He got up and offered his hand to Mrs Colhouse. No,
be serious, Dennis; Nell wants you to do something for her.
He wasvery nice to me and told me to write to him
if ever I wanted a friend.
But tell me quick, quick, what you want us
todo.
Elinors despairing gesture elicited another
sigh.
Would he come that morning and tell her mother? It
was aclear moonlight night and very still.
Dennis was as cute as they make them, but shewould
infinitely prefer to run the show herself.
Sometimes I wonder what will happen to
us.
He raised her hand to his lips, holding it
there.
I know Im too young to marry, Im not readyfor
it.
Instead he bent hishead and kissed her just above
her eyebrow, as a brother might. Elinor opened her carefully packed valise. Elinor,
you are going to be my wife, that is settled.
I know Im too young to marry, Im not readyfor it.
Water and sky were blue as they sat under anawning, steaming up the Straits. Without
more ado he strode out of the room and out of the house,slamming the door behind
him.
As he spoke Dennis and Julia appeared in the
distance, the former wavinga paper. Five minutes later there was a knock on her
door. The question now was how farshe could push her advantage. I really didnt catch
what he said, I was rather absent-minded atsupper, Im afraid. The sight of OHara had
revived Elinors anger.
I like that Irish chap, hes an awfully good
sort.
The little woman swiftly followed her husband down
the passage andElinor went on with her toilet. Elinor dear, I want to do everything
you wish. I dont know who his mother was but she certainly belongsto the
aristocracy.
Elinor put her hand to her forehead and thought a
moment.
Supposing I never see you again after we get back
to Manitou.
The sprightly young Irishman disengaged himself and
puthis hands in his pockets.
She was shocked, though, at his off-hand, familiar
way oftreating inferiors.
And he answered: Im awfully sorry if it annoyed
you,dear.
Elinor again put her hand on his shoulder, her
voice was full ofemotion. Patrick, what Ive done this eveningsworth a bottle of
wine.
Could his innocence survive the shock of this
lastperformance? Elinor dear, I want to do everything you wish. She withdrewher own
as she answered:I should like you to leave me with Julia and go off to bed. You can
spare yourself trying to tellme the time without your spectacles.