It has all come about within a few
weeks. It will seem to you very strange--perhaps you won't like it. That
's why I have hesitated to tell you."
Gordon turned pale; it was the first time Bernard had ever seen him do
so; evidently he did not like it. He stood staring and frowning.
"Why, I thought--I thought," he began at last--"I thought that you
disliked her!"
"I supposed so, too," said Bernard. "But I have got over that."
Gordon turned away, looking up the great avenue into the crowd. Then
turning back, he said--
"I am very much surprised."
"And you are not pleased!"
Gordon fixed his eyes on the ground a moment.
"I congratulate you on your engagement," he said at last, looking up
with a face that seemed to Bernard hard and unnatural.
"It is very good of you to say that, but of course you can't like it! I
was sure you would n't like it. But what could I do? I fell in love with
her, and I could n't run away simply to spare you a surprise. My dear
Gordon," Bernard added, "you will get used to it."
"Very likely," said Gordon, dryly. "But you must give me time."
"As long as you like!"
Gordon stood for a moment again staring down at the ground.
"Very well, then, I will take my time," he said.
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