Demelza by Winston Graham Read Free Book Online Page A

in fornication an' drunkenness. Nay, there was the smell of sulphur 'pon me an' I was nigh to Hell. But the Lord showed me a great light and turned me to salvation, an' joy an' glory. But them as has not laid hold o' the blessing and is living in wickedness an' unrighteousness has no call or sanction to stand before the Lord to answer for a puking cheeil.'
    'I hope you find yourself rebuked, Francis,' said Ruth.
    Francis refused to be provoked.
    'For my part,' he said, eyeing Carne, 'I am a little perplexed at this sharp division of the sheep and the goats, though I know it is often done by people of your complexion. What is the hallmark of the change? Are we of different flesh, you and I, that death should bring you a golden crown and me a seat in Hell's cockpit? Who's to say that you are a better keeper of the brat's religion than I? I ask you that in genuine inquiry. You say you are saved. You say it. But what's to prove it? What is to hinder me from saying that I am Grand Vizier and Keeper of the Seven Seals? What is to prevent me from running round and announcing I am saved, mine is the Kingdom and yours the damnation: I'm going to Heaven, you go to Hell!'
    John Treneglos broke into a huge gust of laughter. Carne's fleshy dogmatic face was purpled up and spotty with anger.
    'Leave un be,' said Mrs Carne sharply, dragging at him again. 'Tis the Devil himself temptin' of ee to vain argument.'
    The christening guests, as if under the pull of a magnet, had all drawn in towards this noisy focal point.
    Ross came up behind the group.
    'The wind is rising,' he said. 'The ladies would be better indoors. Perhaps you would help Aunt Agatha, Francis?'
    He made a gesture towards the old lady who, with an ancient instinct for trouble, had left her window seat and was tottering unaided across the lawn.
    'Nay,' said Carne. 'I'll not be under the same roof wi' such evil thoughts.' He stared sharply at Ruth. 'Cover yer breast, woman, tis shameful an' sinful. Women ha' been whipped in the streets for less.'
    There was an awful pause.
    'Damn your insolence!' Ruth snapped back, flushing. 'If - if there's whipping to be done it's you that'll get it. John! Did you hear what he said!'
    Her husband, whose mind was not agile and, being set to see the funny side, had at first seen no further, now swallowed a guffaw.
    'You impudent splatty old pig!' he said. 'D'you know who you're speaking to? Make an apology to Mrs Treneglos at once, or, damme, I'll have your coat off your back!'
    Carne spat on the grass. 'If the truth do offend then it edn the truth that's at fault. Woman's place is to be clothed modest an' decent, not putting out, lures for men, shameless an' brazen. If she was my wife, by Jakes…'
    Ross stepped sharply between them and caught Treneglos's arm. For a moment he stared into the flushed angry face of his neighbour.
    'My dear John. A common brawl! With all these ladies present!'
    'Look to your own business, Ross! The fellow is insufferable…'
    'Leave him come,' said Carne. 'Tes two year since I was in the ring, but I've a mind to show 'im a trick or two. If the Lord…'
    'Come away, Tom,' said Mrs Carne. 'Come away, Tom.'
    'But it is my business, John,' said Ross, still staring at Treneglos. 'You are both my guests, never forget. And I couldn't permit you to strike my father-in-law.'
    There was a moment's stunned silence, as if, although they knew the truth, the mere statement of it had shocked and quieted them all.
    John tried to wrench his arm out of Ross's grip. He didn't succeed. His face got still pinker.
    'Naturally,' said Ruth, 'Ross would wish to support one who has connived at all his schemes all along.'
    'Naturally,' said Ross, releasing the arm, 'I would wish to be on agreeable terms with my neighbours, but not at the price of allowing a brawl before my front door. The ladies don't like torn shirts and bloody noses.' He looked at Ruth and at the little pink spots showing through her make-up. 'At least, some of 'em do