TN3 oio JINNH ■ BOWNHK <^o Class _ T S J5. Without touching his hat. " Oui, Madame, Dieu merci. Madame se porte-t-elle toujours bien, et Made- moiselle ? " George {impatiently) " What in thunder is he getting off? Tell him to drive on, and stop his rig- marole." Mrs. Nash "Why, George, I was just asking about his wife and dear little children. The American Husband in Paris 3 7 Dear me, how thoughtful he is. My cushion, the one I like " {settles it into the small of her back) ; " and here 's my card rack — and the mirror" {takes it out of its case, rearranges the top of her veil, pulling it down under the chin), " and — and everything. I always did love this carriage — it just fits my back. Now, George, confess this is nicer than a dirty public cab ? " George " Well, yes ; I think it is. I had one of the other kind this morning." Mrs. Nash Turning quickly towards him, " Where in the world did you go ? " George " Oh, I took a turn around. I guess he drove me to the Arch de — what do you call it ? " (Pulls out his Baedeker.) 3 8 The American Husband in Paris Mrs. Nash Hastily putting out gloved hand. " George, for Heaven's sake, not here." {In excited scream as carriage stops.) " Will you see where he 's brought us ? " George Looking up towards flower- trimmed rows of windows. "Well, what is there to see here? Looks pretty — " Mrs. Nash Almost hysterically. Nothing but her strong sense of duty keeps her in her seat. " My dear, it 's — it 's Paquin's ! " George (jocosely) " Well, he keeps up pretty good style ; he ought to, with the checks we Amer- icans send over to him." The American Husband in Paris 3 9 Mrs. Nash {quickly) " Francois, a la Conciergerie ; et marchez vite." Francois (with puzzled look) " Madame dit ? " Mrs. Nash "Conciergerie — l'autre cSte de la Seine " {as she sinks back among her cushions with the resignation of a suf- fering saint). " I fancy Francois is the most astonished man in Paris." George {dryly) "You generally bring May over, I suppose, for Paquin to ' finish her.' " Mrs. Nash {with lofty air) " Oh, we did all our sight-seeing years ago." 40 The American Husband in Paris George " Let me see. Years ago May was in baby clothes — she was only sixteen last June." Mrs. Nash With unwonted animation, seeing the Towers of le Palais de la Cite across the bridge. " George, look, there are the towers — and the Conciergerie — you know. Are n't they fine ; so feudal and middle- age ; are n't they ? Every time I see them I seem to see the Paris of old feudal times, and the Revolutionary days. Poor Marie Antoinette was im- prisoned here, you know, and from that window — " A few minutes later Francois drives them past the towers. The American Husband in Paris 4 1 George {half out of carriage) " Umph, pretty good towers, these. They 're something like — Where do you get in ? " Mrs. Nash {catching his coat-sleeve) " There 's nothing to see inside — nothing." George {taking out Baedeker) " Umph, we '11 see about that." {Skims the leaves^ Mrs. Nash " George, dear, we '11 go in another day ; with all there is ahead of us, this afternoon we really can't." {Takes his Baedeker out of his hand and hides it behind her back. Although it is the other side of the Seine, there is no telling who might be going to the Bon Marche. To Francois, with her saint's voice)} " A Notre Dame, Francois." 42 The American Husband in Paris Francois (sotto voce to his horses) " Ah ! mais, si on me fait trotter comme 9a demain je file de bonne heure. Le vieux est assommant avec son guide." In front of Notre Dame Mr. and Mrs. Nash alight. Mrs. Nash " I '11 look in here, with you. It 's time for vespers. The singing is always so good here, and the incense — I do love the smell of incense. It 's so poetic, so — so religious somehow. I used to bring May once or twice a month; just for the influence, you know." George inwardly resolves to keep May at home hereafter. Concludes good Americanism is what she needs. Is The American Husband in Paris 43 beginning to understand a good many things that were dark to him before. Mrs. Nash Now inside cathedral. Amiably, with desire to leave no stone unturned in her monument of duty. " The cathedral, George, is Norman, with Gothic apse; the back view from the river is wonderful — all arches and flying buttresses. These arches — " George {with his head bent back) " How many feet high did you say it was ? " Mrs. Nash " George, how can you ? What have feet to do with feeling ? Can't you be satisfied with the — the vastness and mystery ? and, oh, the color and gloom of it all ! " (She sighs deeply?) 44 The American Husband in Paris George's want of true sentiment is once again forcibly borne in upon her. It is in such moments as these that she feels that her finer sensibilities have been wasted ; her artistic poet's soul has never found its true mate. George is dear, of course, but so American ! George Longing really to see the great church, " Louisa, is n't that young Richmond Trevise over there, with that pretty girl, and — ? " Mrs. Nash Forgetting her lonely soul-life. " Why, that 's the tall Miss King he 's with ; and, yes, that 's Mrs. Trevise with them. It must be true; George, you just go about a little by yourself and I '11 run over and speak to Mrs. Trevise." (Crosses nave, bowing prettily to altar.) The American Husband in Paris 45 George, entirely happy now, pulls out Baedeker. In ten minutes has seen choir, side chapels, has measured bays, calculated height of nave as contrasted with Old Trinity, inspected organ, old glass, and is ready for sacristy and the vestments ; after which proposes to climb to roof to see gargoyles. Looks for Louisa. After waiting a good twenty minutes Mrs. Nash reappears. Mrs. Nash " Ah, George, here you are ! Won't you speak to — Ah ! they Ve gone out; I see — " George In bad temper, looking towards advanc- ing figure, " Ask the sexton, will you, to show us the sacristy. I want to see — " {stalking towards cowled monk). 46 The American Husband in Paris Mrs. Nash "George! that's a Franciscan monk; can't you see ? " Franciscan monk smiles. He is Eng- lish. Passes on, clicking his sandals. George " All look the same to me. Where is the sexton, anyway ? " Mrs. Nash {with her superior air) " Sacritan they call them here. But it 's past the hour ; they only show the treasures between ten and four." {Leads way towards door.) George {still cross) " If you had n't wasted a good half- hour on old Mrs. Trevise — " The American Husband in Paris 47 Mrs. Nash " Half an hour ! Why, I was n't gone a minute. I only had time to ask her — " {As carriage drives up lifts her voice?) " Francois, au Louvre." When carriage turns into Rue de Rivoli George forgets his grievance. George " Why, Lou, how 's this ? There are the Tuileries gardens again ! " Mrs. Nash With fatigued but patient smile, " My dear, the Louvre is one end of palaces of which the Tuileries, before they were burnt, were the other. Really, I 'm beginning to think Baedeker would be a blessing, after all." 48 The American Husband in Paris George produces his Baedeker. Mrs. Nash feels now as if she could put up with anything. Is sure one of her head- aches is coming on. This trying to see all Paris in one afternoon would be too much for any woman's nerves. Mrs. Nash Suddenly, with a cry, as carriage stops. " Mais non, Francois, au Palais — Pavilion de Flore. Will you see where he has brought us ? " {Points exultingly to windows of Magazin du Louvre.) " What a memory that man has ! May and I always come here, the first thing, for gloves." George (with amused smile) "Seems to know the family habits pretty well, I must say. I know some men who would n't want him for their coachman." The American Husband in Paris 49 Mrs. Nash has heard nothing. She feels as if she were turning her back on a paradise of bargains. " Vente au- jourd'hui " — " Sale to-day " — stabs her, like a knife, from every window. Re- solves she will get up early to-morrow morning, before George, and see if there are any good bargains left. Mrs. Nash Soliloquizes mentally as she lies back among the pillows, gazing on vacancy. " This bringing George over, after all, is perhaps a mistake. We might quite as well have gone to White Sulphur in March. And really, if I am to be dragged around like this, day after day, I shall be a wreck. Sight-seeing is the most exhausting thing; and when it comes to trying on ! Oh, well ! George must learn to go about by himself." (Aloud, sweetly) " George, dear, I thought 4 5 o The American Husband in Paris we 'd take just one turn through the Louvre before going to the Bois." George "All right, my dear, anything you like." {Mentally) " We '11 gallop through, I suppose, as we did through the church. Oh, well, I '11 get up early to-morrow and see the thing thoroughly." Chapter IV THE LOUVRE rj^HE SALON CARRE as it was JL before recent changes, George stops in middle