Page:The Other House (London, William Heinemann, 1896), Volume 2.djvu/204

190 "I think I've no idea but to talk with her of Effie."

Paul visibly wondered. "As dangerously ill? That's all she knows."

Tony considered an instant. "Yes, then—as dangerously ill. Whatever she's prepared for."

"But what are you prepared for? You're not afraid?" Paul hesitated.

"Afraid of what?"

"Of suspicions—importunities; her making some noise."

Tony slowly shook his head. "I don't think," he said very gravely, "that I'm afraid of poor Gorham."

Paul looked as if he felt that his warning half failed. "Every one else is. She's tremendously devoted."

"Yes—that's what I mean."

Paul sounded him a moment. "You mean to you?"

The irony was so indulgent—and all irony on this young man's part was so rare—that Tony was to be excused for not perceiving it. "She'll do anything. We're the best of friends."