WEBVTT 1 00:00:00.120 --> 00:00:04.879 Chapter eight of Amusement Only. This is a libriywox recording. 2 00:00:05.200 --> 00:00:08.480 All liberal Rox recordings are in the public domain. For 3 00:00:08.599 --> 00:00:13.039 more information or to volunteer, please visit liberywox dot org. 4 00:00:13.599 --> 00:00:20.359 Recording by Carmen h. Amusement Only by Richard marsh Means, 5 00:00:20.480 --> 00:00:26.440 Chapter one. The first Lady, Missus and Missus Danvers. Mister 6 00:00:26.600 --> 00:00:30.239 Herbert Buxton, standing at the office window of the hotel, 7 00:00:30.760 --> 00:00:33.840 glancing at the visitor's book on the desk at his right, 8 00:00:34.240 --> 00:00:38.560 saw the names among the latest arrivals. They caught his eye. 9 00:00:38.960 --> 00:00:42.679 Pontresina was stated to be the place from which they 10 00:00:42.719 --> 00:00:46.880 had lately come. It is the Danvers or five word 11 00:00:47.200 --> 00:00:52.200 Cecius Danvers. Strolling from the office window, he took a letter, 12 00:00:52.640 --> 00:00:57.280 afraid letter from his pocket book. It was postmarked Pontresina. 13 00:00:57.799 --> 00:01:01.439 The signature was Sessy Buxton. It was from his brother, 14 00:01:02.320 --> 00:01:05.640 Dear Hubert. It ran, you really must get something to do. 15 00:01:06.200 --> 00:01:09.359 Your requests for what you call and advance is absurd. 16 00:01:09.920 --> 00:01:12.879 So far from advancing you anything, I shall have to 17 00:01:12.920 --> 00:01:16.079 cut short the allowance I have been making you. I 18 00:01:16.159 --> 00:01:19.239 have met here a missus and miss Danvers. I have 19 00:01:19.400 --> 00:01:22.200 asked Miss danwoth to do me the honor to marry me. 20 00:01:22.920 --> 00:01:26.879 She has consented. When that even comes to pass, which 21 00:01:26.959 --> 00:01:30.359 will be very shortly, your allowance will recede to a 22 00:01:30.439 --> 00:01:33.840 vanishing point that you will get something to do. Is 23 00:01:34.200 --> 00:01:39.079 therefore the advice of your affectionate brother, Cessy Buxton. It 24 00:01:39.120 --> 00:01:43.159 would be an odd coincidence, reflected Hubert, if that Miss 25 00:01:43.280 --> 00:01:47.120 Danvers is this Miss Danvers, an idea occurred to his 26 00:01:47.280 --> 00:01:51.760 fertile two fertile brain as the first glimmerings of the 27 00:01:51.840 --> 00:01:55.879 idea birds on him. Hubert smiled. In giving birth to 28 00:01:55.959 --> 00:01:59.760 Cecil and Hubert Buxton, nature had been indulging in one 29 00:01:59.760 --> 00:02:03.200 of her freaks. They were twins, born within a few 30 00:02:03.239 --> 00:02:07.959 seconds of each other. Cecil came first, Hilbert came with 31 00:02:08.120 --> 00:02:14.520 all possible expedition immediately after. Babies are probabily alike. These 32 00:02:14.520 --> 00:02:17.840 babies were so much alike that when they were undressed, 33 00:02:18.080 --> 00:02:20.719 no one ever pretended to be able to tell one 34 00:02:20.759 --> 00:02:25.120 from the other. The resemblance outlived babyhood as the youths 35 00:02:25.199 --> 00:02:29.120 went on. Cecil was always being taken for Hubert, Hubert 36 00:02:29.240 --> 00:02:33.039 for Cecil. The unfortunate part of the business was that 37 00:02:33.080 --> 00:02:38.520 the resemblance was merely superficial. Inside they whirled altogether different. 38 00:02:39.000 --> 00:02:43.120 Cecil was sullid and steady, while Hubert well, at that 39 00:02:43.199 --> 00:02:47.159 particular moment, he was quite at a fashionable bond Mouth hotel, 40 00:02:47.800 --> 00:02:50.520 without money in his pocket with which to pay his 41 00:02:50.639 --> 00:02:54.120 hotel bill, and with nobody within rich from whom he 42 00:02:54.159 --> 00:02:58.319 could borrow a five pound note. If he told himself 43 00:02:58.719 --> 00:03:02.560 these then words, is that Denvers I might make something 44 00:03:02.639 --> 00:03:05.960 out of that fatter likeness. After all, it would not 45 00:03:06.120 --> 00:03:08.560 be by any means the first time he had made 46 00:03:08.599 --> 00:03:11.639 something out of the fatal likeness. But on that in 47 00:03:11.680 --> 00:03:15.639 these plays we need not dwell. He strode along the corridor, 48 00:03:15.879 --> 00:03:18.960 the open letter in his hand, biting his nails and 49 00:03:19.000 --> 00:03:22.280 thinking over things as he went. As he