of the great room. Looks about him with the air of a connoisseur. Makes a direct line for Leonardo s Lady. Stands before it in perfect silence. Mrs. Nash seats herself on long crimson bench; glances languidly at copyists. The originals, of course, she knows by heart. How many times she has had to climb those stairs and stand hours before Rubenses and Murillos till her 51 5 2 The American Husband in Paris back was nearly broken ! But what will not a mother do for her child? May s taste had to be trained in art. And now she was about to resume her role of instructress to George ! Lifts her eyes to Murillds Madonna and feels she too should have had her apothe — was it osis or esis ? By the way, where was George ? Mrs. Nash Recognizes her husband's back. Moves towards him. " Well, George." George (not turning) " It 's darker than I thought it would be ; but that smile ! It 's a living thing, that smile, Louisa." Mrs. Nash {much amused) " Why, George, how excited you are ! " The American Husband in Paris 5 3 George, immovable, keeps on looking at Mona Lisa. Mrs. Nash Feeling herself rather slighted* " Oh, well, if you don't care to talk about the pictures, I '11 go and sit down again." (Keeps standing close beside him.) George (rousing himself) " Oh, we '11 go on, if you like. But a picture like that, when you 've waited years to see it, does take hold of one." (Looking up at Murillo in passing?) "Yes, that's a good one, too. But Leonardo has the feeling. There was never anything painted like that smile." ( Moves on, Mrs. Nash following. ) "Ah, what 's this ? Gerard Dow, his ' Phy- sician.' By Jove! Louisa, he was a painter. There's a picture for you!" 54 The American Husband in Paris Mrs. Nash (superciliously) " Oh, that Dutch school ; I never could see much in those pictures, they 're so commonplace ! " George Again absorbed in picttcre. Appears not to hear her. Studies picture minutely. Mrs. Nash (in aggrieved tone) " When you Ve done looking at that, George, you '11 find me on that third bench next to that second door." Seats herself in front of Giorgione's "Concert." Murmurs to herself, "So like George to care about those stupid Dutch pictures! He is so practical. Dear me! I wonder why it is our men are so commonplace ! Poor dears ! I suppose it 's because they 're always grinding away at business. They 've " ' Why George ! Hozv did you happen to know so much about pictures ?' " The American Husband in Paris 5 5 no time for cultivating their minds or enlarging their tastes. Well, we women have our children, and our clubs, and Paris ! If it were n't for them, I don't know what we should do ! I suppose all American women feel a want — a void — somehow." George Comes towards her, still excited. " Louisa ! that Perugino — over there ! Just look at those colors ! As fresh as if laid on yesterday! Why can't our men get that pure tone ? " Mrs. Nash {opening her eyes) " Why, George ! how did you happen to know so much about pictures ? " George [smiles demurely) "Well, I ought to know something — I 've bought a few." 56 The American Husband in Paris Mrs. Nash " Yes ; but then you 've never seen any masterpieces." George Again absorbed ; this time in Leonardo s " Elizabeth? " Oh, we get some good Rembrandts and Van Dycks at our Monthly Exhi- bitions, and the Metropolitan Museum has — " Mrs. Nash Brightening ; feels the mystery is solved. Remembers George has been on the United League Club Art Committee for years. Turns to him with pleased smile. " Well, George, you do seem at home here, I must say." She reflects that he talks as well as Jannet, the young society artist who always " receives " her at the American The American Husband in Paris 57 Artists' Spring Exhibition. Begins to feel novel pride in him. Bright idea occurs to her. Now she will know exactly where to send him later, when the " trying on " begins ! Looks about, and finds George is off again. Sees Veronese's " Feast of Emmaus" directly in front of her. It recalls the famous Highsome Haines's "Costume Supper" of last winter. Mrs. Nash (to herself) " Dear me, I think our New York women are much better looking than those Venetians ! And the dresses — well — I don't know that the brocades were as good in color, but ours were newer. Yes, that was my gown, the woman to the left — Dear me, where is George ? I want him to look at this and compare. Oh, he's off again! That gold fillet, — dear me ! it makes 5 8 The American Husband in Paris me ache to think of the weeks I spent getting those pearls just right ! Well, it was worth it. It was a stunner, that costume. Really, I ought to have had my portrait painted in it — so every one said ! " (Stops, as idea strikes her. Crosses floor rapidly. Clutches George ex- citedly by coat-sleeve) (Aloud) " George, I ve thought of something ! You know you always wanted to have me painted — for the children." George Awakening as if from some dream (he is in front of a " Raphael") to an unpleasant reality. " Oh, have I ? When ? I don't re- member — " Mrs. Nash Impatiently. Idea is rapidly turning into decisio7t to act on it. "Oh, yes you do. Don't you re- The American Husband in Paris 5 9 member, after seeing Sargent's portrait of Lillie Langbourne ? " George Coming to all his senses, "That was after Sargent was safely landed over in England. I recollect now." Mrs. Nash " George, how can you, on so sacred a subject, — yes, it is sacred when a mother plans to leave her children a posterity picture." George (in mock anxiety) " You don't think of leaving us just yet, do you? Not before seeing the Exhibition, at any rate?" Mrs. Nash Laughing in spite of herself. Links her arm lightly in his. " Come, you old goosie, there 's the guard calling — it's five o'clock." 60 The American Husband in Paris George {regretfully) " Oh, they shoo us out, like chickens, do they? What time do they open in the morning ? Where is my Baedeker ? " {Fumbles in all his pockets?) Mrs. Nash {triumphantly) " In the carriage. I saw to that ! " Both laugh as they walk out. Chapter V THE OLD COAT T^EDROOM. Next morning, 10 ./ J A.M. Mrs. Nash, sleepily, from behind the blue damask bed-curtains. Mrs. Nash " Oh, George, must you open all those blinds ? It 's early yet, and I am so sleepy." George {re-closing shutters) " I suppose it is early — for Paris ; but it 's past ten o'clock." 61 62 The American Husband in Paris Mrs. Nash Turning over on her pillow, drowsily, " Wake me up at a quarter to eleven ; will you, George ? I 'm dead with sleep." Sleeps an hour. Wakes to hear George in drawing-room. Hears clock strike. Jumps out of bed. Remarks great stillness in adjoining room. Lis- tens. Becomes suspicious. Mrs. Nash " What can George be doing as quietly as that ? ' ! (Puts on peignoir and goes into drawing-room .) " Well, if I ever ! " (Lifts her hands in protest^) Chairs and a sofa are covered with a motley array of coats, trousers, shirts, and underclothes. George in his shirt- sleeves taking a coat to the light and examining it. The American Husband in Paris 6 3 George {in a cheery tone) " I 've been looking to see if that frock-coat of mine was all right.' 5 {In- spects it carefully?) Mrs. Nash Joining him in inspection, with great disdain. " That old thing ! Why, you 've had it ages ! " George Looking at button-holes, with a great fear dawning on him. " No-o, I have n't. It 's a compara- tively new one. I 've only had it two years." {Decides button-holes can be repaired. Smiles cheerfully, and kisses his wife as he passes her to put it aside?) 64 The American Husband in Paris Mrs. Nash Retaining hint, putting her hands on his coat lapels. " George, you promised me, solemnly, you would order some new clothes. You have n't a thing that 's fit for an old clothes shop ! " George " Nonsense, my clothes will do first- rate. Some of them need a little repair- ing. I 'm going to have it done. I guess the tailor can press some of my trousers." Mrs. Nash Sits down in despair. Vision comes up of Richmond Trevises trousers and their perfect creases. Determines to make a stand. Firmly. iC George, Bell and Poole both have shops here, on the Rue de Rivoli. We go to-morrow together." The American Husband in Paris 65 George Too absorbed to reply. Has carried an- other coat to the window. Mrs. Nash " Do you hear, George ? " George {murmurs contentedly) " That one is better than I thought it was ; guess I '11 put that one on." (Sur- veys it admiringly^) " Pretty good, I call it. Four years old, if it 's a day. Hullo ! Some one knocking, Louisa ! " Mrs. Nash feels intuitional premoni- tions as to who it is. In opening door, perceives intuition was correct. They are the women from Raudnitz. Quickly getting them into bedroom (" Par ici ; oui, tout est pret") Long conversa- tion in French goes on. 5 66 The American Husband in Paris George {innocently) "Wonder who they are. Good- looking girls, too." {Another knock) George. " Who now ? " Sees two more pretty girls staggering under huge boxes. They smile. He smiles. Mrs. Nash Hurriedly, with all her executive faculty in full action. " Ah-h, venez ; par ici ; de " {whispers) " Virot ? " {Screens girls and boxes as they gracefully enter bedroom) George {trying to detain his zvife) " What 's up, Lou ? What are all those pretty girls being locked up in there for? Having a reception?" The American Husband in Paris 67 Mrs. Nash With woman's ready art in petty deceit " Oh, my dear, only some women from Raudnitz, to take back some old things to be made over. It's my economical year too." (Smiles her saints smile.