Page:The woman, the man, and the monster (IA womanmanmonster00dawe).pdf/279

 Again Brenton’s lips curled scornfully, though this time the scorn suggested an underthought of amusement.

“No; she would choose the wrong instinctively. My obvious and imperative duty is to bring her back to reason.”

“By what means? In these days the task of forcing a woman is not easy. You have had some experience of that.”

“And learnt by experience. Really, Vermont, I seem to be treating you with quite unnecessary consideration. Singular, too, how a man obstinately refuses to accept grace. But time flies.” Indeed, the sun was already throwing a long black shadow of the house across the grass. “You will admit that I have listened to you with some degree of patience. Now, if you have no objection, having given the lady some time to think, we will see if she is more amenable to reason.”

Vermont was still for barring his progress, but a sudden wild hope sprang to life within him. Andromeda was a woman of resource, imagination, courage. Had she made good the opportunity? He stood aside with a low bow and an anxious beating of the heart. Bren-