Page:The Other House (London, William Heinemann, 1896), Volume 2.djvu/28

14 in speaking for Wilverley at large. It takes the greatest interest in Paul, and I needn't at this time of day remind you of the interest it takes in yourself. But, I repeat, what I meant more particularly to utter was my own special confidence in your decision. Now that I'm fully enlightened it comes home to me that, as regards such a possibility as your taking your place here as a near neighbour and a permanent friend"—and Tony fixedly smiled—"why, I can only feel the liveliest suspense. I want to make thoroughly sure of you!"

Jean took this in as she had taken the rest; after which she simply said: "Then I think I ought to tell you that I shall not meet Paul in the way that what you're so good as to say seems to point to."

Tony had made many speeches, both in public and in private, and he had naturally been exposed to replies of the incisive no less than of the massive order. But no check of the current had ever made him throw back his head quite so far as this brief and placid announcement. "You'll not meet him?"

"I shall never marry him."