Perhaps they would meet again after she was
married. They walked along some distance in silence till he said: I want yourmother
to know everything. Richard ceased talking from then on and Elinor made no further
attemptsto draw him out. I shall have to face it out when the
timecomes.
They had no sooner risen from the table than he led
her outside. The next thing I recall is that he showed me a cable he hadbeen
writing.
You said not to come to-night and I wanted toever
so much.
Then he satback in the seat, withdrew his arm and
lighted a cigarette. Richard looked up, still holding the telegram.
It was he who sent me north because Id had rather a
bad go ofa sort of cholera. But its no use making matters worse, is it?
Imnot pleased enough with myself to want to repeat
it. Then he went forward and, bending down,kissed Mrs Colhouse on the cheek. I say,
Elinor, I must shoot those rapids after lunch.
Not only was this vulgar facetiousness in vile
taste but itinterrupted an interesting conversation.
She quoted the wordsof her favourite song which
always moved her. They reached the gate, the bars of which lay on the ground,
apparentlyas they had left them.
But, he added, I know that little humbug makes
aliving out of this game. He poured water into the basin, remarking: Ill hurry up
and get out ofyour way. VIIt was quite exciting rushing through the boiling
water.
They walked on but she was still mystified. I can
marry you now if you like; thechurch is quite close. He was stooping down and
looking for the ring.
Then we might as well go hack to the cottage,
Elinor suggested.
I shall have to face it out when the timecomes. He
turnedhis head away to master himself. It isnt possible to go on here like
this.
Were to go to Richards uncles house atonce,
mammy.
I cant tell you how I hate going back to
Cliftonburg.
Everything seems to be moving, everyone is in
ahurry, theres no time for anything.
And why were his heart and soul in danger
ofdestruction?
Since you ask me, yes, he answered
firmly.
She was standing by the bedside refolding them, but
shestopped, put her hand to her forehead. Were to go to Richards uncles house
atonce, mammy.
Oh, Im sorry; thanks, thanks, he relieved her of it
and kissed her.
Its too closeto London: nothing but brick fields.