} George Whose resolves have undergone a change under influence of pretty girls, " I say, Lou, I guess I 'd have one or two new ones, if I were you." (His Northern Pacific had gone up ten points yesterday, as he saw by this morning s New York Herald.} Mrs. Nash Kisses him, but silently. Girls are sus- piciously quiet in next room, and one of them speaks English, as she knows. ( Whispers?) " George, you are a perfect dear ! " 6 8 The American Husband in Paris George nods, and goes downstairs gayly to order breakfast. Feels the stimulus of a good action. Mrs. Nash Soliloquizing. Girls and boxes have gone. " I wonder what he would have said if he 'd known eleven gowns have gone out of these rooms this very morning, and only two of them old ! One or two new ones ? Poor dear ! Little he will know how many I must have until he sees the bills, in January ! Oh, well, it's all for the best." Chapter VI ^T^EA at the Ritz. Mrs. Nash JL precedes her husband down long, finely -lighted corridor. Groups of gayly-dressed ladies seated about little tables. Latter covered with tea-services. Much talking and laughter. George follows his wife with confused, helpless feeling. " Men seem to be scarce" he re- flects dazedly, " in this mob of women." Wishes Louisa would stop, somewhere, anywhere. Picking his way between all these petticoats is as bad as going down the church aisle the day he was married. 6 9 jo The American Husband in Paris Vows Louisa will never catch him here again, Mrs. Nash To resplendent being in blue coat and many buttons. "No other table? Oh, well, we'll take this one." (Seats herself with easy grace. Has given her "new skirt" the right sweep before sitting down. The lines of her back, she knows, are perfect?) George Holding hat as if at a funeral or wed- ding, feeling this to be a ceremony of some sort, and hating it. " I say, Louisa, can't you let me out of this ? " Mrs. Nash Bowing and smiling in several directions at once. "Why, if there aren't the Blairs! The American Husband in Paris 7 i They never come till June. And who is that lovely creature with them ? There are the Grimwalls; they always come early ! and the Smallies ! and — ■ Oh, George, do look ! Is n't that a per- fect beauty ? " George Looks up angrily at oldish lady dressed like a girl, who is sweeping down aisle. " That old horror ! What are you thinking of, Lou ? " {Gasps as his wife gives his arm a sudden nudge. The "horror" is upon them.) Mrs. Nash rises with much precipi- tation. Oldish pi nk-and- white lady {barely stopping). " Ah-h, Mrs. Nash, over already ? Your pretty daughter well, I hope?" J 2 The American Husband in Paris Mrs. Nash In a voice not new to her husband — a mixed tone, in which surprise, elation, gratitude, and desire to charm struggle for utterance. " Oh, dear Lady de Vivian ! how kind of you ! Darling May — " Lady de Vivian has moved on. Mrs. Nash in her excitement has dropped her new gold bag, her gloves, boa, and has knocked over George's new silk hat. Skirts submerge hat as she sinks into back of chair. Face reflects beatitude. Mrs. Nash " Oh, George, was n't it good of her ? She always remembers May; and how really too nice of her to stop and ask." George " Who is the old lady, anyway ? " The American Husband in Paris 73 Mrs. Nash (in aggrieved tone) " Old lady ? That, my dear George, is Lady Georgina de Courcy de Vivian." George Dryly ; has met his wife before in this state. " I see — English and a title ! She might paint a foot deeper than she does, and she 'd be still the real thing, eh ? Well, what does this man want?" Mrs. Nash To waiter, still in confused tones. " Tea and toast, — the muffins toasted, you know. And, George ? " George " No tea. Scotch whiskey and soda." (Gloomily resigns himself to his fate)) 74 The American Husband in Paris Mrs. Nash Aroused to her sense of duty, " George, really you ought to remem- ber what the doctor — " (Changes tone and face as large shape suddenly looms up before her.) " Ah, Judge, you here ? Well, Mrs. Goodman is breaking you in well. Won't you sit down?" {Makes a place for the "fudge close to her.) " I wish she 9 d take Mr. Nash in hand." Judge Goodman (smiling genially) "What have you been doing, sir? Been running off to the Folies Bergere, or to see * La Feria' at the Exhibi- tion ? " George Feeling like another man. Takes to the fudge uncommonly. " No-o, we 're putting off that misery as long as possible." (They all laugh) The American Husband in Paris 75 Mrs. Nash {pouring tea prettily) " Have you and Mrs. Goodman been yet ? " The Judge " Yes, we Ve spent the day there." [Heaves a deep sigh. Shakes himself as if to shake off fatigue)} Mrs. Nash " Was it as bad as all that ? " The Judge "Oh, well, they're all about alike, these exhibitions. I saw the first one years ago, and made up my mind never to go through another, and this is my fifth!" They laugh heartily, George Liking the Judge better every minute. Finds him the right sort, "Well, I suppose we go to Exhibi- J 6 The American Husband in Parts tions as we do to church — with the idea that it's good for us." Mrs. Nash " George ! " (Colors, as handsome, youngish old man with tired eyes and perfectly fitting clothes comes up to her) " Oh, how do you do, Mr. Trevise ? Your mother? She would like to see me ? Why, of course, I '11 go over to her." (Excuses herself prettily and crosses gallery, conscious of many re- marks about her "new" black and white}) Silence between the two men. The Judge " So this is your first trip, Mr. Nash ? " George "Yes. I see now I ought to have come before." The American Husband in Paris yy The Judge {in tone of respect) " Well, a man who carries the Kala- mazoo and Topeka on his shoulders can't expect much fun in life ! " George Carrying off compliment lightly. "Oh, I guess we're all about alike. We all work too hard. Sitting on the Bench all day can't be any too easy." The Judge {jocosely) " Well, judging one's fellows is easier than controlling them, I 've always found. By the way, how many men are there in the Kalamazoo ? " George (modestly) " About twenty thousand." Pause, during which Judge reflects that all he had heard of Nash wasn't yS The American Husband in Paris any too much. Makes up his mind to see more of him. The Judge " By the way, if you have n't anything to do to-morrow, what do you say to coming with me to the Marais ? " George Wrinkling his brow, flushes slightly ; wishes he had looked it up in Baedeker. " I don't know where it is, nor just what it is; but I 'm your man, Judge." They laugh, and talk about foreign politics. Mrs. Nash Returns. Manner visibly excited. Ab- sent-mindedly pours tea into milk-jug. " Gracious ! what am I doing, George? Such news! I'm all upset. Richmond Trevise is going to marry Maud King, The American Husband in Paris 79 after all ! They were engaged yesterday ; cabled to all the papers in America be- fore tea, and had decided everything before dinner ! " The Judge " Pretty quick work, I should call it." Mrs. Nash {easily) " Oh, well, you see, as he has n't a penny, and she 's worth millions, there was n't anything to wait for." (A pause.) " What are you both laughing at ? " George " Nothing. I was only reflecting. We did n't do it in just that way, Louisa." Mrs. Nash " Oh, well, George, we were such babies." 8 o The American Husband in Paris The Judge " And now-a-days it is only the wise and the old who marry, — Eiffel Towers and money-bags." Mrs. Nash "Judge, how severe! Tall girls are all the rage. Dear me ! here comes Mrs. Gailey. Ah, Mrs. Gailey, how do you do ? How well you are looking ! " Mrs. Gailey Though forty, is pretty, looks thirty in picture hat and fluffy gown. Beams on Mrs, Nash and two gentlemen. " How are you, dear?' (Gives Mrs, Nash little squeeze?) " How good it is to see you! What do you think has happened ? " (Still holds Mrs. Nash fast by both hands, gazing at her intently.) The American Husband in Paris 8 1 Mrs. Nash " You 're not engaged, too ? ,: Mrs. Gailey {with scorn) " Engaged ? No, indeed ! Guess again." Mrs. Nash "YouVe had another offer!" (To gentlemen) " You must know men pro- pose to Mrs. Gailey daily, hourly! It takes up all her time — just to refuse them. They 've worn out two electric bells. Mrs. Gailey — Judge Goodman; my husband, Mr. Nash." The gentlemen rise and bow. Mrs. Gailey and Judge Goodman exchange quick telegraphic glances. Both look away. Mrs. Gailey seems to be passing under a transient cloud. 