She was far too wise to show that she saw what was going on. She praised
Miss Fortescue to Danvers with apparent frankness and insisted on him
devoting more time to her. Danvers persisted in his scheme boldly for a
week and then, just as Marian was despairing and was casting about for
another plan of campaign, he gave in. They were sitting apart in the shadow
near one of the windows of the ball-room. He had been sullen all the
evening, almost rude.
"How much longer are you going to keep me in suspense?" he burst out
angrily.
"In suspense?"
"You know what I mean. I think I've been very patient."
"You mean our engagement?" Marian was looking at him, repelled by his
expression, his manner, the tone of his voice, his whole mood.
"Yes--I want your decision."
"I have not changed."
"You still love that--that newspaper fellow?"
"No, I don't mean that." Marian felt her irritation against Danvers
suddenly vanish and in its place a Sense of relief and of calmness. "I mean
toward you. It won't do, Teddy. We shall get on well as friends. But I
can't think of you in--in that way."
Mrs. Fortescue had so swollen his vanity that he was astounded at Marian's
decision. He rapidly went over in his mind all the advantages he offered as
a husband, and then looked at her as if he thought her beside herself.
Pages:
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145