approached the 50 00:03:22.319 --> 00:03:25.919 glacester which led into the grounds, it opened to admit 51 00:03:25.919 --> 00:03:29.719 a lady. At sight of him, she stopped, says you. 52 00:03:30.319 --> 00:03:33.840 She exclaimed, you would look at her. She was a 53 00:03:33.919 --> 00:03:38.599 manuficent woman, then altogether on a manificent scale, with a 54 00:03:38.599 --> 00:03:41.120 profusion of great gold hair and a pair of the 55 00:03:41.120 --> 00:03:44.879 biggest and brightest eyes. Hubert, with all his wide experience, 56 00:03:45.280 --> 00:03:49.159 ever remembered to have seen. It is the Denvers. He 57 00:03:49.280 --> 00:03:54.159 inwardly decided what an honor. But he was equal to 58 00:03:54.199 --> 00:03:58.719 the occasion. He generally was more than equal. He held 59 00:03:58.719 --> 00:04:02.039 out his hand to her with a little sudden burst you, 60 00:04:02.439 --> 00:04:06.520 he cried. The lady, however, did not immediately respond to 61 00:04:06.560 --> 00:04:10.800 his advances. On the contrary, she put her hands behind 62 00:04:10.800 --> 00:04:14.599 her back. This is an unexpected pleasure. I did not 63 00:04:14.800 --> 00:04:18.120 expect to see you here. I thought you were in Paris. 64 00:04:18.519 --> 00:04:22.279 As a matter of fact, according to the most recent advisers, 65 00:04:22.920 --> 00:04:26.959 Cecil was in Paris. But of course Hubert had nothing 66 00:04:27.000 --> 00:04:30.319 to do with that. I only arrived last night. You 67 00:04:30.319 --> 00:04:33.279 you don't seem glad to see me. It is rather 68 00:04:33.519 --> 00:04:36.160 I who should ask the question, are you glad to 69 00:04:36.199 --> 00:04:39.959 see me? There was a dryness in her tone, which 70 00:04:40.079 --> 00:04:43.759 greeted on Hubert's ears. This is a case in which 71 00:04:43.800 --> 00:04:48.959 diplomacy is required. I wonder what there's been between them. Aloud, 72 00:04:49.040 --> 00:04:53.279 he remarked, can you not forget and forgive? Cecil? Do 73 00:04:53.439 --> 00:04:56.920 you mean it? She glanced behind her, as if in 74 00:04:57.000 --> 00:05:00.519 sudden agitation. I cannot stop now meet me in the 75 00:05:00.519 --> 00:05:04.319 garden after dinner. She was gone before he even had 76 00:05:04.319 --> 00:05:07.959 the ghost of a chance of feeling his way, and 77 00:05:08.199 --> 00:05:18.480 of chapter one of Twins, Chapter nine of Amusement Only. 78 00:05:19.079 --> 00:05:22.560 This is a liberywox recording. All liberal Rox recordings are 79 00:05:22.600 --> 00:05:26.160 in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, 80 00:05:26.560 --> 00:05:31.720 please visit libywokx dot org. Recording by Carmen h Amusement 81 00:05:31.800 --> 00:05:37.600 Only by Richard marsh Twins, Chapter two. The second lady 82 00:05:38.560 --> 00:05:43.000 says you, where are you here? Hubert, who had been 83 00:05:43.079 --> 00:05:46.839 leaning against the wall, came out into the moonlight. The 84 00:05:46.920 --> 00:05:49.800 lady stood on the top of the steps. The moon 85 00:05:49.879 --> 00:05:53.120 shone full upon her. It lit up the glory of 86 00:05:53.160 --> 00:05:56.839 her red gold hair. She was clad in full evening dress. 87 00:05:57.240 --> 00:06:00.759 Her little opera cloak, which had slipped off her shoulders, 88 00:06:01.040 --> 00:06:06.560 revealed rather than concealed, her manuficent proportions. Hubert, eyeing her 89 00:06:06.560 --> 00:06:10.920 critically from below, told himself that she was certainly an honor. 90 00:06:12.040 --> 00:06:14.600 I am afraid, I am late. I hope you haven't 91 00:06:14.639 --> 00:06:18.879 been waiting long, nothing to speak of, just time enough 92 00:06:18.920 --> 00:06:22.560 to enjoy a cigar and to dream of you cecil. 93 00:06:22.879 --> 00:06:26.079 For shame is it? Damn? I have only my tin 94 00:06:26.120 --> 00:06:30.680 shoes on. She held one out in evidence. Hubert, like 95 00:06:30.759 --> 00:06:33.959 the look of it. It is as dry as tinder. 