Part 49 (2/2)
But the Trents would never believe it, though Mr. Ross saw Mrs. Trent herself, and told her exactly what had happened. And I daresay ... they are quite justified.”
”And how many times have you seen him since?”
”Never till the other day, when he nearly ran over William.”
”And how long ago is it since all this happened?”
”Nearly six years.”
”Don't you think it's about time you put it all out of your mind?”
”I had put it out of my mind ... till ... you came.”
”It didn't make any difference to me.”
”I shall never forget that,” Meg said, so low that the rattle of the train wholly drowned her remark, but it couldn't conceal her smile.
Miles lost his head. He kneeled down plump on the floor of that compartment and took her in his arms and kissed her.
”All the same, I don't believe I can marry you,” she said later.
”Why on earth not?”
”Because I don't think I'm a suitable wife for you.”
”Surely I'm the best judge of that.”
”No, you're not a judge at all. You think you're in love with me....”
”I'm hanged if I do--I _know_.”
”Because you're sorry for me----”
”On the contrary, I'm sorry for myself. I think you're a hard-hearted ... obstinate ... little....”
Mr. With.e.l.ls would have been scandalised at the conduct of Miles. He would undoubtedly have described it as both ”insanitary and improper.”
”Oh, please listen!” Meg gasped. ”Perhaps a long time hence ... if you're still of the same mind....”
”Anyway, may I tell people?”
”Not a soul. I won't have my Jan worried just now. I've undertaken those children ... and she's having a bad time with that brother-in-law----”
”I say, Meg, what is it about that chap Tancred? I can't stick him....
Is he a bad egg, or what?”
”He is....”
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