Page:The Tragic Muse (London & New York, Macmillan & Co., 1890), Volume 2.djvu/50

42 only too well. She's so afraid of being a burden to me that she gives me my freedom till I've taken another year to think."

"I like the way you talk about other years!" Mr. Carteret exclaimed. "You had better do it while I'm here to bless you."

"She thinks I proposed to her because she got me in for Harsh," said Nick.

"Well, I'm sure it would be a very pretty return."

"Ah, she doesn't believe in me," Nick murmured.

"Then I don't believe in her."

"Don't say that—don't say that. She's a very rare creature. But she's proud, shy, suspicious."

"Suspicious of what?"

"Of everything. She thinks I'm not persistent."

"Persistent?"

"She can't believe I shall arrive at true eminence."

"A good wife should believe what her husband believes," said Mr. Carteret.

"Ah, unfortunately I don't believe it either."

Mr. Carteret looked serious. "Your dear father did."

"I think of that—I think of that," Nick replied. "Certainly it will help me. If I say we're engaged," he went on, "it's because I consider it so. She gives me my liberty, but I don't take it."

"Does she expect you to take back your word? "

"That's what I ask her. She never will. Therefore we're as good as tied."

"I don't like it," said Mr. Carteret, after a moment. "I