I did
specially invite her to come her because I thought you would like
it. You have got to marry somebody.'
'Some day, perhaps.'
'And why not her?'
'If you come to that, why not you?' He felt himself to be getting
into deep waters as he said this,--but he had a meaning to express
if only he could find the words to express it. 'I don't say
whether it is tomfoolery, as you call it, or not; but whatever it
is, you began it.'
'Yes;--yes. I see. You punish me for my unpremeditated impertinence
in suggesting that you are devoted to Lady Mabel by the
premeditated impertinence of pretending to be devoted to me.'
'Stop a moment. I cannot follow that.' Then she laughed. 'I will
swear that I did not intend to be impertinent.'
'I hope not.'
'I am devoted to you.'
'Lord Silverbridge!'
'I think you are--'
'Stop, stop. Do not say it.'
'Well I won't;--not now. But there has been no tomfoolery.'
'May I ask a question, Lord Silverbridge? You will not be angry?
I would not have you angry with me.'
'I will not be angry,' he said.
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