96 00:06:34.480 --> 00:06:37.439 Just the night for lovers. I really think it is. 97 00:06:37.879 --> 00:06:41.399 She came down the steps, how glorious, laying her hand 98 00:06:41.480 --> 00:06:44.720 upon his arm. She looked into his eyes with her 99 00:06:44.800 --> 00:06:48.319 big ones, as you say, it is just the night 100 00:06:48.360 --> 00:06:53.920 for lovers. They began to stroll. She spoke, it seemed strange, 101 00:06:54.079 --> 00:06:56.920 after all that has passed between us, that you and 102 00:06:57.000 --> 00:07:02.240 I should be walking here together. Seemed strange. It certainly did, 103 00:07:02.879 --> 00:07:05.279 after all the hard things you have taught and said 104 00:07:05.319 --> 00:07:09.839 of me. There was a pause. She looked down, speaking softly, 105 00:07:10.480 --> 00:07:14.279 call me by my pet name. He slightly started, but 106 00:07:14.399 --> 00:07:16.759 he was not the son of man to remain long 107 00:07:16.800 --> 00:07:19.800 at a loss. As he turned to her and answered 108 00:07:20.319 --> 00:07:23.560 in his voice, there was a ring of passionate intensity. 109 00:07:24.560 --> 00:07:27.199 Tell me by what name to call you? Call me 110 00:07:27.360 --> 00:07:31.199 angel Angere, my angel of love, my angel of all 111 00:07:31.319 --> 00:07:36.120 good things, Cecil. Their lips met in the keys as 112 00:07:36.160 --> 00:07:39.120 they did so. He told himself that if she was 113 00:07:39.199 --> 00:07:43.160 Cecil's idea of an angel, she wasn't his, But she 114 00:07:43.319 --> 00:07:46.480 was certainly in honor. He wondered, if she had been 115 00:07:46.560 --> 00:07:50.800 christened injured Denvers, what a weapon with which that chastise 116 00:07:50.879 --> 00:07:55.199 a wife. Cecil, Let us understand each other. You are 117 00:07:55.240 --> 00:07:58.839 not traveling with me again? Need you ask? This time? 118 00:07:59.000 --> 00:08:02.160 He was fairly start I am afraid that, after all 119 00:08:02.199 --> 00:08:05.040 which has passed between us, I need you do mean 120 00:08:05.079 --> 00:08:08.879 to make me a wife, make you my wife? Good heavens, 121 00:08:08.959 --> 00:08:11.920 what do you suppose I mean? Then you do not 122 00:08:12.120 --> 00:08:16.879 believe I cheated? Cheated? Then you do not believe that man, 123 00:08:17.040 --> 00:08:20.040 You don't believe the lies is said of me, never 124 00:08:20.160 --> 00:08:24.399 for one single instant his outspoken deniers seem to take 125 00:08:24.399 --> 00:08:28.360 her aback. Then if you didn't believe it, why but 126 00:08:28.519 --> 00:08:31.560 never mind cec you It would be useless to pretend 127 00:08:31.600 --> 00:08:33.559 to you that I have been the best of women. 128 00:08:34.000 --> 00:08:36.120 But I swear that I will be a good wife 129 00:08:36.120 --> 00:08:40.240 to you until I die my own. He murmured to himself. 130 00:08:40.279 --> 00:08:42.840 He said, there seems to have been a good deal 131 00:08:42.919 --> 00:08:45.759 more romans about this little affair of Cecius than I 132 00:08:45.879 --> 00:08:50.720 suppose her men not change. Let us talk of something else, 133 00:08:51.240 --> 00:08:55.120 Let us talk of you. Tell me of yourself, my love, well, 134 00:08:55.200 --> 00:08:58.919 said Hubert, the ever ready for the moment. I am 135 00:08:58.919 --> 00:09:03.039 in redder and awkward predicament. What is it? The fact 136 00:09:03.120 --> 00:09:05.799 is he looked her straight in the face and never 137 00:09:05.919 --> 00:09:09.720 turned a hair. My remittances seem to have all gone wrong. 138 00:09:10.120 --> 00:09:14.200 I am landed here with empty pockets, she laughed. Let 139 00:09:14.200 --> 00:09:18.320 me be your banco, will you with pleasure? I'm quite 140 00:09:18.440 --> 00:09:20.600 rich for me. I've got a heap of money in 141 00:09:20.639 --> 00:09:24.279 my purse, if I can only find it. She found 142 00:09:24.360 --> 00:09:28.759 it after long sinking. How much would you like twenty pounds? 143 00:09:29.080 --> 00:09:32.279 Thank you? Should I make it thirty? If you can 144 00:09:32.320 --> 00:09:36.519 make it thirty. Some banknotes change hands. He thrust them 145 00:09:36.600 --> 00:09:40.679 into his waistcoat pocket, telling himself that that was something 146 00:09:40.720 --> 00:09:44.879 on account at any rate. Now your remittances must make 147 00:09:44.919 --> 00:09:48.480 haste and come. Thirty pounds is nothing to you, It 148 00:09:48.600 --> 00:09:52.559 is a deal to me. Now I am destitute. She 149 00:09:52.679 --> 00:09:55.240 held out her purse for him to see it still 150 00:09:55.320 --> 00:09:59.399 contained a couple of banknotes and some gold. I suppose 151 00:09:59.399 --> 00:10:03.200 you couldn't make to spare the rest, he said, you grettiting. 