Page:The Tragic Muse (London & New York, Macmillan & Co., 1890), Volume 2.djvu/14

6 a few feet square on purpose to meditate. She had nothing to meditate about which required so much attitude.

"On the contrary, it would be just to change the pose. It's what we have been doing for a week that's attitude; and to be for half an hour where nobody's looking and one hasn't to keep it up is just what I wanted to put in an idle, irresponsible day for. I am not keeping it up now—I suppose you've noticed," Nick went on, as they floated and he scarcely dipped the oars.

"I don't understand you," said Mrs. Dallow, leaning back in the boat.

Nick gave no further explanation than to ask in a minute: "Have you people to dinner to-night?"

"I believe there are three or four, but I'll put them off if you like."

"Must you always live in public, Julia?" Nick continued.

She looked at him a moment, and he could see that she coloured slightly. "We'll go home—I'll put them off."

"Ah no, don't go. home; it's too jolly here. Let them come—let them come, poor wretches!"

"How little you know me, when, ever so many times, I have lived here for months without a creature."

"Except Mrs. Gresham, I suppose."

"I have had to have the house going, I admit."

"You are perfect, you are admirable, and I don't criticize you."

"I don't understand you!" she tossed back.

"That only adds to the generosity of what you have done for me," Nick returned, beginning to pull faster. He bent