6 8 2 The American Husband in Paris Mr. Nash Thinks Mrs. Galley rather high-colored, the dashing sort, but likes her " go ; " offers chair with much gallantry. " I hope Mrs. Gailey won't forget to tell us what did happen to her." Mrs. Gailey Recovers her buoyancy. Radiantly, to both gentlemen. " Why, I 've just been insulted, on the Boulevards, a minute ago ! " Mrs. Nash With slightly envious tone, to gentlemen. " Now she 's perfectly happy. She 's been waiting two years for that ! " All laugh except George; the Judge, heartily. Again looks meaningly at Mrs. Gailey, who begins to ogle him with manifest intention to capture and subdue. The American Husband in Paris 8 3 George Colors slightly. Feels he must admin- ister some slight rebuke. Fears Louisa is getting into dangerous company. " I thought our American ladies had taught these Frenchmen to treat women on the streets with respect" Mrs. Nash Realizes how prudish and old-fashioned George is, and, she fears, always will be. " Oh-h, they show us respect enough, when we look American. The great thing is not to look it, but to look French." {Ladies nod intelligently.} George Blazing into patriotism. " The right sort of Americans don't ; they want to look what they are, — true American ladies!" 84 The American Husband in Paris Mrs. Gailey Her big eyes brought to a focus upon Georges case. They blaze upon him softly. "What a pity you are married, and happily ! " {Light laughter, except from George?) George Beginning to dislike her. Finds her too big-eyed, too staring. " Sorry to disagree with you, Mrs. Gailey, but I Ve never ceased to rejoice over Mrs. Nash's choice of a husband." Mrs. Gailey Recognizing in George the sort that never will admit her own immense fascination. " Oh, your marriage is ideal, of course! But as a rule there 's nothing like mar- The American Husband in Paris 8 5 riage for a man, it makes him so de- lightfully immoral. But, of course, there are exceptions." {Stops suddenly, as she catches the Judges eagle glance. Rises hastily. Small, dissipated-looking man, with very smart clothes and wearied face, passes by) " Oh, I 'm afraid I must go now, some friends are waiting. Au revoir, Mrs. Nash ; so glad to have met you, Judge, Mr. Nash." {Sweeps off, and is joined by diminutive specimen) The Judge Following her with his glance. " So that is poor Gailey's widow." Mrs. Nash " Why, do you know her ? " The Judge " At one time I heard a good deal of her. Let me see, first Simmons married her, and I made the will. Then just 86 The American Husband in Paris before he died Mrs. Chipson thought her attentions to Chipson called for ex- planation — in court — and then Gailey married her just at the right moment." George {fiercely) " How in the world did you come to know such a woman, Louisa ? " Mrs. Nash {easily) " Oh-h, no one believes any of those stories — over here. She goes every- where, and knows every one. Her din- ners are the best in Paris." George " And her morals the worst ! " Mrs. Nash " George ! What are you talking about ? She never allows herself to be talked about. No one is more discreet ; why, every one says she 's going to get Lord Wintergone, after all ! " The American Husband in Paris 87 George " Is that he ? " Mrs. Nash " Yes, he 's always with her ; we 're expecting the announcement daily now." George "We? Really, Louisa, I must for- bid — " Mrs. Nash (talking very quickly) "Oh, here's Mrs. Rich! How do you do, Mrs. Rich ? You want us for dinner the 8th ? How kind of you ! I promised George we would n't go out, this year ; he 's off on a rest cure, but I must go to you. Good-bye, the 8th." Mrs. Rich nods and is off. The two men exchange sympathetic looks. The Judge " Well, Nash, you 're in for it." 8 8 The American Husband in Paris George " Oh, Lord ! " Mrs. Nash {coquettishly) " Now, Judge, I can't have you coming into my family and sowing revolution- ary principles. Oh-h, here 's your wife ; she '11 keep you in order." Mrs. Goodman Sitting down heavily — she is a large woman, " I 've been watching you. You 're altogether too lively over here. By the way, Judge, Mrs. Rich wants us for the 8th." Everybody laughs. Mrs. Goodman " What are you all laughing at ? Well, I '11 give you some more food for laugh- ter. I 've just ordered a dinner for twelve The American Husband in Paris 8 9 here the 10th, and three of you are in- vited without further notification, as the funeral notices put it." The Judge {groans) Mrs. Goodman " William ! This dinner is given for Mr. and Mrs. Nash." The Judge {manner changes) " Maria, you sometimes give me proofs of your intelligence. I was just thinking we ought to celebrate Mr. Nash's arrival in a becoming manner. Who are you going to have to meet them ? " Mrs. Goodman {counting her fingers) " The Ex-Secretary of the Interior and his wife. I saw her yesterday. They can come." 90 The American Husband in Paris The Judge " That 's all right." Mrs. Goodman "And the Parvenu Redmunds." The Judge Gives Nash a swift look. To his wife, tartly, " Why do you have them ? " Mrs. Goodman and Mrs. Nash ex- change significant glances. Mrs. Goodman " My dear, they go everywhere, over here." The Judge {severely) " Well, there should be one house, at least, to which they should not go, my dear." The American Husband in Paris g i Mrs. Nash Wishing 1 to smooth matters. " Oh, come, Judge ! You must n't sit in judgment on us, all the time. Re- member how many of those you 've con- demned on earth, you '11 find in heaven, and with bigger harps perhaps than yours, too!" {They all laugh. Turn- ing to George) " Come, dear, it 's get- ting late, and I promised to take Mrs. Trevise's box at the Opera to-night." They take leave, bowing gayly. On her way down to the door Mrs. Nash is only stopped five times by new meetings and greetings. As they enter carriage Mrs. Nash takes out engagement book. Mrs. Nash {writing swiftly) "The 2 2d, to-morrow, luncheon at Voisin's. Paquin at 4. Tea at 5, with 9 2 The American Husband in Paris Mrs. Blair — did you see her, George? that woman with the dark eyes, she is considered such a beauty ! I '11 bet my head, though, she makes up. 23d, Breakfast at Nobles — partie carree. 24th. What was it for the 24th ? Oh, yes, dinner in the Exhibition grounds. 25th. Dinner at Armenonville — " George (interrupting) " Good heavens, Louisa, you don't expect me to go to all those ! " Mrs. Nash " And why not ? I 'm sure I don't see what else you have to do." George (half angry) " Oh, nothing, of course. I was under the mistaken apprehension that this was a rest cure ! " The American Husband in Paris 9 3 Mrs. Nash (still writing vigorously) " Well, are n't we going to Carlsbad ? There '11 be nothing else to do there but to rest, will there ? " Chapter VII TJ^XHIBITION. Mrs. Nash enters I ** drawing-room. Finds it perfectly dark. Presses electric button. Light discovers her very smart indeed. Pale- blue ladys cloth, black-and-white straw hat with white chiffon knots. Ornaments, turquoise and pearl dog-collar. Looks quickly around. Mrs. Nash " George ! " {No answer. Moves to- wards bedroom ; also dark. Lights that up. Looks towards bed. Goes back to 94 The American Husband in Paris 95 drawing-room ; consults clock)) " What ! seven! And George not here ! Where can he be ? He 's been gone since eleven. And here I was, dreading to come in for fear he 'd been worrying about me." (Takes off hat, gloves ; seats herself) " Well, I must say I am glad to sit down. What a long day it has been ! " {Silence, It becomes oppressive) " I wonder where George is ! I 'm be- ginning to believe he 's lost his way ; unless he 's come home with the Judge, he '11 never find his way about, and there won't be a cab to be had at this hour." {Rings bell. Waiter appears) "Just go to Judge Goodman's room and ask if the Judge is at home yet, or, wait." (Scribbles message on card) Waiter disappears. She fusses about till his return. On reappearing he pre- sents note. Exit waiter. 96 The American Husband in Paris Mrs. Nash (reads) " * Dear Mrs. Nash, I left your good husband at three o'clock. He said he was going home. Yours obediently, A. G. Goodman.' ' (Starts as clock strikes the quarter) " Three o'clock, and it 's now after seven ! " ( With the quiet of despair) " Something has happened to him, of course." (Walks about excitedly. Tries to regain her self-control) " I must keep cool, and be ready for any- thing." (Sits down, and holds her hands over her heart) " If he is n't here by eight, I '11 ask the Judge to notify the police." Has visions of seeing George brought home on a stretcher; of finding him, after countless false alarms, in a ditch, almost unrecognizable, where he had been left for dead by thieves; or of The American Husband in Paris 97 recognizing him, later, at the morgue, where, horrors ! he is — George Enters with his hat on. Looks some- what elated ; general air of festivity. " Hello, Louisa, you here, little girl ? " ( Tries to kiss her.) Mrs. Nash Starting up. Feeling her most sacred feelings have been trifled with. " George Nash, will you please tell me where you have been, at this hour ? " George {astounded) " At this hour ? Why, it 's only seven o'clock." Mrs. Nash " Nearly half-past. Where have you been ? You Ve nearly frightened me to death." 