But the other was still
silent, absent: his face wore a look of annoyed indifference. After a
while, as Tregellan still halted, he observed quietly:
'You must be a little more explicit. I confess I miss your meaning.'
'Ah, don't be paltry,' cried the other, quickly. 'You know my meaning. To
be very plain, Sebastian, are you quite justified in playing with that
charming girl, in compromising her?'
The artist looked up at last, smiling; his expressive mouth was set, not
angrily, but with singular determination.
'With Mademoiselle Mitouard?'
'Exactly; with the niece of a man whose guest you have recently been.'
'My dear fellow!' he stopped a little, considering his words: 'You
are hasty and uncharitable for such a very moral person! you jump at
conclusions, Tregellan. I don't, you know, admit your right to question me:
still, as you have introduced the subject, I may as well satisfy you.
I have asked Mademoiselle Mitouard to marry me, and she has consented,
subject to her uncle's approval. And that her uncle, who happens to prefer
the English method of courtship, is not likely to refuse.'
The other held his cigar between two fingers, a little away; his curiously
anxious face suggested that the question had become to him one of increased
nicety.
Pages:
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129