By William Samuel Lilly "Innocence, the sacred amulet 'Gainst all the poisons of infirmity, Of all misfortune, injury, and death: That makes a man in tune still in himself." George Chapman. JOHN LANE: THE BODLEY HEAD LONDON AND NEW YORK 1900 A YEAR OF LIFE STR CHAPTER I He was IR PHILIP SAVILE was giving a little dinner to three friends, and was particularly pleased with himself and his surroundings; as, indeed, he had some reason to be. a man approaching forty; tall, square-shouldered, with fair hair not yet thin on the temples, a golden-brown moustache, a bronzed skin, and a presence singularly attractive both to women and men. People declared it was his eyes that did it dark-blue eyes, with dark eyelashes, lazylooking as a rule, but now and then flashing frankly into you and taking you by storm. His rooms exhibited tokens of varied culture and of diverse tastes. Here were savage-looking spears and other weapons, trophies of travels in strange lands; there hung a sketch by Alma Tadema. On one table was a collection of rare Elzevir editions; on another, ancient Venetian glass. The walls were covered with old Aubusson tapestry. On the elaborately carved Chippendale sideboard glistened quaint Flemish silver. To the right of him sat his aunt, Mrs. Tremenheere, a pretty old lady, apparently well in the sixties; to the left, Lilian Liddell, a lovely YSTER FROM C. @ MAR 1938 |