7 98 The American Husband in Paris George With continued air of gayety. " I have ? Would n't have done that for the world." {Tries to put his arm about her.) Mrs. Nash Retreating, with great dignity. " All this time you have n't told me where you have been, George." George (with infantile imprudence) " Why, the Judge and I — " Mrs. Nash (icily) " He 's just written down to say he left you at three." George With quick rebound, after trapped feeling. " So he did, and then I went off by myself." The American Husband in Paris 99 Mrs. Nash " May I learn in what direction you went off; or can't you — ?" George {pulling himself together) " Well, the truth is, I did a downright mean thing, Louisa, — I went it alone, to the Exhibition, without the Judge. I 've been there ever since. I tell you it is great." PAUSE Mrs. Nash Has a short, fierce struggle. Gives a little gasp, short hysterical laugh, and cries, as she flings her arms about her husband's neck. " Oh, George, that 's where I Ve been all day — and I just hated to tell you! " TABLEAU LtfC Chapter VIII GEORGE AT THE THEATRE FRANCAIS li/TORNING. Hotel Continental. jL VJ. Mr. Nash tiptoeing into dark- ened bed-chamber. George (sympathetically) " Do you feel any better, dear ? " Voice Very faint, from pillow. " No-o ; rather worse, if anything." George Bumping against chair in the dark. " Is n't there something I can do for you ? " IOO The American Husband in Paris i o i Mrs. Nash " Don't joggle, it hurts my head." George Afraid to move, though lost in middle of room, "Shan't I send in Marie?" Mrs. Nash " Ye-es, later. First — Oh, dear ! how it throbs ! First you must see if Mrs. Goodman can take my place to-night." George " Your place ? " Mrs. Nash {in fainting voice) " Oh-h, can't you remember anything? We — I asked Miss King and Trevise for the theatre, the Francais, to-night." George {with sinking sensation} " The deuce you did ! " 1 02 The American Husband in Paris Mrs. Nash " George, I 'm far too ill to have you swearing at me. I shall be worse, now, if I have to go on talking." George Feeling he has been a ruffian. " Well, just tell me, dear, what I am to do." Mrs. Nash "See Mrs. Goodman. Ask her if she will matronize them. If she can't, write Mrs. Rich." George Forgetting his remorse as ruffian, " Mrs. Rich ! I don't know the woman from Adam, nor Miss King, nor any of them, except Trevise, and he 's an ass !" Mrs. Nash (in her palest voice) " Don't be brutal, George, I 'm not strong enough to bear it." The American Husband in Paris 103 George Relapsing into contrite mood. "It's all right, Lou; I'll go, only" {bright idea strikes him) "why not send the box to Miss King, and let them — " Mrs. Nash Regrets she is too ill to tell George how hopeless she feels his social education to be. " Haven't you learned yet that young people don't go about by themselves, even when they are engaged ? " George " Young ? Trevise is forty, if he 's a minute, and that King girl — gracious ! Louisa, don't look like that. Brace up, little woman ; give me my marching orders, and then get your sleep." 1 04 The American Husband in Paris Mrs. Nash With the voice of a dying saint, " Send the carriage — half-past seven — for Miss King, pick up Mrs. Goodman or Mrs. Rich, take them to box num- ber nine; send number to Trevise's hotel, the Chatham, and — now let me sleep!" George closes door softly. Stands in middle of big drawing-room. Derives no comfort from Louis XV. furniture or pink azaleas. Thinks gloomily on his misfortunes. Fifteen minutes before, on discovering one of his wife's head- aches was coming on, had made en- gagement with Judge for a " night off." Smashes hat over his eyes. Ejaculates the usual monosyllable. The American Husband in Paris 105 AT THEATRE Play : " B6r6nice." — Racine's Two Hundredth Anni- versary. Scene : In Theatre Francais before the older build- ing was destroyed by fire. George in back of box. The latter, though supposed to seat six, is too small for three. George as host, of course, takes worst seat. Has managed, thus far, to see quarter of the opposite side of the house, a forest of feather-trimmed hats, and Miss King's shoulder-blades. By standing up, can see part of stage. Murmur of voices on stage, close air; non-stimulating effect of Miss King's shoulder-blades produce soporific effect. Dozes. Mrs. Goodman {at end of first act) " How fine Bartet was ! " 1 06 The American Husband in Paris George Feeling he must say something, as Miss King and Trevise are looking at the house, " Ah, always is, is n't he ? " Trevise Smiles sardonically. He and Miss King exchange meaning glance. " Oh, that 's a good one, I say ! " He and Miss King laugh rudely. Mrs. Goodman Likes George, and is sorry he is out of it in French and art matters generally. " Oh, you did n't see a programme, did you, Mr. Nash?" George Feels he would like to kick Trevise, though not knowing precisely for what. Pointedly, to Mrs. Goodman. " It would n't enlighten me. I fear The American Husband in Paris 107 Racine and all the rest are a trifle be- yond me." Miss King {to no one in particular) " Shall we go to the Foyer ? " All rise and pass out of box. Mrs. Goodman pilots George to Foyer. Shows him statues of Rachel, Voltaire, etc. Statues interest him. Examines them carefully. Trevise and Miss King move quickly away. Mrs. Goodman After good-naturedly answering all Georges questions. "And now, suppose we go to the Cafe, outside, and you give me a ' bock.' " George {statues lose all interest) " Just won't I ; which way ? " 108 The American Husband in Paris After " bocks." He and Mrs. Good- man lean over balcony overlooking Place du Theatre Francais. George " Great idea, this ! Walking about, getting beer, and some fresh air. I begin to think the Theatre Francais has n't been overwritten up, after all ! " Mrs. Goodman {slyly) " How about the ' Moulin Rouge ' and the ' Folies Bergere ' ? Rather more to your taste, I fancy." George "Oh-h, the Judge told on me, did he ? " Mrs. Goodman {laughing lightly) " Oh, he tells me his little crimes ; his worst ones I find out for myself. By the way, he sent you a message. He '11 The American Husband in Paris 109 be at the 'Moulin Rouge' at 12.30. Nice place for two heads of family ! " George " Don't you think it better for us to sow a wild oat, tamely, at our age, than at Trevise's, for instance? He's so old, he makes me feel like a debutante ! " Mrs. Goodman " Oh, all the young men of this gen- eration are born old." George " My boy was n't, and shan't be." Mrs. Goodman " You can't turn the clock back. This century clock is a fast one." George " Yes, our clock went slower and truer. What 's that ? " (Hears gong) no The American Husband in Paris Mrs. Goodman " That 's to tell us that the curtain will rise in five minutes." George " Oh, Lord ! " They both laugh. Curtain rises on empty stage. Classic scene in background. Stage centre rilled with bust of Racine on pedestal, crowned with wreaths. Mounet Sully enters in evening dress. George Hilariously, to Mrs. Goodman. " Good ! Here 's the management come to announce the play can't go on!" Mrs. Goodman (^whispers quickly) " It 's Mounet Sully. He is to read the ' Discours ' — the speech of the evening." The American Husband in Paris 1 1 1 Miss King turns icy, supercilious glance upon George. Trevise laughs again, brutally, in George's face. George thinks he really must kick him, once the ladies are out of the way. George conscientiously tries to catch a word here and there of the " speech." Understands nothing. Sees only half of Mounet Sully. Likes that half, and wishes he could see more. After trying for half an hour to see him as a whole, sits down in despair to inspection of Miss King's wedge-like shoulder-blades. Pities Trevise, although he despises him. Tiring of compassionate mood, tries to see pretty girl again in opposite box. Pretty girl gone. Envies her. In despair, composes himself once more for slumber. Concludes Theatre Francais is as dull as church — only hotter. Dozes. A vacancy. 