her more and more. She's eighteen at the time. And I had to hide my despair from like steel, he mused; nothing can break her. She's learnt my parents; they were miserable enough as it was, poor to bear her lot without becoming embittered, without dears. One day old Haik surprised me when I was just even losing her charm. She cannot move without help, having a bad breakdown. I wanted to kill myself. I yet she knows more of what is going on in the world begged him to procure me a revolver, or poison. Do you than I do. And she has not lost her sense of humour; know what the wise old man did? He did not pity me ; she laughs at things I consider a minor t'ragedY. I wish he said almost harshly: 'You ought to be ashamed of I were more like her. . yourself. I'll show you something worse than your On their last evening she scolded him. trouble.' I could not believe that something worse existed, " You must work, Ottokar; you must pass your but the next day he took me in my bath-chair to one of examinations. Don't say that you haven't got the money. the poorest Vienna suburbs. Two men carried me to the Think of all the boys who work in the day time and go top floor of a tenement. I came into a room where a to night school." young paralysed woman. was lying in bed. Two small " !lut what can I do? I might be a chauffeur; that's children were sitting on the floor, playing with rags.' about the only thing I'm good for."· Old Haik-of course he wasn't old then-left me alone "Why not? Do you think that you would bemean with the woman. She had worked in a factory and had yourself by being a good chauffeur? " been hurt by a machine. When we went home I cried "It's not that, only ..." bitterly, and Haiksaid: 'You may cry now that you're She laughed, her eyes twinkling maliciously. not crying for yourself.' Coming home to our lovely "I see; there still exists an 'only' for you. Don't house, and realizing' that everyone was trying hard to be a snob, my boy. After all, your people were not en- make my life as easy and pleasant as possible, that my nobled yesterday, and were neither beer lords nor political people thought of nothing but me, I felt terribly ashamed peers. When you're home again try and find a job, no -more ashamed than I have ever felt before or after. matter what. Sometimes I feel sorry for your wife; If only we knew ...." I'm sure you must often bore her to tears. You're a Her mood changed. dear, kind fellow, but you can be an awful bore." " Don't look like a mute at a funeral, Ottokar. I helped Ottokar felt hurt. How often Nora had said to him the woman, and you can talk to one of her daughters later "You bore me," and now the old lady was almost saying on. I adopted her as soon as she was a little older. She the same. Could a woman not be content with baving nurses me and bears with all my whims. And now go everything she wanted, even her own way? Was it really and dress. We'll dine in an hour." his fault that Nora had not been able to go on living with him? * * * "Wake up 1" the old lady said impatiently. "No, I GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN 'THE HOUSE 125' don't mean now, but altogether. Look at the world; " But I had an appointment with him, and he did not see things as they are. You're very kind-hearted, but that come. Surely you know where he is." won't help you to get on. Your son must have an ener- Why on earth should I know? Ottokar thought peev- ; Ii getic, efficient father. Life is getting more difficult every ishiy, and who the devil is Mrs. Klepper? day. Being charming isn't enough." "I'm so sorry, Mrs. Klepper," he' said politely, "but il She kissed him when they said good-bye. I really don't know.... " "We shan't meet again, my boy. I'm going to Naples "But you MUST know. After all, I met him it your next week. I want to die where I can see real sun. I house; don't try to put me off. Tell me: where is the I know it's sinful luxury and silly sentimentality, but I Count? " i think I've got a right to it. Write to me sometimes. "I'm not obliged to know where all the people are ,il Old Haik will inform you of my death. And for good- who come to my house. After all, I'm not my guests' I: ness'sake don't order a wreath by wire. You've got too keeper," Ottokar s~id impatiently. The ugly, vulgar voice !i little money for that kind of thing, and it would annoy grated 'on his ear. 'ii" me most terribly, even after my death. Good-bye, give . " Guests! Guests! Don't be silly. No need to keep my love to your wife." . up appearances witlr me. I want an' information that :I[ only Count Ponitzki can give me ...." " I'm very sorry," Ottokar repeated. 11 * * * "Perhaps you can tell me what I want to know. I Ottokar arrived home in the evening. Driving up to met the young man at your party." i I the house, he noticed with amazement that the windows "Which young man?" showed no light. " Mt. Mann." He let himself in. The hall was dark, the rooms were " Yes, he was here last Sunday. But I don't under- empty. stand ...." " The ladies are dining at Mr. Schiro's," the maid told "Have you got him on your list? I know I ought him. not to ask; it's not really done. But even rival firms Schiro, was he not one of the men who came to Nora's must sometimes help each other. At least, that's what I queer parties? Ottokar could not quite remember the tlrink. If you haven't got him for good, there's a young name. Feeling tired and dejected, he ate his solitary lady who is interested in him . . . good family, Protestant, supper and went to his study. a dowery of two hundred and thirty thousand schilltnge • .••" About ten the 'phone rang. Ottokar took up the "Quite so. But what do you expect me to do about receiver. An excited female voice nearly burst his ear- it?" . drums: "Then you haven't got him on your list? " " Can I speak to Count Ponitzky? " . "I really don't know what you are talking about, " Ponitzky? No, he's not here. Who is it? " Mrs. Klepper." . " Mrs. Klepper. Where is Count Ponitzky ? " " Listen! I'm. ready to meet you half. way. I'll give " I haven't the slightest idea." you .. ,n ,,6 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE " What do you want to give me ? " Nora talks of a Nantje I do!)'t know, and a few hours " Good Lord, are you an absolute idiot? Let's say a ago a madwoman rang up and wanted to know if we had quarter per cent ...." got young Mann on our list. She then offered me a half " I really don't know .. ' .." per cent. for something; I could not understand what." "Isn't that enough? Then let's say a half per cent." "Who was the woman?" Ottokar lost his temper. ." Wait 1 What was her name? Kepp? No, KIepper." " I really don't know what you are talking about. The "She offered you a half per cent? Did you accept . whole thing must be a mistake." her offer? " "Look here, you won't get on if you behave that way. " What offer?'"" . I've never met with such rudeness. How can you be so " Idiot! The half per cent.; what else could I mean? " unobliging? I'd have sent you a client or two if you had H Of course not." been ready too.... Of course, I won't do it now.. And Irene wrimg he~ hands dramatically and gave a heart- don't flatter yourself that your title is any good. . . . liroken sigh. . You'll see, you'll see ...." " You've only just come back, and already you've done The loud voice broke off with a shrill screech, and the the most foolish thing you could possibly do. Probably 'phone was silent. Still holding the receiver, Ottokar you've offended the woman. You certainly are an idiot." put his hand to his head. What was the meaning of it She threw him an angry look and left him standing all? What the deuce had the woman wanted? He could , helplessly in the middle of the room. not imagine. Nora and Irene, coming home about midnight, were surprised to find Ottokar in the drawing-room, smoking moodily. . CHAPTER XI "Back already.?" Nora said sarcastically. "Did you have a good time?" RENE came home from ,her tennis lesson feeling tired "I wouldn't exactly. call it having a good time. If I out. Never before had her teacher made her work you're not loo tired, Nora, I'd like to tell you all about it." so hard. She still seemed to hear his grumpy voice : " Thanks, I'm not interested~" " Is that the way to serve a ball? A child could return She walked' to the door. Opening it, she asked without it 1· Try again. . . . There, that's better, but not good looking round: yet. Try again ...." " Is Nantje back too? " Her hand was· trembling and her legs felt like lead. " Nantje? Who's Nantje? " She crawled upstairs, went into the bathroom and ran Nora laughed scornfully. herself a bath. "You know perfectly well who Nantje is." Just as she was going to get in, Made knocked at the She left the room. door. Ottokar turned to Irene. "Countess Irene, Mrs. Klepper wauts to speak to you " Tell me, for goodness' sake, is this a lunatic asylum? on the 'phone. She's called up six times this morning." 128 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE " Ask Countess Sternbach to talk to her." " I'm perfectly ready to meet you half way. Of course, "The Countess is not 'in town." you'd have to compensate us. But we'll be sure to come " What did you say? " to an agreement. Excuse me if I ring off. Don't forget Irene hastily put on her dressing-gown and opened the to-m~rrow, door. - at about four." " So long." " Where is the Countess ? " Mrs. Klepper's voice sounded less unpleasant, though " She left directly after lunch. I was to tell you that still very decided. . she had gone to stay with her parents for a few days. Irene made a face at the 'phone. I shall not give in, to the phone? " Shall I go she thought. That silly boy seems worth a fortune. I "Np, thanks, I'm corning.'~ certainly shall not give in. She took up the telephone Without troubling to put on her slippers, Irene ran to directory and hunted for young Mann's number. Then Nora's room and took up the receiver. she rang him up only to find out that he was not at home. " Hullo, Mrs. Klepper I Irene Sternbach speaking." "Please give him a message," she told the servant. " I've already called up six times." "He's to' come round to Countess Sternbach to-day, as " I'm so sorry. I have only just come home." soon as possible. It's most important. Don't -forget, " You probably know what I want to talk about. please." Young Mann ..." I r Then she rang up Casimir, but he was not in either. Of course, Ottokar -had told her something last night, , " Irene gave the porter the same message. but what was it he had said? She was much too tired i' "Tell the Count to come to Countess Sternbach at to collect her thoughts. I liI once. It's terribly important. Don't forget, please." , "Yes?" she said Cltutiously. I'" She put back the receiver and returned _to' the bath- " I've found a match for him. I know he's your client, room. Of course, the water had got cold. Feeling annoyed, but perhaps we might come to terms. I spoke about !rene turned on the hot tap. While she was lying luxuri- him to your brother last night, but it was impossible to ously in her bath, she suddenly remembered what Made get a sensible answer out of him." had told her: Nora had gone to stay with her parents. " Yes," rrene repeated. True, they had quarrelled violently .at breakfast. Never- A spirit of contradiction awoke in her. We will NOT theless, Irene had not expected Nora to run away. Just let her have young Mann, not for a half per cent., not like her to go and leave everything to me, she thought even for a whole one. But it might be wiser not to say -angrily. It's a beastly shame. I don't feel up to any- so at once. tiring. But I'd better get dressed. Casimir will be turning "Perhaps you'd better come here to-morrow, Mrs. up soon, and .young Mann. . Klepper," she said amiably. " One really can't talk it over With a feeling of regret she got out of her bath and on the 'phone. Can you come to-morrow, about four? " returned to her room. Just as she was putting on her -" All right! But don't you go and believe ..." I frock, Made knocked at the door once more. There was a veiled threat in the vulgar voice. Irene i "Mr. Gedecke wants to know whether you can see interrupted the head of the rival firm: him? " I I GUESTS IN THE HOUSE 131 130 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE . Irene made a moan. The Aryan Nature Lover, of all ! say to him: Oh, do get out, you bore me to death; people in the world ! or, If you intend to stay here, try and behave like a " Tell him to wait in the drawing-room. .I'll be down gentleman. at once. And make me some strong tea, please." Mr. Gedecke took out a fat cigar and lit it. In the drawing-room she met a Mr. Gedecke she had He does not even ask me whether I mind; Irene was never met before-not the polite Mr. Gedecke who came rapidly losing her temper. Of course, I must not forget to Countess Sternbach's parties, but an ill-mannered man that just now I'm only a saleswoman in his eyes- 144 GUES'tS IN 'tHE HOUSE GUES'tS IN 'tHE HOUS'};: I45 joyfully given, lovingly-chosen presents she had accepted it off in his sleep; maybe he is thinking: To-morrow 1 with indifference and a polite "Thank you." If only to-morrow would never come. Just now I can Ottokar had always been the one who gave, and she live here with the child and need not pay rent, but if had accepted everything without showing the least pleasure, ever that comes to an end.'. . . taking it for granted. Could she wonder at his trying "To-morrow everything will be all right again," the to find another woman who would give him what she clear voice was singing. Nora stopped her ears with had always refused? She recalled Nantje van Dam's face: both hands; she could not bear to listen any longer. the Dutch girl was beautiful, much lovelier than she had There were so many people in the world for whom to- ever been. And she had a sweet generous mouth; soft morrow never came, and she was one of them. lips, meant to say kind and affectionate things. Had When she took away her hands the wireless was silent; she ever said anything kind to Ottokar? Had she ever' a gentle wind rustled the dry leaves, and the rain was been affectionate? . . . pattering against. the panes. The sleepy sparrow gave She knew how he suffered because he could not earn one more chirp. Then qniet fell upon the little garden, enough to keep her and Irene. Had she ever tried to and in the house the lights went out. comfort him, encourage him? And now she had run away, had left him and Irene-who was so good and * * * tried so hard to help on her mad scheme-in the lurch. Ernestine Salt had never had a date with a man in all ••. Her mother, whom she had always despised as a her life. She felt almost frightened when the Widow narrow-minded woman, would never have done so. As Leger knocked at her door and said : to her father, she hardly dared think of him.... "A gentleman is waiting 'in the hall. He says he's In the neighbourhood a wireless began to bray. It come to take you for a walk." ,I; drowned the soft murmur of the rain. Then a woman's Seeing Mr. Bite's good-natured face her fear vanished. voice began to sing. She sang a song that was the rage He held a bunch of violets in his hand, and did not seem just then: to know what to do with them. At last he gingerly held " To-morrow everything will be all right again." them out to her: To-morrow? For whom will everything be all right "They're for you." again? Nora thought of all the people listening to the Ernestine blushed. song. They were listening in drawing-rooms, in horrid " For me? How kind of you." boarding house sitting-rooms, in chilly attics. To- They remained standing in the hall. Ernestine dld not morrow 1 When will to-morrow come and things be know what to do. She could not well invite a strange all right again? When will all worries and sorrows dis- man into her bedroom, and her landlady had left them, appear as mist in the sun? Perhaps Ottokar is hearing after a searching glanc.e at the stranger, thus giving her the words and smiling wryly. Perhaps Irene is listening lodger to understand that Mr. Bite was not worthy of in;. she loves to play with the wireless .... To-morrow. being received, in the sitting-room. . .'