Page:The Other House (London, William Heinemann, 1896), Volume 2.djvu/80

66 "No, no," she replied, promptly but gently; "there's an inquiry it seems to me I've a right to make of you before I admit yours to make any at all." She looked at him as if to give him time either to assent or to object; but he only sat rather stiffly back and let her see how fine and firm the added years had hammered him. "What are you really here for? Has it anything to do with me?"

Dennis remained profoundly grave. "I didn't know you were here—I had no reason to," he at last replied.

"Then you simply desired the pleasure of renewing your acquaintance with Mrs. Beever?"

"I came to ask her about you."

"How beautiful of you!"—and Rose's tone, untinged with irony, rang out as clear as the impulse it praised. "Fancy your caring!" she added; after which she continued: "As I understand you, then, you've had your chance, you've talked with her?"

"A very short time. I put her a question or two."

"I won't ask you what they were," said Rose, "I'll only say that, since I happen to be here, it may be a comfort to you not to have to content