I know now that
she has not. Her corruption of body has led to worse than corruption
of mind, to corruption of will. Cuckoo Bright is as helpless as is a
seabird with a shot through its wings, upon the sea. She can only drift
in the present--die in the future."
The doctor listened silently. But Julian said again:
"Poor, poor Cuckoo!"
The exclamation seemed to irritate Valentine, for he caught up his cloak
and cried:
"Bah! Let's forget her. Doctor, we must say good-night. We are due at the
Prince's. It has been good to meet you again."
The last words sounded like the bitterest sarcasm.
CHAPTER IV
THE DEATH OF RIP
Although Dr. Levillier's visit to Victoria Street had been such a painful
one, he had no intention whatever of letting the two young men drift away
out of his acquaintance. He wanted especially to be with them in public
places, and to see for himself, if possible, whether Cuckoo's accusation
against Valentine were true. That a frightful change had taken place in
Julian's life, and that he was rapidly sinking in a slough of wholly
inordinate dissipation was clear enough. But did Valentine, this new,
strange Valentine, lead him, or merely go with him, or stand aloof
smiling at him and letting him take his own way like a foolish boy? That
question the doctor must decide for himself.
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