. And Huber is hearing the song in the attic room and "The weather has turned fine," said Mr. Bite. " I pulling the blanket over the little boy who has thrown thought we might go to the Prater." K GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE '47 Ernestine heaved a sigh of relief. What a splendid nothing to fear. Ernestine recalled going out with her idea. What a blessing that there are parks and~ squares father. He had always grown impatient. "Get going I for people who have no sitting-rooms, kindly parks and What are you waiting for?" And then he would pull squares who never shut the door in one's face, as humans and drag her into the street, right in between honking do. cars, ringing trams and wildly racing bicycles. To-day "Oh yes, do let's go," she said eagerly. "I'll just no on~e dragged or pushed her. To-day she was led across fetch my coat and put the flowers into water." gently, firmly; it was simply wonderful. She left Mr. Bite still standing in the hall, and ran to They got into the tram and drove to the Prater. From her room. ~ For the first time since she had come to live the lazily flowing Danube a soft blue haze drifted inland, here, she noticed that she dld not possess a flower-vase. veiling a pale golden sun. But of course she had never had money to spend on flowers, They walked slowly along one of the avenues bordered and the Widow Leger did not think it necessary to put by high old trees, shedding their last leaves in a shower a flower vase in her cheapest room. Ernestine took a of yellow rain. glass from her washing-stand and untied the string that Suddeuly the sun came out, and now the Danube was held the violets. Her hands were trembling. Someone as blue as it was in the old waltz, with tiny ,waves bathing had brought her flowers as if she were a young girl. . . . the panks in silvery ripples. . She gent! y stroked the tiny violet blooms and lifting the "Let's sit down," said the kind voice. "It's quite glass to her face inhaled the sweet scent. Then she re- warm." membered that Mr. Bite was waiting for her. ~ She put They sat on a bench. The avenue was deserted. From on her hat and slipped into her coat. time to time black crows flew past creaking hoarsely. Leaving the house Ernestine felt as if she were going "Doesn't the river look like the sea?" Mr. Bite said to a foreign country. The familiar streets looked different, dreamily. "I often come here and sit on this bench. and she herself walked along with an easy stride, feeling It makes me think of the Mediterranean." stronger and more sure of herself than usual; perhaps Ernestine remembered a picture postcard a friend of because someone kept step with her. She listened with her father's had sent them from Nice: palm trees, a very secret joy to the sound of the steps that joined her own. blue sky and a very blue sea. She had been ten at the All her life Ernestine had been frightened of crossings. time, and had promised herself: When I'm grown up, Sometimes she stood waiting for minutes at a time till I shall go to Nice. The picture postcard had fallen to others cross'ed the street and she could follow them. pieces long ago, but the picture had lived on in Ernestine's Everything seemed so dangerous, so threatening: the mind ; the sapphire, blue, the unknown, miracul,!u~, motor-cars, the trams, the cyclists-and she could never happy beauty of the south. remember what the different traffic lights meant: When "Nice," she said, speaking as in a dream. "I always she had to wait, when she could safely cross the street. wanted to go to Nice." To-day all was different. Mr. Bite said: "Allow me" ." You will one· day," said the kind voice beside her. and took her arm. Mr. Bite knew exactly when to cross "Not· only to Nice, but further still, to Italy, to Naples, the street and led her to ~ the other side as if there were to Sicily ...." . GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE 149 " What makes you think so ? " " You'll see;" said Mr. Bite, who had never eaten any, Mr. Bite hardly paid any attention to her words. but who had read about them in the guide book. Watching the gentle flow of the river, he confided a They remained silent fm; a while, enjoying their meal secret to her-a secret no one knew although it shed a in the small restaurant on the beach. glamour over his whole life. In the evening, alone in "What are we going to do now?" Ernestine asked his quiet room, Mr. Bite spread a map on the table and eagerly. took several old Bad,k,rs he had bought second-hand " Well go back to our new PENSION. It's called PEN- from a shelf. In the mellow light of the lamp, enveloped SION RUBTLI, and belongs to a Swiss lady. It's ·cheap, in the smoke of his pipe, he set out on a journey. He· and the food and the service are excellent. When we went south, or, if he felt like it, he travelled as far as the get to our room we'll lower the blinds. There, now the North Cape. As he studied the sober passages in the guide room is filled with a soft green light. You are sitting in books they seemed to burst into flower. The scent of an arm-chair looking very sweet, and I am stooping over oranges and pepper-trees wafted through the room, the you and kissing you." icy waters of the Norwegian Fjords rushed and roared, Ernestine opened her eyes quickly. It had begun to at midnight the sun shone red in the sky. Mr. Bite saun- grow dark, pale twilight brooded over the grey river and tered through the streets of Granada, and stood entranced the old trees. They were not at Nice, but Ernestiue felt in front of the Alhambra., He sat in a boat, riding the on her lips a pair of lips, warm and tender. . . . She blue waves of the grotto of Capri and marvelled at their returned ·the kiss as in a dream. Of course, it must be a colour. He climbed the hill leading to the Acropolis dream; except her father no man had ever kissed her. and saw Athens lying at his feet. He crossed the ocean She felt an arm go round her, and then a second on his way.to New York, and watched the Statue of Liberty kiss .... emerging on tbe horizon. Suddenly she grew frightened. She was Sitting in a Mr. Bite had been buying Badekers as a birthday present dark avenue letting a stranger kiss her as if she were a for himself during the last fifteen years, and he knew the ·kitchen· wench. Her father . . . his voice seemed whole world. Delighted to talk of his hobby, he took to come from the grave: "Never forget that you are Ernestine to the Cote d'Azure; they drove in a car along the daughter of an official, Ernestiue. Behave according the white Corniche, the blue sea on their right, orange to my position." What had she done? What would and olive groves on their left. Ernestine closed her eyes. Mr. Bite think of her? He would take her for a hussy, The Danube had miraculously become the Mediterranean. a light woman. . . . The sun was shining so brightly that she unbuttoned her "I .. . I think I'd like to go home," she said in a coat; she was feeling hot. trembling voice. "I'm cold." " And then," Mr. Bite said gaily, "we go to a small Mr. Bite returned to the banks of the Danube. restaurant on the beach-they call it a reserve-and eat " You're cold? " he said solicitously. "Why· didn't you shrimps, delicious erevettes that have only just been caught." say so before? I'm so sorry. I do hope you haven't Ernestine smelt the salty tang of the sea. caught cold." " Do erev,ttes taste good?" she asked. On the way home both were taciturn and depressed. GUESTS IN THE HOUSE- 15 1 150 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE Mr. Bite already regretted having betrayed his secret, Lying in bed, tired out and cold, she pulled the blanket and Ernestine felt miserable. She kept thinking: He up to her chin and suddenly she felt a wild despair, a mad revolt against her destiny. She buried her head in d~es no; say a word. He despises me • • . he really thinks I m a wanton ...• If only he knew, if I could the pillows so as not to give way to wild weeping and only tell him for how long a time no one has been kind to be heard by the widow Leger. Overcome by misery to me. It's so long ago I can hardly remember it. How and sorrow, she murmured, silly futile words: "I shall never, never eat crevettes in a small restaurant well he talks, and what a lot he knows. We might have been such good friends .... Now, of course ..• now, on the beach. I shall never, never know how they of course, everything is at an end. taste ...." She cried herself to sleep. . She held herself very straight, and tried not to .keep Once she woke with a start. The clock in the neigh- In step. He must not believe that she was setting her cap at him. How absurd, at her age. bouring church tower struck five. The room was quite dark. Ernestine. counted the strokes. She felt bewildered When th,;y :eached the crossing Mr. Bite did not again take Ernestlne s arm, he only said coldly: and still half asleep. She seemed to hear the rush of water. The room was filled with a sweet fragrance. " I think we' d b~tter cross now," and she obeyed with-. Where did it come from? Was she still dreaming? Had out a word. She. did not care whether she was going to be her dream wafted her to southern lands? run ove,;; s~e did not seem able to care about anything .. Trying to shake off her drowsiness she sat up in bed. Standing In the house door she said timidly: But she still smelt the sweet scent. Suddenly she knew "'Thank you so much for the lovely walk." "Don't mention it.n it came from the glass beside her into which she had put Ernestine waited for an instant, hoping passionately Mr. Bite's violets. that he would say: She groped for them in the dark. The flowers were soft and cool. Ernestine lifted them to her lips and " When may 1 fetch you for another ope? " But he did not say it. He bowed stiffly and said with- kissed them. out looking at her: ' . Eve:, if I'm never happy again in all my life, thought Ernestlne, who had been brought up never to want any- " Good nlght, Miss Salt. I hope you have not caught cold." thing for herself; even if these flowers and this evening in the Prater are all I am ever going to enjoy-yes, even " Good nlght." How many steps, Ernestine thought, woefully climbing if I never again know happiness-my life will not have t6 the top floor. I shall have to go on climbing them been quite desolate. She put down the glass with the flowers. To-morrow all my life-and always alone. I shall always come back I must give them fresh water. As long as they do not to an empty room, and never, never in all my life shall fade, I shall not be miserable. I shall still be just a tiny bit I ~e happy even for an hour or so without my happiness beIng destroyed before I really had time to enjoy it. happy .... She lay back with a sigh. How long do She undressed in the dark. She did not want to see violets live? her face in the glass. 15 2 GUE'STS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE 153 over the food and the bottles tumble over and break. It's not the least bit romantic and most irritating. The CHAPTER XIII women get headaches and the men are bored to death. The best place to have a picnic in is the garden of a big RNE.STINE SALT was the first to arrive, half an hour hotel where you can get hot water to wash your hands. E before the time. The word picnic had filled her We can't do it that way, unfortunately, because all those with joyous anticipation. She never had been at a picnic. silly people are keen on 'enjoying nature.' We'll go to Of course, she had made excursions-she remembered Baden where there is a lovely old park and where we'll them with secret horror-terrible hours with her father get enough 'nature' to satisfy our clients and enough marching in front, the children rushing after him unable civilization to make feeding out of doors-always an to keep step with his long stride, and mother bringing odious and rather disgusting thing-more or less bear- up the rear, carrying the basket with sandwiches and able. And if it should come to rain we'll have a place to lemonade. When she recalled these excursions Ernestine go to." never saw green meadows, waving goiden cornfields, " If we go to Baden I can get Nora to join us," Irene soft hills, their slopes covered with flowers, and babbling had said. brooks; in her mind's eye she saw only an endless white, " That's an idea. Is your brother coming too? " dusty road leading nowhere, along which one had to " Yes, I talked him round." march, on and on, with weary feet and parched throat. Casimir smiled. "I'm rather sorry for the poor fellow. But a picnic sounded different; it made one think of He really doesn't fit in with the rest. But then no decent pleasant hours spent in the country, of a long and lovely human being fits into our world." drive, and of-she was, after all, the daughter of a small Irene had felt slightly annoyed. official-elegance and wealth. One drove past pedes- "Do you mean to say that I'm not decent?" trians, one sat in a car, one was better than other people. " Unfortunately you are. That's why I'm always afraid Perhaps she would drive in the same car with Mr. Bite, of your making a mess of things." and then, maybe, she would be able to explain. . . . The car drove up. Miriam had come with the journal- She did not quite know what it was she wanted to ex- ist who did not even get out. He seemed afraid of some- plain, but she had begun hoping anew, and the glorious one taking his seat. autumn morning fitted in with this mood of hers. "May I come with you?" Irene, who had become Casimir had done all he could to make the picnic a great friends with the other girl, said. success: Irene had proposed to drive to the Vienna "Do. Who else is coming in our car? " Forest and to picnic in the wood. He had argued her Mr. Mann strode up. out of it. " I've offered my car to your brother, Countess Irene." " That's one of those ~diotic romantic ideas people Irene smiled spitefully. will cling to," he had said. "Nature, pure and unadulter- " Oh well, come along if you must." ated 1 And then they. sit down on an ants' hill or get Ernestine Salt, Mr. Bite, the Aryan Nature Lover and stung by wasps. The ground is damp and the files crawl Nantje van Dam got into Mr. Mann's car. Margot asked , 154 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE r GUESTS IN THE HOUSE 155 Mr. Rack and Karl von Ahler to drive with her. Casimir thing-secret worries and fears connected ,with the, ~ren~ drove in Mrs. Ride's car. I of politics-that kept him awake many a rught; Minam, s Huber was to follow in Mr. Gedecke's car, together unfortunate passion for flying, and the sadness he s,tlll with Ottokar and the provisions. Just as they were felt when he remembered his two sons who had died getting ready to start, old Schiro turned up and asked at an early age, and who would have been such a help ~ whether he might come too. to him had they lived to grow up. He listened absently . For Ernestine the drive was much too short. She to what Ottokar and the chauffeur were talking about,' wanted it to last for ever. Everything was so wonderful: They spoke of the old estate of the Ster'.'bachs. in ~ohemia, the speed, the fresh autumn air, the bright sun. She and recalled things that had happened m their childhood. gazed at the red berries of .the ash-trees bordering the Mr. Schiro dimly recollected his own youth. I~ had been road, she inhaled the delicious air, she nodded with a a hard time of grinding poverty and unceasmg work. dreamy smile when someone talked to her, but she hardly He saw himself as. he had been then-a shabby, eternally heard the words. She was as a child for whom a fairy hungry boy, his 'head filled with plans. If one of them tale has come true. She forgot all about the desolate eternallace-m~king went wrong, another one might succeed. Then, one grey days in the ugly narrow street, the day, he found himself a rich man. But the many plans that tired her eyes, the landlady and the dreary furnished had devoured old Schiro's youth like rats. He had gradu- room. Had she been able to talk at all she would only ally become almost indecently rich, and Miriam had ~ad have repeated: "How lovely, how lovely 1 " a happy childhood. But all the money could n~t give Mr. Gedecke talked to Nantje van Dam about shares him back his boys or his wife "\'Iho had been his best and dividends; he had quite forgotten that he was a friend. How he missed her, perhaps now more than Nature Lover. The fair-haired girl spoke in a desultory ever. He seemed to see a pair of dark eyes look at him way about tulips and Dutch painters; she disliked the tenderly, then he heard Ottokar say: German who bored her to death, and consoled herself "Do you remember the big pond the dogs used to with the thought that the drive wogld be over soon. swim in?" Mr. Bite kept silent out of sheer rapture. He had Huber nodded. . never driven in a motor-car before. He had never 'left " And we too, when there was nobody by." , the town he had been' born in, and his many journeys A big pond, barking dogs, laughing boys, the ~un had never taken him through real country. How lovely reflected in the green waters. . . . How far more beautiful the landscape was in the diamond air, how dainty and . a memory than the stock exchange, excited, ';len yelling slender the young birch trees over there looked; what at the top of their voices; money, sha~es, diVidends, and a pity that one had to seize people's furniture and things again money-always money. Old Schiro closed his ~yes in such a beautiful country that was surely meant to be and let the two low voices carry him away into an, alien, , happy and prosperous. . lovely, care-free world. Old Mr. Schiro remained silent, leaning back in the. Karl von Abler felt annoyed. Margot Wiker never cushions of the car. He neither wanted to talk, nor to took her eyes off young Rack and seemed d~af to wh";t- think. For one short day he wanted to forget every- ever the older man said. Margot never noticed that m 1)6 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN T:HE HOUSE 157 II all the writer's stories he always was the most important thought, but it would be better for Miriam to do so. person-he, and his genius, and his success. She was . . . Poor Mann, he looks like a fish out of water. He . musing: How many years am I older than he? Four has suddenly turned into a harmless boy, who feels worried years? Six years? But I don't look my age. And if by something not inCluded in the Nazi programme. She he should learn to love me? He does not care for money, felt sorry for him and said, almost kindiy : he told me so himself; if he should . . . I would grow "We have got a lovely country, haven't we, Mr. young again, living with a man who loves me. She Mann? " thought of the late Mr. Wiker, of his paunch, his jealousy, He looked at her with bewildered, unhappy eyes. of the way he used to gobble his food, of his always finding "A lovely country.... Yes, you're right, Countess fault with everything. And there was Alexander Rack Irene. Somehow I never noticed it before. You see, I saying: love Germany best." "The only thing I care for is my writing. When I " Really? But,. after all, you're an Au~trian." am working I hardiy know where I am. Sometimes I " A German Austrian. Germany, the National Socialist eat nothing for days at a time. My friends keep telling Party.... " me that I simply must have a wife to look after me. Else But the slogans he was going to dish up seemed silly I'm sure to die young.... " . all of a sudden, and the boy fell silent. He was miserable, Margot felt a thrill listening to these confessions of a . and not even the huge black Swastika, gleaming darkly poet; at the same time, being a true Austrian, she re- qn a white wall they were just driving past, was able to membered with a glow of pleasure how excellent her cook comfort him. was, and thought how delightful it would be to look after a genius. Perhaps.... Who co"ld tell . . .? * * * Casimir and Mrs. Ride chatted cheerfully about pleasant, They reached the funny little old station--a wooden unimportant things. They got on well. Casimir saw building rather like a Swiss chalet-and drove on, along rising before his eyes the picture of a peaceful, quiet life. the straight road leading to the small town. On one How restful it would be not to have to dye one's hair side of the road a merrily babbling brook accompanied any longer, not to have to do gymnastics however tired them part of the way. The town, beginning in the valley, one felt. He would take life easy; he would give up climbs up a hill called the Harzberg, that shelters it from· fasting two days a week; he would not even mind getting .