152 00:10:03.519 --> 00:10:05.919 I can scarcely believe you are the Cesey Buxton I 153 00:10:06.039 --> 00:10:08.919 used to know. He would never have condescended to borrow 154 00:10:09.039 --> 00:10:12.039 toirty pounds from me. Do you know it isn't only 155 00:10:12.120 --> 00:10:14.840 that you are nicer, but somehow even your manner and 156 00:10:14.840 --> 00:10:19.159 your wife seemed different. Do you think so? They were 157 00:10:19.200 --> 00:10:22.120 standing under the shadow of a tree he leaned back 158 00:10:22.159 --> 00:10:25.360 against the tree. By the way, I have been remissed. 159 00:10:25.600 --> 00:10:29.440 I ought to have inquired after your mother. My mother? 160 00:10:29.879 --> 00:10:32.840 She started, I see, your names are Bracketer and the 161 00:10:32.960 --> 00:10:37.480 visitors book together, our names Bracketer and a visitors book together. 162 00:10:38.000 --> 00:10:42.519 You are dreaming. I saw them there, missus and Missus Danvers. 163 00:10:43.240 --> 00:10:47.120 Missus and Missus Danvers, Cecy, what do you mean? It 164 00:10:47.360 --> 00:10:50.320 was his turn to stare. Her manner had all at 165 00:10:50.360 --> 00:10:53.600 once become quite singular. What do you mean isn't your 166 00:10:53.600 --> 00:10:56.919 mother with you, Cecil? Are you making fun of me? 167 00:10:57.840 --> 00:11:00.399 Hubert felt that in some way he was take his 168 00:11:00.480 --> 00:11:03.039 food in it you. He did not quite see how 169 00:11:03.759 --> 00:11:05.919 nothing is further from my toss tend to make fun 170 00:11:05.960 --> 00:11:08.720 of you. But when I saw Missus Stanworth's name in 171 00:11:08.759 --> 00:11:12.480 a visitor's book, whose name? When I saw missus and 172 00:11:12.480 --> 00:11:16.320 Missus Stanworths dead, as large as life, the lady moved 173 00:11:16.320 --> 00:11:19.440 a step away from him, or at once she became, 174 00:11:19.519 --> 00:11:22.799 as it were, a different woman entirely. I see that 175 00:11:22.879 --> 00:11:25.360 you are the same man, after all, the same success 176 00:11:25.360 --> 00:11:30.039 in Buxton, the same cold, calculating, sneering cynic. Only you 177 00:11:30.159 --> 00:11:33.639 happen to have broken out in another place I presume 178 00:11:33.759 --> 00:11:36.480 you have been having a little amusement at my expense 179 00:11:36.600 --> 00:11:39.279 on the novel plan of your own. But this time, 180 00:11:39.320 --> 00:11:42.320 my friend, you have gone too far. You have asked me, 181 00:11:42.360 --> 00:11:45.039 in so many words, to be a wife. I dare 182 00:11:45.080 --> 00:11:47.919 you to deny it. You have borrowed money, I dare 183 00:11:47.960 --> 00:11:51.159 you to deny that too. I am not so unprotected 184 00:11:51.200 --> 00:11:54.759 as you may possibly imagine. I took the precaution to 185 00:11:54.799 --> 00:11:57.679 wire this morning for a friend. You will marry me, 186 00:11:57.879 --> 00:12:01.240 or we shall see the ladies swept him a splendid 187 00:12:01.279 --> 00:12:05.080 curtsy and walked off. He was so taken aback by 188 00:12:05.080 --> 00:12:08.080 a sudden change in her department that he made not 189 00:12:08.159 --> 00:12:11.600 the slightest attempt to arrest her progress. He stared after 190 00:12:11.679 --> 00:12:15.559 her in the moonlight, open eyed and open mouthed. Well, 191 00:12:16.279 --> 00:12:19.360 I've done something, though I don't know what. And I've 192 00:12:19.399 --> 00:12:22.759 done it somehow, though I don't know how. Since you 193 00:12:22.879 --> 00:12:25.159 ought to be grateful to me for reading him of her, 194 00:12:25.840 --> 00:12:29.639 they'd never have been happy together. I'll stake my life 195 00:12:29.679 --> 00:12:34.200 on it. Hello, who's this more adventurous? There was a 196 00:12:34.279 --> 00:12:38.240 rustling behind him. He turned some one came out of 197 00:12:38.360 --> 00:12:41.120 the shadow of the tree. It was a young girl 198 00:12:41.799 --> 00:12:44.720 She was clad in a plain like silk dinner dress. 199 00:12:45.000 --> 00:12:48.039 A shawl was thrown over her shoulders. He could see 200 00:12:48.080 --> 00:12:51.639 that she had brown hair and pleasant features. She addressed 201 00:12:51.679 --> 00:12:56.799 to him a question which surprised him. Who is that woman? 