"I can't do it now."
"They will have you—without?"
"Yes. It will make a difference in my standing, of course."
"Are you going to see Mr. Bramble?"
"I have written to him, and have had an answer."
"Already?" She noted the independence and resolution. "Nigel, will you grant me one favour? Let me tell the girls and madre as much as is necessary,—and uncle Arthur too. Let me do it."
Nigel would not accept the generous offer. He was bent upon not sparing himself. Fulvia had suffered enough already through him and his; he would not lay upon her a feather's weight in addition. When she pleaded, he said "No" again, and followed her to the drawing-room, with an evident intention to speak without further delay. There were the two girls still, and there was Mr. Carden-Cox, who had not waited for the tea-hour, but had come, as Fulvia foretold.
[CHAPTER XXI]
COMPOUND UMBELS AND BLUE EYES
"A man must serve his time to every trade
Save censure—critics all are ready-made.
Take hackneyed jokes from Miller, got by rote,
With just enough of learning to misquote;
A mind well-skilled to find or forge a fault:
A turn for punning—call it Attic salt."