\ the north wind. Mr. Bite looked longingly at the peaceful a little fatter round the waist. Yes, he might even grant : green hill. He felt adventurous and wanted to climb it himself a tiny paunch-a friendly, good-natured little to see what was on the other side. But Casimlr had decided paunch-denoting good living and contentment. The otherwise. They drove on, past the hot spring that gushed sensible, kindly woman sitting beside him would not forth like a fountain, past the bath, lying in the middle of mind. the wood, till they reached the Casino Park. Irene watched Miriam and the journalist and felt good. The deserted park with its old elms and gnarled alder Surely, dear old Schiro would have to pay up soon, and trees had a mysterious look. It called up pictures from Miriam would give up flying. I would not do it, Irene the past, bringing back far-away times when ladies in 158 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE 159 crinolines walked on the gravel paths, carrying tiny sun- her? Had she given up the "business"? Of course, shades, and gentlemen--elegant sticks in their hands~ she was free to do as she liked; no one could make her bowed deeply on meeting them, and paid the most return to town, to the house where Irene and Ottokar -elaborate compliments whilst they listened to the band, lived as her guests. Ought she to have sent Ottokar? or sauntered slowly towards the hot spring. The old She had not dared to do it. Her brother had not com- trees had witnessed many a strange scene and seen many- mented on Nora's absence with a single word; he had -queer people, at a time when the spa had still been the seemed to take it for granted. He had only grown more fashion. In the shade of the majestic elms many a man taciturn and moody during the last few days. had rested whose name was famous, even to-day. She found Nora in the g~rden. Mr. Rack 'Showed off to Margot, talking easily of " Irene! Where on earth do you come from? What Beethoven and Grillparzer, of Schubert and Count Metter- are you doing here? " nich who had followed the cure, and sought healing in Irene was glad that Nora did not mention their quarrel. the hot spring. He had read it all up in the morning, "I've come to fetch you. We're here with the wh01e but Margot did not know it. She listened entranced to gang. Having a picnic in the Casino Park. It was Casi- the vivid picture he drew, and smiled delightedly on mir's idea. It costs us nothing, and perhaps some of the hearing him say: clients will grow sentimental: trees and flowers, and the " Perhaps I too shall add to the celebrity of this place, spirit of the past-all that kind of thing, you know. and children will read in their history of literature: 'It Maybe some will get engaged, and . . ." was at Baderi that the famous writer Alexander Rack spent She stopped short and gazed at her sister-in-law. one of the happiest days of his life '." "What's wrong with you? Why are you so pale? Casimir, who had come up to them, grinned maliciously Why do you look so tragic? Won't you come along and and said: - help with the picnic? And won't you come home with "Let's hope so. But in the meanrime you'd better us afterwards?" help unpack the hampers." " Do you think Ottokar wants me to come?" Casimir ordered them about like a commander-in-chief. " Ottokar? You forget that it's YOUR house. If you Everyone had to work. - Meeting Irene he whispered to wanted to get rid of us you need not have run away." her: .H Come here, Irene~" "What do you think of my idea? If we had to pay Nora took her sister-in-Iaw's arm and pulled her into for all this ! " the small summer-house. "Do you think I could slip away and fetch Nora?" " It was beastly of me to run away," she said remorse- Irene asked. ' fully. "And if you want me to come back I'll do so. "Yes, but be quick, please." But listen, Irene! I've been thinking things over. We Irene left the park and hurried along the narrow street are doing something wrong, something abominable. We that led to the doctor's house. She -felt uncomfortable are playing with souls, bartering hum;tn lives for the sake at the idea of n;.eeting her sister-in-law. Had Nora left of filthy money. I'd much rather take up something them for good? Would she refuse to come back and help else." GUESTS IN THE HOUSE 161 ,160 GUESTS IN THE HOUS,E pulled her out of the garden. On the way to the Casino " Nora 1 Just now when everything is going so beauti- ~ully. Park she suddeniy burst out laughing. In a few months' time you can indulge in remorse Nora looked slightly bewildered. if you want to. Do come along, else your mother will "What makes you laugh, Irene?" see me and want to come too." But Irene did not answer. She had been tickled by Nora hesitated. the idea that perhaps only one match would come off: " Don't be so obstinate. Get your hat and coat." Nom's and Ottokar's. And that marriage would not put "I ... I've got to pack my things." money in their pockets. . " Nonsense 1 You hardly took anything along. You qtn ask your mother to send on your things. Do come." * * "I don't really know.... Perhaps it would be * better ..." Nor~ felt nervo~s at the idea of meeting Ottokar, but " Look here! I can't sit here for ever waiting for you she mlght have spared herself this fear. Reaching the to decide what you really want to do. Anyhow, we, want park they heard loud arid not exactly amiable voices. another woman. Ahier has got to share Nantje with The Aryan Nature Lover, annoyed by the dull drive Ottokar." had begun to talk politics, and was telling old Schir~ "Oh, so Nantje has come too?" exactly what he thought about Jewish capitalists. The " Of course." old man repaid his insolence in kind. Ottokar-Nora " Just a moment, Irene; I'll be back at once." ?a.d never known that he was interested in politics-had " Good 1 Hurry up. And what about your coming JOlned the two men and was upholding left wing views home? " that made both their hair stand on end. Young Mann " Of course I'm coming; you might have known it. listened in silence. He longed to come to the Aryan I only want to say good-bye to my people." Nature Lover's aid, but dared not do it because Miriam Nora ran into the house, and Irene gazed after her was sitting close by and might have heard' his words . an amused smile on her lips. I knew Nantje's name would . Casimir had tried in vain to appease the politicians by do the trick, she thought. a Joke or two. Now he was standing apart, looking furious She idly picked one of the flaming leaves of the Virginia and cursing »nder his breath. Seeing Nora, he went up creeper that covered the summer-house, and shrugged. to her hurriedly. , It's a queer world, a mad world, she mused. As long "Thank goodness you've come. Perhaps you can do as she was sure of Ottokar he bored her. Now that she something. I don't know what's come to Ottokar and imagines that another woman. . • . those two old fools. . . . You'd better stress the Countess Nora came hurrying back. and be as haughty as you can be. But be quick about it: " Let's go, Irene. We must help with the picnic." Those idiots are spoiling everything." She has quite forgotten that, we are "playing with Nora walked up to the excited group. souls," Irene thought maliciously, but she was careful Ottokar was just declaring: not to say so. She took her sister-in-law's hand and L GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN T'HE HOUSE " Capitalism is immoral in whatever form . " " He did not say a word, Countess Irene? Why are Mr. Gedecke interrupted him rudely: you scolding him?" "The only immoral thing is the stock exchange, and " He might have," Irene said, angrier still because she that is in the hands of the Jews." had wronged an innocent man. Besides, she disliked the Ottohr looked at him as if he were some noisome idea of young Mann having behaved decently. The Aryan insect. Nature Lover had come back; he and old Schiro seemed "And what about the large Aryan concerns in Ger- to calm down. Strange to say, it was Ottokar who took many? And what about the huge estates?" up the cudgels again. "Good morning," Nora said icily. "I see that you "The whole system is wrong," he said. "Call it by are having a most interesting conversation. I'm so glad whatever name you like. Our whole economical system you're enjoying yourselves. But don't you think that. is absurd and criminal and unfair, 'and ..." politics are rather out of place here? I'm not used to "Ottokar, please," Nora said imploringly. my guests yelling at the top of their voices, and I must Irene caught hold of her brother's arm and pinched admit that I don't like it." it violently. . Ottokar stared at her. "Do shut up! Do you intend to make a speech? " Nora ! " You're not in Parliament, nor is this a meeting. Come She smiled charmingly. along, there's a dear! Let's eat and drink. At least the " Of course I came as soon as I knew you were here.'~ people won't be able to talk politics as long 13.S they are The way he looked at her maqe her feel shy. She masticating." forgot. to be haughty. Mr. Bite and Ernestine had already sat down at one of Irene put her hand on Mr. Schiro's arm. the small folding tables. " Don't mind that horrid fellow," she whispered. "Be Ernestine looked dismayed and said in a horrified a ,dear. The whole picnic will be spoilt if you go on whisper :' quarrelling." "What a revolutionary the count seems to be. How Turning to Mr,Gedecke she said, much more arrogantly can an aristocrat say such awful things? Surely tradition than Nora 'could ever have done: alone ought to prevent him from doing so." "Don't you see that Countess Sternbach has arrived, Mr. Bite nodded rather uncertainly. Mr. Gedecke ? " . "I'm not interested in politics, Miss Salt. But maybe The Aryan Nature Lover was struck dumb. He bowed there's some truth in what the count said. You see, stiffiy and walked off in a huff. Irene, not knowing what when one has to seize furniture. belonging to people who had really happened, vented her rage on young Mann.. . have worked hard all their lives and have only been un- "You're a beastly cad," she said loudly. "Didn't I lucky, illness or depression and so on, well, I must admlt, tell you to behave properly? You'd better go at once. one really begins to feel doubtful. And I can tell you, We've had enough of you." Miss Salt, it is a terrible thing to doubt the authority of " But I ... really and truly ... I didn't ••." the State." Old Schiro took the boy'spart. "I quite understand," Ernestine said eagerly. "The GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE State must exist, and the State can do no wrong. My " There's a hotel close by," young Mann said. "Let's . late father used to say: 'God and the State.' That was go there." after the war. Before the war he said: 'God and the " An excellent idea," Ottokar said kindly. "We'll have Emperor'. " to wait till the rain stops. We can't drive home in the " I'm a Republican," Mr. Bite declared reprovingly. open cars." And. Erriestine replied: They hurried to the big hotel in the main street, and " Of course, I'm a Republican too." sat down in the lounge. "That's right. You see we have the same views." "Thank goodness," Irene said to Casimir. "At least I;:rnestine felt a glow of tenderness for the Republic; the brutes will have to behave themselves, and I can rest it had given her a chance to please Mr. Bite. . for l' whlle. A lion tamer's not in it. Really, Casimir, They both ate very little, arid afterwards slipped away only very well-bred people seem able to stand nature and went for a walk. pure and unadulterated." The clients had brought a lot of good thlngs to eat Casimir hardly noticed that she was talking to hlm; and to drink. Casimir gazed at the plates, delighted at he was listening to the Aryan Nature Lover ordering a the idea that the agency had not got to pay for the salmon glass of brandy, and frowned. The frown grew heavier and caviare. Yet somehow the picnic did not go well. as he watched the others follow Mr. Gedecke's lead. An Nora had sat down beside the Aryan Nature Lover, and alarming question was worrying him: would the clients Irene kept an eye on old Schiro and Y9ung Mann. Casimir pay for their drinks or would they imagine themselves walked about, rushlng up whenever one of the guests the Sternbach's guests as soon as they had a roof over raised hls voice. He was growing terribly annoyed, and their head? cursed hls idea of a picnic. In the Sternbach's drawing- Every order he overhe~rd cut him to the quick. If at rooms the people somehow felt that they had to behave. least the people had been satisfied with drinking tea or Here, surrounded by trees and flowers, they let themselves coffee, but they ordered whisky and soda, beer, sandwiches go and revealed their real nature; and that was alwa)Cs and cake as if they had not eaten a copious lunch hardly a dangerous thlng. He noticed angrily that Mr. Rack an hour ago. Mrs. Ride alone ordered tea, not even a was making up to Mrs. Ride. He was sitting at her left pot, only a cup; and Casimir felt that .he loved her. He and telling her all about hls genius and his wonderful walked up to her tabie and pushed young Rack aside future. Ottokar sat between Nantje van Dam and Margot, unceremoniously. trying hard to amuse them. But he· was absent-minded "It's my turn. You've been enjoying ·Mrs. Ride's and kept glancing at Nora. company for an unconscionable time." A sudden gust of wind made the tablecloths soar into The rain was coming down in sheets. It might go on the air, and the sky began to grow dark. raining for hours, and the longer they sat here, the more "It's raining," Margot cried out. (' I felt a drop on people would order drinks and food. If it rained till my nose." evening they would begin eating dinner I Casimir glared Many drops followed. Cold rain pattered through the at Mr. Gedecke who was drinking beer and eating cheese. branches of the trees. The company jumped up. The whole picnic had been a beastly flop. Boredom, .--;'" 166 GUESTS IN T'HE HOUSE I GUESTS IN THE HOUS'E damp clothes, the prospect of driving home in the rain. At last the sky grew clear and the rain stopped. How could one expect people to fall in love' with one "Let's go," said Casimir, who had kept looking out another in such circumstances? A tiny gleam of hope of the window. comforted Casimir; Miriam Schiro and the journalist The waiter came, but he did not bring the bill to the were sitting apart in a window-seat and seemed to notice guests; he put it down in front of Ottokar. neither the downpour not the cheerless mood that reigned Ottokar studied it with a frown, got up and beckoned in the lounge. Casimir was just going to give a sigh of .to Casimir. relief when he saw Oitokar, always the perfect host, go " Look here, Ponitzky, I haven't got 'so much on me. up to the couple and sit down beside them. Can you lend me something?" . "The only ones," Casimir moaned under his breath, Casimir reached for the bill. " the only ones who might have made up their minds to " Those wretched people have been eating and drinking marry, and of course, Ottokar has got to rush in like the as if they had been starved for days," he said grimly, and proverbial foo!''' pushed over his wallet to Ottokar. But he was mistaken; Miriam and the journalist "Is all this connected with the business my wife-I were not the only ones. About an hour later Ernestine mean Countess Sternbach-has taken up?" Ottokar and Mr. Bite turned up. No one had missed them. Now asked, a bewildered expression' on his face. they suddenly .stood in the hall, drenched to the skin, "Yes," Casimir replied angrily. looking frighrfully embarrassed. " Don't you think, Ponitzky, that she is sinking rather "We lost our way," Ernestine tried to explain, "and a lot of money in the business? Perhaps you don't know we did not know what had become of you. At last we how small our means are, and that ..." found Count Sternbach's chauffeur who told us that you "I know everything. Please, pay the bill, and let's were here." go before they begin ordering more food and drinks." Irene glanced at Ernestine's face, then she got up with They drove home, Ernestine and Mr. Bite held hands a smile and shook her and Mr. Bite by the hand.· all the way; the Arpn Nature Lover who watched them Mr. Bite grew very red. with a sneer on his face was more than half drunk. On "Yes, Counte.ss Irene, you've guessed it. Wish us luck," saying good night, he turned to Ottokar : Irene did, gladly and cordially. She was really pleased "I really can't help thinking, Count Sternbach, that to see the t~o looking so happy. Nevertheless, try as your agency suffers from a lack of organization. I'm sure hard as she could, it was impossible to banish the thought: you will understand if I ask you to strike my name off ·of course it had to be those two, the only" clients" from your list. Your agency does not deliver the goods. Be- whom they could not take a penny. They would even sides, your chauffeur has just told me that my car has have to .give them a wedding present. As to the others. been damaged on the way home. I'll send you the bill ... She looked round moodily. Ottokar was still sitting for the repairs." . . with Miriam and the journalist, chatting gaily. The rest He bowed slightly and went off in his car. of the company was evidently trying to drown boredom "What DID the fellow want?" Ottokar asked his in drink. sister, who had heard Mr. Gedecke's querulous words. 168 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE " He's dead drunk," she replied irritably. "Please don't' Irene blushed. She swallowed hard once or twice, then ask me to explain anything. I'm wet through and tired she smiled disarmingly: out, and I hate everybody. And Nora is an idiot. And "You're right, Nora. I really don't know what came of course you had to spoil our best, and maybe only over me all of a sudden. A kind of subconscious reaction, chance. What induced you to go and sit with Miriam I suppose. Somehow' one does seem to cling to the past, and her young man? " to one's personal past." "I don't know what you're grumbling at. They are "When I think of what Ottokar said at that unfor- both charming, and after all it was my duty as their host tunate picnic, I can't quite believe it." to see that they were enjoying themselves." Irene had taken up the pencil Nota had been doing He did not know why Irene began to laugh almost accounts with and was playing with it absent-mindedly. ,hysterically. But then he felt as if he would never under- "Ottokar, my dear, is a crank. I always thought he stand either Nora nor his sister as long as he lived. was a bit dumb; because he was so quiet, so taciturn, but ..." "I did too." Nora had the grace to blush. " But now. . . He seems different somehow. Or was he always, • like that, and I never noticed it? Perhaps that's one of the worst things in life-that we never see people as they CHAPTER XIV really are." Irene shrugged. ' ORA was studying the ledger, a worried look on her " Don't philosophize. It suffices to know that there N face. ' are decent people and cads in the world, stupid people "Irene," she said sadly, "if things go on that way, if and clever people." we keep on spending money and never earning any, we'll " White or black, you mean? I believe the most usual have to sell the family jewels.", colour is an opaque grey, which we cannot see through." " Y au can't do that I " " Maybe." Irene .gave her sister-in-law a strange loo.k. "Take yourself, Irene. Who'd have expected you to " Why not? We want the money badly." be shocked at the idea of my selling the family jewels ?" " But one does not sell family jewels." "I told you it was a silly reaction, a feeling that dates "Why? " from another century and was allowed to live on in me, " Because they've been heirlooms for centuries, because because I had never noticed it and therefore did not weed they are connected with memories one cannot replace, it out. Speaking of jewels, Nora, we've forgotten all becau~e ...." Her voice' grew so supercilious and about your pearls. You ran away after they had, been haughty that Nora stared at her in amazement. " It's stolen, and I never gave them another thought." not done." " Of course, the pearls I If only we had them. They're "I always thought you did not care for that kind of worth a lot of money." thing." "Don't you think Mr: Gedecke stole them?" 170 GUESTS IN _THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE 171 Irene tended to accuse people she disliked with all the . I " You did not assess your business?" he said re- sins in the decalogue. . .1 I provingly. " But, Irene, he's a rich man. Why should he? " H Business? " " Perhaps he's a kleptomaniac. We really ought to ..." " Yes. The revenue office has been informed that "Don't go in for private detective work again. Re-. you have a matrimonial agency. You have to pay member your gangster." taxes on the profit made by the agency .... Failing " How mean of you to remind me of him. Ah well, which ..." let Gedecke keep the pearls." Nora and Irene exchanged a quick glance. The words Marie came into the room and said Tather nervously: " failing which " had an ominous sound .. Nora had visions " A gentleman from the revenue office has called. He of being convicted, of prison. . . . Irene was the first wants to see Countess Sternbach." to regain her self-possession. "The revenue office? What does he want? Iren;', "It's quite tru!