112 The American Husband in Paris Mrs. Goodmans Voice out of a fog " Perfectly delightful, was n't, he ? " George Shakes himself and knocks into Miss Kings chignon. "Oh, beg pardon!" {Thinking to make things pleasant?) " Miss King, now, she understood every word, I dare- say." Miss King [stares and mutters} " Awh ! " (To Trevise, barely an aside?) " Really, he is too impossible ! " Trevise Who has "been over" in England four years. " What can you expect ? They 're all like that, these Americans ! " The American Husband in Paris 113 THEATRE DOOR Miss King (to Trevise) " You 're coming, are n't you ? I 'm going on to the Smallies." Trevise " Oh, I fear I can't, you know; there 's a man's party at the Ritz — " Miss King Suddenly developing temper. " Oh-h, they 're always late, those men's parties. You can perfectly well take me on first ; here 's the carriage ! " Trevise offers arm sulkily and looks all he is mentally saying. George Pleasantly, to Mrs. Goodman. " Shall we drop you, first, at the Continental ? " 8 ii4 The American Husband in Paris Mrs. Goodman Quickly remembering George s rare bachelor freedom, " No-o ; I also am going to the Smal- lies; you need n't come. The Judge is waiting for you now." They drive off after distant "good- nights" from the two frigid, though affianced, ones. George (alone, ecstatically) " What a wife the Judge has ! A woman in ten thousand ! " (Hails cab- man. Gives orders with amazing flu- ency.) "Moulin Rouge! Vite! donnez bon pour-boire ! " Chapter IX THE EMBASSY BALL I George Enters hurriedly in penitent mood. " By Jove ! little woman, I did n't mean to keep you waiting. But the Judge and I were caught out at Vincennes, looking at the Machinery Section." Mrs. Nash Pushing her husband down caressingly into easiest chair. "You poor dear! Don't bother to explain. I know just how you feel. Hot, and such dust ! Would n't you "5 1 1 6 The American Husband in Paris like, now, above all things, a Remsen Cooler?" George Opens his eyes at his wifes face before kissing it. " Just would n't I, though ! But there 's no such thing." Mrs. Nash laughs gayly, goes to bed- room, unlocks wardrobe. Reappears with several bottles, a lemon, some sugar, ice in a bowl, and a cocktail shaker. George fumps up as if electrified. " Where, in Heaven's name — ? " Mrs. Nash With her most coquettish battery of smiles turned on her husband's mysti- fied, radiant face. " Oh-h, squirrels are n't the only ones who have secret hoards. I knew you 'd The American Husband in Paris 117 come in tired; that Exhibition exhausts me in an hour." {Begins shaking mixture?) George fans himself indolently with his handkerchief. Leans his head back once more on pink satin sofa-pillow. Listens to music of shaker with rapt smile. Looks at his wife adoringly. George " Lou, you 're a good little woman ! " (Reaches out arm to clasp her to him.) Mrs. Nash Sinks into curve of his elbow. Leans lovingly against him. Continues vigorous shaking. " Well, you know, you 're not half a bad sort yourself, as our English friends put it." Pause, during which George wonders why Lou can't always be in this mood. 1 1 8 The American Husband in Paris Surveys her with increasing rapture. She is turning out beverage. George After first long draught. " By Jove, Lou, you have n't lost your touch ! That is the best, the only real drink I 've had since I Ve been over ! " Mrs. Nash Offers him large palm- leaf fan. Perches on arm of sofa. Toys with his moustache. " What do you say, dear, to dining in our room to-night ? Then you need n't dress until — " ( Checks herself quickly ; smiles, to herself, mysteriously.} George Who only sees smile, again wonders what has " come over " his wife. She does and says just the right thing. " That will be perfect ! The noise, The American Husband in Paris 119 those lights, the music, downstairs, it all gets on my nerves these hot nights." Mrs. Nash Springing up, opening blinds and win- dows hastily. " Oh ! It is n't really hot ! It 's just heavenly June weather. There ! the breeze is delicious, coming across the gardens. Come ! the balcony is delight- fully cool at this early twilight hour." George Carrying second Remsen Cooler to win- dow. Sits down between balcony and window ledge. "Yes, it is fine. Those trees and the light behind, and — and the sunset is lovely, is n't it ? " Feels combined influence of sunset and Remsen Cooler. Sentimentally 1 20 The American Husband in Paris holds his wife's hand. Louisa returns pressure, and continues smiling. George is too happy to wonder " why." Dinner is served. Shaded candles. Breeze now coming in finely across Tuileries tree-tops. George {with enthusiasm) "Cold bouillon? Just the thing! Who ordered this dinner ? " Mrs. Nash {mentally) " If I can only keep him in this mood ! " {Aloud) " There 's only one person I can think of, who has had seventeen years' experience of your tastes." George Ecstatically, as waiter brings in silver cooler. " And champagne frappee, too ! Why, Lou, this is ideal ! How did you happen The American Husband in Paris 121 to think of anything so perfect ? Let 's always dine up here ! " Mrs. Nash With mysterious smile. " Oh-h, if we dined alone every night it would n't seem so nice ; besides, it would nt be quite fair to the Goodmans. But to-night— " George (all innocence) " Out to-night, are they? The Judge did n't say anything about a dinner. Although, yes, now I do remember he made mysterious allusions to meeting us later." (Suddenly views his wife with suspicion.) " But I told him we had nothing on for to-night." Mrs. Nash still smiles, but concludes this is not the right moment to broach the great subject. George looks too tired as yet. 122 The American Husband in Paris Pause, during which George's suspi- cions are quieted. And pate de foie gras in aspic fully engrosses his attention. George Again light-heartedly. " Yes, I told him, as we 'd been out ten nights running, I thought a man who had been sent over on a rest cure might be allowed one night off." Mrs. Nash {nervously) " Nonsense ! No one has enjoyed go- ing more than you. Why, last night — " George " Oh, Coquelin is great enough to make even a sleepy man enjoy himself." A pause, during which she concludes this is the right moment. The American Husband in Paris 123 Mrs. Nash " Oh, well, who knows but what to- night you '11 be even more amused." {Eyes her husband anxiously, though still smiles archly?) George Lays down knife and fork with despair- ing gesture. " To-night ? What do you mean, Louisa ? Surely you 're not going to drag me out ! " Mrs. Nash {soothingly) " No-o. No, dear, of course. I told them I did n't believe you 'd feel up to going." George " Them ? Going ? And where ? " Mrs. Nash {still softly) " You need n't get so excited, dear ; it 's very bad for your digestion. Be- i 24 The American Husband in Paris cause, I Ve already told you I don't intend to go unless you feel exactly like it." George groans. But stays his despair with full glass of " The Widow — Extra Dry." Mrs. Nash Now turning on persuasive stop. " Of course, as it is the ball of the year — " George (exploding) "A ball!!!" Mrs. Nash " The Embassy Ball." ( With reproach- ful severity^) "And as ardent a patriot as you, I should think, would wish to go to a ball given by his own representa- tive; that is, if he is lucky enough to get an invitation." The American Husband in Paris 125 George With flicker of hope, " But he is n't, you see. We 've had no cards." Mrs. Nash Rises, and extracts two huge white cards from secret drawer of escritoire. Holds them up triumphantly, " Have n't we ? Two weeks ago ! " George " And you hid them from me ? " Mrs. Nash Seeing waiter is out of room, slips her arm around George s neck. " Yes ; so you would n't be bothered to decide — until — until" [kisses him softly on brow) "this very night." 