He would have to find that name, to brand the intolerable nuisance; to denounce it by it, when it appeared. Then he might look it in the face unflinchingly, when it told him to snub his memory for remembering so vividly the sunset-glow on his companion's face, that day they walked back from the Rectory. What a luxury it would be to give this phenomenon its proper place! As, for instance, Mental Astigmatism--something of that sort! The more syllables the better! Let him see!--didn't _aischune_ in Greek mean disgrace, or guilt? How would _pseudoeschynomorphism_ serve the turn? Long enough, anyhow, to convince a Grand Jury.... Well, it was this--no need to say the long name every time; at least, until the Jury should be empanelled!--that was galling the kibe of his mind at every chance thought of Judith Arkroyd that came into it. Why, in Heaven's name, should he not dwell with pleasure on her eyes, which were public property; on her lips, which he did not propose to interfere with; on the touch of her hand at parting, which, by-the-bye, had gone the round of the male units as the party broke up? He was not going to appropriate a larger share than Felixthorpe, for instance, whom he thought a very nice chap; or Brownrigg, for that matter! Or ... but no!--one must draw a line somewhere. Let Mr. Ramsey Tomes keep his fat hand to himself! At which point Pseudetcetera--(that would do for the present)--said aloud: "Come, Alfred Challis, what business have you with the word _desecration_ in your mind in connection with this part of the business?" He rebuked the phenomenon, giving it its name in full. He was no match for it, though; and it ended by scoring. "Should I be here at all," it said, "if Marianne were...?" He brushed the question aside, but his heart knew the end of it. Marianne wasn't.... However, it was all Pseudetcetera, anyhow! Judith Arkroyd was cultivating him from a purely selfish motive--this rather bitterly; and as for Marianne, was he not really glad to be back again, and wouldn't it be a pleasure to ... to present her with the hare and partridges, and facilitate the housekeeping? As to Miss Arkroyd's proposal to call, he did not know how it would be received. Perhaps he would have to tell Marianne that she really must be a sensible woman, and a Woman of the World. Anyhow--and he drifted into a self-interested channel with some sense of relief--it would never do to have what might be a golden prospect for his play thwarted. He had only imperfect means, so far, of guessing what Judith would sound like behind the footlights; but as to what she would _look_ like, that was a thing there could be _no_ misgiving about.... Why!--the horse was walking. Actually, Putney Hill! What a much better lot of four-wheelers had come on the streets lately! In a quarter of an hour he would be at home; and really very glad--honour bright!--to be back with Marianne. * * * * *