Page:The Awkward Age (New York, Harper and Brothers, 1899).djvu/239

BOOK FIFTH: THE DUCHESS "I'm afraid I can't promise—if you must regard my coming as a pledge."

Mr. Longdon thought on; then raising his eyes: "I don't quite see why you won't suffer me to tell you—"

"The detail of your intention? I do then. You've said quite enough. If my visit positively must commit me," Vanderbank pursued, "I'm afraid I can't come."

Mr. Longdon, who had passed into the corridor, gave a dry, sad little laugh. "Come then—as the ladies say—'as you are'!"

On which, rather softly closing the door, Vanderbank remained alone in the great empty, lighted billiard-room.