=~:that we have a matrimonial agency," you filled out the assessment, didn't you? " she said. "But I did not know that one had to fill in the " Yes. I drew a line all over the paper, as we have profit made; besides ..." got neither an estate nor a firm, nor anything like it." . "Ignorance of the law is no valid excuse." . The gentleman from the revenue office was polite but "Look here! How can I be punished for doing a reserved. thing when I don't know it's against the law?" Irene "I wanted to see Count Sternbach," he said. " But 11 I was beginning to. lose her temper. as he is not at home, perhaps you could explain matters The gentleman from the revenue office did not seem to me, madam." accustomed to be treated so cavalierly .. He frowned. " Yes? " Nora said timidly. "I think you'd better. . . . Besides, may I ask if you "There seems to have been a mistake in your last I ! are entitled to interfere in this' affair? " assessment," the gentleman from the revenue office de- " Of course." Irene forgot to be cautious. "I belong clared. His voice registered a gentle reproof. to the firm." " Surely not," Irene said hastily. "You must be' mis-. "Ah, I see. You have just admitted that the firm taken." exists,." " WE never make a mistake." Irene bit her lips and remembered bow often her. mother The gentleman from the revenue office seemed hurt had said to her: "Do try and think' before speaking, and deeply shocked at the insult offered to a State in- darling. " . stitution. . The gentleman from the revenue office turned to Nora, "Won't you tell us what is wrong?" Nora asked ignoring Irene rather ostentatiously. nervously. . "Will you kindly tell me the amount of profit made The gentleman from the revenue office took the paper by the agency up to the year 1932 ? " with the assessment from his pocket, and, putting it on H But ....we haven't ... ther~ was no' profit." the table, pointed with a reproachful~ger at a column The gentleman from the revenue did not look con- in which a long line had been drawn. vinced. GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE '73 "No profit? Excuse me, but that sounds rather in- The gentleman from the revenue office was still turning credible." the pages of the ledger. H On the contrary," Irene interposed, "we've done " Your advertising expenditure seems to be unusually nothing but spend money on the idiotic business." high," he said, rather doubtfnlly. "Perhaps," Nora said ingratiatingly, "you would like "Look here," Irene replied arrogantly. "WE can't to see our ledger? " do things as they are done by other matrimonial agencies. The gentleman from the revenue office looked mollified .. Everything has to be first class and dignified. After all, "So you do keep accounts? That's right. Yes, I'd noblesse oblige." like to see the ledger, please." "Besides;" Nora added with a winning smile, "our Nora fetched the ledger from a shelf and put it in frorit firm has oniy just been founded." of the gentleman from the revenue office. He studied it ; "I know. Nevertheless, it was your duty to fill in ~n his face grew dark. assessment .. > ;,' ." "I am sorry to say that this cannot possibly be con- "I'm terribly sorry. Next time ..." sidered a correctly· kept ledger," he said, and his voice "Oh, it's not as simple as all that. You have been sounded both grieved and angry. "There are. caricatures' guilty of a fraudulent assessment." drawn in the margins, and letters scribbled beneath. I "Dear me. What happens in such a case?" Nora suppose that is a kind of cipher. That kind' of thing could. not hide her perturbation any longer. is not permitted. A ledger has to be easy to survey, and Seeing' her frightened. face the gentleman from the lucid. What, for instance, do the two letters B. C. written revenue office grew kinder. That was the way people under Mr. Michael Gedecke's name mean?" who had tried to cheat the inland revenue had to look. Irene stared at the man in dismay. Then she smiled " As. you have not made any profit, and I can see by charmingly. the ledger that that really is the case, you need. not fear " So sorry, my mistake. It ought to be 1. c., of course. too severe a punishment. Count Sternbach will have to Iron Cross, you know. Of course, it's important to know come to the office this week." that a man has been decorated, isn't it?" " But he does not know. . . ." "Quite so, quite so," said the gentleman from the !rene hastily interrupted her sister-in-law: revenue office looking almost human. "Of course I " All right, we'll tell him. He'll come to the revenue know Mr. Gedecke's name; I have had the honour of office to-morrow or the day after." making his acquaintance .. But I never knew .he had dis- The gentleman from the revenue office got up. tinguished himself in the war. I must congratulate him "We shall expect to see him shortly. I hope you when we meet again." appreciate my leniency. If you had had the misfortune Irene drew a deep breath, and carefully avoided meeting of dealing with any other of our gentlemen you would Nora's eyes. Her sister-in-law knew that the letters in not have got off so easily." question meant "beastly cad." She had written them He bowed ponderously and left the room. after her conversation with the Aryan Nature Lover, still fuming with anger at the rudeness the man had shown. * * * '74 GUESTS IN THE I-lOUSE GUESTS IN'THE HOUSE '75 "Irene," NOta said desperately, "why didn't you let by the visit of the gentleman from the revenue office, me tell the man. that Ottokar knows nothing about the hurriedly told Mr. Rack how much money Mrs. Ride whole business?" possessed. . " Because he's got to go to that beastly office and talk Mr. Rack took out a note-book, the same .into which to the people. He's sure to make a good impression." he jotted down his ideas-sometimes also those of other " But now we'll have to tell him," Nora wailed. "And writers-and began doing a sum. he'll be ever so angry. Perhaps he'll be sent to prison? " All right," he said, drawing a line under the figures. We don't even know what crime we have committed. " I've decided to marry Mrs. Ride." Have we forged a document, or have we tried to cheat "Are you quite sure she'll h,tve you·?" Irene asked the State? We don't even know what we have done. spitefully. "After all, she's got to have her say too." Irene, I'm sure something awful is going to happen." . Mr. Rack smiled superciliously. " Smoke a cigarette and. calm yourself. It won't be as "You were so)dnd as to tell me a few minutes ago bad as all that." that the woman might be my mother. And it isn't "That's what you always say. And then things turn as if I were an unknown writer. She ought to feel out even worse. How am I to tell Ottokar? Listen, honoured ...." Irene darling I You're his sister; you'd better tell him." He turned to Nora. " Certainly not. It was your idea. Tell him yourself." " I want to ask you something, Countess. Your parties· (( I can't, I really can't." are delightful, of course. But such a lot of people come There 'was a ring at the door, and Nota gave a start. to them. There is no privacy. I haven't got the money " Who is coming now? I'm sure it's something or· to invite Mrs. Ride to a decent restaurant, so I wanted somebody odious." to ask you .... You know what I want to say? " But it was only Mr. Rack wanting ·some information .. "No," Nota replied helplessly. "I really don't. I'm He wanted to know whether Mrs. Ride. was richer than sorry." Margot Wiker. " I want you to ask me to dinner with Mrs. Ride. Only " The woman might be your mother," Irene said crossly. just the two of us. It would give me a chance of . . " Mrs. Ride belonged to Casimir. "Certainly not," Irene said decidedly. " As long as she has enough money, I don't mind." "I know the firm is not bound to do that kind of . "You ought to be ashamed of yourself! " Nora burst thing. But I thought, I hoped.. . . After all, you'll out. surely be glad of a chance of helping a gifted author. . Mr. Rack gazed at her in amazement. And in the evening, by the pretty mellow light in your " Why? It's purely a business affair. I want money, drawing-room, it will be less hard for me. . . . you see, lots of money. As I am a genius I simply must be rich." in the evening the woman still· looks quite presentable." . "Does being a genius exempt a man from being Nora kept silent. Irene muttered under her breath: decent?" Irene said sharply. " Dirty little brute." Luckily Mr. Rack did not heat her. "I really cannot imagine what you mean." He gazed expectantly at the two women. Irene· turned away in disgust. Nora, still intimidated " When I've written my great novel, ladies, you'll be 178 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE '79 . saw in her mind's eye lovely Nantje van Dam holding a comfortable, light a cigarette and don't interrupt me. baby boy in her arms, a boy who looked exactly like Listen ... !" Ottokar, and standing beside her Ottokar; smiling happily. * * * Somehow' she did not like the picture; she did not like it at all. Ottokar did not interrupt her; but he threw away the When Ottokar came home she met him in the hall, unsmoked cigarette, put his hand to his head and his holding the note in her hand. face grew red. As soon as Nora ceased talking, he said: "What does that mean?" she a.sked angrily. "Why "A matrimonial agency? You... in our house? on earth does an Aunt Y etta I never heard of, send me That's why those awful people come here? Nora, how a layette? Why does she think that . . .?" COULD you?" Ottokat grew mortally embarrassed. " Are you very angry? " "I . . . I wanted to tell you all about it when I came . "No. Of course, you can do whatever you like. But back from Innsbruck. But you wOllld not listen to me." what a crazy idea." "When YOll came back from INNSBRUCK ?" . . "Wait 1 There's more to come. To-day a man from' " Yes.· I had been to see Aunt Yetta whom I had never the revenue office called. Something's wrong with our met befort And she-she's very ill and very old. And assessment. . . . You must go to the office to-morrow or somehow she imagined, I mllst have given her the im- the day after!' pression.... And, Nora dear, she's paralysed and so " Good Lord! If you and Irene must run an agency, ill .... .r simply could not bear to disappoint her." why the devil-sorry, darling-why on earth don't you " You went to see, an old aunt? " fill in the profits? " "Yes." . " But there has been no profit so far. To-day we might " Y all did not go away with Nantje van Dam? " have pocketed twenty schillinge, but we did not dare to, "Nantje van Dam? What are YOll talking abollt? on accoun.t of the taxes." Why 0n earth should I have gone away with Nantje van Irene softly opened the door and looked in. Dam? " "Well, have you told him?" Nora laughed a trifle shakily. "Yes," Ottokar said, and his whole manner changed. "And the poor old lady really believes that I-iliat He gave his sister an angry look, and he sounded greatly . we will soon have a child? Ottokar, YOll poor idiot, irritated as he added : . she's bound to find Ollt that YOll iied to her." "I know all about it. Of course it was YOUR idea. " She won't live to find out," Ottokar said sadiy. Then , l'm very angry with you, Irene." he~ he ..followed Nora into sitting-room and told her H No, Ottokar, it really was my idea," Nora said; "but ·f about his visit to the paralysed old woman. you gave it' to me. Do you remember telling me that She .listened without saying a word. Huber had said he was ready to pay a month's salary if " Are you angry, dear? " he asked at last. only he could find a snitable wife? When the bank went "No. But now I've got to confess, Ottokar, and you smash I remembered it . . . and the result was our matri- fillst not be angry either. Promise 1 Make yourself monial agency. Don't be cross." I 180 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE 1 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE 181 "I'm not angry with you, dear, only with Irene, who ! go in for excursions. In our house there's merely the ought to have known 'better. I'm afraid there will be a possibility of violent political debates ending with a horrible mess. I hate the idea of going to the revenue damaged chair or table; and at least we won't have to office." replace them." "That's all right," Irene comforted him, "I called up oldSchiro whilst Nora: was confessing .to you. He's coming here after dinner, and he's promised to give us some advice." . CHAPTER XV "Thank goodness. He's sure to know all about it. But now listen, my dears! You're going to put an 'end OWADAYS young people have given up the old- to the whole blessed thing." N fashioned manner of courting. Miriam Schiro and "We can't, Ottokar! We really cannot drop 'our Tom Bright, the journalist, belonged to the modern clients without a warning. I promise not to accept any school; they did not talk of love, they liked each other, new ones. But those we have got. . . . And two have and told each other so frankly, without the least trace of already become engaged." sentimentality. They talked about it, not in a summer- "Who?" house in the moonlight, as their parents had done, nor "Miss Salt and Mr. Bite." in a drawing-room, nor in a conservatory sitting out a "Surely you're not going to make the poor devils dance, nor in hurried whispers in the passage, but in a pay?" Ottokarsaid, deeply shocked. cafe, drinking cocktails and listening to the blaring of "Of course not. B.ut listen, Ottokar! The Schiros the band.' are disgustingly rich, and Miriam and the journalist are " I don't want to marry you," Miriam said. "It's too sure to be happy together. As to the others ..." risky. If we should not get on well ...." H Besides, my dear," Irene said dryly. "You've no She frowned slightly, remembering her father's views earthly right to tell Nora what to do. She isn't your on divorce. After a short pause she went on : . wife any longer. If she wants to make money that .way, " Yes, don't you think a companionate marriage would it's her funeral." .. be best? We can't live with father; he's terribly old- Ottokar smiled a trifle sarcastically, and pulled a bill fashioned, poor darling. But we could take a flat, not from his pocket. too far from the airport." "Do you call that making money?" he asked ",ith " Just as you like." gentle sarcasm. "Look at it! It's the bill for repairing "You won't try to stop my flying, will you?" Mr. Gedecke's car: a hundred and thirty schillinge. Don't " Of course not. I'll be very proud when you, fly. to look so frightened, Nora darling; it's all right, But I America." do want you both to promise me something: if you " Good! Then the thing's settled." want to go on with your business-heaven save the They smiled at each other, feeling as happy and as mark-till you have married off your present clients, for hopeful as their parents, sitting in the summer-house or goodness' sake do the thing at home and don't try to the conservatory had done. . GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE "I'll tell Father to-night," Miriam said. "We're awfully sorry. You have been so kind; you The journalist laughed. helped me to get things right with the revenue office. "Life has grown easier for men. When I think that' But we really could not imagine. " thirty years ago I should have had to put on my best " My daughter!" Old Schiro refused to be com- suit, and ask for an interview with your father, and then, forted. "I'd rather the firm had failed. Just imagine having told him all about myself, my income 'and my what people will say if my daughter lives with a man past, solemnly ask' him for your hand. . . " A ghastly she's not married to! " . idea." "Lots of people do nowadays," Nora ,said. " Yes. And then a long engagement. Deeply moved "Not my kind of people." relatives who would insist upon kissing us both, a grand' " At least she'll give up' flying," Irene said. wedcUng. And later on, maybe, all the bother of a "She won't. That young fool encourages, her insane, divorce." fancy." . " Do you think you need talk of a divorce already? " " I'm most terribly sorry," Nora repeated, feeling guilty. "Perhaps it's a bit premature. I just happened to think' " But how was I to know?" of it.',' . - " Never have anything to do with amateurs," old Schiro , And then they talked of the flat and the furniture, just declared woefully. "That kind of thing never happens as their parents had done, many years ago. at a real matrimonial agency." He gulped down Ottokar's old brandy as if it had been * * * water, and added: " I suppose as things have turned out YOll won't expect In the 'evening Mr. Schiro came to see the Sternbachs. me to pay the percentage we had agreed upon. After all, Not the kindly old Schiro they knew" but an excited, irate my daughter is neither getting married nor will she give old man, spluttering reproaches, laying all the blame at up flying." their door. Ottokar tried hard no; to smile. Nora and Irene looked "A companionate marriage!" he wailed. " My at each other in dismay. 'daughter! Of all the things in the world. 