The Keepers of the People

698But one morning they were feeding the ducks, when there came a loud yelp of joy from Alrasch; and Althea, turning, saw him rushing towards another great brown dog, his brother Balas.

699“Ralph must be here!” cried Althea joyfully.

700Presently Ralph Falcon came swiftly round the corner of the bushes, and joined them. Althea met him with flushed face and shining eyes, saying, “How are you, Ralph? I am so glad to see some one from Quivern. How long have you been in Town?”

701“About ten days,” said Ralph Falcon, smiling down at her; and holding her little hand.

702“And you never came to see me?” said Althea, her face falling.

703“Your mother said I might not come to her house,” said Ralph Falcon.

704“It isn’t her house; and she isn’t my mother: I have disowned her. You may come and see me as often as you will,” said Althea quickly. “I wish you would,” she added wistfully.

705“I will,” said Ralph Falcon.

706“Let me introduce you,” said Althea, turning to the poet. “Mr. Morrel — Mr. Falcon.”

707They raised their hats, the poet looking at Ralph Falcon’s great bulk with unkindly eyes.

708“Mr. Morrel writes me beautiful poems,” said Althea.

709“You are a poet?” said Ralph Falcon, looking at him almost with interest.

710“Yes,” said Althea, drawing a set of verses from her pocket; “read this.”

711Ralph Falcon read it carefully, and said slowly, “It is beautiful; and you are a beautiful thing, little cousin. But I only understand songs of war and love. You are too young for love.”

712“Not to be loved,” said the poet quickly.

713“Perhaps,” said Ralph Falcon.

714“I suppose I am too young,” said Althea. “But how was Ruth, and how was George, when you came away from Quivern?”

715“They were well,” said Ralph Falcon, “They would have been in Town a fortnight ago, Ruth told me in a letter, only they have people staying with them,” said Althea. “They won’t come to Town for another week.”

716“Come and breakfast with me,” said Ralph Falcon.

717“I am not very nicely dressed to go out in the daytime,” said Althea doubtfully.

718Ralph Falcon looked at her, and said, “You have little need of beautiful clothes.”

719“Well, I will come, thank you,” said Althea.

720“And you, Mr. Morrel?” said Ralph Falcon.

721“Thank you, I’m afraid I cannot. I must get to my work,” said the poet, whose jealousy had been awakened by Althea’s delight at meeting this stranger.