Page:Literary Landmarks of Oxford.djvu/83

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
57

men known as the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, who were then beginning to do and to talk, and to get themselves talked about. He was back in Oxford in 1893, taking up his abode at No. 64 St. Giles Street, near Pusey House, and nearly opposite St. John's College; and here, during the next year, he died. He lies in the Cemetery of the Holy Cross, commonly known, in Oxford, as Holywell Cemetery.

For many years, however, Pater's real home in Oxford was in his rooms at Brazenose. He is described as disliking the society of strangers; as hating all unnecessary noise and all extravagance of any kind; as loving to surround himself with beautiful things, caring nothing for their association or for their money-value, only for their beauty. He is said to have been simple in manner, and to have had a sense of fun, which was as playful as that of a child.

These Brazenose rooms of Pater's are still remembered as being on "No. Seven Staircase, Room Three." They look out on to Radcliffe Square, with slight views of All Souls and St. Mary's. They are more cheerful than are Heber's rooms; and Pater could almost have swung a kitten, if it were a small kitten, between his bed, his window, and his door.

Mr. Robert Filcher, the Scout of "Brazeface,"