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 audibly, distinctly, loudly, the spell of his apprehension seemed broken, and he went on bravely. "We are to be married very shortly. It has all come about within a few weeks. It will seem to you very strange—perhaps you won't like it. That's why I have hesitated to tell you."

Gordon turned pale; it was the first time Bernard had ever seen him do so; evidently he did not like it. He stood staring and frowning.

"Why, I thought—I thought," he began at last—"I thought that you disliked her!"

"I supposed so too," said Bernard. "But I have got over that."

Gordon turned away, looking up the great avenue, into the crowd. Then turning back—

"I am very much surprised," he said.

"And you are not pleased!"

Gordon fixed his eyes on the ground a moment.

"I congratulate you on your engagement," he said at last, looking up with a face that seemed to Bernard hard and unnatural.

"It is very good of you to say that, but of course you can't like it! I was sure you wouldn't like it. But what could I do? I fell in love with her, and I couldn't run away simply to spare you a surprise. My dear Gordon," Bernard added, "you will get used to it."

"Very likely," said Gordon drily. "But you must give me time."

"As long as you like!"

Gordon stood for a moment again staring down at the ground.

"Very well, then, I will take time," he said.

"Good-bye!"

And he turned away, as if to walk off alone.

"Where are you going?" asked Bernard, stopping him. 217