Encounters: stories by Elizabeth Bowen, Robarts - University of Toronto Page A

had given them to the darkest corner of the study.
    "Doris always understands me perfectly,"continued Herbert, examining the frame to see if the price were still on the back."I think it will never be necessary for me to say anything to her twice. If I even express an opinion she always remembers. It's quite extraordinary."

    "Extraordinary,"echoed Richard. His voice had often an ironical note in it; this had prejudiced Herbert against him at first, he seemed rather a disagreeable fellow, but now Herbert knew that it did not mean anything at all. Richard, though not showy-looking, was really a good sort of chap.
    Cicely, a little pink (or perhaps it was only the reflection from her blouse), drew up the tea-table and began pouring out. There was a short silence while Richard replaced the photograph; they heard two blue-bottles buzzing against the ceihng.
    Richard hacked three-quarters of a new cake into slices, placed the plate invitingly at Herbert's elbow and sat down on a music-stool. Lifting his feet from the floor he rotated idly till Cicely passed him his cup, which he emptied in three or four gulps and put down, then sat gazing expectantly at his brother-in-law.
    "Marriage is a wonderful thing,"said Herbert conversationally, recrossing his legs."Look at you two now, how comfortable you are. It's all been most successful."

    Cicely had never known till this moment whether Herbert really approved of them.
    "The most surprising people,"he continued,"make a success of matrimony. Of course, people have varying ideas of comfort; everybody does not understand this, therefore there have been, alas, unhappy marriages."
    "But the right people always find each other in the end,"said Cicely dreamily."You did sort of feel, didn't you, Herbert, when you first met Doris"
    "Women have these fancies"—Herbert was all indulgence for them—"Doris has confessed to me that she was affected, quite extraordinarily aflFected, by our first meeting. It made little or no impression upon me. But Doris is a true woman."
    "What is a true woman?"asked Richard suddenly. Herbert thought it must be very uncomfortable to live with a person who asked these disconcerting, rather silly questions. He supposed Cicely was used to his ways. Cicely sat stirring her tea and smiling fatuously at her husband.
    Herbert, after consideration, decided to

    turn the question lightly aside."I think we all know,"he said,"zchen we find her'\ He wished Doris were sitting beside him instead of Cicelv; he would have looked at her sideways and she would have been so much pleased. As it was, he looked across the table at the bread and butter, and Richard jumped up and offered him some more.
    "Yes, but what does she consist of?"asked Richard excitedly, forgetting to put down the plate. Herbert was silent; he thought this sounded rather indelicate.
    "Sensibility?"suggested Cicely.
    "Infinite sensibility,"said Richard,"and patience."
    "Contrariness,"added Cicely.
    "Inconsistency,"amended Richard.
    "Oh no. Contrariness, Richard, and weak will."
    Herbert looked from one to the other, supposing they were playing some sort of game.
    "She is infinitely adaptable, too,"said Richard.
    "She has to be, poor thing,"said Cicely (this did not come well from Cicely). 124

    "Dear me, Cicely,"interposed Herbert, blinking;"so you consider women are to be pitied, do you?"Cicely opened her mouth and shut it again. She clasped her hands.
    "This does not speak well for Richard,"said Herbert humorously."Doris would be much amused. Now I suppose Doris is to be pitied, isn't she?"
    "Oh no, Herbert,"cried Cicely quickly.
    "She doesn't seem unhappy. In fact, I believe there are very few young ladies Doris would change places with at present. And I think you are wrong, my dear Richard; I consider woman most consistent, if she is taught—and she can be easily taught. She is simpler and more child-like than we are, of course. Her way in life is simple; she is seldom placed in a position where it is