202 00:12:57.120 --> 00:13:00.679 She asked? She pointed after the rapidly retreat eating angel 203 00:13:01.039 --> 00:13:05.240 with a gesture which was almost tragic. He raised his head. 204 00:13:05.720 --> 00:13:08.240 I beg your pardon. I don't think I have the pleasure. 205 00:13:08.720 --> 00:13:12.360 She paid no attention to his words. Who is that woman? 206 00:13:12.639 --> 00:13:19.080 She repeated, Which woman? That woman? Really? I think there's 207 00:13:19.080 --> 00:13:22.679 some mistake. To his amazement, she burst into a passion 208 00:13:22.679 --> 00:13:25.279 of tales, says, you don't speak to me like that. 209 00:13:25.600 --> 00:13:29.919 Don't don't, don't you? Butt's dead. The young lady dropped 210 00:13:29.919 --> 00:13:32.840 her hands from before her face. She looked at him 211 00:13:33.159 --> 00:13:37.000 with streaming eyes. Who is that woman? Tell me? I've 212 00:13:37.039 --> 00:13:39.360 been longing for your coming, thinking of all that I 213 00:13:39.399 --> 00:13:43.240 should say to you, wishing that the meanings were but seconds, 214 00:13:43.519 --> 00:13:46.360 and you've been here all the time. You must have 215 00:13:46.480 --> 00:13:48.639 come hours before. You told me that your train was 216 00:13:48.679 --> 00:13:52.080 still What is the meaning of it? All? That is 217 00:13:52.159 --> 00:13:55.840 precisely what I should like to know. I came out 218 00:13:55.840 --> 00:13:58.399 here that I might be alone before our meeting. I 219 00:13:58.480 --> 00:14:00.720 heard the sound of voices, and I thought that one 220 00:14:00.759 --> 00:14:03.559 of them was the yours. I could not believe it. 221 00:14:03.720 --> 00:14:06.120 A listen. I heard you talking to that woman. I 222 00:14:06.200 --> 00:14:09.960 saw her kiss you or Census Cencily. My heart is broken. 223 00:14:11.159 --> 00:14:15.039 She tottered forward, all but falling into Hubert's arms. He 224 00:14:15.120 --> 00:14:18.720 tried to soothe her. Thought the boss, he told himself 225 00:14:18.720 --> 00:14:21.639 that Cecil had more romance in his nature than he 226 00:14:21.759 --> 00:14:25.919 had given him credit for his complications in the feminine 227 00:14:26.000 --> 00:14:28.840 line appeared to be worthy of the varces at the 228 00:14:28.879 --> 00:14:33.080 Palace Royal. In the midst of her emotion, the young 229 00:14:33.159 --> 00:14:37.000 lady in his arms continued to address him. Why did 230 00:14:37.080 --> 00:14:40.240 you tell me you were coming by one train when 231 00:14:40.279 --> 00:14:42.639 all the time you must have meant to come by another. 232 00:14:43.120 --> 00:14:47.440 I have your letter here. From the bosom of her dress, 233 00:14:47.600 --> 00:14:50.759 she drew an envelope. Hubert made a dash at it. 234 00:14:51.159 --> 00:14:55.840 My letter, permit me for an instant With scant ceremony, 235 00:14:56.159 --> 00:14:58.960 he took it from her hand. He glanced at the address, 236 00:14:59.159 --> 00:15:04.600 recognizing that Sill's well known writing, Miss miss Danvers. Are 237 00:15:04.639 --> 00:15:08.879 you are you? Miss Danvers? The girls shrang from him. 238 00:15:09.200 --> 00:15:12.679 Her tears were dry, her face grew white. Says you, 239 00:15:13.080 --> 00:15:17.440 She exclaimed, forgive me if my question seems a curious one. 240 00:15:17.919 --> 00:15:21.480 But are you, miss Danvers. The girl shrank away still more, 241 00:15:21.639 --> 00:15:25.320 her face grew whiter. She spoke too faintly. Her words 242 00:15:25.320 --> 00:15:28.879 were scarcely audible. Cecil, give me back my letter if 243 00:15:28.919 --> 00:15:33.200 you please, He handed her by her envelope. Miss Danvers, 244 00:15:33.200 --> 00:15:36.759 I entreat you. But the look of scone which was 245 00:15:36.799 --> 00:15:40.120 on her face brought even Hubert to a standstill. As 246 00:15:40.159 --> 00:15:43.840 he hesitated, she fixed him with her eyes. He had 247 00:15:43.879 --> 00:15:47.799 sudden felt uncomfortable as he did just then he seemed 248 00:15:47.840 --> 00:15:51.600 to feel himself growing smaller, simply because of the scone 249 00:15:51.840 --> 00:15:56.559 which was in her glance. Good evening, mister Buxton. She 250 00:15:56.679 --> 00:16:00.559 slightly inclined her head and was gone. You would stared 251 00:16:00.639 --> 00:16:05.360 after her dumbfoundered. When he did recover the faculty of speech, 252 00:16:05.679 --> 00:16:08.600 he hardly knew what used to make of it. Well, 253 00:16:08.679 --> 00:16:12.039 I've done it. If she's miss Dandworth, who is injured? 