The Stronger Influence — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
The Stronger Influence
John Stuart Mill · en
"There is a dignity about monuments which is soothing. My former
remarks were ill-considered. You might do worse than walk among
memories. Try the Zuurberg again, and tell me what you feel in respect
to resuscitated emotions. I would suggest that you came up here, but it
is a long journey and too hot for the time of the year."
Clearly he did not want her to join him. That thought wounded her. It
had been in her mind when she told him of her indecision that he might
propose meeting somewhere; that he made no such proposal seemed to prove
that he did not desire to see her. She felt vexed with herself for
having mentioned the subject to him. Once again the feeling of having
been snubbed by this man tormented her. In the old days it had caused
her indignation, but now it hurt.
The question of her holiday became a matter for debate in her mind. She
no longer desired to go to the Zuurberg; but the fear that he might read
in a change of plan her reason for deciding against it stiffened her
resolve to do what she did not want to do. The Zuurberg had not lost
its attraction for her; but it would be, she knew, haunted with
memories, where the ghosts of old pleasures would meet her at every
turn.
Fear of these ghosts prompted her to suggest taking the children with
her, a proposal which led to a wordy discussion as to ways and means.
Their father did not consider change necessary for them. Rose disputed
this; she wished them to go.
"Other people's children go away," she insisted finally on a softer
note. "If we can't afford a holiday for ourselves we ought to let them
have one. I think we might manage it, Jim, don't you?"
This direct appeal from her, to which he was unaccustomed, took him
aback. He was indeed surprised into acquiescing. In the end he spoke
as if it had been his wish all along. Later, when he left the room,
Rose looked across at her sister and smiled quietly.
"That was accomplished through the exercise of a little of the tact you
advocate," she said.
"It's worth it, don't you think?" Esme returned, and laughed. "All he
needs is management."
"Most men, I suppose, need that. You can't drive them in the direction
you wish, but if you can make them believe it's the way they want to go,
they start off at the gallop. Funny animals, aren't they?"
"Some of them are rather nice," Esme ventured.