Page:Anthony Hope - The Dolly Dialogues.djvu/59

 'Look in the glass.'

'What for?'

'To see your face, to be sure.'

She started, blushed red, and moved a step towards me.

'You don't mean?' she cried.

'Thou art the woman,' said I.

'Oh, but he never said a word'

'Johnny had his code,' said I. 'And in some ways it was better than some people's—in some, alas! worse.'

'And Hilary?'

'Really you know better than I do whether I've told the truth about Hilary.'

A pause ensued. Then Mrs. Hilary made three short remarks, which I give in their order:

(1) 'The little wretch!' (2) 'Dear old Hilary!' (3) 'Poor little man!'

I took my hat. I knew that Hilary was due from the City in a few minutes. Mrs. Hilary sat down by the fire.

'How dare you torment me so?' she asked but not in the least like Lady Macbeth.

'I must have my little amusements,' said I.

'What an audacious little creature!' said Mrs. Hilary. 'Fancy his daring! Aren't you astounded?'

'Oh, yes, I am. But, Hilary, you see'

'It's nearly his time,' said Mrs. Hilary.

I buttoned my left glove and held out my right hand.