Page:The Other House (London, William Heinemann, 1896), Volume 2.djvu/22

8 don't think you need care either. Every one but she—from lots of observation—knows we're good friends, and it's because that's such a pleasant old story with us all that I feel as if I might frankly say to you what I have on my mind."

"About what Paul may have to say?"

"The first moment you let him."

Tony was going on when she broke in: "How long have you had it on your mind?"

He found himself, at her challenge, just a trifle embarrassed. "How long?"

"As it's only since Miss Armiger has told you that you've known there's anything in the air."

This inquiry gave Tony such pause that he met it first with a laugh and then with a counter-appeal. "You make me feel dreadfully dense! Do you mind my asking how long you yourself have known that what may be in the air is on the point of alighting?"

"Why, since Paul spoke to me."

"Just now—before you went to Bounds?" Tony wondered. "You were immediately sure that that's what he wants?"

"What else can he want? He doesn't want so