think she hadn't seen Richard since their quarrel the day before. He
came in with the gravity of an ambassador, and I'm sure that when he
made his demande en mariage his manner wasn't more respectful. He only
wanted white gloves!" said Longmore's friend. "My belle-soeur sat silent
a few moments, drawing her stitches, and then without a word, without a
glance, walked out of the room. It was just what she SHOULD have done!"

"Yes," the young man repeated, "it was just what she should have done."

"And I, left alone with my brother, do you know what I said?"

Longmore shook his head.

"Mauvals sujet!" he suggested.

"'You've done me the honour,' I said, 'to take this step in my presence.
I don't pretend to qualify it. You know what you're about, and it's your
own affair. But you may confide in my discretion.' Do you think he has
had reason to complain of it?" She received no answer; her visitor had
slowly averted himself; he passed his gloves mechanically round the
band of his hat. "I hope," she cried, "you're not going to start for
Brussels!"

Plainly he was much disturbed, and Madame Clairin might congratulate
herself on the success of her plea for old-fashioned manners. And yet
there was something that left her more puzzled than satisfied in the
colourless tone with which he answered, "No, I shall remain here for
the present." The processes of his mind were unsociably private, and she
could have fancied for a moment that he was linked with their difficult
friend in some monstrous conspiracy of asceticism.

"Come this evening," she nevertheless bravely resumed. "The rest will
take care of itself. Meanwhile I shall take the liberty of telling my
sister-in-law that I've repeated--in short, that I've put you au fait"

He had a start but he controlled himself, speaking quietly enough. "Tell
her what you please. Nothing you can tell her will affect her conduct."

"Voyons! Do you mean to tell me that a woman young, pretty, sentimental,
neglected, wronged if you will--? I see you don't believe it. Believe
simply in your own opportunity!" she went on. "But for heaven's sake, if
it is to lead anywhere, don't come back with that visage de croquemort.
You look as if you were going to bury your heart--not to offer it to a
pretty woman. You're much better when you smile--you're very nice then.
Come, do yourself justice."

He remained a moment face to face with her, but his expression didn't
change. "I shall do myself justic