He sat down close to her at the end of the
sofa.
I guess they know theyve got a jay, poor lad. What
right have you got to say hes no good? Elinor turned round and tiptoed across the
room to her mothers chairwith her finger on her lips. Elinor made an impatient sound
with her tongue against the back of herteeth.
With every turn he improved; beforethe waltz was
finished he had got into the step. And what use was Galton in comparison with the
other? As she came near them, he introduced her as his wife. She held out her hand
and he took it with reluctance. And after all, was not life a stage and were we not
all players? It was an awful moment, but Elinor surmounted it.
With every turn he improved; beforethe waltz was
finished he had got into the step.
Again he seized her hand, kissing it andmurmuring:
I couldnt help it, I really couldnt. I began when I was a fag andpolished it up in
Canada. She sat down at once, but he stood beside her,waiting. My father, being a
doctor, knows all sorts of people. These were risks, but risksthat had to be run;
there was no time to lose.
Elinor went to the mirror over the mantel and
pulled a long pin out ofher hat. She stepped out of her dress and petticoat and
stood aninstant in her thin silk vest.
Elinor was in too exalted a state to let anything
annoy her.
It was of blue velvet, with black guipureand bead
ornaments.
Meanwhile, hed go back to Cliftonburg and work
forher sake. I began when I was a fag andpolished it up in Canada. And to think,
besides everything else, you left that window open! After your New York doings, I
dont think it much matters what you do. I believe the best thing I can do is to go
to Detroit with Galton.
My father, being a doctor, knows all sorts of
people.
She was enjoying the sensation their entrancehad
created. Now hes old and hes taken to speculating with thelittle that is
left.
His tone was icy but the other,with complete
imperturbability, continued Is that so?
Elinor stood motionless, too overcome
forutterance.
It was not a perfect success but it was nearenough.
Its very hard on my mother and me, MrGalton.
No one knew better what morning reactions could
mean. He had always got on with Uncle Theo, andAunt Kate was American.
Dont you seewhat that blackguard is after? She had
decided that on this occasion she was going to look pale andsad. She drew her hand
away from his mouth and takingone of his, kissed it and held it to her breast.