'That's what " Of course, Mr. Schiro," he said. "We don't expect comes.of going to an amateur matrimonial agency." you to pay a commission." "But if it makes Miriam' happy?" Nora said de- "If all the marriages you try to arrange end that preciatingl y. way... /' " Happy! Of course I want her to be happy, but in Old Schiro was puffing like an angry hippopotamus. a decent, respectable way." "Can't you explain to Miriam what a good thing a He stared grimly at Irene. , happy marriage is, Countess Sternbach?" "I might have known. You're as bad as Miriam is, Nora blushed. Who was she to talk about a happy Countess Irene. I ought to have gone to a real matri- marriage? monial agency." Mr. Schiro grew sentimental and slightly lachrymose. J " Have a drink, Mr. Schiro," Ottokar said soothingly. " When I think of my dear departed wife and my dear GUESTS r"N THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE 18 5 d~part~d mother. . If they knew .... Thank God· Irene shrugged impatiently. they did not live to see their daughter'S and gtand- " Never mind. A silly idea of mine, a very silly idea. daughter's shame." We've got to be business-like." . He began to talk about his married life, his mother "Not at other people's expens~, Irene, and not at the and his grandmother, hi~ aunts and cousins. He mar- expense of our own decency," Ottokar said gently. shalled up an endless row of honourable and prolific "Don't preach 1 Isn't every business deal made at female Schiros. . the expense of one's own decency, if one has anyl~ft?" "We never even had a divorce in our family ... ; " We must make money," Nora said wistfully. And now ..." " I know, dear, but in a decent way." Ottokar listened patiently. He was sorry for the old "Then you'd better earn it." ·man, and he understood his grief. Old Schiro wanted Irene was irritated, and spoke without thinking. Seeing grandchildren, and Ottokar was saddened by the idea Ottokar's face change, she regretted her hasty words. that the Sternbach family would become extinct. . But her brother did not say anything; he was too deeply Irene and Nora were less kind-hearted. They were hurt. occupied in finding out how much money they had let It was Nora who attacked her sister-in-law. . slip through their fingers. Why couldn't Miriam have "How can you, Irene? It's beastly of you. You married the young man? They wanted the money so . know how hard Ottokar is studying for his examination, badly, and they had felt so sure of getting it. and that he works in the lab. You really might consider Gradually Mr. Schiro calmed down. that ....." "You're a sensible fellow, Count Sternbach," he said. "I know," Irene said furiously, "that we have got "You understand." about enough money for three months. We've been The reproachful glance he threw Nora and Irene showed working hard, too. If you imagine, Ottokar, that running clearly what he thought of them. a matrimonial agency is all beer and skittles you're mis- He stayed on late, again and again giving voice to fresh taken. We work like navvies, and then you come and put lamentations. When he left it was past midnight. a spoke in our wheel, airing your silly scruples." Nora went and fetched the ledger and, frowning heavily, " If only you had .asked my advice before embarking on ran her pencil through Miriam's name. that mad scheme," Ottokar said gently but reproachfully. "Whom have we got left?" she asked sadly. "You'd only have told us not to do it." " Mrs .. Ride and Casimir, Margot and young Rack." He smiled. "They won't make millionaires of us." " I suppose I ought to be grateful that you did not try "Margot has a lot of money." to organize a robber band, Irene." Irene looked thoughtful. Irene laughed and hugged him. "Yes, she has a lot of money, and as Mrs. Ride has " You are a dear, even if you are good." refused young Rack, Margot will probably marry him. Nora watched them silently. She looked round the Nevertheless ..." pretty. room, thinking: We go on living as we lived wh~n " Why do you say , nevertheless,' Irene ? " we wer~ rich. In a few months' tim~ th~r~ will b~ no I86 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE money left. What shall we do then? She shivered as " you. When you're married you'll treat your wife if a cold blast had struck her. We shall be poor, and we . well, won't you? " shall not be able to get jobs, she thought. We have never "I always treated my wives well," Casimir declared. learnt anything useful;. we can only become swindlers, . " All of them still feel kindly towards me. I'm 'absolutely like Casimir. . . . Casimir, won't he fly into. a rage be~ fair in my dealings: you give me the money and ,I'll cause we have lost the Schiro commission! Of course, make you happy, that's my motto." if he marries his Mrs. Ride, he will not need the money. Irene gazed at him doubtfully. . . . Perhaps he can give us some good advice. • . . B.ut . " B)1t will vou be fond of her? " then, what about Ottokar. Will Casimir's advice suit " Of cours~. For one thing one gets accustomed to him? I'm a pretty woman; I might make a good match. everything . . . and then . . . I shall be grateful to her ... But Irene and Ottokar.... After all, they're no for a pleasant life, for security. I did not become a business of mine . . . my divorced husband, the sister of swindler because. I thought it would be fun. . . . You my divorced husband .... When the money is gone can't imagine how often the small official in me conies we shall not be able to remain together any longer.. . . to life. The respectable little man who, after forty, begins Why does that idea make me feel miserable? Irene, of to long for his ease and his slippers. Of course mine must course; I'm terribly fond of Irene.... be made of morocco and not of felt." She went to the window and drew back the curtains. Irene laughed, but Casimir went on in a serious tone: A desolate autumn night met her eyes. She felt un- "That's a thing you cannot understand. A petty accountably depressed. Without saying good night she· bourgeois remains a petty bourgeois all his life. At home softly left the room. She did not dare speak for fear of we had coloured prints framed in shells hanging on the bursting into tears. walls: Faust and Gretchen, a cheerful wounded warrior being nursed by a pretty girl. . . . You've never seen * * * that Idnd of thing; it was the fashion when I was young. Casimir had the shock of his life when he heard from . . . I know that a van Gogh or a Kokoschka is far more Irene that they had lost the Schiro commission. beautiful, but something in me has never ceased hankering "That's the kind of thing that happens when one's after the coloured prints .... Mary . will be the coloured clients are very young," he grumbled. "Older people print with. which I shall decorate my home; she'll also know-at least the woman knows-how her respectable be that home where I shall spend myoId age comfort- neighbours will treat her in such a case. Mary won't ably and peacefully. I shall have a roof over my head want to go in for a companionate marriage, thank good- when it is snowing and a gale is raging outside. I shall n·ess." always be SUl;e of getting my dlnher; I shall begin to " Mary ?" Irene repeated. "Do you already call her read serious books-I always wanted to. I shall be abso- , Mary , ? Has she accepted you? When are you going lutely happy. And you really think it necessary to tell to be married? " me to be kind to the woman to whom I shall owe all "The banns have not been published yet." that? " " Casimir "-Irene grew red with embarrassment- He smiled and asked: 188 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE " Speaking as your partner, Irene, what were you doing night, and I've asked Mary to dinner for to-night and in a jeweller's shop this morning? I saw you come need some money', . . ." out. If you want to sell jewels, I can give you a better " Advertising expenditure? " Irene asked mockingly. address." . " Exactly! Could you let me have a small sum? Yes? "I did not sell jewels; I bought something." Thank you. And now for goodness' sake take care not Irene looked like a naughty child that has just been to lose Margot and young Rack. I've found out that found out. she's even richer than we thought." " You BOUGHT something? May I' ask what you Irene clasped and unclasped her hands ne:tvously. bought? " "Do you know, i hate the whole thing. Margot is " A wedding present for Ernestine Salt." silly but nice. I'm afraid he'll make her unhappy." " At the jeweller's? What did you buy?" "What business is that of ours?" 1, "Only a small pendant-;-nothing expensive-tiny sap- " After all, w~~,re responsible. 1- mean . . ." phires; it was quite cheap, r~ally, Casimir." " Nonsense !," "Don't you think that a bailiff's wife would have Irene grew angry. preferred sheets or tablecloths to a pendant? " ""Don't say' nonsense.' After .all, we're not hucksters, "But one always gives jewels or plate as a wedding selling inferior articles at too high. a price; and young present. " Rack is an inferior article." Casimir smiled. "-Business," Casimir said severely. " YOUR coloured prints, Irene. One gives jewels; that " I never want to hear that odious word again. Every- is to say, the Sternbachs have always received or given thing is business, everything is for sale. Every man jewels or plate as a wedding present. You, too, cannot tries to cheat his neighbour. I'm fed up with it. I want rid yourself of the past. What is poor Ernestine to do to do something clean and decent. Something that does with the pendant? Have you booked it as advertising not harm anyone. When I'm a prof. I shall not have to expenditure? How much did it cost?" cheat people. I wish I was one already." " A hundred and twenty schilling•• " Casirhir looked at her compassionately. " Good Lord! Last night you lost our best customer "You ARE like your brother, worse luck. Well, go and this morning you go and squander a hundred and on training, so as to become a prof. as soon as ever you twenty schillinge! " , can. And give up business. You'll always be taken in." "Can't I even give a wedding present?" Irene asked " Not by you and Mary." mutinously. Casimir shook his head sadly. "You're always forgetting business, Irene-business." " We'd begun so wel!. I really expected us to make "But she was so pleased, poor sou!." money. But I ought to have known better. The coloured Casimir smiled indulgently. prints, the immortal coloured prints, beautifully framed in "I must say I'm glad I only invested my brains with shells will bring us to rack and ruin. Yours, Irene, not you and not my capita!. You would ruin a millionaire. mine,," Speaking of money, I was terribly unlucky at poker last * * * '90 GUESTS. IN THE HOUS'E G U EST S IN THE HO USE '9' "I.rene," Nota said, H to-morrow Margot and young The Widow Ledger allowed them to spend the evenings Rack are coming to dinner; that's to say he's only coming I! in her sitting-room. She had just lost two lodgers, and after dinner. Perhaps something will happen." hoped that the couple would rent the empty rooms. " Perhaps." Ernestine and Mr. Bite sat hand-in-rumd on the old sofa Irene did not sound encouraging. and made plans for their home and for a holiday in the " What's wrong?" country as soon as they had put away enough money. "Nothing. I'm in a bad temper." Mr. Bite brought along his guide books, and they spent "Why? " their future honeymoon in countries they would never "I can't explain. The business is·. getting on my I see. Ernestine showed lace patterns to her fiance, and nerves." he nodded appreciatively: "Lovely, really lovely." " But think of Miss Salt; haven't we done her a good Sometimes the landlady would come with a pot of turn? )' I coffee and all thtee would sit together drinking it, whilst "It certainly did not put money in our pocket." Ernestine asked herself how she could ever have been Nevertheless, Irene cheered up. Ernestine Salt as a afraid of the kindly woman. fiancee was really an exhilarating .sight. For the very And then wedding presents 1 Ernestine kept them in first time in her life she had become somebody; she felt her chest of drawers. When Mr. Bite had said good herself beloved, desired, as if she had been a beautiful night she took them out and gloated. over them. Mr. woman. . . . She could hardly believe it; she hardly Bite's colleagues had sent salt cellars and sugar tongs; dared believe that her empty, desolate life had changed- the Widow Ledger had presented her lodger with a sofa that lace-making and the Widow Ledger were things of cushion; Mr. Hirsch, the owner of the firm for which the past.. . Ernestine worked, had giv~n her a tea-service; one of She never noticed that Mr. Bite was small, elderly and the sales-women had sent a cosy; and then there was the shabby. To her he looked like one of the heroes she pendant, given by the Sternbachs. . . . Ernestine, who had read about at school-powerful, gallant and imposing. had never had a present since her mother died, was as He explained the mysteries of his profession to her, and happy as a child. . ' she ~stened with passionate interest. She even thought "But the most beautiful present of all," she kept re- debts and seizures delightful as long as it was Theodore- peating, "is the one Count Ponitzky sent." no longer Mr. Bite-who talked about them. Mr. Bite, She gazed lovingly at two coloured prints framed in on his side, basked in the admiration of his fiancee' he shells~the one representing Faust and Gretchen, the . ' dId not mind the rudeness of his chief any longer who, other the Eiffel Tower. Casimir had hlmted high and poor man, had never been able to see what a fine fellow low for the cheerful wounded warrior nursed by a pretty Mr. Bite really was. Had he not been a fine fellow, surely girl, but had not been able to find him. such a clever. and charming girl would never have con- sented to marry him. They passed their time admiring one another, and were as happy as only people who know themselves admired, can be. . '92 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE G U EST S 'N THE HO USE '93 " Tell me, was one of your guests or whatever you call CHAPTER XVI them, a preacher? Wait a moment I What was his name?" He pulled out a' letter. "John B. Daniel. "OTTOKAR, your dinner jacket is getting' terribly You've been having such a queer crew in the house that shabby," Irene said to her brother. I get terribly mixed up." "I know; Huber told me so," he replied with a wry "The gangster I" Irene cried. smile. " Gangster? Irene, Nora, did you invite a gangster? H You must get a new one." Look here, that's. rather too much of a good thing." Ottokar laughed. "He isn't a real gangster," Nora interposed hastily. "You keep forgetting that we've no money." "!tene only. . ." " I don't. But you must dress decently." " Have we also got a fence, a burglar and a well-known H Irene," Ottokar grew serious, "don't talk nonsense. pickpocket amongst our guests?" Ottokar asked de- You haven't the slightest idea what it means not to have spairingly. "Of course I knew at once that Ponitzky was money." , a swindler, but he's a delightful chap all the same, and " I have. I always travel by tram." I really like him. But a gangster? Irene, Nora, that's " If you're not in a hurry and take a taxi I " Nora said going too far, my dears. And I've gone and asked the tactlessly.' . man to dinner to-night. I had a letter from him, telling Irene turned round and glowered at her. me that he had met Aunt Yetta at Naples and that h<; " Money I It's always money I I'm fed up with it. had a message from her. He's leaving to-morrow, and As if money wasn't something vulgar and unimportant." he asked whether he could see me to-day. And now he " As long as you have got enough of it." turns out to be a gangster I." Nora knew what she was talking about. She remem- H No, no, Ottokar, it was a mistake. Listen, I'll ex- bered life at home, remembered how her mother had sighed plain. " when her daughter had wanted a new frock; how they But Irene had no time fot explaining. Huber threw had talked it over, trying to find out the cheapest shop. open the doors and announced Margot, who was followed She recalled the endless' discussions whether it would be by the Rev. Mr. Daniel. wiser not to buy the eggs in the dairy, but from the man Ottokar felt uncomfortable. After all, the man was who had a chicken farm and who came twice a week. his guest and he had to be pleasant, even if Mr. Daniel He asked less but then, of course, he did not take back WAS a gangster.. His thoughts wandered vaguely to Al the rotten eggs. . . . Yet she had never known real Capone, moonshiners and gunmen.... In his mind's eye poverty. They had had their own house; they had never he saw the Reverend John B. Daniel commanding a gang starved. Nora looked pityingly at Ottokar and Irene. of murderers, bribing officials, kidnapping innocent chil- What did they both know about it ? dren and lovely maidens. Irene was too bad; one really Ott;kar was already regretting his unkindness, and ii could not make friends with a gangster, could not receive tried to change the subject. I.' him, and one certainly should not place one's brother in a position in which he has to be charming to a gangster. N GUESTS IN THE HOUSE '94 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE '95 Margot seemed rather disappointed at not seeing Mr, "Of course. Come along, we'll see what's wrong. Rack. She kept glancing towards the door, and when Irene, you must amuse Mrs. Wiker. I've got to go and . Huber announced dinner, she looked decidedly annoyed. have a look at Huber's little boy. I'll be back at once." At dinner she hardly said a word; Ottokar tried to make Irene and Margot remained alone in the drawingcroom .. conversation, but it was uphill work, for the pretty woman Irene looked at the other woman, and something stirred only answered with a yes or a no. He also noticed that in her. No~ the criminal bent that had frightened bttokar, she hardly ate anything. Irene was chattirig with the but something much more dangerous and more likely gangster, merrily, almost familiarly. We must have had a to do her harm in our days of mad selfishness; love for criminal in the family, Ottokar thought, and he is coming her neighbour-the same love that had, centuries ago, out in my sister. Goodness alone knows what she's up induced an ancestress of hers to give up her home, her to now. She's talking to the man as if they shared' a country, all that made life pleasant and beautiful to go secret. He tried in vain to remember a criminal ancestor. and nurse lepers in a leper colony. Maybe he would have to go back as far as the robber- " How pretty you are to-night," Irene said. knights, or even further. But why had Irene inherited Notwithstanding her thirty-three years, Margot blushed the criminal bent and not he? like a schoolgirl. Greatly worried, he turned to his silent neighbour. " Do you think so ? I'm glad." A pretty woman, a charming woman, but terribly absent- She smiled. minded. .' "Perhaps it's because I have at last made up my mind." Irene had also noticed Margot's absent-miudedness, and "Oh, you've made up your