254 00:16:12.559 --> 00:16:15.360 Since he will tell me for the treat which I'm 255 00:16:15.399 --> 00:16:19.639 preparing for him. I knew this fatal likeness would dug 256 00:16:19.759 --> 00:16:22.360 me into the grave. Why was I born a twin? 257 00:16:23.080 --> 00:16:26.759 He strode slowly toward the building. As he entered the hall, 258 00:16:26.879 --> 00:16:30.360 a lady was coming along the corridor. At sight of him, 259 00:16:30.759 --> 00:16:35.039 she quickened her pace. She advanced to him with outstretched hands. 260 00:16:35.240 --> 00:16:38.600 She was a lady of perhaps forty years of age. 261 00:16:39.200 --> 00:16:42.720 Say sil, she cried. But Hubert was not to be 262 00:16:42.799 --> 00:16:46.080 caught with thought. He had had enough for the present 263 00:16:46.440 --> 00:16:52.240 of Cecil and of Cecil's feminine friends. Innoring her outstretched hands, 264 00:16:52.279 --> 00:16:55.320 he slightly raised his head. Pardon me, you have the 265 00:16:55.360 --> 00:16:59.440 advantage of me, madam. The lady Symby wildered. She stared 266 00:16:59.480 --> 00:17:01.720 at him as if she could not believe her eyes 267 00:17:01.759 --> 00:17:05.160 and ears. The doctor whish Hubert had just entered from 268 00:17:05.160 --> 00:17:09.039 the grass was reopened. At his bed. A fig glided 269 00:17:09.079 --> 00:17:12.279 past him. It was the younger from whom he had 270 00:17:12.319 --> 00:17:15.680 just parted in not to cordial a manner, she went 271 00:17:15.720 --> 00:17:19.240 straight to the lady, slipping her arm through hers. Mamma, 272 00:17:19.519 --> 00:17:23.000 mister Buxton has declined to acknowledge my acquaintance, as he 273 00:17:23.079 --> 00:17:25.920 declined to acknowledge yours. I think I can give you 274 00:17:26.000 --> 00:17:29.279 a sufficient reason for his doing so, if you will 275 00:17:29.319 --> 00:17:33.240 come with me, dear mother, heurty murmured the elder woman, 276 00:17:33.599 --> 00:17:37.400 still plainly at a loss come, said the girl. They went, 277 00:17:37.720 --> 00:17:41.880 leaving Hubert to stare, well, I've gone one better, that's 278 00:17:41.920 --> 00:17:45.920 missus Danvers. I presume so I've contrived inside the mother 279 00:17:46.039 --> 00:17:50.039 and the daughter too. Cecil will shower blessings on my head? 280 00:17:50.440 --> 00:17:53.880 Who can that injure be? As he was about to 281 00:17:53.880 --> 00:17:57.519 follow the ladies along the corridor, some one touched him 282 00:17:57.559 --> 00:18:01.079 on the arm. Turning, he saw that in a black 283 00:18:01.240 --> 00:18:05.480 frockcoat stood at his side. What were you saying to 284 00:18:05.559 --> 00:18:09.519 those ladies? This person asked, what the deals is dead 285 00:18:09.519 --> 00:18:12.079 to do with you? And who the devil are you? 286 00:18:12.400 --> 00:18:14.480 It has this to do with me that I am 287 00:18:14.519 --> 00:18:17.680 the manager of this hotel, and that it is sufficiently 288 00:18:17.720 --> 00:18:22.279 obvious that your presence is objectionable to those ladies. Moreover, 289 00:18:22.599 --> 00:18:27.160 under assisting circumstances, it is objectional to me. It is 290 00:18:27.279 --> 00:18:30.039 the rule of this hotel. The accounts are paid weekly. 291 00:18:30.599 --> 00:18:32.799 You have been here more than three weeks, and your 292 00:18:32.839 --> 00:18:37.240 first fixed bill is yet unpaid. You have made saundry promises, 293 00:18:37.519 --> 00:18:40.200 but you have not kept them. I don't mesh to 294 00:18:40.240 --> 00:18:43.920 have any unpleasaners with you, sir, but I regret that 295 00:18:44.039 --> 00:18:47.079 I am unable to accommodate you with obey in this 296 00:18:47.200 --> 00:18:51.119 hotel to night you went for a trifle while he 297 00:18:51.400 --> 00:18:54.240 was capable of the feeling. Now and then a stable 298 00:18:54.319 --> 00:18:58.039 advancing in one direction. Two gentlemen are tall and a short, 299 00:18:58.079 --> 00:19:00.680 one word ad one thing towards them in the other. 