"I'm just tired out, that's what it is!" she exclaimed, trying to smile.
"We had a worrying half-hour, thinking the fish was not going to arrive.
You see, Janet dislikes poor Mrs. Crofton so much that she suddenly made
up her mind that it was her duty to kill the fatted calf, and in such a
case I have to do the killing!"
"It's such a waste for you to be doing the things you are doing now." He
spoke with a touch of anger in his voice. "Why, you and I hardly ever see
one another! After all, even if you've forgotten the old times, _I_ often
remember them--I mean the times when you and I and George were so much
together and such good pals. I love every brick of Old Place because of
those days." He was speaking with deep feeling now. "Sometimes I feel as
if I should like to run away--it's all so different here from what it
used to be."
He saw a kind, moved, understanding look come over her eyes, and firm,
generous mouth, and quickly, man-like, he pressed his advantage.
"Look here," he said coaxingly, "don't you think we might hit on some
kind of compromise? Won't you allow me just to get some sort of temporary
housekeeper who can look after things while poor Nanna is laid up?"
She shook her head.
Pages:
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255