1 26 The American Husband in Paris George Feels resolution melting within him. " Oh, well, little woman, if you Ve set your heart on going." Mrs. Nash {drawing back) " I Ve set my heart ? Not a bit of it. I 'm quite ready to stop at home and go dully to sleep," (sighs) " if you wish." George {heroically) " Nonsense ! I 'm not as tired as all that. We '11 go, and make a night of it. But you — have you the right thing ? I presume it 's a grand affair, is n't it ? " Mrs. Nash Not daring to betray her joy ; quietly. " Come ; while we 're waiting for coffee ; come and see." The American Husband in Paris 127 Leads him into bed-chamber. On top of bed George sees a vast foamy mass of silver, tulle, and rose-leaves. Mrs. Nash shows him "the waist" — a bit of tulle, sparkling with light, of the size of his pocket handkerchief, with no sleeves. She, ejaculating : " Is n't that just too exquisite ? And it fits ! ! ! " George ponders. Looks suddenly, with great intelligence, at foamy mass. Remembers " Remsen Cooler," " cham- pagne frappee," the late, scarcely di- gested dinner, low lights, palm-leaf fan. Looks now at his wife as he does on those rare occasions when a business rival gets the better of him. Puts his arm around her as he bursts into laughter. George " Come, we '11 have our coffee, and I my cigar, and then we'll go to the 128 The American Husband in Paris Embassy Ball, and I '11 introduce you as the cleverest little diplomat in Europe." II AT THE EMBASSY Mrs. Nash has a sense of floating through waves of rapture. She is going up the great staircase between rows of palms, laquais, garlanded balustrades, and heaps of other satin and tulle trains. But none are so " new " as hers — that she sees with immense satisfaction. The bursts of music, the lights, the plush coats and white calves of the footmen, the gayety, sparkle, and animation of the scene excite in her the feeling that, at last, she is in the right place. She always knew she was born for just such great occasions. Years seem to have slipped off from her. Is wearing her The American Husband in Paris 129 twenty-eight-year-old expression and complexion. Mrs. Nash In tone of great elation. " Oh-h, is n't it just splendid, George ? " {Immediately imagines herself as the coming queen of the scene.) George More quietly, but with his eyes moving quickly, taking it all in. "Ye-es, it's a fine sight, and splen- didly done. Ah-h, Mr. Grandison, you here? How are you? Thought you never came to balls ! " Shakes hands with tall, lean man with an enormous head, and weary, but luminous eyes, who looks like a " some- body." 9 i 30 The American Husband in Paris Grandison With a touch of deference in his greeting, " Ah, Mr. Nash, glad to see you here. I did n't know you were over." ( They shake hands, and are parted by waves of satin trains?) Mrs. Nash {petulantly) " Why, George, I did n't know you knew the Grandisons." {Mrs. Grandi- son is now passing them, and overhears.) George " Well, I don't. I only know Grandi- son." Mrs. Grandison smiles. Concludes Mr. Nash, whom her husband always quotes as the " real king of all railroad kings," is a clever man. Shall ask James to introduce him. Sweeps Mrs. Nash with glance of expert social mag- The American Husband in Paris 131 nate. " Pretty, and bright-looking, but too well dressed, and much too low," is the great lady's verdict. Her own black lace gown has survived one New York, one Washington, and a London season. She now handles it as if it were a relic. Mrs. Nash With her eyes now fixed up07^ "relic" Mrs. Grandison being ahead of them. " Why, George, I thought the Grandi- sons were enormously rich ! " George " So they are." Mrs. Nash Readjusting diamond necklace doing duty as shoulder-strap. " She dresses as if she were a poor re- lation." 132 The American Husband in Paris George {laughing) " Well, she can afford to ; she 's at the top, and knows it." Mrs. Nash feels first fly entering her pot of honey. Wishes she were there, at the very top, and thus need n't scramble and " hustle," and snub and consent to be snubbed, any more. Re- solves, with her foot on the last stair, that when she goes back to New York she'll not let the Newborns and those stuck-up Kings and all that set — Mrs. Nash " Ah, there's Miss King now! Dear me ! She looks bonier than ever in even- ing dress, does n't she ? How are you ? Is your mother with you ? Ah, Mrs. Trevise, how charming Miss King looks to-night ! Pink is so becoming ! Oh ! Mr. Trevise. I was just telling your — The American Husband in Paris 133 well — your future mother-in-law how lovely the fiancee looks to-night. There 's nothing like happiness for a beautifier. Ah ! it 's our turn, is it ? ,: They squeeze through crowd at door. Hear their names called out, to which no one listens except the Ambassador and Ambassadress. Ambassador greets George, to Mrs. Nash's immense amazement, with spe- cial and distinguishing attention. She even catches the words, " Come back later, I shall want to present you ; " then crowd closes in about her. Mrs. Nash Having freed herself and George from the mass of rich toilettes, uniforms, etc., circling about host and hostess. Explodes with excitement. " Why, George, you never told me ! " 134 The American Husband in Paris George Eying the scene with quiet interest " Told you what, my dear ? " Mrs. Nash " Why, that you knew the Ambassa- dor ! " George " Oh ! have n't I ? I 've known him — let me see — ever since '79, when he was Governor of Illinois." Mrs. Nash's attention now concen- trated on Mrs. Goodman's new Empress Eugenie gown. Sees at a glance that the style makes a stout woman look so much stouter- — and older. Only thin, slender women " can stand " those low bodices and flounced fronts. Will order one to-morrow, of Worth. The American Husband in Paris 135 Mrs. Nash (to Mrs. Goodman) " Well, here you are at last ! How smart you are ! really regal, that dress ! I had no idea it would be so superb. Is n't she looking beautiful to-night, Judge?" The Judge once more surveying his wife's generous — too generous — gift to the public of her middle-aged, over- developed charms. Meets her eyes, — the jolly, honest, loyal eyes, — and finds he can't. No, he really can't. The Judge Relapses into usual mendacities. " She 's always beautiful to me, Mrs. Nash. And I. know somebody else who is giving us an original, — Nattier, for instance." {Bows as he administers compliment) i 36 The American Husband in Paris Mrs. Nash knows Nattier by name, but can't place him. Is he a modern, or one of the older painters? Mrs. Nash (coquettishly) " Oh, Judge, what a flatterer! All you Southerners — Why, there 's young Jannet, the New York celebrity; his portraits are the rage, you know. How do you do, Mr. Jannet ? " Jannet, tall, beautifully dressed, beau- tifully pale, with beautifully distinguished langorous manner. Is wandering about trying not to see people, but to be seen. Intends to give Mrs. Nash two fingers and pass on. Jannet " Oh, how d' you do ? Crowded, is n't it?" The American Husband in Paris 137 Mrs. Nash Slips between Judge Goodman and his wife. Intends Jannet shall release her. " Oh, you here, too ? When did you come over?" {Attaches herself to painter, who resigns himself, indolently, to capture. He intends freeing himself from her at first opportunity^ Mrs. Nash. In seventh heaven, at last ! Conscious of looking her best beside so " becoming " a celebrity. He is dark, she fair, and both tall. She will make the circuit of the great rooms with him, — although, of course, she will be stopped every five steps. Mrs. Nash " Ah, yes, the Kings ! That is Miss King, in pink. Why pink, of all things ? When did you hear of the engagement ? 138 The American Husband in Paris Out, you say, since May? Ah, Mrs. Gailey!" Jannet After comprehensive survey of Mrs. Gailey s attractions. Aside. " Introduce me." Mrs. Nash introduces him. Mrs. Gailey Fixing intense gaze on painter. " Mr. Jannet ! What an honor ! I Ve been longing to meet you, for years ! Your first picture, your very first, was a work of genius. Your last — " Suddenly Mrs. Nash finds herself alone. Jannet and Mrs. Gailey have been swept away, or have swept her away. In any case, she is left stranded. Burst of music makes her feel still more " left." The American Husband in Paris 139 Mrs. Nash {disconsolately) " Where is George ? I left him by the door. Poor thing, I presume he 's still there. Ah, Mr. Trevise ! have you seen Mr. Nash ? " Trevise Barely stops his nonchalant saunter through the rooms. " Oh-h, ah-h, ya-as, I believe I did see him. Is n't that he, with those men ? " First Secretary of Legation squeezes past, between ladies' trains and black coats. Laughs and pats Trevise on shoulder. " Those men," my dear boy, " are the Russian Ambassador, the Eng- lish magnate Lord Waterstock, and the German Ambassador." Moves on, Trevise (insolently) "Ah, wonder what Nash is doing among all those swells ! " 140 The American Husband in Paris Mrs. Nash Swallows her own surprise, but not Trevises impudence ; carelessly. " Oh-h, I daresay some one introduced him. George — Mr. Nash knows our Ambassador. Ah, Judge ! Here 's Mr. Trevise wondering how Mr. Nash hap- pens to know all those diplomatic gran- dees he 's with, over there." Trevise slips away after barely nod- ding to Judge. Judge Goodman {to Trevises back) " Young whelp ! Why do you coun- tenance such cads, Mrs. Nash? The young men of our day — Ah-h, Mr. Bluegrass, pleased to meet you. Mrs. Nash, permit me to make you acquainted with Mr. Reckington Bluegrass, Presi- dent of the Central Kentucky Rail- The American Husband in Paris 141 road." [They bow as band bursts into Strauss waltz) Mr. Bluegrass (ponderously) " Honored to meet you, Madam ! Your husband here to-night ? " Mrs. Nash "Yes." (With pride.) "He's over there talking to Lord Waterstock and — " Mr. Bluegrass (to Judge) " Goodman, when Mr. Nash has fin- ished with these gentlemen, just present me, will you? Madam, I have the honor to salute you." (Gives grand bow from the waist and moves away) Mrs. Nash {thinking aloud) " I can't imagine what all these people are so crazy to meet George for ! " 142 The American Husband in Paris Judge His eyes twinkling with suppressed humor. " Mrs. Nash, if I tell you a great secret, — one you 've never even sus- pected, — you won't betray me ? " Mrs. Nash Much excited, wondering if George's "past" is about to come out. " No, never ! I swear." Judge (bending over) " Well, your * George/ as you call him, is a great man. That is the secret." Mrs. Nash Recoiling, half disappointed, but mostly sceptical. Who knew George as well as she ? And would fit she have known him as great, if he were, really ? " Nonsense ; George is clever and — The American Husband in Paris 143 and in business he has large responsi- bilities, of course. But great, as great as Mr. Grandison, for instance. Oh dear, no ! " Judge Quietly eying " George " and the thicken- ing group about him, " Well, some of us think differently. Grandison himself concedes Nash is the greatest organizer of railroads, and con- trols men better than any man in the United States, and that 's the reason why all these swells — Ah, Mr. Blue- grass — Yes, I '11 take you up. Just a moment, Mrs. Nash, and I '11 look you up again." Mrs. Nash cannot believe her senses. George a great man ! All those people waiting to meet him — and she, alone ! No. It 's all a mistake. George Nash is posing; he's "trying it on." Suddenly 1 44 The American Husband in Paris catches sight of George. He is centre of the circle now, in which fine-looking men with silken badges and jewelled orders and uniforms are listening gravely, for " George " is talking. Seems quite at his ease. Looks a trifle flushed ; but somehow appears more at home than she had ever seen him. {Still alone) Experiences sudden and complete change of heart. Feels she has never fully " appreciated " her husband before. Lord Waterstock is shaking hands with him now. She moves nearer circle. Collides with Miss King. Miss King {superciliously) " Alone, Mrs. Nash ? " Mrs. Nash With novel sensation of wifely pride, " I 'm looking Mr. Nash up. He has been with Lord Waterstock and the The American Husband in Paris 145 Russian Ambassador, and — " (Passes on) Miss King (stares) " Dear me! That sallow, tired, slouchy- looking man — what do those people see in such a creature ? " George Breaking away from group. " Ah-h, there 's my wife ! Excuse me, gentlemen. I see she 's alone ! " (Joins Louisa) " Well, little woman, where did you wander off to ? " Mrs. Nash In condition of moral collapse, out of which grows, magically, a new elation. Takes her husband } s arm with a feel- ing that almost borders on deference. " I Ve been — " (Laughs a little hys- terically) " Why, I Ve been on a little 10 1 46 The American Husband in Paris voyage of discovery." {Eyes her hus- band slyly.) George (innocently) " Discovery ! What discovery have you made ? " Mrs. Nash [softly) " That I 've married a great man ! " George " Nonsense ! Who 's been putting such absurd notions into your head ? Come, let 's go in to supper." They are soon lost in the crowd. But rs. Nash n of her sight. Mrs. Nash now does not let George out Chapter X THE LAST DAY IN PARIS ryED-CH AMBER once more dark- £ J ened. George this time is in among the pillows. His face is a bright orange against the sheets. Mrs, Nash tiptoes about with anxious face. She has forgotten even " how she looks" al- though the doctor has only just left. Room filled with boxes, bundles, half- open trunks, and tissue-papered trays. Mrs. Nash " Do you feel a little better, George, dear ? " H7 148 The American Husband in Paris George Eyes closed, but in cheerful tones. "Oh-h, I 'm all right; it 's all nonsense, the doctor keeping me mewed up like this." {Feels astonishingly " swimmy " as he talks, though) Mrs. Nash With amazing energy. " George, you 're to stay ' mewed up,' as you call it, until you are a well man ; do you hear ? " George " I thought we were to go to-morrow to Carlsbad. The doctor — " Mrs. Nash With great scorn, " The doctor — as if the doctor knew you, or your symptoms, as well as I do ! Why, I knew, a week ago, you were The American Husband in Paris 149 coming down with one of your attacks ; there, lie perfectly still, and take this." {Pours mixture from tumbler down her husbayid^s throat?) George After meekly swallowing something that tastes like pumice-stoite, sulphur, and decayed vegetables. " Well, that ought to kill or cure. It 's about the worst — " {Sudden sen- sation of drowsiness. During next minutes experiences swirls of thought?) The scenes of the past week are vividly, too vividly, reviewed. Sees Exhibition grounds, and the buildings loom up like fiery structures. Sees himself going through section after section. Jewellery, machinery, moun- tains and grottoes of wine bottles ; the unreal ladies in the " Palais de Cos- 150 The American Husband in Paris tume ; " the real ladies he and Louisa Jane meet, later, at luncheon and din- ner, "in the grounds;" hears bursts of Hungarian music ; sees girl-orchestra — particularly handsome girl-leader " first- violin " at the Munich Beer-Halle — very distinctly ; recalls more vaguely dinners at Armenonville and the Terrace at St. Germain, where he felt his first chill ; remembers how he " would n't tell Louisa" next day, because of all the " last things " to be done ; vision of what those " last things " meant makes him feel very "seedy," even now. The Louvre (the Magazin this time) three hours, or was it thirty? The Bon Marche five, all the afternoon, mostly. Paquin's, for a last " fitting ; " the boot- maker ; Virot's ; back to the Louvre for belt buckle, then to the Palais Royal arcades for " nouveau art " buckle, as the Louvre one " would n't do." Din- The American Husband in Paris 151 ner at eight for ten ; their farewell to Goodmans, etc.; and then a blank ! How long since then ? A blank now. two hours later Mrs. Nash To Judge Goodman, in drawing-room, " I shall take him to Pillbucster, he 's the greatest authority in Europe." Judge Goodman {anxiously) "What does this one say; is he any good? These French doctors — " Mrs. Nash " Oh-h, Dr. Luck is n't French, he 's American, on his mother's side; every- body goes to him, over here. He thinks that George is just run down, and that Carlsbad — " 152 The American Husband in Paris The Judge {forgets himself) " Run down ? I should think he was ! Why, six weeks ago when I first saw him — ! " Mrs. Nash "Oh-h, did you think he looked so badly? Well, you see, he wanted to see Paris, and I, of course, wanted to show him everything, as he 'd never been — " The Judge {politely but severely) " Mrs. Nash, when a man looks as your husband did when he landed, he needs quiet, not another New York season — " Mrs. Nash [half weeping) " Oh, I do believe you are right ; our men do work too hard ; and we get so used to their looking sallow and half The American Husband in Paris 153 dead — " (Chokes, and finds she cant go on) The Judge Changes his opinion about Nastis " silly little wife? "Oh, I don't say it is as bad as all that, only I 'd look after him pretty sharply, if I were you." (Half jocosely) " He 's worth saving, you know." Mrs. Nash With the look of one who is consecrating herself " Judge Goodman, he is going to be a well man, if I have to give up every- thing to make him such." The Judge Rises. Pats Mrs. Naslts agitated shoulders. " He '11 come round all right, I dare- 154 The American Husband in Paris say, without you going to extremes of self-sacrifice. I '11 look in later." (Exit.) Mrs. Nash tiptoes across to bed- room. As she goes, sees herself " giving up " dinners ; all balls, of course ; Paris, except for clothes ; George always taken over instead of May, direct to his cure, with High Alp after-cure, and no "going out" afterwards in New York; no, in- deed ! Gulps a little as she pictures her- self firmly " renouncing " society. She intends to live for her husband and her children hereafter. Will re-furnish morning-room as library, and have George read aloud, evenings. Will have ball-dresses made over into tea- gowns. Gulps once more at second picture of herself as " never going out." Mrs. Nash (with emotion) " Any better, dear ? " The American Husband in Paris 1 55 George In his usual strong tones, " Right as a trivet ; that stuff has worked wonders. We '11 get off to- morrow, after all." Mrs. Nash After critically examining his color. Concludes, as he is several shades lighter, the doctor is an alarmist, after all, {Mentally?) " Even if I do give up everything, I should think we might keep the Opera box." {Aloud) "We must wait to hear what the doctor says. Do you realize, George, dear, how you are going to be nursed and coddled hereafter ? ' ! {Kisses him tenderly, with a break in her voice?) 156 The American Husband in Paris George In his most cheerful tone. " It '11 be just as you say, Louisa — you're the general, you know!" {Em- braces her.) THE END Ik$ 1 : i \ I. \ t 9A »