Mr Kurtcould not understand or recognise qualities
that were outside materialinfluences.
He held in his hands a sheaf of notes;Richard
watched it getting smaller.
But his father, settling himself for a nap, called
formore.
Oh, if you are going in to Nice early, its no use
my being in tolunch. That depends upon how much you see of him.
Youll find paper and pens in the smoking-room, his
father answered,but made no further comment. The train must have been atleast an
hour and a half behind time.
Do you think its pleasant for me to talk to you in
this way?
He enjoyed the next two hours chatting with Olivia,
who gave himaccounts of her school in Dresden. I dont like you to be out of pocket,
Richard, in coming to see me andyour sisters.
The thing began last winter, while mother was so
ill. Olivia kissed her father as he handed a louis to the Italian
driver.
Certainly, my boy, Mr Kurt replied, with unusual
geniality.
He went over to the table just as Mr Kurt handed
the croupier a handfulof gold. Mr Kurt finished his breakfast quickly and went to
his writing-table;this was an unalterable habit. Richards bedroom window looked on
to the terrace and beyond it to thesea. He went andsat down by Olivia and conversed
with her in low tones.
There should be an answer to his telegram on his
return to the villa. Nevertheless he answered haphazard:Oh yes, about
half-an-hour.
Adas maid was removing her dress as she stood
yawning in front of theglass. Its nearly dinner-time; youd better hurry up and
dress.