Page:The Princess Casamassima (London and New York, Macmillan & Co., 1886), Volume 3.djvu/181

 'Stop, stop—don't let us fight!' Hyacinth spoke in a tone of pleading weariness; she had never heard just that accent before.

Millicent considered a moment. 'I've a mind to play her false. She's a real lady, highly connected, and the best friend I have—I don't count men,' the girl interpolated, smiling—'and there isn't one in the world I'd do such a thing for but you.'

'No, keep your promise; don't play any one false,' said Hyacinth.

'Well, you are a gentleman!' Miss Henning murmured, with a sweetness that her voice occasionally took.

'Especially'—Hyacinth began; but he suddenly stopped.

'Especially what? Something impudent, I'll engage! Especially as you don't believe me?'

'Oh, no! Don't let's fight!' he repeated.

'Fight, my darling? I'd fight for you!' Miss Henning declared.

Hyacinth offered himself, after tea, the choice between a visit to Lady Aurora and a pilgrimage to Lisson Grove. He was in a little doubt about the former experiment, having an idea that her ladyship's family might have returned to Belgrave Square. He reflected, however, that he could not recognise that as a reason for not going to see her; his relations with her were not clandestine, and she had given him the kindest general invitation. If her august progenitors were at home she was probably at dinner with them; he would take that risk. He had taken it before, without disastrous results. He was determined not to spend the evening alone, and he would keep the Poupins as a more