Page:The Siege of London, The Pension Beaurepas, and The Point of View (Boston, James R. Osgood & Co., 1883).djvu/48

38 "Possibly; but this is a new line, it would be different. An Englishman—that 's a new sensation."

"If I should marry, it would be a European," said Mrs. Headway calmly.

"Your chance is very good; they are all marrying Americans."

"He would have to be some one fine, the man I should marry now. I have a good deal to make up for! That's what I want to know about Sir Arthur; all this time you have n't told me."

"I have nothing in the world to tell—I have never heard of him. Has n't he told you himself?"

"Nothing at all; he is very modest. He does n't brag, nor make himself out anything great. That 's what I like him for: I think it 's in such good taste. I like good taste!" exclaimed Mrs. Headway. "But all this time," she added, "you have n't told me you would help me."

"How can I help you? I 'm no one, I have no power."

"You can help me by not preventing me. I want you to promise not to prevent me." She gave him her fixed, bright gaze again; her eyes seemed to look far into his.

"Good Lord, how could I prevent you?"

"I 'm not sure that you could. But you might try."

"I'm too indolent, and too stupid," said Littlemore jocosely.