Meanwhile Richard was saying from the hearthrug,
where he stood nursinghis coat-tails: .
Besides, I know youll be interested to seewhat
marriage has done for Purdy. Madam, gone sour as curds, clinging likegrim death to
er posse of old maids! But you know MYopinion of the national vice. Theyprattled the
livelong day; loved and were loved by every one.
What if it should be acase of fraud on Simmondss
part?
At the end of the afternoon those present felt that
the limits of humanendurance had been reached. And again a vision danced before his
closedlids. One, too, that called fora clear brain and prompt
decisions.
But I tell you this, Richard, I refuse to have my
childrendragged from place to place . Why, yes, I suppose it is, said Tilly dryly. I
declare to you, old Pas leavings have almostDOUBLED in these six
months.
But Mary pursed her lips and looked dubious. Weeks
had dragged by, andthe house was still unlet. And, in spite of everything, his
determination to get away did notweaken.
Not the least of these was fitting the three
childrenout anew from top to toe. But you know MYopinion of the national vice.
Meanwhile Richard was saying from the hearthrug, where he stood nursinghis
coat-tails: . Johnshad been such a vigorous personality. In this, theirlast, living
look, not a trace was left of the man who had been.
Coming to with a jerk, he sent his thoughts
backover the evening. Youre alwayswild, at the moment, to get away, but afterwards
youre no happier thanyou were before.
The ormolu clock on the drawing-room mantelpiece
had just chimedeleven.