300 00:19:01.599 --> 00:19:05.160 They were coming to close quarters. Hibbert was conscious that 301 00:19:05.200 --> 00:19:09.440 the manager's outspoken observations could not be altogether inaudible to 302 00:19:09.480 --> 00:19:12.599 the approaching strangers, so he rode as high a horse 303 00:19:12.680 --> 00:19:16.960 as he conveniently could, as boy Bill, I will see 304 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:20.079 it hang first. As for your insolence, I will report 305 00:19:20.119 --> 00:19:23.440 it to your employers. As for myself, I shall only 306 00:19:23.519 --> 00:19:26.599 be too glad to go. At once, one of the 307 00:19:26.680 --> 00:19:31.200 approaching strangers, the tall one, suddenly standing still, placed himself 308 00:19:31.240 --> 00:19:33.720 in front of Hubert in such a way as the 309 00:19:33.759 --> 00:19:37.519 bar his progress. With the finger tips of his right hand, 310 00:19:37.839 --> 00:19:41.440 he tapped him lightly on the chest. Not just at once, 311 00:19:41.599 --> 00:19:44.839 dear Buxton, Not just at once, not before you have 312 00:19:45.000 --> 00:19:48.400 said a few words to me and to me, said 313 00:19:48.400 --> 00:19:52.480 the shopman, who stood beside his taller companion. He would 314 00:19:52.559 --> 00:19:55.680 look from one to the other and pray, who may 315 00:19:55.720 --> 00:19:59.359 you be? He inquired. You do not know me, asked 316 00:19:59.359 --> 00:20:03.640 the big stranger, Nor me, echoed the little one. But 317 00:20:03.759 --> 00:20:06.880 it does not matter. Perhaps you have a bad memory, 318 00:20:06.960 --> 00:20:10.759 my dear Buxton. The big Man's manner was affable. He 319 00:20:10.839 --> 00:20:14.559 turned to the manager. You must excuse us for one moment. 320 00:20:15.079 --> 00:20:18.160 We have just a word to say to our friend Buxton. 321 00:20:18.720 --> 00:20:22.599 Here is our little private sitting room, most convenient, just 322 00:20:22.680 --> 00:20:27.559 a word. Before Hubert had altogether realized the situation, the 323 00:20:27.599 --> 00:20:30.279 big Man had trust his arm through his and drawn 324 00:20:30.400 --> 00:20:33.759 him into a sitting room which opened off the corridor 325 00:20:33.839 --> 00:20:36.680 from the left. When they were in, the big Man 326 00:20:36.759 --> 00:20:39.799 locked the door. He not only locked the door, but 327 00:20:39.880 --> 00:20:44.680 in an ostentatious manner, he pocketed the key and of 328 00:20:44.920 --> 00:20:55.359 Chapter two of Twins, Chapter ten of Amusements Only. This 329 00:20:55.440 --> 00:20:59.000 is a liverywox recording. All liverwox recordings are in the 330 00:20:59.039 --> 00:21:03.559 public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit 331 00:21:03.640 --> 00:21:08.920 liberfox dot org. Recording by Carmen h. Amusement Only by 332 00:21:09.119 --> 00:21:14.440 Richard marsh Twin's Chapter three, The unfortunate result of being 333 00:21:14.480 --> 00:21:19.279 a Twin. No, mister Buxton, you don't know me nor me. 334 00:21:20.240 --> 00:21:24.119 The largest stranger stood against the door. The lesser one, 335 00:21:24.160 --> 00:21:27.680 who appeared to be acting as echo, leaned against a table. 336 00:21:28.319 --> 00:21:32.319 He began, with a slightly overacted air of carelessness to 337 00:21:32.440 --> 00:21:36.039 roll a cigarette. There was something about this little man 338 00:21:36.359 --> 00:21:39.759 which Hubert did not like at all. It was a short, 339 00:21:40.119 --> 00:21:46.039 wiry individual, with long, straight black hair, hollow sollow shaven cheeks, 340 00:21:46.200 --> 00:21:49.720 high projecting cheek bones, and a pair of small black 341 00:21:49.759 --> 00:21:53.079 eyes which he had a trick of screwing up until 342 00:21:53.119 --> 00:21:57.200 only the pupils could be seen. His personal attractions were 343 00:21:57.200 --> 00:22:01.279 not enhanced by huge mod which occupied a conspicuous place 344 00:22:01.319 --> 00:22:04.039 in the middle of his left cheek. But if he 345 00:22:04.279 --> 00:22:07.200 liked the appearance of the small man later, it was 346 00:22:07.279 --> 00:22:09.960 not because he liked the appearance of the tall man. More. 347 00:22:10.599 --> 00:22:14.960 This was a great hawking fellow, with standing whiskers and moustache, 348 00:22:15.240 --> 00:22:18.720 and a manner which, in spite of its greasy insinuation, 349 00:22:19.359 --> 00:22:24.599 Hubert felt was distinctly threatening. Is it really possible, mister Buxton, 350 00:22:24.960 --> 00:22:28.000 that I have had the misfortune to escape your memory 351 00:22:28.640 --> 00:22:32.680 and me Ghilbert glanced from one to the other that 352 00:22:32.839 --> 00:22:36.480 the litter man was a foreigner, probably an Italian. He 353 00:22:36.559 --> 00:22:39.880 made up his mind at once as to the nationality 354 00:22:40.000 --> 00:22:43.119 of the big man. He was not so sure. He 355 00:22:43.279 --> 00:22:46.319 had had dealings with some strange people in his time, 356 00:22:46.720 --> 00:22:49.880 both at home and abroad, but he could not recollect 357 00:22:50.000 --> 00:22:54.359 encountering either of this gentleman before. I do not remember 358 00:22:54.480 --> 00:22:58.400 having ever seen either of you. Oh, you do not remember. 