Page:The Works of H G Wells Volume 7.pdf/221

 "It's a little surprising," began Jessie, vaguely.

"Think it over," said Mr. Hoopdriver. "I'm sorry from the bottom of my heart."

And then breakfast proceeded in silence. Jessie ate very little, and seemed lost in thought. Mr. Hoopdriver was so overcome by contrition and anxiety that he consumed an extraordinarily large breakfast out of pure nervousness, and ate his scrambled eggs for the most part with the spoon that belonged properly to the marmalade. His eyes were gloomily downcast. She glanced at him through her eyelashes. Once or twice she struggled with laughter, once or twice she seemed to be indignant.

"I don't know what to think," she said at last. "I don't know what to make of you—brother Chris. I thought, do you know? that you were perfectly honest. And somehow"

"Well?"

"I think so still."

"Honest—with all those lies!"

"I wonder."

"I don't," said Mr. Hoopdriver. "I'm fair ashamed of myself. But anyhow—I've stopped deceiving you."

"I thought," said the Young Lady in Grey, "that story of the lion"

"Lord!" said Mr. Hoopdriver. "Don't remind me of that."

"I thought, somehow, I felt, that the things you said didn't ring quite true." She suddenly broke out in laughter, at the expression of his face. "Of course you are honest," she said. "How could I ever