Page:The Story of the Gadsbys - Kipling (1888).djvu/36

 —I didn't know

—It really was.

—Anything about it, I mean.

—What has upset you today? All these days? You haven't been near me for four whole days—nearly one hundred hours. Was it kind of you, Pip? And I've been looking forward so much to your coming.

—Have you?

—You know I have! I've been as foolish as a school-girl about it. I made a little calendar and put it in my card-case, and every time the twelve o'clock gun went off I scratched out a square and said: "That brings me nearer to Pip. My Pip!"

(with an uneasy laugh).—What will Mackler think if you neglect him so?

—And it hasn't brought you nearer. You seem farther away than ever. Are you sulking about something? I know your temper.

—No.

—Have I grown old in the last few months, then? (Reaches forward to bank of flowers for menu-card.)

.—Allow me. (Hands menu-card. Mrs. H. keeps her arm at full stretch for three seconds.)

(To partner)—Oh, thanks. I didn't see. (Turns right again.) Is anything in me changed at all?

—For Goodness's sake go on with your dinner! You must eat something. Try one of those cutlet arrangements. (Aside.) And I fancied she had good shoulders, once upon a time! What an ass a man can make of himself!

(helping herself to a paper frill, seven peas, some stamped carrots and a spoonful of gravy).—That isn't an answer. Tell me whether I have done anything.

(aside.)—If it isn't ended here there will be a ghastly scene somewhere else. If only I'd written to her and stood the racket—at long range! (To butler.) Yes, Champagne. (Aloud.) I'll tell you later on.