mind?" whispered to' Nora on leaving the dining-room: Irene knew only too well what that meant. " She looks as if she were in love." " Yes. You may have noticed, Countess Irene, that "Touch wood." Mr. Rack has been making love to me, . . . But of course 'The gangster said: you've noticed it. After ail, it's your business/' " I'd like to talk to you about an idea of miue, Count How vulgar she is, Irene thought crossly. Why should Sternbach. A plan that might interest you." I care what happens to her? Let her marry the young Ottokar felt shocked. Did he really look as if he were brute. After all, we want the money badly. likely to work with a gangster? Unfortunately Margot went on talking. "Let's go to the library, Mr. Daniel," he said. "We "I ..." she smiled shyly, "I should so love to be won't bore the ladies talking shop. But I'm. afraid ... happy ...." I ... I shall hardly be the right man for you." "Most people do." Huber came in with the black coffee looking apset, and "I know, but then I've never been really happy. My said to Nora : late husband . . . he was twenty years older than I and "Countess Sternbach, you must excuse me, but the terribly jealous. He only married me because he wanted child is crying and won't stop. I'm afraid that there's to have a good-looking hostess for his dinner parties. something the matter with the boy. Would you be so When I married, dinner parties were still very important. kind as ..." But young Rack is different. He's so idealistic. I really P U EST SIN THE HO USE '97 196 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE " He'll only squander your money," Irene said passion- believe he does not even know that I'm rich. He told ately. "He'll neglect you. He'll spend your money on me the other day that I inspired him, that he could work other women; he'll . . ." much better when he knew I was there. Don't you think, Irene broke off seeing with a shock that Margot's eyes Countess Irene, that one hardly ever meets a man like had filled with tears. If she cries, all the. colour will come him? An absolutely unselfish man, who only lives for off her lashes, the girl thought compassionately. It must his work? You must not laugh at me, but I'd give any- be awful not to be able to cry because one has to think thing to be the wife of such a man." of one's eyelashes. Ir~ne did not feel like laughing. She saw in her mind's "Is that really true? " eye Ottokar's shabby dinner jacket and the ledger in which " It is. You must believe me. Don't take it to heart. only a single sum remained: Margot's fortune. I am not The man's not worth it. And don't cry, please, don't going to be sentimental, she told herself angrily. But cry. You're so pretty and crying ... crying always looking at the other woman she saw on her. pretty face spoils one's complexion." , the same expression she had seen on Ernestine Salt's when " Especially if it comes out of a pot." she had come into the hall on the day of the picnic. Margot's voice had grown hard and cynical. Irene suddenly felt sick. If only I could run away " You're qulte right, my child; I can't afford a husband and not come back, she thought. Then she heard herself who makes me weep." say: She remained silent for a short .while. Then she "Mrs. Wiker, dear Mrs. Wiker, you must not marry asked: Mr. Rack." "Why did you tell me? After all my marriage with Margot stared at her. Rack would have put quite a lot of money into your H Why?" pocket." "He's sure to make you unhappy." "I did not want to tell you," Irene confessed. "But "You're thinking that I am a few years older than he·? .. somehow I could not help doing it." Nonsense? At your age, Countess Irene, one always Margot looked at her strangely. I thinks that matters a lot, but after thirty one knows that " So there really are some people left who don't only I as long as a woman is pretty . . ." think of getting money? Who even care what happens I "It isn't that. I... look here, I MUST tell you the to you? Don't look so grieved, my child; I'm not broken- truth. The other day Mr. Rack asked me whether Mrs. hearted. Of course it was rather a facer. . . . But now Ride was richer than you. If she was, he was going" to I'll enjoy snubbing the young man." qecide on marrying her. . . . You don't believe me? She smiled and said gaily: I It's true, nevertheless. That's the unselfish young idealist "You're not exactly a good business woman, Countess who lives only for his work. If Mrs. Ride had accepted Irene. If you go on like this, I'm afraid the agency won't him, he would have given you up without a pang." make you rich." Margot changed colour;· on her pale cheeks the rouge "The coloured prints," Irene murmured dreamily. stood out a burning red. She looked like a frightened " The immortal, indestructible coloured prints." doll. GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE '99 Margot got up and taking hold of both her hands, "That's my affair." suddenly kissed her; "I want to propose something to you, Count Stern- "You're a darling," she said, choking over the words. bach."· "I'm afraid our partner will call me a fool" Irene "I'm afraid I shan't be able to accept your proposal." replied woefully, imagining Casimir's face when 'she told "Why? " him. . The man from Chicago looked surprised. "You don't. even know what I am going to say." H I can -imagine it." * * * "Did your aunt mention it in her letters?" Whilst Irene was' proving Ottokar's belief in the doc- "My aunt? You don't mean to say that you dared trineof here~ty to 1;e true, ~e was sitting in the library to talk to her about that kind of thing? " With Mr. Daruel, trymg to discover criminal traits in the "Why not? I really cannot understand ..." man from Chicago. It was uphill work. Mr. Daniel Ottokar lost his temper. talked about Ottokar's aunt and her gallant bearing, about "You:'re my guest, Mr. Daniel, and I don't want to Naples and .the beauty of Italy, about Facism and other be rude. Nevertheless, I must· tell you that one of the systems. worst crimes in my eyes is illicit drug traffic. It's as bad When, Ottokar asked himself, will he come down to as murder-no, it's even worse--because it ruins thousands brass tacks? A gangster who waxes enthusiastic speaking and ten thousands of men, body and soul. Just because of the Bay of Naples, who is shocked by the p~verty of a few criminals want to get rich quickly." our country . . .? What a queer gangster. "That's what I always say, Count Sternbach. I don't At last the cue came: • believe that anyone in the States has fought the drug . "Your aunt told me that you were interested in medi- . racket harder than I. But what makes you think of Clne, Count Sternbach, and that you are studying for an drugs ?" examination." . " You . . . you . . . but if you . . . . What on earth That's it; he wants to find out whether I can get drugs do you want me to do ? " for him. The man from Chicago seemed bewildered. " I shan't pass my examination for another six months" " You thought ... you believed ..." H I know." . He burst out laughing. What an organization! Ottokar felt astounded. The "I seem to be unlucky in dealing with your family. man is counting upon a chance that cannot be realized Your charmiug sister took me for a gangster, aud you for another six months. believe that I want you to sell drugs I It certainly does ." ~~ things, are in this country," the man from Chicago uot make life any easier whan a man hails from Chicago." saId, It won t be easy for you to find a job." Ottokar was put out of countenance. He gazed at ~ttokar sat back in his chair and lit a cigarette. Mr. Daniel with a helpless look. I suppose not," he replied coldly. "Listen, my young friend: I'm neither a gangster, " How are you goingIto live in the meantime? " nor a bootlegger, nor a drug seller. Neither do I sell 200 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE 201 innocent young girls to South America, nor kidnap chil- her how he despised money-filthy lucre he called it- dren; and I've never bribed anyone in my whole life. how he hated the idea of ever being rich, how sorry he If you remember some more crimes you believe .me to felt for the poor, and how all his writing was but an appeal have committed, 'say so. If not ..." . to humanity for social justice. Margot smiled sweetly "I really don't know what to say.' ..." and repeated from time to time: "Then don't say anything and listen to me. I. talked "How right you· are. How I admire your unselfish- over my idea with your aunt, and she agreed with me. ness." I want you to ..." . Nora watched them, feeling almost as happy as Mr. And then the man from Chicago began talking and Rack. She too was doing sums in her head. The bogey Ottokar listened, growing more and more interested and more and more pleased. of poverty seemed to be vanishing for ever: Margot Wiker and.Mr. Rack, Casimir and Mrs. Ride-why they "Well, what about it, Count Sternbach?" would be able to live for at least a year on the commis- "I really don't know how to thank you. Of course sions. And much . can happen in a year. Her idea had I agree. It's so kind of you to wait for six months, but been excellent after afl. Ottokar would not be able to perhaps I can pass my examination in five." make fun of her any longer. Perhaps it would be a good " That's your affair. In the meantime you'll have to thing not to give up the matrimonial agency: to go on manage somehow. I'm a business man and not a philan- making money. . thropist. You can't expect me to pay before having re- Margot got up. ceived the goods." " I've really got to go," she said. H Of course not." " May I come with you?" Mr. Rack asked eagerly. " And now might I ask you for a bottle of beer? I'm H Do." going back in a week, and I must drink my fill before Margot winked at Irene and the girl understood. Of leaving Europe. I shan't be back for three months, so I've no time to lose." course, she will let him have it in the .car when he's got to listen and cannot run away. Good for Margot. Ottokar rang' for Huber and told him to bring three bottles of beer. Margot kissed Irene good-bye, and Mr. Rack, watching her radiant face, thought: How happy she is; expecting me, no doubt, tf) propose to her on the way home. * * * He took his leave in rather an arrogant manner, for, after all, the Sternbachs were poor and had to work for Mr. Rack was blissfully happy. Never had Margot their living whilst he would shortly be not only a famous Wiker been so charming and so kind. Never had her author but also an exceedingly rich man. lovely eyes rested on his face with so tender an expression. Mr. Daniel said good-bye in a cheerful mood. He had How much a J;l1onth will she let me have? he asked drunk three bottles of beer and was feeling good. himself. Five hundred, a thousand? Surely more than Nora yawned., that. The woman's madly in love with me; she'll never " Let's go to bed. I'm dead tired." say no when I ask for money. And he continued to tell Ottokar shook his head. 2.02 G U EST SIN 'I' H E H 0 USE G U EST SIN THE HO USE 203 " Just a moment. Why on earth did you tell me that Nora smiled, but Iune burst out: the American was a gangster?" he asked. "How could you, Ottokar? Just imagine if I had "We' never told you so." . gone and told Mr. Gedecke to give back the pearls. Just " You called him 'the gangster,' and I nearly made an think what ghastly consequences your silly absent-minded- awful mess of things. You must really be more careful." ness might have had." "Irene ..." Nora said hesitatingly. "And your impulsiveness." "Yes, Ottokar, you're right; but, after all, anyone " Don't quarrel. We've got the pearls and the gangster- might have made the same mistake. When Nora's sorry, Mr. Daniel-has forgiven you, Irene, and to-night pearI s ..." we brought off a good thing." interru~ted "Nora's pearls? " he her. . The telephone rang and Irene took up the receiver. " Yes, after one of our partles they had, disappeared. , "Irene Sternbach speaking. Oh, it's you, Margot? We did not want to make a fuss . . . so I took your What happened?' Did everything go well . . .? What Browning and went to the Semmering. . . . And I accused did you say ... ? He jumped out.... The car was Mr. Daniel ... and then he wasn't a gangster after alL" driving attop speed. . . . Good . . .! Yes, I'm delighted. " You took my Browning and threatc:ned a most re- 1'11 come and see you to-morrow. You must tell me all spectable man .with a gun! Irene! I WIsh I could send about it. So long. Good night, my dear." you to a convent for good. If the man had not got a " Have they become engaged? " Nora asked joyfully. sense of humour. . . ." . " Engaged? She told him to go to the devil, and it " But we had to try to recover the pearls. We nught seems he went." have to sell them one day. Ottokar, I believe Mr. Gedecke " Are you mad? Everybody could see that she ...". stole them." ' Irene blushed; she hung her head and looked guilty. " Stole them? What ARE you talking about?" "Nora darling; don't be angry.... But I could not " Anyhow they've disappeared." help it. . . . I simply had to tell her the truth about the " I can't believe it." young brute; I had to warn her. It would have been too N ora grew impatient. , beastly of me if . Why are' you laughing, Ottokar? " " Surely I ought to know whether I've got my pearls, " Yes, I really can't understand your laughing," Nora or whether they are lost." said mournfully. "Our last chance but one. And. we Ottokar grinned. can't even claim the dole." "Do you want to know where your pearls ~re? In "Ottobr, will you 'stop laughing at once. I really the safe in the library. You probably played WIth them und~~e. don't see anything funny in all this. Stop, I say. What as you always do, and the fastening came I found ARE you laughing at?" them lying on the sofa and put them away. " Your criminal bent, Irene, that I've been trying to H And you, never told me!" . discover." " I forgot all about it. So many things have happen~d "You've either taken leave of your senses Of' you're in between. You know I'm' absent-mmded .... I m drunk." . , sorry, Nora. " Irene gazed anxiously at her brother who was still 204 G U EST SIN THE H 0 USE shaken with laughter. Then, putting her arm round Nora's G U EST SIN THE HO USE 205 shoulder, she said coaxingly: " We'll learn 'em," Irene said vulgarly. H Don't worry; "Darling, please forgive me." Leave it to me." "Oh, all right," her sister-in-law said despondently. Ernestine was surprised to see how many friends she "But I really don't know what to do now." had-friends who, wishing no doubt not to appear too "We'll find ways and means. . . . Ottokar, . if you forward, had carefully kept in the background, although don't stop laughing at once I'll murder you." they had, according to their own words, "Always been But even this threat did not sober her brother. Sinking so fond of dear Miss Salt." on the sofa he choked and gurgled helplessly. " Of course I shall come to your wedding, my dear Irene flew into a rage. . child," the Widow Leger had said graciously. "Surely "Intercourse with a gangster seems to make a brute I cannot desert you on the most important day of your of a man even if the gangster is not a gangster," she de- life. You know that I have always had a mother's heart clared cryptically, and drew Nora out of the room. for you, dear child." . Talking in the shop for which she worked about her : wedding and the dinner at the Sternba~hs, Ernestine was astounded to hear old Mr. Hirsch say: "What about me, Miss Salt? Aren't you going to CHAPTER XVII invite me to the wedding? After all, we've been friends • for ages." . OT even in her wildest flights of imagination had Ernestine invited Mr. Hirsch and the pretty fair shop- N Ernestine ever dreamt that even if she found a girl who had sent her a cosy. It was wonderful to be husband-and what an IF that had been-her wedding able to invite people or to ignore their hints, and still would be a social event. But Irene had undertaken all more wonderful to say: the arrangements. She had decided that the wedding " After the wedding there will be a wedding dinner dinner would be at their house. (" Nothing matters any at Countess Sternbach's. Just the family and a few longer," she had said to Nora and Ottokar. "We may intimate friends." just as well squander a little more.") , . Mr. Bite asked humbly whether he too might invite " I wish I knew what you mean when you say a little a few friends. more'," Ottokar said gloomily. "How many people "Goodness," Irene said, after having told him to ask have you invited ,? " whomever he wanted to. "Just imagine, Nora, all the "Old Schiro, Miriam and Tom, Casimir and his lady- bailiffs of Vienna coming to dinner! " love-I 'really can't call her a girl friend-and Margot. "I'm not going to imagine anything." Nora was in I don't know whom Ernestine has asked." a bad temper. " You've promised to look after every- "Do you really think Ernestine's friends will get on thing. I'll order dinner; that's all you can expect me with our clients?" Nora said nervously. "You know to do." what s~obs they are." Nora had been moody and depressed for days. Strange to' say, Ottokar seemed more cheerful than his wont. - ·, 206 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE 207 Of course, Nora thought bitterly, he's looking forward said with a sigh of relief. "But I suppose their profession to getting rid of me as soon as there is no money left has made them callous. Ottokar is certainly looking and I have to go home. That's what he calls love. And solemn. Dear me, there's young Mann. I never invited Irene is just as bad. As if we did not belong together him. What a cheek. Why did he come t.o the wedding." at all. . . . But perhaps no one ever does belong. , "You'll find out at dinner," Miriam said teasingly. Yet, when I think of my people. . . . She sighed. What " Do tell me. . . . Oh, Miriam, I always thought you a muddle lif9 was. two were modems of modems, and now you're sitting hand-in-hand! ,Are you going to weep too?" , * * * Miriam blushed, but Tom Bright did not let her hand go, but said with a smile: During the wedding Irene sat beside Miriam and the " Surely one can"be fond of one another without all journalist. . ., that fuss." "Isn't it exactly like the last chapter of a Vlctonan The organ was playing the Mendelssohn Wedding novel?" she whispered into Miriam's ear. "The organ March-Irene's choice. Then the newly-wedded couple throbs heart-rendingly the Wedding ,March from Lohen- left the church and drove off in old Schiro's car. grin-ghastly, but Ernestine WOULD have it-the Vicar is Irene was unlucky. There were not enough cars to encouraging them to be fruitful in procreation. . . . Just go round, and she had to drive back in a taxi with old imagine a world peopled by little Bites!" , , Schiro. "Who gave her that lovely veil? It's real lace." " Why wasn't it MY daughter? " the old gentleman said "Mr. Hirsch, the old gentleman in the second pew, reproachfully. the only one except Ottokar who looks like a gentleman. Feeling guilty Irene remained silent. . . . Good gracious, look at your father, Miriam! What " If only I could see my little girl standing with her IS the matter with him?" young man in the synagogue, how happy I should be. Old Schiro was sitting in the front row. Hearing the A bailiff, not that I want to be unkind, but after all, a Vicar's appeal to Ernestine and ,Mr. Bite to be fruitful, bailiff. . . . Yet he's been married ip. church. . . . And he took out his handkerchief and blew his nose. A moment Miriam .... The Bite's have no money; what's the later he wiped his' eyes. good of poverty marrying poverty? Whereas my daughter " Poor father," Miriam said wistfully. "He's miserable would have had a fortune on her wedding day. because these two people are being married in church, And I should have died happy." and he's thinking :' Of course, MY only daughter . . .''' " You'll go on living ,for ages, dear Mr. Schiro." "Look, Miriam, all the wedding guests seem to think "One can never tell. Anyway, I should have died that it's a funeral. Nora is crying and,Kicki Kater too, happy. Miriam would have been provided for" and she'd the young man six foot two is sobbing bitterly, and Mrs. have had a good husband. I like the young man, if only Ride is wiping her eyes. A cheerful crew! " he had not got such crazy ideas: And I should have She looked round. loved to have grand-children.... I'm an old man ..." "The bailiffs aren't ,crying as far as I can see," she Mr. Schiro blew his nose noisily. "A poor old man with , G U EST SIN l' H E H 0 USE 209 208 G U EST SIN l' H E H 0 U SE delightful it ~as to feel important. The wedding dinner an only child.... You can't understand. Just wait was being given in her honour, and for her sake her till you have a daughter of your own." husband's colleagues had been invited-the nice, honour- "Don't you think it's rather premature to marry off able men who otherwise would never have had a chance my daughter? " .' to dine with the best people. Even Mrs. Ledger owed the " All my brothers and sisters, all my relatl?ns are ho:!!