Francis Stevens

Name: Behind The Curtain
Author: Francis Stevens

Behind The Curtain (1918)

Summary

“Behind The Curtain”, published in 1918, is a work by Francis Stevens. It explores elements such as Beatrice, Ta-Nezem and Quentin.

Quotes from Behind The Curtain (Francis Stevens)

Francis Stevens, Behind The Curtain (1918)

“ Every one, they say, has a streak of incipient madness. I recalled the frenzied act to which my dream jealousy had driven me. Perhaps it was a warning, the dream. What if my father's jealous blood should some day betray me, drive me to the insane destruction of her I held most dear and sacred.
I shuddered, then smiled at the swaying curtain. Beatrice was too beautiful for safety. She should have her freedom.
Let her mate with Ralph Quentin or whom she would, Ta-Nezem must rest secure in her gilded house of death. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Francis Stevens, Behind The Curtain (1918)

“ Even here there was a draft so strong that a heavy velour curtain at the far side of the room continually rippled and billowed out, like a loose rose-colored sail. Never far enough, though, to show what was behind it.
My friend settled himself on the frail little chair that stood before my wife's dressing-table. It was the kind of chair that women love and most men loathe, but Quentin, for all his weight and stature, had a touch of the feminine about him, or perhaps of the feline. Like a cat, he moved delicately. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Francis Stevens, Behind The Curtain (1918)

“ So I poured myself another glass of that good Cordovan wine, and I raised it to both of them and drained it, laughing.
"Quentin," I cried, "you asked what door, though your thought was that you had passed that way before, and feared that I guessed your, knowledge. But there are doors and doors, dear, charming friend, and one that is heavier than any other. Close it if you can. Close it now in my face, who otherwise will follow even whither you have gone-the heavy, heavy door of the Osiris, Keeper of the House of Death!" ”

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Source: Wikisource

Francis Stevens, Behind The Curtain (1918)

“ I raised my glass in the toast he had forgotten.
"To our Beatrice," I said, and drained mine also, though with more appreciation.
"To Beatrice-of course." He looked at the bottom of his empty glass, then before I could offer to refill it, rose from his chair.
"I must go, old man. When you write to Bee, tell her I'm sorry to have missed her."
"Before she could receive a letter from me I shall be with her-I hope. How cold the house is tonight, and the wind breathes everywhere. See how the curtain blows, Quentin." ”

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Source: Wikisource

Francis Stevens, Behind The Curtain (1918)

“ Jealous of a woman dead and ugly so many thousand years! Or-but that was only in anger-that I had bought Ta-Nezem with what would have given her, Beatrice, all the pleasure she lacked in life. Oh, she was not too patient to reproach me, Quentin, but only in anger and hot blood.
"So I showed her the empty case, and I said, 'Beloved wife, never again need you be jealous of Ta-Nezem. All that is in this room save her and her belongings I have sold, but her I could not bear to sell. That which I love, no man else shall share or own. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Francis Stevens, Behind The Curtain (1918)

“ I added, "even to cross the room would be an effort. I am tired and weak tonight. As Beatrice once said, my strength beside yours is as a child's to that of a grown man. Won't you close that door for me, dear friend?"
"Why-yes, I will. I didn't know you were ill. If that's the case, you shouldn't be alone in this empty house. Shall I stay with you for a while?"
As he spoke he walked across the room. His hand was on the curtain, but before it could be drawn aside my voice checked him.
"Quentin," I said, "are even you quite strong enough to close that door?" ”

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Source: Wikisource

Francis Stevens, Behind The Curtain (1918)

“ I had to throw my weight upon the door to close it against the wind.
As he removed his hat and cloak he laughed good-humoredly.
"You're very cautious, Santallos. I thought you were about to demand a password before admitting me."
"It is well to be cautious," I retorted. "This house stands somewhat alone, and thieves are everywhere."
"It would require a thief of considerable muscle to make off with some of your treasures. That stone tomb-thing, for instance; what do you call it?"
"The Beni Hassan sarcophagus. Yes. But what of the gilded inner case, and what of the woman it contains? ”

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Source: Wikisource

Francis Stevens, Behind The Curtain (1918)

“ I observed, seating myself near by. "In fact, with a single exception-the Ta-Nezem sarcophagus-the entire lot is going to the dealers." Seeing his expression of astonished disbelief I continued: "The truth is, my dear Quentin, that J have been guilty of gross injustice to our Beatrice. I have been too good a collector and too neglectful a husband. My 'tear- jars and tombstones,' in fact, have enjoyed an attention that might better have been elsewhere bestowed. Yes, Beatrice has left me alone, but the instant that some few last affairs are settled I intend rejoining her. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Francis Stevens, Behind The Curtain (1918)

“ And you yourself are leaving. At least, none of us three will be left to miss the others' friendship."
"You are quite surprising tonight, Santallos. But, by Jove, I'm not sorry to hear any of it! It's not my place to criticize, and Bee's not the sort to complain. ”

Francis Stevens

Summary

Quotes from Behind The Curtain (Francis Stevens)

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