Yes, its a botany notebook, said Somers
coldly.
Suddenly Somers heardher call:Lovat, theyre here.
And then toSharpe, with a note of contempt: Thats what it is. And one is treated
like this, for nothing, cried Harriet, again intears.
She was down, dressed and tidy, making
thebreakfast.
She and her husband had been friends ofWilliam
Morris in those busy days of incipient Fabianism.
He wentback to the cottage to burn more manuscripts
and pack up. Be still, and let them do what they like, since theyvethe power to do
it.
So Somers and Harriet went to stay a week-end with
Sharpe at Trevenna,as the house was called.
I dont know, said John Thomas, but I feel in myself
as If it was allgoing to turn out for the best.
Not if I had committed all the crimes intheir
calendar.
Until he had made uphis mind to this, he felt
paralysed. And I will report myself no more at their police-stations. Poor Harriet
spent many lonely days in the cottage. And he looked with a bright Cornisheye at
Somers careless, belted figure and old jacket.
Only this time it was the lowestorders of mankind
spying on the upper orders, to drag them down. Past nine oclock as they came down
the rocky road and saw the yellowcurtain of the cottage glowing. Well, I wonder when
we shall see each other again, said the youngfarmer. They had none of the ethics of
chivalry or of love.
Poor, frail, tiny Hattie, receiving the Somers
intoher still, tiny old house.
She and her husband had been friends ofWilliam
Morris in those busy days of incipient Fabianism. Hewas an endless gossip, never by
any chance punctual. Away from the burden of intensive mental consciousness. And
Somers the instigator, the arch-spy, theresponsible little swine with his
beard.
So they talked, lying in the bracken or on
theheather as they waited for a wain. Harriet and Somers went back home on the
Monday.
Harriet curled herself up on thesofa with a
cigarette. The train was full: soldiers and sailors from Plymouth. Away from the
burden of intensive mental consciousness. I dont see how its possible, persisted
Sharpe. Then he asked: Who is responsible for this?
They did such horrible things to you,
theauthorities.
Youll have to put a curtain to it to-morrow, said
Somers to Sharpe. The train was full: soldiers and sailors from Plymouth.