359 00:22:59.079 --> 00:23:01.880 The big man came a step nearer. You do not 360 00:23:02.079 --> 00:23:05.039 remember that pleasant evening in that little room at Niece. 361 00:23:05.799 --> 00:23:09.200 You do not remember slapping my face, quickly exclaimed the 362 00:23:09.240 --> 00:23:13.519 little man, suddenly slapping his own right cheek with startling vigor. 363 00:23:14.440 --> 00:23:17.279 You do not remember accusing me of treating you at cards. 364 00:23:18.039 --> 00:23:20.960 You do not remember placing an instant on me, on me, 365 00:23:21.519 --> 00:23:26.039 on me, or at once abandoning the process of manufacturing 366 00:23:26.079 --> 00:23:29.480 his cigarette, the little man came and placed himself in 367 00:23:29.599 --> 00:23:35.079 even uncomfortable proximity to Hubert's person. My friend, my cheek 368 00:23:35.119 --> 00:23:38.640 is burning to this wordy other. Hubert did not like 369 00:23:38.680 --> 00:23:41.400 the look of things at all. He was sure he 370 00:23:41.480 --> 00:23:46.160 had never seen this man before. I understand position exactly. 371 00:23:46.759 --> 00:23:50.000 You are doing what people constantly are doing. You are 372 00:23:50.079 --> 00:23:54.000 mistaking me for my brother, mistaking you for your brother. 373 00:23:54.480 --> 00:23:58.119 I am mistaking you for your brother. And me, cried 374 00:23:58.160 --> 00:24:02.720 the litter man against, saluting his own cheeks. Smartly, you liar. 375 00:24:03.640 --> 00:24:07.359 The big Man's manner was insulting you, but felt he 376 00:24:07.440 --> 00:24:11.359 must resent it. How dare you? But the sentiment died 377 00:24:11.400 --> 00:24:13.920 down into his boots as the big man came at 378 00:24:14.000 --> 00:24:17.640 him with a sudden ferocity, which seemed to cost the 379 00:24:17.680 --> 00:24:21.519 beating off his heart to cease. How dare I you 380 00:24:21.680 --> 00:24:24.559 dare to speak a word to me? Liar, I will 381 00:24:24.640 --> 00:24:28.480 kill you where you stand. As for me, remarked the 382 00:24:28.519 --> 00:24:33.279 shopman avitably, I have this, and this from one recess 383 00:24:33.400 --> 00:24:37.359 in his clothing. He took a revolver from another, a long, 384 00:24:37.400 --> 00:24:42.079 glittering and businesslike, if elegant knife. All these years I 385 00:24:42.160 --> 00:24:44.440 have not been able to make up my mind if 386 00:24:44.480 --> 00:24:47.559 I will shoot you like a dog or stickular a pig, 387 00:24:47.920 --> 00:24:53.599 which you are, gentlemen, exclaimed Hubert, with surprising manners. I 388 00:24:53.720 --> 00:24:57.960 assure you you are under a misapprehension. The likeness between 389 00:24:58.000 --> 00:25:01.240 my brother and myself is so striking, But our most 390 00:25:01.279 --> 00:25:05.119 intimate friends mistake one for the other. For whom then 391 00:25:05.319 --> 00:25:08.000 did my sister mistake you? This morning and to night? 392 00:25:08.720 --> 00:25:12.960 A light flash upon Hubert's brain. You mean angel? You 393 00:25:13.039 --> 00:25:17.440 call her angel? He calls her anger, I hear, observed 394 00:25:17.440 --> 00:25:21.079 the little man. If you will allow me to explain. 395 00:25:21.880 --> 00:25:25.079 The big man made a gesture of refusal, but the 396 00:25:25.119 --> 00:25:28.519 little man caught him by the arm. Let the liar speak, 397 00:25:28.799 --> 00:25:33.240 he said, the big man, acting on his friend's advice letter, 398 00:25:33.640 --> 00:25:37.319 that is, he let Hibbert speak a wailing himself of 399 00:25:37.480 --> 00:25:42.000 the courteously offered permission. Hilbert did his best make things clear. 400 00:25:42.680 --> 00:25:45.079 I am not as I would have told you before, 401 00:25:45.160 --> 00:25:47.880