“A regular star-gazer,” said Mrs. Bridges. “Tell us why the planets yonder all look so ghastly through the shimmering moonlight.”
Peck, without reply, turned and walked away.
“Is he offended?” she asked.
“No, he gives offence, but can not take it.”
Mrs. Bridges grew silent.
“We were speaking of Sappho,” observed Crane, again gliding into an elocutionary mood. “I have translated the fragment that I repeated a while ago. Let me give it to you.
“When on the dusky violet sky
The full flower of the moon blooms high
The stars turn pale and die!”
Just then Miss Moyne, dressed all in white, floated by on Peck’s arm, uttering a silvery gust of laughter in response to a cynical observation of the critic.
“What a lovely girl she is,” said Mrs. Bridges. “Mr. Peck shows fine critical acumen in being very fond of her.”