Page:The Other House (London, William Heinemann, 1896), Volume 2.djvu/94

80 And then to Jean, to take leave of her: "I'm staying at the other house."

"Really? Mr. Bream didn't tell me. But I must never drive you away. You've more to say to Miss Armiger than I have. I've only come to get Effie," Jean repeated.

Dennis at this, brushing off his recovered hat, gave way to his thin laugh. "That apparently may take you some time!"

Rose generously helped him off. "I've more to say to Miss Martle than I've now to say to you. I think that what I've already said to you is quite enough.

"Thanks, thanks—quite enough. I'll just go over."

"You won't go first to Mrs. Beever?"

"Not yet—I'll come in this evening. Thanks, thanks!" Dennis repeated with a sudden dramatic gaiety that was presumably intended to preserve appearances—to acknowledge Rose's aid and, in a spirit of reciprocity, cover any exposure she might herself have incurred. Raising his hat, he passed down the slope and disappeared, leaving our young ladies face to face.