The Awakening and Selected Short Stories - Page 14/161

Mrs. Pontellier had brought her sketching materials, which she sometimes

dabbled with in an unprofessional way. She liked the dabbling. She felt

in it satisfaction of a kind which no other employment afforded her.

She had long wished to try herself on Madame Ratignolle. Never had that

lady seemed a more tempting subject than at that moment, seated there

like some sensuous Madonna, with the gleam of the fading day enriching

her splendid color.

Robert crossed over and seated himself upon the step below Mrs.

Pontellier, that he might watch her work. She handled her brushes with

a certain ease and freedom which came, not from long and close

acquaintance with them, but from a natural aptitude. Robert followed her

work with close attention, giving forth little ejaculatory expressions

of appreciation in French, which he addressed to Madame Ratignolle.

"Mais ce n'est pas mal! Elle s'y connait, elle a de la force, oui."

During his oblivious attention he once quietly rested his head against

Mrs. Pontellier's arm. As gently she repulsed him. Once again he

repeated the offense. She could not but believe it to be thoughtlessness

on his part; yet that was no reason she should submit to it. She did not

remonstrate, except again to repulse him quietly but firmly. He

offered no apology. The picture completed bore no resemblance to Madame

Ratignolle. She was greatly disappointed to find that it did not look

like her. But it was a fair enough piece of work, and in many respects

satisfying.

Mrs. Pontellier evidently did not think so. After surveying the sketch

critically she drew a broad smudge of paint across its surface, and

crumpled the paper between her hands.

The youngsters came tumbling up the steps, the quadroon following at the

respectful distance which they required her to observe. Mrs. Pontellier

made them carry her paints and things into the house. She sought to

detain them for a little talk and some pleasantry. But they were greatly

in earnest. They had only come to investigate the contents of the bonbon

box. They accepted without murmuring what she chose to give them, each

holding out two chubby hands scoop-like, in the vain hope that they

might be filled; and then away they went.

The sun was low in the west, and the breeze soft and languorous that

came up from the south, charged with the seductive odor of the sea.

Children freshly befurbelowed, were gathering for their games under the

oaks. Their voices were high and penetrating.

Madame Ratignolle folded her sewing, placing thimble, scissors, and

thread all neatly together in the roll, which she pinned securely. She

complained of faintness. Mrs. Pontellier flew for the cologne water and

a fan. She bathed Madame Ratignolle's face with cologne, while Robert

plied the fan with unnecessary vigor.