What shall I do?'
As a rule, Mrs. Mallowe does not approve of staring, but on this
occasion she opened her eyes to the utmost.
'You have managed cleverly so far,'she said. 'Speak to him, and ask
him what he means.'
'I will at to-night's dance.'
'No o, not at a dance,' said Mrs. Mallowe cautiously. 'Men are
never themselves quite at dances. Better wait till to-morrow
morning.'
'Nonsense. If he's going to 'vert in this insane way there isn't a day
to lose. Are you going? No? Then sit up for me, there's a dear. I
shan't stay longer than supper under any circumstances.'
Mrs. Mallowe waited through the evening, looking long and
earnestly into the fire, and sometimes smiling to herself.
'Oh! oh! oh! The man's an idiot! A raving, positive idiot! I'm sorry I
ever saw him!'
Mrs. Hauksbee burst into Mrs. Mallowe's house, at midnight,
almost in tears.
'What in the world has happened?' said Mrs. Mallowe, but her eyes
showed that she had guessed an answer.
'Happened! Everything has happened! He was there. I went to him
and said, ''Now, what does this nonsense mean?" Don't laugh, dear,
I can't bear it. But you know what I mean I said. Then it was a
square, and I sat it out with him and wanted an explanation, and he
said Oh! I haven't patience with such idiots! You know what I said
about going to Darjiling next year? It doesn't matter to me where I
go.
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