Theodore Dreiser - The Stoic

Because of Aileen’s determination to make an elaborate toilet, the Cowperwoods were late in coming down to dinner. When they entered the drawing room, most of the other guests had assembled and were somewhat annoyed at having to wait. Ettinge, in particular, had decided to pay no great attention to the Cowperwoods. But when they appeared, and Haddonfield called out a hearty welcome, the others turned at once, resumed their amiability and took an unaffected interest in the Americans. Ettinge, slouching to a standing position and bowing stiffly as he was introduced, nevertheless studied Cowperwood intently. And Lady Ettinge, who had been following the recent English comments on his affairs, decided at once that, her husband excepted, Cowperwood was the leading personality at this gathering. Instinctively, she forgave him for Aileen, judging that he had married young and later philosophically decided to make the best of an unfortunate union. As for Scarr, he was intelligent enough to realize that he was in the presence of a master in his own world.

A little ill at ease after her long period of neglect in New York, Aileen did her best to appear natural, yet succeeded only in being overcordial and almost eager, as she smiled at everyone. She made remarks which established in the minds of all that she was quite uncertain of herself. Cowperwood noted it, but decided that, after all, he could manage for her. And, with his usual diplomacy, he addressed himself to Lady Ettinge as the oldest and, plainly, the most significant woman guest.

“I am rather new to English country life,” he said, quite simply, “but I must say, even the little glimpse I’ve had of it this afternoon quite justifies the admiration which is bestowed upon it.”

“Indeed!” said Lady Ettinge, a little curious as to his tastes and temperament. “You find it as engaging as all that?”

“Yes, and I think I can explain why. It is the source of what at present is best in my own country.” He emphasized the words “at present,” as she noted. “The culture of Italy,” he went on, “we can appreciate as that of a people entirely different from us; and the same, I think, is true of France and Germany. But here we recognize naturally, and with sympathy, the sources of our own culture and development, even those of us who are not wholly of English extraction.”

“You sound almost too kind to England,” said Lady Ettinge. “Are you of English descent?”

“Yes, my parents were Quakers. I was brought up in full knowledge of the simplicity of the English Quakers.”

“Not all Americans, I fear, are so cordial.”

“Mr. Cowperwood can speak with knowledge of any country,” said Lord Haddonfield, drawing near, “for he has spent a fortune and a great many years in assembling the art of all of them.”

“My collection is very modest,” said Cowperwood. “I look upon it merely as a beginning.”

“And this art collection is housed in one of the most beautiful museums I have ever visited,” continued Lord Haddonfield, addressing Lady Ettinge. “It is in Mr. Cowperwood’s home in New York.”

“I had the pleasure of hearing a discussion of your collection when I was last in New York, Mr. Cowperwood,” interjected Stoneledge. “Is it true that you are here to add to it? I believe I read something of the sort the other day.”

“Unfounded rumour,” replied Cowperwood. “I am not collecting anything at the moment but impressions. I’m merely on my way to the Continent.”

Pleased beyond words at the triumph which he appeared to be achieving, Aileen was extremely gay throughout dinner, so much so that Cowperwood, from time to time, cast a questioning glance in her direction, as he was especially eager to make a favorable impression. He knew, of course, about the financial interests of Haddonfield and Ettinge, and now here was Scarr, who, he had heard, was seeking to promote an underground. Concerning Lord Ettinge, he was interested to find out what he could about his influence and connections, and in that direction he was not unsuccessful, for Lady Ettinge spoke to him frankly of her husband’s political interests. He was a Tory, and in close touch with the leaders of the Tory party, and was being considered at the present time for an important Indian appointment. It all depended on certain political eventualities bound up in the Boer War, then shaking England. So far, the losses had been almost continuous. But the tendency of the present company was to minimize that unfortunate fact, and Cowperwood, for diplomatic reasons, took the same attitude.

Throughout the dinner, chatting lightly enough with the other guests, he was asking himself who, of all these, could be of use to himself as well as Berenice. Lady Bosvike invited him to her lodge in Scotland. Scarr, after the ladies left the table, was the first to draw near and ask him if he were to be long in England. If so, he would like him to visit his place in Wales. Even Ettinge had, by this time, unbent sufficiently to discuss matters American and international.

And this relation was strengthened on Monday, when there was a shooting party, and Cowperwood was seen to be not without skill. In fact, by the time the Cowperwoods prepared to leave, he had won the admiration of all Haddonfield’s guests, if the same could not wholly be said of Aileen.

Calling at Berenice’s apartment on his return from Beriton Manor, Cowperwood found her preparing for an inspection trip to one of the cottages suggested by Colonel Hawkesberry as a desirable summer residence for her and her mother. It was, she said, situated on the Thames, between Maidenhead and Marlow.

“And who do you think is the owner?” she asked him, with a suggestion of mystery and surprise.

“Not the slightest idea, unless I try to read your mind.”

“Then try.”

“Not me! Too difficult. Who is it?”

“None other than that English lord your Mr. Sippens wrote you about, unless there are two lords of the same name. Lord Stane.”

“Not really?” said Cowperwood, surprised by the coincidence. “Tell me about it. Have you met him?”

“No. But Colonel Hawkesberry is most enthusiastic about the place, says it’s just near enough to London. And then, too, he and his sistah ah theyah!” She mimicked the absent Hawkesberry.

“Such being the case, I think we might very well look at it,” concluded Cowperwood, at the same time noting with admiration her attractive costume: long skirt and tight jacket of Lincoln green, the jacket trimmed with gold braid and a gold belt. A small green hat, flaunting a single red feather, was perched on the side of her head.

“I’d like to meet Stane,” continued Cowperwood, “and this may be a way to do it. But caution is the word here, Bevy. I understand he is wealthy, and very influential. If we could interest him on our own terms . . .” He paused.

“Just what I’ve been thinking,” she said. “So why not come along with me now to see it? Mother is tired today and is staying home.”

Her manner, as usual, was light, evasive, bantering, the way which most pleased Cowperwood, since it so wholly reflected her natural strength, resourcefulness, and optimism under any and all circumstances.

“The pleasure of chaperoning this costume, apart from anything else, is enough!” said Cowperwood.

“Of course,” continued Berenice, “I’ve explained to everyone that it is only with the consent of my guardian that I can make any decisions. Are you prepared to assume your duties?” she queried, with the sauciest of glances.

He walked over to her and took her in his arms.

“It’s all new to me, of course, but I’ll try.”

“Well, anyway,” said Berenice, “I’m making it easy for you. I’ve consulted a renting agent, and he will meet us at Windsor. After that I thought we might find a nice little old inn for tea.”