THE BISHOP’S APRON
THE BISHOP’S APRON
A STUDY IN THE ORIGINS
OF A GREAT FAMILY
BY
W. S. MAUGHAM
AUTHOR OF “LIZA OF LAMBETH,” “MRS. CRADDOCK,”
“THE MERRY-GO-ROUND”
LONDON
CHAPMAN AND HALL, Ltd.
1906
| I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, XV, XVI, XVII, XVIII, XIX, XX. |
THE BISHOP’S APRON
I
THE world takes people very willingly at the estimate in which they holdthemselves. With a fashionable bias for expression in a foreign tongueit calls modesty mauvaise honte; and the impudent are thought merelyto have a proper opinion of their merit. But Ponsonby was really animposing personage. His movements were measured and noiseless; and hewore the sombre garb of a gentleman’s butler with impressive dignity. Hewas a large man, flabby and corpulent, with a loose, smooth skin. Hisface, undisturbed by the rapid play of expression, which he would havethought indecorous, had a look of placid respectability; his eyes, withtheir puffy lower lids, rested on surrounding objects heavily; and hisearnest, obsequious voice gave an impression of such overwhelming pietythat your glance, involuntarily, fell to his rotund calves for thegaiters episcopal.
He looked gravely at the table set out for luncheon, while Alfred, thefootman, walked round it, placing bread in each napkin.
“Is Tommy Tiddler coming to-day, Mr. Ponsonby?” he asked.
“His lordship is expected,” returned the butler, with a frigid stare.
He emphasised the aspirate to mark his disapproval of the flippancywherewith his colleague referred to a person who was not only thebrother of his master, but a member of the aristocracy.
“Here he is!” said Alfred, unabashed, looking out of the window. “He’sjust drove up in a cab.”
Lord Spratte walked up the steps and rang the bell. Though Ponsonby hadseen him two or three times a week for ten years, he gave no sign ofrecognition.
“Am I expected to luncheon to-day, Ponsonby?”
“Yes, my lord.”
Lord Spratte was middle-aged, of fresh complexion notwithstanding hisgrey hair; and his manner was quick and breezy. He carried his years andthe increasing girth which accompanied them, with a gracefullight-heartedness; and was apt to flatter himself that with the lightbehind he might still pass for five-and-thirty. He had neither the wishnor the intention to grow old. But the man of fifty, seeking to makethe most