Part 25 (2/2)
She smiled down at him, pausing a moment before she answered. ”You seem quite sure that there will be a complete break-up,” she said.
He looked hard at her; she smiled steadily. ”Well, I know that Vivien won't be here,” he said.
”Oh, I know that much too, Mr. Harry. But I suppose her father will.”
”I suppose that too. Which leaves only one of the party unaccounted for.”
”Yes, only one of us unaccounted for.”
”One that may be Miss Wellgood's companion, but could hardly be Mr.
Wellgood's. He can scarcely claim the privileges of old age yet.”
”You think I ought to be looking out for another situation? But supposing--merely supposing--Mr. Wellgood didn't agree?”
Harry flung his cigar into the grate. ”Do you mean--?” he said slowly.
She gave a little laugh. He laughed too, rather uneasily. ”I say, you can't mean--?”
”Can't I? Well, I only said 'supposing.' And I think you chaffed me about it yourself once. You forget what you say to women, Mr. Harry.”
”Should you like it?”
”Beggars mustn't be choosers. We can't all be as lucky as Vivien!”
”Was I serious? No--I mean--are you? Wellgood!”
”Why shouldn't I be? Or why shouldn't Mr. Wellgood? It seems absurd?”
”Not in Wellgood, anyhow.”
”Beggars mustn't be choosers.”
”You a beggar! Why, you're--”
”What am I?”
”Shall I break the rules?”
She gave him a long look before answering. ”No, don't.” Her voice shook a little, her composure was less perfect.
Harry was no novice; the break in the voice did not escape him. He marked it with a thrill of triumph; it told him that she was not merely playing with him; he was holding his own, he had his power. The fight was equal. He rose to his feet and stood facing her, both of them by the mantelpiece.
”I don't want you to say anything about this to Vivien, because it's not definite yet. If the opportunity were offered to me, don't you think I should be wise to accept?”
”Are you in love with him?” He looked in her eyes. ”No, you can't be!”
”Your standard of romance is so high. I like him--and perhaps I don't like looking out for another situation.” Her tone was lighter; she seemed mistress of herself again. But Harry had not forgotten the break in her voice.
”Have you considered that this arrangement--”
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