- pleasure to her. Rather a good thing too, as she and fied. That kind of thing has never happened tn our fanuly. Theodore had rented the two empty rooms, use of kitchen They keep telling me not to permit it.... My dear and bath-always a risky thing. But if ever the Widow mother' ..." . Ledger dared to be rude, Ernestine .would gently remind " I know, I know," Irene interrupted. him hastily. She her of her friend, Countess Stembach, and the landlady knew all about old Schiro's dear mother. . would pipe down .•t once. As long as I live, Emestine "You don't know. You cannot imagine the scandal." thought blissfully, I shall not have to knuckle under to "Mr. Schiro," Irene said desperately. "Must I explain anyone. For a moment she wondered if she could not to you how things are nowadays? Don't you know that have made a better match, a girl whose best friends be- the rich are always right? What would have been re- longed to the aristocracy .... After all, she came from garded as a scandal if Miriam were poor will be r;>erely a good family; her late father would have said that she a pardonable eccentricity. Of course, if she were a kitch~n had made a misalliance. up~n maid, all the respectable wives who comnut adult~ry. tn . I Looking down her eyes fell the plain gold ring secret would tear her to pieces like wild beasts, but Mmam, on her finger. She had never hoped to wear the symbol being your daughter . . ." of wedded love. A tender smile lit up her face, and she Old Schiro wiped his eyes. pressed Theodore's hand under the table. "It's not decent for 'a young girl to talk about adul- Ottokar chatted gaily with the bride, but he was far tery,'~ he said crossly. . . from feeling happy. Coming back from church, Nora " Don't forget that we have got a matrlmorual age,:cy . had whispered to him : which is always a kind of preparatory school for that ktnd " You'll have to make a speech.'" of thing." He racked hIS brains. What on earth was he to say? Irene, who was terribly afraid old Schiro would begin He had never made a speech, and the most absurd ideas to cry in eamest, wanted to shock him. . flashed through his brain. I do hope, he thought, I shan't The old gentleman WAS shocked. H~ put hi.s h~nd say: I drink the health of all the bailiffs who have honoured kerchief into his pocket and gave her a pIece of his mtnd. us by coming to our house. We can never be grateful Irene listened meekly without saying a word. She was enough for their beneficial labour. . . . I must also be glad when at last the car turned into the drive. careful not to talk of the holiness of matrimony, so as not to. hurt old Schiro .... And I must not say any- * * * thing that might be taken as a political allusion ; people ate always imagining that nowadays. Dear me, what Emestine sat at the head of the table between her hus- AM I to say? band and Ottokar. She felt terribly important. How o GUESTS IN THE HOUSE 2.10 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE 2It His eyes roved over the dining table Irene had cha~m "Once, at the jubilee of our skittle-club." ingly decorated with flowers. Two people were lookIng " Skittles? That's no good to me." absolutely happy: Mr. Bite and the Widow Led?er. "Buck up, Count Ottokar. The guests will applaud Mr. Bite's colleagues seemed shy. They bowed stiffly whatever yo~ say." whenever Nora or Irene addressed them, and answered Ottokar got up very slowly, lifted his glass and looked in monosyllables. Old Schiro's face made one think of round helplessly. Huber remained standing behind his a funeral. Casimir looked' respectable and well-to-do. ,chair, ready to come to his aid. He's grown stouter, Ottokar though~. Young Mann ' "Ladies and gentlemen," Ottokar began, "we have was chatting with Kicki Kater, and the SIX foot two young met to celebrate ... two dear friends of ours have to-day gentleman seemed annoyed. How quee~ I Somehow all been united in holy matrimony ..." , these people strike me as rather pathetic, Ottokar went He saw old Schi~o's reproachful face and grew confused. on philosophizing. He caught the l1!lance of haughty " .. . Life, ladies and gentlemen, is like a game of disdain and outraged virtue that Ernestine threw at Kick! , skittles. The ball rolls . . ." Kater and felt irritated. The State ought not to . . . at He caught Irene's angry look. Skittles did not seem least fue State ought not to tax those poor devils. . .. , . an appropriate subject. He blundered on: , His thoughts ran riot : what, happened when a bailiff "Marriage, dear friends, is like a democratic republic, had the bailiffs in? Surely that must happen sometimes. both partners enj oying the same rights and . . ." . . . Does the "officiating" bailiff suddenly grasp ~h~t Young Mann was grinning scornfully and looking as an odious profession he has chosen? Why do th~ ba:liff s if he were going to heckle. frock coats look so wistful? And young Mann s sIngle Ottokar grew annoyed. eye-glass-poor chap he is not ~ven capable of holding "Ladies, and gentlemen, I feel greatly honoured to it in his eye-somehow 1001 , , 212 GUESTS IN THE HOlJSE. GUESTS IN THE HOUSE 213 Miriam, Irene and Tom Bright were choking with Irene laughed. suppressed laughter, and Huber whispered: "I've just been told that my words are not suited to "I rimst say, of all the speeches I've ever heard . . . I the occasion. I don't agree, but I give in. I only want If only I'd known what a bad speaker you are, Count to say one thing more: may our dear friends enjoy all Ottokar I'd bave rehearsed the speech with you." the blessings of peace and be very happy." Casin:ir got to his feet. HE . was not embarrassed i~ Nora rose hastily and led the way into the big drawing- tbe least. His speech was amus1hg and full of tact. He room. Young Mann joined the bailiffs who had applauded did not hurt anyone's feelings. Qttokar could not help his speech, and began talking eagerly to them. admiring him. A most respectable-looking old bailiff sat down beside Mr. Bite got up to express his thanks. He too stam- Ottokar. mered and stuttered, and the guests grinned ill-natured.ly. "I liked what you said about the democratic republic, But when he, waiving all rhetorical ambition, spoke :,11th Count Sternbach. It was excellent. Only democracy can a trembling voice of the great happiness God h~d glVen save the world from disaster. But 1'd never have expected him, Nora felt a lump in her throat, and old Schuo once- to meet sympathy for my ideas in so grand a house. aaain felt for his handkerchief. Casimir drew Irene into a corner. "After that everyone seemed to make a speec~. The "Have the Sternbachs ever produced statesmen?" he - bailiffs spoke, old Schiro enlarged upon the ~oliness of asked maliciously. "Or only diplomats? After hearing matrimony, young Mann declared that A:rstna and her you and your brother speak, I assume the latter." areat sister Germany wanted a new and vahant generatlOn One of Mr. Bite's colleagues who had drunk too much in case of having to wage war. It was an unlucky speech ; sat apart, and, nodding gaily, talked to himself: most of the guests looked perplexed and uncomfortable, . " Life is like a game of skittles," he repeated: "What but the worst was yet to come. Irene got to her feet: a wonderfut' comparison. Really wonderful. ... Skittles, "Women are not supposed to make speeches, but I';n the ball,life.... I wonder, dare I ask the Count to be- going to make one, nevertheless. All of you have Said come a member of our skittle club? It would be fine nice and wise things, with one exceptlon: the man who , to have a Count as a member. Skittles.... Life and the , talked so foolishly about the valiant, strong new genera- ball rolling. . . ." tion in case of a war. Just because I am a woman, I "Where are the van Dams?" Ottohr asked Nora must reply to that. And I shall answer these wicked words • W~en as soon as he had got rid of the respectable old bailiff. with a question addressed to my fellow women: "Didn~t you invite them?" are you going to refuse having children so as to g1ve " Are you missing Nantje? W'\>at a pity. They went cannon fodder to an aggressor State? And when are back to -Holland the day before yesterday. If only I had young fools who know nothing about it going to stop known ...." glorifying war? When...?" . She turned away, but Ottokar took hold of her arm. Miriam caught hold of her arm and wh1spered : "Why are you angry with me, dear? We've been "For goodness' sake, shut up. That really does not getting on so well during the last weeks ...." belong here." " If that's your idea of getting on well with a woman. : i L 214 G_UESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE 215 You neglect me, you spend the whole day in the " Tom, if you say such things I shall run away." , lab. and the evening in your study.... I'm fed up .... He laughed. You and Irene treat me as if I were the housekeeper. And , " I'll fetch you back." you aren't even polite enough to hide your wish to get Old Schiro suddeflly looked years younger. He gazed rid of me. . . . Yes, I know you do . . . don't contradict at them both, feeling immensely relieved. me .... But I'm not going to stand it any longer.'" " Perhaps you'll change your mind," he said tentatively, She turned her back upon him : GUESTS IN THE HO,USE I, being your partner, get half of the commission, that 225 would be five thousand schillinge. To this we must add montb, the two others every first of the month. Do the expenses I have had as your partner.... " you Want an agreement in writing? " " Do you expect us to pay for the flowers and the sweets Irene reflected. you gave Mrs. Ride? " " I suppose you are expecting us to behave handsomely. "Only half of the expenses. But, as you have said to say: \'(7e,don't want your money, buy a wedding ptesen; more than once that the matrimonial agency does not for your WIfe WIth It. But you're mistaken. We agree really exist and I have met my future wife at an ordinary to your paymg the thousand in instalments, and we want party in your house, you are not entitled to a commission. an agreement in writing." Nevertheless, I want to prove myself a gentleman, and I Casimir sighed. therefore offer you an indemnification of a thousand H Not exactly aristocratic." schillinge. Do you agree ?'~ " You've taught--us something,." Irene said, "that I, Irene stared at Casimir and asked inconsequently: at least, shall never forget, And I was fool enough to " Have you kept your taxi? " believe that you were decent, , . ." " Of course not. I could not know how long we were " "I once did a dec~nt thing in my life," Casimir replied. going to talk." And as It was agamst the law I went to prison for it "And you did not want to squander money? All I'm neither rich nor thoughtless enouah to do somethin~ right, Casimir, had you kept the taxi we would not have decent again." 0 come to terms. But as you didn't, we shall. Pay a :;e t?ok the agreement from his pocket and signed it. thousand schillinge and ..." Satisfied, Irene ? " " Irene," Nora cried, H how can you? " "We've gOt to be." " Shut up, darling. You don't understand. Our dear She put her hand out for the agreement, but Nora fore- friend, Casimir the swindler, is dead. The man sitting stalled her. She caught hold of it and threw it into the opposite to you and smoking ,is Mr, , . . I don't know fireplace. his real name, so let's 'say Mr. Casimir Ponitzky, a petty- " "I won't take a penny from such a cad I " she cried. bourgeois who has been lucky enough to find a rich wife Get. o~t and don't let me ever see you again. n in his old age. We should never get the better of his ~as1tn1,r looked at her admiringly. money-grubbing soul. All right, Casimir, pay up ! " A fnendly and noble gesture," he said. For the last time the former Casimir came to life. Then getting up he asked: H You must excuse me, Irene," he said in a hurt tone. "May I telephone for a taxi?" " But isn't it rather premature to talk about myoId age? " "In the hall, not here." , Irene laughed. He bowed silently and left the room. " So you can still be human, Casimir, I take back the Irene gazed sadly into the fire, old age, Did you bring the thousand along?" "A thousand schillinge in three instalments are being " You interrupted me, Irene; I offered to pay a thou- burnt to cinders," she said woefully, "And you did not sand in three instalments-the first on the first of next, even make him pay for the call." She remained silent for a while, then she said: p 226 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS· IN THE HOUSE ZZ7 "That was the last of the Mohicans. The firm has over the house. Irene would show them round. I know gone west. If we could only declare bankruptcy. Do you I should never be able to do it, to smile and say, "Yes, know I'm rather glad you burnt the agreement. I'd have the furulture is real Empire, and the boiler heats the whole done it myself if Ottokar had not bored me to death house, and the kitchen range will be. the joy of your cook's telling me what a lot he owes you and how miserable life ...." Of course, the people would find fault with he is because he cannot do anything for you." everything, so as to get the house as cheap as possible. She laughed softly. · . . The dear house. . . . Perhaps it would be sold in " I really ought to cry, Nora, but I can't help laughing, a day or two .... Then she would have to go away. when I think of your splendid idea that was to make us · . . Ottokar and Irene would ±nove into a two-room- rich, of the gangster who is an honourable man, of the fiat. . . . And shewould be sitting at home knowing swindler who is petit-bourgeois--a horrid, niggardly, mean that her people' did not want her. . . . How lonely it petit-bourgeois-and we were so proud of our deep insight would be. . . . Snow and ice and winter wind . . . and into human nature. . . . I do wonder what $urprises I the two grumpy old people. . . . And Mother nagging shall have during my long life." all .day long. . . . And Father looking at me with re- proachful, sad eyes. . . . Perhaps Irene will come and see "* * * me sometimes .... She wondered whether Ottokar would come too. . . . She would miss Irene. .' . . No, not Sitting in her bedrqom, Nora put the letter she had Irene, Ottokar.... How funny ... , He used to bore· just written into an envelope and addressed it. The letter her so terribly. . . . And to-day she could not imagine was for her father, and began: anything worse than having to live without him. . . . When he went to the States they might both be able to " Dear Father, live on his fee. . . . Of course, they would be poor, very " I shall.come home as soon as the house has been sold poor. . . . But then he had never asked her to go with and everything is settled. I hope you and Mother will not him. . . . He had expected her to live with her parents. ;nind. I shall do my best not to be a nuisance, and as soon · .. After all, they would always have more money than as possible I shalt try and get a job-if I can . ..." the Bites. . . . And she would not be so lonely. . . . She thought of the people who had been their clients, The light from the reading-lamp fell on the small blue. and wondered what they would have done in her place? envelope. Gazing at it it seemed to Nora as if it were Suddenly she remembered· the strange way Irene had growing larger and larger, till it hid the whole room, the looked at her, as if she had expected her to say something, whole house, all the days, months and years she had lived to do something. What had she expected? Why did here. She was not like Irene; she could not laugh"when she always stress the fact that Ottokar was terribly worried fate knocked the bottom out of her world. She did not about his divorced wife's future? Did he really care enjoy the idea of taking up arms against life. what happened to her? To-morrow the advertisement would be in the paper, Somewhere a clock struck two. Nora gave a start: and perhaps the day after people would come and look. was it as late as all that? Something made her think of G U EST SIN 'T H E H 0 USE 229 228 G U EST SIN THE H 0 USE The blue envelope stood out, a tiny patch of colour, a sultry summer night, months ago.. . . She had been on the mahogany table. To-morrow afternoon her mother lying on the balcony and had heard Ottokar come home. would get the letter. She would rip open the envelope Never again would she hear him con:e home. . . . How with her usual quick, impatient movements, would skim quiet the house was, how deadly qUiet. . . . They .were through the letter and say with a sigh: all asleep; only she was awake. She thought With a "Nora is coming home for good. Poor child! If shudder of the many nights at home