Susette; A Romance of Two Young People

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1913. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXVI A WREATH OF IMMORTELLES MY ludicrous associations with dress suits were renewed that night when I looked at myself in the glass. How and why dress suits became the orthodox garments of ceremony I did not know, nor had I the fantasy to work it out. They are essentially masculine clothes, and they make a man feel clean, refreshed and in order. And, as it is embarrassing in an artificial civilization not to feel in order, I suppose they make a man feel comfortable. Anyhow, I felt rather proud of myself. And Susette was rapturous. Turn round and again round. Algon, you are sweet--epatant, splendid. You must be dressed like that always. Eh bien, I go to your friend now, and I shall not like her. And I want to go with you. What are you going to do? I am going to renew acquaintance with my youth. Let me come. No, my dear, said I, this is my funeral. I do not understand. This is a party for two, said I. For myself and my own ghost. I am going to haunt the haunts I once haunted. I am going to see if I am still the same kind of fool I once was. I am going.... No, no! she cried. Too much words. I understand. Just as I go to the restaurants of my father, you go to the restaurants of yourself. As I used to be. That's true. Come now, are you ready? She pouted, then laughed. I am in all my prettiest clothes. Tell me, what is she like? As nice as me? You will see in a minute. You will not be very late? I shall be in when I choose. I am still young enough to look after myself. She came close to me, and putting a hand on my arm, looked up earnestly into my face. We do not talk of the big things, you and I. My dear, I answered, there are no words for the big things. But sometimes I wake in the night and wonder what you are t...