Part 43 (1/2)
”Stolen?”
”Yes, you can see where the chain is snapped.”
”Can't we do something?”
”What's the use?”
”But it must be got back. If it isn't, I shall feel it's all my doing.”
”How can that be? Don't talk rot.”
”I talked you into giving money away, and--”
”If you say any more, I'll be very angry,” he interrupted. ”What's a watch!”
Although she made no further reference to the matter, she thought the more of the loss he had sustained, which was owing to the representations she had made upon his duty to the needy. His indifference to the theft of his property the more inclined her in his favour.
As they walked, he was full of kindly anxiety for her present and future welfare. His ardent sincerity filled her with self-reproaches, the while he continued to express concern for her well-being.
Presently, when they were pa.s.sing St George's Hospital, she said:
”I wish you wouldn't talk so much about myself.”
”It's so interesting,” he pleaded.
”Why not talk more about yourself?”
”Never mind me.”
”But I do. What on earth time will you get to bed?”
”Any time. It doesn't matter.”
”Won't you be tired in the morning?”
”I shouldn't notice. I should be thinking of you.”
”Nonsense; you'll be thinking about breakfast. Where do you sleep?”
”When I'm up like this, at a hotel in Jermyn Street.”
”Are you comfortable there?”
”I only sleep there. I breakfast at the club.”
”Where's that?”
”We pa.s.sed it on the way down.”
”How you must have wanted to get away! Your coat's undone.”