when the whole only she had listened to me. I always told her not to house would be sleeping peacefully and only she would marry that man. . . ." be unable to close her eyes. She would lie awake for And then poor mother would do sums in her head and, hours hearing the clock strike in the tower of the small probably, on the blue envelope too, trying to find out' Gothic church, longing for . . . for the pleasant lUXUrIOUS how much more expensive life would be. with the poor, life she had lost .. Yes, but not only for that. . . . darling child hOnie for good. She got up and began to undress. But she could not Father would not say a word. Buried in his usual silence make up her mind to go to bed. She felt too nervous he would perhaps feel ashamed-the good old man-that and restless. Perhaps it would be best to go home to- a daughter of his had left a husband who- had lost his morrow or the day after? Ottokar could make all the money and could not. keep her in luxury any longer. necessary arrangements. . . . She felt she :"ould never Left him?' How absurd! She was always forgetting be able to bear the respite. granted them till the house that they were divorced, that she had divorced Ottokar . was sold. How could she stand the stram, knowing that when he was still a rich man. No. one had a right to Ottokar might say any day: reproach her. On the contrary, she had behaved exceed- "The house is sold." ingly well; she had even tried to make money .... Then the packing, all the rooms suddenly. looking If only sleep would come. She walked softly up and strange and hostile, as if one had never hved tn t~em. down the room, trying hard to think of other, less im- . . . They would appear empty although t~e furn1~re. portant things. But somehow in this melancholy night was srill standing in its old place. Even to-nIght, durmg nothing seemed unimportant; . everything was closely dinner, things had felt unreal, uncanny; as i~ the three connected with her own life-and Ottokar. of them had not really been there at all; as if they had A memory flashed through her brain, something that been ghosts, or, at the best, strangers-unwelcome guests. had happened in her childhood. She had done some- The house, the rooms seemed to know that they were thing wrong, and had denied having done it. Mother going to desert ·them: they had ?reath~d an atmosphere had boxed her ears and left her to herself. But when of hatred and doom. How unkind things-and men- Father came home in the evening he had called her int,? are, when one is alone. Perhaps some people are strong' the garden. Nora could still feel the soft evening ·air and can bear bemg surrounded by enemies. . . . Irene, and smell the sweet scent of hay. She had sulked, but yes, she would not mind. But Ottokar! He had looke~ her father had not scolded her; he had only said gently: at her to-night as if he too was afraid of lonehness, as 1£ "Do you know that you have done something wrong, he too felt the same torturing dread that had taken her little daughter?" . by the throat. . . . GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE She had shaken her head angrily. Seeing Nora he gave a start. . " Are you ill ? " he said anxiously. " No ! " Father had drawn her into the summer-house and had " I can't sleep," she replied plaintively. sat down beside her on the wooden bencb. Her heart was beating like mad, and her knees were "Listen, my child! It does not matter so much that trembling. you have been naughty. Of course, you ought not to have "I'll get up at once. Just a moment! We'll go to the told your mother a lie, but maybe we are just as guilty library, the fire is still burning. I'll make you a cup of as you are in not having gained your confidence. But tea and we can chat till you feel sleepy." . one thing, little Nora, you must do-you must be honest "No," she said, not knowing that her voice was that towards yourself. You must never cheat yourself. Do of the little girl speaking to her father in a s)lmmer-house, you understand what I mean, little daughter? Always rnany years ago. be honest towards yourself." "N0, d on ' t get .up. I ... I on Iy wanted to ask you The little girl who had not cried when her mother had something. " boxed her ears, who had sulked all day long, haring every- H You want to ask me something? " body and everything, had burst into tears and clung to "No, yes." .." She drew a deep breath and said her father's hand. Sobbing wildly, she had promised hurriedly, afraid of her own daring: "I don't want to him always to be honest towards herself, never again to ask you anything. I wanted to tell you that I don't want hide behind a lie. to leave you. That I want to' stay with you, even after What had made her remember the insignificant little the house is sold and when there.is no money left. I event? Was it because once more she was afraid of want ..." (' Nora ! " admitting the truth to herself? Because she wanted to cheat herself? Because she, was a coward? Afraid of He stared at her as' if she had spoken in a language he looking sentimental and silly in her own eyes? could not understand. "~t's . She went to the table, took up the letter and tore it so c?ld,". she said, shivering. "I really can't to shreds. Then she put on her dressing-gown and tip- remain standing In the door for ever." She laughed toed out of the room; . . shakily. "Irene would tell you that your manners are The passage was dark and she groped her way. Her si:,;ply awful, C?ttokar. After all, one usually asks a hand touched the door handle of Irene's room. Nora VISItor to come In and sit down. . . ." stood listening for a .moment. Irene was asleep. She Somewhe:e a clock struck three. The night was very -walked on sottly. qUl,et, and In the whole house no! a single light was Another door hanple and yet another one: that was burning. Ottokar's room. Nora noiselessly opened the door. The small lamp with the green shade was burning on the table beside the bed, and Ottokar was sitting up, an unread book lying beside him. GUESTS IN THE HOUSE G U EST SIN T H.E HO USE 233 Irene blushed. "Admit that it was just my luck that young Mann had CHAPTER XIX to come along with his fiancee when you were out. I did not .mind the fiancee, but the beastly little cad treated OR four weeks people came to look at the "family me as if I were a shoe-black. As long as he thought we. F residence"; for four weeks all kinds of men and . were rich he simply cringed. Don't you remember? women turned up who h.ad only two things in common: To think of him going about and preaching idealism and money and a way of fincling fault with everything. the beauty of equality! And after he'd gone young Rack Some thought the house too old-fashioned, some said came and insulted me because he pretends that we've it was much too modern. The more people found fault spoilt his chances with Margot. It was enough to make with it, the more Nora grew to love the house. Never a saint lose his temper." had the rooms looked so cosy, never had the garden- "You certainly'· lost yours." even in its desolate autumn sadness-seemed lovelier. "I'll be glad. to work with professionals," Irene said Ottokar, who showed the people over the house, did not with a little sigh. "At least, they won't put on airs." lose his temper; he listened patiently to their complaints, . "Of course, some will. You'll always meet people and his voice remained soft and gentle. Only Irene and who confound arrogance with good manners." Nora knew what the tiny wrinkle over his aquiline nose " And to think that that cad Mann is probably going signified, and the almost imperceptible smile with which to buy the house and live here, as he would say' in grand he answered innumerable, often impertinent questions. style.' And small Manns being born all over the place- Christmas came. Irene had been afraid of it; she had dirty, mean, Nordic, militarist, horrid small Manns." shrunk from a mood of sentimentality and sadness. Otto- Oottokar smiled reassuringly. kar was so sensitive, and no One could. tell what Nora .' "Don't you believe it. The girl looks as though she would be like. would not stand for that kind of nonsense." "We won't have a Christmas tree," Irene said decidedly, "When is .he going to let us know whether he'll buy after having listened to a very fat and very vulgar new- the house? " rich woman telling them, whilst she looked at the library, ({ Next week." what a giant Christmas tree she had just bought for her " Poor dear house! I'm so sorry for it, being inhabited children. Nevertheless, she came home laden with mistletoe by Manns! And I feel bad thinking that we shall have and holly. to part with Nota. What are you laughing at, Ottokar? " " Do you know," she confided to her brother on Christ- " At you. Fancy your being sentimental." mas Eve, when Norahad run up' to the attic with presents "I'm not)" Irene said angrily. ~'But you-you've for Huber's boy, "I'm getting to admire Nora. I never become absolutely callous all of a sudden. You must . expected her to behave so well." admit that Nora is sweet." Ottokar smiled good-naturedly . Ottokar smiled again, and threw his sister a mischievous . "I wouldn't talk about behaving well if I were you. glance that she could not understand. When I remember how you behaved yesterday." * * GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE Next week came. Young Mann had promised to come that Countess Sternbach is Count Ottokar's divorced wife in the afternoon. Irene felt nervous. She went from and that she is living with him. . . ." one room to the other, trying to imagine the family Mann H What about it? " living in them. She also thought of the miniatu~e flat "You must try and understaud my point of view, she and Ottokar were going to, and of Nora, hvmg at Countess Irene. Perhaps people don't mind that kind of home with her people. Poor girl, she would be miserably thing in your class. . . . But you see, in the higher middle unhappy. , class. . . . I have to be very careful, very circumspect; The second post brought a letter for Ottokar. Irene after all my husband ... his reputation, his status .... put it on his writing table. It's from Father's old solicit?r, Being an official. .. '. And his colleagues aud their wives. she thought anxiously; what on earth can he be wr1tmiS ' '.' .' I'm so sorry, but Mrs. Ledger agrees with me ...." about? I do hope it is nothing unpleasant. Though I " So we'll only have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bite can't imagine what could be more unpleasar;t than our in an official capa:city," Irene had said mockingly. " In life is going to be. She took up the two plcture post- that case it won't be long before we see him again." cards she had received by the same post. One of them "I'm sorry to say that my dear husband is rather too was from Casimir and his wife; they were staying at liberal in his ideas. Nevertheless, he must consicler his Nice for their honeymoon. Irene could not help laughing: position. After all, he represents the State." the card was insufficiently stamped and she had had to Irene had turned her' back upon Ernestine without a pay the diflerence. Had Casimir done it on purpose? word, and had walked on, her eyes filling with angry I wish we had accepted the thousand schillinge, she thought; tears. Shortly afterwards she ran into old Schiro and told I must buy myself a winter coat. But then, most likely, him what had happened. he would not have paid the other instalments. The old gentleman had, nodded. The second card was from Kicki Kater, from St. Moritz, "At least now you know, how people react to that where she seemed to be staying with the young man siX kind of thing." foot two. Such are the results of our matrimonial agency, "If you're going to scold me ...." Irene .mused: Casimir pockets the money and Kicki The old gentleman had noticed her anger and her wet Kater-not that I grudge it her-prevents the young man eyes. marrying a good and virtuous girl. Ernestine Bite . '. . "Never mind, my child. You're very young still. She frowned and looked disgusted. Ernestme had dis- You don't know how many things people have got to appointed her. She had met her in the street a few days ago consider. There are always business partners or superiors an:d had asked her to come to tea. But a terribly embarras- one must not give offence to. Life consists of wondering sed but no less di"rufiedb Ernestine had replied stifRy : , what other people will say. Of respecting their prejudices, "I'm so sorry, dear Countess Irene.... But we ve of shelving natural, human feelings. You may be quite been told-you know how people will gossip-that sure that poor Ernestine hated hurting you, but she Countess Nora Sternbach. . . . You must not take it had to consider all she had been taught at home and at amiss, but if so many. people say so there must be some school, all the idiotic things that people believe necessary truth in what they say .... To cut it short, people say for the welfare of the State." , GUESTS IN THE I-lOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE 237 " Since when have you become an ariarchist ? " Old Schiro had laughed and, drawing her arm through " We had some shopping to do," Nora said. his, had walked on slowly. They went and sat in Ottokar's study and, he read his "I really believe that you're the only one, my child, letter. He read it once, twice, three times, as if unable to whom I can talk without fear of being misunderstood. to grasp its contents. 'Then he said slowly: I went to see Miriam last night.' She couldn't be happier " Irene, when young Mann comes here to-day, tell him if they had married in the Synagogue and at the registrar's. that we've changed our minds. We're not going to sell Nevertheless, I am thankful that she has changed her mind the house." and will consider other people. Don't forget, my child, "What did you say?" there always are OTHER PEOPLE in life." " We're not,going to sell the house." Irene shook off the remembrance of Ernestine and " Are you drunk or ill, or have you gone mad? " Casimir and the whole rabble, as she called their former Nora gazed at Ottokat in amazement. clients. She also tried hard not to think of old Schiro's H But, Ottokar dear, we can't; it's impossible." words-she would not admit to herself that for her too " We can. It's possible." there would always be people whose opinion she would He put his arm round Nora's shoulder. have to consider. For the first tiine in her life she felt " Aunt Yetta is dead," he said softly. frightened. Would she too have to become like the others, "Yes?" afraid of scandalizing Mrs. Grundy, dependent on people "And, and she has left a quarter of a million to be she despised? divided between my wife and me." Where waS Nora? She had promised to be back in "A quarter of a million," Nora cried rapturously. an hour; they wanted to decide which of the pictures " What a lot of money." they were going to sell at once. But Irene looked. unhappy. Irene went and sat in the window seat. She looked "Ottokar, Nora, don't be so pleased, my poor qears. out at the old trees and listened to the twittering of the 'The will is not valid." sparrows. I wonder, she thought, whether they too have H Why?" got to consider prejudices and the strait-laced ideas of "It says: you and your wife. . . . But you haven't other sparrows? She Saw Nora and Ottokar coming got ,a wife. . . . If Aunt Y etta has got other relations, through the garden, and ran to meet them. they can dispute the will." "Ottokar, there's a letter for you, a fat letter from Ottokar burst out laughing. father's solicitor. Do read it at once. I'm so afraid H They can't." of his writing unpleasant things." " Why not.? " " You're afraid? " Ottokar looked incredulous. "Because I have got a wife." " Yes." " You . . . you . . .?". Nora took off her fur coat and het hat. She was looking Nora's cheeks had grown rosy. She turned to her very pretty and very happy. sister-in-law and said teasingly: morni~g." " Where have you been for such a time? " Irene asked .. H Guess where we were this "How can I guess? Besides, what does it matter 23 8 GUESTS IN THE HOUSE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE where you were ..GoodLord, just think of all the money " I want my commission." we're losing. Why it's much worse than any loss resulting " Y oU,r commission?" from our idiotic matrimonial agency." "Yes. I represent the firm; I have arranged a marriage "Don't interrupt, Irene. Listen to what I tell you. between two people worth a quarter of a million. I'm Ottokar has got a wife. We've just come from the not gofug to let you trick me out of my money. How registrar's. " much is three per cent. of a quarter of a million? " "What did you say? You've been married; you've Nora considered for a little while. been re-married?" " Seven thousand five hundred." She stared at them. Then she put her hands to her "I'll make you a _present of the five hundred," Irene head. said loftily. "Awedding present," she added with a grin. ',' But why, why?" "But I want the seven thousand." "Because I too am not free from prejudice, and want "You can have them," Ottokar declared. " You're the youngest Sternbach--as poor Aunt Yetta used to the first of the family to earn a commission, but you've call him-to be born in wedlock." worked hard, and I don't grudge you the money,my " And your work?" Irene asked her brother. dear. Wait! Don't thank me yet; you only get the " Of course I shan't give it up. The income-tax people money on condition that you and Nora won't found will see to it that we don't have too much money." another firm. A quarter of a million is a _tidy sum, but He got up. I'm sure there would not be a penny left in a year's time "I must call Huber and tell him that he need not go if you two women started another busfuess." job-hunting any longer." "Don't talk that way, Ottokar; you ought to be "Aren't you pleased, dear?" Nora asked. her sister- grateful to our agency. After all Nora DID have a bright in-law, struck by Irene's serious expression. idea" even if . .. ." "What about? The money, or your marriage, or "Nota's ideas," Ottokar interrupted his sister, "are because Huber can again drive our car? I don't know always bright." what to think. I'm absolutely nonplussed. What a trite . And going up to his wife he kissed her tenderly. happy end! Just the thing that happens to the kind- Irene smiled, then turned away discreetly and looked hearted, gallant, pure hero in old films. It's almost un- out of the window. canny." She frowned. "I think you're beasts not to have told me before. -And you might at least have told me that I've got a nephew~" " You haven't got one," Nota said hastily. "But you THE END might have one in due course of time." Irene still kept looking from one to the other. Then she seemed to remember something. " How much do I get? " she asked. "What are you talking about?"